Ojha goes incommunicado as CAB names warm-up squad

Kolkata 

The cold war between Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and discarded India spinner Pragyan Ojha intensified after the state body “failed to establish contact” with him before naming the Bengal squad for a two-match warm-up tour of Gujarat, starting September 17. Ojha, who played two seasons for Bengal, wanted to return to Hyderabad but has not been granted No Objection Certificate by CAB. “We have not yet established any contact with him, so we are forced to name the squad without him,” CAB joint secretary Avishek Dalmiya said.

Seoul

Kashyap moves into main round at Korea Open

Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap moved into the main round of the men’s singles event of the Korean Super Series after registering wins in the qualification matches on Tuesday. In the first qualifier, Kashyap eased past Lin Yu-hsien of Taiwan, defeating him 21-19 21-9 in 35 minutes.  In the second qualifier, he defeated Kan Chao Yu 21-19 21-8. In the mixed double’s event, Ashwini Ponnappa and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy also qualified for the main round.   

Sonepat

Bengal Warriors edge past Telugu Titans 32-31        

Bengal Warriors scripted an impressive comeback to beat Telugu Titans 32-31 in a Pro Kabaddi League match here today. Jang Kun Lee scored in the dying moments to win the match for Bengal Warriors. He top-scored with nine points, while Maninder Singh chipped in with seven points. Telugu Titans would look at this match as a missed opportunity as they scored just one point in the last seven minutes.

Kolkata

My wife wants me to play 2019 World Cup: Saha  

India wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha on Tuesday said his wife wants him to be a part of India’s 2019 World Cup squad and that he is working hard towards it. “My wife badly wants me to be part of the World Cup team or play in the World Cup,” said Saha. “She always insists I push harder (for a spot). I am trying. Ultimately, the decision lies with the selectors,” the 32-year-old Test stumper said.  — Agencies

New Delhi

Women boxers to participate in Ahmed Comert meet 

The Indian women pugilists will begin their preparation for the AIBA World Youth Boxing Championship to be held in Guwahati later this year by taking part in the Ahmed Comert International Boxing Championship this week. A 10-member squad took off for Istanbul in the early hours of Monday to get valuable match practice against some of the best boxers in the world. Soniya and Jyoti (48 kg), Deepa and Parveen (54kg), Shashi Chopra (57kg), Ankushita Boro (60kg), Lalita (64kg), Tilotima Chanu (60 kg), Manisha (64kg) and Niharika Gonella (75kg) will participate in the week-long tournament which began on Monday.

LONDON

Liverpool to appeal length of Mane’s ban

Liverpool will appeal the length of Sadio Mane’s three-match ban after his sent off during last Saturday’s 0-5 defeat by Manchester City. The Senegal forward incurred a direct red card for a high challenge on City goalkeeper Ederson in the 37th minute and is set to miss Saturday’s league game against Burnley and two upcoming games at Leicester City, one in the league and one in the League Cup. Liverpool will not appeal the 25-year-old’s dismissal but believe a three-match ban is too harsh for the incident. If successful, the ban could be reduced by one or two games.

Johannesburg

South Africa accept World Cup replay order 

South Africa said they accepted a FIFA order to replay a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Senegal that was manipulated by a Ghanaian referee. “Following extra information from FIFA, we resolved on moral and ethical grounds that we cannot benefit from corrupt activities,” a national football association statement said. “Therefore, we have decided to comply with the FIFA directive to replay the match against Senegal on a date to be decided.” Referee Joseph Lamptey awarded South Africa a non- existent penalty which they converted en route a 2-1 home victory over Senegal in Group D last November. The other South African goal was also controversial with the match official still ordering Senegalese players to retreat for a free-kick after it was taken. — Agencies