The Indian Premier League witnessed the rise of a new pace sensation as the unheralded Mayank Yadav bowled one of the fastest spells in the history of the tournament while helping Lucknow Super Giants defeat a stunned Punjab Kings.
Very few had expected Yadav to emerge as the fastest bowler of the competition, and just the second Indian to breach the 155kph mark. After being on the sidelines for the past two seasons, Yadav finally got his chance this time and set the stage alight on debut.
Coming in as the last bowling change as Punjab approached the 100-run mark at the halfway stage without loss, chasing 200, Yadav rattled the well-set Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow with hard lengths and extreme pace, beating the batsmen regularly with 150kph deliveries.
Yadav well and truly announced his arrival at the big stage as he beat Dhawan with a delivery clocked at 155.8kph (97mph). A couple of deliveries later, he hurried Bairstow with a quick short ball and the Englishman was caught on the on side.
Dhawan and next set of batsmen – Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma – could barely put bat to ball as Yadav did not bowl a single ball below the 140kph mark. His top speed was also the sixth fastest ever recorded in IPL.
He took three wickets in all – Bairstow, Prabhsimran and Jitesh – and all were caught off the short ball. The spectacular spell of 3-27 did its job as Lucknow closed out a fine 21-run win. The previously unknown Yadav thus became an overnight star.
Who is Mayank Yadav?
The 21-year-old hails from Delhi and developed his cricket at the Sonnet club that has produced a number of international players such as Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant.
The wiry quick impressed with his pace straight away. He made his List A debut in 2021 and soon appeared on the radar of a few influential names. He gave selection trials for a few franchises, with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals expected to sign him. But in the 2022 player auction, it was Lucknow Super Giants who purchased him at base price.
The delay
As is the case with young fast bowlers, injuries meant he spent more time away from the field than on it. A foot injury and a hamstring injury kept him out of action for large parts of the past two seasons. But he had generated enough buzz in limited domestic white-ball matches he played to turn the heads of some other franchises.
Reports suggest Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans were interested in him, while apparently even national team selector Ajit Agarkar wanted to have a look at him to fast track him to the Indian team.
Lucknow did not release Yadav and once he was fully fit for IPL 2024, handed him his debut.
The praise
Former fast bowlers have been quick to point out that Yadav has a number of factors in his favour, including a smooth and seemingly effortless action, quick follow-through and good control of line despite the high pace.
Speaking to broadcasters Star Sports, England pacer Stuart Broad said his control and pace were remarkable.
“His control of line and length was exceptional for a young bowler. When you see world-class batters like Jonny Bairstow, who have played all over the world, when they are getting rushed, you know there’s something special,” he said.
Former India quick Varun Aaron said that Yadav has to be nurtured as he can be a real asset for the national team.
"Sometimes when you're maxing out and you are trying to bowl as fast as possible, you can be a little extra on the off side or stray down the leg side. Not one ball [was off line],” Aaron told ESPNcricinfo.
“I think it's really good signs – not just for him, for Indian cricket, because he's bowling some serious gas."
Fastest deliveries of IPL 2024
1. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants): 156.7kph (97.3mph)
2. Nandre Burger (Rajasthan Royals): 153kph (95mph)
3. Gerald Coetzee (Mumbai Indians): 152.3kph (94.6mph)
4. Alzarri Joseph (Royal Challengers Bengaluru): 151.2kph (94mph)
5. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings): 150.9kph (93.7mph)
6. Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad): 147.9kph (92mph)
7. Kagiso Rabada (Punjab Kings): 147.2kph (91.4mph)
8. Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders): 147.1kph (91.4mph)
9. Spencer Johnson (Gujarat Titans): 145kph (90mph)
10. Tushar Deshpande (CSK): 144.9kph (90mph)
11. Yash Thakur (Lucknow Super Giants): 144.6kph (89.8mph)
12. Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad): 144.3kph (89.6mph)
13. Harshit Rana (Kolkata Knight Riders): 143.6kph (89.2mph)
14. Harshal Patel (Punjab Kings): 143.4kph (89mph)
RESULTS
6.30pm: Handicap (rated 100 ) US$175,000 1,200m
Winner: Baccarat, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (78-94) $60,000 1,800m
Winner: Baroot, Christophe Soumillon, Mike de Kock
7.40pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 $200,000 1,600m
Winner: Heavy Metal, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.15pm: Handicap (95-108) $125,000 1,200m
Winner: Yalta, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
8.50pm: Balanchine Group 2 $200,000 1,800m
Winner: Promising Run, Pat Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,800m
Winner: Blair House, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
10pm: Handicap (95-105) $125,000 1,400m
Winner: Oh This Is Us, Tom Marquand, Richard Hannon
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
Notable Yas events in 2017/18
October 13-14 KartZone (complimentary trials)
December 14-16 The Gulf 12 Hours Endurance race
March 5 Yas Marina Circuit Karting Enduro event
March 8-9 UAE Rotax Max Challenge
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
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Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Company profile
Name: GiftBag.ae
Based: Dubai
Founded: 2011
Number of employees: 4
Sector: E-commerce
Funding: Self-funded to date
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
Company profile
Name: Fruitful Day
Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 30
Sector: F&B
Funding so far: Dh3 million
Future funding plans: None at present
Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries
Places to go for free coffee
- Cherish Cafe Dubai, Dubai Investment Park, are giving away free coffees all day.
- La Terrace, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai, are serving their first 50 guests one coffee and four bite-sized cakes
- Wild & The Moon will be giving away a free espresso with every purchase on International Coffee Day
- Orange Wheels welcome parents are to sit, relax and enjoy goodies at ‘Café O’ along with a free coffee
The%20specs
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Results
Stage 5:
1. Jonas Vingegaard (DEN) Team Jumbo-Visma 04:19:08
2. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 00:00:03
3. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers
4. Sergio Higuita (COL) EF Education-Nippo 00:00:05
5. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep 00:00:06
General Classification:
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates 17:09:26
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers 00:00:45
3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep 00:01:12
4. Chris Harper (AUS) Team Jumbo-Visma 00:01:54
5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo 00:01:56
UAE central contracts
Full time contracts
Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid
Part time contracts
Aryan Lakra, Ansh Tandon, Karthik Meiyappan, Rahul Bhatia, Alishan Sharafu, CP Rizwaan, Basil Hameed, Matiullah, Fahad Nawaz, Sanchit Sharma
ICC Awards for 2021
MEN
Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)
WOMEN
Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)
