All posts by h716a5.icu

Kumar Sangakkara has called for England and Kevin Pietersen to “iron out their differences” and find a way for him to return to international cricket

David Hopps in Cardiff20-Apr-20151:03

Sangakkara: Want to see KP play for England again

Kumar Sangakkara has called for England and Kevin Pietersen to “iron out their differences” and find a way for him to return to international cricket – perhaps in time for this summer’s Ashes series.Sangakkara’s comments might be regarded as a predictable show of support for Pietersen now that he has joined forces as a Surrey team-mate, a recognition of the value that a constructive relationship can bring to Surrey’s season at the start of his two-year contract with the county.But, in his years with Sri Lanka, Sangakkara has experienced the murkiest depths of cricketing politics and his view that the best team must be fielded – sometimes against the odds – is unlikely to have been expressed glibly. Sangakkara is not known for doing glib.”It is not just an English media obsession,” he said. “It is a case where you have a fantastic player and you have had some controversy and some strain in the relationship between him and the ECB. I think everyone is wishing – the spectators, I’m sure, want to watch KP out there in the middle.”When you have a batsman of that ability I reckon even the side would like him there. It’s not my call to make or my place to comment on it but at the end of the day I just hope that they iron out their differences.”Sangakkara still has vivid memories of Pietersen’s exceptional hundred in searing heat in Colombo, an innings that sustained England on their last Sri Lanka tour.”I know from playing against Kevin when he came to Sri Lanka the last time. Wiith England 1-0 down, the way Kevin Pietersen came into that last Test with that hundred was magnificent.”He is an out-and-out matchwinner. I want to watch a matchwinner out there, I would want a matchwinner in my side so hopefully they can iron out their differences and Kevin Pietersen can come back and play.”

In his final year as the Cricket Australia chairman and an ICC powerbroker, Wally Edwards is intent on making further changes to ODI cricket as he watches the World Cup contested according to playing conditions he had a major hand in bringing about

Daniel Brettig17-Feb-2015In his final year as the Cricket Australia chairman and an ICC powerbroker, Wally Edwards is intent on making further changes to ODI cricket as he watches the World Cup contested according to playing conditions he had a major hand in bringing about.Edwards has believed for some time that the 50-over game should be re-branded as “World Cup cricket”, with a more vigorous points and rankings system linked to Cup qualification across the four-year cycle that culminates in the global tournament. Such a system would create the context many have yearned for in ODIs for decades.Edwards’ concept for World Cup cricket will be discussed in detail at an ICC subcommittee meeting in Melbourne next week. Edwards serves presently as chairman of the influential Executive Committee or ExCo, a key plank added to the ICC’s governance under the raft of “big three changes” pushed into place by India, Australia and England at the governing body’s annual conference in June 2014.”I’d like to see a lot more context for 50-over cricket,” Edwards told the . “I would call it World Cup Cricket. We’ve got a meeting on Monday in Melbourne with the ICC and one of the subjects is this. From my point of view this is one of the big strategy items, which is also focused on making the world of cricket better.”I would have a system where maybe after one year the top two teams play off in a best-of-three [series] or something, which would take a week,” said Edwards, a former opening batsman for Australia. “That counts for one year and if you could work the points out so that even teams like Ireland have a chance that would be quite interesting. There [would be] a decent prize at the end of it, a decent lump of money.”In the second year [after a World Cup in the current cycle] you’ve got the Champions Trophy, which I would like to call the World Cup qualifying tournament. In the third year you’d be finishing off the rankings for the World Cup and then in the last year you’ve got the World Cup. Something like that where each year there is a some pinnacle at the end that everyone is playing to achieve, and then the World Cup is the big one. It will make a lot more sense to people I think.”The proof of Edwards’ ability to influence the thinking of the game’s global governors has been demonstrated by the presence of two new balls at either end and tighter fielding restrictions at this World Cup, meaning fielding teams can only use four fielders outside the circle at most.Edwards pushed for these changes – which India, among others, have not appreciated – because he believed strongly that the game’s regulations should encourage attacking cricket, rather than the sort of percentage run-saving tactics that had become commonplace in ODIs.His philosophical views predated the arrival of Darren Lehmann as Australia’s coach, but the host team’s aggressive way of playing the game, striving for boundaries with the bat and wickets with the ball, has dovetailed neatly with Edwards’ view of how the game should be played.This was illustrated starkly during Australia’s opening World Cup fixture against England at the MCG, where Edwards was a delighted spectator in watching his team pile on 342 for 9 before rolling the visitors for 231.

Retiring an iconic player's shirt number is quite common practice Italy, but not so much Spain – and Goal has rounded up the most memorable instances

GettyBobby Moore | West Ham | #8The West Ham legend had his number at the London side retired, having captained the club for 10 years. Moore was also captain of the England team that won the 1966 World Cup and is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all-time.AdvertisementGetty ImagesAC Milan | Paolo Maldini | #3Technically, the shirt isn't retired. AC Milan made the decision to retire the number following the Italy legend's final game, but Maldini has allowed for his sons to inherit the number three should either of them play for the club.Getty ImagesEmiliano Sala | Nantes | #9The Argentine had his shirt number at Ligue 1 side Nantes retired after he died tragically in a plane crash in January 2019.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesDiego Maradona | Napoli | #10The Argentina icon is one of the greatest footballers to have ever graced the pitch, and had a glittering seven-year career at Napoli where he won numerous titles and awards.

Manchester City are said to be leading Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race to sign Claudio Echeverri, who has been dubbed 'the next Lionel Messi'.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Man City favourites to land EcheverriWill face competition from top European clubsWas part of Argentina's 2023 U17 World Cup squadWHAT HAPPENED?

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are considered favourites to sign River Plate and Argentina sensation Echeverri. Despite interest from a host of other top European clubs like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, the Cityzens are poised to win the transfer race because they share a good relationship with River Plate after the transfer of Julian Alvarez in 2022, according to the .

Advertisement@ArgentinaTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has a keen eye for goal. He was part of the Albiceleste squad that reached the semi-finals of the U17 World Cup. Echeverri was the team's second highest scorer in the competition with five goals to his name, which included a hat-trick in the quarter-final against arch-rivals Brazil.

Getty Images/GoalDID YOU KNOW?

Like several other young Argentine footballers, Echeverri grew up idolising Messi and revealed in an interview before the U17 World Cup that he wants to follow in his idol's footsteps and join Barcelona in the future.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

Alvarez has proved to be a successful signing for City, becoming an integral part of Pep Guardiola's squad in his two seasons at the club. He has started in all 14 Premier League games the club have played so far in 2023-24, scoring four goals and providing six assists. The Argentina forward's success will surely encourage the club officials who are once again set to do business with River Plate for Echeverri's services.

Mary Earps is on England's bench for the first time in over a year, as Sarina Wiegman opts for a change in goal for the Lionesses' game with Austria.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Earps on England bench for Austria clashFirst time out of starting XI in over a yearChelsea star Hampton wins third cap insteadWHAT HAPPENED?

It's not often that Wiegman rotates her goalkeepers but she has done exactly that for England's first match of 2024, rewarding Chelsea shot-stopper Hannah Hampton for her good form at club level by granting her just her third start for the Lionesses in Friday's friendly.

AdvertisementWHAT WIEGMAN SAID

Speaking to about the decision to play Hampton over Earps, Wiegman said: "This is an opportunity to show herself. She has done well at Chelsea. We know Mary is our No.1 goalkeeper but we need to have an option when something is happening with Mary, [to know] Hannah is ready to go. I think she can show that tonight."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

England take on Austria and Italy in the February international break in what will be their only friendlies all year, with the rest of their matches to be qualifiers for the 2025 European Championships. It's the perfect time for Wiegman to try out new things and get a look at different players, then, with Maya Le Tissier and Esme Morgan also in Friday's starting XI alongside Grace Clinton, who will make her senior debut for the Lionesses.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Earps' well-earned rest snaps a 17-game streak when it comes to England starts, with the Manchester United star having kept six clean sheets in that time. The last time she was on the bench was for the Lionesses' Arnold Clark Cup meeting with Italy on February 19, 2023.

Warwickshire wrapped up an innings victory on the first session in Abu Dhabi, with Rikki Clarke taking three of the remaining six MCC wickets to fall

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Mar-2013
ScorecardWarwickshire wrapped up an innings victory during Wednesday’s first session in Abu Dhabi, with Rikki Clarke taking three of the remaining six MCC wickets to fall.Joe Denly, who had recorded a century on the third day, and Peter Trego took the MCC score on to 350 before Oliver Hannon-Dalby broke through. Trego departed for 87 from 76 balls but, with 81 still needed to make Warwickshire bat again, the MCC innings rapidly subsided.Clarke and Chris Wright claimed the wickets, with Denly the eighth man out for 146. The last six wickets fell for 52 runs in 16 overs, Clarke finishing with 4 for 33 and Wright 8 for 110 in the match.”The way the MCC guys played in the second innings showed what good players they are,” MCC head of cricket, John Stephenson, said. “On paper this team is extremely strong, but after losing the toss and being asked to field first on a pitch like that, was always going to be a bit of a struggle.”With respect to the day-night format, the match went really well on the whole. All the pink balls stood up fantastically well, they were very durable, had good visibility throughout, and there were no complaints from any of the players. I’m really pleased with how things went from that perspective – I just wish we could have got a few more runs in our first innings.”

The India-Pakistan series scheduled for 2012 in the new Future Tours Programme (FTP) faces an uncertain future with the PCB awaiting word from the BCCI on whether the Indian government will grant clearance to the tour

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jul-2011The India-Pakistan series scheduled for 2012 in the new Future Tours Programme (FTP) faces an uncertain future with the PCB awaiting word from the BCCI on whether the Indian government will grant clearance for the tour. The PCB is not even clear at the moment about which country will host the series, though the FTP says that Pakistan are scheduled to tour India for three Tests and five ODIs in March-April 2012.”In fact, we have to play four series against India in the FTP, spread from 2012 to 2020, but there is a question mark over the 2012 series as to who will host it,” PCB chief-operating officer Subhan Ahmed told the . “Pakistan toured India in 2007 and they had to visit Pakistan in 2009, but they skipped the tour. Pakistan have to play as hosts in 2012 according to the reciprocal turn.”Ahmed said the PCB had discussed the future of the 2012 series at the recent ICC annual conference with the BCCI, which said that it would reply after getting clearance from the Indian government. “As soon as they get clearance we will resume talks to decide the number of matches and the venues,” Ahmed said.There has been no international cricket in Pakistan after the attacks on the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009, forcing the PCB to ‘host’ teams at neutral venues like the UAE. Ahmed said that the board was willing to continue the same policy with India as well. “We are already playing our home series at neutral venues due to security concerns of other teams. And we feel no problem in hosting India too at any neutral venue.”There have been no tours between the neighbours since Pakistan’s visit in 2007, as relations broke down in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. This has also led to Pakistan being the only major Test nation without representation in the Champions League Twenty20 [which is organised by the Indian, South African and Australian boards], something that has not impressed the PCB.Ahmed said that such matters were down to the current state of political relations between the nations. “Once the two countries come on track to restore bilateral series, these smaller issues will be solved automatically. Once the ties revive, we’re confident we’ll be included in the Champions League.”Sohail Tanvir, captain of Faysal Bank Super Eight T20 winners Rawalpindi Rams, shared Ahmed’s view. “The matter of our qualification for the next edition of the Champions League T20 is dependent on the relations of the two countries and their cricket boards,” Tanvir told the . “As players we can only perform on the field and the rest is up to the government and the PCB.”

Chris Gayle has joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad for the 2011 season as a replacement for injured Dirk Nannes, Vijay Mallya, the owner of the franchise has confirmed

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Apr-2011Chris Gayle, the West Indies opener, has joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad for the 2011 season as a replacement for injured Dirk Nannes, Vijay Mallya, the owner of the franchise has confirmed. The development means that Gayle will not be available for the home limited-overs and Test series against Pakistan, which begins on Thursday.”It’s official now. The explosive Chris Gayle is now a part of the RCB squad after receiving clearance from the WICB,” Mallya said on Twitter.Gayle, along with Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, had refused the West Indies board’s central contracts so that he would be free to pursue his Twenty20 interests in the IPL. In a media release on April 4 regarding the participation of West Indies players in the IPL, WICB chief executive Ernest Hilaire had this to say about Gayle: “With Chris Gayle it has not been a productive discussion and therefore it is a little more difficult for me to make any pronouncements as it relates to Chris. But we are open to discussing with players what their plans and objectives are and how best we can accommodate them within the commitment that they must also play for country and to represent West Indies cricket.”In January, Gayle, who scored 463 at a strike-rate of 141.59 for Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous three IPL seasons, surprisingly went unsold at the player auction. His base price of $400,000 found no bidders over concerns that he would not be available for much of IPL 2011 because of international commitments.He has since been left out of West Indies’ ODI squad (for the first two matches) that will take on Pakistan from April 23, with the WICB deciding to focus on grooming youngsters after the quarter-final exit from the World Cup.Nannes, who was injured during Bangalore’s second match of the league, was bought for $650,000 at the auction. IPL rules prevent franchises from signing replacement players at a higher value than the player they are replacing. Bangalore made a poor start to the IPL, losing three of their first four matches, and are languishing at the bottom of the table.

Shahid Afridi has said he views his upcoming stint with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League as an opportunity to gain exposure and prepare for next year’s international assignments

Umar Farooq12-Dec-2011Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan allrounder, has said he views his upcoming stint with the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League as an opportunity to gain exposure and prepare for next year’s international assignments. Afridi and Pakistan team-mate Abdul Razzaq have both signed with the Renegades for Australia’s new Twenty20 tournament, and Afridi said he was taking the tournament very seriously because he had sacrificed his off season to play in it.”My commitment with the Big Bash holds a lot of importance because it was an off season for me,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “It will not only help me maintain momentum but also give me good preparation considering the tough conditions and strong opponents in Australia.”Afridi goes into the tournament, which starts on December 16, on the back of an impressive year with the ball in which he has taken 45 wickets in 27 ODIs at 20.82, with four five-wicket hauls. He struggled with the bat during the 2011 World Cup but got his highest score of the year, 75, in the third ODI of Pakistan’s recent series against Sri Lanka in the UAE. He said he expected his legspin to be effective on Australian pitches but hoped to also contribute with the bat.”Legspinners can achieve a lot in Australian conditions and I am looking forward to contributing with my bowling,” he said. “I’ve been satisfied with my bowling performance but there is need for improvement in my batting. I am looking to play some good innings.”Razzaq goes into the series after missing the ODIs in Bangladesh due to a shoulder injury he sustained during the series against Sri Lanka. He said he had completely recovered from that and was looking forward to getting back to Twenty20 cricket. Razzaq averaged 29.22 for Leicestershire during the Friends Life t20 in England this summer and said he hoped to find form in the BBL.”The format is very exciting and familiar but equally tough,” Razzaq said. “I picked up an injury last month but I am fine now and looking forward to the Big Bash event. I hope I can find good touch.”

Sunil Joshi, the former India spinner, has been appointed the new head coach of Hyderabad, ending his 19-year domestic career

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-2011Sunil Joshi, the former India spinner, has been appointed the new head coach of Hyderabad, ending his 19-year domestic career. Joshi played in last year’s Ranji Trophy semi-final, which Karnataka lost to Baroda, but said he is ready for the next phase in his career.”I have been in talks with the Hyderabad Cricket Association for a while and they offered me the coach’s position,” Joshi told the . It fits in well with my career and I am ready for this transition. I am qualified and have done my Level II and III courses at the National Cricket Academy and have also gained the Level II certificate from the England and Wales Cricket Board.”Hyderabad had a poor Ranji Trophy season last year. They were bowled out for 21 in their opening game of the season, when Rajasthan’s Deepak Chahar took 8 for 10 on debut, a result that saw several heads roll. They recovered somewhat from that point to finish fourth in their group, above Jharkhand and Tripura, and Joshi said he hopes he can “help the team improve its performance and qualify for the Elite section next year”.The 41-year-old Joshi took 41 wickets in 15 Tests and 69 wickets in 69 ODIs for India. The highlight of his international career was a remarkable spell of 10-6-6-5 in a one-dayer against South Africa. He was an integral part of the Karnataka state team since the 1992-93 season, having taken 615 first-class wickets at an average of 25.12 and a strike-rate of 62.1.In the long run, Joshi said he would live to give back to Karnataka cricket. “I would love to nurture spinners at the State academy and also help Karnataka in whatever role is possible.