Sydney Thunder sign Sam Billings UEFA boss clashes with FIFA again V Anand excited to lead star-studded team
SYDNEY: Sydney Thunder has taken another big step in its march towards Big Bash League (BBL) glory with sought after English wicketkeeper batter Sam Billings agreeing to return to the Thunder Nation. Billings played two seasons with the Sydney Sixers earlier in his career before making the switch across town to the Thunder last summer where he made a stunning impact behind the stumps and with the bat. The 30-year-old, who captains his county side Kent CCC and the Oval Invincibles and has played for his country in both white-ball formats, scored 260 runs in 10 innings with a strike rate of 142, including a pair of half-centuries, punctuated by a knock of 83 from 48 balls against the Scorchers in Perth.
GENEVA: UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin wants European soccer to resist FIFA's wish for biennial World Cups. The proposal was formally put by Saudi Arabia's soccer federation in May at the annual meeting of FIFA's 211 national members.“More is not always better,” Ceferin cautioned on Monday. “We think that the jewel of the World Cup has value precisely because of its rarity." FIFA currently earns close to $6 billion from each men's World Cup. An extra tournament would likely be worth less yet would give FIFA more to share with members - including the 55 in Europe - while potentially taking available revenue away from club competitions.
The star-studded Indian team, led by captain Viswanathan Anand will aim to defend its Online Chess Olympiad crown, which got underway worldwide late on Monday. "We have a good mix of experience and youth. We hope to do well and are fairly confident of our prospects," said Anand in an official release. A victory will ensure the country its second gold medal, back to back, in the prestigious tournament. Unlike the last time, when the players played from their respective homes, the AICF has ensured that the team will be together for the 2021 edition. They are being put up in a five-star hotel in Chennai with top of the line facilities, including a dedicated Internet connection.