Kings XI Punjab appoint Miller as skipper
Chandigarh: Kings XI Punjab, one of the eight competing franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL), on Tuesday appointed South African David Miller as their captain for Season 9 of the Twenty20 extravaganza. Miller has been associated with Kings XI since Season 4. “David Miller is one of the most talented and explosive players in contemporary cricket and we are so pleased that he has been an integral part of the team. We have complete faith in his capabilities and leadership skills and look forward to a successful season,” a Kings XI statement said. The 26-year-old middle-order batsman said: “I am honoured to lead the Kings XI Punjab squad this year. I would like to thank the franchise, promoters, management and all the team members for the confidence they have in me. Kings XI have assembled an exciting squad with a good mixture of youth and experience and I am really looking forward to the opportunity that lies ahead.” (IANS)
Smith replaces Finch as captain in Australia’s World T20 squad
Melbourne: Aaron Finch was replaced with Steve Smith as captain, while Test wicket-keeper Peter Nevill was included in place of Matthew Wade as Cricket Australia (CA) effected critical changes in its 15-member World T20 squad on Tuesday. National selector Rod Marsh said it was the right time for Smith to captain Australia in all three formats. Among other big changes, Australian Test wicket-keeper Nevill, who played for the Melbourne Renegades in the KFC Big Bash League will make his T20I debut. In line for their T20 International debuts are Perth Scorchers’ left-arm spinner Ashton Agar and Melbourne Stars’ leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who complement the right-arm off-spin of Glenn Maxwell. Finch (hamstring), Nathan Coulter-Nile (shoulder), and James Faulkner (hamstring) have all been named in the squad subject to fitness. Australia have never won the World T20 title, which is the only world title missing in their illustrious history. (Agencies)
English Premier League to have new logo from next season
London: The English Premier League will have a new logo which will be used from the 2016-17 season, the league’s managing director Richard Masters announced on Tuesday. Working in partnership with global agency DesignStudio and Robin Brand Consultants, the league has created a bold and vibrant identity that includes a modern take on the lion icon – a symbol that is part of the competition’s heritage – which is flexible in digital and broadcast formats. “From next season we will move away from title sponsorship and the competition will be known simply as the Premier League, a decision which provided the opportunity to consider how we wanted to present ourselves as an organisation and competition,” Masters was quoted as saying by the EPL website. (IANS)
Mumbai thrash Delhi 8-3 to stay alive in HIL semis race
New Delhi: Dabang Mumbai scored four field goals in the final quarter to register a stunning 8-3 victory as Delhi Waveriders suffered their fourth consecutive defeat in the Coal India Hockey India League (HIL) at the Shivaji Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday. After Delhi took a 3-0 lead, thanks to Steven Edwards’ (22nd minute) field goal, counted as two in this edition of the HIL, and Rupinder Pal Singh’s ninth set-piece goal of the campaign in the 39th minute, Mumbai turned it around through Danish Mujtaba (49th), Nilakanta Sharma (52nd) and a brace from unheralded Manpreet (57th and 58th). With their third straight win, Australian legend Jay Stacy-coached Mumbai jumped to the fourth spot with 19 points from seven matches, pushing down Uttar Pradesh Wizards (18 points from seven matches) and Delhi Waveriders (17 points from eight matche) to the fifth and sixth spots respectively. (IANS)
