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Cricket: rich in performance, poor off the field

Bangladesh cricket had had a lot of good moments in 2012 with the national team’s Asia Cup final berth for the first time topping them all. The Tigers lost the breath-taking final against Pakistan by just two runs, but their performance sent out a strong message to the cricketing world – they are no longer the international whipping boys. Full story

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Mixed year in football, hockey and beyond

Good Bangladesh national hockey team qualified for the World Hockey League as the champions of the AHF Cup Hockey Championship after they beat Oman 6-3 in the final in Bangkok in April. The good work did not stop there as their greater achievement came on the bigger stage five months later. Full story

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Tears and smiles by the billion at London Games

Britain spent nearly nine billion pounds ($14.42 billion) to create a magical and ambitious wonderland of venues for the 2012 Olympic Games, where fans were thrilled across a capital whose grime and grandeur alike got a makeover of global glamour. The Games proved a timely shot in the arm, spiritually if not financially, for a bruised nation struggling with economic recession. Full story

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Golden year for Murray

For Andy Murray 2012 marked a golden milestone, for Novak Djokovic the year was an emphatic reminder of his status as the world’s best male player, and for Roger Federer and his army of fans it was proof that the old master’s magic still sparkles. Serena Williams used the second half of the year to demonstrate that she continues to be head and shoulders above her... Full story

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United summon stamina as title race enters 2013

Premier League leaders Manchester United begin the year 2013 at Wigan Athletic today, with manager Alex Ferguson hoping they can muster enough freshness to keep Manchester City at arm’s length. Full story

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Test fans urged to wear Greig, Hussey tributes

Fans at this week’s final Australia-Sri Lanka Test in Sydney have been asked to wear tributes to the late Tony Greig and retiring batsman Mike Hussey, officials said Monday. Wide-brimmed hats were suggested to recall the... Full story

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McGrath to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame

Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath will be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame during the third Test between Australia and Sri Lanka starting January 4 in Sydney. McGrath will join Enid Bakewell and Brian Lara... Full story

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Rivals support Nadal comeback bid

Two of Rafael Nadal’s top ten rivals have spoken out against critics who say that the winner of eleven Grand Slam titles can never again be the player he was. David Ferrer, the world No 5 from Spain, and Richard... Full story

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Suarez rebuilding reputation with consistent brilliance

Striker Luis Suarez sparked life into Liverpool’s stuttering Premier League campaign as they thumped Queens Park Rangers 3-0 on Sunday in a match that highlighted the brilliance of the unpredictable Uruguayan. Full story

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Milan hoping to keep Robinho or Pato

AC Milan are still hoping to keep at least one of their two unsettled Brazilian strikers, Alexandre Pato and Robinho, club president Silvio Berlusconi said in a radio interview on Monday. Full story

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Roma plans new stadium

Italian top-flight soccer team AS Roma hopes to be playing in its own brand-new stadium in four years’ time as the loss-making club seeks to raise its profile and boost revenue. AS Roma’s plan comes after... Full story

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Chelsea yet to start talks with Lampard over new deal

Frank Lampard admits Chelsea have yet to start talks with him over a new contract as the England midfielder enters the final months of his current deal. Lampard underlined his enduring quality with both goals... Full story

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SOCCERLINE

Mancini rules out Lescott sale Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has ruled out selling England defender Joleon Lescott during the January transfer window. Lescott has been linked with a move after being limited to just seven... Full story

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Glory for Spain and Messi but problems never far away

Spain’s glorious third successive triumph in a major tournament and individual goalscoring brilliance from Argentine Lionel Messi will be remembered as soccer’s golden hallmarks of 2012. Full story

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South Africa complete long road to the top

South Africa celebrated their long-heralded arrival at the summit of Test cricket in 2012 while West Indies enjoyed their first world title since the team’s 1970s heyday with a maiden Twenty20 trophy. The giddy heights proved too much for England whose year-long reign as the number one Test nation ended at Lord’s with a 2-0 series thumping by ... Full story

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The 2012 sporting year in quotes

‘I am more worried about being a good person than being the best football player in the world. When all this is over, what are you left with?’ — Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi. Full story

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