All posts by h716a5.icu

WPL 2025: Can new captain Gardner change Gujarat Giants' fortunes around?

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

With a new coaching set-up in hand, team will be keen to move up from the bottom of the points table this time around

Srinidhi Ramanujam12-Feb-20252:05

Chopra: Giants over-reliant on their overseas players

Where Giants finished last seasonGujarat Giants (GG) finished at the bottom for the second consecutive season. They started with four defeats in a row and never recovered from that slide. Eventually, they ended the season with just two wins in eight games.What’s new this yearAshleigh Gardner will be the new Giants captain, having taken over the reins from her fellow national team-mate Beth Mooney. Gardner has been with the Giants since the inaugural season and was the team’s vice-captain for most of the first edition after Mooney picked up a calf injury one game into WPL 2023. Whether Giants can turn their fortunes around under Gardner’s leadership is something to keep an eye on. They have also parted ways with Mithali Raj (mentor), and Nooshin Al Khadeer (assistant coach) after two seasons with Daniel Marsh and Pravin Tambe coming on board as batting and bowling coaches, respectively.But Giants made headlines when they roped in experienced Deandra Dottin and young Simran Shaikh to fix their batting woes. Shaikh was the biggest buy in the auction with the team spending INR 1.9 crore on her. Among the overseas players, Dottin was paid the highest, INR 1.7 crore. Both were not part of WPL last season.Related

WPL 2025 auction: Uncapped Indians make a splash; no takers for Rana, Knight

Dottin goes back to Gujarat Giants to cap her year of new beginnings

Gardner replaces Mooney as Gujarat Giants captain for WPL 2025

WPL 2025 FAQs: Fixtures, players to watch, injury updates, and everything else

Deepti Sharma named UP Warriorz captain for WPL 2025

In the bowling department, Giants added England fast bowler Danielle Gibson and uncapped legspinner Prakashika Naik having released experienced players such as Kathryn Bryce, Lea Tahuhu and Sneh Rana ahead of the auction.Giants’ likely best XI1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 Laura Wolvaardt/Phoebe Litchfield, 3 D Hemalatha, 4 Deandra Dottin, 5 Harleen Deol, 6 Ash Gardner (capt), 7 Simran Shaikh, 8 Shabnam Shakil, 9 Meghna Singh, 10 Priya Mishra, 11 Tanuja KanwarOther players: Bharti Fulmali, Kashvee Gautam, Mannat Kashyap, Sayali Sathgare, Danielle Gibson, Prakashika NaikSimran Shaikh was with UPW in 2023 but was unsold for 2024•BCCIKey players: Ashleigh Gardner, Deandra Dottin and Beth MooneyDottin and Mooney will be expected to play important roles with the bat in the Giant’s top four. Both of them are coming off an impressive run in international cricket – Mooney was the highest run-getter in the recently concluded Ashes, where she hit 213 in three T20Is. Dottin was the leading scorer for West Indies against Bangladesh in T20Is, where she accumulated 110 runs in three matches at a stunning strike rate of 203.7. They will hope that the likes of Laura Wolvaardt, Mooney and Dottin will carry forward their international form into WPL and ensure Giants do not end up in the same position as last year.That aside, having shown tremendous consistency for Australia over the years, Gardner would be expected to step up with the ball in the WPL and turn her ordinary performances into match-winning ones. She had a decent WPL last year and was the second-highest wicket-taker for the team with seven scalps from eight matches at an economy rate of 7.75.Young one to watch: Simran ShaikhIt will be a fresh start for the Mumbai allrounder who went unsold in the 2024 auction after an underwhelming season with UP Warriorz in 2023. In seven innings, she scored just 29 runs in the inaugural edition. However, she has returned to the WPL with massive expectations. Giants head coach Micheal Klinger had said she “stands out in terms of her hitting power and strike rate” and hinted at using her as a pinch-hitter in the top six or seven. Shaikh scored 176 runs in nine innings at the 2024 senior women’s T20 trophy at a strike rate of 100.57 but at Giants, she might be able to offer more than what these numbers suggest.Gujarat Giants’ league fixtures in WPL 2025Giants will play the opening game of the WPL against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Vadodara on February 14. They play two more matches at home before moving to Bengaluru and Lucknow for two matches each. Their final group game will be against Mumbai Indians in Brabourne on March 10.

Steven Smith's tinkering triggers a return to runs

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Belligerent Travis Head allows Smith to “take second fiddle and do my thing”

Andrew McGlashan15-Dec-20243:30

Smith on why batting has become harder ‘since 2021’

Not out of form, just out of runs. That was the distinction made by Steven Smith when he was interviewed before the resumption of the second day’s play at the Gabba.A first-ball duck against a fired-up Jasprit Bumrah, a superb delivery by Mohammed Siraj and a tickle down the leg side had been his three dismissals to date. It was a small sample size in itself, but overall for 2024 he was averaging 23.20 from a more substantial 13 innings. He was on his longest stretch of innings without a Test century.To no one’s surprise, Smith had been tinkering ahead of the Brisbane Test as he returned to an exaggerated trigger movement across the stumps. There was also a sense from some that he just needed a little luck. He certainly had a dose of that as he battled against a ball nipping around on a surface that had only had 13.2 overs on it during the first day.Related

Mitch, Josh and Pat stay ahead in race against the weather

India targeted him straight, which has brought success for the bowlers over the last two years that have included eight of Smith’s 32 lbw dismissals. His first ball was a strangled shout as the trigger took him across the crease against Bumrah. Later, Rohit Sharma was persuaded to review an lbw when Smith shouldered arms at Mohammed Siraj which proved to be umpire’s call. When Akash Deep completed the over that Siraj aborted to leave the field, only a nick saved Smith against a full ball.Shortly after lunch, he got an inside edge against a terrific delivery from Bumrah which Rishabh Pant had no chance of reaching to as it flew to fine leg. The raise of his bat for fifty, which came from 128 balls, felt almost a little apologetic. At the other end, Travis Head sat on 73 from 95 balls.

****

As Smith and Head had done during the World Test Championship final at The Oval last year, this was a perfect example of partnership batting. The similarities of the stands were almost unnerving, at least from India’s point of view.On that day, the pair came together on 76 for 3 while in Brisbane it was 75 for 3. On both occasions Head (whose previous three innings at the Gabba were first-ball ducks) was out of the blocks quickly and Smith played in his slipstream. At The Oval, the split of the first 100 runs of their stand was Head 65, Smith 29; at the Gabba it was Head 65, Smith 30. Last year the stand ended at 285; this one was finally halted at 241 but the damage was done.Steven Smith found his hands…and more•Chris Hyde / Getty ImagesSignificantly, and as in Adelaide last week, Head had walked to the crease after the 30-over mark. While runs had not come at a gallop, the work to varying degrees of Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne and Smith had taken off the early shine, albeit there remained assistance for the quick bowlers.”If we can get to 30-odd overs when Travis comes in it makes a big difference to the team,” Smith said after play. “The seam probably starts to settle down around 30-40 overs and the ball stays quite hard. You see guys batting at five, six, seven that are able to hit the ball hard and get good value for their shots. That’s the kind of way we’ve been shaping up.”When Head brought up his second century in consecutive innings, this one from 115 balls, Smith was on 64 from 143.”The way he came out and just smacked it, I could take second fiddle and do my thing,” Smith said. “It’s nice to get in a partnership with him because the scoreboard moves extremely fast. We don’t say too much to each other, he just says ‘do your thing’, I just say ‘do your thing’ and we move on. It was cool to witness that again, he’s a special player at the moment.”

****

There were signs before tea that the benefits of Smith’s early graft were starting to pay dividends and in the final session freedom returned to his stroke play. The trigger looked much more fluid the longer the innings went on.”I’ve changed my set up pretty much every game I’ve played for 15 years so it’s nothing new to me,” he said. “If I want to change a few things it really doesn’t take me long to do it. Sometimes I do it in the middle of an innings.”I try to adapt and figure the best way to play for each surface I’m facing. I was batting out of my crease a little bit, trying to get to the bowler a bit, walking across my stumps but leaving my left leg a little bit open. Thought my movements were pretty good today, maybe a bit bigger than I would have liked early on but felt like I was moving into the ball nicely.”Steven Smith and Travis Head added 241 for the fourth wicket•Associated PressThere was a cracking back-foot drive when Reddy dropped short at medium pace; he advanced down the pitch to the ineffective Ravindra Jadeja who Australia had clearly targeted; he drove Reddy wide of mid-off; he went into the 90s when he bisected the covers against Jadeja with precision; he drove Siraj on the up down the ground with a hint of distain.But one of his best took him to 99, a pristine on drive against Akash Deep which made a wonderful sound off the bat. There are a few trademarks of Smith at his best – the on drive might top the list.The next delivery was on his pads and he turned it down to fine leg for century No. 33. It moved him ahead of Steve Waugh into second position alone on Australia’s all-time list. His second fifty had taken just 57 balls. Smith started to pump his fists as he completed the single, removed his helmet, mopped his brow, and held his bat aloft, then gave it an exaggerated swing although played down suggestions the celebration had any extra edge.”You’ve got to keep the faith and know things will turn around if you keep doing the hard work and I’ve been putting the hard work in,” he said. “Rode my luck today, had some early on for sure, got beaten a few times which is going to happen on that wicket. On another day I might nick one of those. I had to earn every run out there.”He could not last much longer, driving at Bumrah and sending an edge to Rohit at slip who flung the ball away with more than at hint of anger, or at least frustration.Smith, too, was frustrated with himself as he walked off. But while he was out, he was no longer out of runs.

'A guy who punched well above his weight'

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Tributes poured in on social media after Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Aug-20241:37

Dhawan’s top 10

Shikhar Dhawan retired from international and domestic cricket on Saturday. Having made his international debut in 2010, he bowed out with 269 appearances for India. Several cricketers took to social media to pay tribute to the left-hand opener.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Unmukt Chand (@unmuktchand_official)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sunil Joshi (@suniljoshi06)

Gardner takes captaincy step with Sydney Sixers leadership

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The allrounder replaces Ellyse Perry as the club look to the future after just one finals appearance in six seasons

Tristan Lavalette07-Nov-2025Ashleigh Gardner will further her leadership development after taking the reins from Ellyse Perry as captain of Sydney Sixers, a WBBL franchise hoping to recapture their former standing.The transition signals a new era after Perry had captained Sixers since the inaugural season in 2015-16, yielding back-to-back titles in the second and third seasons of WBBL. But Sixers’ status as an on-field powerhouse has faded away having failed to qualify for the finals in five of the past six seasons.Related

Tayla Vlaeminck 'shattered' to miss another WBBL

Chinelle Henry's thoughts with Jamaica ahead of first WBBL season

FAQs – What's in store for you at WBBL 2025-26?

It is a major reset for Sixers under the fresh leadership of Gardner and new head coach Matthew Mott, the former coach of the Australia women’s team and England men’s white-ball sides.Gardner, 28, has been an integral part of the Sixers from the start, holding the club record for games (135) and wickets (102), while also sitting third for runs (2607). She has long been viewed as an Australia captain in the making, particularly impressing over the years in promoting Indigenous culture and history.Gardner should be in the mix to succeed Alyssa Healy, who confirmed the recent ODI World Cup would be her last in that format. Earlier this year, Gardner was the vice-captain on the T20I tour of New Zealand, where Tahlia McGrath captained in Healy’s absence.Her Sixers appointment follows being handed the captaincy of Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League and Trent Rockets in the Hundred.”I’m honoured to be appointed captain of the Sydney Sixers, a club I’ve proudly represented for my whole career,” Gardner said. “Over the past decade I’ve learned from some amazing leaders, including Pez [ Perry] and Midge [Healy] at the Sixers, and I can’t wait to lead the team.”Perry, 35, will remain at Sixers for at least the next three seasons. “It’s been an immense pleasure to have the opportunity to lead the Sixers over the last ten years,” she said.”Ash has offered so much to Sixers on-and-off the field and her strong interest in giving her best as a leader will be an exciting starting point for our team this season.”Healy will miss Sixers’ season-opener due to a minor thumb injury sustained in the World Cup semi-final. The injury will be monitored when she returns to training next week.Sixers start their campaign against Perth Scorchers on Sunday at the WACA.Meanwhile, Melbourne Renegades captain Sophie Molineux will miss the opening two matches as she manages a minor quad strain. Georgia Wareham will take the captaincy in her absence.

Man Utd submit £26m offer for former Premier League striker

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Manchester United have now submitted a £26m opening offer for a former Premier League striker, who has been in impressive form this season.

Man Utd looking to sign new striker amid Sesko's slow start

Benjamin Sesko’s Man United career is yet to truly take off, having scored two goals in his first 11 Premier League games, and the Slovenian striker has missed the last two matches due to a knee injury, with Joshua Zirkzee leading the line against Crystal Palace last time out.

With Zirkzee ending his goal drought in the 2-1 triumph against the Eagles, it remains to be seen whether Sesko will be able to force his way back into the side upon his return, but the Dutchman could be on the move in the January transfer window.

West Ham United are now planning to sign Zirkzee this winter as a replacement for Niclas Fullkrug, with AS Roma also being credited as potential suitors, and the 24-year-old departing would exacerbate the need for Ruben Amorim to bring in a new centre-forward.

According to a report from Spain, Man United have now submitted an offer of around €30m (£26m) for Real Betis striker Cucho Hernandez, who has emerged as an important player for the Spanish side under the helm of Manuel Pellegrini.

The bid is said to be ‘financially attractive’ to Betis, but the La Liga side now have a big decision to make, given that Cucho could be the key to them having a successful season, and it would be difficult to replace him.

United are looking to bring in forwards capable of providing ‘energy, mobility and goals’, and they have decided the 26-year-old fits the bill, off the back of an impressive 2025-26 campaign thus far…

Cucho impressing in La Liga and Europa League

The Colombian recently scored his first Europa League goal of the season in Betis’ 2-1 victory against Utrecht, and he has also put in some eye-catching displays in La Liga, chipping in with five goals and two assists in 14 games.

The former Watford man has some Premier League experience too, scoring five goals in 25 matches for the Hornets in the 2021-22 campaign, during which time Claudio Ranieri said: “I love him, because always during the training session he gives 100 per cent. He wants to score, he wants to shoot. He is a fighter. I love these kinds of people.”

"Elite" England star now Ruben Amorim's number one target at Man Utd

Man United are looking to strengthen in the middle of the park.

ByDominic Lund Dec 3, 2025

Man United should have reservations about signing Cucho, given that the centre-forward wasn’t exactly prolific during his previous stint in England, but he could be a decent back-up option for Sesko, should Zirkzee move on this winter.

Ravindra and Bracewell win the middle overs to knock out Bangladesh

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Twice New Zealand made comebacks in this game, Bracewell leading the recovery with the ball, and Ravindra getting the job done with the bat

Mohammad Isam24-Feb-20251:45

Steyn: Class players like Ravindra hit good balls for four

If joint Player-of-the-Match awards were in vogue, Rachin Ravindra might well have been receiving it alongside Michael Bracewell on Monday night in Rawalpindi. Bracewell was given the award for his pinpoint offspin that helped New Zealand keep Bangladesh to 236 for 9. Ravindra then boosted his reputation as one of the game’s brightest young talents with a 105-ball 112.Ravindra also extended his love affair with ICC 50-over tournaments; all four of his ODI centuries so far have come at ICC events. The first three came in India at the 2023 World Cup, before his sparkling century in this game, which shut the door on Bangladesh and put New Zealand in the semi-finals.Curiously, Ravindra might not have played this game at all. He had missed New Zealand’s previous three ODIs over the last couple of weeks after taking a blow to the forehead while fielding in the Pakistan tri-series. But Daryl Mitchell reported sick on the morning of the Bangladesh match, and Ravindra was back.Related

Dot-ball 'beast' Bracewell stays under the radar but soars high

Ravindra, Latham and Bracewell book New Zealand's semi-final spot

Bracewell's best, and a rare twin failure for Williamson

New Zealand, India through to Champions Trophy semi-finals

He walked out to bat when they were 15 for 2 in the fourth over, Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana looking red hot with the new ball. He played straight to blunt them, had a bit of luck when Bangladesh missed a direct hit that would have ended his stay on 25, lost Devon Conway at the other end in the 16th over, lost his rhythm at times, but, importantly for New Zealand, kept at it. Having the experienced Tom Latham for company for most his innings was a huge plus.”It was a little bit of a tricky wicket at times,” Ravindra said afterwards. “The ball held up in there. They bowled some good stuff at times. Tommy is a great man to have in the middle. He has so much experience. It was about building a partnership and to try to take it deep. The beauty of chasing 240 is that you don’t need to push the accelerator too much on good wickets and fast outfields. We were just trying to play good cricket shots and work on five-run blocks.”There were definitely times when I struggled for timing. They strung together dot balls. They bowled really well. They didn’t give any width. The beauty of batting in one-day cricket is that it goes through ebbs and flows for a long period. There are periods when you can play freely, and then there are periods when you don’t.”I was leaning on Tommy a lot in those periods. We kept each other accountable, knowing what our options are. I tried to play good cricket shots, got into good positions and, when they missed their lengths, I was able to hit the gaps. I think I didn’t force the ball, which is why it looked a bit simple. It is definitely not simple when you are out there.”Rachin Ravindra embraces Tom Latham, his main support on the night•ICC/Getty ImagesLatham and Ravindra added 129 off 136 in partnership, and when they were separated in the 39th over, New Zealand needed just 36 more. They had steadied the ship and won the battle in the crucial middle overs, hardly letting the Bangladesh spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain settle on a length.For Bangladesh, it was the reverse. They had reached a solid 97 for 2 after 20 overs, and New Zealand might have been wondering if they had made the right choice in choosing to bowl first. Then Bracewell took control of the middle overs, and the game. He had been brought into the attack early – the ninth over – to counter the left-hand pair of Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto. He had Tanzid caught at midwicket with his second ball of the match, and then kept things tight, but Bangladesh were still decently placed. That changed over the course of Bracewell’s next four overs, which produced figures of 3 for 5.”Bangladesh started really well in the powerplay. I think their openers kept the tempo going. We were under the pump on a good wicket. But Beasty [Bracewell] put the chokehold on, bowled the good balls. He was amazing with his consistency,” Ravindra said. “I think Beasty bowled out of his skin today. His development as a cricketer in the last few years has been amazing to watch. We have played together five or six years ago in Wellington. He is learning his craft so well. His consistency gives so much depth to our spin attack. [Mitchell] Santner is one of the best in the world and having someone like Michael supplementing him is great.”Bracewell finished with career-best figures of 4 for 26, having bowled 43 dots. Bangladesh played out 178 dots overall to New Zealand’s 142. That made a difference. New Zealand had recovered twice in the game, both times in the middle overs. That, certainly, made a big difference.

Diamondbacks Receive Unfortunate Corbin Carroll Injury Update After HBP on Left Hand

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

The Arizona Diamondbacks hoped for better news on star outfielder Corbin Carroll's hand after he was hit by a pitch Wednesday in Toronto against the Blue Jays. He has missed the team's last five games with left hand soreness and unfortunately, the Diamondbacks will miss his services for even longer.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo announced Monday that Carroll has a chip fracture in his left wrist and is headed for a stint on the injured list, via team host and reporter Jody Jackson. According to an MLB.com report, initial X-rays came back negative but an MRI Monday revealed the fracture.

"That's a little bit confusing to all of us," Lovullo said via Blake Niemann of Fox 10 Phoenix. "It's on the back of his hand, the impact of the ball hit the side of his hand which just goes to show you how hard these guys are throwing today. There's definitely that fracture and he's going to continue to get some opinions just to find out what that official diagnosis means and what the timeframe will be."

Disappointing news for the Diamondbacks, especially after slugger Eugenio Suarez left the team's game Monday after he was hit by a pitch on the right hand. Josh Naylor also exited the Diamondbacks' 10-0 win over the Chicago White Sox Monday.

Before the injury, Carroll slashed .255/.341/.573 with 20 home runs, 44 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. He also has an MLB-leading nine triples on the season.

Ruben Amorim accused of 'ruining' academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo as Man Utd boss called out on 'bullsh*t' by club legend

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been called out by an Old Trafford legend over his handling of youngster Kobbie Mainoo and suggested the England international could leave unless his treatment improves. Paul Scholes took to social media to post an expletive-laden response to the United bosses’ claims Mainoo is a “starter”, despite the fact the 20-year-old hasn’t started a league game for the club this season.

Amorim makes Mainoo claims

Mainoo has struggled for playing time under Amorim this season, having been a breakout star and regular starter in previous seasons, and is yet to make a single Premier League start this term. The issue stems from a change in system and being in competition with club captain Bruno Fernandes for the same midfield role, a battle the Portuguese international is winning. Frustrated by his limited minutes, Mainoo requested a loan move last summer, which United denied and the situation has led to speculation about a potential January exit, with top clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich, reportedly interested in securing his services, either on loan or on a permanent deal. 

But Amorim has talked down issues, claiming Mainoo will get his chance. Amorim said last Friday: “I see him as a starter like the other players. I just have to make a choice and then in the end, it's not been Kobbie. In the future, I don't know. Again, I always think the same thing with Casemiro. (He) was not playing and then he plays. I just want to win games. I don't care who is playing." 

But United legend Scholes, who played 719 games for the club, scored 155 goals, won a record 11 domestic league titles and two Champions League crowns, has slammed the way the United boss has treated Mainoo. 

AdvertisementScholes: 'Enough is enough'

Scholes posted in response to Amorim’s statement, saying: "Bulls***. The kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can't control a game of football. Hate seeing home grown players leave but it's probably best for him now, enough is enough."

Amorim stands firm on Mainoo treatment

Speaking to the press today, Amorim was repeatedly pressed on what his plan is for Mainoo, with the United boss saying: "I see it. I just want to win, I try to put the players, I don't look who it is, I don't care about that, I'm just trying to put the best players on the pitch. You have Manuel Ugarte that played two games. One of them, Casemiro, was out, Bruno Fernandes, he's always fit, he's the guy that is doing his position, so maybe it has to do with that." 

And when asked if players departing to play at the forthcoming AFCON tournament will allow Mainoo more playing time, Amorim added: "I don't know, I don't know. It's the same question, I don't know what is going to happen, it depends, I've seen the training, if it's the best thing for the team, I will put (him in), that is the only way I know how to respond to that. Of course, I understand, and my job is to answer, but I'm trying to answer always the same thing, and you ask me always the same thing. I understand what you are saying. You love Kobbie, he starts for England. But that doesn't mean that I need to put Kobbie in when I feel that I shouldn't put Kobbie in, so it's my decision."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWill Mainoo feature against Wolves? 

United head to Molineux on Monday evening to face bottom of the table Wolves knowing victory is fully expected against a side who have won just two points all season. Wolves did the double over United last season, but the Red Devils have only ever lost eight Premier League games against sides starting the day bottom of the table. There will be huge focus on what Amorim decides to do with Mainoo, whether he starts or is once again on the bench, but the United boss may be convinced to make as few changes as possible after going four games unbeaten on the road.

'I am officially not retired from all formats' – Shakib reverses Test and T20I retirement

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Shakib said he wants to play a full series across formats in Bangladesh to say goodbye to the fans

Mohammad Isam07-Dec-2025Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has reversed his retirement from Tests and T20Is, and has said that he wishes to play all three formats. Shakib has not played international cricket in over a year and had announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is last year.”I am officially not retired from all formats,” Shakib said on the podcast, which features Moeen Ali, on Sunday. “This is the first time I’ll be revealing that. My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of ODI, Test, and T20, and retire.”I mean, [I can] retire from all formats in a series. So it can start from T20I, ODI and Test, or Test, ODI, T20I. Either way, I’m fine, but I want to play a whole series and retire. That’s what I want.”Related

BCB says door still open for Shakib to play for Bangladesh

Bangladesh sports advisor won't 'allow Shakib to wear Bangladesh jersey' again

Shakib on his illegal action: 'I was doing it a little bit intentionally'

Shakib hasn’t returned to Bangladesh since May 2024, once the Awami League government was dethroned on August 5. Shakib was an MP for that party. He was named in an FIR in an alleged murder case, although he was not in the country at the time. He then went on to play Tests in Pakistan and India. The second Test against India in Kanpur was his last international game.When asked whether he will return to Bangladesh, Shakib said, “I am hopeful. That’s why I’m playing [T20 leagues]. I think it will happen.”Shakib further said that he will not be burdened by results and he wants to “give something back to the fans” for years of support in a home series.”I think when a player says something, they try to stick to their words,” he said. “They normally don’t change it all of a sudden. It doesn’t matter if I play well or not. I might play a bad series after that, if I want to play. But I don’t need to do that.”I think this is enough. It’s just a nicer way to say bye to the fans that they supported me always, give something back to them, playing a home series.”Shakib Al Hasan last played a Test in late 2024•AFP/Getty ImagesAhead of the Kanpur Test in September last year, Shakib announced he wasn’t going to play T20Is anymore, while expressing his desire to play his last Test in the home South Africa series that was scheduled for October.There were some protests and clashes around the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka ahead of the Test series, after which Shakib issued an apology for his silence during the students-led protest which led to hundreds of deaths in July and August.The BCB then dropped Shakib for the Tests against South Africa, mainly because Bangladesh’s interim government couldn’t guarantee his safe exit from the country.Earlier this year, a BCB official said that Shakib was welcome to return to the Bangladesh team. In September, Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Mahmud declared that Shakib would not be allowed to play for the country after Shakib wished former prime minister Sheikh Hasina on her birthday.Shakib, who was elected as an MP from his hometown Magura in January 2024, also suggested that he wasn’t done with his political career when he was asked what legacy he wants to leave. “[I have] done my cricketing part. Maybe political side is left,” he said. “It’s something I want to do for the people of Bangladesh and people of Magura. That was my intention, and it is still my intention. Let’s see where Allah takes me.”

Emery’s a fan: Aston Villa willing to make mega-money bid for £52m “baller”

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Aston Villa are now prepared to make a £52m offer for a “baller” in the January transfer window, with Unai Emery personally keen.

Villa make major statement in dramatic Arsenal victory

Villa sent out a message to the rest of the Premier League by picking up a dramatic late victory against league leaders Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, with Emiliano Buendia firing home in stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win.

In the wake of the result, which leaves Emery’s side just three points behind the Gunners, Mikel Arteta has admitted the Villans are genuine Premier League title contenders.

When asked whether the Villa Park outfit can challenge, Arteta said: “They are. When you look at where they are, the way they play, they have beaten some big teams, especially at home. Everybody is going to have to play everybody, so at the moment they are where they are and we are there as well.”

That said, it is still early days, given that we aren’t even at the half-way stage of the season just yet, and Emery is eager to bring in some new reinforcements, who could boost his side’s title push, during the January transfer window.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states the Aston Villa manager is now personally keen on signing Athletic Club star Mikel Jauregizar next month, but a deal could be on the expensive side.

Villa are prepared to offer up to €60m (£52m) to secure Jauregizar’s signature, with the Spanish club reluctant to sanction a departure unless they receive an ‘irresistible’ bid.

Emery believes the central midfielder would be an ideal fit in his system, and the Villans are now determined to get a deal done, so much so that they may even be willing to make an even higher bid.

"Baller" Jauregizar impressing in the Champions League

If Villa are going to make a genuine push to win the Premier League title, they may need to bring in some new players with experience at the highest level, and the 22-year-old has been impressing in the Champions League this season, chipping in with two assists in five matches.

Hailed as an “underrated baller” by scout Ben Mattinson, the maestro is also strong at winning back possession, averaging 2.87 tackles per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 89th percentile, when compared to other midfielders.

Aston Villa now want to tempt Chelsea summer signing with surprise January move

It would be a head turner.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2025

Jauregizar is clearly a very well-rounded midfielder, capable of making an impact at both ends of the pitch, and Aston Villa could strengthen their title chances by getting a deal done in January.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus