IPL 2026: PowerPlay is the new death overs—Openers are finishing games this season Marcus Stoinis’ stunning 22-ball 62 (not out) went in vain on Tuesday night as Punjab Kings failed to defend a 222-run total against Rajasthan Royals at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium.Stoinis’ knock came at the back end of the innings and, although it lifted the home side to a competitive total, it wasn’t enough to shut the Royals out as they chased it down with four balls to spare and six wickets in hand.A couple of days earlier, PBKS had done something similar, registering a record T20 chase of 265 against Delhi Capitals.A common factor in this IPL season’s wins has been PowerPlay performances. The Royals scored 84 for one in the first overs in reply to the Kings’ 65 for one. Similarly, DC had managed 68 for one against PBKS, which finished the fielding restrictions after scoring 116 runs without loss. PowerPlay overs have decided 73.68 per cent of matches this season.“Over the years, teams have realised how important the PowerPlay is: only two fielders outside, six overs to maximise. So naturally, there’s more focus on that phase now,” RR fast bowler Sandeep Sharma said.There has been a steady rise in batters targeting the boundaries in the PowerPlay, with run rates climbing from 7.7 in the inaugural season to 8.42 in 2018, and now 9.9 this season.“What we’re seeing is a trend across the tournament – how dominant teams are in the first six overs. It’s very hard to stop sides now with the way they’re playing in the PowerPlay. You’ve also got the replacement player rule, which allows you to stack your batting and go even harder,” PBKS assistant coach Brad Haddin said.A look at the points table also reflects which teams have embraced this approach of setting up, or even finishing, games early. Punjab, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan, the current top four, also boast the best returns from their top three batters, especially the openers.For PBKS, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have scored at a strike rate of 205.55, followed by Royals openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at 195.56. SRH’s Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head are at 183.17, while RCB’s Virat Kohli and Phil Salt/Jacob Bethell have struck at 164.42.Winning the PowerPlay isn’t a guarantee, but it gives the batting side a significant advantage for the rest of the innings. DC openers, for instance, have a higher strike rate (172.35) than RCB’s. But with the rest of Bengaluru’s lineup sustaining the pressure, it has translated into results, while the Capitals remain in the bottom half.Is the finisher’s role going extinct?The relentless pressure from ball one has made 200-plus totals par, even if they don’t guarantee wins. Openers are expected to score at a minimum of 10 an over, and the rest of the batting order must maintain a similar tempo.Teams are no longer building towards a late surge. The first six overs are now played with almost the same boundary-hitting intensity (26.11%) as the final four overs (24.12%).“I don’t think there is a thing called finishers anymore. It’s right from ball one – everyone is going at a rate of knots,” Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming had said earlier this season. “It’s not a build-up to the 16th over and then going harder. Everyone is going hard from ball one. Run rates of 10, 11, 12 throughout are expected. You’re not really getting the big peaks at the end, it’s just a more aggressive approach to get 240.”Table-topper Punjab has been the most successful in executing this approach. While the top three score at over 12 an over, numbers four and five go at 11.1, and the lower middle order (6-8) at 10.81.“If you look at the way we’ve played, our top order has been super dynamic. They’ve set up games and created opportunities,” Haddin said.“But what the rest have done is contribute in roles that win matches. It might not be a 70 or 80 – it could be 15 off six balls to give us momentum. At the moment, they’re doing everything the game requires.”Sandeep, however, believes finishers remain vital, especially over a long tournament.“I don’t think the importance of finishers has reduced at all. Teams with strong finishers still have a great chance. If you look at the past, Chennai had Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), Mumbai had Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard, and KKR had Andre Russell. Teams with strong players at 5, 6, and 7 tend to go far. That’s where the bulk of pressure lies. The top three don’t carry as much pressure – if they get out playing positively, it’s accepted. But 5-6-7 is a crucial phase,” he said.This season has still produced instances of lower-order influence, such as Rinku Singh’s effort in Kolkata Knight Riders’ Super Over win against Lucknow Super Giants, but those moments are becoming rarer in a league where the PowerPlay is fast becoming the new death overs, and openers the new finishers.Published on Apr 29, 2026 #IPL #PowerPlay #death #oversOpeners #finishing #games #season

IPL 2026: PowerPlay is the new death overs—Openers are finishing games this season
Marcus Stoinis’ stunning 22-ball 62 (not out) went in vain on Tuesday night as Punjab Kings failed to defend a 222-run total against Rajasthan Royals at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium.
Stoinis’ knock came at the back end of the innings and, although it lifted the home side to a competitive total, it wasn’t enough to shut the Royals out as they chased it down with four balls to spare and six wickets in hand.
A couple of days earlier, PBKS had done something similar, registering a record T20 chase of 265 against Delhi Capitals.
A common factor in this IPL season’s wins has been PowerPlay performances. The Royals scored 84 for one in the first overs in reply to the Kings’ 65 for one. Similarly, DC had managed 68 for one against PBKS, which finished the fielding restrictions after scoring 116 runs without loss.
PowerPlay overs have decided 73.68 per cent of matches this season.
“Over the years, teams have realised how important the PowerPlay is: only two fielders outside, six overs to maximise. So naturally, there’s more focus on that phase now,” RR fast bowler Sandeep Sharma said.
There has been a steady rise in batters targeting the boundaries in the PowerPlay, with run rates climbing from 7.7 in the inaugural season to 8.42 in 2018, and now 9.9 this season.
“What we’re seeing is a trend across the tournament – how dominant teams are in the first six overs. It’s very hard to stop sides now with the way they’re playing in the PowerPlay. You’ve also got the replacement player rule, which allows you to stack your batting and go even harder,” PBKS assistant coach Brad Haddin said.
A look at the points table also reflects which teams have embraced this approach of setting up, or even finishing, games early. Punjab, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan, the current top four, also boast the best returns from their top three batters, especially the openers.
For PBKS, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have scored at a strike rate of 205.55, followed by Royals openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at 195.56. SRH’s Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head are at 183.17, while RCB’s Virat Kohli and Phil Salt/Jacob Bethell have struck at 164.42.
Winning the PowerPlay isn’t a guarantee, but it gives the batting side a significant advantage for the rest of the innings. DC openers, for instance, have a higher strike rate (172.35) than RCB’s. But with the rest of Bengaluru’s lineup sustaining the pressure, it has translated into results, while the Capitals remain in the bottom half.
Is the finisher’s role going extinct?
The relentless pressure from ball one has made 200-plus totals par, even if they don’t guarantee wins. Openers are expected to score at a minimum of 10 an over, and the rest of the batting order must maintain a similar tempo.
Teams are no longer building towards a late surge. The first six overs are now played with almost the same boundary-hitting intensity (26.11%) as the final four overs (24.12%).
“I don’t think there is a thing called finishers anymore. It’s right from ball one – everyone is going at a rate of knots,” Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming had said earlier this season. “It’s not a build-up to the 16th over and then going harder. Everyone is going hard from ball one. Run rates of 10, 11, 12 throughout are expected. You’re not really getting the big peaks at the end, it’s just a more aggressive approach to get 240.”
Table-topper Punjab has been the most successful in executing this approach. While the top three score at over 12 an over, numbers four and five go at 11.1, and the lower middle order (6-8) at 10.81.
“If you look at the way we’ve played, our top order has been super dynamic. They’ve set up games and created opportunities,” Haddin said.
“But what the rest have done is contribute in roles that win matches. It might not be a 70 or 80 – it could be 15 off six balls to give us momentum. At the moment, they’re doing everything the game requires.”
Sandeep, however, believes finishers remain vital, especially over a long tournament.
“I don’t think the importance of finishers has reduced at all. Teams with strong finishers still have a great chance. If you look at the past, Chennai had Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), Mumbai had Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard, and KKR had Andre Russell. Teams with strong players at 5, 6, and 7 tend to go far. That’s where the bulk of pressure lies. The top three don’t carry as much pressure – if they get out playing positively, it’s accepted. But 5-6-7 is a crucial phase,” he said.
This season has still produced instances of lower-order influence, such as Rinku Singh’s effort in Kolkata Knight Riders’ Super Over win against Lucknow Super Giants, but those moments are becoming rarer in a league where the PowerPlay is fast becoming the new death overs, and openers the new finishers.
Published on Apr 29, 2026
#IPL #PowerPlay #death #oversOpeners #finishing #games #season

Sports news Abhishek Sharma, Indian Premier League, ipl 2026 news, ipl 2026 openers, ipl 2026 powerplay importance, IPL news, Prabhsimran Singh, vaibhav sooryavanshi April 29, 2026

Marcus Stoinis’ stunning 22-ball 62 (not out) went in vain on Tuesday night as Punjab Kings failed to defend a 222-run total against Rajasthan Royals at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium.

Stoinis’ knock came at the back end of the innings and, although it lifted the home side to a competitive total, it wasn’t enough to shut the Royals out as they chased it down with four balls to spare and six wickets in hand.

A couple of days earlier, PBKS had done something similar, registering a record T20 chase of 265 against Delhi Capitals.

A common factor in this IPL season’s wins has been PowerPlay performances. The Royals scored 84 for one in the first overs in reply to the Kings’ 65 for one. Similarly, DC had managed 68 for one against PBKS, which finished the fielding restrictions after scoring 116 runs without loss.

PowerPlay overs have decided 73.68 per cent of matches this season.

“Over the years, teams have realised how important the PowerPlay is: only two fielders outside, six overs to maximise. So naturally, there’s more focus on that phase now,” RR fast bowler Sandeep Sharma said.

There has been a steady rise in batters targeting the boundaries in the PowerPlay, with run rates climbing from 7.7 in the inaugural season to 8.42 in 2018, and now 9.9 this season.

“What we’re seeing is a trend across the tournament – how dominant teams are in the first six overs. It’s very hard to stop sides now with the way they’re playing in the PowerPlay. You’ve also got the replacement player rule, which allows you to stack your batting and go even harder,” PBKS assistant coach Brad Haddin said.

A look at the points table also reflects which teams have embraced this approach of setting up, or even finishing, games early. Punjab, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan, the current top four, also boast the best returns from their top three batters, especially the openers.

For PBKS, Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have scored at a strike rate of 205.55, followed by Royals openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at 195.56. SRH’s Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head are at 183.17, while RCB’s Virat Kohli and Phil Salt/Jacob Bethell have struck at 164.42.

Winning the PowerPlay isn’t a guarantee, but it gives the batting side a significant advantage for the rest of the innings. DC openers, for instance, have a higher strike rate (172.35) than RCB’s. But with the rest of Bengaluru’s lineup sustaining the pressure, it has translated into results, while the Capitals remain in the bottom half.

Is the finisher’s role going extinct?

The relentless pressure from ball one has made 200-plus totals par, even if they don’t guarantee wins. Openers are expected to score at a minimum of 10 an over, and the rest of the batting order must maintain a similar tempo.

Teams are no longer building towards a late surge. The first six overs are now played with almost the same boundary-hitting intensity (26.11%) as the final four overs (24.12%).

“I don’t think there is a thing called finishers anymore. It’s right from ball one – everyone is going at a rate of knots,” Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming had said earlier this season. “It’s not a build-up to the 16th over and then going harder. Everyone is going hard from ball one. Run rates of 10, 11, 12 throughout are expected. You’re not really getting the big peaks at the end, it’s just a more aggressive approach to get 240.”

Table-topper Punjab has been the most successful in executing this approach. While the top three score at over 12 an over, numbers four and five go at 11.1, and the lower middle order (6-8) at 10.81.

“If you look at the way we’ve played, our top order has been super dynamic. They’ve set up games and created opportunities,” Haddin said.

“But what the rest have done is contribute in roles that win matches. It might not be a 70 or 80 – it could be 15 off six balls to give us momentum. At the moment, they’re doing everything the game requires.”

Sandeep, however, believes finishers remain vital, especially over a long tournament.

“I don’t think the importance of finishers has reduced at all. Teams with strong finishers still have a great chance. If you look at the past, Chennai had Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), Mumbai had Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard, and KKR had Andre Russell. Teams with strong players at 5, 6, and 7 tend to go far. That’s where the bulk of pressure lies. The top three don’t carry as much pressure – if they get out playing positively, it’s accepted. But 5-6-7 is a crucial phase,” he said.

This season has still produced instances of lower-order influence, such as Rinku Singh’s effort in Kolkata Knight Riders’ Super Over win against Lucknow Super Giants, but those moments are becoming rarer in a league where the PowerPlay is fast becoming the new death overs, and openers the new finishers.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

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#IPL #PowerPlay #death #oversOpeners #finishing #games #season

Tag Abhishek Sharma Indian Premier League ipl 2026 news ipl 2026 openers ipl 2026 powerplay importance IPL news Prabhsimran Singh vaibhav sooryavanshi

‘White Lotus’ Season 4 Cast: Meet the Main Actors From Chris Messina to Laura Dern

Deadspin | Cardinals set season high in runs, blow past Pirates Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) steals second base as Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) looks on during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II homered Tuesday night, while Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each knocked in three runs as the visiting St. Louis Cardinals outslugged the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-7. St. Louis scored multiple runs in four different innings, finishing with 12 hits. The Cards were efficient, going 5 of 16 with runners in scoring position and stranding only seven runners. The Cardinals collected six extra-base hits and reached double figures in runs for the first time this year. Kyle Leahy (3-3) garnered the win, scattering nine hits and allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings. He walked none and fanned seven. Braxton Ashcraft (1-2) absorbed the loss, permitting six runs on six hits and three walks while whiffing seven. Ashcraft and reliever Hunter Barco combined to issue five walks and Pittsburgh chipped in two errors. Gorman got the onslaught started in the second with his fourth homer of the year, jumping on a first-pitch fastball and walloping it over the seats in right field. Scott led off the third with his first homer, belting it an estimated 415 feet to right. Walker tacked on an RBI single later in the inning for a 3-0 lead. St. Louis doubled its lead in the fifth, getting a run-scoring double from Burleson plus sacrifice flies from Walker and Gorman. Leahy cruised into the sixth inning before the Pirates got back into the game briefly. Oneil Cruz launched a leadoff homer to center, his ninth of the year, and Ryan O’Hearn drilled his fifth homer, a two-run shot with Bryan Reynolds aboard to cut the margin to 6-3. But the Cardinals responded in their half of the seventh with three more runs. Walker’s second RBI single, an infield out from Gorman and Masyn Winn’s run-scoring single restored a six-run lead. St. Louis made it 11-3 in the eighth when Burleson laced a two-run double to right-center. Pittsburgh scored three runs in its half of the eighth on O’Hearn’s RBI single and a two-run single by Nick Gonzales. Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin homered to lead off the bottom of the ninth for the Pirates, his second. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cardinals #set #season #high #runs #blow #Pirates

#Deadspin #Cardinals #set #season #high #runs #blow #Pirates">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) steals second base as Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) looks on during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II homered Tuesday night, while Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each knocked in three runs as the visiting St. Louis Cardinals outslugged the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-7.

St. Louis scored multiple runs in four different innings, finishing with 12 hits. The Cards were efficient, going 5 of 16 with runners in scoring position and stranding only seven runners. The Cardinals collected six extra-base hits and reached double figures in runs for the first time this year.

Kyle Leahy (3-3) garnered the win, scattering nine hits and allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings. He walked none and fanned seven.

Braxton Ashcraft (1-2) absorbed the loss, permitting six runs on six hits and three walks while whiffing seven. Ashcraft and reliever Hunter Barco combined to issue five walks and Pittsburgh chipped in two errors.

Gorman got the onslaught started in the second with his fourth homer of the year, jumping on a first-pitch fastball and walloping it over the seats in right field. Scott led off the third with his first homer, belting it an estimated 415 feet to right.

Walker tacked on an RBI single later in the inning for a 3-0 lead. St. Louis doubled its lead in the fifth, getting a run-scoring double from Burleson plus sacrifice flies from Walker and Gorman.

Leahy cruised into the sixth inning before the Pirates got back into the game briefly. Oneil Cruz launched a leadoff homer to center, his ninth of the year, and Ryan O’Hearn drilled his fifth homer, a two-run shot with Bryan Reynolds aboard to cut the margin to 6-3.

But the Cardinals responded in their half of the seventh with three more runs. Walker’s second RBI single, an infield out from Gorman and Masyn Winn’s run-scoring single restored a six-run lead.

St. Louis made it 11-3 in the eighth when Burleson laced a two-run double to right-center. Pittsburgh scored three runs in its half of the eighth on O’Hearn’s RBI single and a two-run single by Nick Gonzales.

Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin homered to lead off the bottom of the ninth for the Pirates, his second.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cardinals #set #season #high #runs #blow #Pirates">Deadspin | Cardinals set season high in runs, blow past Pirates

Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) steals second base as Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) looks on during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II homered Tuesday night, while Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each knocked in three runs as the visiting St. Louis Cardinals outslugged the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-7.

St. Louis scored multiple runs in four different innings, finishing with 12 hits. The Cards were efficient, going 5 of 16 with runners in scoring position and stranding only seven runners. The Cardinals collected six extra-base hits and reached double figures in runs for the first time this year.

Kyle Leahy (3-3) garnered the win, scattering nine hits and allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings. He walked none and fanned seven.

Braxton Ashcraft (1-2) absorbed the loss, permitting six runs on six hits and three walks while whiffing seven. Ashcraft and reliever Hunter Barco combined to issue five walks and Pittsburgh chipped in two errors.

Gorman got the onslaught started in the second with his fourth homer of the year, jumping on a first-pitch fastball and walloping it over the seats in right field. Scott led off the third with his first homer, belting it an estimated 415 feet to right.

Walker tacked on an RBI single later in the inning for a 3-0 lead. St. Louis doubled its lead in the fifth, getting a run-scoring double from Burleson plus sacrifice flies from Walker and Gorman.

Leahy cruised into the sixth inning before the Pirates got back into the game briefly. Oneil Cruz launched a leadoff homer to center, his ninth of the year, and Ryan O’Hearn drilled his fifth homer, a two-run shot with Bryan Reynolds aboard to cut the margin to 6-3.

But the Cardinals responded in their half of the seventh with three more runs. Walker’s second RBI single, an infield out from Gorman and Masyn Winn’s run-scoring single restored a six-run lead.

St. Louis made it 11-3 in the eighth when Burleson laced a two-run double to right-center. Pittsburgh scored three runs in its half of the eighth on O’Hearn’s RBI single and a two-run single by Nick Gonzales.

Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin homered to lead off the bottom of the ninth for the Pirates, his second.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cardinals #set #season #high #runs #blow #Pirates

The FIFA World Cup is the world’s richest clown show. Recently run by people investigated for international criminal conspiracy, now run by people who ask to be treated like the Pope on a visit to Canada. Bought and paid for by dictators for decades, sustained by those who see its mandate over the world’s most popular sport as the ultimate source of power and sportswashing. Yet it has managed to be completely unfunny even in its incompetent, institutional idiocy, always dipping its disgusting toes into matters that defy even the realm of comedy. You find yourself laughing at it out of delirious shock, before realizing what horrific realities lie beneath the face paint and red noses.

I can’t really “criticize FIFA” as I would, say, the Las Vegas Raiders, because FIFA’s misdeeds exist on such a galactic scale that I can’t actually do them any justice. There are a billion reasons to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but I’m not asking you to do that. I am even tempted to say I won’t enjoy it, but I know I will.

The World Cup is entertainment genius; it’s the world’s prodding, calculating, beautiful game distilled into a single chaotic flow, national pride and eternal glory for the victors. It is the greatest spectacle on earth, the peak of every player’s career. And it is being stepped on like a cockroach. Yes, we will enjoy the World Cup, but we will enjoy it in spite of everything I am about to tell you. And it is within that dissonance, our enjoyment leeched upon by subsurface repulsion, that we find suffering instead of celebration.

It seemed impossible that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be topped in terms of pre-tournament issues — it spawned a standalone Wikipedia article titled: “List of 2022 FIFA World Cup Controversies.” But the 2026 World Cup in North America has not even begun, and yet it is a mortal lock to be categorically insane. Whereas the Qatar contest was the result of documented corruption, graft and secrecy, 2026 is the out-in-the-open sequel.

For instance, President Donald Trump, the winner of the spectacularly not-illustrious FIFA Peace Prize, will surely be the event’s main character given his cozy association with the much-maligned FIFA president Gianni Infantino and their perfectly matched egomania. And he will be the mascot of the event even despite the depravity of his immigration crackdown that will threaten the security and human rights of soccer fans who travel to the United States; Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have already issued a public warning. He will glow in the light of his Not-The-Nobel Peace Prize while prosecuting an aggressive war with Iran, who qualified for the World Cup, as Trump’s representatives attempt to replace them with Italy, who did not.

Infantino has repeatedly made a mockery of his position and authority, called a “nowhere man in this bonfire of greed, vanity and despotic power” (I can’t do any better than that) by The Guardian’s Barney Ronay in 2022. The FIFA President is seen by many observers as an over-promoted megalomaniac who has marshalled global soccer to serve himself above all others. And lately, FIFA’s utterly guaranteed profit-margin has come at the direct expense of its consumers.

FIFA has treated their ticket sales like we live in a post-apocalyptic Mad Max hellscape, and their tickets are gasoline; feel scammed? That’s just the way of the world. The Athletic’s Henry Bushnell has been relentlessly reporting on the changing seat maps and lack of transparency despite stratospheric price hikes, and it’s really something to behold. FIFA has treated their fans, and the greatest sporting event the world has to offer, like a cash cow they can repeatedly bludgeon with impunity.

And they can. What began as a regulatory body for European soccer between seven continental countries is now an essentially unaccountable superstructure of graft and corporate overreach. I often joke that while American sports can sometimes feel chaotic and corrupt, with monopolistic leagues organized financially like drug cartels, international soccer makes American leagues look like a kindergarten papier-mâché project.

2015 saw FIFA investigated for multinational racketeering; we’ve had broadcast rights bribery, investigations about how in the world Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup, lines of financial criminality that penetrate local administration, you name it. FIFA, which is supposed to be an administrative and regulatory body, has behaved like the dictator of international soccer and has placed itself above the game; they have become a distraction rather than a unifier. If there’s one silver lining, though, it’s that their culture of greed and corruption is hitting the United States at the perfect time, as it will have ample opportunity to mix and mingle with our own special brand of greed and corruption that is presently ascendant in American politics and business.

The World Cup should be the coolest thing ever when it comes around, and it’s still amazing every time. But why must it come with a persistent circus of financial crimes, authoritarian-curious actors with egos the size of Jupiter and human rights violations at every turn? It is the epitome of a sporting event being too big to fail, too popular to boycott and too powerful to fight.

#FIFA #turned #World #Cup #biggest #grift #sports">

mwasimuddin125 0

The FIFA World Cup is the world’s richest clown show. Recently run by people investigated for international criminal conspiracy, now run by people who ask to be treated like the Pope on a visit to Canada. Bought and paid for by dictators for decades, sustained by those who see its mandate over the world’s most popular sport as the ultimate source of power and sportswashing. Yet it has managed to be completely unfunny even in its incompetent, institutional idiocy, always dipping its disgusting toes into matters that defy even the realm of comedy. You find yourself laughing at it out of delirious shock, before realizing what horrific realities lie beneath the face paint and red noses.
I can’t really “criticize FIFA” as I would, say, the Las Vegas Raiders, because FIFA’s misdeeds exist on such a galactic scale that I can’t actually do them any justice. There are a billion reasons to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but I’m not asking you to do that. I am even tempted to say I won’t enjoy it, but I know I will.
The World Cup is entertainment genius; it’s the world’s prodding, calculating, beautiful game distilled into a single chaotic flow, national pride and eternal glory for the victors. It is the greatest spectacle on earth, the peak of every player’s career. And it is being stepped on like a cockroach. Yes, we will enjoy the World Cup, but we will enjoy it in spite of everything I am about to tell you. And it is within that dissonance, our enjoyment leeched upon by subsurface repulsion, that we find suffering instead of celebration.
It seemed impossible that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be topped in terms of pre-tournament issues — it spawned a standalone Wikipedia article titled: “List of 2022 FIFA World Cup Controversies.” But the 2026 World Cup in North America has not even begun, and yet it is a mortal lock to be categorically insane. Whereas the Qatar contest was the result of documented corruption, graft and secrecy, 2026 is the out-in-the-open sequel.
For instance, President Donald Trump, the winner of the spectacularly not-illustrious FIFA Peace Prize, will surely be the event’s main character given his cozy association with the much-maligned FIFA president Gianni Infantino and their perfectly matched egomania. And he will be the mascot of the event even despite the depravity of his immigration crackdown that will threaten the security and human rights of soccer fans who travel to the United States; Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have already issued a public warning. He will glow in the light of his Not-The-Nobel Peace Prize while prosecuting an aggressive war with Iran, who qualified for the World Cup, as Trump’s representatives attempt to replace them with Italy, who did not.
Infantino has repeatedly made a mockery of his position and authority, called a “nowhere man in this bonfire of greed, vanity and despotic power” (I can’t do any better than that) by The Guardian’s Barney Ronay in 2022. The FIFA President is seen by many observers as an over-promoted megalomaniac who has marshalled global soccer to serve himself above all others. And lately, FIFA’s utterly guaranteed profit-margin has come at the direct expense of its consumers.
FIFA has treated their ticket sales like we live in a post-apocalyptic Mad Max hellscape, and their tickets are gasoline; feel scammed? That’s just the way of the world. The Athletic’s Henry Bushnell has been relentlessly reporting on the changing seat maps and lack of transparency despite stratospheric price hikes, and it’s really something to behold. FIFA has treated their fans, and the greatest sporting event the world has to offer, like a cash cow they can repeatedly bludgeon with impunity.
And they can. What began as a regulatory body for European soccer between seven continental countries is now an essentially unaccountable superstructure of graft and corporate overreach. I often joke that while American sports can sometimes feel chaotic and corrupt, with monopolistic leagues organized financially like drug cartels, international soccer makes American leagues look like a kindergarten papier-mâché project.
2015 saw FIFA investigated for multinational racketeering; we’ve had broadcast rights bribery, investigations about how in the world Qatar was awarded the 2022 World Cup, lines of financial criminality that penetrate local administration, you name it. FIFA, which is supposed to be an administrative and regulatory body, has behaved like the dictator of international soccer and has placed itself above the game; they have become a distraction rather than a unifier. If there’s one silver lining, though, it’s that their culture of greed and corruption is hitting the United States at the perfect time, as it will have ample opportunity to mix and mingle with our own special brand of greed and corruption that is presently ascendant in American politics and business.
The World Cup should be the coolest thing ever when it comes around, and it’s still amazing every time. But why must it come with a persistent circus of financial crimes, authoritarian-curious actors with egos the size of Jupiter and human rights violations at every turn? It is the epitome of a sporting event being too big to fail, too popular to boycott and too powerful to fight.

#FIFA #turned #World #Cup #biggest #grift #sports">How FIFA turned the World Cup into the biggest grift in sports

#FIFA #turned #World #Cup #biggest #grift #sports

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan on Wednesday attributed the bowlers’ steadily improving outings against marauding batters in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) to their aggressive mindset and putting in place right strategies. Amidst the general bashing the batters meted out to bowlers, the likes of Akeal Hosein (4/17), Mohsin Khan (5/23), Josh Hazlewood (4/12) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/5) have made strong impression across the last week or so.

“I’m very happy to see that bowlers are coming back in a tournament like IPL right now. You’ve seen some low scores. You’ve seen 155 (-run) games also being defended (and) you’ve seen (a) team getting all out for 75,” Zaheer told reporters on the sidelines of the jersey launch event of the EUT20 Belgium, which starts on June 6.

“I think aggression and the right kind of approach are working out (for bowlers). The teams (that) are having good balance in bowling, are making that impact in this tournament,” he added.

READ | Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balance

Zaheer, however, did not read much into Jasprit Bumrah’s form in this IPL where he has only two wickets to show in seven matches.

“That’s the kind of season he’s having. As a bowler, you can go through these phases,” Zaheer said.

“It doesn’t make you a bigger or a smaller bowler. It’s just about the phase and he’s aware of it. Still, (there are) what, seven games to go for him? So there’s still plenty of time for him to turn things around. You’ve seen what kind of capability he has,” he added.

Zaheer, however, heaped praise on Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for staying true to his natural approach.

“I think (it is about his) ability, confidence,” he replied when asked about Sooryavanshi’s knack of going after the top bowlers. “(He is) someone who is not carrying any baggage, approaching the game in the purest form — seeing the ball, hitting the ball, and having that kind of talent and ability.

“To be able to do that consistently, that is the exciting part about someone like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. (He is) just going out there and enjoying the game,” Zaheer added.

Zaheer, who has 311 Test wickets, rued an injury-hit career so far for pacer Mohsin, who plays for Lucknow Super Giants.

“He has been down and out with injuries, isn’t it, for a while. It is great to see him coming back. It is about how he makes the impact, right?,” said Zaheer, LSG’s former bowling coach and mentor.

“The skill is there. The fitness has to be backed properly for him because we have seen in the last two-three seasons, he has been a stop and start (player). For him, it is about playing more and more matches.

“What I’m really excited about is someone like Prince (Yadav) also, who’s doing so well, who has put in all the hard work in the last year. You’ve seen Praful Hinge as well making that kind of impact,” Zaheer said.

Zaheer said the 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be thinking of making an India comeback.

“It’s great to see that he’s (Bhuvneswhar) coming up with such performances. I’m sure he must be thinking in those lines,” he said.

“(The) IPL, we’ve seen, has been a platform for many to be able to showcase and Bhuvneshwar certainly has shown that. This season so far, it’s just about finishing strong, I think. We’ve seen things happen post-IPL. So why not?” He also urged Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who had a splendid red ball season, to grab his opportunities in the IPL.

“Just keep doing what you’ve been doing — that is something which is very important. Also, it’s to do with opportunities, right? It’s a very complicated scenario that way.

“But for anyone who is playing IPL, (it is) such a platform, such a format, it is just about being ready to grab those opportunities,” added Zaheer.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#Aggression #kind #approach #working #bowlers #IPL #Zaheer #Khan">

Aggression, right kind of approach are working out for bowlers in IPL: Zaheer Khan Former India pacer Zaheer Khan on Wednesday attributed the bowlers’ steadily improving outings against marauding batters in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) to their aggressive mindset and putting in place right strategies. Amidst the general bashing the batters meted out to bowlers, the likes of Akeal Hosein (4/17), Mohsin Khan (5/23), Josh Hazlewood (4/12) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/5) have made strong impression across the last week or so.“I’m very happy to see that bowlers are coming back in a tournament like IPL right now. You’ve seen some low scores. You’ve seen 155 (-run) games also being defended (and) you’ve seen (a) team getting all out for 75,” Zaheer told reporters on the sidelines of the jersey launch event of the EUT20 Belgium, which starts on June 6.“I think aggression and the right kind of approach are working out (for bowlers). The teams (that) are having good balance in bowling, are making that impact in this tournament,” he added.READ | Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balanceZaheer, however, did not read much into Jasprit Bumrah’s form in this IPL where he has only two wickets to show in seven matches.“That’s the kind of season he’s having. As a bowler, you can go through these phases,” Zaheer said.“It doesn’t make you a bigger or a smaller bowler. It’s just about the phase and he’s aware of it. Still, (there are) what, seven games to go for him? So there’s still plenty of time for him to turn things around. You’ve seen what kind of capability he has,” he added.Zaheer, however, heaped praise on Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for staying true to his natural approach.“I think (it is about his) ability, confidence,” he replied when asked about Sooryavanshi’s knack of going after the top bowlers. “(He is) someone who is not carrying any baggage, approaching the game in the purest form — seeing the ball, hitting the ball, and having that kind of talent and ability.“To be able to do that consistently, that is the exciting part about someone like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. (He is) just going out there and enjoying the game,” Zaheer added.Zaheer, who has 311 Test wickets, rued an injury-hit career so far for pacer Mohsin, who plays for Lucknow Super Giants.“He has been down and out with injuries, isn’t it, for a while. It is great to see him coming back. It is about how he makes the impact, right?,” said Zaheer, LSG’s former bowling coach and mentor.“The skill is there. The fitness has to be backed properly for him because we have seen in the last two-three seasons, he has been a stop and start (player). For him, it is about playing more and more matches.“What I’m really excited about is someone like Prince (Yadav) also, who’s doing so well, who has put in all the hard work in the last year. You’ve seen Praful Hinge as well making that kind of impact,” Zaheer said.Zaheer said the 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be thinking of making an India comeback.“It’s great to see that he’s (Bhuvneswhar) coming up with such performances. I’m sure he must be thinking in those lines,” he said.“(The) IPL, we’ve seen, has been a platform for many to be able to showcase and Bhuvneshwar certainly has shown that. This season so far, it’s just about finishing strong, I think. We’ve seen things happen post-IPL. So why not?” He also urged Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who had a splendid red ball season, to grab his opportunities in the IPL.“Just keep doing what you’ve been doing — that is something which is very important. Also, it’s to do with opportunities, right? It’s a very complicated scenario that way.“But for anyone who is playing IPL, (it is) such a platform, such a format, it is just about being ready to grab those opportunities,” added Zaheer.Published on Apr 29, 2026 #Aggression #kind #approach #working #bowlers #IPL #Zaheer #Khan

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Former India pacer Zaheer Khan on Wednesday attributed the bowlers’ steadily improving outings against marauding batters in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) to their aggressive mindset and putting in place right strategies. Amidst the general bashing the batters meted out to bowlers, the likes of Akeal Hosein (4/17), Mohsin Khan (5/23), Josh Hazlewood (4/12) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/5) have made strong impression across the last week or so.
“I’m very happy to see that bowlers are coming back in a tournament like IPL right now. You’ve seen some low scores. You’ve seen 155 (-run) games also being defended (and) you’ve seen (a) team getting all out for 75,” Zaheer told reporters on the sidelines of the jersey launch event of the EUT20 Belgium, which starts on June 6.
“I think aggression and the right kind of approach are working out (for bowlers). The teams (that) are having good balance in bowling, are making that impact in this tournament,” he added.
READ | Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balance
Zaheer, however, did not read much into Jasprit Bumrah’s form in this IPL where he has only two wickets to show in seven matches.
“That’s the kind of season he’s having. As a bowler, you can go through these phases,” Zaheer said.
“It doesn’t make you a bigger or a smaller bowler. It’s just about the phase and he’s aware of it. Still, (there are) what, seven games to go for him? So there’s still plenty of time for him to turn things around. You’ve seen what kind of capability he has,” he added.
Zaheer, however, heaped praise on Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for staying true to his natural approach.
“I think (it is about his) ability, confidence,” he replied when asked about Sooryavanshi’s knack of going after the top bowlers. “(He is) someone who is not carrying any baggage, approaching the game in the purest form — seeing the ball, hitting the ball, and having that kind of talent and ability.
“To be able to do that consistently, that is the exciting part about someone like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. (He is) just going out there and enjoying the game,” Zaheer added.
Zaheer, who has 311 Test wickets, rued an injury-hit career so far for pacer Mohsin, who plays for Lucknow Super Giants.
“He has been down and out with injuries, isn’t it, for a while. It is great to see him coming back. It is about how he makes the impact, right?,” said Zaheer, LSG’s former bowling coach and mentor.
“The skill is there. The fitness has to be backed properly for him because we have seen in the last two-three seasons, he has been a stop and start (player). For him, it is about playing more and more matches.
“What I’m really excited about is someone like Prince (Yadav) also, who’s doing so well, who has put in all the hard work in the last year. You’ve seen Praful Hinge as well making that kind of impact,” Zaheer said.
Zaheer said the 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be thinking of making an India comeback.
“It’s great to see that he’s (Bhuvneswhar) coming up with such performances. I’m sure he must be thinking in those lines,” he said.
“(The) IPL, we’ve seen, has been a platform for many to be able to showcase and Bhuvneshwar certainly has shown that. This season so far, it’s just about finishing strong, I think. We’ve seen things happen post-IPL. So why not?” He also urged Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, who had a splendid red ball season, to grab his opportunities in the IPL.
“Just keep doing what you’ve been doing — that is something which is very important. Also, it’s to do with opportunities, right? It’s a very complicated scenario that way.
“But for anyone who is playing IPL, (it is) such a platform, such a format, it is just about being ready to grab those opportunities,” added Zaheer.
Published on Apr 29, 2026

#Aggression #kind #approach #working #bowlers #IPL #Zaheer #Khan">Aggression, right kind of approach are working out for bowlers in IPL: Zaheer Khan

“I think aggression and the right kind of approach are working out (for bowlers). The teams (that) are having good balance in bowling, are making that impact in this tournament,” he added.

READ | Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balance