Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman returned to Chennai to join his side Chennai Super Kings (CSK) today after completing his visa procedure.   Mustafizur came back to Bangladesh from IPL on April 2 as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) called him to complete the visa process for the USA where the T20 World Cup will be held alongside West Indies in June.   Mustafizur was the part of CSK in the first three matches and took seven wickets so far to occupy the second spot. Chennai played the last game without him and lost the game. However, CSK will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) tomorrow and Mustafizur is expected to be available for the selection.   Source: BSS

Chennai Super Kings won the Indian Premier League (IPL) title number 16 by defeating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets. It is their 5th title as they are very successful team in this tournament. They reached the target by losing five wickets in response to 171 runs in the rain. Chennai Super Kings needed 13 runs to win the match in the last over. In his first three balls, Mohammad Shami bowled yorker length and cost only two runs.  Then the match pendulum was swinging in both directions. Chennai kings needed 10 runs in last two balls.  Ravindra Jadeja pulled the match back to their side by hitting a six on the very first ball of the last over of Chennai batting innings. He also completed the rest of the work. The ball that flighted full to his right foot, jadeja pushed the ball and went for run. But, the ball has already passed the boundary and Chennai Super Kings win the match. Two openers Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad gave Chennai Kings a good start to chase a big target. At one point, Chennai kings run was 72 in 6 overs. In the seventh over, Noor Ahmad gave Gujarat Titans the first break through, sending Ruturaj Gaikwad back. The left-arm spinner also returned Devon Conway in the same over. The Kiwi batter saw the pavilion pathway scored 47 runs with 2 sixes and 4 fours. After the departure of two openers in Noor Ahmad's over, Ajinkya Rahane carries the innings with the same flow. After playing a 27 runs off 13 balls great innings, Ajinkya Rahane snared by Mohit Sharma. Chennai Kings needed 50 runs from the last 20 balls to win the title. After five balls, the margin was 23 runs off 15 balls. In the last over, Chennai need 14 runs.  However, only 4 runs came from Mohit's first four balls. Than the whole match scenario turned back to the fielding side. But Jadeja snatched the victory from Gujarat Titans by hitting a six and a four in the last two balls. Earlier, Chennai captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and sent Gujarat Titans to bat first at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.  Chennai had a chance to get a wicket in the beginning.  But, Deepak Chahar dropped an easy catch of Shubman Gill at square off. Gill was then on 2 runs. Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha gave Gujarat Titans a flying start in the power play. 62 runs came from the bat of these two batter in 6 overs.  Gill was on his way to a half-century. However, he had to return due to being stumped by MS Dhoni in Jadeja's over. Gujarat Titans opener scored 39 off 20 balls with 7 boundaries. Wriddhiman Saha made a partnership of 64 runs off 42 balls with Sai Sudarsan in the second wicket. The wicketkeeper batter, who completed his fifty off just 36 balls, also returned to the pavilion. His 54 runs innings off 39 balls had 5 fours and 1 six. Then sai Sudarsan scored a fifty off 33 balls. This batsman had a chance to score a century. He created that opportunity by hitting two sixes in the last over, but Sudarsan's first century dream was in vain by getting out on the very next ball. Devon Conway got player of the match award and Shubman Gill got player of the series award.

The man who stunned the art world with his multi billion dollar buys of some of the priciest paintings of Pablo Picasso, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama, David Hockney and Leonardo da Vinci, wants to bind India and Saudi Arabia through commerce and culture, moving beyond oil. Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Mohammed, hand picked by 35-year old Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman or MBS, to create and run his country’s first Ministry of Culture, was in Mumbai this weekend for a below the radar trip, meeting some of the biggest names of corporate India and the film fraternity, said people in the know. Flying straight from Riyadh to Jamnagar, Prince Badar met Reliance Industries (RIL) chairman Mukesh Ambani and his family. The kingdom and India’s largest business group have shared deep ties for many decades. RIL sources majority of its crude oil from Saudi Arabia. Saudi Aramco CEO Yasir O. Al Rumayan, who is also the governor of the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), joined the RIL board last year as an independent director even though Aramco’s plans of buying a fifth of the Ambani flagship did not materialise after intense negotiations spanning over 2 years. PIF also invested Rs 20,922 crore across Reliance Retail and Reliance Jio Platforms. Reliance, the country’s top exporter, is looking at expanding its retail operations in the Gulf and have set up a trading subsidiary in Abu Dhabi in December focussing on a diverse set of agricultural commodities petroleum, petro chemicals and crude oil. “It was a signal that MBS and the Saudi royalty still considers the Ambani family a strategic ally,” said one of person aware of the meetings. “At a business level both are serious about net zero targets, sustainability. Beyond energy, there are overlapping interests in entertainment, sports as well.” The Saudi delegation also met Tata Group chairman N.Chandrasekaran and Group CFO Saurabh Agrawal at the conglomerate’s headquarters to discuss business opportunities in travel and tourism in Saudi for Taj and Air India. Indian Hotels that operate the Taj hotels have been planning to expand its footprint in Mecca. Vistara and Air India flights to Jeddah, AlUla -- a craggy desert area in the country’s northwest best known for its Petra-like rock tombs that MBS is keen to promote as a big tourism and cultural destination -- and Mecca, especially during the Haj season, were also part of their discussions. After buying out partner GE, TCS has set up an all women centre and innovation lab in Riyadh providing a platform for young software graduates. The Centre, was a key highlight of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in 2016 has since been showcased to several visiting US Presidents.   Saudi Arabia is a key pillar of India’s energy security being a source of 17 per cent of crude and 32 per cent of LPG requirements as per Saudi government estimates of 2019-2020. But the kingdom has been looking at strengthening ties with plans to invest $100 billion across petrochemicals, infrastructure and mining. Close on the heels of its free trade agreement (FTA) with the UAE and Australia, India has also expedited the pace of talks with several partners, including other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to create a raft of “fair and balanced” trade deals and further boost domestic exporters. “The visit aimed at strengthening cultural ties between the two countries,” the spokesperson of the Saudi ministry said. “The Saudi delegation held a series of meetings with members of the Indian business and film fraternity.” At a meeting at Jio Centre at Mumbai’s Bandra Kundra Complex, producers and directors Sameer Nair of Applause Entertainment, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Raju Hirani, Kabir Khan, Dinesh Vijan, Ashutosh Gowarikar and others discussed commercial opportunities along with senior representatives with MBC Group – a media conglomerate owned by the Saudi government. Prince Badar is also believed to have also spoken to Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla on the phone to explore potential alliances in co-content creation opportunities. Attempts to reach Nair did not generate a response. “The recent cricket movie 83 was premiered at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah in December where Akshay Kumar was also the guest. Culturally, there are various similarities between the two sides and MBS is personally keen to nurture this,” said a Saudi official present. Such outreach are efforts by the young prince to diversify an oil-dependent economy and liberalise social customs. Till a few years ago, art itself was taboo, as were movie theaters, operas and rock concerts—and now all are becoming common place. Over the last 6 years, since the crown prince’s father King Salman rose to power, Prince Mohammed has ended many social restrictions, but continued to take a hard line against political criticism, running down potential rivals and even arresting dissidents. Over the next decade, the Saudi government intends to build more than a dozen major art institutions, plus more smaller ones, in hopes of attracting tourists and adding as much as $27 billion to the country’s economy, Fayez had earlier said. The Saudis have previously disclosed plans to build a handful of museums, but has refrained from sharing the scale of their ambitions. The added cultural infrastructure is one part of a broader, estimated $64 billion campaign to overhaul the country’s economy and reputation. Da Vinci’s painting bought for a record $450 million at a Christie’s auction, is expected to be a centre piece of the country’s art and culture campaign but the kingdom is not overtly keen on focussing too much attention on just one canvas eclipsing the other works they want to showcase, including a strong focus on Saudi culture and Islamic art. Under MBS, 16 sectors have been highlighted that are to be manned by 11 commissions which are all to be helmed by Prince Badar as the chairman. From film to fashion, culinary arts to literature and translations, museums and libraries, these highlight the key focus areas for the kingdom. Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Star-studded Bashundhara Kings emerged as the new champions in the Federation Cup Football Tournament, the season’s curtain raiser soccer meet, beating first-time finalist Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society 2-1 goals in the final of the TVS 31st Federation Cup  2019 in front of a capacity crowd at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the capital on Sunday. Bashundhara Kings emerged as the first new champions in the Federation Cup Football after Sheikh Russel KC 8 years ago, joining Dhaka Abahani Limited, Dhaka Mohammedan SC, Sheikh Jamal DC Ltd, Sheikh Russel KC, Muktijoddha Sangsad KC and Brothers Union, who exited earlier in this year’s meet. Russia World Cup playing Costa Rica booter cum Kings captain Daniel Colindres Solera scored both the goals for new sensations and big budgeted Bashundhara Kings in only their 2nd appearance in the tournament, after finishing runners up last year in the Federation Cup losing to Dhaka Abahani Limited in the final. Rahmatganj captain cum Gambian forward Momodou Bah scored the lone goal for Rahmatganj MFS in the day’s crucial final. Champions Kings received prize money of Tk 5 lakh while Runners-Up Rahmatganj got Tk 3 lakh. Daniel Colindres was adjudged the best player of the tournament and his teammate defender Bishwanath Ghosh was adjudged man of the final. American forward of Bangladesh Police Football Club Rivera Sidney Adam, who scored 4 goals was named as the top scorer while Dhaka Mohammedan Limited won the fair play award. After the match, Senior Vice-President of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Abdus Salam Murshedy MP distributed the prizes as the chief guest. BFF members, Clubs representatives and players were also present on the occasion. In the last year, the Kings showed their worth in the Walton Independence Cup 2018 claiming their maiden title in the top level football beating Sheikh Russel KC by 2–1 goals in the final and later they emerged new powerhouse of the country’s football clinching their first-ever Bangladesh Premier League title securing 63 points, five points ahead of runners-up Dhaka Abahani. In the day’s final, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Champions put pressure on the Rahmatganj with their aggressive football from the very beginning. In the 2nd minute, Kyrgyz midfielder Baktyir Duishobekov missed a chance to open account, off a corner by captain Colindres. But his header from inside the box missed the target. Just five minutes later, Rahmatganj defender Nahidul Islam Nahid smartly saved a close-range header from Argentine defender Nicolas Delmonte. The giant-killer Rahmatganj, which for the first time appeared in the final of a top-tier competition in their 87-year history, made several eye-catching attempts from counter attacks. But Anisur Rahman Zico, the wall of the Kings, successfully denied all of their efforts. In the 16th minute, Zico denied two consecutive attempts from Rahmatganj forward Shuhel Miah and Uzbek forward Turaev Akobir from inside the box. Forward Shuhel missed two more chances in a span of five minutes (20th to 24th minute). Kings finally broke the deadlock in the 41st minute while Colindres sent the ball home with a glancing header utilizing a cross from defender Bishwanath Ghosh (1-0). After the half-time, Kings continued their attacks and produced some close chances to widen their margin. But Rahmatganj made a surprise comeback in the game while Captain Momodou Bah leveled the margin, off a corner from midfielder Shahedul Alam in the 64th minute (1-1). After conceding goal, Kings came alive, increased their attacks and finally bagged its fruits in the 77th minute. Colindres made no mistake to score the match-winner with a simple tap-in shot while Rahmatgani goalkeeper Rasel Mahmud Liton made a serious blunder inside the box (2-1). Defender Yeasin Khan of Kings and Defender Mahmudul Hasan Kiron of Rahmatganj got yellow cards. The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) champions Kings started mission in the season’s curtain-raiser soccer meet aiming to bag their maiden Fed Cup title. After beating Brothers Union Limited by 1-0 goal in the first group match, Kings suffered a shocking 0-2 goals defeat against Chittagong Abahani Limited in the 2nd match. But, Kings bounced back in the race eliminating Group D champions Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra by 4-1 goals in a nail-biting tie-breaker as the 4th and last quarterfinal between them was locked in 1-1 goals in stipulated 90-minute time and also in the extra session. On the other hand, giant-killer Rahmatganj MFS maintained their unbeaten run to reach the Fed Cup final for the first time eliminating ten-time Fed Cup Champions Dhaka Mohammedan SC by 1-0 goal in the first semifinal. The old Dhaka outfit booked a seat for the semifinals upsetting eleven-time champions Dhaka Abahani Limited by 4-3 goals in the tie-breaker as their first quarterfinal between them ended in 1-1 draw in the extra-time after goalless in stipulated period last Monday last. With the shocking departure of Dhaka Mohammedan, all the six former champions -- Dhaka Abahani Ltd, Sheikh Jamal DC Ltd, Sheikh Russel KC, Muktijoddha Sangsad KC and Brothers Union – were eliminated from the ongoing meet. Bashundhara Kings: Anisur Rahman Zico, Yeasin Khan, Topu Barman, Motin Mia, Bishwanath Ghosh, Mahbubur Rahman Sufil (Emon Mahmud), Mohammad Ibrahim, Baktyir Duishobekov, Daniel Colindres Solera, Nicolas Delmonte, Akhtam Nazarov. Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society: Rasel Mahmud Liton, Acpopob Asrorov (Md Sarif), Camara Younoussa, Mahmudul Hasan Kiron, Arafat Hossain, Suhel Miah, Momodou Bah, Turaev Akobir, Sanoar Hossain, Shahedul Alam, Nadidul Islam Nahid. Referee: Md Jalal Uddin Source: UNB AH