����ֱ��

DUBAI: Jonathan Figy has been in sensational form while leading the Gulf Giants Development at the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament. The 24-year-old has amassed 180 runs in four matches, including three half-centuries, taking the team to two wins in four matches.

The UAE-born cricketer has showcased both his value to the team and highlighted his ambition to make a return to the national side. 

“Three 50s in four games feels good, especially against strong bowling attacks,” Figy said. “I’m happy to get runs and contribute to the team. Conditions haven’t been easy with movement under lights. There has been a bit for the spinners as well, but I’ve applied myself and it’s paying off. Hopefully, I’ll continue getting some big innings.” 

The left-hander has already represented the UAE, having played two ODIs for the senior side. He also holds the distinction of being the UAE’s first and only U19 World Cup centurion, achieved in the 2020 edition that also saw India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal finish as the tournament’s top scorer.  

Since returning from the UK in 2022, Figy has featured heavily in domestic cricket and now sees the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament as the perfect springboard, especially with the DP World ILT20 Season Four Player Auction coming up. “Ideally, I’d love to play in the DP World ILT20 and test myself alongside international stars. To get that opportunity would be great and it’s where my game can improve. Most importantly, I aim to be back in the UAE side. Playing for the country is the ultimate honor,” he said. 

Reflecting on his personal connection to the UAE, he added: “I was born and raised here. Wearing that jersey is a huge honor, and I’m working hard to give myself the best chance to get back in the side.” 

Figy also highlighted the tournament’s broader significance.

“This competition gives us exposure and visibility. The Emirates Cricket Board has done a fantastic job creating opportunities for UAE players. A strong performance here can open doors not just in franchise cricket, but also for UAE selection. To brush shoulders with top international stars and compete at this level can really take your game to the next level.” 

DUBAI: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, said Paraguay’s debut in the FIA World Rally Championship this weekend and the season finale in ����ֱ�� point the way toward an exciting new era for rallying at the highest level.

Ben Sulayem was present at the FIA’s ceremonial opening of the inaugural FIA WRC Rally del Paraguay 2025 on Friday, along with the President of Paraguay, Santiago Pena.

Taking place in Encarnacion, in the Itapua region, the country’s maiden appearance on the WRC calendar marks a historic moment for Paraguayan motorsport, building on a united passion for racing and rich rally heritage.

With the new WRC Rally ����ֱ�� rounding off the 2025 season in November, and the process to secure a new WRC commercial rights holder under way, Ben Sulayem believes the championship will continue to grow and reach new heights. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the FIA president said: “This is a historic moment for Paraguay, for South America, and for global motorsport. Over the coming days the eyes of the world will be on Encarnacion, and on Paraguay. That is the power of motorsport, of collaboration, and of the FIA.

“There is no doubt Paraguay has a profound love for motorsport. Here, rallying is more than a sport. It is part of the national identity. It is a passion built on resilience, courage, and dedication.

“The FIA WRC is entering an exciting new era. With another new event to follow in ����ֱ��, millions of fans worldwide following the action, and younger audiences driving global growth, the championship is ready to rise to the next level.

“Thank you, President Pena for your warm welcome, your generous hospitality, and your true friendship. Your leadership and support for this sport we love has made this moment possible,” he added.

“Thank you to the Touring y Automovil Club Paraguayo. Your work reflects the very values of the FIA. Thank you to the drivers, the teams, the organizer — Comite Olimpico Paraguayo, the officials, the volunteers, and to all the rally fans. Without you none of this would be possible.”

With the ceremonial opening completed, the FIA WRC Rally del Paraguay moved onto its multi-stage competition, with drivers facing a mix of smooth red-earth stages and trickier technical sections through dense vegetation.

Earlier this month the FIA, the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organizations worldwide, announced that a tender process will be run for a new commercial rights holder of the FIA WRC.

It followed an extensive period of discussions by the FIA with Red Bull and KW25, the current commercial rights holders, who have taken the decision to commence the process.

The FIA World Rally Championship has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, attracting a cumulative television audience of 1.3 billion and more than 4 million on-site visitors in 2024.