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Megan Schutt, Shabnim Ismail and Sophia Dunkley among the big overseas players not retained by their respective teams

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Oct-2023Delhi CapitalsDelhi Capitals have retained 15 of their 18 squad members. Among the three released are Tara Norris, who was the only Associate player across teams in the inaugural season, and Jasia Akhtar, the Jammu and Kashmir batter known for her power-hitting in India’s domestic circuit. Capitals will go into the 2024 auction with a purse of INR 2.25 crore to fill up to three slots.Squad: Alice Capsey*, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Jess Jonassen*, Laura Harris*, Marizanne Kapp*, Meg Lanning*, Minnu Mani, Poonam Yadav, Radha Yadav, Shafali Verma, Shikha Pandey, Sneha Deepthi, Taniya Bhatia, Titas SadhuReleased: Aparna Mondal, Jasia Akhtar, Tara Norris*Gujarat GiantsGujarat Giants, who finished at the bottom of the points table last season, have released more than half of their squad members, including four overseas players: Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth and Sophia Dunkley. Laura Wolvaardt, who was an injury replacement for Beth Mooney, has been retained, as is Mooney.That means they have ten vacancies now, and will have the biggest purse at the mini-auction – INR 5.95 crore – to fill those.Squad: Ashleigh Gardner*, Beth Mooney*, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harleen Deol, Laura Wolvaardt*, Shabnam Shakil, Sneh Rana, Tanuja KanwarReleased: Annabel Sutherland*, Ashwani Kumari, Georgia Wareham*, Hurley Gala, Kim Garth*, Mansi Joshi, Monica Patel, Parunika Sisodia, Sabbineni Meghana, Sophia Dunkley*, Sushma VermaESPNcricinfo LtdMumbai IndiansDefending champions Mumbai Indians released just four players, out of which only Dhara Gujjar had played any part last season. Since they had only 17 players last time, they have five slots available and a purse of INR 2.1 crore, the smallest among the five franchises.Squad: Amanjot Kaur, Amelia Kerr*, Chloe Tryon*, Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews*, Humaira Kazi, Issy Wong*, Jintimani Kalita, Nat Sciver-Brunt*, Pooja Vastrakar, Priyanka Bala, Saika Ishaque, Yastika BhatiaReleased: Dhara Gujjar, Heather Graham*, Neelam Bisht, Sonam YadavRoyal Challengers BangaloreMegan Schutt, Dane van Niekerk and Erin Burns were the biggest names released by Royal Challengers Bangalore. Schutt played seven out of eight games last season but could pick up just four wickets at an economy of 8.46, while van Niekerk had spent the whole season on the bench. They have seven slots vacant, and INR 3.35 to fill them.Squad: Asha Shobana, Disha Kasat, Ellyse Perry*, Heather Knight*, Indrani Roy, Kanika Ahuja, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Smriti Mandhana, Sophie Devine*Released: Dane van Niekerk*, Erin Burns*, Komal Zanzad, Megan Schutt*, Poonam Khemnar, Preeti Bose, Sahana PawarUP WarriorzUP Warriorz retained their core; Shabnim Ismail, who played just three games last season because of the team combination, was the only overseas player released. Among Indians, the franchise let go of Devika Vaidya, Shivali Shinde and Simran Shaikh. Vaidya, who was signed at INR 1.4 crore, managed just 77 runs and one wicket in seven matches. Warriorz will have INR 4 crore at the auction to fill five slots.Squad: Alyssa Healy*, Anjali Sarvani, Deepti Sharma, Grace Harris*, Kiran Navgire, Lauren Bell*, Laxmi Yadav, Parshavi Chopra, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, S Yashasri, Shweta Sehrawat, Sophie Ecclestone*, Tahlia McGrath*Released: Devika Vaidya, Shabnim Ismail*, Shivali Shinde, Simran Shaikh

Brisbane Heat have been badly impacted by players being named in the Prime Minister’s XI to face Pakistan

AAP25-Nov-2023Cricket Australia has cleared Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne to play in the BBL season opener, after Brisbane Heat lost four players to Prime Minister’s XI duties.Heat confirmed on Friday both Khawaja and Labuschagne would face the Melbourne Stars in the first match of the tournament on December 7.The pair are also some chance to play in the Heat’s second game on December 9 in Adelaide, the same day the Test squad is due to enter camp in Perth.Related

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A decision on that could ultimately lie with the players with the Heat not wanting to compromise the duo’s preparations ahead of the first Test against Pakistan on December 14.”We are delighted to confirm Usman and Marnus’s availability for the opening night of the Big Bash League,” Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson said.”Both players have had incredible years across the World Test Championship and Ashes plus Australia’s recent World Cup victory, so it’s wonderful our home fans can see them in action to kick the season off.”Both Usman and Marnus are passionate about playing for Heat and I’m sure our fans will be looking forward to seeing them both in teal before the Test summer begins.”The call to clear the pair to play the start of the BBL comes after the Heat lost four players to PM’s XI selection. Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, Jimmy Peirson and Nathan McSweeney were all this week confirmed as being part of the PM’s squad, for the four-day match starting December 6 in Canberra.AAP understands selections for the PM’s game had caused some tension between Cricket Australia and the clubs, who did not want to lose their marquee players to the tour match.Stars have also lost Mark Steketee and Beau Webster to the PM’s squad for the tournament opener, but will have Australian white-ball players Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis on hand after returning from India days earlier.Sixers will also lose Todd Murphy due to PM’s XI selection against Melbourne Renegades, with no other club impacted at this stage.

Trouble for Real Madrid as Endrick suffered an injury relapse, likely resulting in another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

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Endrick injured his right hamstring against SevillaForward faces setback after injury relapse in trainingStriker set to spend weeks on sidelineFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , the Brazilian forward was on the verge of making it back to the first-team but has now suffered yet another injury setback after relapsing on the hamstring injury he sustained against Sevilla in La Liga. This comes as a huge blow for the youngster, who already had fierce competition for places in Madrid, with the injury now reportedly expected to rule him out for another two months.

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Endrick was working on his recovery in Spain alongside the club doctors and physios in Madrid's training complex in Valdebebas. The 18-year-old was looking forward to getting back on the field as quickly as possible and even flew to the United States to join the first-team. He was on the last stretch of his recovery when his injury relapsed. Madrid have not yet released an official statement, but speculation suggests that the injury is going to keep the forward out for another two months.

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The injury blow adds to the existing problems at the club for Endrick. The rise of Gonzalo Garcia and his impressive spell in the Club World Cup was damning enough for the Brazilian's minutes at the club. With loan options in sight, the striker still wished to continue in Spain this year. However, with this recent injury setback, there's no telling where the Brazilian will be headed when he returns from his injury spell.

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Madrid will now focus on Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury. The defender will go through scans and tests to determine the extent of his injury which he picked up in training. The ex-Liverpool right-back was ruled out in Madrid's semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain after feeling discomfort in his right leg. 

Cummins, Starc and Smith rested while David, Warner and Stoinis will need to return home from their franchise duties early

Alex Malcolm24-Jan-20240:50

Finch: Players like Fraser-McGurk ‘don’t come around every day’

Mitchell Marsh is firming as Australia’s likely captain for the T20 World Cup after being named to take the reins for a three-match T20I series against West Indies.David Warner, Tim David and Marcus Stoinis have all been included and will need to return home from their franchise duties early while Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Steven Smith have been rested with Cricket Australia stating that all three will likely be included in the squad for the T20I series in New Zealand in late February.The selectors are yet to confirm who will be Australia’s permanent T20I captain having not made a formal decision after Aaron Finch retired following the 2022 T20 World Cup. Australia have only played two T20I series since then with Marsh leading an inexperienced team to a 3-0 triumph in South Africa before Matthew Wade took charge of a depleted team in India after the ODI World Cup triumph.Related

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Coach Andrew McDonald was absent for both of those series, with assistant coach Michael Di Venuto standing in for the South Africa series when Marsh was captain. McDonald is also not coaching the West Indies series with Daniel Vettori taking charge although he may be present for one of the matches in Hobart. Chairman of selectors George Bailey confirmed that a decision on the permanent captain will not be made until after the New Zealand series when McDonald and Marsh will likely get to work together.”I think we will make a decision about that post the New Zealand series,” Bailey said. “New Zealand will be the time when Andrew jumps back in so it’s a good chance to see how those two work together. Confident that’ll work, but we just haven’t seen it yet. That’s the way that’s tracking. Mitch will obviously get the opportunity here and likely to get the opportunity in New Zealand as well.”Marsh will captain on home soil for the first time and will have a very strong squad to work with. Smith will rest from the T20I series after captaining the ODI team in the three-match series against West Indies in the week before the T20Is but has stated that he expects to be in the squad for the New Zealand T20I series.Mitchell Marsh led Australia in a three-match series against South Africa last year•Getty Images”I want to be a part of it, as anyone would, I suppose,” Smith said on Wednesday. “I’ve had a few opportunities to open and obviously did it well in the Big Bash. It’s different to international cricket, I know, but I haven’t had a huge opportunity there. I’d certainly be interested, but we’ll wait and see.”Bailey confirmed that Smith was being rested and would return for New Zealand.”It’s an opportunity for him to just have a really small break,” Bailey said. “He’s likely to return for that New Zealand series in some capacity, so he’ll continue to get opportunities.”Cummins and Starc are resting from all of the West Indies limited-overs matches after playing every home Test during the summer. Both are expected to play in the T20Is in New Zealand and two Test matches on the same tour but the selectors are mindful of their IPL workload thereafter ahead of the T20 World Cup.Josh Hazlewood has been included in the T20I squad to face West Indies despite resting from the ODIs. Hazlewood does not have an IPL deal and the six matches against West Indies and New Zealand will be his only chance to play the format before the World Cup.Warner has been recalled from the ILT20 as was long forecast by the selectors. David will also leave the ILT20 early while Stoinis will leave the SA20 early having been left out of the ODI squad after discussions with the selectors. All three will be required back in Australia on February 7 with the first match of the series to be played in Hobart on February 9.Glenn Maxwell, David, Stoinis and the two wicketkeeper-batters Wade and Josh Inglis will form the backbone of Australia’s middle-order at the World Cup. Bailey said no decision had been made on who would be the first-choice wicketkeeper at the World Cup but did suggest Wade was a vital cog at No.7.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”I think Wadey has done a phenomenal job in that position across a long period of time and I thought he was wonderful in India post the World Cup in those five games, led the side really well, kept well,” Bailey said. “I continue to think that five, six, seven, those roles in that T20 side are the most challenging but really, really important.”I think we’re seeing that become a highly specialized and a highly skilled position.”I think Wadey’s held that No.7 spot down really, really well. But not taking away some of the work that Ingo has done with the bat as well and it’s not to say that both of them can’t play in the same team.”Matthew Short has also been included in the squad and has a chance to be part of the World Cup given his form and skillset as a powerful, flexible batting option and a part-time offspinner.Travis Head is likely to open alongside Warner as they did in the ODI World Cup but Short could slot in at the top as well. Bailey did suggest Australia would trial several combinations over the next six games.Australia have only named one spinner in Adam Zampa with Maxwell, Head and Short to provide spin overs as well. Australia looks likely to go to the T20 World Cup with just one specialist spinner in the XI again after winning the 2021 T20 World Cup and the ODI World Cup last year with Zampa, Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood as the four specialist bowlers.But Bailey said they would likely take a second spinner in the squad to the World Cup later in the year. They just didn’t need to pick one in Australian conditions and decided that Ashton Agar and Tanveer Sangha were better off playing state cricket.”We didn’t feel like there was going to be necessarily the opportunity for those guys to play so they get the opportunity by going back to domestic cricket,” Bailey said.”I do think come the West Indies there’ll be a second spinner there without a doubt.”Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Ellis have been picked as the next three pacemen behind the big three and they appear to be vying for the last spot in Australia’s first-choice 15 for the World Cup.There is no room in the squad for allrounder Cameron Green. The selectors are keen for him to return to Sheffield Shield cricket after the ODI series to prepare for the Test tour of New Zealand given he is set to have a full IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore to put his name up for selection for the World Cup.”I think he’s a pretty special player in that format,” Bailey said. “He’s someone who’s going to go to the IPL so we’re going to get a really good look at him there. Just back into the Test side. He’s going to get an opportunity in the ODIs as well. So for him, as it is for all the all-format players at different times, it’s just balancing what the priority is.”His focus will continue to be on preparing for the Test format knowing that he’s going to get a really good block of T20 cricket in the IPL.”Australia T20I squad versus West Indies: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Jason Behrendorff, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Toni Kroos' post-retirement took a touching turn as his hometown Greifswald staged a one-of-a-kind tribute to celebrate his legendary career.

Greifswald temporarily renamed “Krooswald” to honor Toni KroosEx-midfielder received the State Order of Merit at VolksstadionHis foundation was praised for nationwide charitable effortsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Kroos received the State Order of Merit in his hometown of Greifswald on Friday, according to a report from . In celebration, the town temporarily changed its name to “Krooswald” by placing signs at its entrances. The ceremony took place at the Volksstadion, where the retired midfielder began his youth career with Greifswalder FC at the age of seven.

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Kroos ended his professional career following Euro 2024, concluding with the sixth Champions League title of his career and a fourth La Liga triumph with Real Madrid. In total, he won 34 major trophies and earned 114 caps for Germany, helping the national team to their 2014 World Cup success. The event in Greifswald was attended by his family, local residents and officials, with Minister-President Manuela Schwesig highlighting his foundation’s work supporting children and families in need across Germany.

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Kroos made 463 appearances for Real Madrid and 479 in top-flight leagues overall, and his retirement last year shook many.

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Kroos' professional career is over but he recently took part in the Icon League, a five-a-side competition featuring retired legends. He is also expected to expand his charity work and remain involved in football through media, coaching, or ambassadorial roles.

Select committee chair concerned that club will renege on commitments to diversity and inclusion

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Apr-2024The ECB has been warned by MPs to keep a close eye on Yorkshire in the wake of Colin Graves’ re-election as chair, to ensure that the club does not renege on its commitments to diversity and inclusion.Yorkshire were last year fined a total of £400,000 and handed points deductions by the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC), following their handling of Azeem Rafiq’s revelations of institutional racism at the club.Graves, who previously served as Yorkshire’s chair between 2012-15, was last year sanctioned by the ECB for dismissing allegations of racist incidents during his tenure as “banter”, but issued a “personal and unreserved” apology to all victims of racism following his return to the post in February.Graves appeared before the DCMS select committee shortly after his reappointment in February, where he was challenged by MPs on his plans for Yorkshire’s refinancing – including an immediate cash injection of £1 million, followed by further investment worth £4 million. His family trust, which is managed by independent trustees, is still owed nearly £15 million by the club.In its Equity in Cricket report, released on Friday, the committee said: “We expect the ECB to closely monitor Yorkshire CCC to their work and ensure that there is no return to the ‘business as usual’ that allowed a culture of discrimination to take root and thrive at the club. We urge the ECB and the cricket regulator to pay particular attention to the future performance of Yorkshire CCC in relation to inequality.”In June 2023, a report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) castigated English cricket on the grounds of class, race and gender, with Richard Thompson, the ECB chair, describing its findings as a “wake-up call” and an opportunity to “reset cricket”. It has been recommended by the committee that the ECB publishes a progress report on the anniversary of the publication, addressing each of its 44 recommendations.Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, the committee’s chair, said: “The ECB has made welcome progress on fixing the problems facing cricket identified so powerfully in the ICEC report. To achieve its ambition for cricket to be the most inclusive sport in the country and truly welcoming to all it must be open on how it is backing up its words with actions.”The start of the county cricket season is always a time for optimism, and we hope that members at Headingley can look forward to a successful future, with a board committed to a member-led club and a continued focus on tackling discrimination. The ECB should keep a close eye on progress to ensure Yorkshire continues going down the road to reform.”The report was released on the same day that the UK government announced a £35 million investment into grassroots and state school cricket, with the aim of enabling 900,000 young people to play cricket over the next five years.Responding to the report, Thompson added: “We welcome the ongoing support and scrutiny from DCMS following the publication of the ICEC Report.”We are keen to forge ahead and continue with the changes we have already been implementing in our ambition to become the most inclusive sport in England and Wales.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided a promising update regarding the fitness of Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori ahead of the new Premier League season. Speaking after his side’s narrow 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong, the Spanish manager expressed confidence that the trio will be ready to feature when the Gunners kick off their campaign against Manchester United on August 17.

Arsenal defenders currently sidelined with injuriesUndergoing tailor-made rehabilitation programmesArteta believes they will be available for the PL openerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal fell to defeat at the Kai Tak Stadium courtesy of an outrageous long-range effort from Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr. Although technically labelled a friendly, the match was played in a competitive spirit, with both sides keen to assert themselves ahead of the new campaign. However, Arsenal’s preparations were hampered by the absence of key personnel, particularly in defence.

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Gabriel and Timber have yet to feature in any of Arsenal’s three pre-season fixtures during their Asian tour, having both been in recovery following injuries sustained last season. The Brazilian made a tentative return by playing 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford, marking his first action since undergoing hamstring surgery earlier this year. However, a minor issue in training has kept him sidelined since.

Timber, meanwhile, has been out since undergoing ankle surgery in May. Despite travelling with the squad, the Dutch international was not risked during the tour, and he has been gradually reintegrated into full training. Calafiori, by comparison, was forced off the pitch during the team’s 3-2 win over Newcastle in Singapore. However, the Italian has resumed training and appears to be making good progress in his recovery.

WHAT ARTETA SAID

When asked about the likelihood of Gabriel, Timber, and Calafiori being available for the season opener, Arteta was upbeat: "If they evolve like they've been involved in the last few days, so Gabriel Magalhães, Calafiori and Timber, the three of them will be available."

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DID YOU KNOW?

While the news surrounding the defensive trio is encouraging, Arteta may have another injury concern on his hands. Leandro Trossard, who came off the bench in the second half against Spurs, had to be substituted just 15 minutes after coming on. Arteta shed light on the situation, explaining: "He felt a little tweak. I think he tried to turn, and he was pushed, and he felt something muscular, so we'll have to assess him."

ICC clamp-down on tardiness in field puts focus on Moeen as deputy

Matt Roller24-May-2024Jos Buttler will keep wicket at the T20 World Cup after deciding the risk of England incurring strict over-rate penalties is outweighed by the superior view he gets from behind the stumps. Buttler’s decision means that he will lean heavily on Moeen Ali, his vice-captain, to relay messages to bowlers.The ICC have repeatedly attempted to clamp down on slow over-rates in the past two years, twice introducing rules designed to speed the game up. Teams are forced to put an extra fielder inside the 30-yard circle when they miss the cut-off time for their bowling innings, while a ‘stop-clock’ was trialled during England’s series against West Indies in December and has since been made permanent.The countdown clock – which will regularly be displayed on big screens throughout England’s series against Pakistan, and at the World Cup – gives fielding teams 60 seconds to be ready between overs, with two warnings followed by a five-run penalty. England were warned twice during the series decider in Trinidad but ultimately avoided a punishment.Buttler twice handed the gloves over to Phil Salt during that series, and previously did the same while captaining Manchester Originals in the Hundred in 2022. He also regularly plays as an outfielder for Rajasthan Royals, where Sanju Samson takes the gloves, but has decided that he will keep wicket over the next six weeks.It means that Moeen’s role as vice-captain will come into sharp focus, and he will continue to interact with bowlers in the outfield. “Obviously it is going to be strict and these things, we can’t take lightly,” he said. “There is a lot of trust within the group and I think the bowlers enjoy having me at mid-off a lot of the time, talking to them, so hopefully that can work.”Related

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Buttler: If we lost, I didn't know how I'd play cricket again

Buttler described Moeen as “a great confidant” earlier this week. Moeen said: “He trusts me… Jos speaks to the bowlers, but sometimes at mid-off, things can change and [I provide] just a different set of eyes to look through. It’s about making sure, when I speak to the bowlers, that I am making them real clear about what they want to do and their plans.”While over-rate penalties have become stricter since, Buttler kept wicket throughout England’s T20 World Cup triumph in Australia in 2022 and played down the significance of his decision. “I’ve got feet: I can run down there and talk to them,” he told Sky Sports on Wednesday. “It’s a real big myth sometimes… there’s different ways I can slow the game down.”That’s why I like keeping: because I feel like I’ve got the best view. I can see exactly what’s happening and I can make calls. I know when Morgs [Eoin Morgan] was captain, he would come to the keeper a lot and want to gather information. I’ve got a lot of that to hand, and then it’s just about making sure I can find those times I can get to the bowler… there’s a lot of benefits to being a keeper as well.”Buttler’s wife Louise is heavily pregnant with their third child, and he has confirmed he will be at the birth, saying: “My family comes first”. It could yet cause him to miss a match at the World Cup, but Moeen – who has captained England in 12 T20Is – played down the potential significance of Buttler missing a match.”If it happens, then it’s a great honour – as it always is,” he said. “I’ll be fine: nothing will change too much. It’s just taking over from what he’s doing, and then when he comes back, he takes over. Hopefully, the baby comes at the right time where he doesn’t miss too many games. We speak often, me and Jos… we’re on the same page anyway.”Wednesday’s washout in Leeds means England have three matches remaining before they start the World Cup against Scotland in Barbados on June 4, the first of which is at Edgbaston on Saturday. Moeen believes that will be “plenty of games” to get them ready for the tournament, but said that England’s approach still needs some fine-tuning.”It’s about the style of cricket we want to try and play… are we positive? Are we trying to be a bit cautious? Are we going to adapt? And then we just pick, and once we decide on what we want as a group, then we fully, 100 percent, commit to that, whether that is bat, ball or in the field,” he said. “That is what clarity is for us.”Moeen also believes they are “much more confident” heading into this World Cup than last year’s ODI version in India. “It’s a completely different format: I know it’s white-ball, but it’s different cricket. We’re more settled, and probably more comfortable, in T20 than in 50-over cricket. Most of the guys have played a lot more T20 stuff than 50 overs.”

Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak has reportedly been excluded from Newcastle's family day as Eddie Howe remains firm on his training stance. According to the Daily Mail, the Swedish forward has been instructed to report to the training ground only after the players and their families have completed a planned lunch and bonding session scheduled for Wednesday. The timing is no coincidence since Howe wants to send a message that respect for the team structure must come before personal ambition.

Howe excludes Isak from Newcastle family dayStriker pushing for Liverpool transferMagpies await replacement before sellingFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Isak has drawn the ire of the Newcastle coaching staff due to a series of actions seen as disrespectful. Most notably, he flew to Spain without informing his manager to use the facilities at his former club, Real Sociedad. This came shortly after he had removed himself from the club's pre-season tour of Asia, claiming a thigh issue. However, medical scans later revealed no signs of an injury. The striker now faces the consequences for going AWOL and has been barred from training with his teammates after he reported for duty on Wednesday morning.

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Liverpool, meanwhile, remain keen on bringing Isak to Anfield and are reportedly preparing an improved offer after Newcastle rejected a £110 million ($146m) bid last Friday. The Merseyside club view Isak as a long-term solution for their frontline and are eager to finalise a deal before the end of the window.

DID YOU KNOW?

However, Newcastle are standing firm on their stance and have told interested parties that no sale will take place unless a suitable replacement is secured first. They had been actively pursuing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as a potential replacement for Isak, but that avenue now appears closed with Manchester United having moved ahead in the race for the Slovenian. 

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WHAT HOWE SAID

Howe did not hold back in his comments, emphasising the culture and standards that he expects at St. James' Park.

"You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United," said Howe in Seoul on Sunday. "The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad – you have to act in the right way. So that is also at play here. We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal."

Worcestershire sign West Indies T20 World Cup reserve Hayden Walsh as last-minute replacement

Danyal Rasool and Matt Roller29-May-2024Pakistan legspinner Usama Mir will miss the T20 Blast after the PCB refused him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). Mir, who was signed by Worcestershire Rapids for the tournament, was expected to be available throughout after he was omitted from Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad.However, ESPNcricinfo has learned his application for an NOC was turned down. Mir was among the players who signed three-year central contracts with the PCB after protracted negotiations in 2023. According to the contract, all centrally contracted players are permitted to play two franchise T20 leagues in addition to the Pakistan Super League per season.The PCB told ESPNcricinfo that makes him ineligible to play any more T20 leagues during his current contractual cycle, which runs from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Mir played the Hundred in August 2023 and the Big Bash League in 2023-24. While he hadn’t signed his central contract when he played the Hundred, it was backdated to begin from the start of July. He was pulled out of the BBL after just five appearances by the PCB after being recalled to the national side for a five-match T20I series in New Zealand. According to the PCB, “all NOCs are subject to national duty”.Given Mir’s curtailed BBL involvement, it is understood the player – and Worcestershire – believed there was a realistic chance of an NOC being granted to him for the Blast. However, the PCB’s position is that “PSL +2” is a non-negotiable policy, and Mir did take part in two overseas franchise leagues in the current cycle.Mir was the highest wicket-taker for Multan Sultans in the 2024 PSL season, but has not played any overseas T20 leagues since. He also played for Manchester Originals in the Hundred last season, and has since been retained for the 2024 season on a £60,000 contract. ESPNcricinfo understands he aims to play the Hundred and one more league this season.Last season, Mir was one of the stars of the Blast in his 11 matches for Worcestershire. He hit 132 runs in six innings, at a strike rate of 162.96, and took 19 wickets at 16.89. He has been replaced by the legspinner Hayden Walsh, who is one of West Indies’ five reserves for the T20 World Cup.Related

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Rauf, Mir and Zaman get NOCs to play BBL 2023-24

Hafeez stresses international-first policy for contracted players

Walsh was recommended to Worcestershire by Jason Holder, whose stint at the club recently came to an end. “Hayden is a versatile and talented cricketer whose skills will be a great asset to our squad,” Ashley Giles, Worcestershire’s CEO, said.”He comes with a glowing reference from Jason, which speaks volumes about his abilities and character. While it’s unfortunate that Usama couldn’t join us, we are confident that Hayden will fit in seamlessly and make a valuable contribution to our campaign.”Walsh said: “I am thrilled to join Worcestershire and be part of such a prestigious club. Both Jason and Alzarri [Joseph] have said a lot of good things about the club and the group of players, and I look forward to contributing to the team’s success… it’s an exciting opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”Worcestershire begin their T20 Blast campaign away against Yorkshire on Thursday night, with Josh Cobb and Tom Taylor both in contention to make their debuts for the county. Yorkshire have included Joe Root in their squad, and expect him to be available for their first seven T20 fixtures of the season.