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It's a tale as old as time: the girl marrying the boy on the football team. But that tale is set to become a reality Tuesday after Taylor Swift unexpectedly announced her engagement to Travis Kelce after two years of dating.

Swift and Kelce's joyous news may have fallen on deaf ears to the Brads, Chads and dads out there, and somehow even one NFL coach. As the rest of the world celebrates what feels like a fairytale come true, we took a look back at the 10 biggest moments in the NFL power couple's love story.

The moments range from "Pinch me, I'm dreaming" to downright corny, yet they share the same invisible string connecting a world-class football player to a world-famous pop star for the rest of their lives (dare we say, some things bigger than sports).

MORE: One Taylor Swift Song to Describe Every NFL Team Entering the 2025 Season

Without any further ado, here we go…

10. It's Instagram official

A month before their engagement, Kelce sent Swift's fans into a frenzy after he shared an offseason photo dump of never-before-seen pictures with his then-girlfriend.

The youths call it "hard-launching," or "putting someone on the grid." Of course, Kelce and Swift had been going strong for nearly two years by then, so the relationship itself wasn't a surprise. The photos, however, were.

Kelce gave fans a rare glimpse of his personal life with Swift, from his vacations with their friends to romantic dinner dates. It marked a sizable relationship milestone for the couple and, in retrospect, served as a precursor of happy news to come.

9. Swift goes back to school at Tight End University

No one does Nashville like country-turned-pop singer Taylor Swift (and yes, we know she was born in Pennsylvania).

This year's Tight End University program saw Swift make a surprise guest appearance at her boyfriend's annual event, and she left behind an unforgettable mark on the stage. At the time, Swift hadn't performed in public since buying back her masters to her first six albums, and she chose—out of all places—a rowdy sports-centered shindig in Nashville to put on a special show.

Those in attendance were graced with a live version of one of her top hits, "Shake It Off:"

Add it to the lore.

8. Karma is the guy on the Chiefs

As much as Swift loves her easter eggs, she'll also drop the in-your-face hint from time to time. During her Eras Tour concert in Argentina in November 2023, she changed the lyrics in her song, "Karma," to pay a sweet tribute to Kelce.

Swift sang, "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs, coming straight home to me," changing the original word, "screen," to "Chiefs."

Given that this happened during the couple's early dating days, the small lyric tweak was, in fact, a really big deal.

Here's video of that cheeky moment, including Kelce's bashful reaction:

7. Finally meeting Queen Kylie and Shirtless Jason Kelce

If Kelce and Swift could be considered America's Royal Couple, Jason and Kylie are… the king and queen of Philly.

Swift first met Philly's royalty during a cold and wintry playoff game between the Chiefs and Bills in January 2024, and it honestly could not have been more iconic. There's Swift chatting it up with Ky in the suite. Swift watching a shirtless Jason leap out the window and howl at the moon. And later, Jason bringing the pop star small children for her to meet, because it was a nice thing to do.

Swift even recounted her experience at the game during her podcast debut:

"It was wild," Swift said. "All of a sudden, you're out there in the snow, you're handing me children through the window… 'Whose kid is that, Jason?'"

Which just so happens to be a good segue…

6. New neeeeews: Swift's podcast debut

As far as surprises go, Swift hopping on to announce her 12th album came out of left field.

There were too many priceless moments to count: the pet otter dream, Swift knowing and not knowing ball, the Super Bowl easter eggs, her emotional reaction to buying back her masters, the stories of Swift and Kelce's rosy domestic life. We'll be the first to admit that the Kelce brothers' bro-ey podcast can often drag on for too long, but with Swift as their very special guest, fans lapped it all up.

Both Swift and Kelce can now add breaking the internet and a new Guinness world record to their respective impressive resumes.

5. How it all started

Now we're getting into the heavy-hitters.

Kelce had a friendship bracelet and a dream, and Swift had a strict rule about not doing meet-and-greets during her Eras Tour. The Chiefs tight end publicly giving Swift a shout-out on his podcast was the equivalent of John Cusack boom-boxing it, and this romantic comedy looks like it'll get its happy ending after all.

"If you’re up on Taylor Swift concerts, there are friendship bracelets, and I received a bunch of them being there, but I wanted to give Taylor Swift one with my number on it," Kelce said. "Alright, nah."

Shoot your shot, fellas.

4. Don't drop the baby at Wembley

It's a little too early to be thinking of Kelce and Swift growing their family right now, but if they do choose to go down that path, they'll have the perfect story to tell their unborn child.

Last offseason, the Chiefs star made his one and only on-stage Eras Tour appearance at Wembley Stadium, going undercover as one of Swift's backup dancers during her set.

Fitted in a top hat and tuxedo, Kelce dazzled hundreds of thousands of Swifties in London with a brief but instantly memorable performance that had him thinking the whole time: "Do not drop the baby," as he was tasked with picking up Swift and carrying her to a couch during a transition between songs.

“I’m still cracking up/swooning over @killatrav’s Eras Tour debut. Never going to forget these shows,” Swift wrote in an Instagram post after the show.

Neither will we.

3. Swift's first Chiefs game at Arrowhead

The collective gasp when we saw Swift in the Chiefs suite during a September home game against the Bears. That's it. That's the blurb. Nothing else needs to be said.

2. Celebrating the Chiefs' 2023–24 Super Bowl win

As red confetti fluttered in the air and reporters swarmed the field, one photograph was shared 'round the world after the Chiefs' Super Bowl win in 2024: Kelce locking lips with Swift.

Kelce had just helped Kansas City clinch its second straight Lombardi Trophy in an overtime victory against the 49ers, and his night was sealed with a sweet kiss by his girlfriend, who flew to Las Vegas from Tokyo to watch him play.

That photo of Kelce and Swift is currently displayed at Arrowhead and has been named one of TIME's top 100 photos of the year. A picture is traditionally worth a thousand words, but this one just needs two: True love.

1. Put a (wedding) ring on it

Tell a friend: Kelce and Swift are engaged. After receiving a blessing from Swift's father, the Chiefs star planned a special proposal for Swift and popped the question in a picturesque garden in Missouri. The rest, as they say, is history.

Cole Palmer has missed recent national team call-ups due to a persistent groin injury and a fractured toe, hampering his involvement in England's 2026 World Cup planning. And there's more bad news for the Chelsea star as his absence from the official 2026 England calendar has caused some media speculation, with some fans worrying it is a "major hint" he could miss the World Cup.

Palmer overlooked by Three Lions 

The 2026 England calendar will be a popular stocking filler for many excited young football fans this Christmas, but they certainly won’t feature on anyone’s present list in the Palmer household. The players included features the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, and there’s even a space for Jack Grealish. But The Blues’ star forward and the man who scored the Three Lions’ sole goal in the Euro 2024 final against Spain doesn't make the cut. 

The England store website says: "Celebrate the England National Team every day of the year with this 2026 Calendar. Featuring vibrant imagery and key dates, it’s the perfect way to keep track of important events while showing your support."

However, sources from the FA have suggested that players were largely selected for the calendar based on appearances during the 2024/25 season for production deadlines, a campaign during which Palmer struggled with injury issues and limited playing time under manager Thomas Tuchel.

AdvertisementAFPIntrigue over Palmer's latest injury 

Palmer has had to sit out a number of matches recently with a variety of injuries, but the most recent injury to his toe has caused real intrigue, particularly regarding how it occurred. And team-mate Marc Cucurella has hinted it may have happened while playing popular football computer game FIFA. 

He told reporters on Monday: "To be fair, I don't believe it. It is true that these things can sometimes happen. I have had this a couple of times but I'm stronger than them, so I don't feel anything. It's a big upset for us because he's getting closer to playing with us, to train with us, and then now he needs to rest. But this is part of life, a part of footballers' lives, we have personal lives, and we have these kinds of problems, so hopefully he can recover fast." 

When asked what he was doing, Cucurella replied: "I don't know. He's running because I think he lost a FIFA game or something like this, I think!"

Injury-prone Palmer on track to face Gunners

It has been a rollercoaster week for Palmer and the injury updates which have come from Blues boss Enzo Maresca. Midweek, Palmer was still recovering in a protective boot, by Friday he was in contention for the crunch London derby clash with Arsenal. 

Ahead of the game with Barcelona, Maresca said: "Yes, Cole is wearing a (protective) boot. We don’t know when he will be back but for sure it will be soon. He’s already on the pitch, he’s already touching the ball, and the feeling (for him) is good. At the moment, we are only looking at tomorrow’s game. It’s a Champions League game against Barcelona, that is our focus, and then we will look ahead to Arsenal. I don’t think he will be available for these two games, but he is doing well." 

But during his Friday press conference, he confirmed Palmer is ready to face the Gunners. Speaking to reporters, he said: "He is available for both (to start and to play). (His return will elevate the squad) A lot. As you said, he's probably our best player. We are happy he is back. We need to give him time to make sure he's 100 per cent fit. He has done fantastically in the past, and there is no doubt he will do fantastically in the future."

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Getty Images SportAll eyes on Stamford Bridge

League leaders Arsenal visit Chelsea on Sunday with both teams in excellent form and the midfield clash featuring Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo will be key. A win for the Blues will move them to three points behind their north London rivals, but their recent record against Arteta’s side is poor, having won just one of the last 11 Premier League encounters.

Ever since the WTC final, the fast bowler has gone from strength to strength under a management that has emboldened him to unleash his skills as he sees fit

Firdose Moonda22-Aug-20252:16

Ngidi: Always a test of character against Australia

When cricketers are encouraged to express themselves, we usually know what that looks like for batters: play your shots, innovate, entertain. But how do bowlers interpret that instruction?”It’s pretty much about giving you the freedom to bowl what you want to bowl,” Lungi Ngidi said, after claiming his second ODI five-for during South Africa’s 84-run win in the second ODI against Australia in Mackay. “We’ve been playing international cricket for a couple of years now, so we kind of know what we’re good at and what we need to do. Set your field and bowl what you want to bowl according to whatever you see in front of you. Play the conditions in front of you and don’t be scared to try things.”Like offering one of the opposition’s most dangerous batters a little bit of width, in the belief he would nick off. Or dropping your pace down to just over 100kph because you’d seen the efficacy of the slower ball in the first innings.Related

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Ngidi did both those things as he bowled South Africa to a series-winning victory, and he did them because he had the confidence to make bold decisions about how he wanted to go about his business.His strategy against Marnus Labuschagne was informed by what Ngidi saw in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, when Labuschagne was dismissed in both innings driving loosely at Marco Jansen. Ngidi, of course, is not the same type of bowler as Jansen, but he believed he could exact similar results.Marnus Labuschagne fell into Lungi Ngidi’s deliberately laid trap•Getty Images”We do our video analysis and we’ve seen, even from the Test Championship, outside off with the ball shaping away seems to be effective. He leaves very well, but you need to score runs at some point in ODI cricket so you’re probably going to feel outside off,” Ngidi explained. “I just tried to keep it simple and just plug away at that length and that line and it seemed to come off. It went according to plan.”Pace-off is Ngidi’s speciality but he used it more after getting confirmation that it worked during South Africa’s innings, in which Nathan Ellis was the stand-out seamer. Ellis started with a 110kph back-of-the-hand slower ball and delivered at least two an over among his pace-on, short-ball change-ups, which got him both his wickets. Ngidi was taking notes.”The beautiful thing about bowling second is I get to sit there and watch what works. And I saw Ellis’ plan and he was pretty successful with that,” he said. “It just gives you an idea of what’s going to work later on in the innings. Also Watching [Xavier] Bartlett up front, it seemed to be swinging or nipping around so it pretty much gives you a blueprint of how to go about things.”Both Ngidi and Nandre Burger found movement early on and made the initial breakthroughs but it was Ngidi’s second spell that earned him his first Player-of-the-Match award, in any format, in nearly three years. He ripped through Australia’s lower order and took four wickets for eight runs in 14 balls. The first was a signature Ngidi delivery, a slower offbreak that Aaron Hardie chipped back to him. But it was Ngidi’s quick reaction to get across and take the catch low to the ground that showed how committed he was to the contest against an opposition he loves playing against.’The beautiful thing about bowling second is I get to sit there and watch what works’•Getty ImagesHis career-best, of 6 for 58, also came against Australia and he has taken more wickets against them in ODIs – 26 at an average of 16.96 – than any other opposition (and he has only played against them once more than he has England, India or Sri Lanka) and it’s fair to say they bring out the best in him.”It’s always a battle against Australia. It’s always competitive,” he said. “It’s a test of character because we were put under pressure from the T20s, and we had the opportunity to win a series tonight so just mentally stepping up and finishing it off. It’s just a great rivalry that’s always been there. And it’s going to continue for many, many years.”Ngidi emphasised “staying strong mentally” both to the broadcasters and at his press conference, and it may apply to more than just the ongoing series. His career to date is perhaps best described as stop-start, with injuries and indifferent form often interrupting a good run. The last time he played all matches in a multi-format tour was in 2018, when he played in four of South Africa’s four games in Australia.Currently, Ngidi is on a five-match streak in Australia, and he also played in four of South Africa’s five T20Is last month in Zimbabwe and made a Test comeback the month before that at the WTC final at Lord’s. It was in that game, where his selection raised eyebrows because he had not played a Test in 10 months, that Ngidi showed the value of being backed by the coaching staff and being given freedom by them.Ngidi picked up the second five-wicket haul of his ODI career•AFP/Getty ImagesCoach Shukri Conrad picked Ngidi even after dropping him from the 2024 tour to Bangladesh and, after a rusty start, Ngidi delivered a match-changing second-innings performance when he took 3 for 38. Conrad has since picked Ngidi across all formats, and the returns have only been getting better. Ngidi iced the cake when he became the first South Africa seamer since Kagiso Rabada in July 2015 to take an ODI five-for away from home.Because they came up in the same Under-19 group and are at similar ages, the two are often spoken about in parallel terms, Rabada’s stardust usually leaving Ngidi in the shadows. That was the case in this game too. Ngidi told the broadcasters that when he knew Rabada would be unavailable for this series because of injury, he would “have big shoes to fill.”It’s easy to assume that means he needs to take on Rabada’s role but that only applies to seniority and experience, not style of bowling. While Rabada’s game is based on pace and accuracy, Ngidi’s is on variation and movement and he had the perfect stage to show that in Mackay. That he performed to expectation and beyond is an example of South Africa’s new way, which is as much about staying true to their identity as it is about getting the results they want.”The most important thing is how we played. Are we playing our brand of cricket? Are we playing the way we want to play? When we lose and we’re not playing our way or with the freedom that the coach has given us, then it’s a problem. But when we execute and we play the way we want to play, that’s the beautiful thing,” Ngidi said. “We have lots of white-ball cricket to come. So this is good momentum to kick us off for the rest of the season.”

Sunderland aren’t going to rest on their laurels now that they’ve tasted success in the Premier League.

The hope will be that the Black Cats continue to punch above their weight and secure safety effortlessly, even if the 1-0 defeat away at Fulham last time out saw Regis Le Bris’ men return to league action, after the international break, looking rusty.

Still, with five impressive league wins already under their belt, the Wearside outfit have more than shown that they belong at the very top of English football.

To get over the line, though, and remain in a comfortable mid-table position, Sunderland could be prepared to flex their spending powers once more, as the January transfer window becomes the talk of the town.

The main incoming being hyped up at the moment is Matteo Guendouzi coming to the Stadium of Light, with Le Bris yet to rule out a statement deal.

Why Guendouzi would be a perfect signing

Once upon a time, Guendouzi worked under Le Bris at Lorient, before the French battler would seal a move to England with Arsenal.

While he wasn’t always showered with praise at the Gunners, he did bow out from his final Premier League season in North London with 4.9 duels won on average across 24 league outings, with more grit centrally perhaps what is required, alongside the likes of Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki.

Guendouzi has also matured now into a regular in Serie A with Lazio, away from his previous 57 Premier League appearances at the Emirates, with inviting deliveries such as this one last season, perfect for a commanding Daniel Ballard to latch onto.

In total, the Lazio number eight has six goals and ten assists for the Italian giants.

With an 89% pass accuracy also averaged this season in league action, on top of a high 4.3 ball recoveries being averaged, it’s clear that he won’t move back to England for cheap, as reports suggest that a fee around the £26m mark could do the job.

Sunderland won’t be put off too much, if their excessive summer spending is anything to go by, but a deal in the works for a new star-man might ultimately shove this fan favourite closer to the exit door.

Sunderland's "proper leader" could be on borrowed time

The strange side-effect of winning promotion is that several of the players who clinched Sunderland’s unbelievable return to the Premier League now aren’t quite cut out for the pressures of the big time.

Dan Neil has definitely experienced this first-hand this season so far, with the mega-money arrivals of the aforementioned Xhaka and Sadiki plummeting him down the pecking order, so much so that he has only managed a mere two minutes of action in the bright lights of the Premier League to date.

Staggeringly, if you turn the calendar just back to May, Neil was the memorable captain figure who lifted Sunderland’s jubilant playoff honours at Wembley.

In the regular season, too, the Stadium of Light prodigy also lined up for the Black Cats 44 times, with two goals and three assists coming his way.

Sunderland youngster Harrison Jones would even herald him as a “proper leader” for the club, with Neil rising the ranks to become his boyhood club’s captain figure.

On top of that, he also had admirers in the form of Everton in the bumper summer window, which might be a move he now regrets not accelerating into motion, as he begins to stare the exit door in the face more through lack of gametime than inspired performances.

Journalist James Copley summed it up well when he called him a “bit part” player recently, which is a far cry from his Wembley heroics.

Neil’s last minutes for his hometown club actually came for the U21s as he continues to be frozen out by Le Bris, and with his contract expiring next summer, it’s not a good omen at all for his long-term future at the Premier League newcomers.

Games played

200

Goals scored

12

Assists

20

Promotions

1x

Contract expiry date

June 2026

To make matters worse, if Guendouzi were to arrive, Neil would find himself even further down the Frenchman’s selection list, with the 23-year-old simply unable to compete with the wealth of top-flight experience the Lazio man has under his belt.

It will be intriguing to see if any club gambles on Neil’s services in January, with a cut-price deal potentially on the table for a Championship-experienced promotion winner, who is currently valued at around £7m by Transfermarkt.

If no one does come in for him, expect Sunderland to just run his contract down, particularly if Guendouzi is added to the ever-rising wage bill.

An Isidor repeat: Sunderland line up move to sign "special" £4.7m star

Sunderland could win their next Wilson Isidor by going after this star in January.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 24, 2025

Weatherald fell for 0 in the last over of the day after Victoria were bowled out for 256 with Webster taking a wicket on return

Alex Malcolm28-Oct-2025Australia Test allrounder Beau Webster took a wicket and got through 12 overs on return from an ankle injury but Tasmania team-mate and Test hopeful Jake Weatherald fell for a duck late on another day dominated by the bowlers at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.Eleven wickets fell on the opening day. Riley Meredith and Gabe Bell took three wickets apiece for Tasmania as Victoria were bowled out for 256 before Weatherald was caught behind off the bowling of Mitchell Perry in the last over of the day. Tasmania finished 4 for 1 at stumps following a nasty two-over batting stint in the late evening sun.Weatherald’s untimely duck adds to Australia’s Ashes first Test squad intrigue when other opening contenders Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas did not get a chance to bat at the Gabba as day one of the clash between Queensland and New South Wales was washed out.Webster’s return, however, was a positive for Australia’s selectors. He has not played a Sheffield Shield match so far this season due to an ankle injury he sustained while training ahead of Tasmania’s first match against Queensland. It had led to some concerns about his readiness for the first Test against England as Australia’s selectors ponder the make up of the top six and the need for two allrounders in the same side.But after chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed Webster was a lock for the squad in Perth, Webster made a solid return with the ball after opening the bowling for Tasmania when the coin fell Jordan Silk’s way.Webster initially bowled a five-over spell with the new ball before picking up the wicket of Marcus Harris in his second spell with a cracking delivery that pitched outside leg and nipped across the left-hander to scratch his outside edge.Beau Webster took a wicket on return•Getty ImagesHe bowled four spells across the day and finished with figures of 12-4-26-1. He also took a catch at slip but dropped another off Oliver Peake. He was fortunate that didn’t cost more after Peake and Peter Handscomb combined for a 100-run stand to rescue Victoria after Meredith, Bell and Webster had reduced them to 55 for 3.The pair batted exceptionally well in tough conditions. Handscomb continued his outstanding form grinding 48 from 157 while Peake played a gem in the conditions, striking seven boundaries in his 46. Both players opted to play off the back foot predominantly and Peake showcased some excellent cuts and pulls. But shortly after he offered a life to Webster at slip, which was a pretty straight forward chance that Webster would normally hold, Peake fell for a trap holing out to deep square of Keiran Elliott.Meredith then pinned Handscomb with an excellent inducker although the Victoria veteran might have got the 50-50 call go in his favour on height on another day. Meredith bagged two in three balls when Sam Harper meekly popped a catch to short leg.Victoria’s tail wagged with Perry, Will Sutherland and Fergus O’Neill all providing excellent contributions. O’Neill was unorthodox in his unbeaten 35 but he continued to show how valuable a competitor he is for his state.The innings dragged on long enough to frustrate Tasmania but was short enough to leave Weatherald and Caleb Jewell 12 balls to negotiate before stumps. Jewell got through the first six from O’Neill unscathed but Weatherald only survived two from Perry. The third pitched outside his leg stump, back of a length, and darted across him as he tried to work leg side. The thin edge was taken by Sam Harper.

Aaron Judge won his third American League MVP award on Thursday night. Judge was surrounded by his family and dogs when Don Mattingly made the announcement on MLB Network, but all eyes were on the Yankees outfielder because of his fashion choices.

With a simple dark long sleeve shirt and a visible necklace, Judge conjured thoughts of one person who saw him.

Aaron Judge was dressed like The Rock in his infamous fanny pack picture from 1994. The Rock originally posted the throwback picture on Instagram in 2014. He then recreated the image himself when he hosted a few years later.

And now many years later Judge rebooted the look and everyone on social media made the same joke.

There are plenty more examples on X and other social media sites, but you get the point.

Perhaps if Cal Raleigh had dressed like a wrestler he wouldn't have finished in second place.

While the remaining franchises have yet to publicly confirm renewal, it is expected that all, barring Multan Sultans, will ultimately do so

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2025Lahore Qalandars’ owners, Sameen Rana and Atif Rana, have agreed to renew their rights to the franchise for another 10 years. The reigning champions and three-time winners became the first of the six PSL teams to publicly confirm their acceptance of a re-evaluation conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board.The announcement ends mild uncertainty over the ownership status of what is considered the PSL’s most expensive franchise. While neither the Qalandars nor the PCB revealed the exact figure of any team, ESPNcricinfo understands the Qalandars have been valued by EY-MENA, the financial organisation tasked with assessing each PSL side’s worth, at approximately PKR 980 million (Approx USD 3.47 million) per year.But that is not the amount Qalandars’ current owners will have to pay. After new terms around the renewals, team owners will need to pay the old value – about PKR 425 million (Approx $1.5 million) in the Qalandars’ case – plus 25% of the new valuation. It means Sameen and Atif Rana will pay about PKR 670 million (approx. $2.37 million) as an annual franchise fee. Had new owners come in, they would’ve paid the market valuation, so about PKR 300 million (approx $1.06 million) more.Related

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“The franchise has accepted the PCB’s renewal offer to continue as a PSL team for the next 10 years,” Qalandars said in a media release. “Following an independent valuation by independent experts EY MENA, Lahore Qalandars have been recognised as the most valuable team based on combined on-field performance and organisational strength. This accolade reflects the franchise’s commitment to sustainable growth and long-term development.”Shortly after, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi also confirmed they were renewing their contract for a further ten years. ESPNcricinfo has learned their market worth was evaluated at approximately PKR 870 million (approx USD 3.1 million), up from PKR 270 million (approx USD 956,000) in 2016. Having renewed, Afridi will have to pay a franchise fee of about PKR 500 million (approx USD 1.8 million).”Retaining our franchise rights for the next ten years is both an honour and a responsibility,” Afridi said. “This is not just a continuation; it is a commitment to build bigger, aim higher, and deliver even greater value to the PSL and to Pakistan’s cricketing ecosystem. The next decade belongs to ambition, innovation, and a stronger Zalmi vision.”While the remaining franchises have yet to publicly confirm their renewal, it is expected that all, barring Multan Sultans, will ultimately do so.Qalandars have leapfrogged Karachi Kings, who were the most expensive franchise at the launch of the PSL at PKR 440 million, but who are understood to have seen the lowest percentage growth in value of the five original teams since 2016. Their current value is understood to have been set at just under PKR 800 million, meaning renewal would cost their current owner Salman Iqbal approximately PKR 640 million (approx $2.27 million) per annum.One of the points of contention in the discounted rate that retaining a franchise provides is that it only appears to apply if the new valuation is higher than the old value. Sultans, who came into the league in the third season, saw their annual franchise fee set at PKR 1.1 billion (approx $3.89 million). They have now been valued at approximately PKR 850 million (approx $3 million), the only franchise to see depreciation.To renew, however, Sultans will be required to pay the old value, given it is higher, as well as 25% of that old value as the annual franchise fee, something that has become a point of contention between Ali Tareen, the Sultans owner, and the PSL. His public criticism of the PSL led to Sultans not receiving an offer to renew when the other five sides did earlier this month, leading to Tareen threatening to take legal action.The PSL is also expected to add two new teams to next year’s edition. The names have not yet been finalised, and bidding is expected to take place early next year.

Already one of UAE’s mainstays with his explosive batting, Alishan Sharafu is trying to be the team’s man for all situations

Shashank Kishore14-Sep-2025Alishan Sharafu, 22, has lived almost all his life in the UAE. But the love of cricket began in Kerala, when he would visit family in the summers. As he grew older, he naturally gravitated towards the game without really knowing if he could make a career out of it.Nearly 15 years after he first started playing, Sharafu is one of UAE’s batting mainstays, and has grown into a valuable retain-worthy local talent in the ILT20, where he represents Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.In UAE’s Asia Cup opener against India, Sharafu was their top scorer in an otherwise forgettable batting performance. What he is unlikely to forget is the range of shots he displayed – backing away to smash Axar Patel inside-out over cover for six, or whipping Jasprit Bumrah off his hips. It’s the confidence from those shots that he is hoping to carry forward when UAE play gulf-rivals Oman on Monday.Related

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Will UAE punch above their weight in Group A?

Oman's Sufyan is living his dream after defying his family

“My first memory of cricket was the 2011 World Cup,” he tells ESPNcricinfo. “I was supporting India, obviously, and they went on to win it. It was Sachin’s [Tendulkar] last World Cup, and that was the point where I wanted to play the game. That was when cricket became a passion.”Today, that passion has allowed him opportunities to face Sunil Narine in the nets, and train and learn from Andre Russell and Phil Salt, among others. And in the UAE, such exposure is gold.”Every game is a big opportunity,” Sharafu says. “Because there are only two local players in the XI [at ILT20], you never know how many chances you’ll get. Maybe just one in the whole season. So you have to do well. Fortunately, I played every game in my first season [2024], which was a privilege. You learn from the best – just watching how they go about their game.”For Sharafu, while cricket continues to be the priority, he has ticked off another box along the way on his parents’ insistence. He has completed a degree in cyber security, even though he is fairly certain he won’t have to use it anytime soon.”Initially, my mom was a little skeptical about cricket, because for every parent, education comes first,” he says. “But once I started playing international cricket, she understood. I think I did okay to manage both. I met her expectations, whatever she wanted. But yeah, it was difficult once I got to university. I had to do both. There was no option.”

“Everyone wants to be the best in the country. I’d like to be someone the team can depend on to win games. That’s what I want to be known for”Alishan Sharafu

But pulling off balancing acts isn’t new for Sharafu. When he was 15, he broke into the UAE Under-16s and Under-19s the same year, all while managing high school. He made his T20I debut at 17 and ODI debut at 18, in 2020 and 2021 respectively.Sharafu was first spotted by Knight Riders at a trial by former analyst AR Srikkanth, first came into the setup in the ILT20 under Ryan ten Doeschate, the franchise’s then coach who is currently assistant coach of India. Sharafu was shortlisted for his ability to take the bowlers on right from the outset.”I don’t know where it comes from,” he says of his fearlessness. “But I’ve always liked taking bowlers on. That’s how I’ve always wanted to bat. Even as a kid, I just loved hitting sixes.”For the past two seasons at the ILT20, Sharafu says he’s learnt “something school or university doesn’t teach you”.”Andre Russell is one I always watch. I asked him about how he hits sixes consistently, what his secret is,” Sharafu says. “With Narine, he’s probably one of the calmest and smartest cricketers I’ve seen. He just reads the game one step faster. Even batting with Phil Salt, he told me a few small things that could help my game. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t, but just having those conversations is special.””Batting with Phil Salt, he told me a few small things that could help my game”•ILT20Asked of his biggest improvements since playing in the ILT20, he says, “I think my batting evolved after last season with Knight Riders. Even though you’re the same player, playing alongside guys like Russell and Narine just gives you confidence. Once you have that validation, you take that confidence into the UAE team too. It’s 80% about how you feel. And I think that experience has added another gear to my batting.”That improvement has been visible in his ability to alter between roles. “I’ve always been a top-order batter, but I’m also adjusting to batting in the middle. If we lose early wickets, I know I have to stabilise the innings and take it deep. If we’re going well, I just go in and bat with freedom. The clarity from the team management has been excellent.”Off the field, Sharafu likes to unwind watching football, playing FIFA on PlayStation, or just relaxing by a pool or a beach. His cricketing ambition is a lot more focused: “Everyone wants to be the best in the country. I’d like to be someone the team can depend on to win games. That’s what I want to be known for.”This drive, Sharafu says, comes from his dad for all the sacrifices he has had to make. “From when I was 10-15, every Friday and Saturday, he’d take me to training and games, sit at the ground, pick me up, drop me back. He’s a very passionate supporter, sometimes hard on me too, but I think that’s where I get it from.”At 22, Sharafu is still very much work-in-progress, but he carries the confidence and drive of someone who has clarity on what he wants to do.

While he has made some mistakes, Mikel Arteta has got an awful lot right during his time in the Arsenal dugout.

The Spaniard has overseen a complete overhaul of the squad, instilled a new philosophy, and turned them from a fallen giant into serial challengers for both the Premier League and the Champions League.

However, there were plenty of moments early on in his managerial career when it felt like he was hanging onto the job by his fingertips, including a period in which Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe practically saved him.

Since then, the former has established himself as the club’s talisman, while the latter has fallen away and been sold to Fulham. Interestingly, there is a player in Arteta’s current squad who once felt like the next Saka but could now be closer to becoming the next Smith Rowe.

How Smith Rowe and Saka save Arteta

Even though the club were coming off their 14th FA Cup triumph, the start of the 20/21 season was nothing short of disastrous for Arsenal.

The North Londoners actually won their two opening games, against Fulham and West Ham United and even picked up a third win of the campaign in their fourth match.

However, the losses started coming thick and fast, and from the 8th of November to Boxing Day, the team didn’t win a single league game.

So, when Chelsea rocked up at the Emirates on Boxing Day, Arteta decided to roll the dice and start Smith Rowe in the ten, a decision that instantly paid off as the Gunners came out 3-1 winners and the youngster provided the assist for Saka’s goal.

From that point, results started to improve, and the two Hale Enders were crucial to that, with the midfielder racking up a tally of four goals and seven assists and the winger doing even better with seven goals and seven assists.

The duo continued to impress the following season, with Smith Rowe producing 13 goal involvements and the mercurial number seven producing 19.

However, a combination of injuries and the squad being strengthened around him saw the Croydon-born gem slowly lose his place in the side over the next two seasons.

Finally, after making just 14 appearances in the 22/23 season and then 19 the year after that, the Hale Ender was sold to Fulham for around £34m, while Saka went on to become arguably the team’s best player.

Interestingly, or perhaps unfortunately, there is currently a potential star in the making in Arteta’s squad today who at one point looked destined to follow in Saka’s footsteps, but might now be more likely to become the next Smith Rowe.

The Arsenal gem who could become the next Smith Rowe

It would be fair to say that, as seasons go, last year wasn’t a particularly enjoyable one for Arsenal fans.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The club looked miles off in the title race and were beset with injuries to key players, only this time they didn’t have the squad depth they do today.

However, there were at least a few bright spots from the campaign, notably the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri.

The youngster had long been a prospect fans were excited about; he became the youngest player in the Premier League, after all.

Yet, it was the injuries to Martin Odegaard and specifically Saka that meant he ended up getting far more first-team minutes than supporters were expecting, and to say he made the most of the opportunity would be an understatement.

Appearances

37

Minutes

1378′

Goals

9

Assists

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

For example, the often “unplayable” dynamo, as dubbed by Jack Wilshere, scored nine goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances, totalling 1378 minutes.

In other words, the Hale End phenom averaged a goal involvement every 3.36 games, or more crucially, one every 125.27 minutes, which helps to justify Joe Cole’s claim that “he’s the most exciting footballer in England and maybe Europe.”

It was these numbers, plus the moments of brilliance on the ball and his time out wide, that led many to see him as someone who could and probably would follow in the steps of Saka and become a key part of the squad in the coming years.

However, fast-forward to today, and it would be fair to describe his situation as more akin to Smith Rowe’s in his final seasons at the club.

For example, as things stand, the teenager has made just ten appearances for the first team, totalling 427 minutes.

Moreover, he’s started just three games all season, two of which came in the League Cup and another in the club’s Champions League clash with Slavia Prague.

Worryingly, the Enfield-born gem has also only scored one goal and, like the Croydon-born star before him, has seen fresh competition arrive in the shape of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.

Appearances

10

Minutes

427′

Goals

1

Assists

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.1

Minutes per Goal Involvement

427′

However, it is still early in the season, and while it’s clear that the manager isn’t as keen to pick the Hale Ender as he was last year, there is still plenty of time for things to change.

Therefore, so long as Nwaneri does get more game time across the rest of the campaign, he could still follow in Saka’s footsteps, but if he doesn’t, he could be another Smith Rowe.

Their new Ozil: Arsenal ramp up move to sign £88m "generational talent"

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2 ByJack Salveson Holmes 3 days ago

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has seen all the chatter online about him being “asleep on the job” this offseason since New York hasn’t made a big move yet. At least not the moves fans are really hoping for—like bringing back Cody Bellinger or signing Kyle Tucker, for example.

Cashman poked fun at himself by creating the “meme”—a word he hilariously pronounced incorrectly—when he participated in the Covenant House Sleep Out in New York on Thursday night. As he cuddled up on the ground in a sleeping bag, this is what he told reporters:

“You know this is a meme about how Brian Cashman’s asleep on the job and not doing his job, ‘cause I’ve seen that all over social media.”

Don’t worry, Yankees fans. Cashman also shared with reporters on Thursday that he’s making strides to figure out the moves the team wants to make this offseason. He’s already started conversations about Bellinger and Tucker, and he’s spoken with other teams about other moves. Apart from Tucker, he’s also started talks about bringing back Paul Goldschmidt and potentially acquiring Michael King and Kyle Schwarber this offseason. He’s not totally sleeping on the job.