Dozens of activists yesterday stormed the Mumbai offices of India’s cricket board to disrupt planned talks on resuming matches against Pakistan, the latest protest by hardline Hindu activists in the city.
About three dozen supporters of the Shiv Sena party barged into the headquarters of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and shouted anti-Pakistan slogans at BCCI president Shashank Manohar.
“Six people are being held in custody and we are registering an offense of rioting,” Mumbai Police Deputy Commissioner Dhananjay Kulkarni told reporters.
“Thirty-five were involved, so we are looking to arrest a few more,” he added.
The protesters demanded that Manohar cancel talks with Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahryar Khan that were scheduled to take place in Mumbai yesterday.
Khan on Sunday arrived in the city to discuss the possibility of an India-Pakistan series, which has run into doubt over strained relations.
Local media reported that the talks would instead be held in New Delhi today, but there was no official confirmation from the BCCI.
India and Pakistan have been bitter rivals since gaining independence from Britain in 1947 and have fought three wars. The archrivals have not played a Test match since Pakistan toured India in 2007.
Pakistan are due to host India for a full tour in the United Arab Emirates in December — one of six series the archrivals agreed to play between this year and 2023 under an agreement signed last year — pending New Delhi’s clearance.
However, relations between the South Asian nuclear rivals have been strained, with continued border ceasefire violations from both sides, leading to the cancelation of a meeting between their security advisers in August.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely