All posts by h716a5.icu

PCB officials will be meeting a British insurance risk expert after the Board suffered huge losses because of an alleged insurance scam involving Australia’s postponed tour of Pakistan in February-March this year

Cricinfo staff04-Dec-2008
The PCB has, despite insurance cover, suffered huge losses from recent security-related incidents © AFP
PCB officials will be meeting a British insurance risk expert in an effort to maximise the returns on its insurance investments. The board has, despite insurance cover, suffered huge losses from recent security-related incidents and there is an official inquiry into an alleged insurance scam involving Australia’s postponed tour of Pakistan in February-March this year.Saleem Altaf, the PCB’s chief operating officer said the expert, David Boorman, will meet key board officials during his short visit, due to begin today. “It’s a free-of-cost exercise aimed at getting expert advice on how we can maximise our interests when it comes to insurance,” he told the .Boorman will meet with a team of PCB officials, and the board may later take important decisions on the basis of his advice. “We have to tackle the matter very seriously because of past losses,” said Altaf. “We are paying a premium of almost 60 million Pakistan rupees annually and getting nothing in return.””It’s an important issue for us after what happened in the past,” said Altaf, who had met Boorman during an official visit in Dubai.Altaf was referring to the situation surrounding Australia’s tour earlier this year. Mindful of the security climate, the board had insured Pakistan’s series under the Future Tours Programme – including Australia’s tour – for $7.4 million. However, after Australia’s tour was postponed, Nasim Ashraf, the then PCB chairman, said the board could not claim insurance money for the series since it was a postponement and not a cancellation.It was later alleged by some board officials that the whole insurance affair was a scam and there was no record of the insurance deal, following which the PCB ordered an independent inquiry. Ijaz Butt, Ashraf’s successor, has said the inquiry was underway and details would soon be made public.The PCB is facing a serious financial crunch and is looking at ways to minimise its expenses, after the Champions Trophy scheduled in October was also deferred by a year.

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has gushed over the development of Illan Meslier’s new contract at Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Meslier excels for Leeds

Numerous players have shone during the Marcelo Bielsa era at Elland Road and Meslier is undoubtedly one of those, having arrived permanently from Lorient last summer.

The 21-year-old has been a hugely influential performer between the sticks for Leeds, making 47 appearances and looking mature beyond his years, whether it be through his distribution or shot-stopping.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Whelan makes key claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who actually now works for the club as a community ambassador, claimed Meslier will eventually become France’s No.1, hailing the new deal he recently signed:

“I don’t think any other goalkeeper in the country deserves a new contract more than Meslier. He just grew into the gloves every time he played. He became a leader and more confident.

“Technically he improved as well, his distribution was better and he got braver. He is a top-class goalkeeper, I’m so pleased he’s staying. There were rumours about him leaving.

“That’s natural after such a good season but he loves it at Leeds. Bielsa loves him, the coaches love him and there’s no doubt in my mind that he will become the France number one at some point.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-12/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Huge player moving forward

Meslier has an enormous future ahead of him and the hope is that he remains at Leeds for as long as possible, helping Bielsa’s side continue to be a force at the highest level.

There is sure to be interest in the youngster over time, however, at which point the Whites may have to accept that he wants a fresh challenge at a club challenging for more trophies.

For now, though, he is one of the first names on the team-sheet at Elland Road and it is hard to see that changing any time soon.

In other news, another Premier League club have reportedly made contact with a Leeds transfer target. Read more here.

Australia’s selectors hope Brett Lee and Matthew Hayden will continue to be part of their plans for the Ashes

Cricinfo staff22-Dec-2008
Brett Lee has been given a vote of confidence ahead of the Boxing Day Test © Getty Images
Australia’s selectors hope Brett Lee and Matthew Hayden will continue to be part of their plans for the Ashes despite both men spluttering since the tour of India. The senior players were retained for the Boxing Day Test on Friday, but their futures have been clouded by low returns and their lack of contributions during the record-breaking defeat to South Africa on Sunday.”The expectation is that Brett will play,” Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, told AAP. “As far as the long-term future is concerned, we see all the senior players, including Brett, as critical to our rebuilding phase. We’ll be very reluctant to look at younger players who we bring in as being under significant pressure.”Hilditch said he was “reasonably happy” with the way Lee bowled in Perth and he didn’t believe the fast bowler was nearing retirement. “We don’t think Brett’s at that stage, he’s a really fit person, he’s got a perfect fast bowling build, I’m told by all the specialists, and most think with the right core strength and conditioning programs he can actually bowl faster,” he said. “So that’s going to be the key over the next six months before the Ashes.”Despite the second Test being only a few days away, Hilditch also spoke about Hayden in terms of the Ashes trip. “We haven’t had any of those discussions [about retirement],” he said. “The only discussions go back a long time ago, which was made quite clear that our plans were we’d like him to get through to the end of the Ashes, which we see as critical. He’s one of those players we’d not want to lose before the Ashes.”Hilditch said Hayden, who has scored 48 runs in three Tests, was going through a “rough time”. “We’ve just got to back our judgment and our judgment looking at him in the nets, looking at the way he’s moving, the way he’s catching, there’s no indications that he’s not just around the corner from a big score,” he said. “I wouldn’t mind backing him for a big score in the Boxing Day Test.”Australia have brought in Nathan Hauritz and Ben Hilfenhaus for the game in Melbourne and there will be more changes before the match. Peter Siddle, who played his second Test in Perth, is also in the 13-man squad.

Rangers take on Armenian side Alashkert at Ibrox in the Europa League play-off on Thursday night and Steven Gerrard should keep faith in Nathan Patterson.

Following their disappointing performance in the Champions League earlier this month, which saw the Gers suffer a 4-2 aggregate defeat against Malmo, Gerrard’s side have been forced to settle for another year in the Europa League, although they will only earn a place in the group stages if they can get past Alashkert.

After three consecutive defeats, Rangers bounced back to form with a 5-0 win against Dunfermline in the Scottish League Cup last time out, with several young players impressing against the Championship outfit.

The two standout players at Ibrox were arguably the young full-backs Calvin Bassey and Nathan Patterson, as their attacking quality caused all sorts of problems for Dunfermline.

In comparison, we saw Rangers work the ball out wide to the full-backs on a number of occasions in the 2-1 home defeat against 10-man Malmo, and very rarely did they produce enough quality to trouble the Swedish side’s defence.

Therefore, whilst it would be a huge decision by Gerrard to keep faith in the 19-year-old Patterson over captain James Tavernier, on current form you feel that the Scottish youngster has to start.

Since breaking into the first team, the teenage defender has managed just 17 appearances for the Gers, contributing two goals, the majority of which have come behind closed doors, so Rangers fans haven’t really got a good look at the Scotland international in person thus far.

However, he is clearly an extremely talented young player and deserves regular opportunities this season, if it means Tavernier sitting games such as this out.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

Although the former Wigan Athletic man has been a standout in recent seasons, contributing a hugely impressive 65 goals and 92 assists in 293 appearances for Rangers, competition is no bad thing and based on their most recent performances, it is Patterson who should get the nod against Alashkert on Thursday evening.

And, in other news… Transfer report provides worrying update on “outstanding” Rangers star

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge insists that Japhet Tanganga was never likely to move to Galatasaray in this transfer window.

The Tottenham Hotspur defender was the subject of a loan bid from the Turkish club earlier this summer.

It was reported that Spurs actually accepted the offer but Bridge now insists that Tanganga was never keen on the move.

Indeed, he has remained with Spurs and played at right-back in the surprise 1-0 win over Manchester City on the opening weekend of the season, while he also featured in the 1-0 win over Wolves.

Tanganga has made a total of 25 appearances for the club’s first-team, and can play as both a full-back and a centre-back.

He is now likely to remain with the club beyond the end of the transfer window, particularly given his superb performance against City, in which he played a key role in Spurs keeping a clean sheet, and helping to keep quiet Jack Grealish, who was making his debut for City.

Bridge said: “I did hear the Galatasaray stuff was genuine and he didn’t really have any interest. I always found it a bit of a bemusing one because, firstly, Spurs have really got to watch their homegrown quota and I was a little bit surprised when I read about Tanganga.

“I got it in the sense that he’s had a lot of injuries and he needs a season on loan, I just didn’t think the Turkish league was the right place where Spurs could watch him develop.”

South Africa’s coach Mickey Arthur feels sorry for the pressure placed on David Warner and says the hype for the opener is “way over the top”

Cricinfo staff22-Jan-2009
David Warner is yet to offer a repeat of his opening-night fireworks © PA Photos
South Africa’s coach Mickey Arthur feels sorry for the pressure placed on David Warner and says the hype for the opener is “way over the top”. Warner will play his second ODI, and his first at his home ground, on Friday during the third match of the series at the SCG.Since breaking through with 89 on his Twenty20 debut against South Africa, Warner has had more attention than the rest of his team-mates. “Actually, I feel quite sorry for the lad,” Arthur said in the Australian. “He’s played one fantastic innings and suddenly he’s been hailed as the next Messiah almost.”I think it’s been way over the top, to be honest. Yes, he’s a good player. He looks very talented, but he’s played a handful of games. He hasn’t played a first-class game of cricket yet.”Despite Arthur’s sympathy, he wants to add to Warner’s problems after he posted 7 and 5 in his previous two innings. “The expectations on his shoulders are huge and I think those expectations get heavier and heavier with every failure,” Arthur said. “Hopefully, we can still keep him under that sort of pressure. But to be fair to the guys, he’s very dangerous.”Ricky Ponting is still getting to know Warner and said he had “just let Dave go”. “There’s been enough pressure on him and speculation for me just to let him go and get about his cricket and work out for himself what he needs to do,” he said.”He seems that sort of player to me who’s a free-spirited young bloke who goes out and sees the ball and hits the ball, a bit like Gilly [Adam Gilchrist]. Quite often, the more you have to say to those blokes the more confused and complicated they make things and the harder the game becomes.” The series is level at 1-1 with matches in Adelaide and Perth remaining after the contest in Sydney.

Wolves supporters will have come into transfer window full of expectation as they aimed to make two eye-catching signings.

However, Bruno Lage has struggled to conclude anything of note as the Old Gold risk heading into the rest of the campaign with a small squad again.

What’s the word?

Wolves missed out on two Lille players on deadline day, with Sven Botman deemed too expensive and terms failing to be agreed for Renato Sanches.

That being said, the recruitment team at Molineux have rolled their socks up and now have a new target in mind in what is a fresh twist to the tale.

Taking to Twitter, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook suggests they are searching for other solutions. He said: “Sanches move to Wolves looking difficult now. LCFC midfielder Hamza Choudhury has been mentioned to me as a possible viable alternative.”

Lage delighted

The Wolves manager admitted over a week ago that Wolves were continuing to work with a depleted squad. Due to injuries and a lack of options, the Old Gold were working with just 15 senior players in training.

Therefore, any new signing is good news on deadline day as far as the Wolves boss is concerned.

Sanches would have been the icing on the cake judging by his immense potential, so to move for Choudhury instead will come as a bit of a disappointment.

That being said, it provides the club with another player with Premier League experience under their belt.

Choudhury hasn’t played much football in recent years but his profile suits the Wolves model – to buy young and develop for the future. He also suits the type of defensive midfielder they like to sign; take Romain Saiss and Leander Dendoncker for instance.

The England under-21 international is very assured in possession, completing 82.6% of his passes throughout his career to date.

Furthermore, the Leicester brute is also extremely strong in the tackle. During the 2018/19 campaign, for instance, he won a whopping 2.7 tackles per game.

If we compare that to Wolves’ squad last season, it’s a tally which would have usurped every regular starter.

That gives a brief glimpse into the potential he has and Lage will surely be delighted if he can get a deal across the line. It might not be Sanches but an extra body will still be useful for the Midlands club.

AND in other news, “Dialogue still open” – Spiers issues intriguing Wolves transfer update, Lage has hope…

A round-up of the eleventh-round matches of the Premier League Tournament in Sri Lanka

Sa'adi Thawfeeq29-Jan-2009
Chaminda Vaas took four wickets and scored a half-century in Colombo Colts’ six-wicket win © AFP
Colombo Colts CC are close to becoming Premier Tier A champions after they secured their fifth win of the season and their second successive victory inside two days when they trounced Nondescripts CC by six wickets in Colombo. The win left Colts with less than four points to score in their final game against Badureliya CC and displace defending champs Sinhalese SC from the top of the standings. SSC could only manage a draw against Tamil Union in their final match of the season after obtaining a first innings lead which left them precariously close to surrendering the title to Colts.Colts’ two-day win was made possible by Chaminda Vaas (56 and four wickets in the match), former Sri Lanka fast bowler Ruchira Perera (five-wicket match haul), left-arm spinner Sajeewa Weerakoon (match bag of eight wickets) and top order batsman Danuka Pathirana. His fluent knock of 109 off 118 balls put Colts’ run-chase on track after they had started horribly, losing three wickets for 10 runs.Sri Lanka Test batsman Thilan Samaraweera’s second hundred in successive weekends helped SSC score a formidable 454 in Colombo, but Tamil Union replied boldly ending day two at 268 for 3. SSC, however, fought back through spinner Sachithra Senanayake, whose 6 for 134 undermined Sajith Fernando’s splendid knock of 139. Tamil Union fell short by 68 runs in the first innings.Ragama CC moved to third spot in the standings when they comprehensively beat Army SC – who are at the bottom of the table and look certain to be demoted to Tier B. They, along with Nondescripts CC, are the only club in Tier A without a single win for the season. A rare century from Ian Daniel and a solid knock of 75 from Hemantha Wickremaratne helped Ragama reach a first innings total of 350. Army failed with the bat, making 168 in the first innings, and capitulated to 208 in the second – in pursuit of 404 – to lose by 196 runs. Spinner Dinesh Darshanpriya routed their batting in the second innings taking five wickets.Former Sri Lanka one-day allrounder Dilhara Lokuhettige starred for Moors SC, enabling them gain a first innings lead in their drawn match against Colombo CC at the Moors Sports Club Ground. Lokuhettige slammed 142 off 134 balls, striking five sixes and 17 fours, and followed it up with a fine performance with the ball capturing five wickets for 40 runs as CCC fell short by 72 runs in the first innings.Offspinner Suraj Mohamed (match haul of 9 for 163) and Shanuka Dissanayake (106) played pivotal roles in Bloomfield’s domination of Chilaw Marians at the Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club.The Premier Tier B title was in abeyance with the tournament committee giving hosts Sebastianites time till February 7 to choose a suitable venue to play a crucial matchagainst Panadura SC. The outcome of the will decide the winners of Tier B and determine who will be demoted to he 2-day Sara trophy tournament next season. Pandura trail table leaders Saracens by nearly 16 points, while Sebastianites – who are at the bottom of the table – need a win to avoid relegation.Player of the Week – Dilhara Lokuhettige
For pure entertainment there is no exciting prospect as Dilhara Lokuhettige, the Moors SC and former Sri Lanka one-day all-rounder. Lokuhettige was given an opportunity to resurrect his career when he was included in the national team for the Canada Cup Twenty20 in October last year after a three-year break. He didn’t get as many chances to display his talents but he still remains in the bidding for the ICC World T20 in England later this year. He has the ability to change a course of a game with his swashbuckling batting and bustling seam bowling, and has the ability to rattle the best of batsmen on a helpful pitch. He is one of the first Sri Lankan cricketers to be labeled a Twenty20 specialist. In 2007, playing for Moors SC against NCC in a Premier League match, he raced to a double century off 172 balls which included 22 fours and 11 sixes. It remained a Sri Lankan first-class record until a fortnight ago when Jeevantha Kulatunga of Colts overhauled it.Lokuhettige said his stint with Checkley CC in the Staffordshire League has helped his cricket immensely. “I have worked hard at my batting as I was told I lacked the ability to finish off matches. In the past two years I used to go to practice early and get someone to throw the ball at me on a cement pitch.”

The transfer window slammed shut just under 48 hours ago but Celtic and Ange Postecoglou are already planning their next signings ahead of January.

The Hoops signed no fewer than 12 first-team players in the summer market but as they should be, they’re looking at further ways to improve and get ahead in the market.

What’s the word?

One area of the squad that Postecoglou has been keen to improve is the younger options available to him.

Liam Shaw, Liam Scales and Osaze Urhoghide all arrived this summer while Joey Dawson and Bosun Lawal also became Celtic players.

However, the Bhoys won’t stop there in order to improve their youth ranks.

According to The Irish Independent, Celtic are keeping tabs on Sligo Rovers forward Johnny Kenny.

They have planned a scouting mission for Friday when the 18-year-old’s team will take on Drogheda United.

Ange will love him

When Postecoglou was first given the Celtic job, he revealed just how important young players would be to his plans.

The Australian said: “I’m a big believer that, if you can produce homegrown talent and players who have come through the club, there’s extra meaning to represent that football club for the player. For the supporters, they see one of their own out there and I think that’s very important.”

He added: “The first step of that is to make sure the talent is being produced and nurtured at the club. I want to get really involved in the Academy process and see where they’re at. They’ve produced some fantastic footballers in recent times.

“My job is to give those footballers an opportunity and make them realise their potential. For me, age is irrelevant.”

Those quotes came within days of him taking the role and he has so far lived up to that promise with the sheer number of teenagers he’s signed.

Furthermore, he has already made moves to include academy players in the matchday squad on a regular basis with Dane Murray and Adam Montgomery earning game time in the early moments of the season.

Therefore, if you consider Kenny’s qualities and CV to date, Postecoglou should love him.

Speaking about the Irishman earlier this year, Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley commented: “He’s a top talent. We pulled him into the first-team group this year from the start – he jumped in and he’s not looking back.”

Buckley concluded: “His finishing is really good.”

Six senior goals in just 23 senior outings at his age is an impressive haul and he opened his account for 2021/22 by scoring a goal for his team in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers against Icelandic opposition FH Hafnarfjördur.

With so many vibrant young players walking through the door, the future looks bright at Parkhead; the addition of Kenny will also improve that.

AND in other news, Celtic may have just repeated their John McGinn howler…

Going to stumps at 306 not out, the obvious question to Younis Khan was whether he would aim to break Brian Lara’s record for the highest Test score

Cricinfo staff24-Feb-2009
It would be an injustice if the Sri Lankans don’t get to bat on the final day, says Younis Khan © AFP
After finishing the day at 306 not out, the obvious question to Younis Khan was whether he would aim to break Brian Lara’s record for the highest Test score. Although falling short of offering a clear-cut answer, he said the team will aim for bat for another 40-odd overs – which would give him enough time to reach 401 – before giving his bowlers some match practice before the second Test in Lahore.”I want to bat another 40-plus overs tomorrow and if I have a chance to come close to the record it’s fine, but the main target is to give some bowling to the bowlers,” Younis said after the day’s play. “In my mind I think our bowlers should bowl some overs tomorrow because they need some bowling before the second Test. We have youngsters like Yasir Arafat and Sohail Khan, and Umar Gul also needed some bowling.”Younis became the third Pakistan batsman after Hanif Mohammad and Inzamam-ul-Haq to reach a triple-hundred. He has himself been critical of the pitch, but Younis counted himself lucky to complete the achievement on a “cemented” track. “I dedicate this effort to my family, who have always prayed for me and backed me in difficult times, and my friends, team-mates.”With the pressure of avoiding the follow-on on them, Younis and the other Pakistan batsman adopted a cautious approach, and their 574 for 5 took 202 overs; in contrast Sri Lanka made 644 for 7 declared in 155.2. “On this wicket runs were not easy and that too against spinners like Murali [Muttiah Muralitharan] because the ball was skidding on it.”Younis has been at the crease for most of the innings. He arrived shortly before stumps on the second day, and managed to bat out two more. “I’m still feeling good and I have a couple of more hours of batting strength left in me and I will try my best. My body is in good shape,” he said. “My first target was to avoid the follow-on but now the target is to come on equal first-innings points with Sri Lanka. If we score 30-40 more than they did it will be good for us.”Younis said there was “nothing left in the game”, and he did not expect any fifth-day surprises. “The wicket is slow and the ball is breaking but it’s not like that it’s unplayable. The ball is not gripping and there’s nothing left in the wicket.”Younis also played a good host, saying that besides testing his bowlers, a declaration was due since otherwise it would be “an injustice to the Sri Lankans” who have fielded for 200-odd overs. “We can also come in this position in future,” he said. “Cricket’s charm should be there and we will give them around 40 to 50 overs to bat.”Younis may have tackled the likes of Murali and Ajantha Mendis during his innings, but he felt it did not match up to his match-winning 267 against India in Bangalore in 2005. “I think the Bangalore innings was more important because we won that match and managed to draw the series. I rate that innings more highly than this one.” Nor did he think it was better than Inzamam’s triple against New Zealand in Lahore in 2002. “Inzamam’s triple-century was made in intense heat. I played that match. He hit around 12-13 sixes [he hit nine]. He was out of form and was struggling. I watched that innings from the dressing room. Inzy ‘s innings was top-class.”I was lucky – it’s hot in Karachi but there’s a breeze in the afternoon which makes things good.”Younis could face a tricky call if he is close to 400 when a declaration is needed. “In my mind only the team plan matters if I come close to 400 I would give message to my team whether they want me to stay for couple of more overs. Records are not important for me; for me the team comes first.”