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Neymar Set to Return for Al Hilal after Long Injury Layoff
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21 Oct 2024, 13:15
Photo: AFP
Brazilian forward Neymar Jr is set to make his return from a yearlong injury layoff after training and traveling with his club Al Hilal before their Asian Champions League game in the United Arab Emirates, the Saudi Pro League club has confirmed. Al Jazeera news.
"Al Hilal is happy to announce that Neymar will join the squad for the away trip to Al Ain. He's back," the club said on Saturday.
"Neymar participated in team training after completing his recovery program," Al Hilal posted on their social media.
Earlier, Neymar's marketing company NR Sports also confirmed his potential return in Monday's Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) Champions League Elite match.
"The number 10 will be able to play on Monday to carry on with his remarkable trajectory," the statement said, in a reference to the match.
Photos posted by Al Hilal showed Neymar taking part in a team training session and joining the Al Hilal squad for their trip to the UAE for their match against the UAE Pro League club.
The 32-year-old Brazil forward has not played since sustaining the injury during his nation's CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October last year.
He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and underwent surgery in November.
The former Barcelona forward, who is Brazil's leading scorer, missed their 2024 Copa America campaign in the United States, where they suffered a second straight quarterfinal exit from a major tournament after losing to Croatia on penalties at the 2022 World Cup.
They play Al Ain at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Monday.
Neymar's agency said the Brazilian's love for football and his hope to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 was bringing him back to action.
"These were days of pain, anguish, and a lot of longing for football, which were overcome with the help of family and friends, always present for our number 10. And all the fans around the world who gave him all support in social media networks," the statement added.
"The wait is over."
"Every time I get injured, I come back. But I don't come back halfway," a tearful Neymar said in a social media video of him speaking about his recovery with footage of his efforts to come back.
Neymar returned to training in July, but in September his club coach Jorge Jesus dampened expectations of an immediate comeback.
The Portuguese coach did not confirm Neymar will play on Monday.
Neymar, whose two-year contract ends next August, is eligible to appear in AFC Champions League Elite matches as the continental competition has no restrictions on the number of foreign players allowed. That is not the case in the Saudi Pro League, which will see him back only in January.
If fit, Neymar could return to Brazil's national team in two rounds of South American World Cup qualifying scheduled for November.
Source: News Agencies
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IPL Auction in Jeddah: / Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Move into Cricket
Saudi Arabia is taking a significant step into cricket by hosting the IPL auction in Jeddah, marking the kingdom’s first major foray into the sport. The two-day event, where franchise representatives are expected to spend over ₹600 crore (approximately $71 million), underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions to integrate cricket into its growing portfolio of sports investments.
A Gradual Build-Up
Saudi Arabia’s interest in cricket is not entirely new. The Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF) has cultivated relationships with key figures like BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who attended IPL 2023’s opening match. Additionally, state-backed entities like Visit Saudi and Aramco have sponsored IPL teams and secured high-profile deals with the ICC, including naming rights for match awards at World Cups. Even Rajasthan Royals showcased Neom, a futuristic Saudi project, on their jerseys this year.
Staging the auction in Jeddah aligns with Saudi Arabia’s "Vision 2030" goal of making India its largest source of tourists. The auction, viewed by over 20 million people last year, guarantees significant visibility in the Indian market, bolstered by consistent promotional efforts during IPL broadcasts.
A Disruptor in Global Sports
While cricket infrastructure and domestic interest in Saudi Arabia remain minimal, the kingdom’s track record in other sports highlights its transformative potential. It has reshaped boxing, football, and golf by luring top athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and hosting high-profile events like the LIV Golf league, which disrupted the PGA Tour before transitioning to a more collaborative model.
These investments are part of a broader strategy under "Vision 2030," spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to diversify the economy beyond oil. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has been instrumental, acquiring assets like Newcastle United in the Premier League and exploring cricket’s potential.
Challenges and Opportunities
Saudi Arabia’s cricket aspirations face obstacles, including limited infrastructure and ICC regulations that cap overseas players in new leagues. However, experts believe the kingdom is shifting from disruptive tactics to a collaborative approach, integrating into existing structures rather than creating competing leagues.
Simon Chadwick, a professor specializing in Middle Eastern sports, observes that lessons from controversies like the LIV Golf saga have prompted a more strategic investment approach. Instead of pursuing a standalone cricket league, Saudi Arabia may opt to invest in established IPL franchises or persuade teams to host matches in Saudi Arabia once stadiums are built.
The Road Ahead
Saudi Arabia’s ultimate ambitions in cricket could reshape the sport. The kingdom is reportedly interested in IPL investments and potentially hosting matches, leveraging its financial clout to integrate into the cricketing mainstream. There are also rumors of interest in England’s Hundred competition, especially with the proximity of its Newcastle United ownership to Durham, a key cricketing hub.
While the PIF plans to reduce its proportion of overseas investments, the appointment of Australian Danny Townsend as CEO of its sports subsidiary indicates a long-term focus on cricket. Despite its relatively modest entry, Saudi Arabia’s potential to revolutionize cricket through wealth and strategic planning remains immense.
The IPL auction’s relocation to Jeddah symbolizes more than just a change of venue—it signals Saudi Arabia’s calculated move to make cricket a cornerstone of its global sports ambitions.
(Based on espncricinfo)
Two Indian Cricketers Banned for Illegal Bowling Actions
Just a day before the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, two Indian cricketers, Manish Pandey and Srijit Krishna, have been banned for having illegal bowling actions.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the decision and has also flagged Deepak Hooda, Saurabh Dubey, and KC Cariappa for their suspect bowling actions. All IPL teams have been informed about these five players ahead of the auction through an official notice.
As a result, regular IPL player Manish Pandey and Deepak Hooda are unlikely to participate in the upcoming season. The remaining three players also face slim chances of being picked.
The two-day IPL auction will begin on November 24 at 12:30 PM, with a total of 204 slots available for players, including a maximum of 70 for overseas cricketers. The 2025 IPL season is set to start on March 14 and will feature 74 matches, with the final scheduled for May 25. The following seasons in 2026 and 2027 will see an increase in matches, with 84 and 94 games planned, respectively.
Barça at 125: Lionel Messi’s Emotional Homecoming
Lionel Messi is making an emotional return to Barcelona—not for football, but for something even more symbolic: the club’s 125th anniversary celebration. This homecoming reconnects fans with the legend who defined nearly two decades of Barça’s illustrious history.
Messi’s departure in 2021 was a heart-wrenching moment for the club and its supporters. Financial struggles forced Barcelona to bid farewell to their greatest icon, leaving fans devastated as Messi moved to PSG. Despite the bittersweet farewell, Messi never closed the door on the possibility of returning.
In 2023, hopes of a comeback flickered, but those dreams dimmed when Messi chose Inter Miami. However, fate has paved the way for him to return—not as a player, but as a living emblem of Barcelona’s legacy.
On November 29, Messi will join in celebrating the club’s 125-year journey. With his competitive commitments and Argentina's matches complete for the year, the timing is perfect for this poignant reunion.
This milestone isn’t just about the club’s history—it’s also a tribute to Messi’s enduring connection to Barcelona. For fans, it’s a chance to celebrate why he remains far more than just a footballer.
Ronaldo Wants to be CBF President
Brazil has not been in its best form since the Qatar World Cup. The five-time champions are going through their worst time in World Cup qualifying history. Despite changes to the team, the Selecao have not been able to regain their form. Legendary footballer Ronaldo Nazario has said that the team needs to be reinvigorated in such a bad time for Brazilian Football.
Ronaldo is excited about the discussions surrounding his name to assume the presidency of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in the coming years.
The former Brazilian national team striker revealed to close associates that he was pleased with the positive reaction regarding his intention to take over the organization. This possibility was initially reported by the Spanish newspaper Sport and gained momentum following his public statements at his first charity auction.
"Brazilian football needs significant changes, but that doesn't mean anything at all. I am not a candidate; there is no election in sight. It's just my unchanged desire," stated the ex-footballer.
Andres Sanchez, former president of Corinthians and a long-time partner of the striker, also commented on the issue during the event. He was one of the guests at the auction, held last Thursday (21) in Sao Paulo.
"If he runs for president, he has my full support. If he pays well, the CBF pays well! Corinthians used to call me a thief, and I received nothing; I lost a lot. Brazilian football is all about hypocrisy. If Ronaldo truly runs, he is definitely the right name; he has a broad vision of world football and will greatly benefit Brazilian football," Sanchez remarked.
However, the former player refrained from discussing the matter further, as the English club announced this week the extension of the coach's contract until the end of the 2026/2027 season.
"One cannot put the cart before the horses. We'll see what happens. I have many ideas if this occurs. It's not possible to speculate about anything right now," Ronaldo added.
The next election for the CBF presidency will be held in 2025. The current president Ednaldo Rodrigues' term ends in March 2026, just a few months before the next World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Since retiring from football, Ronaldo has invested in clubs. The Brazilian icon currently owns Real Valladolid in Spain and recently sold the SAF of Cruzeiro to Pedro Lourenco.
IPL Mega Auction 2025 / Lucknow Super Giants Sign Rishabh Pant For A Record INR 27cr
Rishabh Pant shattered the record for the most expensive player at an IPL auction after being bought by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 27 crores.
Pant surpassed the INR 26.75 crores that Punjab Kings shelled out to sign Shreyas Iyer a little while earlier in the first marquee set of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
LSG entered the bidding for Pant right from the front and stayed the course to thwart attempts from Royal Challengers Bengaluru as well as the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Eventually, the bidding stopped at INR 20.75 crores at which point the Delhi Capitals indicated their interest to use the Right To Match (RTM) option. LSG then decided to hike up the price to INR 27 crores as per the new RTM regulations, which proved to be beyond DC's valuation of their former captain.
Source: Cricbuzz
Ivory Coast Slumps to Record-Low 7 Runs in T20 Cricket
In a shocking turn of events, Ivory Coast was dismissed for just 7 runs in an international T20 match against Nigeria, marking the lowest team score in the format’s history. The game, part of the African qualifiers for the 2026 T20 World Cup, was held at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos.
Batting first, Nigeria posted an imposing 271/4. Salim Salau starred with a blistering 112 off 53 balls before retiring hurt, while Sulaimon Ransome contributed a rapid 50 off 29 balls. Isaac Okpe then added to the carnage, smashing an unbeaten 65 off 23 balls, including six sixes and three fours.
In response, Ivory Coast’s innings unraveled in spectacular fashion. After a promising 4 runs in the opening over, their batting lineup crumbled. Nine wickets fell for just 3 additional runs, and they were bowled out in 7.3 overs. Despite facing 45 deliveries, Ivory Coast managed only 7 runs, narrowly avoiding the record for the fewest balls faced in a completed innings.
While Nigeria's 264-run victory margin didn’t set a new benchmark, Ivory Coast’s dramatic collapse will go down in cricket history as a record-breaking low, offering a rare and unforgettable moment in the sport.
13-year-old Becomes Youngest IPL Auction Signing
An Indian teenager made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as he became the youngest ever player to be sold at the tournament's annual auction where teams compete to sign players. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 13, was sold for 11 million rupees (roughly €125,000 or $130,000) to the Rajasthan Royals in the world's most lucrative domestic cricket competition.
He will be coached by former Indian cricket Rahul Dravid and joins a squad that includes a number of first-team Indian national players, including batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
The left-handed batter comes from the eastern state of Bihar, and came to the fore during 2024 after being selected to play for his local state side in January when he was just 12.
As a powerful opening batsman, in September this year Suryavanshi was chosen to play for the India under-19 team against Australia under-19s in the longest format of cricket, where he scored a century against opponents much older than himself.
The IPL is a "T20" tournament of short-format, high-scoring games, with Suryavanshi only having played one professional game in this format to date. That match, for Bihar, was against the local state side of Rajasthan — just three days before the Rajasthan Royals' franchise team moved to sign him.
Will Suryavanshi play in this year's IPL?
There are no age limits for players looking to compete in the IPL, or entering its auction, so in theory at least, Suryavanshi could start competing immediately.
However, Suryavanshi is unlikely to feature during the upcoming 2025 tournament, with the world’s best player taking part in the ten-week tournament between 14 March - 25 May.
While he may not take to the field, the teenager will be coached by Dravid who along with being one of India’s greatest ever cricketers also served as head coach of the Indian national team between 2021 and 2024.
And, Suryavanshi will spend over two months being guided by not only some of the best Indian batters including Jaiswal and Sanju Samon but also those from across the globe that will play for the Rajasthan Royals.
How does Suryavanshi's fee compare to that of adult stars?
Suryavanshi's 11 million rupee fee is not enormous by IPL auction standards, certainly not compared to the record 270 million rupees paid for Indian superstar Rishabh Pant on the opening day of the auction on Thursday.
However, it is still far more than the 3 million base price he had set for himself, and a higher price than established international stars like the West Indies' Roston Chase and England's Chris Jordan could command.
