Saudi Arabia | ERCA T20 season 2018-19: Highlights from week 1

Syed Danish Irfan
October 22, 2018

In Saudi Arabia, where expats are working day and night, cricket can be the sports that bring them together every week, where people from several countries and races play this beautiful game. And this past week, history was witnessed when first ever delivery was bowled by Zahid Akhtar of Abbotabad Tigers C C during the 1st ever T20 tournament organized under the superb banner of Eastern Region Cricket Association (ERCA). It is a banner for every cricket lover in the region, where cricket is played in the best of its spirit amongst all the players.

Mr Abdul Latif, CEO of ERCA along with Sayed Majaz Qadri (President ERCA) and Mr Imran Rasheed (VP ERCA), have put up a great effort in providing land for the grounds and making it fertile for the cricket.

A whole team of people under the  supervision of Mr. Tajamal Hayat the General Secretary and Ashraf Shiekh the supporting figure of ERCA has worked effortlessly, to make the grounds as smooth as possible so that the teams would be able to put up an extra ordinary show of cricket.

And exactly the same happened during the first game of ERCA, Al Tuwairqi T20 Cup, which was played between Eastern Arabia C.C and Abbotabad Tigers C.C, where Eastern Arabia C.C batting first scored a mamoth total of 252/10 in their alloted 20 overs. Abdul Rahman played a brilliant knock of 75 on just 35 deliveries which was assisted with some brilliant batting from Mohammad Aris and Afwan Mohammad, both of them scoring 41(22) and 39(15) respectively. In reply Abbotabad Tigers C.C could only manage a total of 144/9, in which Amjad Khan was the star performer who managed to score 38(32) runs.  Abdul Rahman was the man of the match for his aggressive 75(35) and also for grabbing 3 wickets for just 14 runs.

In another game played between SAB Warriors C.C and Britam Arabia Mavericks C.C, played at the Qaddafi Ground, SAB Warriors were able to score 178/6 in 20 overs. Salahuddin Salman played a brilliant opening knock of 70 runs on just 50 deliveries along with the help of Tayyab Khalil who scored 47(24). Mutaiyyub Saleem and Nawab Omer Ali managed to grab 2 wickets for Mavericks C.C. In reply Britam Arabia Mavericks C.C were bowled out on 98 runs only in which Nayab Irfan was the highest scorer, who managed to score 22(27). Man of the match was awarded to Mr. Salahuddin Salman for his brilliant batting.

Another game was played between Al Tuwairqi C.C & Blue Star C.C on ERCA Ground named after the famous Indian Stadium, the Eden Gardens. Batting first, Al Tuwairqi C.C managed to score 153/6 in 20 overs. Aftab Magre was the star performer with the bat, scoring 34 runs on just 29 deliveries. Muhammad Iqbal took 3 wickets for Blue Star C.C.

In reply Blue Stars C.C chased the total in 18 overs with two wickets in hand. Muhammad Ashraf from Blue Stars scored 50 runs on just 32 deliveries by hitting 4 Fours and 2 huge sixes. MuhammadAshraf was awarded the man of the match for his brilliant fifty that helped his team in winning the match.

Another match played at Galle Ground in the afternoon session, witnessed the first ever 5 wicket haul, when Kiran Gorizillah of Kites C.C bagged five batsmen of Pasha XI C.C and managed to contain them for just 137/8 in 20 overs. In reply Kites C.C was able to achieve 114/8 before bad light struck and the match had to be abandoned with awarding 1 point to both the teams. Man of the match was awarded to Kiran Gorizilla for his outstanding 5 wickets haul.

 

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News Network
November 19,2024

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The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

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News Network
November 12,2024

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Mysuru, Nov 12: Zameer Ahmad Khan, the Tourism and Waqf minister of Karnataka, who stirred a controversy by addressing the Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy as ‘Kaala Kumaraswamy’ has tendered apologies for his remarks.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Tuesday, Minister Zameer stated that he will apologise if remarks have hurt JD-S workers.

“We both are very close. Then, in a total of 24 hours, we were together for 14 hours. He used to fondly address me as “kulla” (shorty) and I used to address him as “kariyanna” (blacky, kaalia),” Minister Zameer stated.

“I am not addressing him as ‘kaalia’ for the first time. I have not said something highly derogatory. It is being made as big in the backdrop of elections. With love, he used to call me a shorty and I called him a blacky. If I had caused pain to anyone by my words I apologise,” he said.

He further stated: “Kumaraswamy had said that he didn’t want the votes of the Muslim community. But now they are attempting to purchase Muslim votes. Against this backdrop, I have made the remark.”

Minister for Home G. Parameshwara stated on Tuesday, “Minister Zameer and Kumaraswamy are close friends. Their comments against each other are not significant.”

Zameer Ahmad Khan, the Tourism and Waqf minister of Karnataka stirred a controversy on Monday as he addressed the Union Minister as ‘Kaala Kumaraswamy’.

JD-S on Tuesday demanded a public apology and resignation of Minister for Waqf and Tourism Zameer Ahmad Khan over his ‘racist’ remarks.

“Remember, there is no place here for your divisive policies. You have insulted the people by making ethnic, racist and discriminatory statements. You should apologize to the people of the state and resign,” the JD (S) demanded in the post.

Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju reacted sternly to the racist jibe and stated, “I strongly deplore Congress Minister Zameer Ahmed calling Union Minister and former Chief Minister of Karnataka Kumaraswamy as 'Kaalia Kumaraswamy'.

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News Network
November 13,2024

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In the heart of Mangaluru, where rising air pollution is spurring public health worries, voices are calling for a greener, cleaner shift in the city’s public transport. Leading this call is APD Foundation, a Mangaluru-based environmental NGO, which has urged Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre to mandate electric vehicle (EV) adoption in public transport.

Abdullah A Rehman, CEO of APD Foundation, emphasized in a formal letter to the minister that Mangaluru’s public transportation system—efficient and organized with both government and private players—could transition smoothly to EVs in stages. He suggested that government-backed financial incentives, partnerships with EV manufacturers, and collaborations with environmental groups could streamline the switch.

Rehman stressed the potential of EVs to cut down emissions, enhance air quality, and reduce noise levels, noting the quieter operation of electric buses. He confirmed that a copy of his letter was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner as well.

However, Dilraj Alva from the Dakshina Kannada City Bus Association noted potential challenges, explaining that the shift might take up to two years due to infrastructure and budget hurdles. Most EV buses, he explained, are procured through aggregators, not directly by individual operators. The addition of charging stations and other essential infrastructure further complicates the transition.

Alva also raised the economic concern: while diesel buses are priced between ₹30-40 lakh, electric buses can cost up to ₹1 crore. Reflecting on recent meetings with companies, including one in Manipal, he questioned the assumption that EVs are an absolute solution to pollution. “EVs aren’t entirely eco-friendly, especially when considering battery disposal,” he cautioned.

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