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The BCCI is open to hosting the IPL in “empty stadiums” as long as the tournament is conducted in 2020. In a letter sent to the state associations on Wednesday, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said the board remained “optimistic” about the IPL which was postponed indefinitely in April in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.”The BCCI is working on all possible options to ensure that we are able to stage the IPL this year, even if it means playing the tournament in empty stadiums,” Ganguly said in the e-mail, accessed by ESPNcricinfo. “The fans, franchisees, players, broadcasters, sponsors and all other stakeholders are keenly looking forward to the possibility of IPL being hosted this year.”The IPL remains BCCI’s biggest money spinner annually, with the board deriving a large portion of its revenue from its lucrative league, thanks to the record media rights deal worth INR 16,347.5 crore (approx. US$ 2.55 billion) signed in 2017. If there is no IPL this year, the BCCI stands to lose around INR 4,000 crore (US$ 530 million approx.) from the media rights deal.The biggest challenge for the BCCI is finding a window for the IPL, which created a free window for itself in April-May owing to its success since 2008. However, with the fate of global tournaments like the Asia Cup, Men’s T20 World Cup and the series that form part of the World Test Championship hanging in balance, the IPL too remains undecided.In case the T20 World Cup gets postponed, the BCCI would want to capitalise on the window left vacant and is confident that it could put the tournament together in a short span of time, subject to permission from the Indian government. According to the data collated by the Indian government, the country currently has over 137,000 active cases of people infected by Covid-19, with over 8000 deaths.Indian sports minister Kiren Rijiju recently said that the fate of the IPL would be decided not by the BCCI, but the Indian government. “In India the government has to take a call and it will take a call depending on the situation,” Rijiju was quoted as saying in the media. “We cannot put health at risk just because we want to have a sporting event.”However, Rijju did not rule out India hosting the IPL behind closed doors if there was a sense of normalcy. “It is difficult to confirm dates but I am sure we will have some kind of sporting events this year. We have to learn to live with the situation where sporting events will have to be carried forward without spectators in stadiums and sports venues.”Both the franchises and players, including those from overseas, are enthusiastic and open about playing behind closed doors. During its meeting in March with the eight franchise owners, the BCCI had discussed various options including hosting the tournament without crowds in a few venues that would minimise travel and pose fewer logistical challenges.”Recently a lot of players, both from India and other countries, participating in IPL have also shown their keenness on being a part of this year IPL,” Ganguly said. “We are optimistic and the BCCI will shortly decide on the future course of action on this.”Ganguly also said the BCCI was on the verge of finalising guidelines for the return of cricket in India, and would be sharing them with the state associations. India’s domestic season begins in September, but state associations want clarity on what the calendar looks like. Recently, Rahul Johri, the BCCI chief executive, had indicated that the domestic calendar would see a revamp.”The Covid-19 virus is highly contagious and BCCI has taken cognizance of the same,” Ganguly said. “The BCCI is in the process of developing a Covid-19 Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) for all State Cricket Associations. Essentially, this SOP is being made with a view of providing our Members with a standard set of guidelines which will help the Associations to resume cricket in their respective areas. The BCCI has engaged medical specialists for the drafting of this SOP.”

A new football style team manager will take overall charge of all aspects of the team, appointing coaching staff and captains

Liam Brickhill04-Aug-2019

Ottis Gibson will not be South Africa’s coach for the team’s tour of India starting in September, with his tenure coming to an end and CSA not giving him an extension, while also announcing sweeping changes to the way the national men’s team will be run.A statement released by CSA suggested that an interim captain could be named for the tour of India, which means South Africa could also be preparing to not have Faf du Plessis continue as captain in all three formats. Du Plessis, incidentally, was named one of CSA’s Cricketers of the Year at an awards ceremony on Saturday night.As part of the restructure, a new football-style team manager will take overall charge of all aspects of the team, appointing coaching staff and captains. The coaches, medical staff, and the administrative staff will all report directly to the manager, who in turn will report to the director of cricket, working under the chief executive.The CSA board of directors approved the new structure at its meeting last week. The restructure includes the appointment of the position of director of cricket. Cricket South Africa’s manager of cricket pathways, Corrie van Zyl, will assume the position of acting director of cricket until the position is filled formally. This effectively means that all cricketing decisions within the system will be managed by van Zyl in the foreseeable future. In the meantime, CSA will advertise the positions of director of cricket, team manager and convener of selectors. Gibson’s is not the only high-profile exit from the camp. Dr Mohammed Moosajee, whose tenure comes to an end in September too, expressed his wish to not be considered for another term as team manager and team doctor, which the board accepted, bringing an end his 16-year involvement with South Africa.”I would like to thank Ottis Gibson, other members of the team’s current senior management, and our long-serving team manager, Dr Moosajee, for their national service to South African cricket,” CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe said. “I must stress that the new structure was not a rash decision. It was taken after much deliberation by the Board, taking all the factors into consideration about the current state of our cricket and also the plan that we need to get to within the timelines we have set.”This change will herald an exciting new era for SA cricket and will bring us into line with best practice in professional sport.”Also on the way out is Linda Zondi, the convener of selectors. Zondi, who was part of the selection panel that picked the Under-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2014, had been a selector since 2013, becoming convener in 2015. Media manager Lerato Malekutu has also resigned her position after nine years in a media role within the team.The reshuffle will also affect assistant coach Malibongwe Maketa, and batting and fielding coaches Dale Benkenstein and Justin Ontong respectively, with CSA announcing that members of team management, including the various assistant coaches, will not be retained as part of the new plan.

Lionesses defender Esme Morgan is set to leave Manchester City this summer in favour of a move to the NWSL, according to reports.

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Morgan rose through ranks at CityCity confirm she will leave in summerSet to join Washington SpiritWHAT HAPPENED?

City have confirmed via their website that Morgan will leave the club this summer. The 23-year-old made nine appearances in the Women's Super League this season, as Gareth Taylor's side fell short in their search for the title to Chelsea. While the statement released by the club does not outline Morgan's next move, claims that she will be joining NWSL side Washington Spirit, but a move will hinge on international clearance and a work permit.

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The report claimed that there was interest from Europe and the US, although she has seemingly settled on a move to the NWSL. Morgan is a lifelong City fan but is now set to embark on a new chapter in her career after making her professional debut back in 2017.

"It’s time for Morgan to embark on a new chapter in her career," the City statement read. "Everyone at Manchester City would like to wish Esme all the best for the future, and thank her for her efforts while at the Club."

WHAT MORGAN SAIDGettyWHAT NEXT FOR MORGAN?

The Lionesses defender will now wait patiently for her work permit and international clearance, before joining up with her new squad. Washington are currently third in the NWSL, three points off Orlando Pride in first place.

Tom Alsop’s second first-class century lifted Hampshire to a solid 291 for 6 on the opening day of their Specsavers County Championship match against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.Hampshire were looking for leaders in their batting, having lost Aiden Markram and James Vince to international duty and seen India batsman Ajinkya Rahane’s debut delayed due to a BCCI player engagement.Alsop, 23, rose to the challenge in polished fashion. After Hampshire chose to bat, he compiled a career-best unbeaten 131 not out from 273 balls to steer his side away from uncertain positions at 44 for 2 and 171 for 5.A depleted Warwickshire attack missing the injured Olly Stone, Liam Norwell and Ryan Sidebottom and the unavailable Chris Woakes, persevered well, led by the excellent Olly Hannon-Dalby. But Hampshire got away from them in the final session when Alsop was joined by the aggressive Aneurin Donald.Hampshire had lost their openers in the first 16 overs. Joe Weatherley fell lbw to Hannon-Dalby in an excellent opening spell of 7-4-4-1 by the seamer and Oliver Soames tickled a leg-side delivery from Jeetan Patel to wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose.As Hannon-Dalby and Patel applied pressure, Alsop and Sam Northeast knuckled down to add 73 in 27 overs either side of lunch before the latter played across a Hannon-Dalby in-ducker and was lbw.When Rilee Rossouw skied Patel to Craig Miles at mid-off, Hampshire were wobbling at 122 for 4. Liam Dawson was immediately fortunate to survive a run-out appeal from Miles’ direct hit, but survive he did to add 49 with Alsop before lifting Hannon-Dalby to Rob Yates at point.At 171 for 5, the day was in the balance but former Glamorgan player Donald yanked it Hampshire’s way with a vivid counter-attack. He struck ten fours on his way to a 41-ball fifty and 75 out of a partnership of 84 with Alsop before slashing Hannon-Dalby to gully.Hannon-Dalby was denied a richly-deserved five-for when Alsop, on 105, was dropped by Dominic Sibley at extra cover. Gareth Berg was also reprieved, on 2, when Henry Brookes grassed a caught-and-bowled chance and, let off the hook somewhat, Hampshire will aim to crack on past 400 on the second day.That would pile pressure on a Warwickshire top order missing the injured Sam Hain and Ian Bell and including 19-year-old Rob Yates on his first-class debut, and Adam Hose, back after a month out with a broken thumb.

Bayern Munich are eyeing a move for Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, who also has an offer from Saudi Arabia.

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Van Dijk wanted by Bayern MunichHas an offer from Saudi Pro LeagueThe defender has a contract until 2025WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , the Bundesliga giants have enquired about the availability of the Dutch defender ahead of the summer, but they are yet to submit a concrete offer to the Premier League giants. Van Dijk's future at Anfield has been the subject of speculation ever since Jurgen Klopp confirmed his departure from the club.

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The report also claimed that newly promoted Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadisiah are also keen on signing the 32-year-old ahead of the 2024/25 season and have reportedly placed a 'fantastic' offer for the Netherlands international.

DID YOU KNOW?

The former Southampton player recently opened up about working alongside compatriot and new Reds boss Arne Slot as he expects the current Feyenoord coach to find success at Anfield. So far, Van Dijk has won the Premier League, the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup during his glittering spell at Anfield.

(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

After back-to-back disappointing results against Everton and West Ham, the Merseyside club will aim to get back to winning ways on Sunday as they take on Tottenham Hotspur in an important Premier League fixture.

Aston Villa star Alisha Lehmann shared a few photos on her Instagram to provide update on her life.

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Lehmann shares photos on InstagramCaptions her post as 'life lately'Also shares a selfie from her bedroomWHAT HAPPENED?

Lehmann shared multiple photos that showed off her life away from the field and also posted a selfie on her Instagram story from her bedroom.

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Lehmann has been one of the most recognisable female footballers over the last few years and has been a part of Aston Villa since 2021, having joined the Women's Super League side from West Ham. She is currently dating Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz and the duo have often been spotted together at team parties and dinners.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lehmann's activeness on social media has given her the title of 'the most followed female footballer in the world'. She currently boasts 16.6 million followers on her official Instagram account and has been a major figure in bringing more sets of eyeballs onto the women's game.

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WHAT NEXT FOR LEHMANN?

While the 25-year-old Swiss forward did not post any picture of her on the field, she will definitely have been toiling hard the past week as they will look to drop off their 3-1 loss last weekend with a sturdy performance against Leicester City on Saturday, March 30.

The left-arm seamer has effectively ended his South Africa career in favour of the county deal and the chance to explore T20 leagues

Umar Farooq17-Sep-2018South Africa pace bowler Wayne Parnell has signed a Kolpak deal with Worcestershire, effectively bringing an end to his international career, having just been part of the county’s Vitality T20 Blast success.Parnell, 29, last played for South Africa in October 2017 against Bangladesh and lost his national contract earlier this year. He said he has not had much communication with the selectors in recent times. However, he still called the decision to go Kolpak as the “toughest” of his life but was “comfortable and content” with his choice. It is a path that has recently been taken by a number of South Africans including Morne Morkel, Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw.”This is probably the toughest decision I’ve had to make in my career,” Parnell told ESPNcricinfo. “Of course this wasn’t an overnight decision, it’s a very difficult decision and I am fully aware and understand the pros and cons of it. I have always enjoyed playing for my country since making my debut. I’d like to thank everybody who has supported me through thick and thin, my family, my friends.”Special mention must go to the Eastern Province and Warriors unions for taking a risk and giving a kid from the dusty streets of Booysen Park a chance play this wonderful game. To all of those people who dislike me for whatever reason I thank you as well, you’ve helped make me mentally and emotionally tougher.”Parnell admitted he had been considering the move for almost a year during which time he has slipped out of South Africa’s teams across all formats and battled with injury.”After my serious injury in January I had three to four months out and really had time to reflect and think about what I want for the rest of my career going forward,” he said. It was a very tough period in my life emotionally and mentally as it could potentially have been a career-ending injury and my wife was heavily pregnant with our first born son so I had a lot going on. You can’t really predict the future so you try and formulate and plot a plan and see how it unfolds.”Parnell played six Tests, 65 ODIs and 40 T20Is during his international career. His six Tests were spread over seven years, having made his debut against England in early 2010. After three appearances he was out of the side for four years before a brief return followed by another three-year absence.Though he still harboured international ambitions, the serious shoulder injury in January and subsequent lack of communication with CSA has made him look to the future.”I am still young and I have plenty to offer to any environment that I’m in,” he said. “I have played more than 100 games for my country in all formats and I’ve loved every time I’ve put on the South African jersey and I’m almost certain that nothing can replace that feeling, certainly on the cricket field.”The reality of life is that that goals and aspirations change all the time and it seems the Proteas have moved passed me since I’ve not really had any communications since I had my injury and then not going to India for the ‘A’ tours was also another indication.”But I’m happy with that and I am comfortable with where I’m at and what I’m doing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Worcestershire since joining up with them and I’m excited about my future with them.”Financially, the Kolpak deal will help bring Parnell security and he is also keen to explore the opportunities in T20 leagues around the world. He was part of the Global T20 in Canada earlier this year, and already has a deal to play in the upcoming Afghanistan Cricket League in Sharjah. He is also eyeing a spot at the PSL.”[I have] no regrets,” he insisted. “This isn’t an overnight decision like I’ve mentioned. The goalposts for me have shifted. I’m comfortable and content with my decision and the people in my corner are all fully supportive of my decision. I can’t really predict what the future holds but I’m excited by it at the same time. I’ve never really had the October to March window open to explore the different T20 leagues so that could potentially be in the pipeline.”I expressed to Shahid Afridi, who was my team-mate during the Canadian T20 league, that I would love to play a professional game of cricket in Pakistan before I retire so hopefully I get to experience that in the PSL at some stage. Cricket has taken me to some amazing places and I’ve been lucky to meet some incredible people along the way. And the journey continues but now in a slightly different manner.”

The Juan Soto free agency saga of this offseason has finally ended.

On Sunday, Soto and the New York Mets agreed to a massive 15-year, $765 million contract, according to multiple reports. It marks the largest deal in professional sports history.

The superstar outfielder received interest from the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, but the Mets ultimately emerged victorious in the bidding war.

Soto, 26, joined the Yankees in December 2023 and enjoyed a dominant season in which he slashed .288/.419/.569 with a career-high 41 home runs. 

The four-time All Star will now leave the Bronx to team up with NL MVP runner-up Francisco Lindor in Queens. The Mets went 89-73 in 2024 and made a surprising run to the National League Championship Series, where they were eliminated by the Dodgers in six games. They'll now get Soto to hopefully make many more postseason runs for the next decade and a half.

Fast bowler will stay with the squad and is expected to take full part in the series as required

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Nov-2025

Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah will stay with the squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi despite an attack on his house in Lower Dir. Unknown assailants fired at the gate of his family home; no one at the residence was reported to be injured.The assailants fled immediately after firing at the gate, with an investigation opened by police. It is not known who was at the residence at the time, with the attack taking place in the early hours of Monday morning. reported that Naseem’s father met with a police officer, who assured him the assailants would be brought to justice quickly.ESPNcricinfo understands the incident does not affect Naseem’s plans or schedule for the series, with the fast bowler staying with the squad and expected to take full part in the series as required. Pakistan and Sri Lanka begin a three-match ODI series in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, followed by a T20I tri-series that also involves Zimbabwe later this month. Naseem is part of both squads.It is not known whether any of Naseem’s two younger brothers, who are also professional cricketers, were at the residence. Hunain, who hit the winning runs for Islamabad United in the 2024 Pakistan Super League final, last played a Quaid-e-Azam trophy match last week, where he scored a half-century and took six wickets in a ten-wicket win. Ubaid, who plays for Multan Sultans in the PSL, most recently played a game for his Quaid-e-Azam Trophy side Lahore Whites at the end of last month.

Her departure will be the second big blow for UPW who are already without their full-time captain Alyssa Healy because of injury

Vishal Dikshit18-Feb-2025Chamari Athapaththu is set to miss the final phase of the WPL for UP Warriorz (UPW) to join Sri Lanka on a white-ball tour of New Zealand starting March 4 in Napier. Athapaththu’s departure will be the second big blow for UPW who are already without their full-time captain Alyssa Healy because of injury.ESPNcricinfo has learnt that as of now, Athapaththu is going to be available for UPW until February 26, which is four more games for them, before she tends to national duties. After their game on February 26, against Mumbai Indians in Bengaluru, UPW will fly to Lucknow for the final league phase of the tournament where they will play three home matches. They have played just one game so far and they left Athapaththu out of the XI in that clash they lost to Gujarat Giants.Athapaththu was named captain of Sri Lanka’s 16-member side released by SLC on Monday and the squad is scheduled to leave for New Zealand on February 22 for three ODIs and as many T20Is.Allrounder Amelia Kerr is the only New Zealand player in the WPL this season and she, unlike Athapaththu, is going to miss the bilateral series next month to play the entire WPL, including the knockouts if MI qualify for those again. If MI make it to the final, scheduled for March 15, Kerr will also miss the first two T20is slotted for March 14 and 16 in Christchurch. Last year too, Kerr had skipped the home bilateral T20Is against England to be available for the entire duration of the WPL.In 2024, the calendar clash between the final leg of WPL and the T20I series in New Zealand had become a much bigger issue when England captain Heather Knight (RCB) and Lauren Bell (UPW) had opted out of WPL completely to represent their national team. Coincidentally, Athapaththu had replaced Bell for UPW then.However, since then boards like the ECB have assured their players they won’t schedule international games during the WPL, which is set to move from the current February-March window to January-February 2026 onwards, according to the new women’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). To avoid such clashes between international series and other T20 leagues, the Hundred (August) and the WBBL (November) have also been given separate windows in the FTP that runs till 2029.