Sunil Gavaskar has strongly defended the IPL and the BCCI amid renewed criticism from former players and commentators over the growing influence of franchise cricket on the international calendar.The debate intensified during and after the 2026 IPL season, particularly in England, where concerns were raised about players prioritising franchise commitments over national duty. Much of the discussion focused on Jofra Archer, who remained with Rajasthan Royals for the IPL playoffs and consequently missed England's opening Test against New Zealand.Jacob Bethell was another player caught in the middle of the debate earlier in the season. After limited opportunities in the IPL, former England captain Alastair Cook suggested that the youngster would have been better off returning to county cricket to prepare for the upcoming red-ball campaign. Former cricketers Simon Doull and Michael Atherton also questioned Archer's decision to continue in the IPL instead of joining England's Test squad, reigniting the broader conversation around franchise leagues and Test cricket.Writing in his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar took exception to what he sees as persistent criticism of Indian cricket and the BCCI from overseas voices. The former India captain argued that many of those criticising the IPL ultimately benefit from the commercial power generated by Indian cricket and its vast fanbase.Indian cricket and BCCI bashing is par for the course," Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day. But when it comes to revenues, they still have to come to the BCCI because it is Indian cricket and Indian fans that fill their coffers much more than even what their traditional rivalry does."Gavaskar also pointed to the financial rewards that foreign cricket boards receive from IPL contracts involving their players. In his view, critics often ignore those benefits while continuing to complain about players being unavailable for international duty during the tournament.Cribbing about IPL and their players not being available for their country is another favourite pastime. Not a word though about the 10% their Boards get of the fee of every player from their country," he added.The batting great further highlighted what he believes is a unique contribution made by the IPL to world cricket, noting that overseas boards receive a share of player earnings from the tournament.It adds up to a cool million plus pounds every year. Does The Hundred give any percentage to the Boards of their overseas players playing in their tournament? No sir. Does the BBL or any other country T20 leagues give any percentage to the Boards of their overseas players. No sir again. Only the IPL does. Yet the whining and moaning about BCCI and Indian cricket just goes on and on. Wake up and smell the coffee guys. Indian cricket is here to stay, no matter how you try to pull it down," he added.Gavaskar's comments come at a time when the relationship between franchise cricket and the international game continues to be heavily debated. While concerns remain over player workload and availability, the former India captain made it clear that he believes the IPL's contribution to global cricket is often overlooked by its critics.

Which contender improved its chances the most? Which team went from below to above .500 with its additions?

  Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, Chail is a hidden paradise that offers travelers a refreshing escape from the chaos of city life. Surrounded by lush pine forests, rolling hills, and breathtaking Himalayan views, Chail has become a preferred destination for families, couples, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Located just a short drive from Shimla, the hill...

His guilty plea saw him escape jail time and his lawyers said he had been undergoing psychiatric treatment. He was sentenced to five years probation.

Conor McGregor has demanded an immediate halt to "immigration from the third world" and called for the deportation of "all illegal entrants" in the wake of a knife attack in Belfast allegedly carried out by a Sudanese migrant.The UFC star took to X on Tuesday, the day following the incident, urging authorities to "close the borders."He declared that "inviting and financing mentally deranged people from the 3rd world is a hard no."In a further post, the Irish fighter insisted that migrants "cannot come here any longer."McGregor has long been vocal on immigration matters, having previously warned that Ireland risked "potentially losing its Irishness" due to what he termed an "illegal immigration racket" devastating the nation.The attack occurred on Monday evening at approximately 10.30pm on a residential street in north Belfast.Disturbing footage captured the alleged assailant standing over a bloodied victim, brandishing a knife at his throat with his fist raised.Witnesses reported hearing onlookers scream as the man appeared to make a sawing motion, with some claiming "he's trying to cut his head off."Officers recovered a kitchen knife from the scene.The victim, locally identified as Stephen Ogilvie, a man in his forties, reportedly resided in the same social housing block as the suspect and remained in a serious condition in hospital.The accused, a 30-year-old asylum seeker with indefinite leave to remain, has been charged with attempted murder and was due to appear in court today.He had travelled by bus from Dublin to Belfast three years ago under arrangements permitting passport-free movement, immediately claiming asylum upon arrival.The Home Office subsequently granted him a five-year refugee visa within months of his arrival.Violent disorder erupted across Belfast on Tuesday night as hundreds of masked individuals set fire to properties and vehicles in the aftermath of the arrest.Shortly before 8pm, men clad in black pushed burning bins against a bus, igniting it and sending plumes of smoke skyward.Residential properties, motor vehicles and a Middle Eastern supermarket were subsequently torched, with reports suggesting non-white residents may have been deliberately targeted.Protesters allegedly focused their attention on Houses in Multiple Occupation, which some claim are being utilised to accommodate migrants at public expense.Harrowing footage emerged showing infants being carried from neighbouring homes as flames consumed the buildings around them.PSNI assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson cautioned that such disorder "damages communities, damages local businesses and brings young people into the criminal justice system when they shouldn't be."Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill denounced the "outright thuggery," describing "groups of masked men burning families out of their homes" as "nothing less than disgusting cowardice."Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly stressed that "violence does not advance any cause, it damages it."Former First Minister Arlene Foster observed that "genuine fears in working class" communities regarding immigration had been "overshadowed" by the rioting.Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the scenes as "shocking and completely unacceptable," vowing that "those responsible will feel the full force of the law."Tesla chief Elon Musk urged people to protest "repeatedly and loudly," whilst hard-right activist Tommy Robinson shared posts encouraging demonstrations across the United Kingdom.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Belfast police say a refugee charged with the attempted murder of a man on Monday initially entered the country from the Republic of Ireland.

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AFTER COUPE DU MONDE. Demi-finaliste de l'Euro 2024, les Pays-Bas vont disputer la Coupe du monde 2026 avec la volont de remporter le premier Mondial de leur histoire. Au premier tour, ils affronteront le Japon, la Sude et la Tunisie dans le groupe F.