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Bayern Munich quietly plotted a €5 million swoop for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in 2022, only for Jorge Mendes’ late to block the move.

Bayern held secret Madrid talks in 2022Jorge Mendes blocked deal, backed Barca stayYamal later signed €1bn release clauseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

A remarkable revelation has emerged that Bayern came close to snatching Barcelona wonderkid Yamal in 2022. Then-sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and technical director Marco Neppe even held discreet meetings in Madrid with Yamal’s former agent Ivan de la Pena, as they tried to pull off an audacious transfer, according to a recent report by

The Bavarians had devised a long-term plan to move the youngster’s family to Germany, wait until he turned 16 in 2023, and secure him for a compensation package worth around €5m. Bayern believed they had an early advantage before the rest of Europe caught on to just how extraordinary the winger was.

But the deal collapsed at the final stage when super-agent Mendes entered the picture, swiftly taking over Yamal’s representation and shutting the door on Bayern’s hopes. Barca then accelerated his integration into the first team, and the player’s trajectory was set firmly in Catalonia.

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This episode highlights just how close Bayern came to rewriting the story of one of football’s brightest young stars. Today, Yamal is tipped as a frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, but his career could have unfolded very differently had Bayern pressed harder.

It also shows the importance of decisive action in youth recruitment. Bayern’s brief hesitation over paying €5m for a 15-year-old, considered a risk at the time, cost them dearly. Within a year, Yamal had already debuted for Blaugrana's senior team, and by 2023 he had signed a new deal with a staggering €1 billion release clause, ensuring no rival could realistically prise him away.

For Barca, it reinforces the value of their La Masia academy and the trust they placed in Yamal by handing him minutes at just 15 years old. For Bayern, it is another painful “what if” in the transfer market, similar to other young talents who slipped away.

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The report detailed how Salihamidzic’s trip to Madrid originally focused on Gavi, but Bayern’s scouts had been blown away by Yamal’s youth performances. Over dinner with De la Pena, the Bavarians made clear they wanted both.

The plan was concrete to relocate Yamal’s family, prepare him for life in Germany, and line him up alongside Gavi and Adam Aznou, who actually joined Bayern in 2022. But Mendes’ intervention changed everything. When contacted, he reportedly told Bayern that the family could “possibly be convinced” for €5m, but the German club wavered on whether to take the risk.

Meanwhile, Barca were already showing faith, and with Yamal’s senior debut at 15 years and 9 months became the defining moment that tied him emotionally to Barca. The chance to step out at Camp Nou while still a schoolboy outweighed any financial promises from abroad.

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Barca’s decision to trust Yamal early has already paid off, with the winger becoming both a Spain international and one of the world’s most marketable talents. For Barca, the priority will be to continue protecting their jewel amid growing global interest, ensuring he remains the face of the club’s post-Messi era.

There will be a total of 74 matches played, 10 fewer than what was listed by the IPL in 2022 during the new media rights cycle

Nagraj Gollapudi26-Sep-2024

IPL 2025 will have 74 matches, the same as the previous three seasons•AFP/Getty Images

There will be a total of 74 matches played in IPL 2025, the same as the last three seasons. That number, though, is ten less than the 84 matches listed by IPL in 2022 when the media rights for the 2023-27 cycle were sold.In the tender document for the new rights cycle, the IPL had listed a varying number of matches per season: ranging from 74 games each in 2023 and 2024, 84 matches each in 2025 and 2026, and a maximum of 94 matches for the final year of the deal in 2027. ESPNcricinfo has learned that one significant reason the IPL has decided not to have 84 matches in 2025 is to help the Indian international players manage their workload. India are currently favourites to make their third successive World Test Championship final, scheduled from June 11 at Lord’s, and the BCCI wants to ensure players get enough rest as part of their preparation if they qualify.Currently, the IPL dates for the 2025 season aren’t finalised yet but the window is likely to stretch between mid-March and last week of May. “We have not taken a call on organising 84 matches in IPL 2025 since we also have to factor the load on the players due to the increase in matches,” Jay Shah, the outgoing BCCI secretary, told the recently. “While it’s (84 matches) part of the contract, it’s up to the BCCI to decide whether to organise 74 or 84 matches.”Related

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Rathour joins Rajasthan Royals as batting coach

In 2022, the IPL became one of the richest sporting leagues in the world (in terms of per match value) when the media rights were sold for INR 48,390.5 crore (USD 6.2 billion approx.). The rights had been sold across four packages: A (TV rights in the Indian subcontinent), B (digital rights in the subcontinent), C (digital rights in India to a special package of high-profile games – including the playoffs and the final – ranging between 18 and 22 per season) and D (global media rights across five separate regions).The total number of matches in a season, the IPL said, would also determine the number of matches in package C, also known as the special package. This package includes the tournament opener, weekend evening matches, and the four playoffs, including the final. While the opening match and the playoffs will be mandatory, the IPL will determine the number and which evening matches from the double-headers will be included in this package, based on the total number of games in a season.A season total of 74 matches (as was the case in 2023 and 2024) means the special package had 18 matches. If there are more than 74 matches in a season, then the special package matches will rise by two for every ten additional matches. So if there are 84 matches in a season, the special package matches will rise to 20 and if the tournament has 94 games, the special package will have 22 matches.

Andre Fletcher, the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots captain, didn’t mince words after his side ended their CPL 2024 campaign with a ninth successive defeat, at the hands of Trinbago Knight Riders in Tarouba.On Sunday alone, they dropped Pooran at least four times after which the TKR batter aced a chase of 194 with an unbeaten 93 off 43 balls. Overall in the tournament, they had dropped at least 23 catches, according to ESPNcricinfo’s logs, which cost them a number of a games, Fletcher has said.”The guys [bowlers] executed well and dropping five catches in a crucial game, especially a world-class player as Pooran…I know, but not many people know, we dropped 28 catches in the tournament,” Fletcher said. “As a fielding team, it’s poor, way below poor. It actually cost us a lot of games, which we lost.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Though the Patriots lurched from one defeat to another after narrowly winning their first game of the season, Fletcher praised his team-mates for having each other’s back through the tournament. Across the last two seasons, Patriots have just two wins to show for in 20 games.”Knowing that it was a bit hard and tough for us losing, but tried to keep the team together as much as possible,” Fletcher said. “We had a lot of team-bonding activities. Yes, as much as we weren’t showing it on the field, but sometimes when teams lose, you tend to have a lot of bickering in the team, but we never had that. We stuck together and we gelled as a team and it’s just sad that the result didn’t show. But I must say that we stick as a family.”Just want to apologise to the St Kitts and Nevis fans. I know you guys are hurt, so am I. Unfortunately we didn’t get it well this year, hopefully, next year it will be better.”Related

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In isolation, Fletcher had a productive tournament with the bat, scoring 318 runs in ten innings at an average of 31.80 and strike rate of just under 150. Along the way, Fletcher became the highest run-getter in the history of the CPL, but Johnson Charles, whose team has made the playoffs, has a chance to surpass him.”I’m very pleased, to be honest, [with my batting],” Fletcher said. “People tend to remember the last thing you do. I really wanted to come out here and show what I’m worth. I’m happy to put on a great total for the team but unfortunately we didn’t get over the line. But that’s how cricket goes at times.”

Arsenal are in advancing talks to sign yet another player for Mikel Arteta, following an already-hectic last seven days when it comes to the club’s recruitment drive.

Agbonlahor slams "very odd" Arsenal transfer decision as Berta agrees deal

The Gunners are shopping “at Asda”.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025

Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi was in London this time last week to formalize his transfer to N5 and sign all documents as a new Arsenal player (Fabrizio Romano), with the 26-year-old becoming Andrea Berta’s first signing as new sporting director.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Almost immediately after Zubimendi, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also travelled to the English capital to complete his own Arsenal move, coming after Berta triggered the £5 million release clause in his Chelsea contract.

The Spanish duo were swiftly followed in their journey to N5 by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard as well, with Arsenal agreeing an initial £10 million deal, plus a potential £5 million in add-ons (Ben Jacobs), to sign the Denmark international as a replacement for Thomas Partey.

Norgaard has been authorised to have a medical at Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano), but according to recent reports, Berta may soon add yet another player to their growing list of very recent new additions.

Arsenal "set to sign" Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia

On Thursday afternoon, news emerged that Arsenal have opened talks with Valencia over versatile centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

The 21-year-old could play at both right-back and at the heart of Arteta’s defence, if the Gunners can agree a potential £17 million deal, with Mosquera up for grabs at a cheap price considering he’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

The news was originally shared by X account ‘HandofArsenal’, with credible media sources then reporting that Arsenal are now in pole position to sign the Spaniard ahead of RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.

Now, journalist Graeme Bailey, writing in a piece for TBR Football, has shared a further update on the story.

Bailey reports that Arsenal are “set to sign” Mosquera, with talks reaching an advanced stage after “positive” negotiations, but it could spell the end for back-up defender Jakub Kiwior.

The latter impressed alongside William Saliba last season when Gabriel Magalhaes was out injured, but Mosquera’s possible arrival is “set to signal the departure” of Kiwior as he prioritises a return to Serie A.

Called a “sensational talent” by members of the media, Kiwior is apparently preparing to leave the Emirates as a result of this move for Mosquera, with GiveMeSport also reporting that personal terms have already been agreed.

While Mosquera will serve as a back-up option initially, Arsenal are said to believe that the defender has serious potential to become a first-team regular in the coming years.

Even at their lowest ebb, Manchester United can still pull a rabbit out of the hat on the transfer front, with the INEOS regime overseeing a hectic start to the summer window following what was a desperately disappointing season.

While we may not be talking about Lamine Yamal or Desire Doue coming to Old Trafford, for once the Red Devils appear to be making astute moves in the market, having lasered in on two Premier League-proven talents, in the form of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

The deal for the former has already been confirmed, after United agreed to trigger the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause, while the club are also preparing a second bid for Mbeumo, having seen a total offer of around £55m rejected by Brentford.

Should that deal for the Cameroon international get over the line as expected, Ruben Amorim will have been handed two players who contributed 35 league goals in total last term – just nine fewer than what the Old Trafford side recorded collectively in the top-flight.

Such enhanced firepower is then desperately needed in Manchester, hence why those deals could well be followed by the pursuit of a new centre-forward, with Amorim seemingly dreaming of a reunion with Sporting CP talisman, Viktor Gyokeres.

The rekindling of that partnership might be the primary focus at present, although United may also have the opportunity to pounce on another exciting opening.

Latest on Man Utd's striker search

Much to the surprise of many, both Cunha and Mbeumo have settled on the Theatre of Dreams as their preferred destination, even with Amorim’s side having failed to secure European qualification.

Arsenal

3

1

0

Chelsea

5

4

1

Liverpool

8

1

0

Man City

7

0

1

Man Utd

5

1

2

Spurs

4

1

1

Total

32

8

5

Arsenal

8

1

0

Chelsea

8

3

3

Liverpool

7

1

0

Man City

5

0

1

Man Utd

8

1

1

Spurs

8

4

1

Total

44

10

6

As noted by journalist Ben Jacobs earlier this week, the same appears to be true of Gyokeres, with the prolific Swede open to the move having remained in contact with his former boss.

Reportedly available for ‘just’ €70m (£59m), the 27-year-old’s signing wouldn’t break the bank, although with United looking likely to fork out around £120m plus on Cunha and Mbeumo, it remains to be seen what they will have left to work with in the budget.

Transfer Focus

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

With that in mind, it could be worth changing tact by securing a significant bargain with the capture of Jonathan David, with Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport – via Sport Witness – outlining that the Canadian is prioritising a move to Manchester.

Indeed, United are named alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona as his preferred picks, albeit with United seemingly at an advantage as the 25-year-old – who is set to leave Lille on a free transfer this summer – particularly keen on a Premier League switch.

While the report does suggest that INEOS haven’t made a move as yet, prior speculation did claim that the Red Devils had him on their striker shortlist.

Why Jonathan David would be a better deal than Gyokeres

First and foremost, it would be a truly remarkable coup to be able to land a player of David’s quality on a free, with podcaster Tony Marinaro hailing him as a “phenom” and “one of the best strikers in the world”, amid his standout form in France.

That bargain deal would ensure that United then have funds left to play with to strengthen other areas of the pitch, with The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell noting that Amorim is keen on acquiring an ‘athletic No.8’, while a new wing-back could also be ‘on the agenda’.

With the future of Andre Onana also uncertain in the sticks – having notably made five errors leading to a goal in the top-flight and in Europe last season – there does remain other priority positions, hence why a move for David over Gyokeres would appeal.

Of course, Gyokeres is Amorim’s man having netted 66 times in just 68 games under the Portuguese in Lisbon, with his total tally standing at 97 goals in 102 games for the Primeira Liga side to date.

That said, it was only two years ago that the 6 foot 2 marksman was operating in the Championship, having previously been allowed to leave Brighton and Hove Albion for just £1m, during Dan Ashworth’s stint at the helm.

How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.

To his credit, Gyokeres has recovered to emerge as the “hottest striker in Europe” since then, as per ESPN’s Mark Ogden, although in the case of David, the Brooklyn-born sensation has quietly been delivering the goods over a more extended period at the top level.

Indeed, the in-demand forward has scored 13 goals or more in all five of his seasons in Ligue 1, since arriving from Gent in 2020, while previously netting 18 league goals in his final campaign in Belgium. It’s for no reason that Canadian pundit Iain Hume has described him as a “world-class player”.

Such remarkable consistency is certainly to be admired, with the 61-cap international also thriving in this season’s Champions League, after scoring seven times in ten outings. Gyokeres, for comparison, scored just six times in eight games for Sporting.

In Europe’s top tier competition, as per FBref, David notably ranked in the top 20% of strikers for non-penalty goals per 90, while also ranking in the top 5% for pass completion. Gyokeres, meanwhile, ranked in just the top 24% and the top 18% for those same two metrics, respectively.

A real menace from open play and evidently adept at holding up the ball, the Lille talisman has been a real unsung performer in recent years, with now perhaps the time for his big chance to finally come at an elite club.

Yes, Gyokeres may be the man Amorim wants, although to be able to sign a player like David on the cheap would surely be the better deal.

Amorim’s next Bruno: Man Utd to make approach for “world-class” talent

Manchester United could be about to land a star who could follow in Bruno Fernandes’ footsteps.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 7, 2025

Crystal Palace are now “interested” in signing a “fantastic” Premier League player, who is set to be available for a bargain fee in the summer transfer window, according to reliable reporter Ben Jacobs.

Palace set sights on new midfielder

Palace may have their work cut out trying to keep hold of some of their key players this summer, with the likes of Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta attracting widespread interest, alongside Adam Wharton, with Liverpool now ready to sign the 21-year-old.

With attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze also catching the eye, Oliver Glasner may be tasked with bringing in at least one new midfielder in the summer transfer window, and the manager has several potential options in mind.

Sunderland’s Chris Rigg is of particular interest, with the Eagles racing a number of their Premier League rivals for the 17-year-old, while they are also eyeing a move for Rigg’s teammate, Jobe Bellingham, who Glasner is believed to be a big fan of.

Would cost £0: Crystal Palace now open talks to sign versatile 6'4 colossus

The Eagles have made contact over a move for a defender, who is capable of playing in five positions.

ByDominic Lund Apr 24, 2025

According to Ben Jacobs, Crystal Palace have now joined the race for a new central midfield target, with the reporter taking to X to reveal they are now “interested” in signing Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

With Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League now confirmed, they could be in line to lose one of their key players on the cheap, with Ndidi set to leave for just £9m due to a clause included in his contract.

There is widespread interest in the central midfielder, with Premier League rivals Everton and Fulham also emerging as potential suitors, while Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have him on their “radar”, although they are yet to make an official approach.

"Fantastic" Ndidi has talent to remain in Premier League

Leicester’s performance in the Premier League this season has been nothing short of dismal, having collected just 18 points throughout the campaign, but the Nigerian midfielder has impressed in the top flight in the past.

The Lagos-born maestro was once described as a “monster” after impressing against Liverpool, while he has also been lauded as “fantastic” by members of the media, in light of his performances for Nigeria at international level.

Not only that, but the 28-year-old has been one of the standout players in a poor Leicester side, and he has performed well across a number of key attacking and defensive metrics over the past year, indicating he is a well-rounded midfielder.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.18 (84th percentile)

Tackles

3.37 (96th percentile)

Clearances

3.06 (97th percentile)

Aerials won

2.32 (95th percentile)

At just £9m, Ndidi could be a shrewd acquistion for Crystal Palace this summer, and they should be in a strong position to win the race for his signature, having shown they can compete for major honours by progressing to the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

The only gap in their line-up is bowlers with the ability to hit sixes, and that’s something they might have to live with for the moment

Sidharth Monga04-Feb-20252:30

India vs the rest: quicker runs, more wickets in the middle, and more

If it hadn’t actually happened, you would struggle to imagine the kind of dominance India have displayed in T20Is. It is a fickle, high-variance format. The shorter the duration of the game, the smaller the gap in quality between opponents. India have won 43 of their 53 completed T20Is since the start of 2023. This includes an unbeaten T20 World Cup campaign during which they went from the seam-bowling paradise of New York to the flatties in the Caribbean Islands to spin-friendly Guyana and back to high-scoring Barbados, getting the better of eight different teams.Take out the first half of this unimaginable run, and we are talking of stuff beyond fantasies. Since the start of 2024, India have won 28 and lost three. Surely there should be some mean reversion around the corner? Surely India have enjoyed too much luck? Surely this run should be unsustainable?And they are missing at least two of their first XI players. Two players who are the kind of point-of-difference bowlers franchises break the bank for. It is scary to think how good India can get if you add Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav to the line-up that just beat a full-strength England 4-1. We finally have in front of our eyes a team worthy of representing a country that runs the best non-international T20 tournament. A country with hitting talent that was just waiting to be unleashed on the world should their national team dare to shed muscle-memory conservatism.However, in these three – and other strike bowlers India have – lay their only weakness. Bumrah, Kuldeep, Varun, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Ravi Bishnoi – none of them can be relied upon to hit a six. The way Jofra Archer or Adil Rashid or Mark Wood can. Or Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins. Or Kagiso Rabada or Marco Jansen or even Anrich Nortje.This weakness forced Tilak Varma to tamper with his game in the Chennai chase, which he did successfully. However, you can’t go in with fewer than three strike bowlers. Especially when they are as good as Bumrah, Kuldeep, Varun and Arshdeep. It is a weakness India will have to live with unless one or two of them can do the unthinkable and build six-hitting prowess the way R Ashwin has at the fag end of his career. However, none of them has the inherent batting ability of Ashwin, so this might be too tall an ask.Yet, all things being equal, add Bumrah, Kuldeep, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal to the current squad, and India should start as strong favourites in the 2026 T20 World Cup. There can still be a crucial toss lost or horrible dew or that 130 all out on a big night, but should India become the first team to successfully defend their title in men’s T20 World Cups, they will seal their status as the greatest T20 team ever assembled. To many, they already might be.

History made, class evident, underpinned by a defiance cloaked by a Boy Next Door visage. This is Kane Williamson

Vithushan Ehantharajah27-Feb-20230:40

Fulton lauds Williamson’s ‘drive and determination’

The Barmy Army’s rendition of Jerusalem had just finished by the time the ball had bumped into the boundary sponge at midwicket. The applause around the ground had dissipated by the time the announcer switched on his microphone to commemorate the four, returning with supplementary cheers which highlighted how few people were on the banks and benches of the Basin Reserve. It was 10:35am on a Monday morning. New Zealand were now 20 behind in their follow-on innings. And Kane Williamson was now New Zealand’s all-time Test run-scorer.How did he celebrate? With a bit of gardening and a re-marking of his guard. A look around to check for any subsequent field changes rather than to survey those sending acclaim his way.About five hours later, the bat was raised and the helmet off. Though not for long: century number 26, off 226 deliveries – 78 after passing fifty – was subdued because there was work still to do. Williamson always seems to have more work to do.Related

• New Zealand collapse after Kane Williamson hundred to open door for England

• Stats – Williamson at the top of the Test charts for New Zealand

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New Zealand had posted their highest total in a follow-on innings, though the ask for England’s fourth innings was within their recent reach. More to be done and only really one man entrusted to do it.Then came his demise for 132, which even then ended up being more about everyone else, beyond the rest of the batters to come to build on his work, which didn’t really happens. England had opened up an end from which they would take the remaining 4 more wickets for just 28 more. And even then, the identity of the wicket-taker (Harry Brook bowling what Joe Root described as “filthy seamers off the wrong foot”) and the manner of the dismissal (caught down the leg side) elicited a ground-wide guffaw that drowned out what ovation Williamson had as he walked off.History made, class evident, underpinned by a defiance cloaked by a Boy Next Door visage. Yet despite his on-the-day brilliance (which actually began the previous night), England were in pole position to successfully chase for the seventh time under Ben Stokes, with a target that will slot in as the fifth highest in that time.Williamson had the opportunity to sneak past Ross Taylor’s tally of 7,683 on Sunday evening, but resisted the urge – if he gets urges, or even has vices pertaining to self-gratification – to sleep four shy of top spot on 25 off 81 deliveries. He probably could have knocked it off last week on his home patch, but only managed 0 and 4 at the Bay Oval. Ah heck, maybe he was never going to do it among his own. Too showy. More attention was paid to Trent Boult, the Bay of Plenty resident in absentia.How good would that have been, though? For Mount Maunganui to celebrate their favourite son putting numbers behind what has been all but fact for some time – that he is New Zealand’s greatest? Back in 2014, after Williamson’s seventh Test hundred – a 161 against West Indies in Bridgetown – the late Martin Crowe said he’d be the best ever this nation produced. Which was noteworthy because saying someone is better than Martin Crowe is heresy in these parts, even if you’re Martin Crowe.Kane Williamson acknowledges the applause for his century•AFP/Getty ImagesEven being in the Mount for the 10 days around that first Test was to get a snapshot of why he is how he is. As it happens, his niece, who bears a striking resemblance, works as a waitress at one of the local restaurants. One set of diners from the UK, having cottoned on to this fact, couldn’t help ask if indeed she was a Williamson. “Yes,” she replied. “How do you know the Williamsons?” Presumably the family crest is an arrow pointing elsewhere.As far as Englishman on the field were concerned, all eyes were on the Williamson in the middle, in far less hospitable mood. He was integral in partnerships of 55, 75 and 158 with Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell, respectively, frustrating bowlers and fielders to no end in attack and defence.

“New Zealand cricket is very lucky he [Williamson] is still playing and to offer another level of leadership. He’ll possibly go down as our greatest-ever leader.”Brendon McCullum

Every boundary, aside from the back cut laced through third man that took him to three figures, seemed to be timed well enough to both make it all the way and drag a fielder along with it, convinced they could stop it. The dead-batting of anything remotely threatening he had to play was arguably worse. Williamson’s own bowlers talk about being frustrated in the nets by a bat that seemingly turns to a pillow and puts the ball to sleep, thanks mainly to wrists so soft he must have E45 mixed in with the ice coursing through his veins. At one point, Stokes employed four fielders in catching positions between square leg and midwicket who had nothing of note to do beyond retrieving balls that had already stopped and tossing it back to the bowler. Having been in the field since just before lunch on day two, it was hard to know which was under the more pressure: the England captain’s knee or the ironclad self belief he has instilled in his charges.The latter survived, and was replenished upon Williamson’s dismissal and the ensuing collapse. There is still much to do for New Zealand, and Williamson’s part in all this, beyond whatever match-turning nuggets he can pass on to his successor Tim Southee, is basically done.Has there ever been a more “I’m him” performance for one so humble and yet obviously brilliant? Monday was yet another reminder of a great hiding in plain sight. But in a New Zealand side undergoing a transitional phase following the brilliance of those he led to the World Test Championship, Williamson will become ever more visible.Should New Zealand pull off just the fourth victory for a team asked to follow on, it will elevate this day and Williamson’s part in it further. New Zealand Cricket announced Tuesday will be free entry, and all who arrive with Kiwi allegiances will arrive with the prospect of watching something truly remarkable.The last time they queued around the roundabout this ground sits upon to see something similar was nine years ago when a certain Brendon McCullum went on to become the first Blackcap to score a triple-century. That he is here on the opposing balcony adds a little extra on Williamson’s accomplishment.McCullum once explained the difference between him and Williamson was “you sit down with him for a meal and it takes him 45 minutes to finish”. Even if McCullum preaches otherwise, he must have had a wry smile as his old mate diligently chewed for 447 minutes to give this match what could be a satisfying finale.”New Zealand cricket is very lucky he’s still playing and to offer another level of leadership,” McCullum said during his first tour briefing a couple of weeks ago in Hamilton. “He’ll possibly go down as our greatest-ever leader.”Williamson already had the Blackcaps record for most Test centuries, led the team to their greatest ever success and, now, stands astride at the top as their leading run-scorer in the format. Next on his work docket are continuing as the main focal point in a batting line-up and a totem for a team recalibrating their standing in the global game.None of that is any less important but comes with fewer ground announcements, less acclaim and no title to boast about. Is there a better man for the job?

Performance analyst Chandrasekaran helped Mahmudullah make minor tweaks that brought immediate results

Mohammad Isam22-Dec-2020Mahmudullah’s clean-hitting against Gazi Group Chattogram last week was among the more thrilling knocks in whatever little cricket that was possible in Bangladesh in 2020. He belted 30 runs off just nine balls, thereby jumping out of a shell he’d seemingly been in for three weeks, possibly because of a combination of sluggish Mirpur pitches and loss of his batting rhythm.He has since revealed that deeper self-analysis, a little help from someone in Mumbai and an effort to bring back a go-to shot re-ignited him into the short blast against Chattogram that is now the fastest 25-plus knock by a Bangladeshi. Two days later, he struck a tournament-winning knock in the final against the same opposition.Mahmudullah’s three successive sixes off fast bowler Shoriful Islam in the first qualifier was a reminder of his ability to switch gears in the death overs of a T20. By taking down a bowler who had outwitted him in their previous meeting, Chattogram were pushed to a corner and lost momentum.How did he hit them? The first was swung across the line into the legside. Then he moved back and across to flick a length ball over deep square leg, reminiscent of his flick off Isuru Udana in the Nidahas Trophy thriller from 2018. The turnaround came about because of a series of things he worked on after a chat with Shrinivas Chandrasekaran, Bangladesh’s performance analyst.

“I said to him: ‘If you don’t mind, can I say something?’ You have been missing a lot of your pick-up shots which is probably your strength.’ Then he asked if I could tell him my observations.”Chandrasekaran reveals an interesting phone conversation with Mahmudullah

“Before the first qualifier, I had a chat with Shri,” Mahmudullah told ESPNcricinfo. “I was wondering what was missing in my power hitting. I was watching my videos but something was missing, which I probably couldn’t see for myself. Shri took a bit of time to look at my videos, after which he gave me his opinion. We discussed a few things, one of which was that perhaps my shoulder was raising too early.”Chandrasekaran, known to be in constant communication with the players, has mostly been at home in Mumbai after Bangladesh had all their international assignments being postponed after March due to covid-19. He zealously followed the Bangabandhu T20 Cup, and spent a lot of time talking to players about what he had noticed in their game from time to time.”Guys like Tamim (Iqbal), Mushy (Mushfiqur Rahim, Soumya (Sarkar), Liton Das and Yasir Ali, and even the bowlers, were in touch,” Chandrasekaran said. “They would ask where they are going, about what the opposition are doing, how they will react and what needs to be done. I felt like I was also part of this tournament even though I was sitting at home. It is something I love doing, helping as much as I can with whatever I see.””I noticed that (Mahmudullah) Riyad wasn’t able to connect the pick-up shot, which is probably his go-to shot in the death overs. It was happening regularly in the league phase of the tournament. During a normal conversation, I said to him: ‘If you don’t mind can I say something?’ You have been missing a lot of your pick-up shots which is probably your strength as well.’ Then he asked if I could tell him my observations.”Chandrasekaran analysed videos of Mahmudullah’s batting from 2018 until now. He went through footages of the Nidahas Trophy, the 2019 World Cup and the last two BPLs. He drew a parallel between that Mahmudullah knock against Sri Lanka from 2018 to the one where he hit a penultimate-ball six in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup.”The best part was that on the TV they were showing the Nidahas Trophy game where Riyad hit that match-winning six off Isuru Udana, while at the same time I was watching a live (Bangabandhu T20 Cup) game on my mobile, where Riyad wasn’t able to connect the same shot,” Chandrasekaran said. “That gave the indication that there is something I can look into, and help him.The Mahmudullah-led Gemon Khulna with the Bangabandhu Cup•BCB”I started watching all his videos, comparing all the surfaces where he has played, how he played and what was his setup. There was a common trend to it, so I just sent him all those things saying this was something which you did and this is something which you are not doing now. After hearing this, he told me, ‘Tomorrow at the nets I will try to implement it.'”Did he manage to? Yes, albeit with a few adjustments.”I spent the next morning in the nets with (team assistant) Nasir, just hitting balls for one hour to get back my confidence,” Mahmudullah said. “I practiced those shots, and then I brought out shot in the first qualifier. It was the same shot that worked for me in the Nidahas Trophy. I want to personally thank Shri. We had a short conversation but it was very effective at a time when I was a bit hesitant about my power-hitting. He helped me out really well.”For most of his innings in the final, Mahmudullah had to chaperone the Khulna batting, until the final over when he blasted Soumya Sarkar for two fours and a six. The 17-run over proved the difference between the two sides, as Khulna won the final by five runs.”I played the innings at the right time when the team needed it,” he said. “I fulfilled my responsibility somewhat, but becoming champions was more important. I was pleased with my team’s commitment to perform. Our side had capability from the beginning but we took a bit of time to play to our reputation.”Thankfully we rose to the occasion. Full credit goes to the team, management and owner. Mashrafe [Mortaza] bhai’s suggestions and advice helped me a lot. At the end of the day, captaincy becomes easier when your players perform.”Mahmudullah is now enjoying time at home before entering the bio-bubble for Bangladesh’s first international series during the pandemic, against West Indies at home, next month. The make-up of the batting line-up will change now with Shakib Al Hasan’s return. It’s yet unclear what Mahmudullah’s role will be, but he’s ready for whatever he’s asked to do.”I will try to play the particular role given to me by the team management, whether it is batting in the top order, middle order, or as the lower-middle order finisher. I want to do it with 100 per cent honesty. We are returning to international cricket, and we all know the difference with domestic cricket. We have been practicing regularly for a long time, including these two domestic tournaments but I think we have to be mentally prepared to catch the rhythm of international cricket as quickly as possible, so that we are in tune from the first game and win the series.”Having elevated himself into match-winning roles in the domestic tournaments this season and by leading teams to both the BCB President’s Cup and Bangabandhu T20 Cup trophies, Mahmudullah, you’d think, completely understands where his game is at. Most importantly, his willingness to take suggestion on board has contributed to this change in mindset and helping him rediscover a critical aspect of his batting.

يشهد اليوم الأربعاء الموافق 10-12-2025، أجندة كروية مزدحمة بالقمم المنتظرة على المستويات العربية والعالمية، حيث تتواصل منافسات بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال، إلى جانب جولة جديدة من مباريات كأس الرابطة المصرية، فضلًا عن مواجهات قوية في دوري أبطال أوروبا ودوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة.

وتتجه الأنظار بقوة إلى بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال المقامة في قطر، حيث ينتظر نادي بيراميدز تحديد منافسه في نصف نهائي البطولة، من خلال المواجهة المرتقبة بين فلامنجو البرازيلي وكروز أزول المكسيكي في ربع النهائي، المباراة تُعد من أقوى صدامات البطولة هذا العام، نظرًا لتاريخ وقوة المدرستين الكرويتين في أمريكا الجنوبية والشمالية.

بيراميدز الذي قدّم أداءً لافتًا في البطولة حتى الآن، بعدما تخطى أوكلاند سيتي بثلاثية نظيفة ثم تجاوز الأهلي السعودي في ربع النهائي، يترقب هو الآخر نتيجة ديربي الأمريكتين، حيث سيواجه الفائز يوم السبت المقبل على استاد أحمد بن علي، ضمن منافسات نصف النهائي على بطاقة الوصول للمباراة النهائية.

وعلى الصعيد الأوروبي، تخطف قمة ريال مدريد ومانشستر سيتي الأضواء ضمن الجولة السادسة من مرحلة الدوري في دوري أبطال أوروبا، حيث يستضيف النادي الملكي غريمه الإنجليزي على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو في واحدة من أقوى مواجهات اليوم.

كما تشهد القارة الأوروبية عددًا من المواجهات البارزة الأخرى، من أبرزها لقاء كلوب بروج مع آرسنال، وصدام أتلتيك بلباو مع باريس سان جيرمان، ومواجهة بنفيكا ونابولي، إلى جانب مباريات حاسمة لأندية كبرى مثل يوفنتوس وبوروسيا دورتموند وباير ليفركوزن، وجميعها ضمن الجولة الختامية من دور المجموعات.

ولا تقتصر الإثارة على البطولات الدولية، إذ تستمر منافسات كأس الرابطة المصرية بثلاث مباريات قوية، إضافة إلى انطلاق مواجهات دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة في ظهيرة اليوم.

طالع أيضًا | محمد صلاح يشعل حربًا بين كاراجر وريتشاردز.. اتهامات بالتفاهة وتييري هنري يتدخل مواعيد مباريات اليوم الأربعاء 10-12-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات كأس إنتر كونتيننتال اليوم

كروز أزول ضد فلامينجو، الساعة 7 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس HD 4”. مواعيد مباريات كأس الرابطة المصرية اليوم

طلائع الجيش ضد سيراميكا كليوباترا، الساعة 5 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 6 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “On Time Sports 2”.

الإسماعيلي ضد الجونة، الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 9 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “On Time Sports 1”.

زد ضد سموحة، الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 9 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “On Time Sports 2”. مواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال أوروبا اليوم

فياريال ضد كوبنهاجن، الساعة 7:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 8:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس 6 HD”.

كاراباخ أغدام ضد أياكس، الساعة 7:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 8:45 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس 7 HD”.

ريال مدريد ضد مانشستر سيتي، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس 1 HD”.

بنفيكا ضد نابولي، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس 7 HD”.

يوفنتوس ضد بافوس، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس 5 HD”.

كلوب بروج ضد آرسنال، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس 3 HD”.

أتلتيك بلباو ضد باريس سان جيرمان، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس 2 HD”.

بوروسيا دورتموند ضد بودو جليمت، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس 9 HD”.

باير ليفركوزن ضد نيوكاسل يونايتد، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس 8 HD”. مواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة اليوم

إف سي سول ضد ملبورن سيتي، الساعة 12 ظهراً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

سانفريس هيروشيما ضد شانغهاي شينهوا، الساعة 12 ظهراً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات البوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا