Cricket

Mylapore Recreation Club (MRC), a bastion of cricket in Chennai, celebrated its 100th anniversary with a grand event that brought together former players, cricket enthusiasts, and dignitaries. The occasion was marked by the release of a commemorative book, "Mylapore Recreation Club — A Hundred Year Journey," which chronicles the club's rich history and enduring legacy.N. Murali, Director of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited, hailed MRC's century-long journey as a testament to the unwavering passion for cricket that has permeated its existence. He highlighted the club's role as a witness to the evolution of the sport, offering fascinating insights into the spirit and ethos of the times.Murali paid tribute to Sir C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar, the founder and patron of MRC, and his three sons, who all played for the club. He also acknowledged the contributions of Buchi Babu Nayudu, considered the patron saint of Madras cricket, and his three sons, who also graced MRC's playing fields.MRC, Murali noted, has been a club of families, carrying forward a tradition of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Despite being an amateur club for 90 out of its 100 years, MRC has maintained a high level of competitiveness, a testament to the dedication and skill of its members.Murali singled out the contributions of P.S. Ramachandran, a sensational fast bowler of his time, and his three sons, Sundaram, Venkatachalam, and Viswanathan, who have all been fast bowlers. He described their story as an "amazing" testament to the club's ability to nurture talent.V.V. Kumar, former India leg-spinner and chief guest of the function, lauded MRC for living by its traditions and values. He emphasized the club's commitment to fostering a love for cricket and providing a platform for young players to develop their skills.Former MRC cricketers, including Sundaram, Venkatachalam, Kasi Viswanathan, CEO of Chennai Super Kings, and A.G. Satwender Singh of Alwarpet CC, shared their memories and anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of the club's vibrant history.The 100th anniversary celebrations of Mylapore Recreation Club were a fitting tribute to the enduring spirit of cricket in Chennai. The club's legacy as a cradle of talent, a hub of camaraderie, and a testament to the enduring power of sports will continue to inspire generations to come.

Cricket Namibia has made history by becoming the first sports governing body in the country to offer professional contracts to both its men's and women's national cricket teams. This groundbreaking move marks a significant milestone for women's sports in Namibia.The contracts, negotiated and signed in February, were officially announced on Tuesday. Cricket Namibia chief executive Johan Muller expressed his excitement, stating, "For the first time, we have been able to professionalize the women's game. This is a significant moment for sports in the country. It's the first time ladies have been signed on contracts where cricket is their occupation."The contracts provide financial support to ten talented women cricketers, enabling them to pursue their passion while supporting their households. The value of the contracts and other details remain confidential.The contracted players include Kayleen Green, Sune Wittmann, Arrasta Diergaardt, Edelle van Zyl, Bianca Manuel, Irene van Zyl, Wilka Mwatile, Mekelaye Mwatile, Naomi Benjamin, and Saima Tuhadeleni.The Namibia women's team, known as the "Capricorn Eagles," currently holds the 17th position in the ICC Women's T20I team rankings, their highest ranking to date. Despite a recent setback at the African Games, where they won only one group-stage game, the team has made significant progress since receiving T20I status in 2018.In their 72 international matches, Namibia has emerged victorious in 44. In 2019, they represented Africa in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier but narrowly missed out on advancing to the main event in 2020.Cricket Namibia's commitment to professionalizing women's cricket is a testament to the growing recognition of women's sports in the country. The contracts will not only provide financial stability to the players but also inspire young girls to pursue their dreams in cricket.