Latest news with #Channel2GroupCorporation
Khaleej Times
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai-based group delighted to have Pollard, Bravo for World Championship of Legends
T20 legends Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard will play for the West Indies Champions in the second season of the World Championship of Legends, organisers announced. The West Indies Champions is owned by Ajay Sethi, chairman of the Dubai-based Channel 2 Group Corporation. Sanctioned by the England & Wales Cricket Board, the World Championship of Legends is the only global T20 league for retired professionals, uniting legends from Test-playing countries India, Pakistan, Australia, England, South Africa and the West Indies. Sethi, a prominent Dubai-based Indian businessman, was delighted to have Bravo and Pollard in his team for the World Championship of Legends. 'It's like reliving history. Bravo and Pollard returning together define the golden era of West Indies cricket. These two have been the face of West Indies T20 success for years, and to see them walk out in maroon again is emotional not just for fans, but for the entire cricketing world. This is not just a comeback; it's a celebration of legacy,' Sethi said. Pollard, a former West Indies captain, scored over 11,000 T20 runs in his career, while Bravo was an accomplished all-rounder with 631 wickets and 6,970 runs in T20 cricket. "It's great to be representing the West Indies once again - I'm incredibly excited to play with and against good friends and cricketing legends," Bravo said. "And Polly and I have been good friends for such a long time. Now, we represent our nation once more in the World Championship of Legends."
Khaleej Times
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Former England star Owais Shah leads Dubai radio station's commentary team for Champions Trophy
Former England cricketer Owais Shah is leading the commentary team for Channel 2 Group Corporation and FunAsia Network at the ongoing ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 As the UAE Audio Rights Holder for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, Channel 2 Group Corporation, in collaboration with FunAsia Network (BIG 106.2 & Talk 100.3), is bringing live, ball-by-ball coverage of the 15- match tournament. Fans can tune in to Talk 100.3 for comprehensive coverage, expert commentary, and in- depth analysis, making it the go-to source for cricket enthusiasts. 'We are thrilled to join forces with FunAsia Network to bring the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 to our viewers and listeners,' said Ajay Sethi, Chairman of Channel 2 Group Corporation. The partnership ensures that Talk 100.3 will serve as the official radio broadcaster of the tournament, offering live match coverage and expert insights. Leading the commentary team is Owais Shah, who is bringing his extensive knowledge of the game to the airwaves, alongside a talented group of UAE-based voices. 'We are excited to partner with Channel 2 Group Corporation for this prestigious tournament,' said Pratik Mehta, Managing Director of FunAsia Network. 'Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of fans across the UAE, and through this partnership, we are committed to delivering a top-class broadcast that truly captures the essence of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025.'
Gulf Today
15-02-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Afghanistan will be semi-finalist, says Shah
Former England batsmen Owais Shah played down the chances of Brendon McCullum's men winning the Champions Trophy, which will be held in the UAE and Pakistan. Shah plied his trade for England in six Test matches and 71 ODIs. Nothing short of talent, Shah's career was curtailed due to injuries and his hard luck. He happened to play for England in the era when the team was inundated with the star batsmen like Micheal Vaughan, Nasir Hussian, Micheal Atherton and Marcus Trescothick to name a few. Shah, who also served as coaching consultant of the UAE, will be seen in the role of a commentator during the tournament where he will share his views and invaluable experience as a player along with the others on a star-studded panel, which will also witness India's little master Sunil Gavaskar, chipping in as a guest commentator. 'Speaking realistically, I don't reckon England as the title contenders for the Champions Trophy. They have only 60 per cent chances of winning the tournament in these conditions in the presence of teams like India and Pakistan. 'Conditions in the UAE are not feasible for a team like England. Because, spinners are likely to play a major role here. The pitches generally support spinners and the ball does not come on to the bats easily. 'England are used to playing on the fast pitches. If we see, India named a spin-heavy squad, knowing the conditions here,' said Shah on the sidelines of a press conference held to announce the elite panel of the radio commentators for the Champions Trophy. As the UAE Audio Rights Holder for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, Channel 2 Group Corporation, in collaboration with FunAsia Network (BIG 106.2 & Talk 100.3), will bring live, ball-by-ball coverage of the exciting 15-match tournament. 'We are thrilled to join forces with FunAsia Network to bring the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 to our viewers and listeners,' said Ajay Sethi, Chairman of Channel 2 Group Corporation. Meanwhile, India clean-swept England in the ODI series 3-0, beating them in the final match by a whopping 142 runs on Wednesday followed by 3-1 mauling in the preceding T20 series. The ODI series was billed as a preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Champions Trophy will be played in the hybrid model because of India's refusal to travel to Pakistan. India will play all their matches in the UAE, including the blockbuster against arch-rivals Pakistan on Feb.23. Owing to a political tension between the two countries, India refused to go to Pakistan, citing the security as the reason. Last India travelled to Pakistan was in 2006 while Pakistan visited India recently in the 2023 World Cup. UAE has emerged as the favourite venue for hosting the flagship sporting events since the outbreak of Covid 19. A number of the premier events like ICC T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, MMA fights and BWF Badminton Championship was held in the UAE on a short notice. Shah also reckoned Afghanistan as a potential semi-finalist. He predicted that Afghanistan will be a surprise package in the tournament. 'I think Afghanistan can cause big upsets. They are one of the top contenders for a semi-final spot. In these conditions, they can be a very dangerous side. 'The way they played in the 2023 World Cup in India and made it to the semi-finals, they should not be considered as a surprise package but an overwhelming favourite. 'They have a very strong spin attack led by star spinner Rashid Khan. Mohammad Nabi, Noor Mohammad and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar. Afghanistan players are playing a lot of franchise cricket, which has given them a lot of exposure,' stressed Shah. In the recently-concluded DP World ILT20, Afghanistan players shone brightly and left an indelible impression on the league. Fazalhaq Farooqi emerged as the top wicket-taking bowler whereas Gulbadin Naib impressed with his batting prowess, scoring three fifties. He played a pivotal role in steering Dubai Capitals to winning their maiden title.
