Latest news with #Rog
Hans India
5 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
1xBet and European Cricket Network Partner to Support Cricket in Europe
1xBet and European Cricket Network Kick Off New Era of European Cricket Since 2012, international bookmaker 1xBet has worked to raise the profile of cricket in India and other Asian countries. Now, as the sport prepares for its Olympic return at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, 1xBet is extending its support into Europe through a new partnership with the European Cricket Network (ECN). Cricket, while created in England, has become a major sport in South Asia, especially in India. Tournaments such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) attract large audiences and media coverage. In contrast, many European countries have not embraced cricket to the same extent. However, with its Olympic inclusion ahead, the sport is starting to gain ground across the continent. 1xBet has been a long-time supporter of cricket in regions like India, the UAE, and several African countries. By teaming up with ECN, the company will now help expand cricket's reach in Europe. Partnership to Cover Leading European Cricket Events in 2025 Under the agreement running from April 1 to October 31, 2025, 1xBet becomes the Official Betting Partner of ECN. The organisation is responsible for several top-level competitions for both male and female teams. These include: ● European Cricket League (ECL); ● European Cricket Championship (men's and women's); ● European Cricket Series (men's and women's); ● European Cricket Internationals (men's and women's); ● Weston Shield (Men's All-Star tournament); ● Meltl Shield (Women's All-Star tournament). These tournaments have already earned strong followings in India, placing among the top ten most-viewed cricket events in the country. They are known for featuring skilled players and for running professionally managed competitions. ECN hosts matches in more than 20 European countries. The European Cricket League is shown by broadcasters worldwide, including FanCode (India), Sky Sport (New Zealand), Fox Sports (Australia), SportsMax (Caribbean), ATN (Canada), SportDeutschland (Germany), Streamster (Austria), Swiss Sport TV (Switzerland), and StarTimes (Africa). This international reach brings in a broad viewership for each tournament. 1xBet's sponsorship is expected to support the growth of ECN events and bring them closer to a wider global audience. The funding will also assist teams by improving training facilities and providing better equipment. These changes can encourage more young players to try cricket and develop their skills. 'This partnership is an important development for fans of the sport,' said Irina Kapoor, Head of Marketing at 1xBet. 'The European Cricket Network is helping to grow cricket in countries where it hasn't yet become widely followed — like Germany, Spain, Italy, and France. We're glad to work with ECN and believe our shared goals will help bring new supporters to the sport, especially as it prepares for the Olympics.' 'We're pleased to announce our partnership with 1xBet, a well-established brand in the industry,' said Roger Feiner, CEO of the European Cricket Network. 'Through this partnership, ECN joins the same sponsorship group that includes football clubs like FC Barcelona, basketball's FIBA, Volleyball World, and other major sports organisations.' Brand Visibility and Audience Engagement The ECN runs hundreds of matches every year, giving 1xBet repeated visibility during match broadcasts. As part of the agreement, the 1xBet logo will appear throughout all live match streams and on promotional materials connected to the tournaments. Match commentators will mention the brand when discussing results and statistics, keeping the sponsor in regular view. In addition, ECN and 1xBet will develop content together for social media platforms. They also plan to include activities for fans to take part in during events. One such detail includes the use of a branded coin for the coin toss at the beginning of each match, used to decide which team will bat or field first. Cricket followers and sports media will be watching closely to see how this partnership develops and how it supports the sport's growth in Europe. About the European Cricket Network The European Cricket Network (ECN) was created in 2018 to help cricket develop across the continent. The organisation holds regular tournaments, builds media partnerships, and works on growing public interest in the sport. Each year, ECN delivers live, broadcast-quality coverage of its major competitions, including: ● European Cricket Championship (ECC); ● European Cricket League (ECL); ● European Cricket International (ECI); ● European Cricket Series (ECS); ● European Cricket Championship – Women (ECC-W); ● Weston Shield (men's All-Star tournament); ● Meltl Shield (women's All-Star tournament). These events help bring attention to cricket in new markets and give players the chance to perform on international platforms. About 1xBet 1xBet is an international betting company with 18 years of industry experience. It offers betting services on thousands of sports events each year. The brand's website and app support over 70 languages, serving customers across many countries. 1xBet is known for its partnerships with some of the most recognised names in global sports. These include football clubs like FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and LOSC Lille, as well as top leagues such as La Liga and Serie A. The brand also works with cricket teams like South Africa's Durban Super Giants and now, the European Cricket Network. In India, the company is represented by brand ambassadors Heinrich Klaasen, a well-known cricketer, and actress Urvashi Rautela. 1xBet has also received several awards in the gambling and sports betting sector, including honours from the International Gaming Awards (IGA), SBC Awards, G2E Asia, and the EGR Nordics Awards.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zak Starkey Clarifies That He Was Not Fired From The Who (Twice) But Rather ‘Retired'
The see-saw story of The Who's drummer chair continued to tilt over the weekend when former, then current and then former again time keeper Zak Starkey clarified that he had not been fired from the band but rather 'retired.' The 59-year-old son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and in-demand session player wrote in an Instagram post on Monday (May 26) that he'd had a nice chat with singer Roger Daltrey clarifying what appeared to be his recent second sacking in as many months. 'NOISE&CONFUSION!!!! I had a great phone chat with Roger at the end of last week which truly confused both of us!!! Rog said I hadn't been 'fired'…I had been 'retired' to work n my own projects,' Starkey wrote. More from Billboard The Who Once Again Part Ways With Drummer Zak Starkey Morgan Wallen's 'I'm the Problem' & 'What I Want' With Tate McRae Launch Atop Billboard's Country Charts Post Malone Brings Out NBA Legend Allen Iverson for 'White Iverson' Performance in Philadelphia 'I explained to Rog that I have just spent nearly 8 weeks at my studio in Jamaica completing these projects, that my group Mantra Of The Cosmos was releasing one single at the beginning of June and after that had run its course ( usually 5/6 weeks ) I was completely available for the foreseeable future,' Starkey continued. 'Rog said 'Oh!' and we kind of left it there- On good terms and great friends as we have always been . Gotta love these guys. As my mum used to say 'The mind boggles!!!'' It's been a wild ride lately for Starkey, who has worked with everyone from Oasis to Johnny Marr, the Icicle Works and his dad's All-Starr Band over years in addition to recording sessions with dozens of other rock and reggae acts. Ahead of their upcoming farewell tour, guitarist Pete Townshend announced last month that 'After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change. A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best. Scott Devours who has worked with Roger's solo band will join The Who for our Final shows. Please welcome him.' The firing after a nearly 30-year run appeared to surprise Starkey, after reports that Daltrey was not happy with the drummer's performance at a March Royal Albert Hall gig, complaining from stage that Starkey's loud playing was throwing him off. Starkey was then seemingly re-hired just days after Townshend's original announcement, after what the guitarist and songwriter described as 'communication issues,' only to be re-fired on May 18. 'I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit the who to pursue my other musical endevours this would be a lie. I love the who and would never had quit. So I didn't make the statement,' Starkey wrote after the second firing. 'Quitting the who would also have let down the countless amazing people who stood up for me (thank you all a million times over and more) thru the weeks of mayhem of me going 'in an out an in an out an in an out like a bleedin squeezebox x.' The Who will kick off the U.S. leg of their farewell tour on August 16 at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Classic Rock Drummer Claims He Wasn't Fired Twice But ‘Retired'
The saga of The Who firing, rehiring, and then re-firing Zak Starkey has taken another turn. Starkey, the 59-year-old son of Ringo Starr, had played drums with the classic rock icons for three decades, up until his dismissal in April. Starkey said he was "surprised and saddened" after getting fired, but Pete Townshend later posted on social media that Zak was back in the band and his departure was due to "communication issues." Except, fans got fooled again. Townshend posted on May 18 that the "time had come for a change," and that Zak was out. Scott Devours, drummer for vocalist Roger Daltrey's solo band, would handle drumming on The Who's forthcoming final North American tour. Now, Starkey says he wasn't fired. The band "retired" him. On May 26, the drummer posted a message to Instagram. "I had a great phone chat with Roger at the end of last week, which truly confused both of us!!! Rog said I hadn't been 'fired'…I had been 'retired' to work on my own projects." "I explained to Rog that I have just spent nearly 8 weeks at my studio in Jamaica completing these projects," wrote Starkey, "that my group Mantra Of The Cosmos was releasing one single at the beginning of June and after that had run its course (usually 5/6 weeks)." "I was completely available for the foreseeable future," the drummer added. "Rog said 'Oh!' and we kind of left it there- On good terms and great friends as we have always been. Gotta love these guys. As my mum used to say, 'The mind boggles!!!'" After the second firing on May 18, Starkey said he was "asked to make a statement saying I had quit The Who to pursue my other musical endeavors. This would be a lie. I love The Who and would never have quit. So I didn't make the statement." Quitting the who would also have let down the countless amazing people who stood up for me (thank you all a million times over and more) thru the weeks of mayhem of me going 'in an out an in an out an in an out like a bleedin squeezebox," he added. Related: Legendary Rock Band's New Drummer Speaks Out After Replacing Son Of Music Icon Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zak Starkey Now Says That He Was 'Retired' by The Who
The post Zak Starkey Now Says That He Was 'Retired' by The Who appeared first on Consequence. Usually, it's the employee that does the retiring, but in the case of Zak Starkey and The Who, it appears that the band 'retired' the drummer. Starkey has offered new insight into his recent firing, re-hiring, and re-firing from the legendary rock act, saying that singer Roger Daltrey insisted that Starkey wasn't 'fired,' but 'retired.' Get The Who Tickets Here In a new Instagram post on Monday (May 26th), Starkey noted that he had a confusing conversation with Daltrey at the end of last week. The drummer explained that it was not his decision to part ways with The Who ahead of the band's upcoming North American farewell tour, despite the singer's insistence on using the word 'retired.' His full post reads as follows: 'NOISE&CONFUSION!!!! I had a great phone chat with Roger at the end of last week which truly confused both of us!!! Rog said I hadn't been 'fired'…I had been 'retired' to work n my own projects. I explained to Rog that I have just spent nearly 8 weeks at my studio in Jamaica completing these projects, that my group Mantra Of The Cosmos was releasing one single at the beginning of June and after that had run its course ( usually 5/6 weeks ) I was completely available for the foreseeable future….Rog said 'Oh!' and we kind of left it there- On good terms and great friends as we have always been. Gotta love these guys. As my mum used to say 'The mind boggles!!!' XXX' As previously reported, Starkey was initially fired from The Who in April after the band experienced a few hiccups during its performance at the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit show at the Royal Albert Hall in London. He was then quickly reinstated, with guitarist Pete Townshend blaming 'communication issues' behind the firing. However, Starkey was then re-fired earlier this month, and replaced by Daltrey's solo drummer Scott Devours. The Who are set to embark on their absolute final North American tour from mid August through late September, with tickets available here. Among the support acts are Billy Idol, Feist, The Joe Perry Project, Billy Bob Thornton, and more. Popular Posts Billy Joel Diagnosed with Brain Disorder, Cancels All Upcoming Tour Dates The 30 Best Action Movie Stars of All Time, Ranked Freddie Mercury's Alleged Child Revealed in New Biography Is The Who's Farewell Tour in Turmoil? Zach Braff to Return for Scrubs Reboot Bruce Springsteen Cover Band's Jersey Shore Gig Canceled Because "Bruce Can't Keep His Mouth Shut" Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Entrepreneur
05-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
From Gator Hunts to Global Brands: How this Entrepreneur Built his Brand Into a Business Empire
Sometimes, all it takes is a spark of inspiration to evolve a hometown passion into a thriving empire. For Roger "Rog" Lolly, that spark began with Florida Boy—a clothing brand celebrating the Sunshine State's adventurous spirit and vibrant culture. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Asia Pacific, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Sometimes, all it takes is a spark of inspiration to evolve a hometown passion into a thriving empire. For Roger "Rog" Lolly, that spark began with Florida Boy—a clothing brand celebrating the Sunshine State's adventurous spirit and vibrant culture. From catching snakes and wrestling alligators on social media to opening restaurants, launching a mobile video game, and expanding into global markets, Rog Lolly has transformed Florida Boy into a diverse, multidimensional enterprise. Authentic Roots and Bold Branding Florida Boy started simply: casual apparel capturing the essence of Floridian life—sunshine, swamps, and adventure. But Rog quickly realized his brand resonated deeper. He leveraged social media to share real-life Florida experiences, connecting audiences to his bold adventures like hunting invasive species. This authentic storytelling became the heartbeat of the brand, laying a strong foundation for growth. Capitalizing on this momentum, Rog expanded into the culinary scene with Florida Boy Burger Co., launching its first restaurant in Fort Myers in 2024 and another planned for Cape Coral in 2025. His ambitious roadmap includes opening locations in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and Jacksonville by 2026. Rog's unconventional advertising—pairing thrilling alligator-wrangling videos with burger promotions—captured attention, proving the power of daring to be different. Beyond Apparel: ABEZ and Global Expansion Rog Lolly's ventures don't stop at burgers and apparel. His company became a key player as one of the largest electrical meter manufacturers in the USA, partnering with a significant firm in India and establishing Lolly as the exclusive distributor for North America and the Caribbean. By combining traditional customer service with modern digital strategies, ABEZ quickly built partnerships with large corporations and government agencies. "We believe in blending old-school relationships with new-age methods," Rog explains. "Personal conversations matter, especially when building long-term partnerships." Innovation Through Non-Conformity What sets Rog apart is his fearless innovation. His approach isn't conventional; instead, he deliberately chooses paths others overlook. Whether it's employing telemarketing in a digital era or airing unconventional TV commercials featuring wildlife and burgers, Rog's willingness to go against the grain consistently pays off. "Being different is strategic," Rog says confidently. "You have to capture attention first, and curiosity does exactly that." Expanding into Digital Entertainment Further embracing innovation, Rog launched a Florida Boy video game for iOS and Android, further engaging fans with interactive adventures that mirror the real-life thrills and charm of the Sunshine State. The game not only expands the brand's reach but deepens the connection with its community. People-First Philosophy At the core of Rog Lolly's success is his emphasis on hiring genuine, positive people. "Skills can be taught, but attitude is everything," he insists. Rog cultivates teams that embody authentic warmth and enthusiasm, ensuring exceptional customer experiences across all his businesses. He also believes deeply in creating opportunities and growth paths for his employees, fostering an atmosphere of mutual support and shared success. Calculated Risk and Diverse Investments Rog's entrepreneurial journey is fueled by the belief that life is short, and exploring multiple avenues increases the likelihood of discovering genuine passion. Beyond his core ventures, Rog invests in real estate and has stakes in over a dozen businesses, including a global football league. His long-term buy-and-hold strategy reflects his patient, strategic mindset, prioritizing stability and long-term returns. "Not every idea succeeds, but you won't find winners without exploring different opportunities," he advises. "You can't let fear stop you from trying." Systematic Growth and Delegation To sustain his rapid expansion, Rog relies on structured systems and clear delegation. He emphasizes building teams he trusts implicitly, noting, "Delegation isn't just about efficiency—it's about empowering others. When you build people up, they build you up. It's reciprocal." Marketing that Turns Heads Rog's marketing approach blends traditional media—TV, newspapers, magazines—with targeted digital ads across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Florida Boy's products are also featured on through dropshipping, extending brand reach without sacrificing authenticity. His campaigns intentionally intrigue, pairing unexpected imagery with products to spark curiosity. "People remember what surprises them," he explains. "Our marketing might seem unconventional, but that's why it works." Measuring True Success To Rog, genuine success isn't solely financial—it's about creating meaningful opportunities and fostering happiness. "True success means making a positive impact, enriching lives, and achieving goals that genuinely matter," he shares. His ventures reflect this ethos, prioritizing growth, creativity, and human connection. Looking Forward: Expanding Horizons Roger Lolly's vision continues to grow, with ambitious plans for nationwide restaurant expansions, stronger ABEZ market presence, enhanced call center operations targeting major corporations and government agencies, and innovative digital entertainment initiatives. His approach remains consistent—daring, authentic, and innovative. "Entrepreneurship lets you build something uniquely yours," Rog says. "Don't be afraid to be different. That's where true success lies." Rog Lolly's story isn't just a blueprint for building a successful business—it's a powerful reminder of the limitless potential when passion, courage, and authenticity combine. His unconventional methods inspire entrepreneurs everywhere to dream bigger, take risks, and embrace their unique path to success.
