Category: 6. Sports

The 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) delivered yet another high-voltage encounter as the St Lucia Kings pulled off one of the most remarkable chases in the tournament’s history. Their victory came at the expense of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who not only squandered a dominant position but also walked away with an unwanted record for the very first time in CPL history.

Shepherd’s Power Show Sets the Stage

Guyana Amazon Warriors looked in complete control during the first innings, piling up a mammoth 202 runs. The highlight of their innings was an electrifying knock from Romario Shepherd, who unleashed his brute force to dismantle the Kings’ bowling attack. His blitzkrieg innings brought the crowd alive and seemed to have put the Warriors on course for a comfortable win.

Kings’ Stunning Fightback

But the St Lucia Kings, known for their resilience, had other plans. Chasing over 200 is always a daunting task in the CPL, yet the Kings approached the innings with calculated aggression. Their top and middle order stepped up collectively, refusing to bow down to the pressure of the steep target. In the end, they completed a record chase, turning the match on its head and leaving the Warriors shell-shocked.

 

An Unwanted Record for the Warriors

For the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the loss was doubly painful. Despite setting a target of 202, they became the first team in CPL history to fail to defend a score above 200. For a side that has been among the most consistent performers in the league, the unwanted milestone will sting deeply.

Kings Carry Momentum

This win further cements the St Lucia Kings’ reputation as CPL’s comeback specialists. After winning their maiden title in 2024, they have continued to play with confidence and composure, showing that they are no longer underdogs but genuine title contenders year after year.

The result will go down as one of the defining moments of the 2025 CPL season, a game where individual brilliance met collective resilience, and history was rewritten in dramatic style. 

TAMPERE (Finland) – Lithuania couldn’t have started FIBA EuroBasket 2025 on a better note, finding their first win in the competition by beating Great Britain by 24 points (94-70) in Tampere, and setting a single-game record.

The whole team put up a collective rebounding masterpiece, breaking the record – since 1995 when data was first recorded – for most rebounds grabbed in a single FIBA EuroBasket game at 57.

The previous two record-holders in such a category were Russia and Croatia, respectively finishing with a 54-rebound performance at FIBA EuroBasket 1995 against Finland and at FIBA EuroBasket 2013 versus Greece.

In the same game, Jonas Valanciunas moved up to fourth in the FIBA EuroBasket rebounding charts at 309 boards collected in the competition; surpassing Spain’s Marc Gasol.

FIBA

Reigning world champion Neeraj Chopra will spearhead India’s 19-member contingent for the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo next month, with rising sprinter Animesh Kujur making history as the first Indian male sprinter to make the cut.

As defending champion, Neeraj Chopra booked his place through a wild card entry. He will be joined in the men’s javelin throw by Sachin Yadav and Yashvir Singh, both securing berths via the world rankings.

India also gained direct qualifiers through entry standards – Avinash Sable (3000m steeplechase), Parul Chaudhary (3000m steeplechase), Gulveer Singh (5000m) and Praveen Chitravel (triple jump). However, Sable has been ruled out of the World Athletics Championships after an injury cut short his season.

Thirteen others made the cut through the rankings, including long jumper Murali Sreeshankar, who returned impressively after a year-long injury layoff, and javelin thrower Annu Rani, whose consistent 60m-plus efforts have underlined her form this season.

KARACHI:

Pakistan Super League (PSL) management has formally initiated a comprehensive valuation process of all its commercial assets, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, fairness, growth and long-term sustainability.

Following the conclusion of a public tender process initiated in July, the contract for these valuation services has been awarded to Ernst & Young (EY MENA) one of the world’s leading professional services firms.

The valuation process will commence later this month and is expected to be completed within a five- week period. EY MENA will engage with all relevant stakeholders of the PSL, carry out market research, benchmarking exercises, and formulate projections and valuations.

The TORs for the exercise were approved by the PSL Governing Council and include, amongst other items, the following:

• The Fair Market Value of all existing Franchises
• The Valuation of commercial rights including Media, live-streaming and In-stadia sponsorships
• The Valuation of Title Sponsorship rights
• The Valuation of New Franchise teams

This process with respect to determining the Fair Market Value and renewal franchise fee for the existing franchises is in line with the terms and conditions of the existing franchise agreements which are nearing completion.

Speaking on the development, CEO PSL Salman Naseer said: “This valuation marks a pivotal step in the evolution of the PSL which has cemented its place as one of the leading cricket franchises in the world. By engaging an independent global leader like EY MENA, we are ensuring absolute transparency and fairness in determining the fair market value of our franchises and commercial rights.

“As we look toward the renewal cycle and addition of new team(s), this process will give current and prospective stakeholders complete confidence in the league’s growth trajectory and long-term sustainability. Once the valuation report has been reviewed internally, the PCB will take informed and strategic decisions that will shape the future of the league.”

The PSL continues to be a cornerstone of Pakistan’s sporting landscape, driving cricketing excellence, commercial success and global recognition. With the upcoming renewal cycle of commercial assets, PSL is poised to offer even greater opportunities for investors, fans, and players alike.

2025 Sydney Marathon schedule (all times in AEST -UTC +10h)

Races will start in staggered times for the record-breaking 35,000 participants from Miller Street, North Sydney, the historic start point on Sunday 31 August.

Currently, the Australian time zone is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). That means the race will be on Saturday evening/night in most parts of the world. The start times for the different races are:

• 06:15 – Elite wheelchair men’s
• 06:30 – Elite men and women’s race
• 06:31 – Mass start Group 1
• 07:03 –Mass start Group 2
• 07:41 –Mass start Group 3

How to watch the 2025 Sydney Marathon live

Fans can follow the 2025 Sydney Marathon around the world via the marathon’s official broadcast TV and livestreaming partners.

7mate and 7plus Sport will provide live TV coverage in Australia on Sunday, 31 August from 6 am to 10 am AEST. There will also be live stream on the TCS Sydney Marathon YouTube channel.

Eurosport has the rights for most of Europe, while in Belgium fans can follow it on DAZN Europe.

Viewers in the US, Canada can follow the action on Flosports, CBS, Fight Network, Fox TV, MASN TV, MSG Network, NBC Sports National digital and Game+.

SuperSport has the right for most of sub-saharan Africa including Kenya where the marathon will be broadcast from 11:30pm, while Fuji TV will air the Sydney marathon in Japan.

Eurosport has the rights in India and subcontinent, Shanghai TV in the People’s Republic of China, SKY NZ in New Zealand while Brazilian fans can follow the action on Xsports.

The 499Ps return to the spotlight in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the 6 Hours of COTA, the sixth round of the 2025 season, which kicks off on Sunday 7 September at 1.00 p. m., local time. Ferrari arrives in Texas defending its lead in both the World Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ Championships standings. 

Fifty-six days after the previous round contested in Brazil, the Ferrari – AF Corse works team heads to the Circuit of The Americas with a clear goal for both crews: the number 50 of Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen, and the number 51 of Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi, who both finished outside the top ten at São Paulo, need to score crucial points in the world title races. 

On the American circuit, which is hosting the Lone Star Le Mans for the second consecutive year and is renowned for its dramatic elevation changes and 5.513-kilometre layout combining high-speed sections with corners of varying radius and speed, the spotlight will also fall on the number 83 499P, eighth in Brazil. Entered by the AF Corse privateer team, it will be driven by Maranello-based manufacturer official driver Yifei Ye alongside Robert Kubica and Phil Hanson. 

The situation. As indicated, Ferrari tops the World Manufacturers’ Championship standings on 175 points, 55 clear of second place, ahead of a race that awards 25 points to the winner. In the World Drivers’ Championship, Pier Guidi, Calado, and Giovinazzi lead on 105 points, with two wins and two pole positions so far. Ye, Kubica, and Hanson follow them in second place on 93 points, while Fuoco, Molina, and Nielsen sit fourth on 57, with one win and one Hyperpole. 

AF Corse also leads the FIA World Cup for Hypercar Teams, 64 points clear of their closest rivals on the eve of a race – the third-to-last of the season – which is crucial for the independent teams’ title.

The programme. The Lone Star Le Mans starts on Friday, 5 September, with the first two 90-minute free practice sessions at 11.30 a. m. and 4.00 p. m.; on Saturday, 6 September, after the third free practice session (11.00 a. m.-12.00 a. m.), qualifying for the Hypercar class takes place from (at 3.40 p. m.), followed by the Hyperpole (at 4.00 p. m.). The 6 Hours of COTA, as mentioned, starts on Sunday, 7 September at 1.00 p. m. (local times). 

KARACHI:

A strict framework of punishments has been prepared for domestic cricketers as well in case of violations of the Anti-Corruption Code. On the directions of the ICC, Pakistan will also adopt the Global Anti-Corruption Code, though disputes will be settled in accordance with local laws.

According to details, the International Cricket Council is striving to protect the game from corrupt elements and has been taking stringent measures. Some time ago, all member boards were directed to adopt the Global Anti-Corruption Code. In case of disputes, local laws will apply. Recently, during the PCB Governing Board meeting, participants were informed by a legal official that the ICC has instructed the adoption of the Global Anti-Corruption Code, for which procedural changes were necessary. The members granted approval.

Sources say that strict laws will also be applied in domestic cricket, with severe punishments for corruption. Along with bans, fines will also be imposed. However, players will retain the right to appeal. If any player fails to inform the national Anti-Corruption Unit about suspicious contact, he will also be considered guilty. Accepting gifts from suspicious individuals will not be allowed.

Punishments will be determined keeping in view the nature of the offense, intent, previous record, and cooperation during investigations. First-time offenders who cooperate may receive lighter punishments, but repeat offenders could face lifetime bans.

Under the Anti-Corruption Code:

• Match-fixing or spot-fixing carries a 5-year to lifetime ban.
• Betting on cricket may result in a 1-to-5-year ban depending on the case.
• Sharing team’s internal information could also lead to a 1-to-5-year ban.
• Failure to report corrupt approaches will bring a 2-to-5-year ban.
• Lying during investigations, destroying evidence, or refusing cooperation can result in a 2-to-5-year ban.
• Players failing to participate in Anti-Corruption Education Programs will remain suspended until they complete them.

PCB sources say that the board has already been implementing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. As in the past, those who tarnish the image of the game will be dealt with firmly. Whether domestic or international cricket, the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code will be fully enforced, and education programs for players will also continue.

RIGA (Latvia) – It was a beautiful Sunday in Spain back on September 9, 2007, when an eight-year-old Neemias Queta watched as his compatriots picked up a memorable 94-85 win over Israel in the Second Round of FIBA EuroBasket 2007.

Little did he know that Portugal would wait another 18 years until he was big enough to carry the nation to their next win. Portugal recorded their first EuroBasket win since 2007 with a 62-50 triumph over Czechia to open up Group A proceedings in Latvia.

Turning Point

Portugal were one step ahead of Czechia from their 7-0 start to the game, but could not break away for good until midway through the third quarter. That’s when they had two capital threes, Rafael Lisboa knocking them down on consecutive possessions to open up a 40-30 lead.

With Czechia struggling to break 50 points in this game, Portugal could afford a stress-less finish to the game.

TCL Player of the Game

When you’re an NBA champ and a clear leader of your national team, you might feel pressure on such a big stage. Not Neemias Queta, though.

The Boston Celtics center was all over the place, getting 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks in the first half alone, and plenty of players would be happy with that stat line. Not Neemias Queta, though.

He controlled the paint after the break, finishing with 23 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals and an efficiency rating of 39.

Queta is the first player to register at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in their EuroBasket debut since FIBA began tracking rebounding numbers.

To say that we’re looking forward to seeing him match up with Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun and Kristaps Porzingis in the upcoming Group A games would be an understatement.

Stats Don’t Lie

Czechia looks surprised by the defensive intensity that coach Mario Gomes got from his players. Portugal forced 19 Czech turnovers, paving the way towards an 11-3 advantage in fast break points and 21-10 in points off turnovers.

Bottom Line

Both teams will enjoy a day off on Thursday, before the back-to-back program of Friday and Saturday.

Portugal will take on Serbia and Türkiye, respectively, while Czechia face Türkiye and Estonia. They got 10 points from Vit Krejci in this one, but will need more offense than this if they plan to pick up a win or two in Riga.

They Said

“It’s a big win for Portugal, we surprised everyone a bit, but now we have to keep working because now people are going to be looking at us differently. So let’s stay humble, it’s only one win. We know what we’re gonna do, let’s try to keep improving, do better things for the next game.” – Miguel Queiroz, Portugal

“We missed some shots early and had 3 fast break points, against a team with Queta down there, it’s really hard to play 5v5 when he’s in the paint. It’s a learning curve.” – Vit Krejci, Czechia

“I know he had like 23, but we still didn’t give him the ball enough. I think if we were to give him the ball like six more possessions, he’d have 37 points or something. He’s a big time player, EuroBasket is the perfect place for him to show his talent and sometimes it doesn’t get recognized in the NBA, but he’s playing great, that’s our guy, we wanna go through him.” – Travante Williams, Portugal, talking about Queta

For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!

FIBA