All posts by h716a5.icu

Investec are to end their sponsorship of England’s Test side four years early after the ECB agreed a separate deal with a rival

George Dobell06-Jan-2017Investec are to end their sponsorship of England’s Test side four years early after the ECB chose a rival financial services company to become their “principal partner”.Investec, the specialist bank and asset manager, were five years into a 10-year deal with the ECB – dubbed, at the time, as “the longest sponsorship agreement secured in ECB’s history” – when it was announced that rival banking firm NatWest would be taking over as the team’s main sponsor from May 2017. As part of that deal, the players’ shirts will carry the NatWest logo.NatWest themselves had stepped into the role after the supermarket giant, Waitrose, announced last year that it would not be renewing its own three-year sponsorship of all levels of English cricket, a decision that came as a blow to the commercial team, and one that was partially attributed to the changes in the ECB hierarchy since the original deal had been struck in May 2013.While Investec will continue to sponsor the side until the end of the 2017 season – meaning they will be in place for the home series against South Africa and West Indies, including the first day-night Test in England which is to be staged at Edgbaston in August – the ECB will need to find a new partner ahead of the 2018 season. They do have an attractive range of fixtures to offer, though, with the new deal containing a series against India, the primary tourists in 2018, and an Ashes series in 2019.The Investec deal, which provides naming rights and branding at home Tests in England and Wales, is understood to be worth around £4million a year. It is understood there was a break clause in the contract which has allowed them to pull out without incurring any penalty.While it is not unique to have rival brands within their array of sponsors – several of the ECB’s two-dozen or so business partners offer alcoholic drinks, for example – the decision to sign two competitors as such high-profile sponsors does not reflect especially well on their commercial team. In particular, it doesn’t suggest great loyalty towards a sponsor in the middle of a long-term deal.But NatWest have themselves been involved as partners for the best part of four decades. And, until recently, there was little conflict between their sponsorship – which has traditionally been focussed on limited-overs cricket – and that of Investec, who have focused on the Test team. It may also be relevant that the Investec business has evolved in recent years to include more services that replicate those offered by NatWest.Both Investec and the ECB would agree the deal has proved successful. An unusually proactive sponsor, Investec has made a much stronger impression upon the players and the media than most rivals and has, therefore, gained greater goodwill and probably column inches.”Investec have been our official partner for Test match cricket since 2012,” Sanjay Patel, Commercial Director of ECB, said. “They have worked hard to bring their distinctive personality to cricket and the relationships they’ve created in the game. In doing this, they’ve helped to promote Test cricket and to connect England’s players to the public.”

Arsenal are “very confident” of signing Kai Havertz alongside a move for Declan Rice and personal terms are "advanced" for both players, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

How many goals has Kai Havertz scored?

Havertz joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2020 with the weight of the world on his shoulders, and it’s fair to say he hasn’t lived up to expectations in the Premier League.

The 24 year-old has scored just 19 top flight goals in 91 showings, also providing ten assists, though he has continued to thrive for Germany during that time, finding the back of the net 13 times for his national side in 35 games.

His underlying numbers suggest he is a still a player with bags of potential though, as he ranks highly for a number of metrics amongst other forwards in the big five leagues, namely passing, dribbling and tackling, so one has to think if he can find some end product as he matures there is still a top player in there.

And Mikel Arteta clearly thinks so, as reports now suggest the Gunners are “in advanced stages” with the manager personally stepping in to "push" the move.

That’s according to Sky Germany’s Plettenberg, who says: "News Havertz: Been told Arsenal is very confident to sign both Rice & Havertz! Despite of the fact that Chelsea has rejected the first offer. Arteta is pushing for Havertz!

“Arsenal are in advanced stages with both players. No Bayern offer for Havertz yet. Arsenal is planning the next steps. Bayern‘s next transfer meeting scheduled next week.”

Would Havertz be a good signing?

Havertz certainly has his admirers, with Thomas Tuchel’s interest at Bayern no surprise given what the former Blues boss had to say back in March of last year: “What he gives us is huge volume. He covers a lot of metres, he covers a lot of metres in high intensity, so he finds the intensity no matter what the system the opponent defends against us, he finds intensive runs, he finds distances.”

BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves believes Havertz is a “brilliant” player with elite “courage and composure”, while Graham Potter has hailed his “fantastic” talent.

Clearly then, Arsenal would be getting a player who is extremely highly thought of in the game, and his ability to operate in six different positions across midfield and attack means his arrival would add depth in a multitude of areas for the Gunners.

A round-up of the third round of matches in the WICB Regional 4 Day Tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Nov-2016A lower middle order collapse on the final day could not stop Barbados from taking the first-innings lead against Jamaica in their drawn match at Sabina Park in Kingston.Rain did not allow Jamaica to bat on the first day after being put in. When the match began on the second day, they were quickly reduced to 21 for 4 thanks to damaging opening spells by fast bowlers Kemar Roach (3 for 27) and Justin Greaves (2 for 49). Jamaica strung together three consecutive partnerships that were all in the thirties. Opener John Campbell was common to all of them, scoring 60 before he was the seventh wicket to fall with the score on 129. The tail stuck around before the final pair – of Nikita Miller (24*) and Derval Green (40) – put on 57 to take them to 224.In reply, Barbados lost Omar Philips in the second over. But a second-wicket partnership of 111 between Anthony Alleyne (66) – following his 88 and 186 in the previous match – and Shamarh Brooks (44) provided stability. Barbados lost their next three wickets for 37 runs, and after a fifth-wicket stand of 67, suffered a collapse that saw them fall from 220 for 4 to 238 for 8. Left-arm spinner Fabian Allen (3 for 34) and fast bowler Reynard Leverdige (2 for 28) stood out for Jamaica. Barbados eventually folded for 273.Campbell scored 49 in the second innings to put on 92 with his opening partner Shacaya Thomas (42), who was the second and last wicket to fall before the match finished with Jamaica on 112 for 2.Rain allowed play only sporadically on the second and third days of the draw between Trinidad & Tobago and Leeward Islands in Port-of-Spain.T&T’s opening pair of Kyle Hope and debutant Isaiah Rajah put on 162 after being put in. Hope scored a career-best 86, while Rajah was dismissed for 69. After the opening stand, though, Leeward Islands fought back. Offspinner Rahkeem Cornwall (2 for 73) broke the opening stand, and his captain Kieran Powell (3 for 29) joined in with his part-time offspin to trigger a collapse that reduced T&T to 172 for 4, and then 196 for 6.The tail hung on till the end of the 92nd over, led by Roshon Primus (42*), and took the total to 287 for 8 before rain washed out the rest of the game.Rain and wet outfield allowed no play on the last two days of the draw between Guyana and Windward Islands in Gros Islet. Guyana’s opening bowlers Raymon Reifer and Keon Joseph were among the wickets in the day-night match as the team scored 219 in comparison to Windward’s 192 in the first innings and 90 for 4 in the second.Guyana’s decision to bowl proved fruitful as Reifer rocked Windward’s top and middle order with his maiden five-for in first-class cricket. Windward were reduced to 98 for 6 before Sunil Ambris (24), Liam Sebastien (44) and Kyle Mayers (51) rescued them and No. 10 Delorn Johnson’s 30 off 23 pushed them towards 200. Reifer finished with 6 for 82 while Joseph took 2 for 50.Guyana also suffered a top-order wobble as Mervin Matthew and Johnson took four wickets apiece. Guyana were struggling at 99 for 6 but Reifer Anthony Bramble scored fifties in a stand of 104 to take them past 200. Johnson returned to remove the tail but Guyana took a lead of 27.Joseph struck thrice in Windward’s second innings as opener Tyrone Theophile top-scored with 39 in their 38.2 overs. Guyana earned 9.6 points from the draw, taking them to the top of the table with 33.6 points, just ahead of Barbados’ 33.4**0250 GMT December 1: The points and leaders were updated after an update from the WICB

New MLS and Inter Miami signing Lionel Messi has claimed that he doesn't care about winning the Ballon d’Or anymore.

How many times has Messi won the Ballon d’Or?

The Argentine has won the personal accolade on seven different occasions between 2009 and 2021, with old adversary Cristiano Ronaldo second on the all-time list with five awards to his name.

This combined with the fact that he has now essentially completed football – having won the 2022 World Cup last winter – means many feel as though Messi is the greatest footballer of all time.

And at 35 years of age, it appears as though we are sadly coming towards the very end of his career as the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain man has decided to leave the European game and head to America.

Even so, he departs having still delivered the goods over the past season, most notably with Argentina in Qatar, and so could possibly win the Ballon d’Or for pulling off such a remarkable achievement.

However, it seems as though Messi is not particularly interested in the prize anymore as he made clear in a recent interview (via @AlbicelesteTalk on Twitter).

|ndeed, he told the press: "Does Ballon d’Or matter to me? No, at this stage in my life, it is no longer important to me.

"I’ve always said, the individual prizes are not what matters to me, but the collective ones are the most important to me. The most important prize at the moment is the World Cup. This is the greatest prize for me."

Who will win the 2023 Ballon d’Or?

Unsurprisingly, Messi clearly cherishes his World Cup win above anything else he's achieved on a personal level over the course of his career.

Even so, his numerous Ballon d’Or wins will help future generations understand just how special he was as a player. With that in mind, the award does still hold real value and it will be interesting to see who it will go to win it in 2023, if not Messi.

As per Goal, they still rank the Argentine as the favourite at this moment in time. After that, Erling Haaland of Manchester City – with 53 goals, nine assists, a Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup under his belt – is in second.

While Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Kevin De Bruyne make up the rest of the top five.

Batsman Ravi Timbawala has been confirmed as a replacement for allrounder Srini Santhanam in USA’s squad for ICC WCL Division Four beginning October 29

Peter Della Penna20-Oct-2016Batsman Ravi Timbawala has been confirmed as a replacement for allrounder Srini Santhanam in USA’s squad for ICC WCL Division Four beginning October 29. Santhanam was injured during the Auty Cup last weekend against Canada, suffering a recurrence of the right shoulder injury that has plagued him for the last three years.Santhanam, 32, initially injured his shoulder last month at USA’s five-day national camp in Indianapolis but was declared fit and picked in USA’s squad for both the Auty Cup and WCL Division Four. He consistently troubled Canada’s batsmen during a six-over spell in the opening match of the Auty Cup but after completing his sixth over, he injured his right shoulder making a throw in from the boundary and had to leave the field for the remainder of the innings. Santhanam sat out of USA’s last two games in the series and the initial prognosis from the team physio in Los Angeles on the final day of the series was that he would not recover in time for the start of Division Four.”It’s disappointing news for Srini,” USA coach Pubudu Dassanayake said at the announcement of the change. “He was bowling very well in that first match before his injury, we wish him all the best with his recovery. Ravi showed during the Auty Cup that he has the ability and determination to win games for his country. He will be a valuable addition to the group for World Cricket League.”The 27-year-old Timbawala was a surprise omission from the original squad for Division Four after finishing second in runs at USA’s intrasquad national camp in Florida at the beginning of August. He is based in Los Angeles and plays club cricket for Vijayta CC at Woodley Park, the site of Division Four.Timbawala was called into USA’s squad for the Auty Cup after Timroy Allen withdrew to attend to a personal matter. After sitting out the first two matches in the three-match series, he started the final game in place of Santhanam and scored an unbeaten 73 to anchor USA’s chase in a two-wicket win.

Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney ahead of the summer transfer window, with Unai Emery looking to strengthen his squad for the challenges of European football next season.

What’s the latest on Kieran Tierney to Aston Villa?

According to The Times, both Villa and Newcastle United are set to battle it out for the Arsenal defender once the transfer window opens.

Emery signed Tierney from Celtic when he was in charge of the Gunners back in 2019 and is clearly a fan of the Scot.

Football Insider state that the North London side value him at around £30m and with Emery likely to move a few players on this summer, he would be more than affordable.

Could Kieran Tierney sign for Aston Villa?

It is certainly within the realm of possibilities, though with Champions League football returning to Newcastle for the first time in over 20 years, Emery may have trouble convincing him.

The two know each other well from their spell at Arsenal, however, and this could be a key part of any potential move, while the Spaniard would be getting his very own Oleksandr Zinchenko, as the pair are statistically similar according to FBref.

The Ukraine star has made a big impression since swapping Manchester City for Arsenal last summer, ranking third in the squad for accurate passes per game (55.8) and fifth for both tackles (1.5) and interceptions (0.8) per game, showcasing his importance to the side.

Zinchenko is the tenth-most comparable player across the previous 365 days to his fellow teammate.

They have both registered similar statistics with regard to goal-creating actions (both four), tackles won (18 to 11), touches in the attacking penalty area (33 to 15), crosses (37 to 24) and shots per 90 (1.19 to 0.79), indicating that both offer a key attacking threat going forward from a defensive position, something that Emery would love to have in his side.

Tierney was dubbed a ”warrior” by former Arsenal defender Ashley Cole, whilst ex-Rangers striker Kris Boyd lauded the Scot as “unbelievable” and having won five Premiership titles and a host of domestic cups during his spell at Celtic, he would arrive at Villa Park with a winning mentality that could prove crucial.

With Villa taking part in a European competition next term, Emery is clearly keen on taking his team to the next level, so signing Tierney, who has won trophies in Scotland and England, could be a stroke of genius, especially if he only costs £30m.

Glasgow Rangers are willing to submit a fourth offer in an attempt to bring Swansea City forward Morgan Whittaker to Ibrox, according to reports.

Are Rangers signing Morgan Whittaker?

During his loan at Plymouth Argyle in the first half of the 2022/23 campaign, the 22-year-old was a real bright spark and attracted significant interest from Michael Beale who publicly admitted that he was a transfer target having been recalled by his parent club in January, dubbing him “excellent”.

Football Insider reported that the Light Blues had three bids worth up to £2m turned down by the Welsh outfit during the window at the start of the year, but it’s since been claimed that the Ibrox side have remained in contact with the winger’s agent. Despite the boss having so far failed to get a deal over the line, that hasn’t stopped him from wanting to take yet another bite of the cherry.

According to Football Scotland, Rangers "remain interested" in Whittaker ahead of the summer, with Beale having personally "retained a like" for his long-term target. The Teddy Bears would supposedly be "willing to lodge another bid" in the hope of securing his services, but a deal won't be at all easy to complete.

Swansea's manager, Russell Martin, is expected to imminently join Southampton and it's stated that as a result, they would "not be open" to approving any incomings or outgoings until they have a new permanent boss in place.

Should Rangers make another offer for Whittaker?

Rangers are clearly serious about signing Whittaker having made three attempts and now weighing up a fourth to land him, but having been lauded a “flamboyant” creative forward by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Beale having his sights set on him is no surprise so the hierarchy should 100% table another bid to bring him to Scotland.

Swansea’s £4.8k-per-week ace posted an incredible 16 goal contributions (nine goals and seven assists) in 25 League One appearances during his spell at Plymouth, not to mention he recorded a total of 79 shots which was the second-highest number throughout their squad, as per FBRef, form which saw him collect four man-of-the-match awards in that timeframe.

Finally, Whittaker is an extremely versatile operator having played in seven various positions over the grass since bursting onto the professional scene, including everywhere across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, and with Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos leaving as free agents this summer, Whittaker could possibly be a shrewd signing at Ibrox.

Sri Lanka Cricket has earmarked Rs 200 million for the construction of two new cricket stadiums in the Northern and North Central Provinces

Sa'adi Thawfeeq06-Sep-2016Sri Lanka Cricket is investing in the development of cricket in parts of the country less exposed to the game by earmarking funds for the construction of two new cricket stadiums in the Northern and North Central Provinces.The executive committee of SLC has given its approval for the two projects to go ahead. The projects, on which work is due to begin in the near future, are expected to cost Sri Lankan Rs 200 million (approximately 1.38 million USD).”We have allocated Rs 100 million each for the construction of a cricket stadium at Polonnaruwa and one at Jaffna,” Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan de Silva, said. “The projects are due to begin very soon.”De Silva said plans for the Polonnaruwa stadium have been finalised and that work would commence soon. The stadium would be part of a larger sports complex that is being constructed in the area. In the case of Jaffna, SLC is still searching for a suitable site close to the main road so that people would have easy access to the stadium.”There is tremendous enthusiasm generated by the Tamil diaspora for a cricket stadium in the north,” de Silva said. “The Jaffna District Cricket Association is taking all steps to make it a reality.”We will initially construct the two stadiums as first-class cricket venues and later develop them into hosting international cricket matches. We want to develop cricket in the north and east and enhance the quality of the game in those areas.”Cricket in the north was hit very badly by the 30-year civil war between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government. Since the end of the war, seven years ago, there has been large-scale development in the region, with sports being one of the key areas.

Liverpool are understood to be monitoring the availability of Red Bull Leipzig’s Dani Olmo.

What’s the latest on Dani Olmo to Liverpool?

According to 90min, the Reds, alongside Arsenal and Newcastle United are “keeping tabs” on the 25-year-old.

Representatives from the Merseyside outfit were reportedly at the Allianz Arena to watch the Spaniard in his side’s resounding 3-1 victory.

As per previous reports, the Germans want to keep him at the club, but the forward’s current contract expires in 2024, so he’s been offered an ultimatum: either he renews or if he leaves this summer for a sum of around €30m (£26m).

After confirming the departures of Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner, Olmo could be the first step of this rebuild to propel the Reds back into Champions League qualification next year.

How good is Dani Olmo?

The playmaker has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season and has recorded 14 goal involvements in an effervescent and productive campaign.

His profile is exactly what Liverpool have been missing in midfield – an intricate and technical influence that can link the defence and the offence.

The £70k-per-week star ranks within the top 24% in Europe’s top leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, successful take-ons per 90, and assists, according to FBref.

Those sorts of numbers see the Spaniard likened to James Maddison by the statistical website, a player who has also been linked with the Reds in previous months.

The Leicester ace has been a rare shining beacon in a desperately disappointing season for the Foxes, and like Olmo, is the link between defence and attack in his side, ranking in the highest 13% for shot-creating actions per 90 and progressive passes per 90.

Both the aforementioned players have a keen eye for defence-splitting passes, are competent dribblers, and are indispensable cogs in the creative flow of their respective sides.

However, perhaps even more impressively for Olmo, and why he is under consideration from Liverpool, is his frightening versatility that has seen him appear in central areas, as well as the right and left wing.

Julian Nagelsmann feels that the 30-cap international is an "outstanding footballer", adding: He has exceptional abilities and is very safe with the ball. When he gets put under pressure, he knows how to provoke a foul.”

This view was echoed by Pep Guardiola, who failed the former Barcelona starlet as "incredible."

As the race intensifies for Mason Mount, and with the Englishman reportedly favouring a move to Manchester United, Olmo represents a cheaper and more attainable alternative, with a magical skill set and the necessary experience to succeed.

Chelsea have often earned the majority of their success in recent memory by delving into their endlessly deep pockets, looking to former owner Roman Abramovich, who would inevitably find a solution shrouded in finances.

Whether it be bringing in a new manager, or completely bankrolling the squad, it was a method that the rest of the Premier League often disparaged, yet it remained wildly successful. It was likely this success that contributed to such widespread condemnation.

Therefore, since Todd Boehly has come in and sought to do the same, little noise has been made given that many of his big-money deals have already fallen flat, including his progressive managerial appointment and the host of lucrative young acquisitions for the playing squad.

Sitting in 11th, few are complaining now about the Blues, as their threat has diminished.

With Mauricio Pochettino set to arrive this summer though, he could spark back up such danger for rival clubs, should he knit together this immensely talented outfit with speed.

It seems that their new American owner will not slow down in his funding of the west London outfit, however, the strategy could well have taken a turn given they are now closing in on ensuring a brighter future as well as a successful present.

What's the latest on Kendry Paez to Chelsea?

Given the numerous reports linking Kendry Paez with a Stamford Bridge switch have been all but confirmed, now the young Ecuadorian's club, Independiente del Valle, seem willing to speak out.

In an interview with the club director, as per El Canal Del Futbol (via ESPN), Santiago Morales all but confirmed the move as he claimed:

"Now comes the legal issue. We can’t sign a contract because of Kendry’s age. The panorama has been clarifying in a better way, today I can say that Kendry, after two years, will go to Chelsea."

He continued to note some of the other suitors, suggesting that their proposal beat out some European heavyweights:

"We received some offers for him, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and, well, Chelsea have been the team that showed the most interest. Officials from the team and the doctor came to carry out some tests."

Who is Kendry Paez?

At just 16 years old, Paez is already garnering widespread attention for the ease with which he has taken to senior football despite his youth.

As a raw but promising attacking midfielder, the hope will be that Chelsea have invested early into what could be the next big thing to come out of South America. Also, with Brighton and Hove Albion having earned success by signing Moises Caicedo from that same club, there is clear evidence with Independiente del Valle producing top assets to star in the engine room.

When outlining the widespread interest back in February, journalist Fabrizio Romano even lauded the teenager as "highly rated" and a "talent", and this is well-founded given he won Player of the Tournament in the 2022 Next Generation Trophy just last year, and already has his first goal in senior football too.

As a workmanlike yet box-to-box capable maestro – just like the Seagulls' 21-year-old star – the future is certainly sparkling for the potential wonderkid who has already seen a huge investment in his development. And these attributes will no doubt catch the eye of the incoming Argentine.

This season Caicedo has maintained a 7.14 average rating, combining 1.2 key passes with three tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Paez will surely seek to emulate this when his move kicks in after two years and as such, Pochettino could well unearth their very own version of the aforementioned talent in the coming seasons, should he successfully forge a long-term project at Stamford Bridge.