True colors emerge in cricket’s governing regime

True colors emerge in cricket’s governing regime
Above, action on the Indian Premier League featuring the Sunrisers Hyderabad versus the Mumbai Indians. (Reuters)
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Updated 24 April 2025
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True colors emerge in cricket’s governing regime

True colors emerge in cricket’s governing regime
  • WCA call for the International Cricket Council to be ‘modernised’ ruffles feathers at the game’s ruling body

Two weeks ago, I said that “every so often cricket’s fabric is subject to transformational tremor. We may be on the brink of another one.”

This was based on the World Cricketers’ Association’s comprehensive review of the game’s global structure and its subsequent report. This called for an overhaul of four central pillars of cricket.

It was always going to be the case that the WCA’s call for the first pillar – the game’s governing body, the International Cricket Council – to be “modernised” to “ensure that it is fit for purpose to lead the global game” would raise hackles at the ICC. This was a direct attack on the way that cricket is led. Add to that the WCA’s assault on the principles by which the game’s revenues are unevenly distributed by the ICC at present and not on those based on equity and fairness in growth, then retaliation was inevitable.

The third pillar relating to current scheduling patterns by the ICC was criticized by the WCA for lack of clarity and consistency, with suggestions for improvement provided. Regulation is the fourth pillar on which the WCA called for greater levels of financial accountability within the ICC.   

These criticisms of the ICC are not new. In 2012, an independent governance review of the ICC, headed by Lord Woolf, called for sweeping changes in the administration of cricket and the functioning of its governing body. Woolf recommended a restructuring of the ICC’s executive board to make it more independent and less dominated by the bigger countries. He also called for measures to increase transparency in dealings by the ICC and its members.

The recommendations were not binding on the ICC and were not acceptable to the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Consequently, the ICC board did not accept them and a major opportunity for reform and equity was missed.

Now that the BCCI is considerably wealthier than it was in 2012 and that its former secretary is the current chair of the ICC, India has an even greater stranglehold on power in world cricket. This it will not relinquish willingly, as has been evident in the brutally dismissive riposte to the WCA.

According to reports in the Times of India, the ICC’s Cricket Executives’ Council discussed the WCA report and recommendations in a recent board meeting in Harare. An anonymous source is widely quoted, revealing that the CEC poured highly critical rejections on both the legitimacy of the WCA and the views it expressed on the game’s structure, governance, financial models and operations. 

The CEC consists of a chair, a representative of each of the 12 ICC full members, three representatives of the 96 associate members and three ex-officio members, each one a chair of other ICC committees, including the ICC chair, Jay Shah. If the comments by the source accurately reflect the CEC, then they are both damning and alarming, not to mention confirmation of what many people believe to be a true reflection of the attitudes and strategies of those who govern the game.

It is understood that the BCCI took the lead in rejecting the WCA recommendations and was backed by other CEC members. This is surprising, but there is no evidence to suggest otherwise. The source is quoted as saying that the WCA is “nothing but a trade union making needless noise” and “clearly does not have the player’s best interests at heart.”

The accusation that the WCA does not have its members’ interests at heart is risible. Player remuneration has long been a bone of contention in cricket. The Packer revolution in Australia in the late 1970s was the start of a long battle to raise player salaries.     

The ICC reacted in affronted fashion to the WCA, saying that “the players can either choose to play in the IPL or side with the WCA. A player represents their cricket board and members of those cricket boards form the ICC.” This summary dismissal of the WCA reeks of feudalism with the players relegated to the role of vassals. This may be the case in India, where the top players are paid so handsomely that they have little need to complain.

Extension of a feudal system to the rest of cricket disrespects the players. I am reminded of John Morrison who, walking out to bat for New Zealand against Australia at Melbourne in December 1973, eyed the full stadium of close to 100,000 people and allegedly remarked to his opening partner that they were not receiving much of the money paid by the spectators. Current professional cricketers are well remunerated, but their labor is worked hard. The WCA and national cricketers’ associations – where they exist – are concerned about workloads and their physical effect on performance and bodies.   

The antipathy displayed by the ICC and BCCI towards the WCA closes the door on any hopes that the WCA may have entertained about the start of a dialogue between the parties. Instead, the antipathy seems designed to quash the burgeoning voice of the WCA and some senior players. Tension is growing between those wielding power and those advocating for global equity and player representation. Another thorn has been scratched into the ICC’s side by the publication of a book on the ICC’s history by Rod Lyall, who simply refers to it as “The Club.” 

It is a fascinating read and details how it has been possible for the BCCI to take control of cricket and the body which is supposed to govern it. In an increasingly autocratic world, is it now too late to effect change to this regime? Reform from within is unlikely.  In theory, member boards can outvote the BCCI, but Indian control of key positions and committees, along with the sport’s finances, makes this a risky strategy.

The current ICC revenue distribution model runs until 2027. Potentially, this offers an opportunity for reshaping, but the BCCI is unlikely to agree to any dilution of its power. In fact, that power could be increased if it chooses to expand the IPL. Checks on BCCI dominance and increased accountability for the ICC can only occur if the rest of the game unites. The ICC’s response to the WCA has shown that any attempt to engage in a battle over cricket’s global governance will be bluntly rebuffed. The WCA-induced tremor was felt but quickly papered over by those in power.


‘I want to be the best’: Kuwait’s Eman Almudhaf eyes debut success at PFL MENA in Jeddah

‘I want to be the best’: Kuwait’s Eman Almudhaf eyes debut success at PFL MENA in Jeddah
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‘I want to be the best’: Kuwait’s Eman Almudhaf eyes debut success at PFL MENA in Jeddah

‘I want to be the best’: Kuwait’s Eman Almudhaf eyes debut success at PFL MENA in Jeddah
  • The 32-year-old faces Brazil’s Shamara Braga in a women’s featherweight showcase bout at Onyx Arena on May 9

JEDDAH: Undefeated Kuwaiti mixed martial arts standout Eman Almudhaf is determined to be victorious in her long-awaited SmartCage debut at PFL MENA 1 on May 9 at the Onyx Arena in Jeddah.

The card for the PFL MENA’s highly-anticipated second season in Jeddah features an exciting crop of newcomers, which includes Almudhaf, who faces fellow PFL debutant Shamara Braga from Brazil in a women’s featherweight showcase bout.

The 32-year-old Almudhaf owns a pristine 4-0 professional MMA record, with all her wins coming by way of stoppage.

Ahead of her maiden appearance, the UAE Warriors veteran has made her goals clear: “I want to be the best.”

While it may sound like a lofty goal, it is one that Almudhaf expects out of herself, especially since she has already made history as the first female fighter from Kuwait to join the PFL.

More than just the distinction of being the first, Almudhaf is proud to be blazing a path for athletes like herself. “Being the first Kuwaiti female fighter in the PFL is great, of course.

“We’re showing that we belong in this sport at the highest level, just as much as anyone,” she said.

Almudhaf relishes the opportunity, especially since she was a witness to PFL MENA’s immensely successful first season.

“I did follow some of the fights, especially when the Kuwaiti fighters were on. I did follow last season’s finals as well,” she revealed. “I’m impressed by the level of talent and how fast the league is growing.”

“I’m very excited to be part of the biggest show in the Middle East right now,” she added.

In her first assignment under the PFL MENA banner, Almudhaf will take on a dangerous and significantly more experienced fighter in Braga, who owns a 5-3 professional record.

While her opponent has had more fights, Almudhaf is unfazed.

“My opponent looks tough and has double the cage experience I have, but technically and tactically, I believe that I’m better in all aspects of the game,” she said.

“I predict a dominant performance.”

Almudhaf will not have the luxury of a full fight camp for her PFL debut, but she is confident that her years of work have prepared her well for this opportunity.

“Though it was a relatively short-notice fight, I have always been training and staying ready for any opportunity that comes,” she explained. “I can’t wait to show all the work I’ve put in, not just for this fight but from all my years of training.”

While Almudhaf hails from Kuwait, she sharpens her skills in the UK, training out of the famed London Fight Factory and Great Britain Top Team stables.

“I’m incredibly proud to represent Kuwait and the MENA region, as well as both my teams in the UK, London Fight Factory and Great Britain Top Team,” she shared.

Almudhaf hopes she can become an inspiration for another generation of Kuwaiti athletes. “If I had any advice, it would be to stay focused, work hard, and don’t let anyone limit you.”

She added: “Yes, of course, there are many challenges, different ones at each stage of my career, but I believe that having the belief in myself, a big passion for the sport, and a strong team around me helps me face any obstacle along the way.”


Lewandowski back to Barcelona squad for 2nd leg against Inter Milan in the Champions League

Lewandowski back to Barcelona squad for 2nd leg against Inter Milan in the Champions League
Updated 5 min 50 sec ago
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Lewandowski back to Barcelona squad for 2nd leg against Inter Milan in the Champions League

Lewandowski back to Barcelona squad for 2nd leg against Inter Milan in the Champions League
  • The striker missed four games, including last week’s thrilling first leg against Inter in Barcelona, when the teams drew 3-3
  • The 36-year-old Lewandowski is having one of his best seasons with Barcelona, having scored 40 goals

BARCELONA: Barcelona is getting a boost in attack with the return of Robert Lewandowski ahead of Tuesday’s second leg against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Lewandowski was included in the squad on Monday after being sidelined for about two weeks because of a left thigh injury.
The striker missed four games, including last week’s thrilling first leg against Inter in Barcelona, when the teams drew 3-3.
The Polish striker was injured in a Spanish league match against Celta Vigo on April 19.
“After two weeks working on his recovery and training with the squad on Sunday, he has been given the all clear to return to action,” Barcelona said.
The 36-year-old Lewandowski is having one of his best seasons with Barcelona, having scored 40 goals in total, including 11 in the Champions League. He leads the Spanish league with 25 goals, one more than Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick rested nearly all of his regular starters in the team’s 2-1 win at Valladolid in the Spanish league on Saturday. With four games each remaining, Barcelona has a four-point lead over Madrid ahead of next Sunday’s “clasico” between the rival teams.


DeChambeau holds off Howell as cruisers sweep LIV GOLF Korea

DeChambeau holds off Howell as cruisers sweep LIV GOLF Korea
Updated 05 May 2025
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DeChambeau holds off Howell as cruisers sweep LIV GOLF Korea

DeChambeau holds off Howell as cruisers sweep LIV GOLF Korea
  • 6-under 66 by the American helped secure the individual and team titles in Incheon

INCHEON: Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau finally converted a 36-hole lead into a LIV Golf victory on Sunday but his teammate Charles Howell III did not make it easy for him.

DeChambeau countered Howell’s final-round nine-under 63 with a six-under 66 in a spirited back-nine final-group duel to win the individual title by two shots at LIV Golf Korea presented by Coupang Play.

His Crushers made it a sweep of the trophies at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea by rallying past Smash GC to win the team title.

“Charles and I had a great battle out there,” said DeChambeau, who finished at 19 under. “He never wavered today. It was fun and we had a great time today, but it was intense. Super-intense.”

The individual victory is DeChambeau’s third in LIV Golf, but his first since 2023 — and his first after entering the final round with the lead.

Recent Sundays have ended in disappointment, both in the previous two LIV Golf events in Miami and Mexico City in which DeChambeau led after 36 holes, as well as last month’s Masters in which he led with 16 holes left.

He entered Sunday with a healthy four-shot lead, but Howell — starting the day five back — opened with three consecutive birdies and was four under at the turn. Meanwhile, DeChambeau suffered his only bogey of the week at the par-four sixth and made the turn at even par, his lead reduced to one.

While other players sought to make some noise — 4Aces GC’s Thomas Pieters birdied five of his first six holes while Smash’s Talor Gooch finished strong — the individual title eventually came down to the two Crushers teammates and close friends.

Both turned up the heat on the back nine, with DeChambeau making birdies on four of his next six holes while Howell strung together five consecutive birdies. With three holes remaining, the two were tied at 17 under.

But Howell suffered his only bogey of the day after his tee shot found a fairway bunker at the 16th. DeChambeau followed by creating breathing room at the 17th, rolling in a 15-meter birdie putt before letting out a roar and pumping his fists.

DeChambeau then managed to stay out of trouble — barely — with his tee shot at the par-five 18th, ending the round with a birdie and a big sigh of relief.

“I feel like I’ve been playing some great golf, but I just haven’t gotten the job done,” DeChambeau said.

“That was a lot of tension. Just glad I was able to step up to the plate and get it done. … I was personally pretty nervous on the front nine for whatever reason. … Finally on 17, the bubble burst and I felt really good.”

For Howell, the performance confirms he is back from the stress fracture in his left tibia that knocked him out of action for three months in the middle of last season. The solo second is his first podium result since winning in Mayakoba to start the 2023 season.

“I knew today would be a tough day to catch Bryson and even to try to beat him, but I gave it my best,” Howell said. “I definitely would’ve thought nine-under would have done it, and clearly it didn’t.”

“Any time you shoot nine-under par in the last group, and you still don’t win, it’s a tough day,” he added.


Baniyas crowned champions of third round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Baniyas crowned champions of third round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 05 May 2025
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Baniyas crowned champions of third round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Baniyas crowned champions of third round of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • Last day of action at Mubadala Arena saw Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club securing second place and Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club finishing third

ABU DHABI: The third round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship concluded on Sunday at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi with Baniyas Club taking first place.

Competitions for the U-12 and kids categories also saw Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club securing second place and Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club finishing third.

Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The continued support of the wise leadership for jiu-jitsu reflects its belief in the sport’s importance in promoting physical and mental well-being and instilling noble values. This plays a key role in building a cohesive society where sport is an essential pillar of sustainable development and global leadership.”

Meanwhile, Ahmed Saeed Al-Jarwan, president of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, praised the high level of organization and wide participation in the event, highlighting the growing popularity of jiu-jitsu in the UAE.

The championship’s fourth round is scheduled for June.


Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool
Updated 05 May 2025
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Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool
  • Born in Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold rose through the youth ranks to become one of the best right backs in the world

LIVERPOOL: England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool, the club he has been at since the age of six, he said on social media platform X on Monday, calling it the hardest decision of his life.
Born in Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold rose through the youth ranks to become one of the best right backs in the world, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup with the English team.
“This club has been my whole life – my whole world — for 20 years,” Alexander-Arnold said in his statement. “From the Academy right through until now, the support and love I have felt from everyone inside and outside of the club will stay with me forever. I will forever be in debt to you all.
“But, I have never known anything else and this decision is about experiencing a new challenge, taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself both professionally and personally.”
The 26-year-old England international frequently played in a hybrid midfield role for Liverpool in recent seasons, operating as a full back when out of possession but moving into midfield during attacks.