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Diana Edulji, the former India women’s captain, knew she was in the reckoning for the panel as Gopal Subramanium, the amicus curiae, had asked if she would be interested in such a role

Arun Venugopal30-Jan-2017

In the afternoon, Diana Edulji had almost given up hope of anything definitive emerging from the Supreme Court hearing where a panel of administrators was due to be appointed. The former India women’s captain knew she was in the reckoning as Gopal Subramanium, the amicus curiae, had asked if she would be interested in such a role. But, while Edulji admitted to a tinge of expectation, the adjournment of last week’s hearing had made her “sceptical”. Now, she had seen no news of the hearing on television for nearly two hours and was going to turn it off when the phone rang.”I got a call from one of the channels congratulating me. I said, ‘There is no breaking news anywhere.’ Then suddenly, every channel started carrying the story one after the other,” Edulji told ESPNcricinfo. “Given the number of twists and turns this case has been taking, I was a little sceptical. This time also it [a decision] didn’t come up till 3.45 or 4pm. When the first time it didn’t happen [during the earlier hearing], I didn’t go deeper into it. I left it to God – if it is due for me, I will accept it. If it doesn’t come also, I am okay.”Edulji, who has played 20 Tests and 34 ODIs between 1976 and 1993, is the only cricketer on the four-member committee which also includes Vinod Rai, the former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Ramachandra Guha, the historian and cricket writer, and Vikram Limaye, managing director and CEO of IDFC (Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation). She is also a part of the four-member steering committee, led by former union home secretary GK Pillai, that has been tasked with the responsibility of setting up a players’ association.Edulji felt her presence in the interim committee of administrators was symbolic of what the Lodha reforms aimed to achieve. “It is a very good thing because what I have wanted [to do], now I am in a position to implement it, if that is the role that is given to us,” she said. “I first thought it was the steering committee and the players’ association, but this is a bigger and more prestigious role given, that I am the only player in India to be nominated by the Supreme Court. I hope I will live up to the expectations.”Edulji hadn’t spoken with her colleagues yet – “I don’t even have their numbers” – and wasn’t sure about the nature of her role with the terms of reference of the panel yet to be issued. While she was aware it wouldn’t be an easy job, she was confident her experience as sports officer in the Western Railways would serve her well.”I was administrating 40 games and 40 teams there. Right from the recruitment to the promotions, to the practice sessions, to the departmental tournaments, everything was looked after,” she said. “It was a huge job but a very satisfying job. Tomorrow [January 31], I complete one year of my retirement – so this is my third innings, I would say.”Edulji also said she was prepared to handle the mudslinging – a possible occupational hazard of being an administrator, even if on a short-term basis – that might come her way. “I am quite used to it,” she said, adding that she would rather work “amicably” and hoped to be a bridge between the old administration and the new era.It helped that former board secretary Ajay Shirke and veteran administrator Niranjan Shah were among the first people to congratulate her. “In fact all MCA [Mumbai Cricket Association] office-bearers rang me up,” she said. “I immediately left for MCA. I wanted to be with them at this moment, because they have been so nice with me.”I got a message from the [BCCI] CEO, Mr Rahul Johri, congratulating me and looking forward to working with me. That was a good sign also. Because I am the only player, it may just work out in my favour, [everybody] may co-operate with me.”

Mumbai sealed a 30-run victory to set up a semi-final clash against Tamil Nadu, while Gujarat eliminated Odisha on first-innings lead and will play Jharkhand on New Year’s day

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Dec-2016
ScorecardFile photo – Abhishek Nayar starred in Mumbai’s quarter-final triumph with his career-best match haul and a half-century•Fotocorp

Abhishek Nayar took the three wickets that Hyderabad had standing, at the start of the fifth day in Raipur, to lead defending champions Mumbai into the semi-finals of the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy. Nayar finished with 5 for 40, which took his match haul to 9 for 100, a personal best in first-class cricket. He had also scored a valuable 59 in the first innings which took Mumbai from 139 for 5 to 294.The final day began with Hyderabad on 121 for 7 in pursuit of 232. Five of those wickets were taken by Vijay Gohil, the left-arm spinner playing only his fifth first-class match.The overnight batsmen B Anirudh and Chama Milind put up hardy resistance and even entertained thoughts of victory with their 64-run stand for the eighth wicket. Mumbai might have felt nervous considering the first 22 overs of the morning went by wicketless. Hyderabad might have felt optimistic considering Anirudh, their No. 3 batsman, was still in the middle, well past his fifty.Under pressure, Nayar pulled off the star turn, much like he did in Mumbai’s season opener. He had Milind caught behind, two balls later he had Mohammad Siraj lbw and then polished off the last man Ravi Kiran to seal a tense 30-run victory.Hyderabad were bowled out for 201, Anirudh was stranded on 84 and Mumbai set up a knockout clash with Tamil Nadu on New Year’s day 2017.
Scorecard0:46

‘The lower order gave me confidence to go after runs’ – Samit Gohel

Gujarat opener Samit Gohel scored an unbeaten 359 and broke the world-record for the highest score by an opener carrying his bat in first-class cricket on the final day against Odisha. Gujarat qualified for the semi-final on the basis of first-innings lead at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.Gujarat resumed the day on 514 for 8, with Gohel batting on 261 alongside Hardik Patel. The overnight pair added five more to their 61-run stand before Hardik retired hurt. Gohel then put on 50 with No. 11 Jasprit Bumrah, before Hardik returned and added a further 72 runs with Gohel to take Gujarat to 641. During the course of that partnership, Gohel brought up his triple-century, and subsequently went past the record set by Surrey opener Bobby Abel in 1899. The innings ended with the dismissal of Hardik who had played 174 balls for his 18. Left-arm spinner Dhiraj Singh finished with figures of 6 for 147.Odisha lost captain Govinda Poddar early, before ending on 81 for 1 in 22 overs. Nineteen-year old opening batsman Subhranshu Senapati ended his maiden Ranji season with an unbeaten 57-ball 59.

Presenter Ade Oladipo has claimed to be underwhelmed by the Liverpool transfer move for Alexis Mac Allister after initially being linked with Jude Bellingham.

What is the latest Liverpool transfer news?

Not that long ago, the Reds seemed to be the most likely destination for the Borrusia Dortmund midfielder. Indeed, as recently as March, Thierry Henry claimed a move to Anfield was what the player is hoping for.

He told CBS Sports: “You know like Bellingham wants to play for Liverpool. Everyone knows that, right?”

However, amid talk that Dortmund want around £135m plus add-ons to sell, Jurgen Klopp's target appeared out of reach and now Bellingham looks like he could be set to join Real Madrid instead.

As a consequence, Liverpool have turned their attention elsewhere and seem close to finalising a deal for Mac Allister from Brighton.

While talking about this development on the TalkSport YouTube channel, Oladipo outlined his disappointment with it all, even asking why Declan Rice couldn’t have been targeted as an alternative.

He explained (1:46): "I mean, I've seen Arsenal are going [for] Declan Rice. Why aren’t we competing with Arsenal for Declan Rice?

"We were [trying to sign] Jude Bellingham for five months and now you're telling me Mac Allister.

"And I'm supposed to get excited about Mac Allister when we were [after] Jude Bellingham for five months."

Why do Liverpool want to sign Mac Allister?

Seeing as it will supposedly cost anyone around £120m to sign Rice this summer, if Liverpool can't afford Bellingham than they probably can't afford the West Ham captain either.

But with Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all set to leave, the Reds will have to spend decent money on a midfield rebuild this summer.

And Mac Allister looks to be a pretty exciting prospect. After all, he has enjoyed a brilliant season with Brighton – scoring 10 league goals and helping them secure Europa League football next term (just like Liverpool)

And while he might not quite have as big a reputation as Bellingham, he did manage to win the World Cup this summer with Argentina – which is something England couldn't manage in Qatar.

Mac Allister was key in that too. Indeed, he only missed out on one game in the whole tournament – which happened to be the only match his side lost and he also provided an assist in the final.

And so, while he might not be the high-profile Bellingham transfer many Liverpool fans wanted this summer, the 24-year-old isn't the worst option in the world – especially as a cheaper alternative.

Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield this summer and the Dutchman could be an ideal alternative to Jude Bellingham in Jurgen Klopp's midfield.

Could Liverpool sign Gravenberch this summer?

According to reports from Spain, the former Ajax man is unhappy with his game time following his move from the Dutch giants last summer, with just two starts to his name in the Bundesliga.

Things haven't changed under Thomas Tuchel and the 21-year-old is said to have met with the management team at the Allianz Arena recently in order to request a move to Anfield, where he feels he could be a key part of Klopp's midfield revolution ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Understandably, that has put the Reds in pole position to seal a signing that could well be a bargain price.

A report from Football Transfers last month suggested that while Die Roten are keen to keep hold of the talented youngster, an offer of €40m (£35m) could be enough to tempt him away in the upcoming window.

Would Gravenberch be a good signing?

Although Gravenberch's time at Bayern isn't much to go off, his time at Ajax saw him recognised as one of the top young midfielders in Europe after some superb performances.

His final season with the club saw him notch two goals and five assists in 30 Eredivisie appearances, earning a superb 7.33 average rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Midfield reinforcements are vital for Klopp this summer if Liverpool are to challenge for the title again next season, especially with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all departing on free transfers.

With Fabinho and Thiago both getting on, a youngster such as Gravenberch could be ideal at Anfield as Klopp looks to build a team for the future, although the Dutchman possesses the impressive physicality and title-winning experience that the likes of Harvey Elliot and Fabio Carvalho arguably lack.

His former coach Brian Tevreden said: "Technically, I would say he’s a better version of Pogba in his best days at Juventus, in terms of his technique and his presence on the pitch. He’s very dominant like Pogba was, and that’s what I see in Ryan.”

Would Gravenberch be an ideal Bellingham alternative?

Liverpool were once touted as a potential destination for the Borussia Dortmund star but Real Madrid's interest combined with the Reds' failure to qualify for the Champions League means that a move is surely no longer on the cards.

However, FBref coincidentally suggests that the England international is the third-most similar player to Gravenberch when compared with other midfielders across Europe's top leagues.

If we compare the Netherlands international's stats from last season with Bellingham's from the 2022/23 campaign, they registered extremely similar numbers with regard to passes into the penalty area (both 45) aerial duels won (35 vs 34) and expected assists (3.9 vs 4).as a marker of their ball-playing and athletic prowess.

Gravenberch is clearly a physical ball-carrier with huge potential and while he might not be Liverpool's first choice in midfield, the Dutchman is clearly keen to move away from Munich and could be a superb alternative to Bellingham for Klopp this summer.

Sam Heazlett, David Grant and David Moody shone on their List A debuts as Australia’s National Performance Squad prevailed over South Africa A by 17 runs in the first game of the Quadrangular A-Team One-Day Series

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Aug-2016
ScorecardFile photo: Sam Heazlett’s century on List A debut set up the National Performance squad’s 17-run win over South Africa A•Getty ImagesSam Heazlett, David Grant and David Moody shone on their List A debuts as Australia’s National Performance Squad (NPS) prevailed over South Africa A by 17 runs in the first game of the Quadrangular A-Team One-Day Series.Heazlett struck 101 off 87 balls to steer NPS to 8 for 243 after they were asked to bat at the Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville. Grant (4 for 31) and Moody (3 for 44) then ran through South Africa’s batting order to bowl them out for 226 in 48.4 overs.Heazlett had walked in at the fall of the first wicket when Caleb Jewell was dismissed for 20, after he had added 43 for the opening wicket with Hilton Cartwright. Thereafter, it was a Heazlett show all along. Right-arm pacer Andile Phehlukwayo’s double-strike in the 16th over reduced NPS to 3 for 57, before Heazlett partially steadied the innings through a 49-run fourth-wicket stand with Matthew Short. Heazlett’s second significant stand of the match came with Arjun Nair, with whom he added 91 for the sixth wicket. Heazlett was run out with 33 balls remaining, but captain Sean Abbott’s cameo ensured a decent finish to the NPS innings.South Africa A’s bowlers shared the wickets equally. Phehlukwayo and Aaron Phangiso took two wickets each, while Dane Paterson, Sisanda Magala and Qaasim Adams took a wicket apiece.Adams came good with the bat too, but waged a lone battle. Captain Heino Kuhn had ground it out for 47 balls for his 28, but when he fell, South Africa A were on the mat at 5 for 71. That would soon become 7 for 88. Adams and Magala combined for a 99-run stand for the eighth wicket to give their side a brief passage of cheer, until both batsmen were dismissed in the space of 10 deliveries. Adams had made 78 off 83, with seven fours and three sixes, while Magala’s 59-ball 35 was laced with three fours. Thereafter, brief contributions from Phangiso and Paterson, South Africa A’s Nos. 10 and 11, took them closer, but not close enough.The second match of the series will take place on Sunday when Australia A take on India A at the same venue.

Arsenal are "doing all they can" to stop prodigy Ethan Nwaneri from joining Premier League rivals Man City, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The north Londoners are attempting to back manager Mikel Arteta behind-the-scenes after what has been, overall, a very strong campaign – even if Arsenal end up missing out on their first league title in nearly 20 years.

City's incredible form has resulted in the Gunners playing catch up, with Arteta relying on a slip up from his former mentor if his side are to stand any chance of winning the league.

Regardless, just one year ago, Arsenal were pipped to a top four finish by arch rivals Tottenham – and now they're guaranteed the riches of Champions League football for next campaign in a major boost for the club.

2023/2024 is a prime opportunity to build upon this season and challenge for honours, but as well as incomings, there have been reports of certain players potentially leaving the Emirates Stadium.

The likes of Kieran Tierney and Emile Smith Rowe have been mentioned in this regard, with highly promising starlet Nwaneri also attracting major interest.

According to Football Insider and reporter O'Rourke, City have been targeting the 16-year-old and are increasingly confident they can land him, but Arsenal are desperate to stop it.

Indeed, it is believed the club are "doing all they can" to prevent Nwaneri's departure to the Etihad Stadium, and while City think they can sign him, it is by no means a done deal.

As the youngster is yet to pen a professional deal, Arsenal would only be due a compensation package if he were to move up north.

Why Arsenal need to halt Nwaneri exit

Nwaneri is, arguably, the most exciting young and upcoming player Arsenal have in their ranks.

The midfielder has already broken a Premier League record, becoming the youngest player to ever make a top flight debut earlier this campaign at just 15 years and 181 days old.

The England Under-17 international has dazzled for Arsenal at youth level this season too – scoring six goals and four assists across appearances in Premier League 2, The Under-18s Premier League and FA Youth Cup (Transfermarkt).

Jack Wilshere has also heaped praise on Nwaneri, calling him an "exceptional talent", and losing him to one of Arsenal's biggest rivals will be a sore, sore blow for Arteta to take.

Everton’s Premier League survival hopes took yet another hit with a 2-2 draw against Leicester City as Sean Dyche’s men battled back to secure a point, although it may not be enough.

The Toffees took the lead at the King Power through a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty after only 15 minutes and this should have given the away side a surge in confidence, however, the same old defensive failings that have occurred recently let them down.

First Caglar Soyuncu equalised with his first goal since October 2021, before Jamie Vardy netted only his third league strike this season to give the home side a lead.

James Maddison’s penalty was saved by Jordan Pickford and this could be the moment that proves crucial in the relegation battle. Alex Iowbi netted to make it 2-2 with just over half an hour left but no team could find a winner.

Dyche would have been disappointed by a fair few of his starting XI. Dwight McNeil was looking to build on his goal against Newcastle United last week, however aside from his assist for Iwobi, he made just 19 passes and missed a big chance.

It was defender Vitaliy Mykolenko who proved to be one of the worst players for the Toffees in a display that rather summed up his stay at Goodison.

How did Vitaliy Mykolenko perform for Everton?

The left-back was looked upon to link up well with McNeil on the left wing, yet the duo couldn’t exactly get anything going during the clash.

He failed to deliver an accurate cross with that rather epitomising what he's brought to Everton; a lack of attacking acumen.

That was exacerbated by no key passes and no shots as Everton looked to gain an upper hand from anywhere on the pitch.

Taking just 32 touches, he was in possession of the ball on fewer occasions than goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (45 touches) while his 12 passes were also lower than the Everton stopper's, proving he was far from the required standard under Dyche.

Defensively, the £58k-per-week Ukrainian wasn’t much better, losing possession seven times throughout the match, committing two fouls, and winning just three duels from seven as Leicester took advantage of Everton’s lack of confidence at the back.

It was just a poor performance overall with this coming at a time when players should be proving that they can cut it in the team and indeed the division in order to retain their top-flight status. Unfortunately, the left-back has shown time and time again that he cannot be relied upon on a consistent basis.

تعرف على تشكيل النصر اليوم أمام التعاون في الدوري السعودي

أعلن البرتغالي لويس كاسترو المدير الفني لفريق النصر، عن تشكيل لاعبيه أمام التعاون، في المباراة التي ستجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري السعودي.

النصر يلاقي التعاون، على أرضية استاد مدينة الملك عبد الله الرياضية، في خضم منافسات الجولة الـ19 من عمر مسابقة دوري روشن.

وكان النصر قد حقق فوزًا كبيرًا على منافسه الاتحاد بنتيجة 5-2، الثلاثاء الماضي، في المباراة المؤجلة من الجولة السابعة عشر بالدوري السعودي.

طالع أيضاً.. موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة النصر والتعاون اليوم في الدوري السعودي.. والمعلقين

ويدخل النصر المباراة محتلًا وصافة جدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي برصيد 43 نقطة، بينما يتواجد التعاون في المركز الرابع، وفي جعبته 34 نقطة. تشكيل النصر اليوم أمام التعاون في الدوري السعودي

حراسة المرمى: نواف العقيدي.

خط الدفاع: سلطان الغنام – عبد الإله العمري – إيمريك لابورت – أليكس تيليس.

خط الوسط: عبد الله الخيبري – مارسيلو بروزوفيتش – أوتافيو مونتيرو.

خط الهجوم: ساديو ماني – أندرسون تاليسكا – كريستيانو رونالدو.

قائمة الفريق الرسمية للمباراة تصـل! 🤩
بالتوفيق لنجومنا 💛#النصر_التعاون | #AlNassrAlTaawoun pic.twitter.com/XVZEhdCIpi

— نادي النصر السعودي (@AlNassrFC) December 30, 2023

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is ‘already looking’ for a new club beyond Spurs, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Kane future uncertain…

The 29-year-old is set to be one of the hottest topics discussed in north London this summer, especially with his contract set to expire in 2024.

Kane could leave Spurs on a Bosman deal next year as things stand with Premier League rivals Man United among the sides showing an interest in the player.

The England international, who become the Three Lions’ all time top goal scorer after his penalty against Italy on Thursday evening, is a key asset for Antonio Conte and whoever replaces him thereafter.

Reports have previously suggested that new deal talks have been opened with Kane, but according to a new report, the forward is now seriously considering his options.

The Latest: Kane ‘already looking’ for new club…

According to Spanish news outlet Libertad Digital, and journalist David Lacruz, Kane is ‘already looking for a destination’ beyond Tottenham.

The Lilywhites are apparently worrying about his ‘no-renewal’ as the attacker himself has now ‘gotten tired’ with the situation at Spurs.

Kane is believed to be ‘fed up’ with chairman Daniel Levy’s ‘broken promises’ and the ‘endless projects’ that have been failing.

He apparently doesn’t plan to extend his deal, coming after he nearly joined league champions Man City in the summer of 2021.

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs…

The homegrown ace has starred for Tottenham yet again, scoring a brilliant 21 goals and two assists in 28 league starts this campaign.

He also become Spurs’ all-time top scorer this season, surpassing the legendary Jimmy Greaves and proving to the world that he is one of England’s best ever centre-forwards.

Gareth Southgate, speaking after Kane also broke Wayne Rooney’s international goalscoring record this week, stated:

“He is a brilliant professional and to do it as quickly as he has with still a lot of his career to come is an incredible achievement.

“Huge credit to him. The players gave him a brilliant reception afterwards and I think that was a response to both the record and what he’s just had to recover from as well.”

Losing such a player would come as a major, major blow to Spurs and supporters will be hoping this report isn’t backed up by more mainstream media outlets.

Spurs return to action against Everton on April 3 and Kane will be set to showcase just how important he is yet again.

Leeds United will have to employ an airtight gameplan if they are to get anything from today’s Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Seagulls travel to Elland Road in blistering form and find themselves firmly in contention for the European spots being just seven points off fourth with three games in hand.

Whichever way today’s result goes it will have huge ramifications at both ends of the table, as the Whites are seeking to remove themselves from another relegation battle with Javi Gracia at the helm.

Their most recent loss against Chelsea marked a failed opportunity to capitalise over a struggling outfit, and now they will have to be disciplined and deadly on the break to quell Roberto De Zerbi’s free-flowing outfit.

One such change the Spanish boss could make to bolster his chances is to recall Wilfried Gnonto, as despite his drop-off in form he remains a true maverick capable of the spectacular.

Is Wilfried Gnonto fit to play against Brighton?

Although he only made the bench in their loss to the Blues, Gracia revealed that the decision was tactical rather than a fitness concern. Therefore, it is expected that the Italian boasts a clean bill of health and will be fresh to start today.

This will be a big boost to supporters, who have enjoyed the electric exploits of the 19-year-old this season despite having only scored twice in 12 league games.

Aside from that, he remains a constant creative threat as outlined in his 1.2 key passes per 90. Not only this but the dynamism and trickery he brings make him a threat to any full-back, with former Hibernian striker Tam McManus dubbing him a “pocket rocket”.

The 5 foot 7 speedster was also lauded by journalist Tom Carnduff, who took to Twitter to outline just how deadly an asset he could be:

“Wilfried Gnonto looks an absolute star though. Had such a huge impact since arriving, especially when you consider it might not have happened at that stage of the window.”

Gnonto was also lauded for how he gave his opposite man “nightmares ” on that day too.

He could now revisit that form by once again troubling a visiting team, and with the backing of Elland Road, he is sure to return to his brilliant best. If there was ever a time to reignite his season, today is that day.