Category: Sports

Marathon world record-breaker Sabastian Sawe received a customized number plate and a whopping cash prize from the president of Kenya.

Sawe created history with a record run, winning the London Marathon in 1:59:30, shattering the previous benchmark of 2:00:35 set by his compatriot Kelvin Kiptum.

Following his achievement, the 31-year-old received a hero’s welcome at home and was honored by President William Ruto at the Statehouse in Nairobi on Thursday.

The 31-year-old received a hero’s welcome at home and was honored by President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi on Thursday.

He was offered Ksh5 million, a reward for Kenyan athletes who break a world record, and an extra Ksh3 million for a gold medal, taking his tally to Ksh8 million from the government.

In addition to this, the President also gifted him a car with a customized number plate reading ‘01 59 30’, highlighting his remarkable achievement.

Moreover, the runner gifted the President a pair of Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 supershoes, which he used to break the historic marathon record.

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William Ruto praised Sebastian Sawe, saying his record is a testament to Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running.

“What Sabastian Sawe has done by running a marathon under two hours confirms Kenya’s place as the origin of wonder,” President Ruto said during the ceremony.

“If you are looking for the origin of wonder, it is right here, as we witnessed Sabastian Sawe make history and create new wonder for the world,” he added.

For the unversed, Kenya has dominated long-distance running, and its runners are superstars in the country. However, the pressure to break into the elite means that doping is a major problem in Kenya.

Two former Kenyan winners of the men’s race at the London Marathon, Wilson Kipsang, the victor in 2012 and 2014, and 2017 winner Daniel Wanjiru, are among those to have been subsequently banned.

In a bid to allay such suspicions about his own performances, Sawe has voluntarily subjected himself to extra drug testing, even paying $50,000 to be tested 25 times in the year by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) before last year’s Berlin race.

READ: Kobbie Mainoo signs new contract with Manchester United

KARACHI: Pakistan Test squad continued preparations for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh under newly appointed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

The national team players trained at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Center (HPC) on the third day of the camp.

During the morning session, newly appointed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed oversaw slip-catching drills with Salman Ali Agha and vice-captain Saud Shakeel. He later worked with other players of the squad.

In the afternoon, players moved indoors for training.

Meanwhile, ace batter Babar Azam will join the squad after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, with his team, Peshawar Zalmi, set to feature in the final.

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The camp will run until May 2, with two scenario-based practice matches scheduled at the Oval Ground.

For the unversed, Pakistan currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with 12 points, having played only two matches in the current cycle against South Africa at home in 2025.

Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Test series

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

READ: Kumar Sangakkara named in Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee

Sri Lanka’s legendary batter Kumar Sangakkara has been named to a Transformation Committee to run Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). 

The decision follows the government-led ouster of the SLC administration headed by Shammi Silva.

Sangakkara, one of Sri Lanka’s finest cricketers, is the most renowned name in the committee. He is joined by former cricketers Roshan Mahanama and the country’s maiden Test century-maker Sidath Wettimuny, along with several members of corporate, legal, and political backgrounds.

The head of the committee is a former member of parliament, Eran Wickramaratne — a politician from Sri Lanka’s main opposition party (Samagi Jana Balawegaya).

Following the announcement, Wickramaratne highlighted the committee’s objectives, including an overhaul of SLC’s governance framework.

“I am privileged to lead a nine-member committee of individuals with impeccable integrity and expertise,” Wickramaratne said.

“Our immediate priority is a total overhaul of the governance framework at SLC,” he continued. “The cornerstone of this effort will be the implementation of the new consitution, ensuring it serves as a robust, modern foundation for the sport.”

He also expressed confidence in bringing out the best in Sri Lankan players by providing them with top-tier facilities.

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“We will focus on establishing the structures, world-class facilities, and incentive models necessary to empower our national teams. Our goal is to enable our players to consistently deliver world-class performances and elevate Sri Lanka back to the top tier of international rankings.”

Among the members, Wettimuny and Prakash Schaffter bring prior administrative experience, having served on the 2015 interim committee. Avanthi Colombage from the corporate sector, is the only woman on the panel.

For the unversed, SLC is the country’s richest sporting body, but it has been plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

Sri Lanka made an early exit from the T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted with India in February–March. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to comment on the latest government-led changes.

The ICC has previously suspended Sri Lanka’s membership in November 2023, citing political interference in the running of the national board. The suspension was lifted at the end of January 2024, and Silva’s committee was restored. He subsequently won a fourth term uncontested as president.

SLC’s new committee members:

Eran Wickramaratne (politics/corporate)

Roshan Mahanama (cricket/corporate)

Kumar Sangakkara (cricket/business)

Sidath Wettimuny (cricket/corporate)

Prakash Schaffter (corporate/cricket)

Avanthi Colombage (corporate)

Thushira Radella (corporate)

Upul Kumarapperuma (law/politics)

Dinal Phillips (law)

READ: Tentative schedule for Pakistan-Australia ODI series revealed: sources

Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new contract at Manchester United that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2031, bringing an end to months of uncertainty over his future.

The 21-year-old, who joined United’s academy in 2014, has already made 98 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals, including in the FA Cup final win against Manchester City in 2024.

Mainoo fell out of favour under former boss Ruben Amorim and had a request to leave on loan in August rejected.

He started just one game all season, the League Cup loss to Grimsby on penalties, under the Portuguese, who was sacked in January.

That led to growing speculation that the future of the boyhood United fan could lie away from Old Trafford.

But Mainoo has been rejuvenated under Michael Carrick, who was appointed as head coach until the end of the season after Amorim was fired.

The midfielder has started all but one game since then, playing a key role as United have climbed to third in the Premier League, all but securing a return to the Champions League.

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“Manchester United has always been my home — this special club means everything to my family,” said Mainoo.

“I have grown up seeing the impact that our club has on our city, and I relish the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.”

He added: “We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead.”

Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, hailed Mainoo as one of the most “naturally gifted young footballers in the world”.

“His technical ability, dedicated professionalism and humble personality make him the perfect role model for our young players and a true credit to our outstanding academy system,” he said.

“We are delighted that Kobbie has extended his stay here and have full confidence that he will develop into one of the best players in the world, ready to play a pivotal role in a Manchester United team challenging for the biggest honours.”

Mainoo has also regained his place in the England set-up under Thomas Tuchel, featuring in friendlies in March against Uruguay and Japan.

READ: Ronaldo scores 970th goal as Al Nassr edge past Al Ahli

RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal for Al Nassr as they secured a 2-0 victory over Al Ahli at Alawwal Park on Wednesday, extending their winning streak to an extraordinary 20 consecutive matches.

The result strengthened Al Nassr’s position at the top of the Saudi Pro League table, pushing their lead from eight points to 11 with just four league games remaining.

The win brings them within touching distance of the title, with momentum firmly on their side in the closing stretch of the season.

After a tightly contested encounter that remained goalless for 75 minutes, Ronaldo produced the decisive moment in trademark fashion.

The Portuguese superstar rose to meet Joao Felix’s inswinging corner and guided a perfectly timed flicked header into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Édouard Mendy with no chance.

The goal triggered an emotional celebration as Ronaldo sprinted toward Felix at the corner flag before being swarmed by teammates and staff, reflecting the importance of the breakthrough in a high-stakes fixture.

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Al Nassr doubled their lead in the 90th minute when Kingsley Coman struck powerfully after Al Ahli failed to clear another set-piece, effectively sealing all three points.

The victory underlined Al Nassr’s dominant run of form, with 16 of their 20 consecutive wins coming in the league. Their consistency has left rivals struggling to keep pace, while Al Ahli, despite having one match remaining, are now effectively out of the title race.

Notably, this was Ronaldo’s 25th goal in the season, marking a significant personal milestone as he has now scored 25 or more league goals in three consecutive seasons for the first time since his remarkable nine-season streak between 2009-10 and 2017-18.

He has now scored nine goals in his last nine matches, further underlining his enduring impact.

The 39-year-old forward has now reached 970 career goals for club and country and has scored 126 times for Al Nassr in all competitions.

READ: Burnley boss Scott Parker leaves club after relegation from Premier League

Scott Parker has left his position as head coach of Burnley by mutual consent following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, it was announced on Thursday.

Burnley said in a statement that Parker and the board had “mutually agreed that his time at Turf Moor would conclude” following one season back in the English top division.

Parker led the Clarets to promotion last year, but this season has been a struggle, with just four league wins in total.

Burnley’s fate was confirmed on April 22 after a 1-0 home defeat by Manchester City, two days after Wolves were relegated.

Parker, who has previously managed Fulham, Bournemouth and Belgian side Club Brugge, signed a three-year contract in July 2024, succeeding Vincent Kompany.

He oversaw a remarkable 2024/25 season in the Championship, which included a 31-match unbeaten run and 30 clean sheets, taking them back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

But Burnley have conceded 68 goals in 34 league matches in the current campaign, the most of any side, and were knocked out of the FA Cup and League Cup by third-tier teams.

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“The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Scott for his professionalism, dedication and contribution,” Burnley said in a statement.

“He leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone connected with Burnley Football Club.”

Former England midfielder Parker, 45, said in a statement on the club’s website that it had been an “immense privilege” to lead Burnley.

“I have enjoyed every moment of our journey together, but feel that now is the right time for both parties to move in a different direction,” he said.

“I reflect back with great pride on what we achieved during my time at the club, especially our unforgettable promotion season in 2024/25, and it was a true honour to lead this team into the Premier League.”

The club said Parker’s assistant, Mike Jackson, would take charge of the club’s four remaining Premier League fixtures, beginning with Friday’s match at Leeds United.

It said the process of appointing a new permanent head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season had begun.

READ: Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag penalised for vaping in dressing room

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has been fined a quarter of his match fee for vaping in the dressing room during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 game against Punjab Kings.

Images of Parag, 24, using an e‑cigarette during Tuesday’s match against Punjab Kings were broadcast live on television and quickly went viral on social media.

E‑cigarettes are banned in India under a 2019 law that prohibits their manufacture, import, sale and storage, regardless of nicotine content.

“Riyan admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed,” a statement posted on the league’s website said, adding that the team skipper would also be hit with one demerit point.

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The IPL added that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was also exploring options to initiate “stringent action” against the Rajasthan Royals, its officials and players to ensure that the reputation of the league “remains intact”.

Violations of India’s e-cigarette law can attract fines of up to 500,000 rupees ($6,000) and jail terms. Personal possession and vaping in public is also banned.

Rajasthan, winners of the inaugural IPL in 2008 under late Australian great Shane Warne, recently had their team manager, Ravinder Singh Bhinder, fined 100,000 rupees for using a mobile phone in the dugout during a match.

READ: Tentative schedule for Pakistan-Australia ODI series revealed: sources

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly finalised a tentative schedule for the upcoming home ODI series against Australia, with all three matches likely to be staged at the Gaddafi Stadium, sources revealed on Thursday.

According to the proposed plan, the series is expected to begin on May 31, with the second and third ODIs scheduled for June 2 and June 4, respectively.

The official confirmation from the PCB is still awaited, with the final itinerary expected to be announced in due course.

If confirmed, the series will mark Australia’s return to Pakistan for a 50-over assignment for the first time since 2022. On that occasion, the home side secured a memorable 2–1 victory in a closely contested three-match series.

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Historically, Australia have maintained the upper hand in ODI cricket between the two sides, leading Pakistan 71-36 in 111 encounters, with four matches ending without a result.

Following the Pakistan tour, Australia are also scheduled to travel to Bangladesh for a full white-ball series in June 2026, marking the end of a long gap between bilateral ODI engagements in the country.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s international calendar remains packed as they prepare for a key red-ball assignment in Bangladesh ahead of the home series against Australia.

They will feature in a two-match Test series in Bangladesh as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

Tentative schedule for Pakistan vs Australia

May 31: 1st ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

June 02: 2nd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

June 04: 3rd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Marathon record-breaker Sabastian Sawe receives hero’s welcome in Kenya

Marathon world record-breaker Sabastian Sawe was received with a hero’s welcome as he returned to his home country of Kenya and was praised by President William Ruto on Thursday.

Sawe made history in London on Sunday by becoming the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in race conditions.

Receiving Sawe at State House in Nairobi, Ruto said it was “a defining moment in the story of human endurance”.

He compared it to milestones in human history, including the first four-minute mile by Roger Bannister in 1954 and even the moon landing.

“Future generations will look back on 26 April, 2026, as the day a man broke through a physical and psychological barrier long thought insurmountable; and the name forever attached to that moment will be Sabastian Sawe,” Ruto said in a speech.

Sabastian Sawe clocked 1hr 59min 30sec in a tight battle with Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who also came in under two hours.

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Sawe was mobbed at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when he landed late Wednesday.

“It is such a beautiful day. I’m glad you have joined me in celebrating, and that you have shown a spirit I never expected could be like this. I’m very grateful,” he told the crowd.

“I didn’t do it just for myself, I did it for all of us. And I would like us all to enjoy it and for it to stand as a record for all of us,” he added.

Kenya has dominated long-distance running, and its runners are superstars in the country.

The pressure to break into the elite means that doping is a major problem in Kenya.

Two former Kenyan winners of the men’s race at the London Marathon, Wilson Kipsang, the victor in 2012 and 2014, and 2017 winner Daniel Wanjiru, are among those to have been subsequently banned.

In a bid to allay such suspicions about his own performances, Sawe has voluntarily subjected himself to extra drug testing, even paying $50,000 to be tested 25 times in the year by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) before last year’s Berlin race.

READ: London Marathon hero runs across Ireland in race to find dementia cure

Jordan Adams, who ran the London marathon with a 25-kilogram fridge on his back last weekend, is now running around Ireland in a race to find a cure for a form of dementia both he and his brother are near certain to contract.

“This mission is ongoing, as is our family’s devastation with dementia, one step at a time,” Adams told a crowd who gathered to see him off on Wednesday in County Donegal, their latest stop.

The 30-year-old is running consecutive daily marathons for 32 days in each of Ireland’s 32 counties, north and south of the Irish border, with the finish in Dublin on May 28. Without the fridge, though.

Assisted by his younger brother Cian, 25, who will mostly cycle the routes, the pair started in County Antrim in Northern Ireland on Monday, just a day after completing the 26.2-mile-long (42 kilometres) course in London.

Nicknamed the FTD brothers, their mother, Geraldine, was diagnosed in 2010, aged 47, with a rare form of familial Frontal Temporal Dementia.

Overnight, Cian, then aged just 9, Jordan, as a 15-year-old, their older sister and father became primary carers of their mum, who died at 52 in 2016.

Two years later, Jordan learned he carries the MAT-T gene mutation, which gives him a 99.9 percent chance of developing the same early-onset dementia. Soon after, Cian tested positively for the same gene.

With terminal symptoms expected to aggressively emerge in their 40s, the brothers face a stark race against time.

“What makes this disease even more cruel is that we’ve lost twelve Irish relatives, including my mum and Nan,” Jordan, from the English Midlands, told AFP. “We wanted to come to Ireland, where all the devastation started, to honour our Irish relatives.”

Running with a fridge on board in the London Marathon was “surreal”, said Jordan, who did the stunt to bring attention to the disease. But with Cian alongside to douse him with water, they reached the finish line together.

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“We both share the same diagnosis and the same future, so I know our mum was shining down with a lot of pride,” Jordan told AFP.

The brothers are not new to extreme challenges. They ran around the United Kingdom two years ago, while Jordan has a seven-in-seven-day marathon challenge under his belt.

Undaunted by the Irish 32-in-32 test, Cian said it “comes in handy that he works as a physiotherapist.

“We’ve put together a good plan over the last six months, strength and conditioning, plyometrics, running training to get Jordan in the best nick possible for this challenge,” Cian told AFP.

“Touch wood, at the moment his legs feel good for it,” he said.

The brothers have set themselves the goal of raising one million pounds in their mother’s honour, and for research into an Alzheimer’s cure that could save them. After London, they are almost halfway there.

Carol Molloy, who helps run the local branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), told AFP that around 64,000 people are living with dementia in the EU member.

An estimated one in 10 of those have a young-onset diagnosis, with that number expected to grow to around 150,000 by 2050, according to Molloy.

Some 50 percent of the proceeds of the brothers’ marathon challenge will go to the ASI.

READ: Jannik Sinner stops Rafael Jodar to book spot in Madrid Open semis