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Hardik Pandya was not at Mumbai Indians’ optional training on Sunday, but there was no hint of any unease in the camp over the captaincy switch

S Sudarshanan31-Mar-20242:41

Moody: Mumbai need to start winning to silence Hardik criticism

Walking into the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday didn’t feel too different.The venue was gearing up for its first match of IPL 2024. There was an air of busy chaos all around. Banners and billboards bearing names of stands and various sponsors were all being put up all along the periphery. Huge trucks were parked, ready to unload food and beverages for match day. The stadium’s dull blue exterior had given way to the more vibrant blue of Mumbai Indians.Once you passed security and got inside the compound, you saw pillars covered with huge placards of players – Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya… And the thing is, looking at the décor, there was no way someone not in the know would have guessed there has been a change in captaincy for Mumbai. Even the digital billboard inside the stadium – installed next to the big screens square of the strip – flashed a picture of Rohit standing with his hands on his hips.Related

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Ashwin defends Hardik: 'Fan wars should never take an ugly turn'

Ahmedabad shows its feelings in Hardik's night of agony

Mumbai have built a fan-base – MI Paltan – that has backed the team to the hilt. But perhaps at no time before in IPL history have their fans felt as divided as when heading into IPL 2024. The transition was smooth when Mumbai had to move on from Sachin Tendulkar – both as a captain and a player – an icon for whom special cheers can still be heard around the Wankhede Stadium. But when Hardik was named captain heading into this season, replacing Rohit, the struggled to come to grips with it. The result? Hardik was booed in their first two games this season in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad – both of which Mumbai lost.So now the question that seems to be on everyone’s lips is: how will the fans greet the five-time champions and their new captain on Monday, when they take on Rajasthan Royals.On Sunday, Hardik – and Bumrah – was not at Mumbai’s optional training session. Rohit was there but he did not bat. He has been in fair touch, with scores of 43 off 29 and 26 off 12 in the first two outings. So Sunday seemed more about interacting with players from both sides, and perhaps soaking in the feeling of a venue where he has grown up playing most of his cricket.After Mumbai’s nets started, he stood near the MCA Pavilion and spoke intently, at various points, to Dewald Brevis, Nehal Wadhera and Naman Dhir. Tim David and later Dhir had stints in the nets, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer from the Royals camp, all regularly depositing the ball into the vacant stands at the media end. None of the batting held Rohit’s attention though.On IPL 2024’s opening night, a packed Motera was not too kind to Hardik Pandya, and the same continued in Hyderabad days later•BCCIHe had a conversation with Piyush Chawla, while he waited for his turn to bat, and then head coach Mark Boucher too. The most significant training Rohit put himself through was ten minutes of sprinting near the square boundary below the Sunil Gavaskar Pavilion.When Rohit met Royals’ Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal, he sported a big grin. If there were tensions over the captaincy switch, they certainly were not visible. Rohit seemed as relaxed and focused as he is heading into any match – and the same could be said of the entire Mumbai contingent present.How Hardik’s reception will be when the fans get here is anybody’s guess, but on match eve he found support in opposition pace spearhead Trent Boult.”There are a lot of passionate fans in this country and speaking of Hardik, specifically, he is one of my favourite Indian cricketers and I do not think the booing will hold out for too long,” Boult said at the pre-match press conference. “I am sure, he is one of those guys who can put it aside and focus on the job.”This season was supposed to be a homecoming for Hardik, who first rose to prominence with Mumbai in IPL 2015. But the road home has so far been anything but smooth. It goes without saying, a win on Sunday could go a long way in changing it all.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have decided to dive headfirst into selling at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. After dealing Josh Naylor and Randal Grichuk, Eugenio Suarez and their top pitchers are likely next. That means Zac Gallen could have a new home for the first time in his career.

Gallen was named first-team All-MLB and finished third in National League Cy Young voting in 2023. While he has struggled this season, the 29-year-old has a strong track record of success and will be hitting free agency after the season. He's talented, and has a reason to go all-in for the rest of the year.

In 22 starts this season, Gallen is 7-12 with a 5.60 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP, with 121 strikeouts against 47 walks in 127 innings. Compared to his career norms, Gallen's Statcast page for 2025 looks depressing. A change of scenery could likely do him good.

What follows is a look at four teams the could be a great fit for the veteran righty before the trade deadline.

New York Yankees

The Yankees landed the third baseman they needed by acquiring Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies, but if they're truly all-in this season, they'll need to find more pitching. They're sure to look for relievers over the next few days before the trade deadline, but they also need to find another starting pitcher.

Max Fried and Carlos Rodon have the top of the rotation locked down, but Clarke Schmidt was lost for the season thanks to Tommy John surgery, and Gerrit Cole is missing all of 2025 for the same reason. Luis Gil is on his way back, but it's a thin rotation. If New York really wants to make it back to the World Series and finish the year with a title, adding Gallen could be a big step.

Houston Astros

Like the Yankees, Houston's starting rotation is thin thanks to injuries. Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown have been great, but Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti have missed time with injuries, while Ronel Blanco and Hayden Wesneski are out for the year. While Javier and Arrighetti are on their way back, the Astros could use another top-level arm.

Gallen can be that guy, with a career 3.60 ERA, making his rough stats this year a complete outlier.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have been one of MLB's best stories this season, boasting an absolutely punishing offense. That said, if the Northsiders want to make a deep run this season, they'll need to add another starting pitcher. Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd have held things down at the top of the rotation, but the team is desperately missing Justin Steele.

Cubs starters rank 14th in MLB with a 3.96 ERA, but have allowed the fourth-most home runs (91) and rank 18th in innings pitched (554 2/3), which has strained the bullpen. They need another starter who can eat innings.

Toronto Blue Jays

Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Bassitt are a solid trio atop Toronto's rotation, but things fall off dramatically after them. The Blue Jays' starters currently rank 24th in ERA (4.39), and while Eric Lauer has been a nice story (6-2, 2.61), it's hard to believe he'll be able to keep up his pace. He has mildly outperformed his underlying metrics and gives up a lot of hard contact.

Another reliable, veteran arm would only help Toronto's push to steal the AL East away from the Yankees.

كشف وسام أبو علي مهاجم منتخب فلسطين عن تفاصيل إصابته مع فريق كولومبوس الأمريكي، وموعد عودته للتدريبات الجماعية لفريقه.

يذكر أن منتخب فلسطين تعادل مع منتخب تونس بهدفين لكل فريق، في الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس العرب. 

طالع.. ترتيب المجموعة الأولى في كأس العرب بعد تعادل سوريا مع قطر

وقال وسام أبو علي على قناة “أبو ظبي الرياضية”: “إصابتي كانت صعبة بعض الشيء وهي عبارة عن كسر كبير في الكاحل، ومر شهرين وبنسبة 99% أصبحت جاهزًا ولكن لم اتدرب وألعب مباريات، وكانت فرصة بالنسبة لي أذهب لقطر وأدعم منتخب فلسطين”.

وأضاف: “تونس منتخب كبير ولدي فيه أصدقاء مثل علي معلول وبن رمضان وهم لاعبين كبار، ويوجد لاعبون في منتخب فلسطين مجهدون مثل عدي الصباغ الذي سافر إلى جنوب إفريقيا مع الزمالك قبل الانضمام لمنتخب فلسطين”. 

وواصل: “التعادل الايجابي مع منتخب كبير مثل تونس شيء كبير، سعيد جدًا لشعبنا الفلسطيني، وكل المواجهات صعبة في كأس العرب، منتخب فلسطين في رصيده نقطتين ويجب أن نفوز في المباراة المقبلة من أجل تخطي مرحلة المجموعات”.

وأختتم وسام أبو علي تصريحاته قائلا: “لو منتخب فلسطين حقق الفوز في المباراة المقبلة سأكون متواجدًا حتى اخر البطولة”. 

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MatériaMais Notícias

da dobrowin： O Palmeiras ganhou retorno muito importante para encarar o Botafogo nesta quarta-feira (1), no Engenhão, em jogo válido pela 31ª rodada do Brasileirão 2023.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasTapetinho? Acostumado com sintético, Palmeiras estreia no novo gramado do EngenhãoPalmeiras01/11/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras homenageia Abel Ferreira e comissão pelos três anos de clubePalmeiras31/10/2023PalmeirasOpinião: ‘Mais leve, Palmeiras só sairá vivo do Engenhão com os três pontos’Palmeiras31/10/2023

da betsson： + Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

Após cumprir suspensão diante do Bahia, o volante Zé Rafael deve estar entre os 11 titulares que encaram o líder do campeonato, em jogo que pode colocar o Verdão de vez na briga pelo título.

Com a volta do camisa 8, Abel Ferreira não deve ter muitas dificuldades para escalar o Verdão, que duela com o Glorioso pela primeira vez no novo gramado sintético do Engenhão. Para encarar o Botafogo, o Palmeiras deve repetir o time que goleou o rival São Paulo e derrotou o Bahia, com: Weverton; Mayke, Gustavo Gómez, Luan, Murilo e Piquerez; Richard Ríos, Zé Rafael e Raphael Veiga; Endrick e Breno Lopes.

continua após a publicidade

+ Opinião: ‘Mais leve, Palmeiras só sairá vivo do Engenhão com os três pontos!’

O Alviverde tem seis pontos a menos que o líder do Brasileirão — apesar do time carioca contar com um jogo a menos na tabela — e busca reduzir a diferença para três, em caso de vitória. A bola rola a partir das 21h30, na casa botafoguense.

Tudo sobre

BotafogoPalmeiras

تحدث سيرجيو بوسكيتس، لاعب فريق إنتر ميامي الأمريكي، عن مواجهة الأهلي في افتتاح بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025، بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

ويستعد فريق النادي الأهلي لمواجهة إنتر ميامي الأمريكي في افتتاح بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025، والمقرر لها في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

طالع| ريبييرو يكشف خطة إيقاف ميسي “الاستثنائي”.. ويصرح: هدفنا تشريف الأهلي

ويلتقي الأهلي مع نظيره إنتر ميامي الأمريكي في افتتاح بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025، في التاسعة مساء يوم 14 يونيو بتوقيت أمريكا – الثالثة صباح يوم 15 يونيو بتوقيت القاهرة.

ويتواجد فريق النادي الأهلي في مجموعة تضم كلا من: إنتر ميامي الأمريكي، وبورتو البرتغالي، بالميراس البرازيلي.

وقال بوسكيتس، في تصريحات للقناة الأولى: “سعيد ببدء كأس العالم للأندية أمام فريق كبير اعتاد على اللعب في بطولات كبيرة وهو الأكثر تتويجًا في إفريقيا، وستكون مواجهة كبيرة”.

وتابع: “المشاركة في مونديال الأندية أمر كبير جدًا، لا سيما أننا سنلعب أمام جماهيرنا، بالطبع أي لاعب يتمنى المشاركة في مثل هذه البطولة، سنبذل قصارى جهدنا لتخطي دور المجموعات”.

وواصل: “نعلم من هو ميسي، لا يوجد لاعب متكامل ومنفرد مثله، أستمتع بما يقدمه وبما هو قادر على فعله في الملعب، ولا أعتقد أن هناك لاعب آخر يُضاهي مهاراته”.

da casino： Nottingham Forest haven’t enjoyed a positive start to life under Ange Postecoglou and a key update on his future has now emerged from the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest suffer damaging Europa League defeat

da bwin： The fairytale return of Nottingham Forest to the European scene was a just reward for an excellent campaign last term. However, their shock 3-2 defeat at home to FC Midtjylland was a stark reminder of the frailties present within Postecoglou’s side.

Despite being alive in the majority of the Australian’s matches so far, conceding at awkward times has led to six games without a win under the former Celtic boss, breeding an elevated level of pressure on him to get it right in the East Midlands.

Speaking post-match, Postecoglou remained unbothered by chants calling for his dismissal, claiming that nothing surprises him in football anymore.

He said: “I heard it. They’re fans, they want to see their team win, and they’re entitled to their opinion. Nothing surprises me in football any more. We’ve just got to keep going. There is no hiding in the sport we’re in. Got to keep your head up and recover. We have a tough game against Newcastle at the weekend.”

With high-profile pundits such as Tim Howard among his detractors, Postecoglou has work to do in order to prove the doubters wrong, but that sort of challenge saw him win the Europa League last term, hence why it would be premature to count him out.

Related Nottingham Forest star fumes at something he's "never seen" before vs Sunderland

The Tricky Trees are still yet to find a victory under Ange Postecoglou.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Sep 28, 2025

Newcastle United await on Sunday and won’t be an easy outfit to overcome. Nevertheless, their indifferent start to the Premier League season may offer a sliver of hope to the travelling supporters.

Either way, a change in mood is needed at the City Ground, though how are the Nottingham Forest hierarchy feeling about Postecoglou’s situation? Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on that front.

Fabrizio Romano on how Nottingham Forest view Ange Postecoglou

Writing in his GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano has confirmed Nottingham Forest are being patient with Postecoglou and believe that he simply needs time to adapt before results improve at the City Ground.

Truthfully, Postecoglou is between a bit of a rock and a hard place, though he is certainly made of strong stuff and has shown he has the thick skin to come through adversity.

However, his side need to find a level of stability, as two draws and four defeats isn’t going to cut it if Nottingham Forest want to survive. Making their priorities clear, Evangelos Marinakis and company are opting to keep the faith for now.

Former Bayern Munich and veteran Bundesliga head coach Felix Magath has issued a warning to Die Roten boss Vincent Kompany and striker Harry Kane, claiming that Jamal Musiala's imminent return from injury could become "problematic". The 22-year-old is nearing recovery from the fractured fibula injury he suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup.

Bayern Munich firing on all cylinders ahead of Musiala's return

Kompany has crafted a phenomenal Bayern team. After his debut campaign in Bavaria was considered to be underwhelming by some sections of the fans and the media, his team has started the 2025-26 season all guns blazing. They created history by registering 16 straight wins to begin the season, eclipsing the 13-game record set by the dominant AC Milan outfit of the early 90s.

Kane has exceptionally led the attack and played in major role in Bayern becoming a goal-hungry giant, keeping also in minds the valuable contributions from Luis Diaz and Michael Olise. The former Spurs marksman has netted 23 goals in 17 games already, his most recent goal a 90th-minute equaliser against Union Berlin last weekend, which drew curtains on Bayern's win streak.

One can only imagine the havoc Bayern can wreak once Musiala returns. The Stuttgart-born youngster returned to training on the pitch three weeks ago. Not too long ago, sporting director Max Eberl indicated when we could Musiala back in action. "We think that he can rejoin the team in December and perhaps even get a taste of it, so that he will be 100 percent fit again in January," he told .

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMusiala's return could be 'problematic' for Bayern, says Magath

Magath recently spoke about the potential impact Musiala's return would have on the squad and Bayern's form. "I could imagine it becoming somewhat more problematic," he said. "At the moment, everything is going well for Bayern, but if everything is going well, I won't change anything. But when a player like Musiala joins, who is seen as very, very strong and is expected to play an important role in the game, then the dynamics of the game will change."

The veteran former Bundesliga coach also explained why Kane's form could dip once Musiala regains his role in the XI. "Harry Kane would need to move further forward again, even though he currently likes to drop back, come from midfield and run all over the pitch," he said. "With his return, he might not be as involved as he is now. At the moment, it's a perfect fit."

In recent weeks, Kane has thrived in a free-roaming No.10 role behind Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson, embracing the creative freedom to dictate play. Even when deployed as a striker, he often drops deep to orchestrate attacks, using his exceptional passing to find the diagonal runs of Diaz and Olise and to shift play effortlessly. With Musiala's return, it is obvious that the Englishman will move further up the pitch, which could restrict his influence and take away from what he does best.

Kompany embracing 'larger' squad

There is, however, no pressure taken by Kompany whatsoever. While he has stuck to a strong core and embarked on a 16-game winning streak by creating Bayern into a juggernaut, he is open to embracing the challenge of striking the team balance upon the return of Musiala and ensuring the team maintains the standards they set in the opening three months of the 2025-26 season. 

Recently, he appeared to indirectly address – and dispel – the concerns Kane expressed before the season about the squad’s depth. “Large squad, small squad? Break, no break? These are the questions where, in hindsight, we all always know the right answer,” he said. “Our current advantage is that every player in this squad knows they can always play. For me, it's not a problem; I can handle a smaller or larger squad.

"Furthermore, players like Diaz, Kane, and Olise are always fit at the moment, and it's important that this remains the case. We also knew that Musiala, Davies, and Ito would be returning. The squad ended up being a bit larger, though, due to Lennart Karl's development. Before the season, nobody would have thought he could have such an impact."

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AFPMusiala can't wait to return

In an interview with Bayern Munich's official website back in October, the dazzling attacking midfielder asserted that he wants "to come back better." He also admitted to experiencing fear of missing out on all the "fun" his team-mates have been having on the pitch. “You can see how well we’re playing, how much fun everyone’s having. I want to be a part of that and back on the pitch, also with Phonzy. We want to have fun after our injuries and make sure we win a lot as a team," he added.

Musiala has been with the Bayern first team for over five years now. Soon, he will turn 23. While Musiala is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world on his day, there is still a lingering feeling that he is yet to enter Super Saiyan mode with club and country. 

His return poses serious questions about how healthy he can remain when he re-enters Kompany's starting lineup. While there are absolutely no qualms about the fact that Bayern are a far formidable unit on paper with Musiala, it remains to be seen how well Kompany can manage his return and eventual re-integration into the lineup while also preventing the overall level and balance from going down. 

After a transfer saga that went on for several months, Newcastle United have made the decision to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool this summer, according to several reports.

The Sweden international will leave Eddie Howe’s side and move to Merseyside for a British record fee of £130m, including add-ons. It hasn’t changed much for the Magpies, who are still scrambling for a new striker on deadline day.

Newcastle’s Isak replacement

There have been several strikers offered to Newcastle this summer, with Nick Woltemade already in the door, and Yoane Wissa seemingly set to follow on a £55m deal before the deadline.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Could a third centre-forward even be on the cards, however? According to TBR Football’s chief reporter, Graeme Bailey, one of the names being considered is Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.

The Nigerian international is someone the North Eastern giants ‘have been offered’ as the window draws to a close, and have ‘held talks’ to sign him.

Boniface came close to joining AC Milan this summer, but his £25m loan, a price including the loan fee and buy option, fell through.

Why Boniface would be a good signing

At 24 years of age, Boniface is yet to his prime years, but has already proven to be a deadly striker for Leverkusen. He thrived under Xabi Alonso and was described as a “complete forward” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Despite struggling with injuries throughout his career, the 13-cap Nigeria international has bagged 32 goals and assisted 12 in just 61 games. He is versatile, too, and despite excelling as a striker, can play off the left when called upon.

His best campaign in a Leverkusen shirt came in his debut season of 2023/24. That season, Boniface played 34 games in all competitions, finding the back of the net 21 times and assisting a further 10. To have a goal and assist-to-game ratio of almost one in your first season in one of the biggest leagues in Europe speaks volumes about his quality.

Well, if Boniface can even partly replicate what Isak did at Newcastle, then he will surely be a success. Even though he burnt bridges at the end of his time at St James’ Park, there is no denying the greatness on show from the Swede.

In 109 appearances for the club, the striker, who was born in Solna just outside of Stockholm, scored 62 goals and chipped in with 11 assists.

The most important goal he scored was surely against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, to help guide Newcastle to their first trophy in decades.

However, Boniface has certainly shown the temperament in front of goal to be Howe’s new version of Isak, with the £25m man also a towering asset, like the Swede, at 6 foot 3.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker has not had a goal involvement ratio at St James’ Park as good as Boniface’s was during his first campaign at Leverkusen.

In fact, the underlying numbers from the past two seasons suggest he can step into his shoes with ease, too.

For example, Boniface averaged 0.77 goals and 0.38 goals per shot on target per 90 minutes. In the same timeframe, Isak has averaged 0.79 goals and 0.45 goals per shot each game.

Goals and assists

1.09

0.93

Goals

0.77

0.79

Goals per shot on target

0.38

0.45

Shot-creating actions

3.14

2.95

Gal-creating actions

0.63

0.43

If Newcastle can structure a deal to sign Boniface for a price of £25m, it seems like they would be getting a bargain. The Nigerian striker has some excellent underlying stats, showing just how good a goalscorer he is.

He could certainly be Howe’s own Isak as they go into a new era at St James’ Park.

Unstoppable with Woltemade: Newcastle chase "phenomenal" ST on deadline day

Newcastle are hoping to sign another striker, with Alexander Isak set to join Liverpool

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 1, 2025

It’s fair to say that Thomas Tuchel is still attempting to find the right formula in charge of England. The former Chelsea boss has recalled some old names and introduced some fresh faces, but needs time to get the best out of his options.

His most recent squad once again caused plenty of debate. There were places for Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson and Ezri Konsa, but Harry Maguire, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been forced to watch on from home.

Whilst his decisions have split opinion, there’s no denying that Tuchel is not afraid to make bold decisions – a trait that Gareth Southgate arguably lacked during his time in charge.

The German has already recalled Henderson as well as Rashford and may yet have more returns on the cards. The likes of Fikayo Tomori, for example, were often overlooked by Gareth Southgate despite the fact that he’s played a starring role at AC Milan for some time now. Based on recent decisions, he should be among those at the top of Tuchel’s list to welcome back into the setup.

Every England manager's first game in charge

Thomas Tuchel is the latest manager to make his Three Lions debut.

ByRoss Kilvington Mar 14, 2025

Experience may well be the key to unlocking the silverware that England have been craving and, according to Tuchel, Henderson is a large part of that thinking.

It’s not the first time that the manager has surprised many with his decisions, either. It wasn’t so long ago that one England player was begging Tuchel not to play in a new position.

Tuchel shocked Loftus-Cheek with new position

After joining the likes of Henderson and Rashford to become the latest England recall, Ruben Loftus-Cheek reminisced about the time that Tuchel played him right wing-back.

The Milan midfielder revealed that he refused to play in the role, before the German opted to experiment anyway. The result? A part in four of Chelsea’s six goals against Southampton and a 3-2 victory against Real Madrid. As bizarre as Tuchel’s decision was at the time, it simply worked wonders for the Blues.

Reflecting on his wing-back role earlier this week, Loftus-Cheek said: “I remember when he came into Chelsea and he spoke to me about playing right wing-back. I said ‘no, no, no,no’, but I played there anyway.”

Now back in the England setup, it will be interesting to see whether the Milan midfielder will find himself in an unfamiliar role once more or whether Tuchel allows him to step into the position that he so often thrives in at San Siro.

You go, girls – and hurry up with those international retirements

Alan Gardner16-Feb-2023Hey laydeeeeez. It’s finally time, in the words of the Beastie Boys, to get funky. The people have spoken – or at least 50% of them have – and after a mere few years of respectfully listening to [] their demands, the BCCI has played its benevolent hand and created a Women’s IPL. Female cricketers of the world, rejoice, because the men in suits have decided you’re worth it.The Light Roller has always been a champion of the women’s game – we were fans of Rachael Heyhoe Flintoff before most people had even heard of her – and we’re delighted that the chicks have got what they wanted: money.Sorry, make that equality. But listen, the cash is decent: according to Jay Shah, the WPL is already the “second-highest valued” league in world cricket. And who among us would argue that showering one small area of the sport with bank notes could ever be anything other than beneficial?Related

• Hurray, the PCB is back to being the beloved drama we want to binge

• V Kohlz, B Mac, Boom and Jay Lang win the only cricket trophies of 2022 that matter

• Reactions to the WPL auction – Smriti Mandhana watches herself make history

Anyway, before the wokerati accuse us of peddling paternalistic claptrap, here are a few tips from the top, gleaned from our years of dedicated men’s IPL watching.Club vs country
The WPL is only three weeks long, but these are now the most important three weeks of your life. Do you want to risk missing out with an injury sustained while playing a bilateral series in Sri Lanka in November, just because your country’s selectors want you to? No. Best bring those international retirement plans forward.Franchise life
You’re going to be based throughout the tournament in Mumbai, one of the greatest cities in the world. So what should you do when not on team duty? That’s right, sit in your room and play Xbox. If you need anything from outside – coffee, newspaper, replacement batteries for the halo light used on your Twitch stream – then make sure to send the social-media intern.Fan following
Now that the auction has been concluded, you’ve doubtless felt the love in your mentions. Welcome to the world of #OneFamily #PlayBold #CapitalsUniverse. Your new supporters will cheer for you, pray for you, get tattoos of you… and also send you dog’s abuse on Twitter if you ever have an off day.Brand awareness
You are an empowered girl boss inspiring the next generation of sportswomen, you are a super she-ro who can take down the patriarchy in between net sessions… But you are also a walking billboard whose raison d’etre is to sell more bags of cement. Remember who’s paying the bills, sister.Food and drink
Don’t worry about having to eat curry all of the time, Indian hotels can provide the finest in global cuisine. Just keep an eye on your portion control, because the camera adds several pounds and those uniforms can be a little unflattering.Good luck, and hopefully you won’t get asked if you’re a cheerleader!

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Speaking of fitness demands in the modern game, the Light Roller was saddened by South Africa’s decision to omit Dane van Niekerk from their T20 World Cup squad due to her inability to run a set distance in an arbitrary time frame. This seems another example of the women getting a raw deal. The sport has barely been professional for ten minutes and already it’s gone all in on body-shaming. If 150 years of men’s cricket has taught us anything, it’s the value of carrying around a bit of extra timber – from WG to Inzy. Surely the ladies deserve a similar “Grace period”? As the famously sturdy doctor didn’t quite say: “They came here to watch me bat and bowl, not you oversee a 2k time trial.”

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“It’s bigger than the Ashes” has been one of the themes of the build-up to the ongoing instalment of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and in at least one sense that is already being borne out. Controversies that have so far exercised the Aussie press include how unplayable the Nagpur pitch was (Rohit Sharma 120, Axar Patel 84, Ravindra Jadeja 70), dirty tricks over practice facilities, the changing tour itinerary, whether Australia’s players are too pally with the Indians, their own team selection, and just what was Jadeja rubbing on his fingers? Credit to the touring hacks, who have displayed all their years of phoney war experience – but it usually takes them until the fourth or fifth Test of an England series to drop their bundle so comprehensively.