No reason to doubt integrity of 2011 WC final: ICC

Dubai

The ICC today said there is no reason to doubt the integrity of the 2011 World Cup final in which India defeated Sri Lanka, asserting that it has not been provided any evidence that would merit an investigation into the game. The world body’s statement came after Sri Lanka police’s special investigation division today called off a probe into allegations by former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage that the final was fixed. Three former Sri Lanka captains, Aravinda D’Silva (chairman of selectors during the 2011 World Cup), Kumar Sangakkara (captain) and Mahela Jayawardene (centurion in the final), recorded their statements before the probe was called off.

Madrid

Ramos’ late penalty takes Real closer to title

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos kept his nerve to score a late penalty and secure a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Getafe on Thursday for a sixth consecutive La Liga victory to take his side one step closer to winning the title. Real, who have not won the title since 2017, lead the table on 74 points, four ahead of Barca with five games left.

Barcelona

Messi unwilling to renew Barcelona contract

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has called off negotiations over renewing his contract with the club and is ready to leave the Catalans when his current deal expires in 2021, according to a report by Spanish radio station Cadena Ser on Friday.

Spielberg (austria)

Hamilton makes a statement as F1 gets back on track

Formula One got back on track in changed circumstances but familiar fashion at the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix today, with Mercedes and six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton picking up where they left off last year. The Briton and teammate Valtteri Bottas finished one-two in both free practice sessions on the sport’s latest start to a campaign. — Agencies