All posts by h716a5.icu

Danish Kaneria, the Pakistan legspinner, has denied any involvement in the “match irregularities” that Essex police are investigating following what is believed to be a televised Pro40 game during the last English season

Osman Samiuddin and Andrew McGlashan12-Apr-2010Danish Kaneria, the Pakistan legspinner, has denied any involvement in the “match irregularities” that Essex Police are investigating, following allegations that are believed to centre around a televised Pro40 game during the last English season.The controversy came to light on Friday evening when a short statement confirmed a police investigation had been launched, and Kaneria’s was the first name linked. He was Essex’s overseas player in 2009 and is due to play for them again this season although his arrival has been delayed by a clash with the PCB’s Pentangular domestic tournament.”I was shocked when I woke up that day and saw these reports,” he said. “They are totally baseless. I have always performed with all my heart and commitment for Essex and the results are there for everyone to see. I helped the side get promoted last season.”Zakir Khan, the PCB’s director of cricket operations, said that Kaneria would be spared disciplinary action unless and until further evidence came to light. “I think it’s very important that first these allegations are proven,” Zakir told reporters at Lord’s. “Then, of course, action will be taken.”Kaneria also confirmed that he plans to return to Essex once his commitments in Pakistan are complete. “For me Pakistan always comes first and I want to get back into the ODI side,” he said. “I was asked to play in the Pentangular and I am going to do that before joining Essex again later.”It is understood that Kaneria is seeking legal advice on how to proceed, while there are also questions being raised in official circles as to why Kaneria’s name was made public so quickly, unlike the local English player involved.The inquiry is based on spot-fixing, which unlike traditional match-fixing (where the end result is the important aspect), is based on betting around small moments within a match, for example how many runs will come off a certain over, or how many no-balls or wides will be sent down. There is the potential for these elements of a game to be manipulated with the final result being unaffected.Sources close to the investigation have told Cricinfo that anyone found guilty would face “very serious punishments” but the concern for the game is how to crack down on the illegal betting market in an era of satellite television and easy internet access.Any county game that is shown on television in the UK is also available in India and Pakistan and that opens the way for the illegal market of betting, which is still believed to be rife on the subcontinent despite extensive attempts to clean up the game in the wake of the Hansie Cronje scandal in 2000.However, despite the links to the subcontinent, the source said a strong UK-based involvement shouldn’t be ruled out.

A big update has emerged on Rangers wide man Ryan Kent, regarding potential interest in his services…

What’s the talk?

The Athletic’s Aston Villa reporter Gregg Evans has ruled out the Premier League side making a move for the Gers forward in January.

A fan sent in a question asking whether or not Steven Gerrard will return to Ibrox to pinch some of his former players, with Gregg giving a snippet on Kent and Glen Kamara.

He replied:

“Kamara has been on Villa’s watch-list in the past, so he’s an interesting one but having just signed a new deal at Rangers, it looks unlikely in January.  It wouldn’t surprise me to see Villa wait until the summer to bring in a new midfielder if they can’t get a top target either, unless there’s another injury to add to Nakamba’s setback, then they will need to increase the numbers.

“I’m pretty sure it’s a no to Kent. Villa already have lots of options in the attacking areas.”

Big boost

Rangers fans will surely be delighted with this update as it suggests that the ex-Liverpool man will not be heading to Villa Park in January.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst will want to keep as many of his best players as possible and a lack of firm interest in Kent will come as a welcome relief. The Kamara update is slightly more worrying heading into next summer, but Evans claiming that a move is ‘unlikely’ in January is another boost for the side.

In the league this season, the Finland international has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.04 across 17 starts. The midfielder has completed 91% of his passes and won 54% of his duels, whilst chipping in with one goal and two assists.

Last term in the Premiership, Kent managed ten goals and nine assists as the Gers won the title. He averaged a terrific SofaScore rating of 7.23, showing that he can perform consistently to a high level in the division. This is why he is a crucial player for the club and why losing him in January would be a major blow.

Therefore, fans will be delighted with this latest update on Aston Villa’s plans for next month and the slim chances of them trying to sign Kent or Kamara to bolster their squad.

AND in other news, GVB could ruin Rangers’ title charge with major January gamble, fans would be livid… 

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s interest in Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has claimed that PIF are hopeful of completing a deal for the defender and does not think he will be the last of any new additions.

He Tweeted: “Newcastle’s owners are hoping to make Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier their first signing this week. Atletico boss Diego Simeone said today: ‘Nowadays when a player wants to leave, he cannot be retained.’ Trippier set to be the first of potentially 4+ signings this window.”

Excitement

This update will surely leave Newcastle fans feeling excited as they prepare for a month of action off the pitch as well as on it. PIF appear set to splash the cash in the market and Downie’s Tweet brings with it the promise of multiple arrivals to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad, starting with Trippier.

Supporters will be buzzing with this for multiple reasons. Firstly, the signing of the England international could be an excellent one for the club. The Magpies have struggled badly in defence this season and bringing in an experienced top-flight performer could improve their backline.

Norwich are the only side in the division who have conceded as many goals as Newcastle (42) and they have only kept one clean sheet in the league, which came in their 1-0 win over Burnley – their only three points of the campaign so far.

Trippier is coming in after helping Atletico to keep an outstanding 16 clean sheets in 28 La Liga matches last season in Spain. In that time, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.29 and registered six assists, showing that he was a crucial part of their success as he produced superb displays week-in-week-out.

Therefore, fans will be buzzing with his potential arrival at St. James’ Park as he could come in and produce those types of performances in black and white in the coming months.

Also, the supporters will be excited by Downie’s claim that he could be one of four or more new signings. They can look forward to plenty of activity in the coming weeks in regards to incomings and that could get fans eagerly awaiting further updates on who they may be seeing play for the club in the second half of the season.

AND in other news, Howe must seal NUFC swoop for “incredible” 105-goal ‘terminator’, he’s Demba Ba 2.0…

Marlon Samuels failed to fire on his comeback to the Jamaica team but the rest of the top-order batsmen contributed significantly to a match-winning total against USA

Cricinfo staff22-May-2010
ScorecardDanza Hyatt scored 73 for Jamaica•Associated PressMarlon Samuels failed to fire on his return to the Jamaica team but the rest of the top-order batsmen contributed significantly to a match-winning total against USA at Lauderhill in the first of three matches. Jamaica made 307 in their 50 overs after which their bowlers skittled the hosts for 175, securing a comfortable 132-run victory.The game was a comeback for Samuels, who was slapped with a two-yearban for breaking International Cricket Council rules relating to “receivingmoney, benefit or other reward which could bring him or the game of cricketinto disrepute.”Jamaica’s openers, Danza Hyatt and Donovan Pagon, added 122 for the first wicket after Tamar Lambert won the toss. Hyatt made 73 off 84 balls, and was the first wicket to fall in the 23rd over, while Pagon went on to reach 97. He added 40 runs for the second wicket with Samuels, who was dismissed for 11, and found support in his captain Lambert.Lambert went on to make a half-century at nearly a run a ball to steer Jamaica past 300. USA used as many as eight bowlers, among whom offspinner Asad Ghous has the best figues – 2 for 42, including the wickets of Hyatt and Lambert.USA’s chase got off to a disastrous start with opener Carl Wright getting run out off the first ball. His partner, Jamaica-born Orlando Baker, top-scored with 56 but left-arm medium-pacer Krishmar Santokie struck twice in the eighth over to reduce the hosts to 25 for 3. From there a steady fall of wickets crippled the chase and USA were all out for 175 in the 49th over.

Virender Sehwag has backed Yuvraj Singh to make a speedy comeback to the Indian team following his axing from the squad for the Asia Cup

Cricinfo staff09-Jun-2010Virender Sehwag has backed Yuvraj Singh to make a speedy return to the Indian team after his axing from the squad for the Asia Cup. Sehwag also said that his shoulder had healed completely as India prepare to head to Sri Lanka next week.”Times like these come because of [a lack of] form, but I’m sure he will sort out his fitness and batting skills and make a comeback soon,” Sehwag said. “All he needs is to spend time on his own and think about his game.”Yuvraj averaged 24.70 in his last 11 ODIs, and had a highest of 43 in 14 games in IPL 2010. His fitness in the recent past has come in for criticism and he was also issued a show-cause notice by the BCCI for an alleged pub brawl in St Lucia following India’s exit from the World Twenty20. Kris Srikkanth, the chairman of selectors, said fielding and fitness were two important factors considered when picking the Asia Cup squad.Sehwag overcame his fitness issues in time to make the Asia Cup squad. A shoulder injury sustained during the IPL had ruled him out of India’s ICC World Twenty20 campaign and the opener was rested from the ongoing tour to Zimbabwe to give him time to recover. He said the rest and rehabilitation had worked. “My shoulder has healed,” he told CNN-IBN. “I worked on my shoulders in the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore and I’m fully fit now.”Sehwag also backed the younger Indian batsmen, saying they would overcome their susceptibility against short-pitched bowling in due time. “People said the same thing about me. Give them some time and they would get better as they get experienced. Once they play more than 100 ODIs, they would do well. [Suresh] Raina, Rohit [Sharma], Gautam [Gambhir] – they would be ready by the time you have the World Cup.”

Newcastle United are now eyeing Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti as a potential alternative to Lille’s Sven Botman in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks had suggested the Magpies were making a move for Botman, with claims that Eddie Howe’s side had even seen a sizeable bid for him turned down by the Ligue 1 champions.

Now, The Daily Mail have suggested that the Tyneside club have turned their attentions towards Barcelona’s Umtiti as the man to bolster their back-line.

The report adds that a loan deal is being discussed between the two clubs and that there will be no option to buy included, with the Frenchman keen to return to Spain at the end of the season

He’s way better than Clark

Whilst Umtiti’s injury record is certainly something to be concerned about, there’s no question that bringing him to St James’ Park would represent a significant upgrade on the players Newcastle already have at the club, not least Ciaran Clark.

The defender has won numerous trophies at club level with Barcelona, including two La Liga titles, two domestic cups, and another pair of super cups too – that’s not to mention the World Cup he helped win with France back in 2018.

As per Whoscored, Umtiti’s career average of 1.4 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game is significantly better than that of Clark this season in the Premier League (1.1 and 1.1 respectively).

The Barcelona man is also comfortably better on the ball too, boasting a far better passing accuracy at 88.1%, and completing far more of his attempted long balls too.

Previously dubbed as “world-class” by Eric Abidal, the £6m-rated Umtiti could bring his wealth of experience and quality to this Newcastle back-line.

Meanwhile, Craig Hope has delivered a major Newcastle update…

Ravi Bopara celebrated his England call-up with an unbeaten century at Chelmsford but it was not enough to save Essex from defeat against Somerset in their Friends Provident t20 battle

11-Jul-2010
ScorecardRavi Bopara celebrated his England call-up with an unbeaten century at Chelmsford but it was not enough to save Essex from defeat against Somerset in their Friends Provident t20 battle.Bopara’s 105 led Essex to a total of 173 for 6 but the visitors were to ease to victory with six wickets and five balls to spare. Bopara battled throughout the innings, although he needed a big slice of luck when Murali Kartik put down an easy catch at midwicket after making just 16.He was to make good his escape by going on to reach his century by smashing the last three balls of the innings sent down by Kieron Pollard for six. Bopara struck six sixes and eight fours during his 62-ball effort and so dominated the innings that the next highest contributor was Mark Pettini with 21.But Somerset were soon in the ascendancy when they replied as openers Marcus Trescothick and Peter Trego raised the 50 in the fifth over. Trescothick did not produce the fireworks that saw him complete a 13-ball half-century in the previous game against Hampshire, but he still produced a series of thrilling strokes.He completed his 50, his third in succession in the competition, and went on to make 78 from 51 deliveries.Trescothick was finally caught on the cover boundary attacking left arm spinner Tim Phillips but not before he had helped himself to three sixes and nine fours.His departure came in the 15th over following a stand of 101 in a dozen overs with James Hildreth, who was content to play the supporting role.Hildreth went on to make 43 from 35 balls before he was trapped lbw by Bopara, leaving Zander de Bruyn and Jos Buttler to lead Somerset to a success which enabled them to leapfrog Essex in the table.They now occupy second place and will be seeking to at least occupy that position over the remaining matches to guarantee themselves a home tie in the quarter-finals.

Some Wolves fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news involving Adama Traore and Ousmane Dembele.

As per Sport (via The Daily Express), FC Barcelona are now planning to offer the latter to Bruno Lage’s team in exchange for the Spain international, as both players continue to refuse to sign a new deal at their respective clubs.

While Traore still has 18 months left on his, Dembele’s contract is up in the summer, and so it may now be an option for both to move elsewhere.

Comparing their stats in their respective domestic leagues so far this season, Traore has recorded no goals or assists, while Dembele only has two assists to his name (WhoScored).

The Frenchman is also however averaging more shots (2.8), key passes (1.7) and crosses (1.8) per game (WhoScored), and is one year younger than Traore, suggesting that a swap deal could well be a good move for the Midlands club.

Wolves fans on Dembele transfer news

These WWFC supporters buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it would be ‘incredible’:

“Would be incredible”

Credit: @ethanlilley1877

“Make it happen!”

Credit: @fowls21wwfc

“YES”

Credit: @pjsaturday63

“Get this done now!”

Credit: @CremDeLaCrem86

“HAHAHAHAHAHA ANNOUNCE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“Barcelona our feeders club. We are massive”

Credit: @samburts

In other news, find out who the Wanderers are now interested in signing here!

Wolves have rejected Tottenham’s £15million bid for Adama Traore, according to reliable journalist John Percy.

The Lowdown: Constant Traore exit rumour

The 25-year-old has been continually linked with an exit from Molineux in recent weeks, whether it be for the January transfer window or this summer.

Bruno Lage seemingly doesn’t see Traore as part of his plans moving forward, with some reports even suggesting the manager has green-lighted an exit, so it feels inevitable that he will leave the club in the near future.

Spurs are clearly the front-runners to snap up the Spaniard and a key update has now emerged regarding their pursuit of him.

The Latest: Wolves turn down £15m bid

According to The Telegraph‘s Percy, Wolves have turned down a £15million bid for Traore from the north Londoners, as the journalist claimed it is “becoming a bit of a saga” on Twitter.

Wanderers value the wide man at £20million and won’t budge until that amount is met.

The Verdict: Up the offer, Spurs

Spurs know what they have to do in order to get their man and it would benefit all parties if they simply up their offer and get a deal completed.

Traore himself is likely to jump at the chance of a fresh challenge – he has only managed ten starts in the Premier League this season – and Wolves can hopefully then use the money on a new signing this month.

While the Spain international has done good things in a Wolves shirt, his tendency to flatter to deceive means it is time for him to move on, with just 11 goals to his name in 153 appearances for the club.

In other news, some Wolves fans have reacted to a transfer exit rumour. Read more here.

World Sports Group has warned the BCCI that it will take necessary steps to enforce its agreement after the BCCI terminated the IPL media rights on grounds that WSG negotiated an improper payment from MSM

Tariq Engineer30-Jun-2010Sports marketing agency World Sports Group has warned the BCCI that it will take “whatever steps are necessary” to enforce its business agreement after the BCCI terminated the IPL media rights on the grounds that WSG negotiated an “improper” payment from MSM (Satellite) PTE LTD, the parent company of the league’s Indian broadcaster.In a letter to BCCI secretary N Srinivasan, WSG chairman and CEO Seamus O’Brian termed the charges levelled against the agency as baseless and said that the facilitation fee MSM had agreed to pay his company was legitimate.In 2009, MSM agreed to pay WSG a facilitation fee of Rs 425 crore as compensation for WSG relinquishing the Indian portion of the IPL media rights. The BCCI recently asserted that it had been unaware of the deal and having learnt of it, believes the money rightfully belongs to it, not WSG. The board subsequently cancelled its contract with WSG in a letter dated 28th June.In the same letter, Srinivasan accused WSG of colluding with suspended IPL chairman Lalit Modi to cheat the board. “We strongly believe that the agreement was signed by you and Mr. Lalit Modi to defraud the BCCI of the amount of at least $80 million,” Srinivasan said. Modi had committed the board to compensating WSG if MSM defaulted on payment of the fee, something Srinivasan said Modi did not have the authority to do.In reply, O’Brian argued the BCCI made it plain to everyone since the beginning of the IPL that the chairman’s signature was the sole requirement for any contract and “binding on all matters.” To backtrack on that arrangement now would give everyone who signed agreements with Modi reason to believe the board had committed fraud by “telling the world that one of its officers had powers that he did not.”He went on to say that the BCCI and its advisors agreed that the board would compensate WSG if Sony defaulted on its payment and that the BCCI “needs to take responsibility for reading their contracts before and after they are signed, and not to feign knowledge when it best suits them.”On the subject of the fee itself, O’Brien said WSG does not do business without the opportunity to make a fair return, so it is no surprise the agency was compensated for giving up the Indian media rights. According to him, WSG has “considerable correspondence” with MSM on how the fee was agreed.”Your claim that this money belong to the BCCI is baseless,” O’Brian said. “On 15 March 2009, the BCCI agreed to license the Indian media rights to WSG (Mauritius) for Rs 4791.89 crores and on 25 March 2009 Sony entered into a license agreement to pay the BCCI Rs 4791.89 crores. Had an agreement not been in place, WSG would most likely have sub-licensed one of the other broadcasters it had been in negotiations with over the period (or indeed a sub-license with Sony itself), and any margin would also have been for our account and not the BCCI’s.”Furthermore, O’Brian contended that if WSG (Mauritius) and not signed the agreement on March 15, the BCCI would have found itself deadlocked in a contract dispute and without a broadcaster mere weeks before IPL 2. He also takes credit for the increased value of the new rights contract over the original one signed in 2008, saying “this would not and could not have been achieved without WSG.”O’Brian insisted it was impossible for BCCI to be unaware of the agreement as it was ratified by the IPL governing council. “Your claim that the BCCI was ‘never made aware’ of our agreement with Sony can simply not be true. The BCCI-Sony contract, subsequently ratified by the IPL governing council upon which you and many other BCCI officials sit, clearly references such an agreement, and what is more, it clearly references the fact that the payment obligations were created between Sony and WSG (Mauritius).”MSM had already paid WSG Rs 125 crores and was to pay the balance over the next seven years. However, MSM agreed last week to pay the BCCI the facilitation fee of Rs 425 crores instead, and has filed a suit in the Bombay High Court to recover the Rs 125 crores it has already paid WSG.