Category: 6. Sports

A man has been arrested over “disgusting and appalling” racist abuse sent over social media to England footballer Jess Carter.

Police began investigating after receiving reports that the messages had been sent to the 27-year-old defender during the UEFA Women’s Euros in July.

A 59-year-old man from Great Harwood was arrested earlier by Lancashire Police on suspicion of malicious communications and has since been released under investigation.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts of Cheshire Police, which led the investigation, said the messages sent to Carter were “appalling” and “nobody should be subjected to such racist abuse”.

Carter, from Warwick, said she was taking a step back from social media after she was targeted with online racism during the tournament.

After the messages, the UK Football Policing Unit launched an investigation involving social media companies to track down those responsible.

“I would like to commend her for standing up to this abuse and assisting with our investigation,” Mr Roberts said.

He is also the National Police Chief Council lead for football policing, and said he expected the arrest to be “the first of many over the coming months”.

He said: “We want to make it clear that racist abuse of this nature will not be tolerated.

“Everyone is responsible for what they do and say, and we want to ensure offenders cannot hide behind a social media profile to post vile comments.”

Lancashire Police has shared bodycam footage of the arrest at the man’s home in Great Harwood.

PC Dan Fish from the force said: “Lancashire Police does not tolerate hate of any form, either in person or online.”

He said he hoped the arrest sends out a message that police “will leave no stone unturned in identifying those who engage in such unacceptable behaviour – no matter how long it takes”.

Cheteshwar Pujara recently announced his retirement from all forms of Indian cricket, thus bringing an end to the careers of one of the most illustrious Test players of modern times. He last played for India two years ago in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2023. He has continued to be the broadcaster of various international steries involving India even before he officially retired. However, there has still not been any indications from him that he would ever pursue a career in coaching, like most cricketers do. Pujara has now spoken on this.

In an interaction with PTI, Cheteshwar Pujara said that he would continue broadcasting work. However, if any coaching opportunity arises, particularly at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, then he would be open to it. He would be happiest to contribute to Indian cricket in whatever manner he can.

“I’ve enjoyed the broadcasting work for sure. So, I’ll definitely continue doing that. When it comes to coaching or any work at the NCA (Centre of Excellence), I’ll be open to it,” Pujara said.

I haven’t genuinely thought about it. Whenever there is any opportunity that arises, I’ll try and take a call then…I’ve mentioned this earlier also that I would like to stay attached to the game. So, in whatever manner I can contribute to Indian cricket, I’ll be more than happy to do so,” he added.

‘Play All Three Formats’

Cheteshwar Pujara also admitted that he would advise youngsters to play all three formats because of more white-ball cricket being played now. He also acknowledged that a player is now automatically given a chance to play for the Indian Test team if he performs well in white-ball cricket.

If I had to tell anything to a young player, I would definitely say that you should choose playing all three formats of this game because we are seeing more white ball cricket now,” he added.

“So when you perform well in white ball cricket, you are automatically given a chance to represent the Indian Test team. And that’s why their game is on the aggressive side,” he explained.

India’s PV Sindhu produced a vintage performance to knock out world No. 2 Wang Zhiyi of the People’s Republic of China and seal her place in the quarter-finals of the BWF World Championships 2025 badminton in Paris on Thursday.

Sindhu, 15th in the women’s singles badminton rankings, needed just 48 minutes to wrap up a 21-19, 21-15 victory at the Adidas Arena.

The Indian badminton player showed great control in the opening game, building an 11-6 lead before withstanding a strong fightback. Sindhu’s attacking intent, backed by her trademark smashes and sharp net play, helped her edge out the opener despite trailing 17-19 at one stage.

The second game saw Sindhu in full flow, mixing power with deft touches at the net. She broke away to a 16-11 lead despite engaging in a brutal 57-shot rally that tested her fitness.

A string of precise winners, coupled with errors from Wang, kept Sindhu ahead before she closed out the match with a backhand at the net.

With the win, Sindhu, who claimed the badminton world title in 2019, now has a sixth World Championships medal in sight. A win against ninth-seeded Indonesian badminton player Putri Kusuma Wardani will put her ahead of Zhang Ning’s record of most women’s singles badminton medals at the BWF World Championships.

In the mixed doubles, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto advanced after a stunning 19-21, 21-12, 21-15 win over fifth seeds Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong China.

The victory has now set up a quarter-final clash against fourth seeds Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei of Malaysia.

India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, the ninth seeds in men’s doubles, will be in action later in the day.

India has won at least one medal at every edition of the Badminton World Championships since 2011.

Daniil Medvedev was fined $42,500 by the US Open on Wednesday – more than a third of his $110,000 prize money from this year’s singles at the tournament – for his meltdown after a photographer wandered on to the court at match point.

Tournament referee Jake Garner docked Medvedev $30,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct and another $12,500 for racket abuse. When Sunday’s first-round match ended in defeat for Medvedev he repeatedly smacked a racket against his chair, destroying the equipment.

Medvedev, the US Open champion in 2021, was angered when chair umpire Greg Allensworth granted opponent Benjamin Bonzi another first serve after the photographer’s interruption.

Bonzi was on match point, leading 5-4 in the third set, when the photographer – whose credential was later revoked – walked along the side of the court just after a fault.

Allensworth told the photographer to leave the court, then announced that Bonzi would get another first serve because of the delay. Medvedev approached the official to complain, and things soon got out of hand. The crowd began booing and chanted, “Second serve!” Play was held up for more than six minutes as Medvedev riled up the fans and insulted Allensworth.

“Are you a man? Why are you shaking? He wants to go home guys, he doesn’t like to be here. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour,” Medvedev shouted.

When order was restored, Medvedev wound up taking that set – and the fourth, too. But Bonzi wound up winning 6-3, 7-5, 6-7, 0-6, 6-4.

It was Medvedev’s third consecutive grand slam loss in the first round, including last month at Wimbledon against Bonzi.

Tamasha, Pakistan’s leading digital entertainment platform by Jazz, has introduced Tamasha Pro, a premium subscription plan to elevate the streaming experience with exclusive content, Ultra-HD quality, and an ad-free viewing experience.

With Tamasha Pro, users can unlock access to top news, entertainment, and regional channels, along with a curated selection of Hollywood blockbusters. The latest addition to the subscription is exclusive access to the English Premier League 2025–2026, bringing fans closer to their favorite clubs competing at the highest level.

Subscribers of Tamasha Pro will also enjoy the ability to stream upcoming marquee cricket tournaments in Ultra-HD, completely ad-free, ensuring a seamless and immersive viewing experience. Commenting on the launch, Aamer Ejaz, President Digital at Jazz, said: “Tamasha Pro represents our commitment to delivering world-class entertainment and sports streaming to audiences across Pakistan. With features like Ultra-HD, ad-free viewing, and access to premium tournaments like the English Premier League, we are redefining how fans experience their favorite content, anytime, anywhere.”

Since its launch, Tamasha has become Pakistan’s premier destination for digital entertainment, streaming iconic global events such as the ICC Champions Trophy, Wimbledon, the Olympics, and major cricket tournaments. Available on Android, iOS, and Android TV, the platform continues to innovate by introducing premium offerings that cater to evolving audience demands.

With Tamasha Pro, Tamasha not only strengthens its leadership in digital entertainment but also expands its premium catalogue to include 90+ live TV channels, Pakistani and international films, web series, and short-form content. In 2024, Tamasha delivered 12.5 billion minutes of content and hosted 250 days of live action, and with this premium offering, it is set to deliver an even more immersive, enriched, and uninterrupted streaming experience for audiences nationwide.

KARACHI:

The Emirates Cricket Board has dismissed fears of India boycotting the match against Pakistan. According to Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed, all boards confirmed participation in the Asia Cup only after receiving approval from their respective governments. While a 100% guarantee cannot be given, there is strong hope the match will take place.

Details reveal that under India’s hosting, the Asia Cup will be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28. Before this, the Pakistan team will participate in a triangular series with Afghanistan and the UAE. The Emirates Cricket Board is continuing full preparations for the Asia Cup. The first Pakistan–India clash is scheduled for September 14, with a possible second on the 21st, and if both teams reach the final, a third encounter could also take place.

Speaking exclusively to Express Tribune, Subhan Ahmed said, “Our preparations are complete, and we will provide fans with an opportunity to enjoy top-quality cricket.” 

He added that all participating teams confirmed entry into the Asia Cup only after their governments’ approval. 

“Although nothing can be guaranteed with 100% certainty, we are hopeful that the Indian team will also play against Pakistan,” he added. 

Regarding the crowd, he said, “There is no fear of boycott; in fact, a house-full is expected. In the past, fans have always kept cricket and politics separate, and we believe the same will happen again.”

About ticketing, he explained, “We know fans are eagerly waiting for tickets. Unfortunately, negative elements took advantage and started selling fake tickets online. That’s why both the Asian Cricket Council and ECB had to issue a social media alert, clarifying that tickets were not yet on sale and warning fans not to lose their money to fraudsters. Please wait – once the official announcement is made, tickets will be available only through the official website.”

He further added, “We are finalizing talks with a ticketing agency, and soon an agreement will be reached. Within the next few days, fans will be able to buy tickets online. We will also try to keep the prices reasonable.”

On a question regarding separate seating for Pakistan and Indian fans, Subhan Ahmed said, “We have not received any such instruction from the government in Dubai. As always, fans will sit together and enjoy the game. However, the local government in Sharjah directed us to seat Afghan and Pakistani fans separately, so we are doing that for the triangular series. But no Asia Cup match is scheduled to be held in Sharjah.”

He also mentioned that spectators can obtain UAE visas in the normal way, but special arrangements are being made for players, officials, and other stakeholders. 

“There will be no grand opening ceremony for the Asia Cup – it will start in a simple manner,” he concluded.

Norwegian alpine skier Aleksander Aamodt Kilde is setting goals and counting down days as his comeback to competition after his nightmare crash continues.

Back on snow training in Chile, the 32-year-old reiterated that the Beaver Creek downhill in December remains one of his big ambitions and has started a countdown to help chart his progress.

“It’s amazing to be here. Feeling this close to the sport. It’s been a minute,” Kilde shared on social media on Wednesday (27 August)

“The next four weeks are really promising to do some good training and progress. I also looked at the calendar, and it’s 100 days until the Beaver Creek downhill, and I was thinking about that being one of the biggest goals I have coming up. And I wondered if maybe you guys would join that journey.

“So, let’s do a countdown of 100 days from now and then see where it takes me.”

The two-time Olympic medallist also shared in the video that his longtime girlfriend and superstar skier Mikaela Shiffrin was alongside him and his team for the training block.

Kilde hasn’t raced since January 2024 after he sustained a heavy crash during a downhill event in Wengen, injuring his left shoulder. His recovery, which included a string of surgeries, was complicated by an infection and saw him sit out the last season entirely.