All posts by h716a5.icu

Javed Miandad, the former Pakistan captain and now director-general of the PCB, has joined a steadily growing voice of concern against the ban on ICL players

Osman Samiuddin21-Nov-2008Case against Yousuf put on holdIn a further indicator of a shift in the PCB’s thinking on the ICL, the legal case it developed against Mohammad Yousuf, the latest Pakistan player to join the ICL, has been put on hold.Yousuf joined the Lahore Badshahs earlier this month, without having told the PCB about his decision. The board responded by tearing up his central contract; they also initiated legal proceedings against him for breach of contract and to claim legal costs the PCB incurred while trying to resolve the earlier mess Yousuf had created by signing for the ICL before turning his back on them in the hope of an IPL contract. “We’ve put the case on hold for now,” a board official told Cricinfo. “The thinking is that if we pursue the case against Yousuf, then what about the other Pakistan players in the ICL who had contracts with us?”A number of players, such as Imran Farhat, Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Sami had central contracts with the board before they signed up for the ICL in September 2007.Javed Miandad, the former Pakistan captain and newly appointed director-general of the PCB, has joined a steadily growing chorus of concern against the ban on ICL players and the marginalisation of the unrecognised Twenty20 league. Miandad believes there is immense “public pressure” on the PCB to bring ICL players back into the Pakistan fold and “past decisions by past [PCB] administrations” have “nothing to do with the new set-up”.The PCB banned all players contracted by the ICL but Miandad said it’s a policy the new board administration must reconsider, keeping in mind the “best interests” of Pakistan cricket.Pakistan has suffered badly from the ban on ICL players imposed by boards around the world, essentially to back the BCCI in its dispute with the league and its owners. As many as 19 Pakistan players – a mix of current and former internationals – are currently appearing in the ICL and the bans on them have severely depleted Pakistan’s reserves.”There is a lot of public pressure on the PCB to bring these players back from the ICL,” Miandad told Cricinfo. “The [ICL] players themselves are ready to represent Pakistan. The IPL, the ICL and all boards need to sit down and really sort this issue out,” Miandad said, joining former captains-turned-administrators Arjuna Ranatunga and Clive Lloyd in expressing the need for a resolution to the issue.Miandad’s comments do not yet indicate a wholesale change in the board’s policy on the issue. The previous PCB administration, under the chairmanship of Nasim Ashraf, banned players readily, in swift appeasement of the BCCI. But it is believed the current board is open to rethinking, or at least questioning, the stance.”Past decisions were taken by past administrations,” Miandad said. “They have nothing to do with this new set-up. It is something we must look at and discuss, and find out whether that policy [of the ban] had any benefit to it. We have to look at our best interests.”Miandad placed the current bans in the context of past actions, such as the bans on players who traveled to apartheid-era South Africa. “Those bans were based on an intelligent policy. What was happening there was abhorrent. What is the intent behind this ban?”Ultimately, this is not an issue of nations but of cricket itself, Miandad said. “Even Indian players are suffering. It isn’t just Pakistan players. This is a loss for cricket and cricketers and a resolution has to be brought in, in a respectful way.”With a number of ex-cricketers now in prominent positions in the board, the matter has been discussed informally inside, though it has yet to be done so as part of an official agenda. Statements, such as those given by Miandad, might be part of a new strategy to shake up the BCCI-enforced status quo.But Miandad’s employers are keen to examine the issue pragmatically as well, which means essentially they will be guided by a number of legal considerations. “The ICL is still not recognised by the ICC but the ICC believes that if the matter goes to litigation, they are not too optimistic about the case,” an official said. “It is about restraint of trade essentially. And what is happening in Sri Lanka where domestic bans have been lifted and in the UK through the Kolpak ruling, that will also have an effect. If you can have one private Twenty20 league why not two?”We will wait and see and be guided by our legal advice for our view on the matter but these factors will play a role.”

Noel Whelan has claimed that Ollie Watkins could play in a wide role after Aston Villa confirmed the signing of Danny Ings.

The Lowdown: Ings signs

Villa confirmed the signing of Ings from Southampton last week, meaning that with the additions of Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey as well, it may be more difficult to fit Watkins into the team as a striker.

It certainly is a good problem for Dean Smith to have following the departure of Jack Grealish to Manchester City – he has plenty of options to choose from even without the former skipper.

The Latest: New role?

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, former Leeds United and Coventry City striker turned pundit, has claimed that Watkins could play in a wider role in order to accommodate Ings into the side:

“I think we’ve seen Ollie Watkins play in wider areas for Brentford.

“Just because he’s playing out wide, doesn’t mean he can’t go and score goals. That’s brilliant news for Aston Villa, you have to say.

“He’ll still be expected to get in the box from wide areas. I did it at Coventry and was top scorer from that kind of role, so it can be done.

“He’s got that pace that can hurt teams from wide areas, getting in behind them and causing problems.

“He and Ings will be looking to form a partnership as quickly as possible, and what a partnership that will be. He’s an amazing player.”

The Verdict: Capable

Watkins is certainly more than capable of playing out wide, as he has done throughout his club career so far (Transfermarkt).

It also means that AVFC can play with Ings up top as well, thus giving them an extra goal threat going into the new 2021/22 season.

With Buendia and Bailey now options too for Smith, it presents such a mouth-watering prospect that all four could play together in one team, which would surely give Villa the edge over other sides in the top flight with their added attacking threat.

In other news, find out which international Villa are now in talks to sign here!

Writing on Twitter, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has shared some news on West Ham United and their transfer plans involving Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

The Lowdown: West Ham in centre-back chase…

Claret & Hugh first reported that strengthening the central defensive area was among manager David Moyes’ main summer transfer priorities.

In recent days, Sky Sports also lifted the lid on West Ham talks for Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma, with the player said to be open to a London Stadium switch.

ExWHUemployee also believes that signing a new centre-half for Moyes is now West Ham’s first priority before sealing deals for players in different positions (Patreon).

The Latest: Sheth shares Milenkovic news…

As per Sheth, writing on his social media, West Ham are also in talks to sign Serie A powerhouse Milenkovic as fellow centre-half target Zouma looks like a ‘tough deal’ to complete.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments/” title=”West Ham latest developments…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 23-year-old has emerged as an alternative to Chelsea’s centre-back as GSB enter negotiations over his possible signing this summer.

“Zouma to #WHUFC tough deal due to fee & wages,” Sheth explained (via Twitter).

“Zouma open to move but happy to stay at #CFC – contract to 2023. Zouma to #Sevilla as part of Kounde deal not impossible – but he prefers London stay.

“#WHUFC remain in talks with #Fiorentina over #Milenkovic.”

The Verdict: Sound alternative…

Milenkovic definitely comes as a viable alternative to Zouma going by his exploits for Fiorentina last campaign and praise from his teammates.

Averaging an impressive 86% pass accuracy out from defence over the 2020/2021 Serie A season, perhaps indicating a cool head on young shoulders, only one Irons player (Issa Diop) managed more blocks on average per 90 (2.1) compared to Milenkovic (WhoScored).

He has also been called ‘extraordinary’ by Spanish right-back Pol Lirola (SOSFantacalcio via x-sport.news), leaving little wonder why West Ham have identified him as a target.

Charlie Eccleshare, journalist for The Athletic, says Milenkovic could even leave Italy for as little as €15 million (£12.8m) this summer, with the player himself ‘keen to play’ Premier League football (Twitter).

Taking all this into account, swooping for the Serbian seems like a no-brainer.

In other news: ‘Advanced agreement’…Journalist says 93-goal forward now ‘very close to West Ham’, find out more here.

Manchester City’s hopes of signing Harry Kane this summer may have been handed a boost after the SPurs star skipped training at Tottenham Hotspur, seemingly in order to force a move to Pep Guardiola’s side.

What’s the word?

Kane has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad throughout the transfer window, as Guardiola looks to bring in a replacement for Sergio Aguero, who departed for Barcelona when his contract expired earlier in the summer.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is notoriously difficult to deal with when it comes to transfers and several reports have suggested that he is unwilling to sell to another Premier League club at any price this summer, with Kane’s contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium set to run until 2024.

A huge boost for City?

However, the England captain clearly felt that he had a gentleman’s agreement with Levy and with Spurs’ preparing for a second consecutive season out of the Champions League, the 28-year-old understandably wants to depart.

Despite his superb goal record with the Lilywhites, Kane is yet to win a trophy in his career, so it is easy to see why he would want to play under Guardiola at Manchester City and it seems as if he is doing whatever it takes to make that dream a reality.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-manchester-city-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Manchester City transfer rumours and news!”]

It was reported on both Monday and Tuesday that the striker had not turned up for training, as the North London club prepare for the 2021/22 campaign under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Kane was given extended time off due to England reaching the final of the European Championships earlier in the summer but was expected back on Spurs on Monday, although several reports have suggested that he doesn’t plan on turning up until he and Levy can reach an agreement.

From Manchester City’s perspective, this could be a big boost to their hopes of signing him this summer, as Levy may well be forced into selling the talismanic striker if he takes the unprecedented step to refuse to train or play at all next season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936”]

Therefore, City fans will be hoping that sporting director Txiki Begiristain will now prioritise a move for Kane ahead of the new season, as the striker, who was called “incredible” by Guardiola last season, could be a huge success at the Etihad for the new few seasons.

And, in other news… Txiki should seal Man City swoop for “one of the best”, he’d be a big upgrade on 27 y/o dud

West Ham United have been given a massive boost in their pursuit of Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard, after the Red Devils reduced their asking price for the England international [Daily Star].

Enjoying a superb loan spell on loan in East London during the second half of the 2020/21 campaign, Lingard registered 14 goal contributions in 19 appearances; nine goals and five assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could have a decision to make on his future following recent reports.

Manchester United have reduced his price-tag from £35 million to just £20 million, leaving the door ajar for a return to the London Stadium for the Carrington youth product [Daily Star].

As you can imagine, loads of West Ham United diehards took to Twitter to rejoice at these latest developments.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to popular West Ham outlet West Ham Transfers, here is what some fans had to say about the reported update:

“i’ll take him for 20m ngl”

Credit: @omz_yy

“Good price imo he performed so good last season and fit in well with the squad”

Credit: @HammerSamss”I think £20m is a bargain if we can get him playing like he did last season for us! That would be unreal!”Credit: @Josephsimon00″If this is true (which it probably isn’t), I’d happily take him back. For our best player in the second half of last season, £20 million would be an absolute bargain. Hopefully we ‘edge closer’ to signing him.”Credit: @andy_gi”Let’s hope so…”Credit: @aidan_in_sw16″Yeah he’s coming”Credit: @Joe_Parker0In other news, West Ham could swoop for a Czech First League star.

Everton fans have been reacting to footage posted by the club’s official Twitter account showing Andros Townsend scoring a sublime goal in training.

In the video, Townsend receives the ball on the right side of the pitch, cuts inside onto his preferred left foot and bends the ball into the top left corner.

The Englishman joined Everton on a free transfer after leaving Crystal Palace at the end of his contract.

He made his unofficial debut in their recent Florida Cup clash with Colombian top-flight outfit Millonarios, and was denied a first goal in blue by the crossbar.

The 30-year-old has, of course, shown a penchant for the spectacular before. He landed the Goal of the Season award in 2019 after an extraordinary long-range volley in Crystal Palace’s 3-2 win at Manchester City.

Everton fans will hope Townsend proves a more consistent goalscoring threat this term after he netted only one goal in 35 appearances in his final season with the Eagles.

Everton fans buzzing over Townsend’s dazzling strike

“I don’t think we’ll ever lose again”

Credit: @plebberbounce

“He’s definitely scoring a worldie for us this season akin to that that city goal he got”

Credit: @tutes24

“Arjen Townsend at it again”

Credit: @LozEFC

“A winger that can shoot, playing for Everton? This can’t be true surely?!”

Credit: @SFenney

“We’ve signed the British Messi”

Credit: @ElliottB1878

“Can’t wait until we see these popping often”

Credit: @stevec1878

In other news, Rafael Benitez’s stance on this star has been revealed amid exit rumours.

Cricinfo previews the Group A match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Lahore

The Preview by S Rajesh24-Jun-2008Match factsWednesday June 25, 2008
Start time 16.00 (local) 10.00 (GMT)
Sanath Jayasuriya will aim to become the first batsman to score 1000 runs in the Asia Cup© AFP
Big PictureBangladesh’s convincing 96-run win over UAE in their tournament opener will boost their confidence, but over the last year both teams have been desperately searching for success since excellent World Cup campaigns. Sri Lanka reached the final of that tournament, but their form has slumped considerably over the last year – they’ve lost 12 out of 22 games, while three of their eight wins were against Bangladesh at home. During this period, they’ve lost an ODI series at home to England, been knocked out of the triangular CB Series before the finals, and been beaten 2-0 by West Indies.Bangladesh’s World Cup heroics – they beat India and South Africa and made it to the Super Eights – suggested that they might have turned a corner, but subsequent events have confirmed their Caribbean capers were only a flash in the pan: leave aside three wins against Ireland and one against UAE in their Asia Cup opener, and Bangladesh have lost 18 out of 18 since that tournament. Fifteen of those defeats have been by margins of at least five wickets or 50 runs, which indicates they haven’t even been competitive against the top sides.Sri Lanka will go into Wednesday’s clash as huge favourites, and not just because of their Asia Cup record: they have won the tournament three times, and have never lost to Bangladesh in seven encounters. Under Mohammad Ashraful, Bangladesh have slipped back to their old, erratic ways. They romped to a comfortable win against UAE, but the Sri Lankans will be an altogether different challenge. For Sri Lanka, it’s an opportunity to regain their winning momentum before the tougher challenges that await them later in the tournament.Form guide (Last 5 completed ODIs; most recent first)
Bangladesh WLLLL
Sri Lanka LLWLLWatch out for …Raqibul Hasan: A handy middle-order batsman, 20-year-old Raqibul has already scored three half-centuries in ten ODIs, including two 80-plus scores in his last two innings.Kumar Sangakkara was in sparkling form in the IPL, but hasn’t topped 33 in his last six ODI innings and is due a big score.Ajantha Mendis had confused the West Indian batting line-up during the ODIs there, and in conditions expected to favour spin, Bangladesh could well be his next victim.Team newsBoth teams are missing a couple of important players. Sri Lanka are without Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof, both of whom are nursing injuries. Bangladesh, meanwhile, are missing two important batsmen – Aftab Ahmed has a finger injury, while Shakib Al Hasan, their most prolific batsman in the series against Pakistan, has skipped the tournament to sit for academic exams.The absences will offer opportunities to others to prove themselves at the international level: Nuwan Kulasekara, who played the ODIs in the West Indies, should get another chance, while the return of Dilhara Fernando, who missed that tour, will add bite to the bowling attack.Sri Lanka (probable) 1 Sanath Jayasuriya, 2 Mahela Udawatte, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene (capt), 5 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 6 Chamara Kapugedera, 7 Kaushalya Weeraratne, 8 Chaminda Vaas, 9 Dilhara Fernando, 10 Ajantha Mendis, 11 Nuwan Kulasekara.The unavailability of Shakib should give another opportunity to Alok Kapali, the 24-year-old allrounder who was away from international cricket for almost two years before playing in the Kitply Cup earlier this month.Bangladesh (probable) 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Nazimuddin, 3 Mohammad Ashraful (capt), 4 Raqibul Hasan, 5 Alok Kapali, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 8 Dolar Mahmud, 9 Mashrafe Mortaza, 10 Abdur Razzak, 11 Shahadat Hossain.Stats and trivia Sanath Jayasuriya has scored four hundreds in Asia Cups, and needs 158 to become the first batsman to 1000 runs in the tournament. In four Asia Cup innings against Bangladesh, he has managed two centuries and a fifty, for an average of 98 at a strike rate of 99.66. Sri Lanka’s seven wins against Bangladesh in Asia Cups have all been by margins of at least seven wickets or 71 runs. In their last clash, Jayasuriya hammered an unbeaten 101-ball 107 as Sri Lanka won by ten wickets with 99 balls to spare. Jayasuriya’s 20 wickets is the most taken by any bowler in the Asia Cup. Bangladesh have lost 20 out of 22 matches in the Asia Cup. Their only wins have come against Hong Kong and UAE.Quotes”In a short tournament of two weeks the momentum is very important. We have to make sure we have that momentum going because things can happen so quickly. We need to make sure we respect them [Bangladesh] for who they are and play a proper game.”
Mahela Jayawardene dismisses all talk of complacency and wants his players to be ready for battle from the first ball.”If we can regularly score 240, which we rarely do, we can be competitive and hopefully win a few games.”
Jamie Siddons, the Bangladesh coach, spells out the gameplan for his team.”I knew it was a matter of time before I returned to form and I hope this form remains with me in the tougher games to come because we want to do well in this Asia Cup.”
After scoring his second ODI century against UAE, Mohammad Ashraful wants to repeat the performance against stronger teams

Darren Pattinson has reiterated his desire to add to his one England cap even though he has a contract with Victoria for the next Australian season

Cricinfo staff30-Jul-2008
Darren Pattinson: ‘The media interest that has surrounded my selection was new to us and something that, naively, I didn’t expect’ © Getty Images
Darren Pattinson has reiterated his desire to add to his one England cap even though he has a contract with Victoria for the next Australian season. He said his recent experiences have been “really difficult” for him and his family, but he is determined not to let it effect him on the field.Pattinson, who was dropped after his debut appearance at Headingley last week, appeared to suggest that he was ready to turn his back on England with his family wanting to move back to Melbourne. “A big part of it is me wanting to be in Australia for six months and playing for [Victoria],” he said. “I’ve got a meeting with the chairman of selectors in a few days to discuss a few things. But my family want to live in Melbourne, so that’s a big part of it.”However, he now says that he is determined to ensure he doesn’t join the one-cap wonder club after taking two wickets against South Africa. “It’s worked out well for me at Nottinghamshire and when I signed my only target was to prove that I could cut it at county level,” he said. “Things have moved on a lot quicker than I expected and I’ve set myself new goals which include earning further recognition for England.”Pattinson added that the last few weeks have been a tough time for his family. He hadn’t expected the type of attention he has received since surprisingly being handed his debut. “I’ve got a young family who have travelled halfway around the world with me and they have found the last month really difficult,” he said. “The media interest that has surrounded my selection was new to us and something that, naively, I didn’t expect.”I now need to focus on things that I can control and it’s been shown that if I perform well for Nottinghamshire and conditions are favourable then I can force my way into the selectors’ thoughts. It all starts with club form and I will be doing everything that I can to produce good performances for Nottinghamshire and Victoria.”Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket, said that while Pattinson’s plans are currently to return and play for Victoria, as an overseas player, in October that those could change if he is handed further England honours. He has been named in the 30-man Champions Trophy squad, while there will also be a Lions tour in the winter.”The ECB have always been aware that Darren has a contract with Victoria and he’ll play for them as an overseas player this winter,” Newell said. “At this moment in time, his only winter commitments are with Victoria but if he is selected to play for England then obviously that will change.”Darren is certainly not ruling himself out of possible selection for England and we are already looking to extend his contract at Nottinghamshire. He has a long-term future in this country and he can combine that with his winter commitments in Australia.”

An update has emerged regarding Real Betis’ valuation of reported Wolves transfer target William Carvalho.

What’s the talk?

According to El Desmarque, Real Betis are prepared to sell the midfielder for a fee in the region of £7.6m-£8.5m (€9m-10m), despite paying nearly £17m (€20m) for him in 2018 from Sporting Lisbon.

This comes after a report surfaced earlier this summer claiming that Wolves have a long-standing interest in the Portuguese international.

Get it done

Wolves manager Bruno Lage must sanction a swoop for the defensive midfielder this summer as this appears to be a brilliant opportunity for the club. He is a long-term target and there may not be a better time than now to snap him up, with Betis seemingly willing to take a sizeable loss to raise funds of their own before the end of the current transfer window.

Transfermarkt value the 29-year-old at £13.5m and this suggests that Wolves would be picking up a bargain if they could get him in for between £7.6m and £8.5m. He is vastly experienced at the top level, with almost 200 appearances for Sporting, 86 for Real Betis and 68 caps for his country. This shows that he is a reliable operator in midfield and would appear to represent a safe signing at Molineux.

Former Portugal manager Paul Bento once hailed the midfielder as “extraordinary” whilst managing him at international level. He said: “He’s extraordinary and having a great season. He’s proved that he’s above average mature.”

Bento’s comments suggest that Carvalho has impressed for his country, whilst he averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.88 in the Nations League for Portugal last year. The holding midfielder would arrive at Wolves with pedigree and experience for a relatively modest fee, which is why the club must act on their interest to bring him in before the end of August.

It may not be a flashy £30m signing of a striker who could score numerous goals in the Premier League, but it the type of steady, shrewd addition on whom great teams can be built. Not every team has 11 superstars and you need reliable performers who can do a job when required, which Carvalho appears to be. This is why Lage must bring him in for a cut-price fee this summer to bolster Wolves’ midfield options.

AND in other news, “Wolves very much see..” – Journalist shares club’s stance on key player amid exit speculation…

An update has emerged on Tottenham target Jannik Vestergaard, regarding how much Southampton want for him if they do sell this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Southampton value Tottenham target Jannik Vestergaard at £17m (€20m), with the Dane heading into the final season of his contract with the club.

Galetti claims that Spurs are in negotiations with Southampton over a potential deal for the centre-back, whilst Jose Mourinho’s Roma are also in the mix.

Imagine him and Rodon

Daniel Levy could land a dream deal by bringing Vestergaard to the club following this update. £17m is an excellent price for a player of his quality, especially given that Southampton paid around £22m for him in 2019 from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Sun have claimed that Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier could all leave Spurs this summer, with the Belgian wanting to depart and Fabio Paratici being open to offers for the other two. This means that any new arrivals could end up playing alongside young defender Joe Rodon at the back.

Rodon averaged an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.01 in 22 starts as a centre-back for club and country last season, including four games in the Championship for Swansea, which suggests that he could have the ability to thrive if handed a greater role in the side by Nuno Santo next term.

Vestergaard, meanwhile, has also proven himself for club and country. Domestically, he has caught the eye of pundits, with Arsenal legend Martin Keown saying earlier this year that the towering defender has shades of Virgil van Dijk about his game, comparing how the pair pass the ball out from the back for Southampton and Liverpool respectively.

He told TalkSport:

“It’s his passing. It reminds me of Van Dijk.

“I call it a stationary platform. When you don’t run with the ball you stop and when you look at those two, the way they ping balls, the way he threads things into midfield, the challenges, he’s a big man.”

The 28-year-old gave a timely reminder of his quality in England’s semi-final victory over Denmark in the European Championships on Wednesday.

He recorded a superb WhoScored rating of 7.04 as he won four aerial battles, five tackles and one interception, whilst also making seven clearances and two blocks. This shows that he has the defensive nous to be a nuisance at the top level, as he helped the Danes force the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount into extra-time.

He could be a brilliant addition to Santo’s squad and be a dream partner for the up-and-coming Rodon to learn from. They could form a strong partnership at the back.

AND in other news, Levy agrees personal terms with £17.2m-rated “warrior”, Tottenham fans will be buzzing…