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Suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi is set to reply to the third show cause notice issued by BCCI, repeating his demand that Shashank Manohar and N Srinivasan recuse themselves from participating in his trial

Cricinfo staff15-Jun-2010Suspended IPL commissioner Lalit Modi is set to reply to the third show cause notice issued by BCCI, and repeat his request that the board president Shashank Manohar and secretary N Srinivasan recuse themselves from participating in the proceedings. Later tonight Modi will email his response to the notice, which accuses him of irregularities in the awarding of theatrical rights during the third IPL season. Mehmood Abdi, Modi’s legal counsel, will submit the hard copy tomorrow.”There is a continuous issuance of notices wherein the allegations are wholly misconceived and irresponsible,” Abdi told PTI. “The notices are being issued despite full knowledge that no material warranting their issuance existed.”Abdi was highly critical of Srinivasan’s role in the proceedings. “Modi’s application seeking Srinivasan’s exclusion from proceedings against him is still undecided,” he said. “Despite this, the honorary secretary continues to issue further notices to him. Therefore in the interest of justice and fair play it is incumbent upon Srinivasan to totally exclude himself.”Abdi said there was no need for the third show cause notice and that the BCCI had exaggerated a non-issue. “It seems that in BCCI somebody has not done his homework properly, otherwise the matter would not have necessitated any show cause. It’s a matter of routine internal procedure and record. Still we are submitting our explanation covering all angles and concerning all the issues. Though I don’t want to trivialise the issue, still with a view to slap another show cause notice, a mountain has been made out of a molehill,” Abdi said. He also said the reply would consist of approximately 50 pages, while the attachments would consist of nearly two dozen.

Shahid Afridi told Salman Butt he was his “main guy” before the opener produced a Man-of-the-Match performance against Bangladesh

Cricinfo staff01-May-2010Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan captain, told Salman Butt he was his “main guy” before the opener produced a Man-of-the-Match performance in the 21-run victory over Bangladesh. Butt and Kamran Akmal, who both posted 73, started the contest with a partnership of 142, but it was Butt’s smooth display that stood out.He employed more traditional shots during his 46-ball stay and collected eight fours and two sixes to set up the total of 172 for 3. The effort impressed Afridi, who had been watching Butt closely since a pre-tournament camp in Pakistan.”I thought maybe he was going to the West Indies with me but I don’t think he will get a chance,” Afridi said. “But when I saw him he was batting very well, especially in the first six overs. I told Salman Butt: ‘You are my main guy.'”He was playing proper shots as well. In the six overs, you don’t need two [Sanath] Jayasuriyas, two [Virender] Sehwags or two Afridis.”After six overs against Bangladesh Butt was 15 off 10 balls and he maintained a high tempo as the team’s score proved to be too big for their opponents. Both sides now look to their final group games against Australia.Pakistan, the defending champions, face Michael Clarke’s team in St Lucia on Sunday and Afridi said they were in the right mood following their opening success. “The guys here are feeling good and are very united,” he said. “These guys here are my big players.”Bangladesh will run into Australia in Barbados on Wednesday and must win to have any chance of reaching the second round. “Pakistan have a very important game [on Sunday] and mathematically there’s still a possibility [that Bangladesh can qualify],” he said. “In Barbados there will be bounce and carry. We would have loved to have played Australia here.”

Crystal Palace have not made any signings as of yet during the winter transfer window, which is unexpected when you look at how active the club was in making acquisitions in the summer.

Despite no official bids though, the club has been linked to a number of players during January.

Palace have been touted to young players in the forward line specifically, with Christian Benteke turning 31 recently and Vieira on a mission to inject youth in a squad that had the oldest average age in the Premier League before his arrival in the summer.

Vieira brought in a number of young players upon his appointment during the summer, including Conor Gallagher and Odsonne Edouard, who have both made an incredible impact on the side.

For context, they have been involved in 19 goals between them, and as a result, the club’s boss is clearly intending to continue his youth revolution as the club has been linked with 22-year-old Eddie Nketiah, and 21-year-old Bamba Dieng this month.

Whilst Gunners striker, Nketiah, has been ruled out of a move by his manager Mikel Arteta, we can focus our attention on the strengths that Marseille striker, Dieng, can offer Palace.

He could become the perfect replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is not a regular choice for Vieira with just eight appearances this season and has been linked with a move away from the club, cutting his loan deal six months early at Palace.

Dieng has been impressive for Marseille, with his talents not going unnoticed after he was hailed “a Didier Drogba” type player by El Hadji Diouf who sang the young striker’s praises last year:

“He’s a striker, a Didier Drogba. All he can do is score goals. He is a young person with a future. All I have to say is keep his head on his shoulders, keep working. He is an attacker who ends up in the box.”

According to Squawka, when you compare the attacking output from Dieng at Marseille this season, to Mateta’s campaign with the Eagles, the young Senegalese forward has three more goals, a better conversion rate, over twice as many shots on target and almost double the passes completed than his counterpart.

If the statistics shown are anything to go by, Vieira clearly has an important decision to make on the future of his forward line with many choices he could make over the next few months.

Nketiah will be out of contract in the summer and thus, potentially available on a free transfer if he refuses to commit his future to Arsenal, and £30k-per-week Mateta’s 18-month loan deal also comes to an end in June too.

Therefore, the French coach will need to decide if he will sign the player on a permanent contract, but with Dieng linked it would be hard not to consider his attacking output and the potential he offers at just 21 years old.

After all, he looks the perfect player for Vieira to sign while axing the rather disappointing Mateta.

In other news: Reliable journalist gives update on Jean-Philippe Mateta

A number of Liverpool supporters have laughed off claims that the Reds will have to pay £50m to sign Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer.

Jurgen Klopp didn’t make any midfield additions in the summer transfer window last year, instead persevering with the options already at his disposal.

However, Liverpool have struggled in the middle of the park at times this season, with age arguably catching up with the likes of James Milner and Jordan Henderson.

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In addition, Thiago, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott have all been out injured, highlighting the need for reinforcements to be made in midfield in the near future.

Bissouma is one player who Liverpool have been linked with signing in recent months, and according to The Athletic [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], he could be available for £50m this summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-16/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans react to Bissouma update

These Reds fans have reacted to the news on Twitter, saying it is too much to spend on the Brighton midfielder, especially given FSG’s reputation for frugality in recent transfer windows and that Transfermarkt value him at just £22.5m.

“£50million is an absolute joke”

Credit: @robertorebelo_

“Would rather spend that kind of money on Diaz”

Credit: @SivoriJoshua

“Non-news. FSG won’t pay even if the asking price is £15m”

Credit: @JamesHoffman88

“£50m? No thanks”

Credit: @LewYNWA

“FSG won’t pay that”

Credit: @97_BOSS_97

“Yeah, not gonna happen”

Credit: @LFCAJ_

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming at a Fabrizio Romano transfer claim. Read more here.

This January transfer window will be a pivotal one for Leeds United and their top-flight status.

It may also be a crucial one for Marcelo Bielsa who is under pressure to keep his job following a torrid season so far.

What’s the word?

Leeds headed into Christmas in 16th place and although they still have a cushion to the foot of the table, it might not be too long before they get dragged into a relegation battle.

Thus, the Whites must go against their winter traditions of rarely signing anyone by strengthening significantly next month.

One player who is a potential target for Victor Orta is Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Football FanCast exclusively revealed earlier this year that Leeds’ recruitment director had already spoken to him about a move and now the Express suggest that their chase of the attacker could be reunited in 2022.

He is currently valued at £16.2m via Transfermarkt.

Forget James

Last summer, Leeds finally managed to bring Dan James to Elland Road as he departed Manchester United for pastures new.

The zippy Welsh forward was in the building and was set to sign for the Elland Road outfit back in 2019 but a move fell through at the 11th hour despite documents being signed and James posing with a Leeds shirt.

Yet, two years on, they finally got their man a few months ago.

Sadly, his performances since moving to Yorkshire haven’t really been up to scratch. The Wales international has featured 16 times for Bielsa’s side but has only registered a solitary goal and two assists.

That form has led to considerable criticism, particularly from Darren Bent. He told Football Insider:

“The only thing about Dan James at times, for me, he’s a little bit headless.

“He’s shown great potential, when he first went to United he played really well, scored a few goals but at times he for me he’s fouled or he shoots sometimes when he should pass it, he’ll pass when he should shoot.”

Though, with Leeds’ mass injury problems, it’s been hard to ignore him in the starting XI.

That said, by signing Kvaratskhelia this winter, Bielsa could finally be granted the license to axe James from the starting XI.

The 20-year-old currently plays his football in Russia for Rubin Kazan and has proven to be a particularly tricky customer.

Although he’s only bagged one goal, he’s registered three assists and registered a whopping 2.7 dribbles per match. For context, that’s more than any player at Thorp Arch, including Raphinha who has managed 2.4 per game.

Described as a player with “crazy technique” by Russian coach Denis Bushuev, he has also been compared to two of the trickiest wingers we’ve seen in football.

“He is from the same constellation of players as Ribery or Robben,” Bushuev admitted.

Consequently, it would appear as if Kvaratskhelia would be an eye-catching signing for Leeds this winter. Not only would he add greater quality to the squad but it would give James a chance to rest on the sidelines and reapply himself.

AND in other news, Orta masterclass: Leeds struck dream deal with £36m-rated “magician” who’s “a storm”…

Manchester United are reportedly the “only serious bidder” (Sport Bild, via Sport Witness) in the race for Erling Haaland, with Ralf Rangnick seemingly looking to make an instant impact in his newly appointed role as manager of the club.

The Red Devils have been struggling for some time to establish dominance in both the Premier League and European tournaments, which has led to them not winning a single trophy since 2017 when they won the Europa League with Jose Mourinho, setting the club up for their longest trophy drought in 31 years.

Rangnick has made no secret that he wants to make changes at Old Trafford: “My opinion on winter transfers is clear. It needs to be a player who improves the quality, who improves the team to get better, it needs to be a high-quality player, no matter in which area of the pitch.”

With that being said, it is no wonder that Haaland is on the radar for Manchester United, with the youngster scoring 19 goals and bagging five assists already for Borussia Dortmund this season in just 15 appearances.

The 21 year old, who has been hailed “lethal” by Thierry Henry, has impressively scored more goals (76) than he has played games (74) for the Bundesliga side.

“Other players will go on the wing – he wants to stay within the frame of the net. Between the two posts, he knows he is lethal,” Henry said.

“He’s so powerful, by the way. He just wants to run in behind and the way he finishes is ridiculous.”

What’s the problem?

There is however one major issue with Haaland, which stands in the way of the potential signing – his agent, Mino Raiola, who has been vocal on many occasions about his issues with the Manchester club.

Raiola, who is the agent of current United player, Paul Pogba, has made many controversial statements about the club over the years of his involvement and dealings with them.

The super agent launched a scathing attack on the club recently saying: “It’s a club out of touch with reality and without a sporting project. I wouldn’t take anyone there. They would even ruin [Diego] Maradona, Pele and [Paolo] Maldini.”

The 54 year old has been in a back and forth with Manchester United for a while over Pogba, who is out of contract in the summer, but if Haaland was to seal a deal with Rangnick, they will need to build bridges to develop a positive working relationship.

There is every chance that Raiola could entice his client to go elsewhere due to the fractured relationship with the Red Devils, with a large number of successful clubs also interested in the 21 year old, including Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

Given the frankly ridiculous goal record and list of plaudits boasted by Haaland, missing out due to the issues with Raiola would be a colossal blow for Rangnick, especially if he joins Manchester City instead.

In other news: Ralf Rangnick must axe Anthony Martial

There was late drama at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, as Naeem Islam defied all odds to steer Bangladesh to a narrow one-wicket win

Cricinfo staff05-Nov-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
Naeem Islam’s heroics overshadowed what had been a virtuoso batting effort in the morning from Brendan Taylor•Associated Press

The dead rubber provided what this series has sorely lacked – a close finish. Naeem Islam was the hero for Bangladesh, conjuring a one-wicket victory with an unbeaten 73 in which he exploited the Powerplays perfectly. Naeem’s heroics overshadowed what had been a virtuoso batting effort in the morning from Brendan Taylor, whose unbeaten 118, with very little support form the rest, was the difference between a familiar Zimbabwean batting failure and a defendable total.Naeem had last man and uber-rabbit Nazmul Hossain for company, with Bangladesh still needing 35 for victory. The many singles that he turned down to remain on strike had the crowd getting restive, but Naeem had them chanting his name in joy with three consecutive sixes off Chamu Chibhabha in the 48th over to give the final twist to a topsy-turvy match. Those three deliveries turned Chibhabha from hero to zero, after he had put Zimbabwe in charge with a double-wicket maiden in the 43rd over.Bangladesh had lost wickets at key junctures of their chase. The openers failed (Tamim Iqbal retired hurt early with a hand injury, and only returned at No. 10) and MohammadAshraful was run out by a brilliant bit of fielding from Stuart Matsikenyeri, who latched onto the ball quickly at short midwicket and threw down the stumps. Raqibul Hasan was extremely scratchy, and lucky to survive after plenty of swings and misses against Chris Mpofu, who was getting the ball to swing away from the right-hander. Matsikenyeri also did his bit with the ball, taking two key wickets – of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim.The coach Jamie Siddons had talked about how the past few victorious months have taught Bangladesh how to win, and they showed that by refusing to give up in the face of several setbacks. One example of that was when their most dependable batsman, Shakib, was dismissed leaving Bangladesh stuttering at 105 for 5. The home team fought back though with a mature partnership between Naeem and Mahmudullah, the pair adding 69 patient runs with both batsmen abandoning the flashy shots that has cost Bangladesh dear on so many occasions.There would have been no need for the nail-biting and tensions had Taylor been dismissed cheaply in the morning. His maiden international century had bailed Zimbabwe’s fragile batting from yet another embarrassing display, but it all amounted to nothing. Bangladesh’s spinners proved too crafty for most of the visitors’ batsmen again, and Zimbabwe were reduced to 113 for 7 in the 29th over. However, Zimbabwe’s lower order showed more spine than most of their specialist batsmen, and supported Taylor well to lift the total beyond 200.Bangladesh again stuck to their policy of filling the side with spinners, and it again paid off as the slow bowlers took all nine wickets to fall. Abdur Razzak has regularly picked up wickets with the new ball, and today was no different as he left Zimbabwe at 18 for 2 in the eighth over.Elton Chigumbura dominated a stabilising 62-run stand with Taylor, smashing six fours in a run-a-ball 38 before being foxed by a quicker one from offspinner Mahmudullah. Things got worse for Zimbabwe two deliveries later when another quicker one fooled Malcolm Waller. Taylor could only watch in frustration as three more wickets went down quickly. Later, Shakib bagged two wickets in three balls, of Forster Mutizwa and Chamu Chibhabha, in the 29th over.Taylor had quietly moved along to 65, with only 22 runs in boundaries, but steadily pushed Zimbabwe to 181 for 8 by the end of 45 overs with the help of Ray Price. He launched an assault in the final over, ransacking 19 runs to dent Mahmudullah’s figures.

Newcastle United have been dealt a blow in their bid to appoint Ramon Planes as their director of football.

What’s the latest?

According to reports from Spain (via Chronicle Live), Newcastle are one of a number of clubs interested in making a move for the former Barcelona technical secretary, who is thought to be interested in taking up a role away from Spain for his next job.

However, in a further twist to the story, 90min has claimed that AS Roma have now initiated talks with the 54-year-old, while Bayer Leverkusen are also believed to be interested in the Spaniard.

Fans will be furious

With the January transfer window edging closer with each passing day, the fact that Newcastle’s new owners appear no closer to appointing a director of football is sure to have left fans of the club furious.

Indeed, the Magpies have been linked with a host of names regarding the position, with Michael Emenalo, Marc Overmars, Michael Edwards, Brian Marwood, Paul Mitchell and Luis Campos all being touted as potential targets for the club.

However, in recent comments cited by Chronicle Live, Mark Douglas suggested that the club are no closer to making an appointment, with the journalist stating: “It may not be the news people want to hear, but I think there’s still a fair bit of work to be done on getting the power lines sorted behind the scenes.

“Some elements of the consortium would go one way and others another way. Michael Emenalo has been mentioned and has several rounds of talks with the hierarchy but it’s getting those things decided.

“I heard a few weeks that they hadn’t decided fully on the structure so that is ponderous in my opinion and they need to get it all sorted before January. It’s something they do need to resolve fairly quickly.”

As such, the news that PIF look set to miss out on yet another target for the role in Ramon Planes, something that it would appear is due to their inability to agree on the club’s overall direction, will undoubtedly be a huge cause for concern amongst fans, who will certainly be hoping the club can make an appointment well ahead of the turn of the year.

After watching talks with Unai Emery fall flat, fans should be concerned over the strength of Amanda Staveley and co’s negotiation skills.

In other news: PIF could “easily” seal NUFC deal to kickstart Howe era in £76m-rated “golden boy”

Manchester United confirmed on Wednesday evening that centre-back Raphael Varane will be out for around a month with a hamstring issue.

And, as to be expected, a number of United fans have been reacting to the injury news on social media.

The 28-year-old only returned from a groin problem on the weekend in the 3-0 win over Tottenham and kept his place in the side against Atalanta on Tuesday.

However, the Frenchman had to be withdrawn in the first half with another muscle issue and was replaced by Mason Greenwood.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side went on to draw 2-2 in the Champions League, but they’ll now be without Varane once again for the foreseeable future. The first game Varane will miss will be against rivals Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime.

This is of course a huge blow for the Red Devils, with Harry Maguire out of form and no one else in the back line boasting the top level of experience of Varane, who has won a ridiculous four Champions League titles and ranks as the squad’s highest-rated centre-back this season, per Whoscored.

United fans react

Well-known page @utdreport shared the news regarding Varane on Twitter on Wednesday.

This is what these fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as a ‘big blow’ while one believed ‘another’ key player was rushed back too soon following recent reports on Maguire.

“Another key player rushed back from injury when it wasn’t necessary”

Credit: @T4rum_

“We’re finished”

Credit: @ITB0YJUNGKOOK

“Big blow”

Credit: @RasBhullar

“This is all on Ole. Rushed Maguire and now rushed Varane as well.”

Credit: @thathalfcastboy

“Yeah the pain just keeps coming”

Credit: @Mordiajohnson5

“we are so finished i’m in tears”

Credit: @pastaccino

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de passar por maus bocados no Campeonato Brasileiro, o Atlético-MG busca uma vaga no G6 da competição. Neste sábado, a equipe recebe o Palmeiras, às 16h, no Independência e, torcendo por um tropeço dos adversários, pode terminar a rodada ainda mais perto da zona de classificação para a Libertadores.

Ciente da importância de garantir uma vitória dentro de casa, o goleiro Victor destacou a dificuldade do confronto e elogiou o trabalho que Cuca vem fazendo no Palmeiras. O técnico comandava o Atlético-MG quando a equipe conquistou a Libertadores de 2013.

– Mais um jogo difícil, bem disputado. De equipe bem treinada, o Cuca é um grande treinador. A gente sabe o dia a dia dele, o que faz para motivar seus jogadores. Certo que será um jogo difícil, bem disputado, mas um jogo para a gente poder confirmar a nossa acensão na temporada, buscar uma melhor colocação no Campeonato Brasileiro. que a um jogo de fundamental importância para as nossas pretensões – declarou após o treino desta terça-feira.

Depois de conhecer a zona de rebaixamento do Campeonato Brasileiro, o Atlético-MG vem tentando retornar à boa fase. Dos últimos cinco jogos que disputou, saiu vitoriosa de quatro, sendo dois pela Primeira Liga. Atento, o volante Adílson não se deixa levar pela quantidade de vitórias e cobra esforço do elenco, para que números melhores comecem a aparecer.

– A gente retomou mais a confiança, havíamos passado por muitos problemas, muita gente ficou fora por muito tempo. Encontramos novamente um equilíbrio. As coisas têm acontecido, temos sofrido poucos gols também. Parece que tudo vai voltando ao normal. Claro que a gente sabe que não está tudo perfeito. Então, ‘pezinho no chão’ para a gente seguir fazendo esse bom trabalho – destacou.

O Galo ocupa o 10º lugar no Campeonato Brasileiro, com apenas dois pontos a menos que o Cruzeiro, último time na zona de classificação para a Libertadores. O Palmeiras, próximo adversário, está em quarto, com 36 pontos.