Twenty players will take part in the camp ahead of a season in which most of Pakistan’s international commitments will be in the five-day format

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2019Misbah-ul-Haq is set to lead a 17-day training camp for 20 Pakistan cricketers starting next week. The pre-season camp, according to a PCB media release, has been organised with a view to an upcoming year in which most of Pakistan’s international commitments will be in the five-day format, with one eye on the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which begins on September 12. Fourteen of the 20 Pakistan cricketers called up are centrally contracted players. Two days of fitness testing will be followed by by the conditioning camp, which runs from August 22 to September 7.Misbah, whom the PCB release has termed the “camp commandant”, will “craft the training programme and overlook of the camp until the recruitment process has concluded. During the pre-season camp, the players will undergo fielding drills and net sessions, along with fitness and other cricketing activities.”The camp has been set up to prepare the players for a competitive and challenging domestic and international cricket season, which is expected to begin with the prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy from 12 September.”It is not clear whether much can be read into the PCB giving Misbah the responsibility in the absence of a coaching set-up. When the PCB decided not to renew the contracts of head coach Mickey Arthur and his entire coaching staff, there was some media speculation that Misbah could be given the top job, though it is worth noting he has yet to complete the coaching badges or acquire the necessary experience the PCB is looking for in the next head coach.It is more likely, perhaps, that Misbah’s reputation for high levels of fitness well into his 40s as a Test cricketer have resulted in the PCB hand-picking him as an ideal candidate for the job. In 2016, when Misbah was the Pakistan captain, the side underwent a rigorous training regime with the Pakistan military at an academy in Abbottabad before a tour of England. When Misbah scored a century in the first Test following that course, he famously dropped to his hands and knees and reeled off ten push-ups on the Lord’s turf, in tribute to the people who had put Pakistan through such a gruelling schedule, and as proof of his physical prowess.Azhar Ali will join the camp after concluding his stint with Somerset, while Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman have been exempted to allow them to complete their time with their respective counties in England.Zakir Khan, Director of International Cricket at the PCB, said: “This conditioning camp is of great significance. The players will undergo strenuous training sessions to prepare for a demanding season, which will see Pakistan spend 30 of their 42 cricket-playing days in Test cricket.”Misbah-ul-Haq, who has been Pakistan’s most successful captain, understands the arduous demands of the format in this day and age. With the advent of the World Test Championship, the PCB wants Pakistan to turn up with their best red-ball game when they face Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series at home.”Players called upCentrally contracted: Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah.Non-centrally contracted: Asif Ali, Bilal Asif, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mir Hamza, Rahat Ali and Zafar Gohar.

MatériaMais Notícias

A fase é boa e Michael tem o reconhecimento devido no Flamengo pelas boas atuações neste início de temporada. Além dos elogios do técnico Rogério Ceni, o camisa 19 também recebeu os agradecimentos dos jogadores após as duas assistências que abriram o caminho para a vitória por 3 a 0 sobre o Volta Redonda, neste sábado, na partida de ida da semifinal do Campeonato Carioca.

Diego, que entrou na etapa final contra o Voltaço, Pedro, que recebeu os passes, e Gerson, que ficou fora da partida por lesão na coxa direita, parabenizaram Michael nas redes sociais após o duelo. Confira as publicações!

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Boooooaaaaa Michaaaaa! @michael19real pic.twitter.com/z2nbBOBZsE

— Diego Ribas (@ribasdiego10) May 2, 2021

Mais um do homem @Pedro9oficial Tropa pega mermu. Aulas, @michael19real

— Gerson Santos (@GersonSantos08) May 2, 2021

Obrigado, @GiorgiandeA e @michael19real pic.twitter.com/oBuHHdSyTN

— P9 (@Pedro9oficial) May 2, 2021

Michael também usou as redes para celebrar a vitória e agradecer o carinho.

Vitória muito impotente pra nós! Vlw rapaziada 🙏🏽🔥 pic.twitter.com/NEYhiSjc8x

— Michael Oliveira (@michael19real) May 2, 2021

Com o resultado, o Flamengo abriu grande vantagem no Carioca: só fica de fora da decisão estadual caso perca por quatro ou mais gols do Volta Redonda no próximo sábado, no Maracanã. Na outra chave, Fluminense e Portuguesa disputam o jogo de ida da semifinal neste domingo. Confira todos os detalhes!

Já o elenco rubro-negro se reapresenta no Ninho do Urubu neste domingo e embarca para o Equador, onde enfrenta a LDU na terça, pela Libertadores.

As the second half of the season continues, Everton are facing the consequences for their Financial Fair Play breach in full, with Sean Dyche's now sat inside the Premier League's relegation zone by one point, having played one more game than Luton Town and Nottingham Forest sitting above them. Now, matters could get even worse, with a European club eyeing a move to sign one of Dyche's defensive options.

Everton transfer news

It was an understandably quiet transfer window on the incoming front for Everton after they were charged for a second time for breaching FFP rules in the early stages of January. Now awaiting punishment once more, the Toffees could see their survival hopes all but ended with another points deduction. Without their earlier ten-point deduction, Dyche's side would sit as high as 12th, but now face the very real prospect of relegation.

The one move that did take place at Goodison Park during the winter window was Mason Holgate's loan to Sheffield United. After putting pen to paper, the central defender said via BBC Sport: "I'm delighted to be here and to finally get it over the line. I've been waiting all month to get it sorted, obviously involving three teams, it is a little complicated but now we've got it to this point, I cannot wait to get going.

"I feel good, sharp and ready to go. This is the best league in the world that's why everyone aspires to play in it, I've played in it a bit now and hopefully I can come in and help the boys. Chris [Wilder] has faith and believes in me, he has told me what he thinks I can add to the team and I think I can do that so it makes sense to make this happen."

Having already lost one centre-back, the Toffees could be in line to lose a second, even after deadline day. According to Turkish outlet Sabah, Besiktas are set to open negotiations for Michael Keane, having already failed to sign Newcastle United's Jamaal Lascelles and Nottingham Forest's Joe Worrall in the last month. The transfer window in Turkey doesn't close until Friday 9th February, handing Everton a nervous wait amid potential negotiations for their centre-back.

Everton must keep "immense" Keane after Holgate's exit

Ahead of a crucial relegation battle, squad depth could quickly prove to be the key for Everton, meaning that they should do everything in their power to fend off any interest in Keane. Whilst the defender is behind James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite in the pecking order, one injury could quickly see the former Burnley man regain his place in Dyche's side.

When at his best, Keane has earned deserved praise, including from legendary manager Harry Redknapp, who told BetVictor back in 2022 (via Goodison News): "I thought Michael Keane was immense at the back, and topping it off with a goal will do him no harm at all."

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the appointment of a key off-field role, with an announcement coming as soon as next month.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds sealed EFL Cup glory on Sunday afternoon, as Jurgen Klopp's final season at Anfield threatens to be a legendary one, with a quadruple still possible in the coming months.

It is important that there is plenty of focus on new signings in the summer, however, and it could even be that FSG have already lined up their next manager, with Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann both believed to be in the running.

A number of players have been linked with moving to Anfield at the end of the season too, with centre-back an area of the pitch that could be bolstered. Crystal Palace and England ace Marc Guehi has emerged as a target, being seen as a potential replacement for Joel Matip.

Meanwhile, Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio continues to be linked with Liverpool, with the Portuguese a wanted man among numerous Premier League clubs, including Manchester United.

There is also the small matter of the Reds nailing the appointment of a new sporting director after the January exit of Jorg Schmadtke, bringing in an individual who can work seamlessly alongside the next manager. West Ham's highly-rated ace Tim Steidten has been backed to take the club, as has Alonso's colleague at Bayer Leverkusen, Simon Rolfes, and now a new claim has emerged.

Liverpool set to appoint sporting director in March

According to an update from Football Insider, Liverpool will appoint a new long-term sporting director as early as March, with FSG keen on completing a deal in good time.

"Liverpool want to appoint a new sporting director in the next month, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed that the Reds are keen to announce a new chief recruiter by the end of March and will then push ahead with their search for Jurgen Klopp’s managerial replacement.

It is great to see that FSG are looking to act quickly when it comes to hiring a new sporting director, rather than allowing it to drag on and hamper the club's summer transfer business.

It remains to be seen who the standout candidate is to come in, but there would be real sense in Rolfe being the choice, should Alonso be named the new manager. They have clearly worked well together at Leverkusen, so to have people who already know each other's qualities can only be a good thing.

FSG chiefs have “strong relationship” with “unbelievable” Liverpool target

The Reds are reportedly interested in signing him.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 26, 2024

Whoever comes in, it is essential that the right decision is made, with the role so influential in the modern game, during a period in which the likes of Michael Edwards and Dan Ashworth have rightly been hailed for their influence at their respective clubs.

أبدى النجم المصري أحمد فتحي، أسطورة الكرة المصرية، رأيه في قرعة دوري أبطال أفريقيا 2024-2025، مؤكدًا أن المجموعة الثانية هي الأصعب بين جميع المجموعات.

وكشفت قرعة دوري أبطال إفريقيا لموسم 2024-2025، عن مجموعات صعبة، تضم كبار الأندية داخل القارة السمراء التي تتطلع للتتويج باللقب القاري.

طالع أيضًا | نتائج قرعة مجموعات دوري أبطال إفريقيا 2024-2025.. مواجهات قوية تنتظر الأهلي وبيراميدز

وقال أحمد فتحي في لقاء عبر قناة “أون تايم سبورت”: “ربنا أعطاني نعمة منذ أن لعبت الكرة وحتى الآن، بالتأكيد حققت أمورًا جيدة وأخرى سيئة، لكن ربنا أعطاني الكثير، وسأبدأ مرحلة مهنية جديدة”.

وتابع: “أرى أن المجموعة الثانية صعبة لأن بها فريقين من المغرب (الرجاء والجيش الملكي)، إلى جانب صن داونز الجنوب إفريقي، وهي أصعب مجموعة، وستكون صعبة على صن داونز أكثر، لأنه سيذهب إلى المغرب مرتين”.

وأشار: “صعب أن أتنبأ بقوة المباريات إلا عندما أشاهدها، ممكن أندية تحقق مفاجآت، ومعظم الأندية تمتلك جماهير وهذا يفرق معهم، وأرى إن المجموعات متوازنة بشكل عام، أتمنى التوفيق لجميع الفرق، وبالأخص الأهلي وبيراميدز ويصلان للنهائي”.

وشدد: “أعتقد أن الأهلي وبيراميدز سيتعرضان للإرهاق بسبب كثرة المباريات المُقبلة، ووجهة نظري أن الفريق لا بد أن يمتلك دكة بدلاء جيدة، لأن المباريات لن تكون سهلة، ووارد يحدث إجهاد للاعبين”.

واختتم: “البطولة لن تكون سهلة على الأندية المصرية لأن الدوري طويل وهذا يرهق اللاعبين، ولا بد أن يُحضر كل مدرب لاعب وإثنين وثلاثة في كل مركز”.

Leeds United are pushing for automatic promotion in the Championship, and there have now been claims they could look at signing a free-agent midfielder.

Leeds United’s January transfer window

The Whites left it late in the winter market to secure their only signing of the month, with right-back Connor Roberts joining on loan from Burnley. Daniel Farke arguably needed a new full-back, especially after Djed Spence’s season-long loan was terminated early and Luke Ayling left for Middlesbrough and was delighted at signing Roberts, saying:

“So we wanted to bring a specialist in. “We found one with Connor Roberts, in a perfect age, experience, we wanted to add a bit of experience. Great, great CV. Even last season he was in the Team of the Year in the Championship as a right-back.

“One hundred and eighty games on this level, 40 Premier League games, top-class character, available right now and also fully committed. I’m pretty happy with him. “So it feels a bit like half of the Welsh national team is meanwhile with us, but I also quite like the mentality, so we will prepare them properly for a play-off final against Glen Kamara’s Finland.

“Overall, a really good signing and we had to be patient with this one because we wanted to bring a proper one in and also someone who improves our group.”

Roberts arrived too late to make his debut against Bristol City and was cup-tied in the week, so he could be in line to make his debut against Rotherham United. There were more Elland Road departures last month as well, with Darko Gyabi, Ian Poveda and Sean McGurk joining Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town respectively.

Even though the window is shut, Luis Sinisterra has made his move to Bournemouth permanent, and with the free agent market always open, there have been claims of potential targets.

Leeds free agent transfer claim

Leeds Live shared a story in the last 48 hours, looking at four free agents who Farke could consider bringing to Elland Road to help Leeds continue their promising start to the calendar year. One of those was midfielder Josh Onomah, who has actually been without a club since the summer after leaving Preston North End.

“Onomah has experience both at Championship and Premier League level, most recently representing Preston North End. His career began at Tottenham Hotspur, who he represented 32 times before joining Fulham in 2019. His first goal for the Cottagers ironically arrived against Leeds in December of that year and he remained with the London club until moving to Preston in January 2023. Still only 26 years of age, Onomah could serve as a useful option in central midfield between now and the end of the campaign.”

Onomah, a former England U21 international, has made ten or more appearances in four different midfield roles, so the 26-year-old would bring plenty of versatility to his next club.

However, with Leeds having Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev, Archie Gray and Ethan Ampadu as options in the middle of the park, you could make an argument that someone like Onomah isn’t desperately needed in Yorkshire.

Ange Postecoglou is creating a team of manifest quality down at Tottenham Hotspur but the Australian will need more time to right the wrongs that have plagued the squad over recent years.

While the senior recruitment is filled with promise, the exemplary gains made at academy level must not be ignored, with Wayne Burnett's development squad top of the Premier League 2 and undefeated after 12 matches.

The youth level has come on leaps and bounds, it really has, and while Spurs have enjoyed some brilliant success with those cutting their teeth at the club in recent years, now the machine-like structure hints at sustained efficacy of production.

Some teenagers have risen to the fore but too many have been lost in the ether, with Josh Onomah one of the fairly recent prospects to have fallen flat.

Josh Onomah's Spurs career

Once considered a talented prospect, attacking midfielder Onomah made his Premier League debut at 18 under Mauricio Pochettino's wing, coming off the bench during a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in November 2015.

He had the trappings of a real star; he had – has – an innate ability to manipulate space in enclosed situations and a shrewd eye for openings, technically proficient.

But after making just 32 appearances for Tottenham, scoring once, Onomah was sold to Fulham in 2019 as part of a £25m deal that saw talented wideman Ryan Sessegnon head in the opposite direction.

While his Spurs career had ended before it got going, there was still ample time for success, having flourished on loan with Villa in the Championship during the 2017/18 campaign, posting four goals and three assists across 20 starts, completing 80% of his passes and 62% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

Onomah had even self-styled his game to that of Dele Alli, revealing back in 2016 that he was modelling his game on the former prodigy's skill set, saying: "They’ve all been good to me and I’m learning bits and bobs from everyone really. Also Dele Alli – he’s doing amazingly.

"He’s only a year older than me and look at the stuff he’s achieved. I’m learning from him as well."

Alli was regarded as one of football's most exciting talents after joining Spurs from MK Dons for around £5m back in 2015, clinching 66 direct goal contributions across his first three Premier League campaigns.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Jose Mourinho even touted the 27-year-old to become "one of the world's best", but he has sadly suffered an acute decline over recent years, a by-product of affecting personal issues and circumstances.

What Josh Onomah is doing now

Onomah spent three campaigns with Fulham as the London club fluctuated between the Premier League and the Championship, but he was always on the periphery and completed a short-term move to Preston North End on a free transfer in January 2023, released by the Cottagers as they finally found form and synergy in the top-flight.

His fleeting stint in Lancashire might well have proved to be his last hurrah within the professional game, making just four starts and earning one assist before his release. He has not found a club since.

Last month, League One side Bolton Wanderers were linked with a shock swoop for the 6 foot 1 ace on a free deal, but nothing materialised.

The door has not been shut irrevocably, but Onomah will need to find a platform soon if he is to find success in the professional game.

Alex Lees’ century and 86 from Jack Burnham set up Durham for an imposing 368 for 5

ECB Reporters Network18-Aug-2019

A superb innings of 181 from Alex Lees has handed Durham the perfect start to their Specsavers County Championship Division Two match against Leicestershire at Emirates Riverside.Without Cameron Bancroft, the home side needed a performance from one of their frontline batsmen. Lees came to the fore with his best display since signing for the club last year, notching his highest score for Durham.Lees batted at an excellent tempo throughout, working in partnerships with the upper and middle order to move Durham into a dominant position at the end of the day. Jack Burnham fell just before the close for an innings of 86, handing a rare moment of joy to the Leicestershire bowlers, who toiled all day at Chester-le-Street.The home side were inserted after an uncontested toss, and Lees was assertive in his approach from the off to allow Durham to settle into their innings. He and Cameron Steel were able to safely see off the threat of the new ball, reaching their fifty partnership in the 15th over.Lees settled into a rhythm and scored successive boundaries through the off side to notch his half-century. Steel’s innings came to end on 24 when Gavin Griffiths found his outside edge and Colin Ackermann took the catch.Angus Robson joined Lees at the crease on his Durham debut. The two players guided the hosts over the 100-run mark before Robson was pinned lbw by Will Davis. Peter Handscomb, replacing Bancroft in the line-up, found his form at the crease to ease the pressure on Lees. It allowed the opener to move seamlessly through the 90s.Lees eased his way to his third century of the campaign from 137 balls by pulling a delivery from Chris Wright through the leg side to the fence. He survived a near miss when he edged a delivery behind from Wright later in the over, although for the second time in the day it travelled between Harry Swindells and Paul Horton. Handscomb was proving to be a good foil at the other end in a stand worth 77 as the Aussie made his way to 29 before he was removed lbw by Wright.Lees was undeterred and carried his team to their first batting point before he and Burnham upped the ante before the tea break. The duo put the Leicestershire attack to the sword, elevating the run rate beyond four per over, reaching the fifty partnership for the fourth wicket in just 51 deliveries. The second batting point was achieved just before the interval with the hosts adding 159 runs in the afternoon session alone.After the restart, Lees quickly notched his 150 – the first time he had achieved the milestone as a Durham player. Burnham’s aggressive style at the other end propelled the hosts towards the 300-run mark, notching his fourth half-century of the campaign cutting a short Davis ball to the fence. Burnham brought up the century stand in style, smashing a short Davis delivery, but this time over the rope.Durham worked their way past the 300 to secure a third batting point as Lees and Burnham continued to pile on the runs. Lees survived a good shout of lbw from Abbas on 170, but after adding 11 further runs the seamer snagged his wicket trapping him in front of off-stump, ending an outstanding innings from the Yorkshireman.Burnham and Liam Trevaskis added the fourth batting point, although the former fell just before the close.

Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez signed with Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah after ending a two-decade association with the Spanish giants.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Nacho left Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia
• Had undergone a medical in Germany
• Was also linked with a move to Al-Ittihad

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Nacho's departure from Real Madrid was announced on Tuesday, concluding a remarkable 23-year tenure with the club. The 34-year-old defender, who joined Madrid as a 10-year-old, will move to the newly promoted Saudi Pro League (SPL) side. He has already completed his medical in Germany where he is currently completing his commitments with Spain at Euro 2024.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  During his time at Madrid, Nacho became a pivotal figure in the squad, known for his versatility, leadership, and defensive prowess. He leaves the club with an impressive haul of 26 trophies, including six Champions League titles, making him the most decorated player in Madrid's storied history, along with Luka Modric.

• WHAT NACHO SAID

  "I'm so grateful to Real Madrid," Nacho told reporters at a Spain news conference on Thursday.

  "Until a few days ago, I hadn't signed for my new club and Madrid told me they would be there if I changed my mind. I don't need a send-off like [Toni] Kroos had to realise how much I'm loved.

  "I always had clear that if I didn't finish my career at Madrid, I wouldn't want to play against them. I want to experience something new, something different. My life is going to be turned upside down but that's what I want. I'm very happy."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Nacho's legacy at Real Madrid is cemented by his loyalty, dedication, and numerous contributions to the club's success. Joining Madrid as a young boy and rising through the ranks to become captain, he has left an indelible mark on the club. His move to Al-Qadsiah represents a significant shift not only for him but also for the Saudi Pro League, which continues to attract high-profile players from around the world. His presence is expected to boost the league's profile and bring valuable experience to his new team.

A top-order stutter did not hamper India A’s chase of 48, with the home side taking less than ten overs to seal the win

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Sep-2019India A routed South Africa A by seven wickets in the first unofficial Test in Thiruvananthapuram, chasing down a target of 48 in 9.4 overs after having bowled out the visitors for 186 in the second innings.Resuming day four on 179 for 9, South Africa A’s innings didn’t last long as Shardul Thakur bowled Lutho Sipamla in the fourth over of the day. Shahbaz Nadeem was the most successful bowler for India A, picking up 3 for 21, while Jalaj Saxena and Thakur bagged two wickets each.India A stuttered in their chase, but there were not enough runs for South Africa A’s bowlers to make a match out of it. Lungi Ngidi dismissed Shubman Gill and Ankit Bawne cheaply. KS Bharat didn’t last long either and was caught off Dane Piedt, leaving India A 37 for 3. Shivam Dube though hit the next two balls for two straight sixes to wrap up the game. Ricky Bhui, who was promoted to open the batting, remained unbeaten on 20.Saxena, who was a last-minute inclusion in the squad, was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 61 in the first innings and 2 for 22 with the ball.The second four-day match will begin on September 17 in Mysore.