The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) landed in controversy immediately after their election results were announced on Monday. Within hours, the government removed one of the newly-elected directors, Ishfaq Ahsan. He was one of two government representatives in the BCB board, but his stay was short-lived.Ahsan’s political links forced the National Sports Council, the organisation that oversees sports in the country, to take this action. “We will appoint a new director [on Tuesday]. We have removed him for his political links,” Kazi Nazrul Islam, NSC’s executive director, told reporters on Monday.ESPNcricinfo understands that the NSC is likely to appoint a female board director in his place.A day-long BCB election, with physical votes as well as e-ballots, was held at a hotel in Dhaka on Monday. Aminul Islam was re-elected president. He will lead the working committee, the grounds committee and the BPL committee. Former Bangladesh captain Khaled Mashud, a first-time director, assumes charge of the High Performance centre.Former Bangladesh spinner Abdur Razzak, also a first-time director, was handed the post of chairman of women’s wing. Nazmul Abedeen will continue as cricket operations chairman while Ishtiaque Sadeuque will be game development chairman. Bangladesh’s age-group cricket will now be headed by renowned singer Asif Akbar.
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India’s batting order will be of interest given all the shuffling they have done so far
Sidharth Monga25-Sep-20255:02
Aaron to India: Don’t chop and change batting line-up
Big picture: Who will bat where for India?The last time India and Sri Lanka faced each other in international cricket, Sri Lanka defended their home turf like wounded lions to blank India out in an animated ODI series. Now, though, they come up against each other in an Asia Cup dead rubber with Sri Lanka already knocked out and an unbeaten India already in the final.Related
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However, with India seemingly playing roulette with their batting order, there is always anticipation to see what the box of chocolates throws up next. In India’s previous dead rubber, against Oman, Sanju Samson was promoted to No. 3 and Suryakumar Yadav didn’t bat at all even though India lost eight wickets. In their last match, Sanju Samson didn’t get to bat even though India lost six wickets.There must be some method to what Suryakumar and coach Gautam Gambhir are doing, but the pundits on the outside haven’t been able to figure it out. What happens next is anyone’s guess.Sri Lanka have been on the receiving end of a fickle format. There hasn’t been much separating the three teams other than India in the Super Fours. Sri Lanka have lost both their tosses, and have just not been able to post winning totals. Against India, they will need more than the toss to go their way.Form guideIndia WWWWW (last five T20Is, most recent first) Sri Lanka LLWWWSri Lanka will hope to end a disappointing Super Fours stage with a consolation win•Asian Cricket Council
In the spotlight: Abhishek Sharma and Wanindu HasarangaOne change India will not want to make is rest Abhishek Sharma and halt the almighty momentum he has on his side. He has 248 runs in this Asia Cup at better than two a ball. He has twice threatened to get to a century. You don’t ask a batter on such a roll to rest.Wanindu Hasaranga has gone for less than a run a ball through this tournament, and will relish bowling against a top line-up on a slow Dubai track. Especially outside the powerplay.Team news: All eyes on India’s reservesLike they did against Oman in the first round, there is a good chance India will experiment on Friday. Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma remain the only ones in the squad who haven’t got a game. It remains to be seen if India throw them into the mix. Playing Jitesh doesn’t necessarily mean leaving out Sanju Samson, who needs time in the middle before the final.India (probable): 1 Abhishek Sharma, 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4 Sanju Samson (wk), 5 Rinku Singh/Jitesh Sharma, 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Harshit Rana, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Arshdeep Singh.Sri Lanka haven’t quite found their ideal combination through the tournament, but wholesale changes won’t make sense either. They could perhaps look to get Kamil Mishara in for Chamika Karunaratne.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kusal Perera, 4 Charith Asalanka (capt.), 5 Kamindu Mendis, 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Chamika Karunaratne/ Kamil Mishara, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Nuwan Thushara.Pitch and conditionsAs the tournament progresses, scoring quickly keeps getting harder. The powerplay, and what the set batters can do outside of it, remains critical.Stats and trivia India and Sri Lanka have have faced each other in Dubai once previously. It was in the Super Fours stage of the Asia Cup back in 2022. Sri Lanka won the toss, inserted India, and won by six wickets. Hardik Pandya needs three wickets to become the second India bowler after Arshdeep Singh to 100 in T20Is.
He is set to return to action in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament and the upcoming Ranji Trophy after rehab at the NCA
Deivarayan Muthu19-Aug-2025After missing the entire 2024-25 domestic season and IPL 2025 with multiple bouts with injury and illness, tearaway Umran Malik is set to return to action in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament and the upcoming Ranji Trophy.Malik, 25, isn’t participating in the opening round of the Buchi Babu tournament, which got underway on August 18 in Chennai. However, he will be in action in the second round for Jammu & Kashmir against Baroda from August 22. Malik last played top-flight cricket in IPL 2024, but after recovering from hamstring and hip injuries, he feels his body is now ready to withstand the rigours of domestic cricket.”I’m feeling good. I haven’t played cricket for a long time,” Malik said on the sidelines of the Buchi Babu tournament. “I was injured for seven-eight months. It was a struggling phase. It feels really good to be back. I have played a lot of red-ball and T20 matches in Kashmir. It was our registration camp. We have come to Chennai for the Buchi Babu [tournament]. It is good to play as many matches as I can. It is good for my body’s workload. I’ve come back and will do well in the season. That’s my aim.”During his rehab, Malik spent around six months at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, working with their team, whom he credits for his return to fitness.Malik says he’s working on ‘three-four new variations’•AFP/Getty Images”Nishanta [Bordoloi, strength and conditioning coach] was helping me. Thulasi [Ram Yuvaraj, physio] sir and Suresh [Rathore, physio] sir and [VVS] Laxman [CoE chief] sir – he gave me everything [I needed]. Thanks to the BCCI.”Injury is a part of life for a sportsman. It is bound to happen. At that time, I kept myself strong. I kept my mindset right. Everything is fine now.”Malik first turned heads in IPL 2022, when he hit 156.9kph and went on to take 22 wickets in 14 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He was fast-tracked into India’s white-ball sides in the same year, but injuries have ravaged his career since those initial appearances. Malik sees the upcoming domestic season as a way back to the India side.”Yeah, I’ll be bowling in full rhythm now,” Malik said. “I’m a sportsman and I don’t pay attention to social media. Actually, I want to play cricket. I just want to protect my body from injuries, and I want to play cricket well. I want to play for India and that’s my aim. I will play the matches after this Buchi Babu, and I think the Ranji Trophy. Hopefully, I can take wickets and make a comeback.”Malik has been working closely with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar•Associated PressMalik has tuned up for the domestic season by bowling in J&K’s training camps and also trained with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who returned to KKR’s backroom during IPL 2025, in Chennai.After he was ruled out of IPL 2025, Malik remained with the KKR set-up while continuing his rehab.”J&K Cricket Association has been supporting me. They are setting up some good camps,” Malik said. “I keep talking to Mithun Manhas [JKCA’s cricket and operations head]. I do simple things, and just like I used to bowl earlier, I do the same.”I’m developing three-four new variations. I’m also working with Abhishek [Nayar], P Krishna Kumar [J&K bowling coach] and Ajay Sharma, he is our head coach. I had a camp with Abhishek two weeks back here in Chennai and it felt good to work with him.”
Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the acting head coach of the Pakistan men’s national Test team, as the churn continues in the management of the side. Azhar, who had been the all-format assistant coach since last April, is expected to serve in the position “until the conclusion of his current contract”; that, it is believed, is until March 2026, and it means that he will be Pakistan’s Test coach in their next assignment, against South Africa at home in October.Azhar becomes the seventh man since 2021 to be the head coach of a Pakistan Test side, although period in which the structure of the coaching set-up has also changed (as when Mohammad Hafeez was team director, or when Grant Bradburn was coach but Mickey Arthur the team director). Azhar is a familiar appointment and presence in this dizzying period. He was appointed the all-formats assistant coach in April last year. He had been an interim head coach for Pakistan’s T20I series at home against New Zealand earlier that month.But he was not part of the white-ball coaching set-up in Pakistan’s series against Bangladesh recently, the first under the new white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, and is not expected to continue there. Instead, he will now concentrate on the Test format. He succeeds another interim coach, Aaqib Javed, who had taken over red-ball duties after Jason Gillespie left the position.The 50-year-old former allrounder represented his country in 143 ODIs and 21 Tests over a 20-year period from 1996. He retired with 162 international wickets and three centuries but has since coached in different formats and competitions around the world.”A seasoned cricketing mind, Azhar Mahmood steps into the role with an impressive portfolio of experience,” the PCB said in a statement. “Having served as the assistant head coach of the national side, Azhar has long been a pivotal part of the team’s strategic core. His deep knowledge of the game, combined with hands-on international exposure and proven success in the English county circuit, make him exceptionally well-suited for this position.Related
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“His red-ball pedigree is underscored by two County Championship titles [with Surrey] – an achievement that speaks volumes about his leadership, tactical acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence. The PCB is confident that under Azhar’s guidance, the red-ball squad will continue to grow in strength, discipline and performance on the global stage.”Pakistan have not had a full-time head coach for their Test team since Gillespie resigned six months into his stint in December 2024. Aaqib took over in an interim capacity for the two-Test tour to South Africa and the home two-Test series against West Indies in the previous World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.Aaqib had also filled in, again in an interim capacity, as the head coach of the white-ball team after Gary Kirsten quit in October 2024, less than six months into his contract. Hesson has since been appointed in that position.The interim nature of Azhar’s appointment means Pakistan start another World Test Championship (WTC) cycle in a less than ideal situation. They finished last in the previous WTC cycle, with just five wins in 14 games. Their next assignment after the Sri Lanka series will be a three-Test tour of England, their only three-Test series in the current WTC, and a first Test tour of England since 2020.
Going head-to-head with Premier League rivals Chelsea, Newcastle United are now reportedly racing to sign a Champions League captain for Eddie Howe.
Howe calls for "aggression" against Arsenal
Although Newcastle have endured a slow start to their Premier League campaign, Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal represents the perfect opportunity for the Magpies to truly get going. Howe’s side have had the Gunners’ number in the past and there’s no doubt that St James’ Park will be rocking after the manager called for “aggression” from his players.
With Anthony Gordon back in contention, it will be interesting to see whether Nick Woltemade is once again forced to come from the bench or if he’ll get the chance to impress for the first time alongside the former Everton winger.
Speaking about the towering forward, Howe recently told reporters: “We don’t play with a ten, so I see him as a nine. But a nine who plays differently to others we’ve had. You can’t compare Nick to Callum Wilson, two totally different profiles. Both can be effective.
“It’s about utilising strengths and teammates understanding how Nick plays. He showed creative flair and link play against Bradford – really impressed with him.”
Of course, what could help get the best out of Newcastle’s big-money signing is a trip back into the transfer market. And that could see the Magpies swoop in ahead of Chelsea to sign a Champions League captain.
Newcastle join Manuel Locatelli race
As reported by Caught Offside, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Manuel Locatelli from Juventus alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea. The Italian giants are naturally reluctant to sell their captain, but accept that an offer in the region of €40m (£35m) is likely to leave them with little choice next year.
Newcastle’s starting midfield is one of the strongest that the Premier League has to offer, but the quality beyond that may be a slight concern for those at St James’ Park. The addition of Locatelli would solve that problem.
League stats 24/25
Manuel Locatelli
Bruno Guimaraes
Minutes
2,822
3,271
Progressive Passes
294
271
Progressive Carries
33
64
Ball Recoveries
141
188
Dubbed an “intelligent passer” by analyst Ben Mattinson last year, it’s clear to see how Locatelli would thrive alongside Guimaraes. The two midfield controllers could unlock a new approach entirely for Howe, whose side has struggled to break down low blocks in the current campaign.
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With 294 progressive passes to his name last season, Locatelli would be an excellent addition to Newcastle’s midfield. Whether the Magpies can lure the Juventus captain away from Turin remains to be seen, however.
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) match in IPL 2025 in Dharamsala has been called off after 10.1 overs.”The Punjab Kings v Delhi Capitals match (Match#58) in Tata IPL was forced to be abandoned due to a significant technical failure at the HPCA stadium in Dharamsala,” an official statement from the IPL said. “Due to a power outage in the area, one of the light towers at the HPCA stadium malfunctioned. BCCI regrets the inconvenience caused to the in-stadium attendees.”In the 10.1 overs possible, PBKS openers Priyansh Arya (70) and Prabhsimran Singh (50*) dominated proceedings, stitching up a 122-run opening stand off 61 balls.Arya fell in the first ball of the 11th over, top-edging a T Natarajan slower-ball bouncer onto his helmet, which popped up for a simple catch. The players then left the field due to a floodlight failure at the stadium. Around 9.40pm IST, the match was called off.Before the abandonment, Arya and Prabhsimran took down Mitchell Starc and Dushmantha Chameera in the powerplay as PBKS raced away to 50 for no loss in four overs.After the powerplay, the pair took down Kuldeep Yadav as well, smashing him for two sixes and two fours. Arya reached his third fifty-plus score of the season in the seventh over off just 25 balls. Prabhsimran reached his own fifty in the tenth and in the process became the first uncapped batter to hit four half-centuries in a row in the IPL.PBKS next play Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 11, a game that was shifted from Dharamsala to Ahmedabad. DC will play Gujarat Titans (GT) in Delhi on the same day.
Crystal Palace’s transfer business has not finished despite the closure of the summer transfer window, with a talented star set to sign on the dotted line at Selhurst Park in the coming hours.
Crystal Palace move on from late window fallout
Without a doubt, Marc Guehi’s proposed move to Liverpool breaking down was one of the stories of Deadline Day and his saga will undoubtedly rumble on over months to come. Despite looking poised to complete a transfer to Anfield, Eagles supporters were left delighted that their captain will now stay for the forthcoming season after their side failed to secure a replacement.
England boss Thomas Tuchel opted to address the matter publicly during the current international break, complementing Guehi’s “brilliant” attitude after a hectic week for the defender on a personal level.
He explained via BBC Sport: “Of course we had a chat with him. He looks absolutely fine and impressive on the field. He has had a good couple of weeks behind him on the performance side.
“He has continued like that in camp and he handles it (the broken down move to Liverpool) with respect and with a brilliant attitude.”
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In bizarre fashion, Crystal Palace saw a move for Brighton & Hove Albion star Igor Julio collapse as he ended the window at West Ham United.
Creating a chain of events, the Eagles now want to sign Axel Disasi from Chelsea in January, something that again could come with complications due to the nature of players swapping clubs within a similar proximity.
Nevertheless, Crystal Palace are now on the verge of signing a talent from one of their Premier League rivals and he could be announced imminently.
Dan Casey set for Crystal Palace medical
Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Crystal Palace have agreed a compensation package with Arsenal to sign talented youngster Dan Casey, even if the window is officially closed.
Given he is technically a free agent after leaving North London in the summer, the 19-year-old midfielder, who is eligible for England, Italy, or the Republic of Ireland, can move at his own pace and is set for a medical in the next 24 hours.
Last term, Casey registered 20 goals and two assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, most frequently featuring in the ten role, but also as a central striker and out wide.
Oliver Glasner has an exciting blend of youth and experience to choose from at Crystal Palace, and the London-born man may well be a candidate for first-team football further down the line.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has held meetings regarding two highly-rated Dinamo Zagreb youngsters, reinforcing the club's interest in one long-term target and making contact with another. The former playmaker was in attendance to see the Croatian side in action and is already laying the groundwork for future transfers at Camp Nou.
Barca hunt for more talent
Deco has travelled to Croatia to monitor and hold talks regarding two promising Zagreb talents, according to a report from . The former Portugal international was in attendance at the Stadion Maksimir, accompanied by agent Andy Bara, to watch Dinamo secure a 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday.
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Deco holds meeting with Brazilian prospect Belinho
During his stay in the Croatian capital, Deco reportedly held an informal meeting with Rafael Belinho, a highly-rated Brazilian youngster. The discussion took place at the Westin Zagreb Hotel and was also attended by the player’s father. The meeting is understood to have been an introductory one, allowing the club to establish a direct connection with the promising player ahead of a potential future move.
Barcelona renew interest in Cardoso Varela
The trip also served as an opportunity for Barcelona to reaffirm their long-standing interest in midfielder Cardoso Varela. The Catalan club have been tracking the youngster for some time and reportedly failed in an attempt to sign him last summer. Although Varela recently signed a new contract with Zagreb until 2028, Barcelona remain keen and are believed to be planning another approach next summer. Varela made a brief cameo in Thursday's win, entering the match as a 93rd-minute substitute.
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What next for Barcelona's transfer plans?
Deco's scouting mission highlights Barcelona's strategy of identifying and pursuing top young talent across Europe. The club is leveraging its strong relationship with agent Andy Bara, who has previously facilitated deals involving players like Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia. This trip indicates that the groundwork is being laid for the summer 2026 transfer window, with Belinho and Varela firmly on the club's radar. Deco’s scouting work continues this weekend, as he is scheduled to travel to Oviedo for their upcoming league fixture.
Alongside the avalanche of major honours, Chelsea fans have been able to watch some genuinely incredible superstars play for their club over the last two decades.
The likes of Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry and Eden Hazard are some of the best players to have ever graced the Premier League, and are unquestionably legends of the game.
Another, perhaps somewhat underrated, superstar who consistently dazzled the Stamford Bridge faithful during his time in West London was Cesc Fàbregas.
The former Arsenal gem was a key member of the Blues side that won two league titles in the mid-2010s and beat the Gunners in the 2019 Europa League final.
Therefore, fans should be excited about reports linking them to another midfield gem who could be their new Fabregas.
Chelsea target their new Fabregas
As they are every year, Chelsea have been busy in the market this summer, as on top of selling a host of players they don’t really need, the club have made several exciting additions to Enzo Maresca’s squad.
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For example, while they didn’t look great on Sunday, the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens should make the side far more dangerous this season, and it feels like a matter of when, not if, Alejandro Garnacho joins them.
Yet, even with the Argentine set to join, the West Londoners look set to make more signings before the window slams shut and are eyeing a midfield talent who could be their new Fabregas.
At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has claimed that Chelsea are very interested in Marc Casado.
In fact, the report goes further than that, revealing that the Blues have now made an offer for the Barcelona gem, which could be worth up to €50m, which is about £43m.
Interestingly, the story claims that Hansi Flick does not want the 21-year-old to be sold, but that the Catalans need to raise funds, which is why they have not outright rejected the offer yet.
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Casado’s ability and immense potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Chelsea’s new Fabregas.
How Casado compares to Fabregas
It should go without saying that, at just 21 years old, Casado is not at the level Cesc was when he first joined Chelsea, but with time, he could certainly get there.
Marc Casado celebrates scoring for Barcelona.
After all, there are several key similarities between the players and their moves.
For example, it would be another instance of the Blues going all out to sign an exciting Spanish midfielder from Barcelona.
Additionally, while the “spectacular” prospect, as dubbed by Sergio Busquets, does play that little bit deeper than Cesc did during his time at the Bridge, he is still a creative force from the middle of the park.
In 36 appearances for the Catalan outfit last season, he scored one goal and provided six assists, which comes out to a reasonably impressive average of a goal involvement every 5.14 games.
Marc Casado and Lamine Yamal waving Barcelona flags.
His underlying numbers are even more impressive and point to a player who could be a metronomic midfielder for the West Londoners.
According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles in the middle third, the top 6% for completed passes and touches, the top 7% for passes into the final third, the top 9% for goal-creating actions from live passes and more, all per 90.
Tackles (Mid 3rd)
2.01
Top 1%
Touches (Mid 3rd)
58.41
Top 2%
Passes Completed
68.11
Top 6%
Live-ball Passes
73.50
Top 6%
Touches
85.36
Top 6%
Pass Completion %
90.0%
Top 7%
Passes into Final Third
7.23
Top 7%
Total Passing Distance
1049.21
Top 8%
Tackles Won
1.88
Top 8%
Assists
0.21
Top 9%
GCA (Live-ball Pass)
0.38
Top 9%
Tackles
3.05
Top 10%
Carries
46.04
Top 11%
In other words, the midfield “genius,” as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, can take the ball from deep and either control the pace of the game or kickstart an attack, just like the World Cup winner used to.
Finally, despite still being so young, the twice-capped international shows he isn’t one to be overawed by the big occasion, nor was he flustered by the task of helping Barcelona win a league title last season, which is just the sort of player Maresca would want in his side.
FC Barcelona's Marc Casado in action with Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliams
Ultimately, it might not be a cheap transfer to get over the line, but Casado looks like the real deal and could be Chelsea’s new Fabregas.
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