Sport

From last year’s FIFA World Cup to last week’s IPL auction, ATN reviews the year of live broadcasts

Published

10 months ago

December 28, 2023

On December 18, 2022, Argentina won the men's FIFA World Cup in the most dramatic way possible, beating France in a penalty shootout after a riveting 3-3 draw in Qatar.

The game was unforgettable, one of the best finals anyone can remember, and it was brought to fans across the country live and exclusively by Ariana Television Network (ATN).

For Ariana Television, the World Cup final wrapped up an exciting 2022 of sporting events for fans, and ushered in another year of riveting television.

Throughout this year, fans have been treated to countless live matches and to the hype surrounding these fantastic events; and of course to the all-consuming moment that teams and players aspire to - the lifting of the trophy.

As far as trophies go, the Qatar event did not disappoint and viewers across the country witnessed the moment Argentina reached their ultimate goal, when they claimed what is without a doubt, the most iconic, most sought-after trophy in the world.

In line with this, in December 2022, ATN went to great lengths to ensure Afghan football fans were not left out, and that they were provided the opportunity of seeing that iconic trophy being lifted by the winning team.

Being able to watch an event of this magnitude live, and in the comfort of one’s home was indeed a treat - especially when all elements of the game were covered. But it’s that iconic trophy that piqued fans’ interest.

Who made it and what is it worth?

Since 1974, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France, Spain and Brazil players have had the chance to lift the trophy, which weighs a hefty 6.175 kgs, above their heads.

The trophy is made up of 30,875 carats of 18 karat (75 percent) gold with bands of malachite around the base and measures 36.5cm high by 12.5cm wide. And while the trophy is actually hollow inside, it still contains 4,927 grams of pure gold.

The World Cup trophy is the most expensive sports award in the world and is worth a staggering $20 million.

Since the advent of the World Cup in 1930, two different trophies have been used: the Jules Rimet Trophy from 1930 to 1970 and thereafter the FIFA World Cup Trophy from 1974 to the present day.

The current trophy was made by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga.

But the FIFA World Cup trophy was not the only prize to be lifted in the year since then, a year packed with sporting events that Ariana Television viewers got to witness live.

Early this year ATN announced a cricket-fest for fans across the country and delivered four thrilling events.

Securing live and exclusive broadcasting rights, to four major international tournaments, meant June through to November this year was an action-packed period for viewers in Afghanistan.

The four cricket events broadcast live on Ariana Television were the ICC World Test Championship; the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023; ACC Asia Cup; and ICC Cricket World Cup.

These four events came on the heels however of the ever popular IPL - which was yet another gripping experience broadcast live by ATN. In fact, the year started off with the live broadcast of IPL2023 and essentially wrapped up with another live and exclusive IPL broadcast - the IPL2024 player auction, which was held earlier this month.

Meanwhile, heading into a new year, ATN will continue to work to secure the rights to broadcast these thrilling events and of course the lifting of trophies by future winning teams so be sure to watch this space for announcements and updates as we head into 2024 - which will no doubt be another action-packed sporting year.

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Sport

Afghanistan to tour Zimbabwe for all-format series

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said the tour will take place from December 9 to January 6

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2024

Ariana News

AfghanAtalan will tour Zimbabwe next month for an all-format series that will feature two Test matches, three ODIs and three T20Is.

According to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) the tour will take place from December 9 to January 6.

First up will be a three-match T20I series to be played on December 9, 11 and 12 at the Harare Sports Club.

This will be followed by a three-match ODI series on December 15, 17, and 19 at the same venue.

The tour will conclude with a two-match Test series in Bulawayo, with the first Test scheduled from December 26 to 30 and the second from January 2 to 6.

Mirwais Ashraf, Chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board, said in a statement that “this year (2024) has been quite productive for us both domestically and internationally, and we’ve had good achievements.

“We are committed to striving hard and adding more bilateral cricket to our calendar in the next year and bringing more glory to our nation,” he said.

“The all-format tour to Zimbabwe is a significant event for us. We have a rich history with Zimbabwe, and playing there has always been challenging, but it’s a challenge I believe the AfghanAtalan can face confidently,” he added.

Zimbabwe Cricket’s Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said December 26 and January 1 “Test matches are iconic cricket fixtures that we are delighted to be adding to our calendar this festive season and we are looking forward to celebrating in style one of the finest traditions in the sport’s long history.

“Before the Test series, scheduled for Bulawayo, we will start off with some T20I and ODI action in Harare to complete a full tour, a clear demonstration of our commitment to improve our game across all formats.

“Matches between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are always intense and exciting affairs and we have no doubt the players will once again serve up some great entertainment befitting such a historic tour.”

The AfghanAtalan squad will arrive in Zimbabwe on December 6, where they will have two practice sessions before the first T20I match on December 9.

Sport

Bangladesh announce squad for ODI series against Afghanistan, Shanto to continue as captain

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2024

Ariana News

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Friday announced its squad for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. Najmul Hossain Shanto, who had expressed his desire to quit captaincy following the South Africa Tests, has been named the captain for the series.

The announcement follows the discussion between Shanto and BCB president Faruque Ahmed on Thursday evening, as Shanto had informed the board of his reluctance to continue as Bangladesh's all-format captain.

Bangladesh are without Shakib Al Hasan, who Faruque said voluntarily pulled out of reckoning for this ODI series. Litton Das is also missing due to fever which kept him out of the Chattogram Test against South Africa.

Pacer Nahid Rana is the only uncapped player in the squad, which sees the return of opener Zakir Hasan and left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed.

Zakir has featured in only one ODI, while Nasum's last 50-over game came in the ODI World Cup in India last year.

Anamul Haque, Taijul Islam and Hasan Mahmud have not found places in the squad with Mahmud missing due to a shoulder injury. Wicketkeeper batter Litton Das also misses out due to fever.

The ODI series will kick start on November 6, followed by the second and third games on November 9 and 11. All the matches will take place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh's ODI squad for Afghanistan:

Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Zakir Hasan, Nazmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana

Sport

Rashid Khan retained by Gujrat Titans ahead of IPL 2025 auction

“No T20 team would be complete without a world-class spinner, and we are fortunate to have one of the very best in Rashid Khan,” Gujrat Titans said in a news release.

Published

4 days ago

November 1, 2024

Ariana News

Afghan cricket star Rashid Khan has been retained by the Indian Premier League side Gujrat Titans ahead of the auction.

Khan has been retained for 180 million Indian rupees (approx. $2.14 million).

“No T20 team would be complete without a world-class spinner, and we are fortunate to have one of the very best in Rashid Khan,” Gujrat Titans said in a news release.

“Rashid started weaving his magic right from the outset in our first season, where he returned with 19 wickets. He upped the ante in 2023 with 27 wickets, which includes a spectacular hat-trick against Kolkata Knight Riders. Rashid also became the first player to cross 50 wickets for our franchise during the 2024 season,” according to the news release.

“Also not to forget, he underlines his value as an all-rounder with remarkable contributions as a batter - let it be those last ball finishes against SRH in 2022 or PBKS in 2024, or the unforgettable night in 2023 at Wankhede where he smashed his highest T20 score,” it added.

Rashid Khan was picked by Gujrat Titans before the auction in 2022, when the franchise had just entered the IPL. He got 150 million Indian rupees ($1.78 million) then.

Other players retained by Gujrat Titans are Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia.

IPL auction will take place in November or December.