NEWS
EXCLUSIVEKumar Sangakkara scored 28,000 runs for Sri Lanka – now he’s playing with welders and hot-tub salesmen in Dorset and loving the best teas in the country
Shillingstone is your typical sleepy village in north Dorset, a quiet haven situated on the River Stour on the periphery of the Blandford Forest. But this summer, the local cricket team have caused quite a stir after enticing a familiar face out of retirement.
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He’s not your average village cricketer, it’s fair to say. Not someone who has spent their life making time for playing cricket around a day job as a delivery driver, welder or hot-tub salesman, like his new team-mates.
Instead, across a 15-year career, Kumar Sangakkara cemented his place as one of the greats of the game.
The silky Sri Lankan left-hander toppled the most fearsome fast bowlers and canniest spinners of his generation to score the second-most runs in international cricket history.
38 Test hundreds were notched all over the world, from Lahore to Lord’s.
Legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara played for Shillingstone Cricket Club
Sangakkara cemented himself as one of the greats of the game in a dazzling 15-year career
Turning out for Shillingstone Cricket Club in division three of the Dorset Cricket League this summer, then, has been an entirely new experience altogether.
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The surroundings for his run-scoring are certainly different. Sangakkara’s home ground is the council-owned recreation ground in the village, just a few miles from where he lives, affectionately known as ‘The Rec’, which is also used by the local football and tennis clubs.
The spectators are usually just a handful of locals who pop by while on their Saturday afternoon stroll – though that has changed when Sangakkara is in town, with fans travelling from all over to catch a glimpse of him playing.
‘It’s just to do with my friends,’ Sangakkara told Mail Sport. ‘I have quite a few friends I’ve known for quite a long time who live near Shillingstone, around the area where my kids go to school.
‘So whenever they were short, they were always trying to say, “You’ve got to come and play, you’ve got to come and play”. I said yes and I went and played a few games.’
Seven games, to be exact, squeezed in around coaching duties in the IPL and broadcasting commitments.
Sangakkara, after all, remains one of the most highly sought-after minds in the game after his run-scoring exploits and captaining some of the great Sri Lanka teams of the modern era. Since retiring in 2015, he has also served a term as MCC president.
But the joy is palpable in Sangakkara’s voice when he it comes to speaking about Shillingstone.
Drama
Breaking: The Entire Internet Is Tripping Out Over Sketchy Image That Appears To Show Patrick Mahomes Rocking Racist Symbol On His Clothing …..see more
Patrick Mahomes is receiving a lot of backlash online over a picture that appeared to show him rocking a Nazi symbol.
On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs improved to 9-0 against their division rival Denver Broncos.
Along with their 9-0 start, the Chiefs have now won 15 straight games (including postseason) dating back to the 2023 season.
The Chiefs offense struggled in week 10, barely surviving to seal the win with a late blocked field goal.
However, a win is a win no matter how it happens.
After the game, one social media user decided to troll Patrick Mahomes by posting an old picture of him wearing a headband that appeared to have a swastika on it.
CELEBRITY
Elon Musk: “I’d Rather Break My Leg Than See Taylor Swift During An NFL Game
In a surprising revelation on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Elon Musk commented on pop superstar Taylor Swift’s recent appearances at NFL games, stating, “I’d rather break my leg than see Taylor Swift during an NFL game.” The billionaire and tech tycoon’s comment quickly became one of the platform’s top trending topics, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the unexpected sentiment.
Since Elon Musk’s $44bn acquisition of X last year, the platform has undergone a series of notable changes, from overhauling the verification system to the reinstatement of former US President Donald Trump. Musk has not only gutted trust and safety teams but also installed a new CEO, former NBCUniversal executive Linda Yaccarino, making his influence felt in both operational and content aspects of the platform. With this fresh comment about Swift, Musk further establishes his fearless approach to sharing personal opinions on X, regardless of public perception.
Taylor Swift, meanwhile, has recently become a regular face at NFL games, particularly at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Her budding relationship with the Chiefs’ All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce has drawn considerable media attention. Swift’s appearances at these games, coupled with her high-profile relationship, have drawn an avalanche of media attention and a significant increase in game viewership. An average of nearly 27 million viewers tuned into the Chiefs-Jets game, hoping to catch a glimpse of the music icon.
Musk’s comment on Swift’s NFL appearances has predictably divided opinions on X. Supporters of the “Shake It Off” singer were quick to defend her, criticizing Musk for his seemingly unprovoked remark. Others opined that the tech mogul’s comment was perhaps in jest or simply reflective of his known penchant for sparking internet debates.
Regardless of Musk’s intentions, his statement has reignited discussions about celebrity involvement in sports and the cultural impact of such appearances. As the NFL capitalizes on Swift’s newfound passion for the game, Musk’s provocative comment ensures that the intersection of pop culture, sports, and technology remains as dynamic and unpredictable as ever.
In a world where every tweet can spark a global conversation, it remains to be seen if Swift will respond to Musk’s remark or if the NFL will weigh in on the matter. What is certain, however, is that the lines between entertainment sectors continue to blur, and public figures like Musk and Swift are at the forefront of this evolving narrative
CELEBRITY
BREAKING: Taylor Swift Heartbroken, Cancels Eras Tour in Toronto and Vows to Never Tour Again After Shocking News About Travis Kelce
In a stunning turn of events, pop superstar Taylor Swift has announced the cancellation of her highly anticipated Eras Tour stop in Toronto, leaving fans devastated. The singer, who has captivated audiences around the world with her elaborate performances, made the shocking decision after receiving heartbreaking news about her rumored relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce.
Sources close to the singer revealed that Swift was left emotionally shattered by the news, though the exact details of the situation remain unclear. Despite her usual resilience in the face of challenges, Swift’s heartbreak appears to have led her to make a drastic decision about her future in music.
In a tearful statement to her fans, Swift shared that the emotional toll of recent events has made her realize that she can no longer continue the Eras Tour. She vowed to never tour again, leaving many to wonder if this marks the end of an era for the pop icon. Fans flooded social media with messages of support and disbelief, with many expressing their concern for Swift’s well-being.
“I need to take time to heal and focus on what’s important,” Swift said in a brief but emotional message. “The tour will no longer continue, and I won’t be doing any more in the future.”
The news comes as a huge shock to Swift’s dedicated fanbase, who have followed her through the highs and lows of her career. The Eras Tour, which was meant to celebrate the full spectrum of her musical journey, had been one of the most successful and anticipated tours of the year. But now, it’s uncertain if fans will ever see Taylor Swift perform live again.
As fans grapple with the news, the world waits to hear what comes next for one of the biggest stars in modern music. For now, Swift’s focus will be on healing and finding peace after what appears to be an emotional crisis
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