All posts by h716a5.icu

Mohammad Asif has asked for his preliminary hearing for testing positive for nandrolone, a banned anabolic steroid, to be pushed back from August 30, the scheduled date, to the middle of September

Cricinfo staff28-Aug-2008
Mohammad Asif’s lawyer wants the fast bowler’s hearing to be held in the middle of September © AFP
Mohammad Asif has asked that his preliminary hearing for testing positive for nandrolone, a banned anabolic steroid, to be pushed back from August 30, the scheduled date, to the middle of September. Asif will not be able to reach India to appear before a tribunal because there are “certain formalities” to be completed, according to his lawyer Shahid Karim.”We have been given a tentative date by IPL. They want us to come to India on August 30 but I have replied to them that such a date wasn’t possible,” Karim told . “There are certain formalities to be completed before going to India to appear before the tribunal. They should fix the date by middle of September.”Asif, who played for Delhi Daredevils, had tested positive during the Indian Premier League and had asked for his B sample to be analysed. The B sample, which was tested in Switzerland, also showed traces of nandrolone but the quantities of the substance varied in the two samples. The second sample had a nandrolone concentration of 5.4 nanograms per millilitre of urine while the first had 6.2 nanograms.”There was a major difference in the two results,” Karim said. “There was a deviation, which has certain connotations, which we can’t divulge now but will do in due course of time. The report [from Switzerland] has just come in and we are analysing it. The expert Dr. Graham is going through the report.”Asif was suspended by the PCB from all forms of the game pending the result of the IPL inquiry. Lalit Modi, the IPL commissioner, had previously told Cricinfo that if Asif’s B sample also tested positive, the matter would be taken up by the IPL’s drugs tribunal, comprising Sunil Gavaskar, Dr Ravi Bapat (ex-vice chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences) and lawyer Shirish Gupte. The tribunal will take a decision in accordance with the ICC’s anti-doping code, which the IPL had adopted.Asif previously tested positive for nandrolone just before the 2006 Champions Trophy in India. Though he was banned for one year by a PCB tribunal, the punishment was overturned a month later on appeal.

Yusuf Pathan broke the IPL’s first tie and with it Kolkata Knight Riders’ hearts through clean hitting in the Super Over, to chase down 16 runs in four deliveries

The Bulletin by Sidharth Monga23-Apr-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
Yusuf Pathan hit seven fours and four sixes in all to ensure a thrilling win for Rajasthan Royals•AFPYusuf Pathan broke the IPL’s first tie and with it Kolkata Knight Riders’ hearts through clean hitting in the Super Over, to chase down 16 runs in four deliveries. It was intense drama at Newlands with the match swinging either way – from the moment Rajasthan Royals lost two wickets in the first three overs till Sourav Ganguly’s dismissal with two runs required and one ball to go – as the excitement spilled over into the Super Over, the solution to a Twenty20 tie.It was Yusuf who helped Rajasthan recover from their second bad start in the tournament, at 14 for 2 in 2.2 overs this time. He plundered 42 off 21 balls, hitting six boundaries and two sixes. He then bowled the first over for Rajasthan, with fast, bouncy offbreaks to keep Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum from getting off to a quick start. His first three overs bowled inside the Powerplays, to two of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket went for just 12.Later, Sourav Ganguly pulled another one out of the old hat to almost mastermind a chase that looked gone with five down and 57 required in the last six overs. His 46 off 30 balls – especially the backing away and hitting through the off side – evoked the days when Ganguly used to be the best ODI batsman in the world.Kamran Khan, Shane Warne’s left-arm sling prodigy, bowled the designated Super Over for Rajasthan, but he had already bowled a ‘super over’ before that – the last over of the actual match. Kolkata needed only seven to win off that over, and despite starting off with a wide, Kamran took Ganguly’s wicket off the fifth ball and a single off the last ball ensured the dream result for the IPL, a tie.Three Kolkata players would especially be heartbroken. Gayle, who was limping when he lofted the ball into the stratosphere many a time during his 41 off 33 balls, got the chase going. He then hit three successive boundaries in the Super Over to set Rajasthan a difficult target. He also assisted Ajantha Mendis in pulling back Rajasthan after Yusuf had reprised some of his last year’s form. Mendis removed Yusuf and Graeme Smith, two of Rajasthan’s most dangerous batsmen, in one over, and gave away only 19 in his four overs.But in four balls of his Super Over, Mendis went for 18. Yusuf hit him over wide long-off for a first-ball six. He was then dropped off the second ball, with Brad Hodge failing to latch on to the miscued slog sweep running in from long-on towards mid-off. The third ball was hit over midwicket, and the fourth swept along the ground to square-leg boundary. Cricket can be tough on the toughest of players.The most dejected – and it showed – was Ganguly, who brought in all his experience to fight Shane Warne’s canny tactics to single-handedly take the game to a stage from where it should have been a cruise. But with eight required off eight, he lost his partner, Yashpal Sharma, to an irresponsible shot. On the fifth ball of the last over, with two required he himself went looking for a four through the off side and edged Kamran.Heart-broken or not, when we look back at this game, Yusuf, Kamran, and Warne’s innovative leadership will shine as the brightest moments.Yusuf had come into bat when Anureet Singh, the Railways medium-pacer, and Ishant Sharma had taken out the Rajasthan newcomers Paul Valthaty and Rob Quiney in three balls early after they were put in by Kolkata. The changes were necessitated by a growing concern over some of the Indian domestic batsmen’s capabilities on the bouncier pitches of South Africa.But Yusuf put any such doubts over his credentials to rest as soon as he came in. A monstrous straight six off Ishant off the third ball he faced was followed by an across-the-line boundary off the next ball. Yusuf tried to spoil a decent debut by Anureet through a swivel-pulled six off the next ball he faced. Ajit Agarkar was the next in line, and he suffered the worst treatment, going for three boundaries in four balls. From 14 for 2 in 2.2 overs, Yusuf had taken Rajasthan to 54 for 2 at the end of the Powerplay through a brilliant counterattack.But that’s when Mendis came on, and turned the game around. Such was the choke applied by Mendis and Gayle that Rajasthan had to wait for 49 deliveries in the middle overs for a boundary. From 70 for 2 in eight overs, they went to 132 for 6 in 19 before Abhishek Raut, another debutant, ruined Anureet’s debut with two sixes and a four in the last over.A simplistic and a ruthless way to look back at the match would be to look at the 20th overs of each innings. Both times Kolkata looked a stronger side, but Rajasthan pulled it back through their immense fighting qualities. In the process the teams produced a Twenty20 classic. The only pity was that the teams had to be separated after they had both made multiple comebacks from seemingly impossible situations.

23-Apr-2009Paul Marsh,
Paul Marsh: “The difficulty here is that until cricket returns to Pakistan and the implementation of agreed security plans is tested, how can any board or player association confidently recommend to its players to tour?”•Getty ImagesThere are two major issues that would need to be overcome before the ACA could recommend that its players tour Pakistan again.Firstly, the general threat levels are unacceptably high at present. As such the country would have to stabilise significantly and who knows how long this could take. Unfortunately this is largely uncontrollable, so those involved in Pakistan cricket have to bide their time and hope for improvement.Secondly, based on past experience we have limited confidence in the ability of the security forces to deliver on agreed security plans. This is an area that we believe can and must be addressed.The difficulty here is that until cricket returns to Pakistan and a board agrees to tour, and therefore test the implementation of agreed security plans, how can any board or player association confidently recommend to its players to tour? What’s most important right now is for cricket as a whole to address every aspect of security in every country. We must be receiving the best information on all potential countries and venues, we must develop the best possible plans and implement these plans exactly as laid out and then audit and review them constantly. There is no room for error in the area of security.Graeme Labrooy,
One way forward for Pakistan cricket is to revise their strategy in the short-term and look for a neutral venue like Dubai, or even Sri Lanka. For instance, who would have thought that the IPL will be held in South Africa this year? I just hope Pakistan’s cricketers won’t lose heart and will grab whatever chances they get to keep on playing, be it even in the English or Australian leagues. The Pakistan Cricket Board, meanwhile, has to play a crucial role in constantly communicating with and updating other boards on the situation there.It’s hard to say when international cricket will restart in Pakistan, because there’s lots to be done. But I do believe that it will return. To start with, there could be an security review in Pakistan in about six to seven months, with the ICC stepping in, and we could take it from there. Who knows, the situation would have improved by then. But the key is for the board to keep its communication channels open.From a Sri Lankan point of view, the players have gotten over the Lahore attack though the memories will remain for ever. And I am happy that some of them are moving forward and have started playing again in the IPL, if not for the country.Tony Irish,
One hopes that cricket will again be played in Pakistan. It is obviously a country with a great passion for the game. But in the forseeable future – the short- to medium-term – it is difficult to see teams touring there. The general approach is that we rely on our security consultants to inform us of the internal and external risks of a nation ahead of a tour. I think we would need to see a substantial lowering of that risk before any team would consider returning.When we were dealing with the issue of playing in Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy, the big concerns being relayed to us was of the number of incidents and attacks in the cities that were reprisals for what was going on in the North West Frontier Province. Since then, there have been more attacks, and cricket was specifically targetted, so the situation has deteriorated even in that timeframe.Heath Mills,
You hear some people saying we shouldn’t be playing in Pakistan for four or five years, but I don’t abide by that theory. There shouldn’t be any time limits. I think playing there in the next little while will be difficult, and it’s no secret that our series that was to be played in Pakistan might now be played (in New Zealand). But perhaps by the end of this year I think each series should be judged on a case-by-case basis. We should speak to our security experts, and if they give the green light in 12, 18 or 24 months, then we should go.

Former Premier League defender Danny Mills has claimed that West Ham United could sign Jesse Lingard from Manchester United for just £5m in January.

The Lowdown: Lingard on the move

Lingard won the hearts of many Irons fans last season as he scored nine goals and set up another five as he helped David Moyes’ side to reach the Europa League group stage for the first time.

After missing out on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad, he reportedly rejected the chance to return to the Hammers and instead chose to fight for his place at Manchester United, but has only played four minutes of action in their three games thus far in the current campaign.

Lingard scored twice and assisted Bakayo Saka’s clincher in England’s 4-0 drubbing of Andorra at Wembley on Sunday as he continued his form from last season, but the 28-year-old remains on the periphery at Old Trafford for the time being despite being strongly linked with a return to the London Stadium during the summer.

The Latest: Mills makes transfer claim

Former England right-back Mills has claimed that the Hammers could sign Lingard permanently and sign him for a bargain fee. He stated that Manchester United ‘may just accept’ £5m in January for the midfielder, who has less than 12 months remaining on his contract.

Mills told Football Insider that West Ham could seize upon the 28-year-old’s contract uncertainty at Old Trafford, saying: “There will be part of him that wants to protect himself. I feel a bit for him because he’s done very, very well. He probably deserves better.

“It’s that tricky predicament now where he was a year left. He’s running out of contract time.

“Will Manchester United want to let him go out on loan at that stage? Unlikely, I would suggest. Maybe he won’t want to go out on loan at that stage either for fear of picking up an injury.

“Somebody will take a gamble on him come the end of the season. It’s just about whether they will take a game and take him if Man United don’t want to keep him.

“They may just accept £5million in the January transfer window to get it done and dusted.”

The Verdict: Lingard deserves the chance to play

Admittedly against a poor side, Lingard was the shining light in England’s World Cup qualifying victory over the weekend, scoring his first England goal since November 2018.

With Bruno Fernandes one of Manchester United’s star players, it looks likely that the 28-year-old will be a backup to the Portugal international, so his chances of being involved in the England setup could be limited unless a move materialises or unless he breaks into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first XI.

Lingard’s contract situation could be on West Ham’s radar, and if they can snap him for the £5m fee suggested by Mills, they will have grabbed a bargain, especially as his Transfermarkt value is almost four times that amount.

In other West Ham news, it has emerged why one summer target didn’t transfer to London Stadium. Find out more here.

Southampton have been credited with an interest in Sheffield United striker Daniel Jebbison recently and if the teenage forward were to join Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, it could be a catalyst in Michael Obafemi leaving St Mary’s.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun on Sunday (via Football League World), Southampton have joined the race to sign the 18-year-old forward this summer after he broke into Sheffield United’s first-team towards the end of last season.

The likes of Everton, Leeds and Aston Villa have also been linked with the Englishman, whilst he was also attracting significant loan interest from Championship and League One clubs.

Despite Sheffield United’s league position of 23rd in the Championship, Jebbison has not yet played a minute in the second tier and has been limited to just 71 minutes of action in the League Cup.

Bye-bye Obafemi?

If Southampton were to sign the exciting Sheffield United forward, it is difficult to see where Obafemi would fit in at St Mary’s in the long-term future.

The Republic of Ireland U’21 international made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League last season and saw a loan move to Swansea City fall through after he picked up a long-term injury.

Although he featured heavily in pre-season, the 19-year-old’s only appearance so far this term came as a substitute in the 8-0 thrashing of Newport County in the League Cup, so it seems as if he is surplus to requirements in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

The Austrian manager has questioned Obafemi’s professionalism in the past, and he was heavily linked with a switch to Blackburn Rovers as part of the Adam Armstrong deal earlier in the window.

As his contract is set to expire at the end of this season, it would not be a surprise to see Obafemi sold, especially if the money from his sale could be put towards signing a player such as Jebbison.

The teenage striker boasts an impressive record with Sheffield United’s academy, scoring six in as many outings. He also scored on his first Premier League start in a 1-0 win against Everton last year, with Micah Richards later dubbing him the “shining light” in what was a terrible season for the Blades.

Whilst it is difficult to see him getting in ahead of any of Hasenhuttl’s current attacking options, he clearly has a lot of potential and would fit Southampton’s transfer model of signing young talents for the future.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

Therefore, Semmens should definitely look at sealing a last gasp transfer swoop for Jebbison before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday evening.

And, in other news… Southampton can sign their next KWP in 21 y/o

Leeds United turned down the opportunity to sign Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks on loan this season, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Midfielder needed?

The Whites haven’t done a huge amount of business in the summer transfer window, with Kristoffer Klaesson and Junior Firpo coming in, as well as Jack Harrison making his move from Manchester City permanent.

There is still time for new signings to join, however, and midfield is arguably an area that requires more depth, with Kalvin Phillips perhaps relied upon too heavily at times.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Leeds turn down Winks move

Despite this, The Athletic‘s Hay claims that Leeds declined the opportunity to bring in Winks on loan, with the 25-year-old seemingly not part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans.

He has made 176 appearances for Spurs and won ten caps for England – Mauricio Pochettino once hailed him as ‘amazing’ – but he missed out on a place at Euro 2020.

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The Verdict: Strange decision

Marcelo Bielsa is seemingly content with his squad, but it does seem odd not to have signed Winks, considering he was available on loan.

It may simply be that the Leeds boss doesn’t feel he fits into his style of play, but he is still a proven Premier League midfielder who could have added more quality in the middle of the park at a minimal cost.

Winks averaged 1.3 key passes per game in the Europa League last season, highlighting his quality on the ball, and he may have dovetailed nicely with Phillips.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly interested in a late move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left raging following a blow involving Algeria international Said Benrahma prior to today’s clash against Manchester United.

The 26-year-old, who featured on Thursday against Dinamo Zagreb as the Hammers got off to a flying start in the Europa League, got a knock on his knee after being introduced by manager David Moyes.

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West Ham have already had to find a plan to cope without the absence of star striker Michail Antonio after he picked up a red card during their last league outing away to Southampton, ruling him out today due to suspension.

It now seems that another doubt for the visit of the Red Devils has emerged, with Moyes sending a pre-match message to the press (via whufc.com). He explained: “In terms of team news, Said Benrahma got a knock on his knee when he came on against Dinamo Zagreb, but apart from that the squad are mostly fully available.”

In response to this news, it’s safe to say that many Irons supporters are far from pleased – check out some of their reactions on Twitter below.

West Ham fans fume over Benrahma blow…

“A big miss”

Credit: @judiboybaby

“Oh jeez”

Credit: @WHU99

“lets hope he’s still available”

Credit: @whujoe

“Nooooooooooooo”

Credit: @ovo_forbes

“No no no”

Credit: @whufc_ollie

“Fantastic. So now what”

Credit: @acpcoyi

In other news: West Ham source claims GSB could now make move to sign ‘absolutely immense’ player for Moyes, find out more here.

Andrew Symonds is on track to make next month’s Test tour of South Africa following knee surgery on New Year’s Eve

Cricinfo staff17-Jan-2009
Andrew Symonds is expected to be back in action in three to five weeks © Getty Images
Andrew Symonds is on track to make next month’s Test tour of South Africa following knee surgery on New Year’s Eve. Symonds missed the Sydney victory after hobbling through the loss at the MCG and there is hope from the team camp that he will be available for part of the five-match one-day series against New Zealand.”I would be disappointed if Andrew wasn’t available to go to South Africa,” Alex Kountouris, Australia’s physio, said in the Sunday Telegraph. “Things are progressing well.”Andrew has been taking it easy but I expect him to be doing some running this week and we will gradually build his recovery up over the coming weeks. At this stage it’s hard to say when Andrew will be back but I’d expect it to be somewhere between three to five weeks.”Australia would like Symonds involved following the loss of a series of players over the past month. Stuart Clark, Brett Lee and Shane Watson are out injured while Matthew Hayden retired from the game last week. Michael Clarke is also carrying a thumb problem and Phil Jaques is about to return from back surgery.”I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t that need for me to get out there,” Jaques said after delaying his club comeback by a week. “But in saying that, I’ve taken three months out of the game to get my back right.”I don’t want to go back in and get another operation down the track. I want to be 100% ready when I start playing again. If that means I miss a tour, I miss a tour. But I’m confident I’ll be right. I was a bit concerned [at first] because I hadn’t felt any discomfort whatsoever since I’d been back in work. But it’s nothing major and it’s responded really well.”

When Rafa Benitez was announced as Everton manager it was soon revealed that he’d be given a healthy transfer kitty in the ongoing window.

However, that seemingly couldn’t be further from the truth with the Toffees prioritising cost-effective measures instead.

What’s the word?

As a result, Everton are struggling to complete even the most basic of transfers.

They have secured three moves already but the net spend on those deals fails to surpass the £1.7m they paid for Demarai Gray.

In any ordinary window for the Merseyside club, they’d have probably wrapped up a deal for Denzel Dumfries already given how cheap he is.

The flying Dutch wing-back has been linked with the Toffees ever since his exploits at Euro 2020 but Inter Milan have stolen a march in the race to acquire his services.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano who delivered the following update on Dumfries’ future to his Twitter followers:

“Inter are pushing to sign Denzel Dumfries from PSV. Talks opened for €12m bid – PSV want more as price tag, Everton are not progressing in negotiations for Dumfries since days.”

Worrying news

The final passage of Romano’s tweet should come as a particular concern to the adoring Goodison Park crowd.

With Seamus Coleman’s contract expiring in a year’s time, they will need a right-back primed and ready to take his place in the squad.

Crucially, that player will also need to be first-team ready and proven at some of the highest levels in the game.

Dumfries is that man and at the price tag mooted, it’s almost bewildering that talks haven’t progressed.

Marcel Brands sought a loan move earlier this week but that clearly hasn’t come to fruition despite his value sitting at a measly £15m.

Therefore, not being able to stump up the cash for a player so cheap will leave supporters fuming.

After all, when you consider the vast sums of money they’ve spent in recent years, this is a mere snip.

The Toffees have spent poorly on players like Alex Iwobi who cost around £34m, Jean-Philippe Gbamin for £25m and Davy Klaassen for £23.6m.

Consequently, not having the cash reserves in order to be able to sign Dumfries is peculiar.

At a price below £20m, he’d have been an exceptional signing. He scored twice for his country at the recent European Championships and has shown himself to have every trait associated with a modern full-back.

Everton supporters should be aghast that a transfer can’t be completed.

AND in other news, Benitez closes in on Everton’s 4th summer signing, fans must be angry…

Chris Martin, the New Zealand fast bowler, still held out hope of a “little miracle” despite his side losing six second-innings wickets

Peter English at the Gabba22-Nov-2008
Chris Martin on his bowling: “I was happy actually. Last night was one of the more memorable evenings I’ve had” © Getty Images
Two costly dropped catches on the third day basically ended New Zealand’s chances of toppling Australia, but Chris Martin, the fast bowler, still held out hope of a “little miracle” despite his side losing six second-innings wickets. Opener Simon Katich was missed twice before Australia’s lead reached 230 and they went on to set the visitors an unlikely 327 for victory.”They were crucial,” Martin said of the catches. “For many touring teams that come to Australia, how you field seems to define whether you win or lose. We did put a couple down, but for the majority of the game we have fielded well.”In the first innings the catching was very sharp as Australia were dismissed for 214, but the young side was unable to stay in touch and finished the third day at 6 for 143. Ross Taylor was strong off both feet during a sensible 67 not out while Daniel Vettori will start in the morning after Grant Elliott was bowled offering no shot to the final ball.”We still think we have a chance,” Martin said. “We’ve got Roscoe [Taylor] out there playing very well and we just have to keep the faith in our captain and hope the sort of the performance the Australian tail did today, we can potentially put on ourselves. It is going to be a big ask, it is going to be a little bit of a miracle, but it’s something we will be trying hard for.”Martin captured 3 for 69 to lead the New Zealand attack but they were unable to replicate their penetrative displays earlier in the game as the pitch flattened out. “I was happy actually,” Martin said of his bowling. “Last night was one of the more memorable evenings I’ve had. We got our tired and worn bodies out there [on Saturday] and did our best, but to get that many runs with the tail was a bloody good effort.”After Australia were dismissed, Stuart Clark, who was dropped in Nagpur, returned to wicket-taking form with 3 for 23 off 12 overs. He finished with the crucial dismissal of Elliott after picking up a contentious lbw against Brendon McCullum and a sharp caught-and-bowled to dismiss Aaron Redmond.Brett Lee had started the innings by breaking through with his third ball to remove Jamie How and capture his 300th Test victim. “It was great, a sweet feeling, to know you’ve achieved that milestone,” he said. “You don’t play for those reasons, but it’s a nice pat on the back for the hard work.” Aged 32, he has readjusted his sights on 400.After being sick in India and struggling with his form, Lee was excited to be back on bouncy home surfaces and will continue his push to regain full fitness. “I want to touch the 150kph barrier, as I get strength back,” he said. “I’m still fighting as hard as I can to get the strength back that I lost in India, but now I feel a billion times better.”He said his recent experiences, with his form struggles and family troubles, were different to overcoming an injury. “I’ve been up against a brick wall the last couple of months,” he said. “Now I feel like I’m back to where I want to be bowling.”