IPL auction likely on Feb 18
New Delhi: The IPL players auction ahead of the 2021 season is likely to be held on February 18, a BCCI official told PTI on Friday. “The auction will be held on February 18. The venue is yet to be decided,” the official said. The BCCI is also yet to decide whether the IPL will happen in India or not even though Board President Sourav Ganguly has repeatedly asserted that everything possible would be done to keep the glitzy event at its home.
SFI planning exposure camp to SA
New Delhi: The Swimming Federation of India (SFI) is planning an exposure camp for swimmers to South Africa in March subject to the Covid-19 situation in the country. A group of 20 swimmers — 10 seniors and as many juniors will train either at the High Performance centre in Pretoria or Stellenbosch and will also take part in the FINA qualifying meets scheduled to be held in Durban. “The team will arrive sometime in March and the last event is around May 29 so the swimmers will train and race there,” SFI Secretary General Monal Chokshi told PTI.
Baroda suspend Hooda for indiscipline
Vadodara: The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) has suspended senior player Deepak Hooda, who had stormed out of the camp before the start of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, for this domestic season for “indiscipline” and “bringing disrespect to the game.” Hooda had walked out of the team on the eve of domestic T20 tourney after a spat with captain Krunal Pandya. “He (Hooda) has been suspended for this season for indiscipline and bringing disrespect to the BCA and the game. Without informing the team and the BCA, he left the team and the (bio) bubble,” BCA secretary Ajit Lele told PTI on Friday.
Serbia vs Germany, Canada in ATP Cup
Melbourne: Novak Djokovic and his defending champion Serbia squad will play Germany and Canada in group play at the ATP Cup from February 1-5 at Melbourne Park. The draw held on Friday also has Australia playing in a tough group with Rafael Nadal's Spain as well as Greece in Group B. Serbia beat Spain in the final of the inaugural 2020 ATP Cup. Greece will be led by No 6-ranked Stefan Tsitsipas. Alex de Minaur leads the hosts lineup that made the semis last year.
Chennai test behind closed doors
Chennai: The first two Tests of the upcoming India-England series will be played at the M A Chidambaram Stadium behind closed doors, a top official from host association TNCA said on Friday. According to TNCA secretary R S Ramasaamy, the two Tests would be played without spectators as per a BCCI directive, considering the prevailing Covid-19 situation.
Dangal Games Series ‘A’ Raise $1mn fund
New Delhi: Dangal Games, India's booming online skill-based gaming platform has raised a ‘Series A' fund of $1mn from a strategic investor. Since its inception, Dangal Games has catered to its audience remarkably well, which elicited their first product ‘PokerDangal' to be honored among India's top 5 online Poker platforms. Following up the phenomenal response, the company launched ‘RummyDangal in the last quarter holding an intention to forge a snappy yet trustable platform to enjoy online rummy in India. The company now plans to add ‘Fantasy Games' to their bandwagon before start of IPL 2021.