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Toronto Sun
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
DA COSTA: Will India let top Canadian cricketers into country in 2026?
Canada's Kaleem Sana prepares to bowl during an ICC Men's T20 World Cup cricket match in 2024. Photo by Adam Hunger / The Associated Press Cricket is nothing short of a religion in India. Millions of fans around the world set their eyes on the lucrative Indian Premier League every year as it draws the best cricketers from around the globe. The 10-team IPL churns out millionaires every year in a country where the population of a billion live and breathe two things — cricket and Bollywood, the country's answer to Hollywood. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Next year, though, IPL has to take a back seat to the World Twenty20 Cup that will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February and March. After the thrills and spills of this 20-team tournament that will also include Canada, the passionate fans will turn their attention from rooting for their country to cheering their provincial or city clubs. With its growing power on the international sporting scene, especially cricket, it appears India calls all the shots. One country that has felt the full brunt of India's clout has been Pakistan. Pakistani players featured in the IPL's inaugural season in 2008 and then later that year 10 insurgents from Pakistan stormed Mumbai and some 166 people lost their lives. Since then, Pakistanis have been blackballed by the IPL and the two national teams have not played a bilateral Test series. The only time they face each other is in International Cricket Council-organized tournaments such as the World Cups. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Canada cricket all-rounder Saad Bin Zafar. Photo by Cricket Canada / The Canadian Press Unfortunately, some of the countries competing in next year's World T20 Cup will find themselves targeted if they have any ties with Pakistan. Two of Canada's star players — all-rounder Saad Bin Zafar and fast bowler Kaleem Sana, both born in Pakistan — are expected to make their mark in the tournament in 2026 — that's if the Indian authorities allow them into the country. Making life difficult for Pakistani-born players isn't something new. In 2010, I brought it to the attention of then Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney that one of our top all-rounders Rizwan Cheema had not been granted a visa to play in the World Cup (50 overs) hosted by India. Kenney used his influence to get India to reverse its stand on Cheema. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Others who have had to clear hurdles before being granted visas included England's Saqib Mahmood, and in 2024 Test spinner Shoaib Bashir. The British government then intervened, but because of the red tape the spinner missed the first Test. 'We absolutely expect India to treat British citizens fairly at all times in its visa process,' said a British government communique. The other top-rated player who had a similar experience was Australia opening batsman Usman Khawaja, also because of his Pakistani heritage. Bin Zafar and Sana were in brilliant form with the ball in piloting Canada to the World Cup finals in the sub-continent after also impressing during Canada's first appearance in this version of the competition in the U.S. and the Caribbean in 2024 where Zafar earned the honour of captaining Canada. Sana is an experienced player, having played top-notch club cricket for Pakistan Customs and also representing Pakistan in the Under-19 World Cup. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It will be a dream come true to play the World Cup in India,' said Bin Zafar, 'since it is by far the biggest cricketing nation in the world. It will be an incredible feeling playing there.' But Bin Zafar is also aware his plans could be sidelined if the Indian authorities do not play ball. 'We have already instructed Cricket Canada to apply early for our visas so there aren't any hitches later,' he added. India also made headlines last week when it denied visas to the Pakistani field hockey team, who qualified to play in the 2025 Asia Cup in Rajgir, India, in August. India has heightened its cross-border relationship with its neighbour following a terrorist attack in April. India claims that 26 tourists were killed by Pakistani gunmen in Indian-administered Kashmir's Pahalgam town. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Take your hat off to the West Indies for not walking off the field in the first Test against visiting Australia at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. West Indies's skipper Roston Chase and coach Daren Sammy doubled down on their attack on third umpire Adrian Holdstock of South Africa after his decisions stunned the home team. Chase minced no words in a scathing attack that he and all those who watched the decisions on television were highly questionable. Australia won the Test by 159 runs thanks to a first-class spell by fast bowler Josh Hazlewood who took five wickets in the second innings. The decisions that left the home team fuming were the dismissals of Chase and Shai Hope. While Chase escaped punishment, coach Sammy was fined 15 per cent of his match fee for publicly criticizing Holdstock. 'It's frustrating because as players, when we mess up, when we get out of line, we're penalized harshly,' Chase said. 'But the officials, nothing ever happens to them. They just have a wrong decision or questionable decision, and life just goes on. You're talking about guys' careers. One bad decision could make or break a guy's career.' Despite the controversy, Holdstock will be umpiring the remaining two Tests. By right, he should have been back home on the next flight. Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. Sports Money News MLB Relationships Editorial Cartoons
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
From Russia to Israel: Meet the Nets' new international draft class
Danny Wolf reacts after being selected 24th by the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Nolan Traore reacts after being selected 19th by the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Egor Demin celebrates after being selected eighth by the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Egor Demin celebrates after being selected eighth by the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Danny Wolf reacts after being selected 24th by the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Nolan Traore reacts after being selected 19th by the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Egor Demin celebrates after being selected eighth by the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) NEW YORK (AP) — The wall across from the elevator leading to the Brooklyn Nets' practice court features a map of the world, where the home countries of their players and executives are noted. Whoever has to update it had plenty of work after the NBA draft. Advertisement The Nets had five first-round picks and they scoured the globe to find the players for them. There's a Russian who played professionally in Spain before heading to college in Utah. Guards from France and Israel. Two players who represented Israeli national teams. 'To be honest, it's fantastic the way it just worked out,' said Sean Marks, the team's general manager, who is from New Zealand. 'I mean, if you think about it, the game of basketball is such a worldly game, played all over the globe. You've heard about how the rest of the world is catching up to one of America's games. I won't comment on that. What I will say is there's talent everywhere and that's our job, is to bring in the best talent regardless of race, ethnicity and so forth.' The new players were introduced Tuesday at the Nets' practice facility. The class includes No. 8 pick Egor Demin, a Russian guard who spent a season at BYU; No. 19 Nolan Traore of France; No. 26 Ben Saraf from Israel; No. 27 Danny Wolf from Michigan and No. 22 Drake Powell from North Carolina, whose rights Brooklyn acquired from Atlanta in a trade that still must be completed. Advertisement Some of them knew each other long before they sat at the same long podium along with Marks and coach Jordi Fernandez — who is from Spain and coached Canada's Olympic team. Saraf and Wolf had practiced together before playing for Israeli teams. Demin, who spent time with Real Madrid's second team before college, knew all about Traore after he poured in 45 points against Barcelona in the semifinals of an under-18 tournament before Demin led his squad to victory in the championship game. 'That was really scary for us to get to this game knowing who he is,' Demin said. Now the Nets will see what they can all do together, though it might not look pretty with so many young players coming to a team that went 26-56 last season. Marks said the only expectation will be that the players go out and compete. Advertisement 'There is a learning curve for sure, there's no question in that,' Marks said. 'You're looking at four 19-year-olds up here, so I have two boys myself older than them. So that just puts it in perspective, like just how young this group is and to me that's exciting. When you see the continuity we can have with this group and how they can build and how they can flourish over the next three, four, five years, it's going to be exciting.' Brooklyn is the most populous of New York's five boroughs and by itself would be one of the five biggest cities in the U.S. It features large Jewish and Russian communities, so Saraf, Wolf and Demin quickly could become fan favorites. 'It was amazing. Got a lot of messages and a lot of love from the Jewish community here,' Saraf said. 'So it's going to be really exciting and I appreciate all the love I'm getting like in the streets and from the fans.' Wolf felt some of the same love with one of the loudest cheers of draft night in Barclays Center, the Nets' home arena, when his selection was announced. Advertisement He credits his time playing for Israel in the under-20 European championships for a big jump in his game that made him a viable NBA prospect. The big man spent his first two seasons at Yale, not playing much the first one, then finished strong at Michigan after transferring. 'I think my basketball journey's definitely been up and down,' Wolf said. 'It took definitely a few different steps to get where I am today.' He, Powell and eventually Demin, while playing on NCAA Tournament teams, were somewhat easy to find. It took a little more work for Traore and Saraf, so Marks credited the Nets' scouting staff for identifying them. 'Basically they tell me where to go and that's where I go,' Marks said. ___ AP NBA:
San Francisco Chronicle
29-06-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Jazz Age at Yankee Stadium as Chisholm sparks Yankees at plate, on defense and in clubhouse
New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after hitting a three-run scoring triple during the third inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday, June 29, 2025, in New York. Adam Hunger/AP New York Yankees' Aaron Judge (99) and Jazz Chisholm Jr., right, celebrate after they defeated the Athletics in a baseball game Sunday, June 29, 2025, in New York. Adam Hunger/AP New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after striking out during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday, June 29, 2025, in New York. Adam Hunger/AP New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after striking out during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday, June 29, 2025, in New York. Adam Hunger/AP New York Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. hits a three-run triple during the third inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Sunday, June 29, 2025, in New York. Adam Hunger/AP NEW YORK (AP) — The Jazz Age is in full swing at Yankee Stadium. Whether with his bat, his glove, his arm or his smile, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is energizing the New York Yankees and their fans. Chisholm hit a second-inning, go-ahead homer and a bases-loaded triple while making three sparkling defensive plays at third base Sunday in a 12-5 romp over the Athletics. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'That's why we got him. That's what the Yankees do. They go after guys that are going to make an impact,' said New York captain Aaron Judge, who homered twice to reach 30 for the sixth time. Chisholm is batting .318 with six homers, 18 RBIs and four stolen bases since returning from strained right oblique on June 3, raising his season totals to .242 with 13 homers, 35 and 10 steals in 53 games. 'I feel like me. I feel I'm back in my era, that I was younger just going out there and just hitting, just not worrying about stuff," the 27-year-old said. "Just not worrying by my swing, not worrying about striding too far. Everything just feels good and I'm just going.' After a four-RBI night against Boston in his fourth game back, Chisholm made the unusual assertion he was thriving by giving 70% effort and not stressing. With New York seeking to reopen a 1 1/2-game AL East lead two days into the second half, he drove a first-pitch sinker from former Yankee Luis Severino into the right-field seats for a 1-0, second-inning lead. Ever exuberant, he raised his right hand and made a peace sign toward the Yankees bullpen after rounding first. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Chisholm snagged Jacob Wilson's two-hopper with two on and one out in the third, bounded off third base for the forceout and balletically arced a throw to first for an inning-ending double play. With the the bases loaded in the the bottom half, Chisholm hit a changeup to the right-center gap that rolled past center fielder Denzel Clarke. He pulled into third base standing up and raised three fingers. 'It's like a blackout situation,' he said. 'I didn't even realize I put up three at third base.' With the bases loaded in the sixth, he made a diving stop near the dirt behind third on Luis Urías' 102.1 mph smash popped up and followed with a one-hop throw to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Then he caught Tyler Soderstrom's foul pop in the eighth inning while falling against netting in the narrow space next to the rolled up tarp. 'Jazz's defense I think was better than even his day at the plate,' said pitcher Marcus Stroman, who won in his return from a 2 1/2-month injury layoff. "He was incredible over there: a bunch of huge plays that helped me out in big spots, plays that are not normal plays." Advertisement Article continues below this ad New York acquired Chisholm from Miami last July 27 for three minor leaguers. Since then he's hit .257 with 24 homers, 58 RBIs and 28 stolen bases in 99 games. 'His game's so electric, and he can change the game and kind of affect the game in so many different ways in a dynamic fashion,' Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. 'So when he is playing at a high level, I think it does energize everyone.' Chisholm briefly caused worry in the sixth. He grimaced in pain after stopping his swing at a 1-2 fastball from Elvis Alvarado, which sailed high and outside. Chisholm went to the dugout and immediately up the tunnel to the clubhouse. Then he reappeared at third base for the start of the seventh. 'The bat kind of slipped out of my hand and hit me on the finger,' he said. 'It just hit the bone and when you get hit on the bone, it's kind of funny, it's just feels weird. So it was kind of scary at first, but we're good.' Advertisement Article continues below this ad ___
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
"We're All Very Pleased and Proud of Him" - How Cooper Flagg's Draft Night United a Small Town in Pride
Dylan Harper and Cooper Flagg (right) gather for a photo before the start of the first round of the NBA basketball draft in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Cooper Flagg went first overall to the Dallas Mavericks, injecting his 6-foot-8 two-way skill set and Duke-freshman resume into a star-studded roster on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Dylan Harper and Cooper Flagg (right) gather for a photo before the start of the first round of the NBA basketball draft in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Cooper Flagg went first overall to the Dallas Mavericks, injecting his 6-foot-8 two-way skill set and Duke-freshman resume into a star-studded roster on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Dylan Harper and Cooper Flagg (right) gather for a photo before the start of the first round of the NBA basketball draft in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) 1 2 Cooper Flagg's meteoric rise from Newport, Maine, to the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has sparked a wave of pride and celebration in his hometown. As the Dallas Mavericks called his name first on draft night, the reaction in Newport was nothing short of jubilant. Cooper Flagg's NBA Draft Drew Heartfelt Reactions from fellow Newport Residents Newport, a close-knit town of just over 3,000 residents nestled on the shores of Sebasticook Lake, has always been proud of its local talent, but Cooper Flagg's achievement has elevated that pride to new heights. On the night of the NBA Draft, multiple watch parties were held across town, with locals gathering at venues like Hamlin Marina and The Grove to witness history together. The sense of community was palpable, with residents donning Duke jerseys and sharing stories of Flagg's formative years. Here's what locals had to say: - 'We are all very pleased. Proud of him. Obviously, a small-town boy doing good, and again, he's a good kid from good stock. The whole town is very proud of him.' - 'It's really cool, especially since it's such a small town that someone's doing that. It's really great.' - 'Quite incredible that somebody from Newport, Maine, has gone that far. It's great for the whole state.' Young fans look up to the NBA-bound star Flagg's influence extends beyond adults—kids in Newport see him as a role model. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain (Search Now) Knee Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo One parent shared how their 9-year-old son, who attended Flagg's basketball camp last year, was in awe of his success. - 'We're actually really excited. My son, who's 9, looks up to him very much. He went to the camp last year, so it was kind of a surreal thing for him to see that.' Messages of support pour in for Flagg Cooper Flagg went first overall to the Dallas Mavericks, injecting his 6-foot-8 two-way skill set and Duke-freshman resume into a star-studded roster on Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) Locals didn't hold back in sharing their well-wishes for the young athlete. From store employees to longtime residents, the sentiment was the same: pride and encouragement. - 'Cooper, the town of Newport thanks you. Good job out there. Be a winner.' - 'Just keep doing what you're doing. He's a great kid, very humble, and doesn't forget his hometown.' - 'All I could say is congratulations from the Bartler family.' Cooper Flagg's Personal Connections and Hometown Memories For many in Newport, Cooper Flagg is more than just a basketball phenom—he's the kid who grew up down the street, the teammate, the friend, and the student. Missy and Peter Seehusen, whose children went to school with Flagg, reminisced about the playful rivalry between Cooper and their daughter, recalling how he and his twin brother Ace would 'steal snacks at recess'. Travis Turner, assistant fire chief, highlighted the town's tight-knit nature, noting that 'everybody is real close to each other, it brings that morale out'. Kendra Hartsgrove, whose son played alongside Flagg on the Nokomis High School team that won its first state title in 2022, described the atmosphere as 'heartwarming' and 'emotional,' underscoring how meaningful it is for the community to see one of their own reach such heights. Statewide Recognition: Cooper Flagg Day T he excitement in Newport was matched at the state level. Governor Janet Mills officially declared June 25, 2025, as 'Cooper Flagg Day' throughout Maine, praising Flagg's 'extraordinary talent and dedication' and calling him 'a source of tremendous pride for Maine'. The governor's proclamation encouraged all Mainers to celebrate Flagg's achievement and the inspiration he provides to youth across the state. Local businesses also joined in the celebration. Maine-based New Balance, which partners with Flagg, raised flags at its facilities in Norway and Skowhegan to mark the occasion, further cementing the connection between Flagg's success and his Maine roots. A Humble Star Who Remembers His Roots Despite his national acclaim and the bright lights of the NBA, Flagg remains grounded and deeply appreciative of his hometown. In interviews, he expressed gratitude for the support from Newport and the entire state: 'It means a lot to me to have the support of the whole state. I know how many people showed up today and support me and some of the draft parties back home. So, it feels amazing knowing that I can inspire younger kids. You know, I was in their shoes really not that long ago so just to know I can give those kids those feelings and have the whole state behind me. It means a lot,' Flagg said. The Biggest Thing to Ever Happen in Newport Locals agree that Flagg's achievement is unprecedented for their small town. ESPN's Marty Smith, reporting live from Newport, described the atmosphere as 'idyllic Americana,' with rows of American flags lining Elm Street and a palpable sense of excitement throughout the community. Residents spoke with pride about how Flagg's humility, work ethic, and team spirit have made him not just a basketball star, but a role model for Newport and beyond. As Cooper Flagg embarks on his NBA journey with the Dallas Mavericks, his hometown of Newport will continue to cheer him on, united by the pride of seeing one of their own reach the pinnacle of basketball. For Newport, Flagg's story is more than just a sports achievement—it's a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and staying true to one's roots. Also read: LeBron James Reflects on His Most Blatant Travel Violation on 'Mind The Game' Hosted By Steve Nash - "I Traveled Like a Mother!" In Newport, the flag will fly a little higher, and the sense of possibility for the next generation will burn a little brighter, thanks to Cooper Flagg. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
NFL players are going broke fast and the reasons are more real than you think
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)AP So, picture this: You've made it to the NFL , earned millions, lived the dream and then, just a few years after you hang up your cleats, you're broke. Sounds impossible, right? Well, it happens way more than you'd think. A jaw-dropping 78% of NFL players reportedly face bankruptcy or major financial stress within just two years of leaving the league. And no, this isn't just about blowing money on cars and chains there's a lot more to the story. The 78% NFL bankruptcy stat isn't just a myth, it reflects a huge problem This number didn't come out of nowhere. Back in 2009, Sports Illustrated rocked the sports world when it revealed that 78% of NFL players were either bankrupt or financially stressed shortly after retirement. ESPN's Broke documentary later drove the point home with shocking stories of players losing it all, mansions, luxury cars, jewelry, gone. The NFL never officially confirmed the stat, but the reality behind it is hard to ignore. Even though newer research shows fewer players file for official bankruptcy, the financial stress is still very real. Most of these guys see their wealth vanish faster than a game-winning touchdown. Real studies show many NFL players do go broke but it's not always immediate Here's where it gets interesting. A 2015 study from the American Economic Review followed NFL players drafted between 1996 and 2003. It found: Why 70% of NFL Players End Up Broke... About 2% filed for bankruptcy within two years of retirement. Around 16% went bankrupt within 12 years. So, maybe it's not everyone losing it all overnight but the financial hits do come, and they come hard. And remember, 'broke' doesn't always mean filing bankruptcy. Many players live paycheck to paycheck, sell off assets, or quietly downsize their lives without it ever making the news. Why NFL players lose their millions so fast despite giant salaries You might be wondering: If the average NFL player earns $3.2 million to $10 million during their career, how does this happen? Let's break it down: Short careers: The average NFL career? Just about 3 years. That's not a lot of time to make lifelong money. No money training: Most players hit the league young, with zero financial know-how and suddenly they're managing millions. Bad investments and scams: From shady business deals to 'friends' with business ideas, players are often easy targets. Lavish spending: Big houses, fancy cars, supporting family and friends, it all adds up fast. Even guys who try to be smart with their money can get overwhelmed by the pressure of sudden wealth and high expectations. The NFL is trying to help but money struggles remain common In fairness, the NFL and NFLPA have stepped up in recent years. They now offer financial literacy programs, workshops, and post-career support through groups like The Trust. But let's be honest, three years of fast cash can be tough to stretch over 40+ years of retirement, no matter how many classes you take. How These ICONIC NFL Players Went BANKRUPT | NFL Documentary At the end of the day, the real battle for NFL players often starts after the final whistle. The millions they earn on the field can disappear in a blink if they're not ready for life off it. So next time you see a rookie signing a fat contract, just remember: the money is only half the game, the real challenge is keeping it. Also read - 'I'm broke?' Antonio Brown trolls the media with $24 million bank screenshot and NSFW tweet Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
