Former Pakistan cricket int'l IMRAN KHAN was sworn in as the country's 22nd PM in a "lavish ceremony" in Islamabad. The 66-year-old wore a traditional sherwani tunic as he read out the formal oath at the presidential palace near the square where he led protests against former PM NAWAZ SHARIF in '14 (FINANCIAL TIMES, 8/18). ... Former Australian cricket int'l MITCHELL JOHNSON announced his retirement from all levels of cricket. Johnson, 36, said that he "hoped to continue playing" in T20 competitions around the world but said that his body was "shutting down" (AAP, 8/19). ... WANG SICONG, the son of Wanda Group CEO WANG JIANLIN, is attempting to register as an official player for Invictus Gaming, a professional esports club he owns (YUTANG SPORTS, 8/17). ... DAVID MOYES "has emerged as a leading candidate to become the new head coach" of the United States national team. U.S. Soccer Federation officials have been alerted that the former Everton, ManU and West Ham manager "would be interested in becoming the permanent replacement" for BRUCE ARENA (HERALD SCOTLAND, 8/18). ... The Irish Rugby Football Union and Scottish Rugby reached an agreement that will see DAN MCFARLAND begin his role as head coach at Ulster on Monday. The Scots "had insisted that McFarland must see out his nine-month notice period that would only see him released in January." But that position "has changed following talks" (IRISH INDEPENDENT, 8/19).
'WHY CLOSE DOORS?': FERNANDO ALONSO will not drive in Formula 1 in '19, but he is "not closing the door on a possible return down the road." He said, "Why close doors?" The current belief is that Alonso is heading toward a full-time IndyCar run next year, with a test reportedly "lined up for September with Honda." Alonso: "I'm not 45 years old. I'm driving at my best level. I'm young, I feel strong. Why did I stop? Well, I have other more exciting challenges than what F1 can offer me right now" (AUTOWEEK, 8/17).
