Teams owners Tom Brady, Will Smith and Didier Drogba prepare for E1 Jeddah Grand Prix

Teams owners Tom Brady, Will Smith and Didier Drogba prepare for E1 Jeddah Grand Prix
The 2025 E1 Jeddah GP will take place on Jan. 24-25 (Supplied)
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Updated 16 January 2025
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Teams owners Tom Brady, Will Smith and Didier Drogba prepare for E1 Jeddah Grand Prix

Teams owners Tom Brady, Will Smith and Didier Drogba prepare for E1 Jeddah Grand Prix
  • The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF, the world’s only all-electric racing boat championship, starts its second season Jan. 24-25
  • 2024 winner Team Brady prepare to defend crown against Team Drogba, Team Rafa and Racing Team Aoki

JEDDAH: Just under a week remains for Tom Brady, Will Smith, Didier Drogba, Virat Kohli and a host of other celebrity owners to prepare their teams for this season’s UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF, which begins with the Jeddah GP.

The all-electric RaceBird boats took to the Red Sea waters off Jeddah for the E1 Championship’s global debut in February 2024, and the season concluded with Team Brady crowned the 2024 Champions of the Water.

Qualifying for the 2025 E1 Jeddah GP takes place on Friday, Jan. 24, and is followed on Saturday by the main race, presented in partnership with the Kingdom’s Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation.

Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Salman, president of the SWSDF, said: “For owners, pilots, organizers and fans, the countdown is on for the start of what will be a fascinating UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF at the Jeddah GP.

“This is where relentless innovation, marine preservation, and exhilarating races all come together, unveiling a new season for the Championship.

“In such a spectacular setting, this popular event highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to pioneering sustainable sports and furthering its reputation as a global hub for innovation and eco-tourism.”

The teams, each featuring male and female pilots sharing driving duties, are owned by celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment.

They include Smith (Westbrook Racing), Marc Anthony (Team Miami powered by Magnus), Steve Aoki (Racing Team Aoki), Brady (Team Brady), Kohli (Team Blue Rising), Drogba (Team Drogba), Rafael Nadal (Team Rafa) and Marcelo Claure (Team Brazil by Claure).

In its first season, E1 races took place in Venice, Monaco, Puerto Banus and Lake Como.


Johnson Charles’ quick-fire 71 helps Sharjah Warriorz overwhelm Dubai Capitals by 9 wickets

Johnson Charles’ quick-fire 71 helps Sharjah Warriorz overwhelm Dubai Capitals by 9 wickets
Updated 29 January 2025
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Johnson Charles’ quick-fire 71 helps Sharjah Warriorz overwhelm Dubai Capitals by 9 wickets

Johnson Charles’ quick-fire 71 helps Sharjah Warriorz overwhelm Dubai Capitals by 9 wickets
  • Adam Zampa shines with the ball with 2 for 28 to help restrict Dubai Capitals

DUBAI: Johnson Charles ignited the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday night by leading the Sharjah Warriorz to a resounding nine-wicket victory.

His breathtaking knock of 71 runs in 33 balls set up a flawless run chase in only 11.5 overs as the Warriorz maintained their undefeated record against the Dubai Capitals in the DP World ILT20.

An impactful show from the spinners, including two wickets for 28 runs from Adam Zampa in the first innings, restricted the Dubai Capitals to 131/9. The result gives the Warriorz’s net run rate a significant boost, keeping them firmly in the fray for a playoff berth.

The powerplay made the chase a mere formality as Charles and Tom Kohler-Cadmore dominated the bowling to set the highest powerplay score of the season. The pair raced to 79 runs in just six overs, with Charles smashing five towering sixes, including a remarkable 24-run over off Zahir Khan. 

Charles brought up his 50 in 21 balls, studded with six sixes and two fours. Halted by Sikandar Raza in the 11th over, he departed after striking three fours and eight sixes, which included a combination of power hitting, deft touches and switch-hits.

Kohler-Cadmore wrapped up proceedings in the next over with a clever boundary off Dushmantha Chameera. The Englishman finished with 54 runs in 32 balls, smashing eight fours and two sixes.

Earlier in the day, Adam Rossington bludgeoned a six and two fours as the powerplay saw 55 runs for the Capitals. Shai Hope played second fiddle to Rossington until the latter was accounted for by Zampa in the seventh over for 37 runs in 23 balls. 

Following the powerplay there was a steep drop in the run-rate. While Hope occupied one end, batting with restraint, the wickets tumbled around him as the spinners dominated the middle overs.

Zampa claimed another when he dismissed Gulbadin Naib, and skipper Sikandar Raza was removed by Ashton Agar. In the same over, Najibullah Zadran was run out to leave the Capitals in hot water at 85/4 in 12 overs. 

The UAE’s Rohan Mustafa kept the pressure on with the wickets of Khalid Shah and Dasun Shanaka to expose the tail. Meanwhile Hope’s stint at the crease came to an end for 45 runs in 52 balls at the hand of Tim Southee in the 18th over.

Rovman Powell provided a flicker of hope with an unbeaten 32 runs in only 16 balls, peppered with three fours and two sixes but the Dubai Capitals finished the innings at a below-par score of 131/9 in 20 overs. 

Player of the match Charles said: “They got off to a bit of a flier, but I love playing in Dubai because the conditions tend to get a bit skiddier, which suits my style.

“I thought Ashton Agar and Rohan Mustafa bowled exceptionally well and complemented each other perfectly. We managed to put the opposition under pressure.

“Ash and I have played a lot together in the past, and it’s always a pleasure to play alongside him. It felt almost nostalgic since we haven’t had many opportunities to play together recently.”

The Dubai Capitals’ captain Raza said: “I thought we were traditional in our batting. We needed more sweeps, reverse sweeps and switch-hits. We went into a shell rather than being aggressive.

“Johnson is a fantastic player and done that to many teams; it was quite hard to bowl at him. He played a lot of great shots. One bad game is not going to derail us. We will try to get this game out of (our) system and winning the next two is the target.”

 

Brief scores 

  • Sharjah Warriorz beat Dubai Capitals by 9 wickets
  • Dubai Capitals 131/9 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 45, Adam Rossington 37, Rovman Powell 32 not out, Rohan Mustafa 2 for 12, Adam Zampa 2 for 28)
  • Sharjah Warriorz 135/1 in 11.5 overs (Johnson Charles 71, Tom Kohler-Cadmore 54 not out, Sikandar Raza 1 for 9)

 


Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith target more success at season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh

Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith target more success at season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh
Updated 29 January 2025
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Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith target more success at season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh

Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith target more success at season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh
  • Chilean and Australian stars are ready to reignite battle in 2025 following dramatic playoff finish at Riyadh Golf Club in December

RIYADH: Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann returns to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 LIV Golf season opener in Riyadh with fond memories of competing in the Kingdom.

The Chilean star landed the LIV Golf Jeddah title in the third event of the 2024 LIV Golf season, a month after lifting the LIV Golf Mayakoba trophy.

While the venue for the tournament in Saudi Arabia has moved to Riyadh this year, Niemann knows how to win there too. Only last month, he claimed victory at the PIF Saudi International powered by Softbank Investment Advisors at Riyadh Golf Club, the 10th and final International Series event of 2024, where he beat Cameron Smith in a dramatic playoff.

Arab News spoke to the two players in the run-up to this year’s event.

AN: Looking ahead to 2025, how are you preparing to defend your title in Saudi Arabia, and what’s your mindset going into LIV Golf’s first event in Riyadh?

JN: “I’m pretty excited. I played there for the Saudi International back in December, so we were able to see the course and what it was going to be like. I think it’s going to be similar weather, too, so I’m excited to go back. There were good crowds, so it’s going to be a fun week.”

AN: What did the victory in Riyadh at the International Series event in December signify for you, and what does it feel like to have twice won in Saudi now?

JN: “It was pretty special. I feel like it was an interesting week because I was playing great, I felt like I had a great chance and I was almost getting it done on the last couple of holes but then it got a little bit complicated, Cam was playing great. It was a good experience. I played great on those playoff holes. I struggled on a few short putts but that’s part of it. It was great.”

AN: Having claimed two titles in Saudi, you’ve built a strong connection with the region, what do you enjoy most about playing and competing in Saudi — both on and off the course?

JN: “I’ve been playing great in Saudi. I don’t know… I just like Saudi, I think.

Australia’s Cameron Smith, meanwhile, returns to Riyadh Golf Club determined to go one better after his near miss at the event in December. The 2022 Open Champion led Ripper GC to Team Championship glory last season and is seeking a strong start to their title defense.

AN: Heading into LIV Golf Riyadh having finished as runner-up in the recent PIF Saudi International at Riyadh Golf Club, do you feel there’s any unfinished business to see to?

CS: “I really wasn’t expecting to finish where I finished on that last day, I had a great last day. It was such a blur, and I wasn’t expecting it. I like the golf course, it’s a golf course that lends itself well to me. There are plenty of wedges and plenty of birdie opportunities, so hopefully I can get back there and start the season off well and walk away with the trophy.”


Afghanistan’s female cricketers reunite for a match after 3 years in exile due to Taliban ban

Afghanistan’s female cricketers reunite for a match after 3 years in exile due to Taliban ban
Updated 29 January 2025
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Afghanistan’s female cricketers reunite for a match after 3 years in exile due to Taliban ban

Afghanistan’s female cricketers reunite for a match after 3 years in exile due to Taliban ban
  • Since fleeing Afghanistan where women cricketers are banned from playing, they have been based in Canberra and Melbourne
  • Afghanistan is a full member of the ICC and a condition of that status should require it to have a women’s side

MELBOURNE: Cricketer Firooza Amiri says her team will “represent millions of women in Afghanistan who are denied their rights” when the side reunites after more than three years for an exhibition game in Australia on Thursday.

An Afghanistan Women’s XI will play a Cricket Without Borders XI in the match at Melbourne’s Junction Oval. It will bring together 21 female players who were formerly contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) before the Taliban regime re-took control in August 2021.

Since fleeing Afghanistan, the women cricketers. banned from playing in their home country, have been based in Canberra and Melbourne and playing for various club teams in local competitions.

Amiri and Nahida Sapan, who will captain the Afghanistan Women’s XI, thanked the Australian government and Cricket Australia for their support in promoting women’s sport.

“It’s very special for all of us to get back together after three years, leaving everything and losing everything back home in Afghanistan and come together again,” Amiri said this week.

Amiri was forced to flee her home country when the Taliban took control. She and her family first traveled to Pakistan and then were evacuated to Australia.

“I also want to express deepest gratitude for everyone who support us. Your support means the world to us,” Sapan said. “Together we are building not just a team. We are building a movement for change and improvement.

“This is a very historic moment for all of Afghan women. This match can open doors for Afghan women for education, sport and our future.”

Sapan told the BBC in 2023 that her family received death threats from government officials after the Taliban re-took power. The threatening messages included: “If we find you, we will not let you live.”

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley praised the resilience of the players. He said it was a powerful moment when they were presented with their team shirts for the exhibition match.

“To see their playing shirts for the first time with their names and numbers on the back, you can see how much it means to them,” Hockley said. “I’m just inspired by their resilience, their love for the game.”

Hockley said CA would continue to “advocate” for change at a global level through discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC). He said Thursday’s game represented an important first step.

“This match shines the light on the fact that in places around the world, not every woman and girl has the chance to play,” Hockley said. “We continue to advocate at the ICC and continue to engage with the ACB (Afghanistan Cricket Board).

“It’s such a complex situation. It’s bigger than cricket.”

Under Taliban rule, the Afghanistan Cricket Board cannot field a national women’s team because the country’s laws forbid women from playing sport, studying and medical education, moves that have been criticized by world groups including the International Criminal Court.

Afghanistan is a full member of the ICC and a condition of that status should require it to have a women’s side.

England and Australia are refusing to participate in direct series against Afghanistan in protest, but continue to play against it in ICC events, such as next month’s Champions Trophy global event in Pakistan.

England cricket captain Jos Buttler said last week that his side should not boycott a match against the Afghanistan men’s team when they are scheduled to play in the Champions Trophy on Feb. 26 in Lahore. South Africa’s sport minister, however, has urged the Proteas to boycott their match against Afghanistan in the same tournament.

Asked why Australia was prepared to play a men’s game against Afghanistan in an ICC event, but not in a bilateral series, Hockley said CA was “duty-bound” to play all its scheduled fixtures at ICC events.

“We’re really trying to do everything we can in our power to make a difference,” Hockley said. “We’ve played Afghanistan in other ICC events. You have to draw a line somewhere and I think we’ve made our stance pretty clear.”

Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan from Afghanistan’s men’s national cricket team have posted support of women’s education on social media after the Taliban closed training institutes for nursing and midwives.

Hockley said he hoped Thursday’s match, the format for which was not announced, would become an annual one and that it would “promote lots of conversations.”

“You need moments like this to prompt real change. The first piece is awareness,” Hockley said. “Hopefully this game just raises awareness. I think it’s a real beacon of hope.”


Afghanistan’s female cricketers reunite for a match after 3 years in exile due to Taliban ban

Afghanistan’s female cricketers reunite for a match after 3 years in exile due to Taliban ban
Updated 29 January 2025
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Afghanistan’s female cricketers reunite for a match after 3 years in exile due to Taliban ban

Afghanistan’s female cricketers reunite for a match after 3 years in exile due to Taliban ban
  • An Afghanistan Women’s XI will play a Cricket Without Borders XI in the match at Melbourne’s Junction Oval
  • Since fleeing Afghanistan, the women cricketers, banned from playing in their home country, have been based in Canberra and Melbourne and playing for various club teams in local competitions

MELBOURNE: Cricketer Firooza Amiri says her team will “represent millions of women in Afghanistan who are denied their rights” when the side reunites after more than three years for an exhibition game in Australia on Thursday.

An Afghanistan Women’s XI will play a Cricket Without Borders XI in the match at Melbourne’s Junction Oval. It will bring together 21 female players who were formerly contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) before the Taliban regime re-took control in August 2021.

Since fleeing Afghanistan, the women cricketers, banned from playing in their home country, have been based in Canberra and Melbourne and playing for various club teams in local competitions.

Amiri and Nahida Sapan, who will captain the Afghanistan Women’s XI, thanked the Australian government and Cricket Australia for their support in promoting women’s sport.

“It’s very special for all of us to get back together after three years, leaving everything and losing everything back home in Afghanistan and come together again,” Amiri said this week.

Amiri was forced to flee her home country when the Taliban took control. She and her family first traveled to Pakistan and then were evacuated to Australia.

“I also want to express deepest gratitude for everyone who support us. Your support means the world to us,” Sapan said. “Together we are building not just a team. We are building a movement for change and improvement.

“This is a very historic moment for all of Afghan women. This match can open doors for Afghan women for education, sport and our future.”

Sapan told the BBC in 2023 that her family received death threats from government officials after the Taliban re-took power. The threatening messages included: “If we find you, we will not let you live.”

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley praised the resilience of the players. He said it was a powerful moment when they were presented with their team shirts for the exhibition match.

“To see their playing shirts for the first time with their names and numbers on the back, you can see how much it means to them,” Hockley said. “I’m just inspired by their resilience, their love for the game.”

Hockley said CA would continue to “advocate” for change at a global level through discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC). He said Thursday’s game represented an important first step.

“This match shines the light on the fact that in places around the world, not every woman and girl has the chance to play,” Hockley said. “We continue to advocate at the ICC and continue to engage with the ACB (Afghanistan Cricket Board).

“It’s such a complex situation. It’s bigger than cricket.”

Under Taliban rule, the Afghanistan Cricket Board cannot field a national women’s team because the country’s laws forbid women from playing sport, studying and medical education, moves that have been criticized by world groups including the International Criminal Court.

Afghanistan is a full member of the ICC and a condition of that status should require it to have a women’s side.

England and Australia are refusing to participate in direct series against Afghanistan in protest, but continue to play against it in ICC events, such as next month’s Champions Trophy global event in Pakistan.

England cricket captain Jos Buttler said last week that his side should not boycott a match against the Afghanistan men’s team when they are scheduled to play in the Champions Trophy on Feb. 26 in Lahore. South Africa’s sport minister, however, has urged the Proteas to boycott their match against Afghanistan in the same tournament.

Asked why Australia was prepared to play a men’s game against Afghanistan in an ICC event, but not in a bilateral series, Hockley said CA was “duty-bound” to play all its scheduled fixtures at ICC events.

“We’re really trying to do everything we can in our power to make a difference,” Hockley said. “We’ve played Afghanistan in other ICC events. You have to draw a line somewhere and I think we’ve made our stance pretty clear.”

Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan from Afghanistan’s men’s national cricket team have posted support of women’s education on social media after the Taliban closed training institutes for nursing and midwives.

Hockley said he hoped Thursday’s match, the format for which was not announced, would become an annual one and that it would “promote lots of conversations.”

“You need moments like this to prompt real change. The first piece is awareness,” Hockley said. “Hopefully this game just raises awareness. I think it’s a real beacon of hope.”


India’s Bumrah named cricketer of the year after stellar 2024

India’s Bumrah named cricketer of the year after stellar 2024
Updated 29 January 2025
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India’s Bumrah named cricketer of the year after stellar 2024

India’s Bumrah named cricketer of the year after stellar 2024
  • Bumrah beat England batters Harry Brook and Joe Root as well as Australia’s Travis Head to the award — the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, given by the sport’s governing body
  • New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr was voted women’s cricketer of the year to win the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy

NEW DELHI: India pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been named men’s cricketer of the year for 2024, the International Cricket Council announced Tuesday, a day after he won the Test award.

Bumrah, 31, ended last year as the top wicket-taker in Tests with 71 wickets and inspired India to the T20 World Cup title in June.

“The year 2024 was incredibly special — winning the men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados and also contributing as much as I could across all three formats of the game,” said Bumrah.

“I dedicate this award to everyone who has believed in me, the power of hard work and dreams, and to bowlers worldwide who continue to inspire and strive for excellence.”

Bumrah beat England batters Harry Brook and Joe Root as well as Australia’s Travis Head to the award — the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, given by the sport’s governing body.

He is fifth Indian to receive the award after Rahul Dravid (2004), Sachin Tendulkar (2010), Ravichandran Ashwin (2016) and Virat Kohli (2017, 2018).

Bumrah has claimed 443 wickets in 204 international matches since his debut for India in 2016.

New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr was voted women’s cricketer of the year to win the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, after she won the T20 cricketer of the year on Saturday.

Kerr becomes the first New Zealander to win the trophy after she inspired the White Ferns to their women’s T20 World Cup victory in October last year.

The 24-year-old overcame South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu and Australia’s Annabel Sutherland to win the award.