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The Pakistan Cricket Board does not regret allowing Mohammad Asif to play for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League (IPL), despite the latest injury the increasingly fragile pacer sustained in his right hand, which is likely to keep him out of the rest of the tournament. It is also possible that the injury keeps Asif from playing a full part for Pakistan in the tri-series tournament in Bangladesh from June 8.Asif split the webbing on his right hand in a game against the Deccan Chargers and has had stitches put in since. Virender Sehwag, his Delhi captain, said after yesterday’s game, that Asif split the webbing while fielding. “He’s getting fit. He has four stitches on his hand,” Sehwag said. “The doctors told us it would be a week before we could open them. Let’s wait and see.”The latest development is a further setback to Asif who has seen much of the sheen of a prodigious start in cricket taken away by a long-standing elbow injury. He has missed much of the last year, only returning to action against Bangladesh in the recent ODI series, having had surgery on his right elbow in Australia at the beginning of the year. Still, bowling with a protective brace on his right arm, there were concerns that he had returned too quickly, in an effort to be able to participate in the IPL in which he is the second-most expensive – and thus highly-paid – Pakistan player.If the new injury does prevent him from playing for Pakistan in the tri-series, the PCB is likely to bear the brunt of criticism for allowing him to play in India, though an official insisted there was nothing wrong with Asif going to India and that the injury could’ve happened “anytime, anywhere.””We have been in touch with the doctors in India,” Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB’s chief operating officer, told Cricinfo. “He has split the webbing but the stitches are in and will stay there for a week.”Naghmi insisted, however, that the board was fortunate that Asif’s elbow problem hadn’t been aggravated. “We’re lucky in that perspective that the more chronic problem – the elbow injury – hasn’t worsened. His elbow is fine.”He was fit when he went and we thought that the lighter workload of four overs per game would actually be good for him in terms of his comeback. This is just an accidental injury that could’ve happened anywhere, anytime.”The PCB’s approach to allowing their players to participate in the IPL appears to be in contrast to their approach towards county cricket. After a calamitous run of injuries to their fast bowlers last year, the PCB formulated a policy whereby they reserve the right to prevent a contracted player from playing for counties in England. Fast bowlers such as Asif and Umar Gul have not been allowed to take part in county cricket in order to protect them from potential injuries from a greater workload.No such problem exists with the IPL, however, says Naghmi. “The county workload, where you bowl 20 overs a day at times, and the IPL workload, where you bowl just four, is very different. There is not much chance of the workload being high in the IPL, so we don’t see a problem with that. Obviously if a player was injured or there is a real fear of injury, we wouldn’t allow a player to play in the IPL, but we don’t see a problem otherwise.”

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has arranged a press conference on Dec 7, on the eve of the International Cricket Council (ICC) development committee, meeting scheduled for Dec 7 and 8 in Lahore

Our Sports Correspondent03-Dec-2002Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has arranged a press conference on Dec 7, on the eve of the International Cricket Council (ICC) development committee, meeting scheduled for Dec 7 and 8 in Lahore.ICC president Malcolm Gray and chief executive Malcolm Speed are especially attending the meeting and will address the press conference.PCB has decided to hold the press conference when the meeting would have to take various decisions on Dec 8. That means the journalists would not be able to get answers to their questions about decisions which will be taken the next day.A PCB spokesman said that the schedule of the ICC officials was tight and there was no free time on Dec 8 for a press conference.PCB chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia succeeded in getting the meeting rescheduled, and relocated to Lahore during ICC’s executive board meeting held in Colombo on Sept 30 and Oct 1, where some of the members had suggested to shift the meeting to Amsterdam, Holland.

Everton have been linked with a move for PSV Eindhoven full-back Denzel Dumfries as they look to bolster their first team squad.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old has long been admired by the Toffees’ director of football and compatriot Marcel Brands, although the club’s hierarchy were worried that the Dutchman’s standout performances at Euro 2020 could spark a bidding war.

The Merseyside outfit are yet to follow up their interest with a formal offer, with Dumfries’ agent Mino Raiola handling the initial negotiations with interested parties, but any deal would also need the approval of new manager Rafael Benitez, who is still assessing other potential transfer targets.

Fans will surely be buzzing

Despite the Netherlands’ struggles at the European Championship, Dumfries put in a string of impressive displays for his nation, scoring two goals and providing one assist in just four appearances.

His excellent showing over the summer caught the eye of several onlookers, including former Hull City midfielder David Meyler, who took to Twitter to hail the right-back as “unbelievable” during the tournament.

Dumfries’ energetic and attacking displays saw Bayern Munich linked with a move for the PSV ace, but with the Bundesliga outfit reportedly cooling their interest, Everton could be in pole position to secure his signature.

The 6 ft 2 powerhouse is thought to have a release clause of €15m (£13m) inserted into his contract, meaning a deal could be wrapped up fairly quickly and cheaply should Benitez sanction a move.

Right-back is a current area of weakness for Everton, and news of the club’s interest in Dumfries will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

Seamus Coleman has been a magnificent servant to the Merseyside outfit for many years now, but at 32, he is entering the twilight years of his career. Meanwhile, current backup Jonjoe Kenny doesn’t appear to be at the required standard to take over the mantle.

He failed to impress during a short-term loan spell at Celtic last season, leaving centre-back Mason Holgate to play out of position on several occasions.

If Dumfries arrives at Goodison Park this summer, there will be no more square pegs in round holes on the right-hand side of Everton’s defence next term. The speed demon supplied six goals for his teammates in 2020/21, providing 1.4 key passes per match.

He would bring entertainment and attacking talent in abundance to the Toffees and should be a natural heir to Coleman, so his signature would surely be welcomed with open arms by the club’s fanbase.

In other news… Everton make approach for £22.5m-rated “top player”, Benitez will love him 

Many West Ham United fans are far from happy after reliable club insider ExWHUemployee revealed that there is a long way to go before the Hammers complete a move for Alphonse Areola.

The Irons enjoyed a magnificent 2020/21 campaign as they finished sixth in the Premier League, which means they will be competing in the Europa League this season. However, they have not had the best transfer window so far, with no new senior additions brought in this summer.

West Ham have been linked with a move for Areola, but while they are still in for the goalkeeper, ExWHUemployee tweeted in response to a supporter’s query about the 28-year-old: “That is still on. But still some distance to go if it is completed”.

Given that Areola is one of nine goalkeepers on the books at Paris Saint-Germain, it should not be so hard to complete an agreement.

ExWHUemployee’s update about the French ‘keeper attracted plenty of attention from West Ham supporters, many of whom were glum over how the transfer link is progressing.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the update on Areola

“That’s that then, gonna expect 0 signings for the Newcastle game, hopefully be surprised”

Credit: @Irons_Stuff

“Couldn’t negotiate our way out of a paper bag”

Credit: @WestHam_Central

“This club is genuine depression”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Looking forward to 12th place this season”

Credit: @HeadshotsStocks

“Living in Spain without the S”

Credit: @TalkinWestHam

“This is the most easy case when club agrees and player wants to join, yet the board can take such a long time. They just want the biggest advantage only and make things difficult”

Credit: @soosweeseng0706

In other news, many West Ham fans were unhappy over this transfer bid.

For a match that started off with a slight shock for the touring Indians, the first day of their tour opener against Guyana could not have been better, with all the regular bowlers getting some crucial wickets under their belt ahead of the first Test

Staff Reporter06-Apr-2002For a match that started off with a slight shock for the touring Indians, the first day of their tour opener against Guyana could not have been better, with all the regular bowlers getting some crucial wickets under their belt ahead of the first Test on April 11.After having practiced with Kookaburra balls, there was some consternation in the Indian camp when they were handed Duke balls for the match. Luckily there was enough time for manager Gautam Dasgupta to rush to the hotel and bring back six Kookaburra balls to be used instead.India, in fact, took on what was virtually a second-string Guyana team, with the real stars such as Carl Hooper, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Reon King and Mahendra Nagamootoo away in Kingston competing in the final of the Busta International Shield against Jamaica.The Guyana Board President’s XI, thus, expectedly fared poorly against some good bowling from, surprisingly, a full-strength Indian team. It was, in fact, a most auspicious beginning for the visitors when Javagal Srinath dismissed Andrew Gonsalves caught behind off the very first ball of the match.Zaheer Khan got an edge from Narsingh Deonaraine in the very next over, the catch being comfortably pouched by VVS Laxman at second slip.None of the Guyanese batsmen, barring Homchand Pooran and, to a lesser extent, K Arjune, could come to terms with the Indian attack. Arjune made 25 at the top of the order before falling to Harbhajan Singh. Pooran was the highest scorer of the innings, hitting 41 in 143 minutes with three fours and a six.Along with Reon Griffith (10), Pooran induced signs of frustration in the Indian bowlers. The pair did not score their runs quickly, but their 21-run partnership consumed 15 overs after lunch.Zaheer Khan finally broke the stand, Dasgupta taking a smart low catch to get rid of Pooran. The innings did not last much longer, and Guyana were skittled out for 118.The Indians will take heart from the performances of Srinath (2-20), Zaheer Khan (2-22) and Anil Kumble (2-28). The star of the bowling attack, however, was Harbhajan Singh, who returned figures of 19-5-37-4. Combined with the fact that, barring Brian Lara and Carl Hooper, few of the West Indians play spin well, Harbhajan’s form is a very good omen for the tourists.In the Indian innings, Dasgupta was run out early for just six. Shiv Sunder Das and Sourav Ganguly, who came in at number three, added 24 runs for the second wicket before the former was dismissed for 20 by D Dasrath.At the close of play, India were 73 for two in response to Guyana’s low total. Ganguly looked in good touch, unbeaten on 40, while Sachin Tendulkar took his time at the crease, making just three out of the third-wicket partnership of 31 runs.

Muttiah Muralitharan will not have to undergo surgery on his injured shoulder and could still participate in Sri Lanka’s forthcoming three-match Test series in England

Charlie Austin20-Apr-2002Muttiah Muralitharan will not have to undergo surgery on his injured shoulder and could still participate in Sri Lanka’s forthcoming three-match Test series in England.Muralitharan, who tore ligaments above his left shoulder joint whilst fielding in the Sharjah Cup 2002 final, would have faced a three-month layoff had he required surgery, but this has been ruled out by Australian orthopedic surgeon David Young after an examination on Sunday morning.However, Sri Lanka’s precious off-spinner will be required to keep his arm in a special sling for four weeks and then need to have two weeks rehabilitation to regain full movement before making a return to the fold.With the first Test at Lords scheduled for May 16 and the second at Edgbaston two weeks later on May 30, the team management are confident that he will make a comeback in the third Test at Old Trafford on June 13. There is also an outside chance that he could play at Edgbaston.Muralitharan will now remain in Melbourne for two weeks with Young – the surgeon who operated on a similar injury to his bowling shoulder in 1999 and inserted a plate into Sanath Jayasuriya’s hand – so that his progress can be closely monitored.He is then expected to travel to England, at least in time for the Lord’s Test, when Sri Lanka’s physio Alex Kontouri will take charge of his rehabilitation.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s fastest bowler Dilhara Fernando, presently resting after a long term back problem, is expected to leave for England two weeks after the rest of the squad, who arrive in London early Sunday morning.Kontouri, speaking before the team’s departure to London, remained optimistic of Fernando playing in the series, pointing out that he has been rested for six weeks for precautionary reasons and that he could play in the second Test.Earlier in the week the Sri Lankan selectors had included three more players in the squad, which has now ballooned to 18, as cover for both Muralitharan and Fernando.

Australia thrashed New Zealand by 57 runs at the MCG today to take a clean sweep of the home leg of the women’s one day cricket international series.

Adam Cooper23-Feb-2002Australia thrashed New Zealand by 57 runs at the MCG today to take a clean sweep of the home leg of the women’s one day cricket international series.The Kiwis never got their run rate above three an over and lost 6-21 halfway through the innings to finish with 8-137 from 50 overs.The Australian bowlers, led by medium-pacer Julie Hayes who took a career best 3-17 off 10 overs, made the most of an inconsistent pitch.Today’s match was only the second women’s one day international played at the MCG and the first since 1988 when Australia defeated England in the World Cupfinal.While few were on hand to watch today’s match, Australian captain Belinda Clark told her team to try not to be distracted by the setting.”I tried to tell them not to think about it with all the atmosphere of the ground, but I did see a few minds wandering and people looking around the place,” she said.It was Australia’s third straight win over the 2000 World Cup winners but Clark said her team was committed to looking ahead rather than dwell on that narrow loss 15 months ago.”Although I still remember aspects of the `93 World Cup where we didn’t make the final I am sure the scars will be there for quite a while, but that’s not a bad thing because it keeps you focused on what you are doing,” she said.Clark and opening partner Lisa Keightley put on 63 before vice captain Karen Rolton lifted the tempo, top scoring with 44 off 59 balls.Haidee Tiffen was the pick of New Zealand’s bowlers with 4-43.Despite losing late wickets, Australia’s total was always a tough ask for the Kiwis especially after Cathryn Fitzpatrick conceded just eight runs in her first seven overs.Both teams will fly to New Zealand tomorrow with the remaining three matches in the Rose Bowl series to be played in Lincoln, just outside Christchurch, early next month.

West Ham United remain keen on signing Duje Caleta-Car ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, who claims that the Irons could reignite their interest in the Marseille centre-back now that they have qualified for Europe.

Last summer, the east London outfit failed with several bids to secure the Croatian international as he wanted to stay and play in the Champions League, as per The Guardian.

It is now expected that the 24-year-old will leave the Ligue 1 side for around £17m.

Statement of intent

As West Ham head into the Europa League next season, David Moyes will need plenty of options available at his disposal, as two games per week will quickly become the norm.

Right now, he simply does not have the squad depth – or the experience in the competition – to properly contend, and they must not become another one-season wonder which drops off after a brief peak. Think of Wolves and Burnley in recent years.

Caleta-Car would certainly be a statement of intent as he would bolster the Hammers’ backline, which is currently expected to lose at least one member, with Fabian Balbuena out of contract whilst Issa Diop has a question mark over his head having slipped out of favour.

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At 1.92m (6 foot 4), the £22.5m-rated Croatia colossus is an absolute unit and would provide Moyes with another physically imposing presence in the box. He won an average of 2.5 aerial duels per game in Ligue 1 during the 2020/21 season and even chipped in with two goals, via WhoScored.

His ability doesn’t stop there, either, as he’s also very solid with the ball at his feet, having managed a success rate of 86.1% from nearly 58 passes per game. This ability to play out from the back to good effect should please Moyes and his system, especially as this represents an upgrade on his current options.

Angelo Ogbonna only averaged 36.4 passes per game at a success rate of 81.3%, while Craig Dawson comes out even worse having succeeded with just 79.7% of his 34.7 passes per match, as per WhoScored.

It’s no wonder that Champions League winner Dejan Lovren has waxed lyrical about his fellow countryman, claiming to La Provence: “In my opinion, Duje could easily play in England. He is physically very strong, stronger than other players. He will explode in a few years and become even stronger.”

All in all, this seems like an absolute no-brainer for West Ham, even more so at just £17m, and they can more easily attract his services as they are going to be in Europe next season.

Just imagine him alongside Ogbonna next season – GSB must look to get this deal done.

AND in other news, Moyes could secure his next Tim Cahill in West Ham swoop for £20m-rated “game-changer”…

Newcastle United have reportedly stepped up their transfer bid to sign Kristoffer Ajer in the summer window.

The Lowdown: Newcastle have low budget

The St. James’ Park faithful are reportedly only going to have a mere £8-10m transfer budget to work with once the market opens.

Thus, they will need to be looking at bargain deals, and according to the Daily Record, Steve Bruce reckons that they can sign Ajer from Celtic for around £8m.

The Latest: Newcastle stepping up Ajer bid

As per the Daily Record, the North East club are stepping up their bid to sign Ajer, as Bruce looks to pip Norwich City to his signature early on in the window.

Both Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez are moving into the final year of their current contracts on Tyneside, and so a new central defender is needed.

Bruce has sent scouts up to Parkhead to watch Ajer play on a number of different occasions, and reckons that the Magpies can sign him for £8m, but the Hoops are looking for around double that.

However, they know that they may need to cash in on him with his deal running down in Glasgow, as Ajer and his representatives are currently assessing all options, including a potential move to the Premier League.

The Verdict: Newcastle must sign Ajer

The Toon must look to sign Ajer at all costs, especially if they can snap him up for a mere £8m, which would fit in nicely with their reported budget and promises to be an absolute bargain.

Described as an ‘outstanding’ player back in March by former NUFC ace Lee Clark, who managed him during a loan spell at Kilmarnock, the Norway international is surely ready to make the step up to the top flight, now aged 23.

Standing at a mammoth six-foot-six-inches tall, Ajer would have no problems at all in adapting to both the aerial and physical demands of the division, and at only now entering his prime, he certainly has a lot of potential still left to be fulfilled.

In other news, find out what ‘fascinating’ takeover insight a sports lawyer has dropped on arbitration here!

Liverpool striker Divock Origi has been linked with a summer loan move to Fenerbahce having fallen out of favour at Anfield this season.

The Lowdown: Bit-part player for Reds

The Belgian has enjoyed a memorable Reds career, scoring in the 2019 Champions League final and bagging massive goals against the likes of Barcelona and Everton down the years.

However, despite Jurgen Klopp describing him as “unbelievably important for us” back in December 2019, the 25-year-old has been a peripheral figure for Liverpool of late, making just two Premier League starts in the 2020/21 season.

It has become clear that, despite those comments, the £14.4m-rated attacker isn’t a key part of Klopp’s plans moving forward, and he has now been linked with a summer exit from Anfield.

The Latest: Fenerbahce keen on Origi

According to Fotomac [via Sport Witness], Fenerbahce are eyeing up a loan move for Origi this summer, with a view to signing him permanently in the future.

The Turkish giants are keen on bolstering their attacking options amid a projected summer clearout and see the Belgium international as an ideal man to come in as a solution.

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The Verdict: Time to leave

Origi will always be loved by many Liverpool supporters for his past achievements, but the Reds have moved on without him this season and he should be sold if the price is right. Ideally he would leave on a permanent deal in the summer, but a loan exit would also make sense as it would allow others to fill his role as a squad player.

Someone like Harvey Elliott would probably now be a better option than Origi, for example, with the teenaher having scored seven goals and registered 11 assists in the Championship for Blackburn Rovers last season.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been left delighted with an update regarding one star player. Find out who it is here.