Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
PRINCE HARRY has praised Birmingham for securing the bid to host the Invictus Games in 2027, marking the first time the event will return to the UK since its inception in London in 2014.
Founded by the Duke of Sussex for wounded, injured, and sick military personnel and veterans, the Invictus Games will see Harry making another trip to the country, reported the Guardian.
There is also speculation that the Duchess of Sussex may accompany him, as she had attended several past events alongside her husband.
“Congratulations to Birmingham, UK, on winning the bid to host the Invictus Games 2027. Your city’s strong ties to the armed forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start," Harry said in a statement.
“Over the years, we’ve seen each city bring a unique spirit and vision to life for competitors, their families and spectators. We have no doubt the people of Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all – something your city knows well.”
The 2027 event will be held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in July. The UK government-backed £26 million proposal triumphed over Washington DC in the final bid.
The selection process drew on Birmingham's connections to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Selly Oak, which treats wounded service personnel, and the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, which trains UK clinicians. The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall also played a significant role in supporting the bid.
Stephen "Hoops" Hooper, Team UK's captain for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, emphasised the importance of hosting the event in the country.
"This will mean the world to Team UK, not only so their friends and family can watch them compete, but so the British public can cheer them on," he said.
Helen Helliwell, chief executive of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, highlighted the event's potential for long-term impact. She described it as "the most cohesive, sustainable event in Invictus Games history," with legacy programmes set to benefit communities nationwide.
The focus on sustainability and community engagement aligns with the broader goals of the Invictus Games Foundation, which seeks to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation through sport.
Prince Harry's commitment to the games stems from his own military service and his experiences on the frontline in Afghanistan. He was inspired to create the global tournament after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013, where he saw the transformative effect of competitive sports on injured US military personnel.
The UK games also bring up whether the King, the Prince of Wales, and other royals will attend the event, given the strained relationships following Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary and his memoir, Spare.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli (C), along with his teammates, celebrates with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 final cricket match against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 4, 2025. (Photo by ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images)
THE Indian Premier League's business value has been estimated at $18.5 billion (£13.5bn) with reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru its wealthiest franchise, according to a report by an investment bank.
The world's richest cricket tournament has been a top revenue earner for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and in 2020 was estimated to generate more than $11bn (£8bn) a year for the Indian economy.
According to US investment bank Houlihan Lokey, which has valued several sports franchises around the world, the brand value of the 10-team T20 franchise tournament has seen a sharp rise of 13.8 per cent to $3.9bn (£2.8bn) over the past year.
Bengaluru, who along with star player Virat Kohli won their first IPL title this year, have overtaken five-time winners Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to achieve a brand value of $269 million (£196m). Mumbai is second with $242m (£176m), followed by Chennai at $235m (£171m).
The Houlihan Lokey report called the IPL "a global phenomenon" that has become more than just a cricket league.
"The IPL continues to set benchmarks in sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors," Harsh Talikoti from Houlihan Lokey, said in a statement.
"The league's ability to attract global investors and sponsors reflects its status as a premier sports property with enduring appeal."
Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings for the title at the world's biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad in June to conclude the 18th edition of the league.
The report said the 2025 final had more than 678 million views on the official streaming platform JioHotstar, surpassing the India-Pakistan clash during the Champions Trophy in February this year.
The IPL, which is broadcast around the world and features top international stars such as Australia's Pat Cummins and England's Jos Buttler, mixes sport and showbusiness in a glitzy format, with a number of teams fronted by Bollywood movie superstars.
Since it launched in 2008 it has inspired a range of other franchise-based leagues in India in sports as diverse as boxing, badminton, poker and kabaddi, and spawned copycat cricket tournaments elsewhere.
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The article in question described Sabalenka’s recent practice sessions
Maria Sharapova criticises WSJ coverage of Aryna Sabalenka's Wimbledon practice
WSJ article suggested Sabalenka hits so hard she must train with men
Sharapova says the practice is standard in women’s tennis
Sabalenka says sessions with Djokovic and Sinner have improved her game
Sharapova challenges headline on Sabalenka
Maria Sharapova has called out the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) over its portrayal of world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s Wimbledon preparations, urging the publication to “do better”.
The 2004 Wimbledon champion took issue with an Instagram post by WSJ featuring a smiling Sabalenka under the caption: “The world No. 1 who hits so hard she practises against men.”
The caption was based on an article by reporter Joshua Robinson, which included the line: “The 27-year-old Sabalenka now crushes the ball so forcefully that she needs new practice partners. And, as it turns out, the right players for the job happen to be people she could never face in singles competition… That’s because they’re men.”
Sharapova responded by sharing the post with her 4.7 million Instagram followers and writing: “What is this headline and what is this article. You can do better @WSJ.”
Practising with men is standard, says Sharapova
The article in question described Sabalenka’s recent practice sessions with ATP stars Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, presenting them as a reflection of her unmatched power on court.
However, Maria Sharapova pointed out that using male hitting partners is routine practice for elite WTA players. Sabalenka has long worked with male practice partners, including her current coach Anton Dubrov, who originally joined her team in that role.
The same approach has been taken by top players including Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Sharapova herself, especially during Grand Slam tournaments.
Sabalenka values strategic, not just physical, training
Speaking after her first-round win, Sabalenka clarified that her training sessions with Djokovic and Sinner were not just about handling power but understanding the strategic aspects of the game.
“You see the different approach to the balls. You’re learning,” she said. “I think it really helped my tennis, to be honest. Now there are some balls that I used to struggle a little [with]. Right now, I kind of understand a little bit better how to adjust to those balls.”
Sabalenka said the opportunity to speak with Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, has been particularly valuable. Their conversations have focused on mental preparation and tactical decision-making during high-pressure moments.
“One of the conversations went to managing energy. Another one about the mental part of the game. Then we had another conversation about mentally approaching those big finals,” she revealed.
She added that Djokovic had given her useful advice on returning serve, which she has since incorporated into her game. “Now he’s always making fun of me copying his return. I’m like, ‘Man, it’s working! I’m copying the best.’”
Sabalenka continues strong Wimbledon run
Aryna Sabalenka is through to the Wimbledon semi-finals for the third time in her career, having dropped just one set so far. In her quarter-final victory over Laura Siegemund, she converted eight out of 13 break points to secure a 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 comeback win.
She will return to Centre Court on Thursday to face 13th seed Amanda Anisimova for a place in her first Wimbledon final.
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Sri Lanka's players pose with the trophy after winning the third and final one-day international (ODI) cricket match against Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on July 8, 2025. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
SRI LANKA stormed to a 99-run win over Bangladesh in the third and final ODI at Pallekele on Tuesday (8), sealing the three-match series 2-1 with a clinical all-round display.
Set a challenging target of 286, Bangladesh faltered under pressure and were bundled out for 186 inside 40 overs as Sri Lanka flexed their bowling muscle to wrap up the contest with ease.
The victory caps a remarkable turnaround for Sri Lanka in the 50-over format since their dismal World Cup campaign in India in 2023, where they finished ninth and failed to qualify for this year's Champions Trophy.
Since that debacle, they have won seven of nine ODI series, including notable triumphs over heavyweights Australia and India.
"This is probably one of our best games," Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said. "We were under pressure and we wanted to win badly and Kusal Mendis was superb today. When we ended up scoring 285, we knew we had the runs on the board and the bowlers' job became easy."
The architect of the series-deciding win against Bangladesh was indeed Mendis, who silenced his critics with 124 off 114 balls – his sixth ODI hundred.
The wicketkeeper-batter came into the game under fire after his rash dismissal during Sri Lanka's 16-run defeat in the second ODI in Colombo.
But at Pallekele, with the series on the line, Mendis dropped anchor and rebuilt the innings with a mature knock laced with 18 boundaries.
Coming in during the fourth over, he put on a vital 124-run stand for the fourth wicket with skipper Asalanka to lay the foundation for a competitive total.
Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis celebrates after scoring a century (100 runs) during the match. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
"Very pleased with the knock today. Was disappointed with what happened in Colombo. I had got a start and couldn't finish," said Mendis, who was named man of the match and player of the series.
"Here I was determined to bat through the innings and very satisfied."
At one stage the hosts looked set for a 300-plus total, but Bangladesh clawed back with tight death bowling to restrict them to 285 for seven.
The target proved to be a tall ask once the tourists' top order caved in.
Dushmantha Chameera, returning to the fold in this series after more than a year on the sidelines due to injury, hit the deck hard and was a handful with the new ball.
The right-arm quick rattled the stumps of in-form Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) with a gem that jagged back sharply to kiss the top of off.
With Towhid Hridoy then offering some resistance with a half-century, Chameera returned to breach his defence with another sharp in-swinging delivery that crashed through the gate.
The quick finished with three for 51 and was ably supported by Asitha Fernando, who also claimed three wickets. The two sides will now be involved in a three-match T20I series beginning Thursday, also at Pallekele.
"We started off well and we tried to bat positive, but the scoreboard pressure got to us," Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz said.
"But we are rebuilding the team and (there are) a lot of young players... we have a lot of positives."
(AFP)
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Red Bull Racing's British team principal and CEO Christian Horner. (Photo by JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images)
CHRISTIAN HORNER is to leave his role as Red Bull team principal with immediate effect after 20 years, the Formula One team announced on Wednesday (9).
He oversaw a period of dominance by the team with eight world titles won and the drivers' championship claimed eight times, with Max Verstappen winning the past four titles, and six constructors' crowns.
However, Horner's fortunes have dipped in the past 18 months after being accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee.
Although Horner, whose wife in former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell stood by him during the testing time, was cleared twice, there have been rumblings of discontent within the team, several high-profile departures, and their form has tailed off.
"Red Bull has released Christian Horner from his operational duties with effect from today (July 9, 2025) and has appointed Laurent Mekies as CEO of Red Bull Racing," read the statement from Red Bull.
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO Corporate Projects and Investments, paid the departing team chief a fulsome tribute.
"We would like to thank Christian Horner for his exceptional work over the last 20 years," he said in a statement.
"With his tireless commitment, experience, expertise and innovative thinking, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull Racing as one of the most successful and attractive teams in Formula 1.
"Thank you for everything, Christian, and you will forever remain an important part of our team history."
Horner's departure comes amid speculation that Verstappen may be tempted to jump ship to Mercedes.
Although the 27-year-old Dutchman won the title last year, he only stood on the top step of the podium twice in the final 14 races.
Other key figures responsible for Red Bull's dominance have left in the past year-and-a-half.
Legendary designer Adrian Newey signed for Aston Martin and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley joined Sauber, who are beginning to show signs of his influence with Nico Hulkenberg claiming his first ever podium finish in last Sunday's British Grand Prix.
Verstappen by contrast finished a disappointing fifth, having started on pole.
He is clearly unhappy with the car, saying during the race "this car is just so difficult to drive", which only further served to ferment the talks of a departure.
Verstappen is languishing 69 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri at the halfway point of the campaign.
Red Bull are fourth in the constructors' standings, 288 points behind leaders McLaren with Ferrari and Mercedes also ahead of them in the standings.
(AFP)
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Alcaraz had experienced occasional inconsistency in the first week of the tournament
Carlos Alcaraz defeats Britain’s Cameron Norrie in straight sets
Defending champion extends winning streak to 23 matches
Faces American Taylor Fritz next in the semi-finals
Alcaraz powers through quarter-final test
LONDON, July 8 (Reuters) – Carlos Alcaraz had hinted that Cameron Norrie might pose a tricky challenge. And for a brief moment on Tuesday, it looked as though the defending Wimbledon champion could be in for an early scare.
The Spaniard found himself down 0-40 in his opening service game on Centre Court. But any suggestion of an upset quickly faded as Alcaraz surged to a dominant 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 victory — a performance that further cemented his status as the favourite to retain the title.
Commanding from the start
Despite rows of empty seats early on — with spectators still filtering back after Aryna Sabalenka’s lengthy quarter-final — Alcaraz wasted no time asserting his authority.
By the time the crowd returned to support the last British singles player standing, the second seed had already wrapped up the opening set in just 28 minutes, showcasing his signature mix of precision and power.
Norrie, unseeded and unconventional in his style, tried to push back. He even lifted his arms in mock celebration after holding serve late in the third set. But the result never looked in doubt.
Alcaraz, currently enjoying a 23-match winning streak, was a level above throughout.
Building momentum before facing Fritz
The Spaniard, now into his eighth Grand Slam semi-final, will face American Taylor Fritz next. The match will take place after a two-day break, in line with the All England Club’s scheduling.
With momentum on his side, Alcaraz suggested he would prefer to keep playing. When asked how he planned to spend his time off, one fan jokingly shouted a suggestion to return to Ibiza, where he had relaxed after his recent French Open win.
“We’ll try to switch off”
Smiling, Alcaraz responded with a more grounded plan.
“I might try to go to the city centre if I have time. I want to play some golf with my team which will be fun,” he said. “What I’ve been doing so far has worked, so we’ll try to switch off together.”
Tuesday’s match marked the second time Alcaraz has faced a British opponent during this year’s Championships, having earlier beaten qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round. Interestingly, Tarvet had pushed the world number two more than Norrie managed to.
Too strong on grass
Norrie’s hopes of becoming just the third British man to defeat a defending Wimbledon champion ended early. After missing four break point opportunities in the second game, a double fault gifted Alcaraz a break, and a hesitant volley later allowed the Spaniard to strike a powerful dipping forehand that clipped the baseline.
While Alcaraz had experienced occasional inconsistency in the first week of the tournament, his latest showing confirmed that he is hitting top form as the business end approaches. The win marks his 34th from 37 matches played on grass.
“To play another semi-final here at Wimbledon is really special,” Alcaraz said. “I want to go as far as I can and I’m really happy with the level I played today against a really difficult player like Cam.”