QPlay: Zidane New Real Coach, Saina’s Warriors Win, Lodha’s Report

All the latest from the world of sport in our morning wrap.

Real Madrid’s new coach Zinedine Zidane (L) and club president Florentino Perez appear before the media at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, January 4, 2016. (Photo: Reuters)

1. Zidane to Coach Real Madrid After Benitez Sacking

Real Madrid have sacked coach Rafa Benitez after less than half a season in charge and promoted their former France great Zinedine Zidane from the B team to replace him, president Florentino Perez said on Monday.

<p>Firstly I would like to thank the club and the president for giving me the chance to coach this team. What we need to do now, and what I will try to do, is try to do my best so that this team is a winner at the end of the season. The important thing is to be with the team tomorrow and start work.</p>

Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid coach

2. Lodha Committee Proposes Sweeping Reforms for BCCI

Chairman of the Supreme Court Committee on Reforms in Cricket Justice (retd.) R M Lodha with members Justice Ashok Bhan (R) and Justice R V Raveendran showing the copy of their report at a press conference in New Delhi on Monday. (Photo: PTI)

The Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee on Monday recommended sweeping reforms for the controversy-ridden BCCI, suggesting a bar on ministers from occupying positions, putting a cap on the age and tenure of the office-bearers and legalising betting.

In a series of drastic reforms, the three-member panel, headed by Justice (Retd) R M Lodha, also suggested one unit should represent one state, while taking away the voting rights of institutional and city-based units.

The Supreme Court will now decide whether these recommendations would be binding on the BCCI.

For the complete list of recommended reforms, click here.

For our story on how the changes, if approved, would affect the current BCCI bosses, click here.

For an op-ed piece on how the recommendations of the Lodha Committee are easy to suggest but almost impossible to implement, click here.

3. Saina Nehwal Leads Warriors to Victory Over Acers

Awadhe Warriors cheer on their team-member during the Premier Badminton League. (Photo: IANS)

Hosts Awadhe Warriors came back well from their loss in the opening encounter of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) to drub Delhi Acers 4-3 at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium on Monday.

The Saina Nehwal-led Warriors started with a defeat with World No.11 Tommy Sugiarto beating Thai left-hander Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk 15-13, 15-11 in the men’s singles contest. However, thereon it appeared to be a road of victories for the Warriors as three consecutive wins, including their trump match.

4. Pak Coach Waqar Younis Supports Return of Tainted Players

Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis has said corruption-tainted Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, and any other player who has completed a ban should be allowed another chance to play for the national team.

The comments came days after paceman Mohammad Amir looked set to return to the Pakistan team after being selected for an upcoming series in New Zealand, months after completing a five-year spot-fixing ban.

<p>I will welcome not only Amir but whosoever has completed a sentence. If they (Butt and Asif) have (completed their sentences) and are eligible then, of course, selectors should keep an eye on them.</p>

Waqar Younis, Pakistan coach

5. Gayle in Trouble for “Inappropriate” Remarks to Lady Presenter

West Indian batting star Chris Gayle has courted fresh controversy when he made “inappropriate” remarks to a female television presenter live on air after a Big Bash League cricket match.

Gayle, who plays for the Melbourne Renegades in the T20 competition, was speaking to Channel 10 presenter Mel McLaughlin after he made a quickfire 41 runs of 15 balls in his team’s victory against Tasmania.

<p>I wanted to come and have an interview with you as well, that’s the reason why I’m here... to see your eyes for the first time. Hopefully we win this game and we can have a drink after, don’t blush baby.</p>

Chris Gayle

Cricketers such as former England captain Andrew Flintoff slammed Gayle for his act that was condemned by others as well on social media.