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Two years after announcing her retirement, Dottin is back in the West Indies fold

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Aug-20241:54

Dottin: Young, determined WI players are improving through WCPL

Two years after unexpectedly announcing her retirement, Deandra Dottin is back in West Indies’ squad for the upcoming women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. Dottin, the scorer of the fastest century in women’s T20Is, made a sudden decision to quit in 2022, citing a “non-conducive” environment within the West Indies set-up. She reversed that decision last month, with one eye on the upcoming World Cup.She was named in the 15-member squad announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday, which also features an uncapped player in Nerissa Crafton.”We have a nice mix of experience and youth,” Kishore Shallow, the CWI president, said after the announcement. “We have some players bordering [on] 19; I think Zaida [James] is still probably a teenager and one or two of the young players there. So, really happy with the mix.Related

Australian Deitz is trying to put more West Indies into West Indies cricket

Aaliyah Alleyne's four helps Barbados Royals defend WCPL crown

Dottin ends international retirement ahead of T20 World Cup

Aug 2022: Deandra Dottin announces West Indies retirement

“Also, I think, we all as West Indians are excited to see Deandra Dottin back. It has been a year of communication – back and forth – with Deandra, and I particularly want to recognise the involvement of Ann Browne-John who has led those conversations over the last year, even when she wasn’t officially the selector. She was integral in Deandra coming out of retirement.”Dottin’s recent form is particularly encouraging: she was the third-highest run-getter in WCPL 2024 league phase, with 113 runs in four innings at an average of 28.25 and strike rate of 111.88. She was also the only batter to have hit more than two sixes this WCPL season, leading into the final. Her 53 off 38 balls against Guyana Amazon Warriors set up a Super-Over finish at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Dottin returned to bat in the Super Over, her unbeaten 13 off four balls paving the way for Trinbago Knight Riders’ win.ESPNcricinfo LtdHead coach Shane Deitz welcomed Dottin back into the West Indies set-up. “Her record is phenomenal and she is doing it again at the WCPL as we speak,” Deitz said of Dottin. “We’ve been really working hard off the field with our team culture, and the leadership group within the team. Denadra and the other players who are coming into the side – they are all going to be welcomed in the same manner.”On the field, as I said, her record is unbelievable and gives us flexibility with power-hitting and smart batting as well. [She is] an unbelievable fielder, does death bowling and some other bowling in between and she really steps up to bowl the big overs and she is an absolute winner. She has been here at the camp past week and really fit in well. Great to get her back in the squad and we’re looking forward to her contributions in the World Cup.”When Dottin had announced her retirement in August 2022 at age 31, she had played 127 T20Is (alongside 143 ODIs) for 2697 runs and 62 wickets. That record fastest hundred of hers came at a T20 World Cup, back in 2010; she got to the landmark off 38 balls – at the time a record across both men’s and women’s cricket – and went on to smash 112 off 45 balls against South Africa in St Kitts.She took to the T20 circuit after her retirement, but had not played competitive cricket since September 2023 before taking charge of TKR at the ongoing WCPL.West Indies’ leadership team at the World Cup will remain the same, with Hayley Matthews to lead and Shemaine Campbelle her deputy. The team has been impressive in T20I cricket leading into this World Cup; they travelled to Pakistan in April-May and won 4-1, before going to Sri Lanka and taking the series 2-1.That was their previous assignment, and the World Cup XV included four changes from that squad. There was no room for Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Rashada Williams and Late Wilmott. They made way for Ashmini Munisar, Dottin, Mandy Mangru and Crafton. Mangru is uncapped in T20I cricket and has played just the one ODI.West Indies begin their World Cup campaign on October 4 in Dubai against South Africa, and then have the rest of their Group B games lined up against Scotland, Bangladesh and England. The top two teams from the group will proceed to the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for October 20.West Indies squad for 2024 Women’s T20 World CupHayley Matthews (capt), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton, Qiana Joseph, Shamila Connell, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James
In: Ashmini Munisar, Deandra Dottin, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton
Out: Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Rashada Williams, Late Wilmott

أعلن نادي الأهلي السعودي، عن تعيين أمير توفيق المدير التنفيذي السابق لـ النادي الأهلي المصري، في منصب جديد بالنادي السعودي.

وكان الأهلي قد أعلن قبول اعتذار أمير توفيق عن عدم الاستمرار في منصب المدير التنفيذي لشركة الكرة بالنادي الأهلي بوقت سابق.

وكشف الأهلي السعودي عن تعيين أمير توفيق بمنصب الرئيس التنفيذي للقطاع التجاري بالنادي السعودي، وذلك في إطار خطة استراتيجية تهدف إلى تعزيز الموارد وتنمية الشراكات الاستثمارية محليًا ودوليًا.

وسيتولى أمير توفيق الإشراف على جميع الملفات التجارية والاستثمارية للنادي، مع التركيز على زيادة الإيرادات وتوسيع قاعدة الرعاية، بما يعزز من مكانة الأهلي على المستويين المحلي والعالمي.

وأكد نادي الأهلي السعودي في بيانه، أن أمير توفيق يملك خبرة واسعة في إدارة الملفات التسويقية والرياضية، حيث تولى منصب مدير التسويق والتعاقدات بالأهلي بين 2018 و2023، ثم عمل كمدير تنفيذي لشركة الأهلي لكرة القدم بين 2023 و2025.

طالع | رياض محرز يتحدث عن خلافاته مع جوارديولا.. ويصرح: كان بارعًا في استخدامنا

كما أنه ساهم في تنظيم عدد من البطولات الكبرى، بينها البطولة العربية للأندية وكأس العالم للشباب بالسعودية، ويحمل دبلوم (FIFA/CIES) في الإدارة الرياضية، ويدرس حاليًا دبلوم فيفا في الإدارة التنفيذية.

وخلال مسيرته، أبرم توفيق العديد من عقود الرعاية الكبرى مع شركات مثل: صلة، برنتشين، المتحدة للخدمات الإعلامية، وكذلك شركات (Adidas، Panini، EY، Red Bull، وCoca-Cola).

كما أطلق أكاديميات الأهلي المصري الدولية في الإمارات، كندا، والولايات المتحدة، وشارك في التعاقد مع نخبة من اللاعبين الذين ساهموا في تتويج الأهلي ببطولات محلية وقارية بارزة.

تُعلن شركة نادي الأهلي عن تعيين الأستاذ أمير توفيق الرئيس التنفيذي للقطاع التجاري، في خطوة تهدف إلى تعزيز مسيرة النمو التجاري للنادي وتطوير الشراكات الاستراتيجية بما يواكب تطلعات الكيان وجماهيره.

متمنين له التوفيق في مهمته. pic.twitter.com/DzJwbR30Vd

— النادي الأهلي السعودي (@ALAHLI_FC) September 8, 2025

Liverpool have now joined Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign an “excellent” £42 million player, according to a new report.

Liverpool chasing teenage defender as Joe Gomez future unclear

There are a number of areas of the team that Arne Slot will want to address this summer, but none may be more important than the defence. That is because Trent Alexander-Arnold has already left, while Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk are not getting any younger despite their legendary status.

Milos Kerkez is edging closer to a move to Anfield, and he is likely to replace Robertson straight away, and now the Reds have their eyes on a young central defender who could one day succeed Van Dijk.

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Liverpool could be about to make another huge move for a player during this summer’s transfer window.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 4, 2025

According to Moroccan outlet Le360 Sport, via Sport Witness, Liverpool have made a concrete offer to sign Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal from Stade Rennais. It isn’t clear how much this offer is worth, but the Reds have obviously seen enough, despite the fact that the teenager hasn’t played for Stade Rennais’ first team, to make an offer. They are not alone in their pursuit, as Newcastle United have met with the player’s agent and are also interested in a deal.

This comes as Premier League bound Burnley are interested in signing Joe Gomez. Liverpool are said to be open to offers for the defender, and this has alerted the Clarets as well as teams such as Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham, Leeds and Sunderland, who are all keeping a close eye on his situation. Gomez is valued at around £25 million by the Premier League champions.

Liverpool join PSG in transfer Zabarnyi race

The Reds’ decision to allow Gomez to leave may be because, according to TBR Football, Liverpool are interested in signing defender Illia Zabarnyi from AFC Bournemouth.

The Cherries have already lost Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid this summer, and Kerkez looks set to move to Anfield, but the departures may not stop there. Zabarnyi was another impressive individual for Bournemouth last season, and while the Cherries don’t want to lose him, that might be easier said than done.

L’Equipe have already reported that Zabarnyi has become a defensive priority for PSG, as Luis Enrique has been left impressed by his defensive capabilities. The French champions have made contact with Bournemouth over a move, as they want the defender in before the Club World Cup.

However, they are not alone, as now Liverpool and Chelsea have also joined the race to sign the defender, who will not be allowed to leave Bournemouth for anything less than €50 million, which is roughly £42 million.

Ilya Zabarnyi’s 24/25 Premier League stats
Appearances	36
Clean sheets	8
Interceptions per game	1.1
Tackles per game	1.4
Balls recovered per game	4.4
Clearances per game	5.0
Errors leading to a goal	0

Liverpool are huge admirers of Zabarnyi, who has been dubbed “excellent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and they are keeping an eye on his situation. The Reds’ move for Zabarnyi may depend on what happens to Gomez, but either way they will have a smooth route to negotiations, as the 47-cap Ukraine star uses the same agency as midfielder Curtis Jones.

The fallout of Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat has largely been centred around the future of manager Ruben Amorim, as well as that of rising star, Alejandro Garnacho.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Amorim, however, is said to have told his squad that he will still be at the club next season, despite their 15th-place Premier League finish, following a meeting last week.

That same announcement came alongside the revelation that Garnacho is set to be shown the door, with recent reports indicating that the Portuguese coach told the 20-year-old – in front of his teammates – that he will have to “pray” that a new club wants to sign him.

It could be argued that the former Sporting CP boss will also need to ‘pray’ that the Old Trafford side are capable of signing an upgrade on the Argentine winger. Thankfully, that search looks firmly in motion, not least amid Matheus Cunha’s impending switch…

Latest on Cunha's move to Man Utd

It’s been no real secret that United have been chasing a move for the Brazilian in recent weeks, with The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell notably confirming that interest last month, alongside the club’s admiration for Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.

Despite signing a new contract at Molineux back in January, Cunha’s exit from the Midlands side has appeared an inevitability over the past few months, having notably outlined his desire to take “the next step” in his career.

Well, that next step appears to be leading him to Manchester, with it having been widely reported that the 25-year-old is set for a medical, after the two clubs agreed terms regarding the payment of his £62.5m release clause.

That move is expected to see the former Atletico Madrid man take on the number ten shirt, thus ousting the exiled Marcus Rashford from that jersey – providing a further hint to where the Englishman’s future lies.

As for Cunha, the 15-goal sensation is expected to line up in one of the two attacking roles behind the striker in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, having already starred in that set-up under Vitor Pereira.

With Garnacho potentially departing – and Amad Diallo able to slot in at right wing-back – the other number ten berth may well be filled by another Premier League talent this summer.

Man Utd's search to replace Garnacho

The deal for Cunha appears to be edging ever closer toward completion, with the INEOS regime seemingly looking to get their business done early, ahead of a summer free of World Cup or European Championship commitments.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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According to reports in Spain, the move for the Old Gold ace is likely to be followed by the pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, with it claimed that United are already ‘moving decisively’ to sign the 25-year-old.

Indeed, while the Cameroon international is set to be courting interest from ‘several clubs’ following a fine campaign at the Gtech, the report indicates that it is those at Old Trafford who have ‘made the first formal move’.

The suggestion is that with the former Troyes star having just a year left on his existing deal in west London, he would command a fee of around £50m, representing good value for the perfect Garnacho upgrade.

How Mbeumo compares to Alejandro Garnacho

Garnacho, it must be said, would hardly rank among the first crop of players that supporters would wish to see leave this summer. Indeed, the youngster managed to chalk up 21 goals and assists in 2024/25 – a record bettered only by Bruno Fernandes among his teammates.

Man Utd – 2024/25 squad stats

Player

Goals & Assists

Goals

Assists

Bruno Fernandes

39

19

20

Alejandro Garnacho

21

11

10

Amad Diallo

20

11

9

Rasmus Hojlund

14

10

5

Joshua Zirkzee

10

7

3

Marcus Rashford

10

7

3

Christian Eriksen

10

5

5

Casemiro

8

5

3

Diogo Dalot

8

3

5

Manuel Ugarte

8

2

6

Stats via Transfermarkt

It certainly doesn’t sit well that last season’s FA Cup final goalscorer may be shipped off due to his struggle to fit into Amorim’s system, with that certainly something of a gamble considering the manager could find himself under intense pressure if results don’t improve at the start of next term.

That said, perhaps now is the time for the manager to truly be backed, and if it is Mbeumo whom the 40-year-old has identified as a replacement, then so be it. That would certainly not be a deal to turn your nose up at.

Indeed, the France-born speedster is coming off the back of a simply sensational Premier League season, having scored 20 league goals for Thomas Frank’s side, while operating off the right flank or in a central role.

To put that into perspective, no player back at Old Trafford has hit 20 top-flight goals in a single campaign since Robin van Persie in 2012/13 – the last time that the club claimed the title.

Mbeumo vs Garnacho – 24/25 PL stats

Stat (*per game)

Mbeumo

Garnacho

Games (starts)

38 (38)

36 (23)

Goals

20

6

Goal frequency

171min

366min

Big chances missed

9

14

Assists

7

2

Big chances created

17

4

Key passes*

1.8

1.0

Pass accuracy*

74%

83%

Successful dribbles*

1.4

0.7

Stats via Sofascore

With seven assists also under his belt, Mbeumo enjoyed a far superior return to what Garnacho achieved in 2024/25, with the Argentina international registering just six goals and only two assists.

The Brentford man’s impressive output goes beyond just goals and assists, however, as indicated by his superior record with regard to key passes, successful dribbles and ‘big chances’ created. With regard to that latter stat, for instance, the aforementioned Fernandes managed to supply ‘just’ 16 big chances.

It must be said that this is no flash in the pan either, with Mbeumo also shining in 2023/24 with nine goals and six assists to his name in the league. Garnacho, meanwhile, recorded seven goals and four assists, in what was his first full season at senior level.

With the Bees star lauded by analyst Ben Mattinson as “one of the most deadly players on transition” in the division, he can also take on Garnacho’s mantle of being a real outlet on the counterattack – a trait that that United have already been the victim off, as he rounded off Brentford’s 4-0 win over Erik ten Hag’s side back in August 2022.

While a deal for Cunha is enough to get tongues wagging, managing to land Mbeumo to further bolster the attack would represent a potentially even bigger coup for those at Old Trafford.

Yes, the decision to sell Garnacho may well be viewed upon as a real mistake in years to come, although United could hardly have identified a better replacement.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 27, 2025

After winger Mohamed Salah’s new contract was announced over the last couple of weeks, Arne Slot can turn his attention to other areas of the Liverpool squad ahead of next season’s Premier League campaign.

The Egyptian penned a new two-year deal at Anfield, extending his stay at the club to over a decade, hoping to add to the success he’s enjoyed during previous years.

However, if the 32-year-old is to achieve yet more glory on Merseyside, the manager will need to strengthen to help the side maintain the levels they’ve reached in the last few months.

With the summer transfer window now just around the corner, the hierarchy will need to identify players who are capable of bolstering the ranks, with a real emphasis needed on quality over quantity.

One department of the pitch could be set for a huge overhaul, with numerous players already touted with moves to and from Merseyside ahead of the upcoming window.

The latest on Liverpool’s pursuit for new attacking stars

With the futures of Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez up in the air at Liverpool, it would be a surprise to no one if both players were offloaded to raise funds for new attackers this summer.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is the latest name thrown into the mix over the last couple of days, with the German on the club’s shortlist ahead of the off-season.

However, the Reds are unlikely to be alone in their pursuit of the 21-year-old, with fellow English side Manchester City also firmly in the race for his signature despite his £111m price tag.

Other forwards like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké remain on their list, but Ademola Lookman is the latest player the hierarchy are targeting to bolster the front line ahead of 2025/26.

According to new reports from Italian outlet, Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness, Slot’s side are keen admirers of the 27-year-old left-winger.

It’s stated that if Atalanta receive an offer of at least £50m from Liverpool or any other party, the winger’s sale in the summer would be ‘inevitable’.

Why Liverpool’s £50m target could be their best LW since Mane

In the summer of 2022, all Liverpool supporters were shocked by the news that winger Sadio Mané would be joining Bayern Munich, ending his six-year stint at Anfield.

The Senegalese international was a key part of the success they endured under Jürgen Klopp, forming a deadly partnership with Salah and Roberto Firmino at the top of end of the pitch.

The infamous trio catapulted the side to Premier League and Champions League glory during their time together, with Mane undoubtedly one of their best-ever additions.

He cost £34m from Southampton back in the summer of 2016, going on to register 120 goals in his 269 appearances – finishing as the division’s joint-top scorer back in 2018/19.

However, his subsequent departure saw Luis Diaz tasked with the responsibility of filling the void, with the Colombian only notching a total of 11 league goals throughout Slot’s maiden season at the helm.

Such form has led to links to Lookman, with the Nigerian undoubtedly providing an upgrade on Diaz, subsequently making him the club’s best left-winger since Mane departed nearly three years ago.

When comparing their respective stats from the ongoing season, the Nigerian has massively outperformed the 28-year-old in various key areas, showcasing what a sensational signing he would be this summer.

Games played

27

32

Goals & assists

18

16

Progressive carries

5.7

4.2

Carries into final third

2.9

2.1

Shot-on-target accuracy

41%

40%

Crosses completed

4.7

1.2

Shot-creating actions

5.6

4.8

Aerials won

58%

26%

Lookman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by commentator Matteo Bonetti, has managed to register more combined goals and assists than the Colombian this campaign – showcasing the attacking threat he possesses.

He’s also managed to achieve more progressive carries per 90, whilst bettering the current Reds winger’s carries into the final third, highlighting the danger the former Everton ace presents when having the ball at his feet.

His dominance doesn’t stop there, registering more shot-creating actions, along with more crosses completed, and subsequently able to aid other players within the final third.

It may be a brutal decision to drop Diaz in favour of a move for the Atalanta talent, but from the stats produced, it’s evident that he’s a huge talent and one that would inject added quality to the front line.

£50m in today’s market is an excellent price for a player of his quality, potentially allowing the club to sustain the levels of success endured during Slot’s first year in charge.

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ByAngus Sinclair Apr 22, 2025

Recent success of NZ and SA amid limited resources meant wholesale change was needed for England to move forward

Vithushan Ehantharajah23-Mar-2025It was in the immediate aftermath of England Women’s dramatic 50-over World Cup final win over India at Lord’s that Heather Knight got a snapshot of how quickly live evolves as a recognisable England captain.Not long after Anya Shrubsole had yorked Rajeshwari Gayakwad to secure the trophy, Knight raced out the Grace Gates to throw up after eating a rogue piece of chicken. Somehow, despite still being in her kit, she managed to do what she needed to do – doubled over next to a fancy car – and re-entered the ground without being spotted.A few days later, dressed in her own clothes at Euston station, nursing a well-deserved hangover, she was stopped by members of the public. They had noticed this fellow commuter, despite her attempts to blend in, happened to be the one losing her mind on the big screens, which were showing replays of that victorious moments and the celebrations that followed.Related

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Despite assuming the captaincy following the seismic axing of Charlotte Edwards the year before, by which point she was an established batter in her own right, it was 2017’s success that propelled Knight as a talismanic figure in the women’s game. One who went on to become a headlining cricketer on the global stage. And, on Saturday, as necessary high-profile collateral following a humiliating 16-0 defeat in the Ashes.After 199 matches in charge, Knight boasts a 67 per cent win percentage, ahead of Edwards’ 64 from a larger sample size. It is a metric that elevates her as England Women’s most successful captain. And yet, that doesn’t quite scratch the surface when assessing her nine years at the helm.Across a period of expanding horizons in the women’s game, Knight moved with the times. Her consistency with the bat throughout, across all formats, reflected as much. A prim and proper base was gradually furnished with flair as she led from the front in pursuit of a more expansive batting from the whole.Through constant tinkering, she incorporated a higher back-lift to improve her boundary-hitting, particularly on slower pitches. Knight’s recent record in T20Is, her weakest international code, showcases the benefits of that graft; since the start of 2020, she has struck 158 fours and 25 sixes in 59 innings, having only managed 73 and 12 in the previous 56.Captaincy, however, took the most work. By Knight’s own admission, she was never the best public speaker and was wary of not possessing the requisite interpersonal skills to knit together a dressing room of varying personalities when she took on the big job in June 2016. She enlisted the help of team psychologists to become a better orator, and went on to undertake a Leadership in Sport course at the University of Buckinghamshire in 2021.The best example of her management skills came in the lead-up to 2017’s success, when she got the squad to confront why England had been found wanting in pressure situations. Such issues had previously been swept under the carpet.They responded well then, and Knight was able to repeat the trick with an altogether different group in 2023, as the Ashes were squared just as Australia were speaking a whitewash into existence. They got their way in the return leg earlier this year.Heather Knight deals with the feeling of defeat•ICC/Getty ImagesA criticism of Knight could probably be that she stopped short of truly imposing herself in the dressing room. Under three different coaches – Mark Robinson, Lisa Keightley and Jon Lewis – she had the scope to mould a team in her image, particularly under the last two.That Knight did not was partly down to loyalty to those coaches, not wishing to impinge on their work. At the same time, she knew her worth; was unafraid to grasp the nettle and disagree with their plans, and not always being diplomatic about it. But a reticence for a more over-arching presence is perhaps a reason why the team felt so lost without her. Even Lewis, who left his role on Friday, tried to rectify this blind spot by attempting to force-feed nous to the rest of the players so they may thrive in her absence.By the end, Knight’s tactical acumen and in-game feel were unparalleled, and that was apparent in 2022’s Commonwealth Games, which she missed with a hip issue, and more so in the Group Stage exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Needing to beat West Indies to secure qualification to the latter stages, Knight had to retire hurt in the first innings with a calf injury. Not only did it halt England’s momentum with the bat, but a listless performance in the field allowed West Indies to chase down a target of 142 with six wickets and two overs to spare.That England have never won the Ashes under Knight’s watch will jar, 8-8 draws in 2017/18 and 2023 the best it got. The fact her other two final visits – 2018’s World T20 and 2022’s ODI World Cup – resulted in heavy defeats to Australia reflects an ever-growing gap far beyond Knight’s control. The recent success of New Zealand and South Africa from their limited resources a reason why wholesale changes were needed for the English game to move forward.At this juncture, it is worth taking a step back and acknowledging Knight was far more than just a captain. For the longest time, being a women’s cricketer has required a level of ambassadorial stewardship, and the influx of cash and opportunities has only heightened the political requirements involved. Few have led the line on these fronts quite as well as Knight, who just a few weeks ago criticised her own board for the widening pay gap in The Hundred. Since 2020, she has served as vice-chair of the Professional Cricketers’ Association.During the Covid-19 pandemic, Knight used her role as captain to position herself at the forefront of important conversations, particularly as the women’s game was parked. Balancing the understanding of the economic realities of prioritising the men’s game during the 2020 season, she remained forthright about the sidelining of the women, which included the lack of clarity around her team’s schedule, and the postponement of 2021’s World Cup. That summer, she also signed up to the NHS volunteer scheme, transporting medicine and speaking to those who were self-isolating.As such, the news that Knight will continue on is a boost to all concerned. She remains England’s best batter and one of the most impressive representatives of the women’s game. Her time as captain may have come to an end, but her work as a leader goes on.

The allrounder dedicated the win to her mother, who played a crucial role in her rise as a cricketer

Zenia D'cunha16-Mar-2023 [The only thing in my mind was that I want to win this match.] It feels normal to me [playing against the big names], I don’t feel pressure.”There was a dazzling smile on 20-year-old Kanika Ahuja’s face when she walked into the press conference room after powering Royal Challengers Bangalore to their first win in the Women’s Premier League. She spoke with confidence, about talking with Virat Kohli and trying to imitate the 360-degree shots of Suryakumar Yadav.It was her first press conference, Ahuja said later, but why would there be nerves? She had just stepped up and done what no veteran in her team had – handled pressure and got those first points. Ahuja’s 46 off 30 balls is the highest score by an uncapped player in the WPL so far, and it came at a crucial time – in a must-win match after five straight losses.Royal Challengers were chasing only 136 but had lost their big three – Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine and Ellyse Perry – when Ahuja began her innings in the seventh over. Heather Knight was dismissed soon after, with Royal Challengers needing 76 off 66 balls and in the middle of an all-too-familiar batting crisis.How does Ahuja respond? By sticking to her game, finding the boundary, and keeping the asking rate in control. “The target was small so there was a chance to take my time and play, that’s what I did,” she said. “I waited for the loose balls and the only thing in my mind was that we have to win.”UP Warriorz’s Australian allrounder Grace Harris said Ahuja had played a smart innings. “She played the conditions and bowlers very well,” Harris said. “She saw pace on a couple of times and ramped [scooped] us, I thought that was very clever. She has got a good bat swing and as a left-hander, she can get under the ball.”Kanika Ahuja’s 46 off 30 balls had some 360-degree strokeplay•BCCIAhuja had already shown glimpses of her potential in the match against Mumbai Indians, where she scored 22 off 13 balls. “Everyone told me my intent was good but that I can do better. I regretted that I got a chance and got out early.” Against Warriorz, she missed a half-century by four runs but there were no regrets; her team had finally won and that’s all that mattered for now.Ahuja dedicated the moment to her mother, her strongest support. “There was a time when my mother used to push me to play. Now, she is not doing well physically and I am playing here for her, playing because she is watching me.”Cricket was initially a way for her mother to get Ahuja out of the house as a child, but soon it meant more and it was her mother who stood by this decision.”I used to mainly go because my mother would tell me to go out and play and not trouble her at home. If I was at home, I would fly kites on the roof so she would push me to go out and play,” Ahuja said with a laugh. “My family didn’t even know that there is cricket for girls… My father told me to focus on my studies as there is nothing in cricket, but my mother would say go and play.”That initial push to play and the continued support has brought Ahuja to the DY Patil Stadium, where thousands of fans chanted her name on Wednesday night. “I was enjoying it, it felt very good to hear ‘Kanika, Kanika’. It’s the dream of every player that people cheer for them, it didn’t feel like pressure at all.”Ahuja is known for her big-hitting skills. In September, she scored 305 not out off 122 balls for Patiala in Punjab’s inter-district women’s senior one-day tournament. But to do it in your home state is different from nailing your shots in the WPL, irrespective of boundary sizes.But again, what is pressure to one so cool? “Virat sir said that it’s not pressure, it’s pleasure.”Kohli had met the Royal Challengers women’s team on the morning of their game against Warriorz. “He motivated us, some of his words stuck with me and it helped,” Ahuja said. “When you are playing, don’t take it as pressure, it’s a pleasure that you are playing. Some people don’t get the chance.”Kohli is not the only India men’s cricketer that Ahuja looks to for inspiration. You can see some of Suryakumar’s 360-degree range in her strokeplay. She also has an infectious energy on the field, as evidenced by Devine literally sweeping her off her feet after taking a catch.A left-handed power-hitter who bowls as well, Ahuja is a prospect for the future, and the WPL is a platform built for players like her. Despite their poor results this season, Royal Challengers have the system to be a finishing school for players like Ahuja and Shreyanka Patil, who scored the winning runs against Warriorz. “This is a great experience as a domestic player to play against international players,” Ahuja said. “If we prepare now, it will help the Indian team ahead.”Playing for India is her ultimate dream and Ahuja is on course to achieve it.

In Bumrah, Rohit and Jadeja, India had players who could do what the hosts could not

George Dobell06-Sep-2021The gas holder still stood one side of the ground and Archbishop Tenison’s School to the other, but something surely had changed.This was the surface on which England’s bowlers had laboured for almost 150 overs in India’s second innings, after all. It was the surface on which James Anderson, one of the most skilful bowlers the country has ever produced, said he had tried everything to gain some movement but to no avail. It was the surface on which Jasprit Bumrah – who came into the game with a career average of 4.81 – had driven Chris Woakes through extra-cover with a confidence that suggested even batters of modest pretensions had nothing to fear on this wicket.But now it looked different. Now, as England lost four wickets for six runs, as four of their middle-order contributed seven between them, as India’s spinner choked the scoring and India’s seamers found late movement, it looked almost unrecognisable. In less than 24 hours, it seemed a pitch transported.That’s nonsense, of course. The truth is, in Bumrah India had a bowler with the pace and skill to extract life from the surface and the ball which was almost completely absent to his England counterparts. His figures of 2-27 do no justice to an outstanding spell of fast bowling which highlighted a key difference between the sides: he was able to hit the pitch harder than anyone in the England side and he was able to gain movement that England could not.But it wasn’t just about Bumrah. In Rohit Sharma, India had the one batter in the match to convert a start into a match-defining score, while in Ravindra Jadeja they had a spinner who could apply pressure and threaten. It is telling that his economy rate was 1.66 per over and his opposite number on the England side, Moeen Ali’s, was 4.54. Ultimately, India were just better than England.Related

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There is no disgrace in losing to this India side. Even with Virat Kohli enduring a prolonged run of modest form, even with their long tail, even without R Ashwin, they are a formidable side blessed with the talent and temperament to beat the best. Throughout this series, either with their top-order batting or their seam bowling, they have given England a lesson in playing in their own conditions. While it’s true this series could yet be drawn, it is worth remembering that, but for poor weather in Nottingham, the score line in this series would probably be 3-1 at present. Again, India just look the better side.With that acknowledged, perhaps we have to temper our criticism of England. And maybe they may consider themselves a little unfortunate, too. Perhaps the warmer weather over the last couple of days had helped the playing surface dry out and offer some reverse. Perhaps the footmarks outside the left-hander’s off stump had grown, too.But England had benefited from helpful conditions when they bowled first and reduced India to 127 for 7. You can’t have it both ways. They must know they played a part in their own downfall. They might accept that their catching, so poor for so long, is an accident waiting to happen. They might accept their first innings total of 290 was, perhaps, 100 fewer than they could have scored had they taken a more ruthless approach to their batting. And they might accept that, in losing 10 for 110 in their second innings, they showed a fragility that had become wearingly familiar. Joe Root, who has scored six Test centuries this year, won’t always be able to bail them out. The rest of his team have one between go them.England’s options for Emirates Old Trafford are not plentiful. Anderson, Woakes and Ollie Robinson looked exhausted long before the end of the India second innings and may all be considered high-risk options for Manchester. While Mark Wood will freshen up the seam attack, Saqib Mahmood and Brydon Carse are the latest options to have been struck by injury and Craig Overton sustained a nasty blow on the elbow which must render him a doubt. Two spinners might be one option, but Sam Curran and Gloucestershire’s David Payne could also win call-ups.Dawid Malan after being run-out, as Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant celebrate•AFP/Getty ImagesIt won’t make any difference who England pick if they cannot hold their catches, though. Six chances were squandered in this game, with Rohit reprieved on 6 and 31. It’s hardly surprising England’s seamers look tied: they’re effectively required to claim 25 wickets a game. The ECB scouting network holds vast amount of data, we are told. It seems incredible that an ability to field in the slips doesn’t appear to have been included in such calculations.Equally, Jonny Bairstow has now gone 18 Tests (that’s 34 innings) and almost three years without a century. In that time, he is averaging 21.40 with a top score of 57. This was his sixth duck in that period. It doesn’t say much for the production line of county cricket that he has been able to retain his place.It must also be recognised that England are without Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad, Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler – who is expected to return for the final Test having celebrated the arrival of a daughter – all of whom might be considered first-choice picks. But coping with injuries comes with the territory in sport. And maybe Stokes, in particular, has masked England’s deficiencies for too long. Perhaps it will, in the long-run, do them no harm to be exposed.For England are now facing the prospect of losing two Test series in a home summer for the first time since 1986. Given that they recently lost in India and next face the mother of all challenges in Australia and the possibility of four consecutive series defeats is real. The positions of captains and coaches are bound to come under question. But it’s far higher up the food chain, where decisions about scheduling and priorities are made, that questions should really be asked.That’s not the say the management do not have questions to answer. For too long, England have relied on Anderson and Broad to do the bulk of their seam bowling, in the knowledge they will utilise the Dukes ball and the English pitches very well. As a result, there has been little forward planning and almost no acknowledgement of the statistics that suggest that Anderson, in particular, is now struggling to back up performances in the second innings. It sometimes seems that the personalities involved are so powerful, nobody in the team management has the courage to make tough decisions.In the greater scheme of things, there was a fair bit to celebrate from The Kia Oval. We had a sell-out crowd for five days in succession, after all and, on the last day in particular, when tickets were priced at £20, there were many families and children in attendance. Let’s never forget how wonderful it is that, at cricket at least, the supporters of both sides (and it appeared as if there was a pretty even split of India and England supporters) can sit side-by-side for hours without falling out. We have a fantastic sport.But, in retrospect, it seems naive to have thought England could have pulled off a record run-chase against this India side. Akin to thinking Frank Bruno could beat Mike Tyson after he caught him with that left hook. In general, they have looked outgunned and outplayed. They have it all to do to pull-off a series-levelling victory at Emirates Old Trafford.

Aaron Judge is a matchup nightmare for virtually any pitcher in MLB. At some points, teams are better off simply not pitching to him. That has been the case relatively often in 2025, as Judge was intentionally walked twice on Thursday night against the White Sox, bringing his tally to 36 on the year.

That's an American League record, as no player in the AL has been walked as many times in a single season. Of course, it still pales in comparison to Barry Bonds's 2004 campaign in which he was intentionally walked an absurd 120 times.

Judge was intentionally walked in both the second and sixth inning on Thursday, though the Yankees still came away with a 5–3 win, keeping their hopes of winning the AL East alive.

Judge has led MLB in intentional walks in each of the last two seasons. He received 20 free passes in 158 games last year, and is now at 36 in just 149 games in 2025. He has 104 intentional walks in his career.

Trailing Judge in the category this season are Jose Ramirez (22), Shohei Ohtani (20), Cal Raleigh (17) and Juan Soto (13).

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O Corinthians anunciou, nesta sexta-feira (17), que o clube e o goleiro Cássio chegaram a um acordo amigável para a rescisão antecipada do contrato. O ex-capitão corintiano irá atuar no Cruzeiro, onde já possui acordo verbal para assinar um contrato por três temporadas — até o fim de 2027.

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Para antecipar a sua saída do Corinthians, Cássio e Carlos Leite, representante do atleta, abriram mão de alguns valores que tinham a receber da equipe do Parque São Jorge.

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Cássio ainda tinha algumas pendências referentes a direitos de imagem, enquanto o empresário tinha quantias a serem pagas por conta da intermediação de algumas renovações do profissional com o Corinthians No total, a dívida incluindo os dois, ultrapassa R$ 10 milhões.

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O valor abatido pela liberação não será integral e, portanto, o Corinthians seguirá tendo pendências com a dupla. Cássio esteve no CT Joaquim Grava nesta sexta-feira (17), mas não treinou em campo. O goleiro fez apenas um trabalho leve na academia.

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Com 712 jogos disputados com o manto alvinegro – sendo o goleiro que mais atuou –, Cássio é um dos maiores ídolos da centenária história do clube. Ao todo, foram nove títulos conquistados: quatro Paulistas (2013, 2017, 2018 e 2019), dois Brasileiros (2015 e 2017), uma CONMEBOL Libertadores (2012), um Mundial de Clubes FIFA (2012) e uma CONMEBOL Recopa (2013).

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Cássio Roberto RamosCorinthians