Latest news with #BrisbaneHeat
News18
18-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Smriti Mandhana Birthday: Why Indian Women's Cricketer Wears Jersey No. 18
Mandhana followed her brother Shravan's footsteps and joined cricket. Shravan played district-level cricket for Sangli. Mandhana's family gave her all the encouragement and support she needed to take up the sport. A prodigy identified by Indian cricket coaches and selectors early, Mandhana made her senior team debut for Maharashtra as a 13-year-old before going on to captain the state aged 16 in 2013. The same year, Mandhana became one of the youngest to make her international debut for India as she turned up in a T20 International versus Bangladesh in Vadodara. In 2014, she made her Test debut against England and celebrated the occasion with a great century at Wormsley. Mandhana started India's astonishing run to the final of the 2017 World Cup in England by blasting a 90 in the tournament opener against the hosts. Because of her limited-overs exploits, Mandhana became a revolutionary figure for women's T20 cricket, becoming the first Indian player to be signed up for a franchise deal with Women's Big Bash League side Brisbane Heat in the 2016-17 season. In 2018, Mandhana was conferred with the prestigious Arjuna Award. Mandhana was the most sought-after figure when Indian women's cricket finally saw the launch of their own marquee domestic T20 league. As the BCCI introduced the Women's Premier League in early 2023, Mandhana became the league's costliest signing for Rs 3.4 crores by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Mandhana was the first RCB captain to lift a trophy as she guided the popular franchise to their maiden crown in the final of the WPL 2024 in Delhi. Mandhana holds multiple prominent records in her international career, including the sixth fastest player to 3,000 T20I runs (122 innings), most fifties (32) and seventh-most matches (151) in the shortest format in women's cricket. In ODIs, her bag of special milestones includes the most runs in a single edition of the ICC Women's ODI Championship (1,358 runs in 2023-25 cycle) and most hundreds by a player in a calendar year in 2024 with four centuries.
Perth Now
03-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Major hurdle cleared for ‘best Games ever'
Brisbane's Olympic dream is now a step closer to reality, with billions in federal funds secured to fast-track critical Games infrastructure.A landmark funding agreement between the Australian and Queensland Governments has officially unlocked $3.4bn in federal contributions. The deal, announced on Thursday, will help deliver the infrastructure needed for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, setting the stage for one of the largest sporting investments in Australian history. An artist's impression of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Queensland government. Credit: Supplied The deal confirms a combined $7.1bn Games Venue Infrastructure Program, with both governments now committed to delivering 17 new or upgraded sporting venues across Queensland, including a world-class 63,000-seat main stadium at Victoria Park and a National Aquatic Centre. These venues will form the heart of the Games precinct and serve as lasting legacy infrastructure well beyond 2032. The Victoria Park stadium, set to host the Games' opening and closing ceremonies as well as athletics events, is designed to become the future home of major sporting teams like the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Bulls and will be capable of hosting major events such as Test cricket and international concerts. Early site works, including geotechnical and environmental assessments, are already under way, with the Queensland government also working on cultural heritage agreements with First Nations groups. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said while efforts were being made to reach an agreement with First Nations groups over the Victoria Park redevelopment, state laws 'will override' if consensus cannot be reached. Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King confirm an agreement for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. Dan Peled / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Procurement for work to begin at four key 'minor venues', the Logan Indoor Sports Centre, Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade and an upgrade of Barlow Park in Cairns, was also launched on Thursday. These projects will begin shortly, with the Queensland government promising shovels in the ground and fast-tracked delivery. The updated venue delivery plan replaces Labor's former proposal for a new indoor arena in Brisbane's CBD. Under the LNP government's revised approach, the private sector will deliver an arena at Woolloongabba, while taxpayer funds are redirected to other legacy projects, including a Toowoomba Equestrian Centre, a dedicated para-sport facility, and an expanded Queensland Tennis Centre. Speaking at a conference at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Mr Bleijie said the agreement represented the beginning of a new partnership between state and federal governments to deliver the 'best Games ever'. He confirmed that $5.15bn in state funds had already been allocated in Queensland's latest budget to support the delivery of the venues. Plans for a world-class 7000-seat Games arena, athlete village and five-star hotel on the Sunshine Coast have been revealed by Walker Corporation in their Horizon Centre proposal. Credit: Supplied Mr Bleijie also addressed recent speculation that a new Olympic Park train station could be built near the new stadium site, stating that while the idea may have been explored in early discussions, no such plan has been formally announced. However, he reaffirmed the government's broader commitment to infrastructure, including upgraded roads and rail networks. 'I'm not ruling anything in and out,' he said. Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the Games would be a transformative moment for the state, drawing comparisons to the legacy of Sydney 2000 and describing the investment as the largest contribution the Commonwealth has ever made to sporting infrastructure. In addition to Games venues, the federal government has committed $12.4bn to major transport upgrades across Queensland, including the Bruce Highway, faster rail to the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail project. Sport Minister Anika Wells and Queensland's Games Minister Tim Mander also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the Games delivered benefits for all Queenslanders, not just in the southeast but statewide. Mr Bleijie wouldn't rule 'anything in or out'. NewsWire / John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia This includes investing in grassroots sporting programs and doubling federal investment in Australia's Paralympians ahead of 2032. Games Infrastructure Authority chairman Stephen Conroy said work was progressing across all 17 authority venues, with significant input from technical experts during the 100-day review. A new chief executive will soon be appointed to oversee the rollout of the delivery program. Mr Bleijie said the government also remained committed to include Rockhampton as the host location for Olympic rowing events. With legislation already passed to exempt Games infrastructure from major planning laws and procurement officially under way, both governments said the path was now clear to deliver a Games that would not only unite the nation but redefine Queensland's sporting and infrastructure landscape for generations to come.
News18
01-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Jemimah Rodrigues Held Onto By Brisbane Heat In WBBL Draft
Last Updated: Jemimah Rodrigues stays with Brisbane Heat for the Women's Big Bash League. Sydney Thunder picked Chamari Athapaththu, Shabnim Ismail, and Heather Knight. India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been retained by Brisbane Heat, with eight franchises selecting a total of 23 international players during the Women's Big Bash League draft on Thursday. Cricket Australia announced that middle-order batter Rodrigues, a 'fan favourite" in Brisbane, was retained by the Brisbane Heat franchise along with West Indies' Chinelle Henry and South Africa's Nadine de Klerk. A total of 15 Indian women players had registered for the WBBL draft ahead of its 10th season. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, former South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail, and former England captain Heather Knight were picked up by Sydney Thunder. The Sydney Sixers signed England duo Sophia Dunkley and Mady Villiers, along with New Zealand star Amelia Kerr. Meanwhile, Adelaide Strikers selected English spinner Sophie Ecclestone, wicketkeeper-batter Tammy Beaumont, and South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt. Melbourne Stars picked up two more England players, wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones and Dani Gibson. They also showed interest in India's Rodrigues and signed South Africa's Marizanne Kapp. New Zealand veteran Sophie Devine, England's Paige Scholfield, and South African Chloe Tryon joined Perth Scorchers. England captain Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt, and Linsey Smith were selected by Hobart Hurricanes, while Melbourne Renegades drafted West Indies' Deandra Dottin and England's Alice Capsey. First Published: June 19, 2025, 14:37 IST
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
'Excited to have Shaheen in Brisbane'
The likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, and Haris Rauf will be seen playing against each other during the Australian summer and thus, it is safe to say that a lot of people from Pakistan would be excited for the BBL 2025/26. As Brisbane Heat managed to pick Afridi, their head coach, Johan Botha, seemed very pleased to have the star pacer in his side. The former South African captain himself has been a part of various T20 leagues including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and has an impressive CV as a T20 player. As a matter of fact, he has coached several franchises across the globe too. During an exclusive interview with Arvind Kalyana Krishnan during the BBL 15 Draft in Melbourne, Johan Botha expressed his excitement about getting Shaheen, and spoke about the fans and support he'll be getting along with him. The former Proteas all-rounder drew light on the prospect of all the Pakistani players playing against one another, and the amount of fan following they have. Botha stated that it was a big tick for the BBL in terms of popularising the tournament. "We've very excited (to get Shaheen Afridi). You know, I think the whole BBL now! With Babar going to Sydney, Shadab is back, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan.....I think that's a big tick for the Big Bash. "I think it'll bring a lot of interest, and especially when you have those guys play against each other, I think that will you know get crowds in through the gates and that's ultimately what it is. "It's entertainment and we're look into those match-ups. You know I've been at PSL quite a lot and it's exciting to see the best players going against each other," said Johan Botha. Shaheen Afridi has grabbed the cricketing headlines in Australia as Brisbane Heat managed to acquire his services during the recently-concluded KFC Big Bash League 15 Draft. Brisbane Heat were quick to get the pacer as he was their first pick on June 19. Post which, several other star cricketers from Pakistan were picked by various teams during the BBL 15 overseas player draft. Further on, the 43-year-old also spoke about South Africa winning the World Test Championship 2025. As a former South African cricketer and skipper himself, Botha felt that the "Rainbow Nation" winning their second ICC tournament was massive for the cricketing world. He also spoke about how some of the Proteas players still rate Test cricket very highly and want to continue playing the longest format of the game. The Temba Bavuma-led side had beaten Australia at Lord's during the WTC 2025 Final with Aiden Markram hitting a scintillating century in the fourth innings to deny the Pat Cunmins-led side their second WTC title. "South Africa winning is massive. You know, following that over the last few days obviously. A huge win for South Africa. Their rugby has done so well for a long time and it's nice to finally see the cricket guys get over the line and it's huge for cricket. "Even those guys in the team speaking about important Test cricket still is. You know when I was there and playing, you always felt that guys want to play One-day cricket to playing franchise cricket, but it's great to hear that top players still speak so highly of Test cricket and yeah, it's exciting and hopefully that you know those young guys can come through and play Test cricket for South Africa," he said.
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Jemimah Rodrigues retained by Brisbane Heat in WBBL draft
India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been retained by Brisbane Heat, with eight franchises picking up a total of 23 international players during the Women's Big Bash League draft in Melbourne on Thursday (June 19, 2025). Cricket Australia informed in a release that middle-order batter Rodrigues, a "fan favourite" in Brisbane, was retained by the Brisbane Heat franchise along with West Indies' Chinelle Henry and South Africa's Nadine de Klerk. A total of 15 Indian women players had registered themselves for the WBBL draft ahead of its 10th season. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, former South African fast bowler Shabnim Ismail and former England captain Heather Knight were picked up by Sydney Thunder. England duo of Sophia Dunkley and Mady Villiers, along with New Zealand star Amelia Kerr, were roped in by Sydney Sixers, while Adelaide Strikers picked up English spinner Sophie Ecclestone and wicketkeeper-batter Tammy Beaumont, along with South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt. Two more England players in wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones and Dani Gibson, were picked up by Melbourne Stars, who also showed interest in India's Rodrigues. The franchise also roped in South Africa's Marizanne Kapp. New Zealand veteran Sophie Devine, England's Paige Scholfield and South African Chloe Tryon went to Perth Scorchers. England captain Natalie Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt and Linsey Smith went to the Hobart Hurricanes, while Melbourne Renegades drafted in West Indies' Deandra Dottin and England's Alice Capsey.
