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Adrien Rabiot has revealed he is left “amazed” by Luka Modric’s childlike passion for football, praising the 40-year-old midfielder’s impact since joining AC Milan. The Croatian veteran has instantly become the heartbeat of the Rossoneri midfield, and Rabiot says Modric’s energy and love for the game continues to inspire everyone around him.

Modric’s Milan influence already ‘extraordinary’

Modric’s move from Real Madrid to AC Milan was one of the summer’s most dramatic transfers, but the Croatian legend has wasted no time proving he still belongs at the top level. At 40 years old, Modric has slotted straight into the Rossoneri's midfield, dictating games with the same intelligence, composure and work rate that defined his decade in Spain.

His arrival has transformed Massimiliano Allegri's side into a more controlled and technically secure outfit. Modric has been central to Milan’s early-season push for the top of Serie A, and his leadership has filled a void the Rossoneri had struggled to address since losing Sandro Tonali.

Rabiot, who joined Milan after Modric, has seen his adaptation from close range. The French midfielder says the Croatian has taken command of the dressing room and the pitch, instantly raising standards around the club. That set the stage for him to share his admiration in detail.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRabiot amazed by Modric’s passion and reflects on derby win

Rabiot began by revealing just how special it has been to play alongside Modric, highlighting the Croatian’s attitude above everything else. Speaking to , he said: "He's a simple person and loves football like a child. I've felt very comfortable with him in midfield since day one because he has quality and vision, but he also makes a huge contribution when it comes to winning the ball back, running and coming in decisively when needed. He's an extraordinary player who amazes me with the desire he shows on the pitch every day, even at 40. I admire him greatly: when I'm his age, I hope I still have that passion."

The Frenchman was then asked about Milan’s 1-0 derby victory over Inter, a match in which he played the full 90 minutes after returning from injury. "Happiness because it's a special match for Milan and the Milan fans. It was great to win the first derby at San Siro and I'm proud of how we played. These three points give us further confidence."

Rabiot’s growing influence & hunger to score

Rabiot’s start at Milan was disrupted by a calf injury, but when he has played, the numbers speak for themselves: five wins and one draw in six appearances, with only one goal conceded. His importance to the Rossoneri's structure has grown rapidly, especially alongside a veteran like Modric who complements his energy and ball-winning.

When asked about ending his goal drought for the team, he explained: "I hope so. I'd like to score as soon as possible, both at San Siro and away. I like scoring goals or providing assists, but that's not my main role: I have to help the team with running, tackling, advice, and experience. If we keep winning and I don't score, that's fine too."

The 30-year-old then reflected on why Milan look more secure with him on the pitch, pointing to his communication and calming presence. "Maybe my teammates have more confidence and I give them a sense of mental security. I try to talk a lot, especially during the most difficult moments of the match, to keep everyone focused. I always give my all and the others feel it."

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Getty Images SportLazio next and reunion with Sarri

Milan sit second in Serie A and now prepare for a crucial clash against Lazio at San Siro, where a win could temporarily send them top of the table. For Rabiot, the fixture also brings a personal subplot: a reunion with his former Juventus coach, Maurizio Sarri.

Looking ahead to Saturday, he spoke warmly about meeting him again: "It'll be great to see him again. We had a strange year at Juventus: I didn't play much at first, but after Covid I was always a starter and we won the Scudetto. Sarri is a great coach."

Milan will hope Modric’s brilliance and Rabiot’s return to peak rhythm can guide them through another major test, as the Rossoneri continue their push for top spot.

Tottenham Hotspur may need to improve their performance levels if they want to come away with all three points in the North London derby against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Lilywhites are fifth in the Premier League table, after 11 matches, but the underlying numbers behind their performances suggest that Thomas Frank’s team are heading in the wrong direction.

As you can see in the table above, Spurs rank just above the relegation zone in a host of key performance-based metrics, but they have been able to grind out results in spite of their struggles.

Up against the league leaders this weekend, Tottenham may not be able to get away with giving up as many high-quality chances whilst failing to create many of their own opportunities.

If performances do not improve and results fall in line with the current data, questions may be asked of Frank, but also of the squad of players that has been assembled by the Europa League champions.

Some questions may be asked about how well the club have spent their money on both player transfer fees and player wages, as they may not be getting value for money.

Ranking Tottenham's top ten earners

Tottenham, as you would expect of a club that is regularly in European competitions and competing at the top end of the Premier League table, reportedly have a lot of high earners in the squad.

Per Capology, Spurs have nine players who earn between £100k and £195k-per-week in North London, and summer signing Xavi Simons is at the top of the pile alongside Cristian Romero.

Excluding Randal Kolo Muani, who is on loan, it is hard to do anything other than rank Xavi Simons at the bottom of the club’s top earners, as he has no goals and two assists in 13 appearances in all competitions, per Sofascore, as an attacking midfielder.

Maddison has a claim to rank first on this list after an eye-catching haul of 12 goals and ten assists in all competitions last term, per Sofascore, but he is currently set to miss the majority of this season with an ACL injury.

Brennan Johnson should go in second, purely because of his winning goal in the Europa League, and Cristian Romero should rank third as a first-choice centre-back and current club captain, showing value for money on and off the pitch.

Kudus, with one goal and four assists in ten Premier League games for Spurs, has been a mainstay since his summer move from West Ham United and should rank fifth, whilst Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison have been long-serving members of the squad, without being genuine stars, so could slot in sixth and seventh.

Dominic Solanke, who joined in the summer of 2024, underperformed his xG of 10.97 with a return of nine goals in the Premier League last season, per Sofascore, which is why he should be eighth, behind Simons, whilst Kolo Muani and Palhinha are hard to rank as it is unclear how much of their wages they are paying as part of the loan deals.

The last remaining name on the list is central defender Micky van de Ven, who we rank in fourth place, as Lilywhites expert John Wenham has urged sporting director Fabio Paratici to improve his wages.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

He told TottenhamNews: “Spurs should reward his rapid progress into one of the best defenders in the Premier League with a new deal and could even double his current salary.”

How Micky van de Ven has turned his Spurs career around

Rewind to April 2024 during his first season with the Lilywhites, after a move from Wolfsburg in 2023, and the Dutchman found himself on the receiving end of some harsh criticism for mistakes in a game against Newcastle United.

Speaking on Match of the Day, former Arsenal and England centre-back Martin Keown called his defending “embarrassing” in a 4-0 win for the Magpies at St. James’ Park, as Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon took advantage of his slips.

Roughly 18 months on from that criticism he faced, Van de Ven is now in a position where there has been a call for the club to double his wages because of how impressive his performances have been.

It is understandable for Wenham to make the claim when you consider that Romero, on £195k-per-week, reportedly earns more than twice as much as the Netherlands international does, on £90k-per-week.

Van de Ven and Romero are Tottenham’s first-choice centre-back pairing in the Premier League this season and their respective statistics do not suggest that the Argentine defender is more than twice as valuable to the team.

As you can see in the table above, both players excel in different areas of the game, particularly defensively, but they both have their strengths, and Van de Ven more than holds his own.

The left-footed star is the club’s top goalscorer in all competitions this season, with six goals, and may have already locked in the Goal of the Season award with his effort against Copenhagen.

At the age of 24, Van de Ven also has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve as a player, which is why it would be worth tying him down to an extended contract on better terms.

Overall, the Dutch defender has turned his Spurs career around by becoming a reliable figure at the heart of the defence for Frank this season, and appears to warrant a wage hike if Paratici can convince him to pen a new contract in North London.

Frank must sell £55k-per-week Spurs flop who was looking "like Dembele"

Tottenham Hotspur must now look to offload one player who has failed to deliver in North London.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 16, 2025

His 159 off 146 balls is the highest List A individual score for Sussex against Northamptonshire

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay17-Aug-2025Sussex 297 for 3 (Tear 159, Haines 76) beat Northamptonshire 295 for 8 (Sales 98, van der Merwe 59) by seven wicketsScottish international Charlie Tear blazed a record-breaking maiden List A hundred as Sussex Sharks raced to their second Metro Bank One Day Cup victory in three days, chasing down Northamptonshire Steelbacks’ 295 for 8 in style with seven wickets and 19 balls to spare.Tear served up a barrage of boundaries all around Wantage Road, smashing 23 fours and two sixes in his spectacular 159 off just 146 balls – the highest ever individual score for Sussex against Northamptonshire in List A cricket. He shared a devastating opening stand of 216 off 202 balls with Tom Haines (76 off 81 balls) – Sussex’s highest List A partnership for any wicket against Northamptonshire.It was a day to forget for the Steelbacks with the ball, the bowling often wayward and with multiple errors in the field.With the bat, James Sales narrowly failed to post another ton after his century in Northamptonshire’s victory over Durham on Friday, but his 98 off 96 balls was the backbone of their innings.He shared a stand of 115 off 104 balls for the fourth wicket with Stuart van der Merwe who looked at home on debut despite being dropped at slip first ball. His 59 off 60 balls was a proactive, confident innings full of invention.But with just 50 coming in the powerplay and Sales failing to kick on in the final overs, Northamptonshire’s total looked well below par. Danny Lamb finished with two wickets, but spinner Jack Carson’s miserly six-over spell deserved special mention.Earlier Luke Procter (36) and Aadi Sharma (38) gave Northamptonshire a solid if unspectacular platform of 73 for the first wicket in 13.3 overs. Sharma swept Carson straight to Archie Lenham at backward-square before Procter, who passed 1,000 List A runs, fell soon afterwards, giving leg-spinner Lenham a comfortable return catch.Carson bowled 16 dot balls in 17 deliveries, conceding just one run, his initial six-over spell bringing one wicket for just 13 runs.Northamptonshire attacked at the other end instead, targeting Lenham, Sales cutting for four and smashing over long-on.Tim Robinson fell quickly in identical fashion to Sharma, sweeping round the corner to Lenham in spinner Bertie Foreman’s first over. Foreman then nearly had van der Merwe first ball but Haines shelled a straightforward chance at slip, the ball running away for four. Unfazed, van der Merwe drove the unlucky bowler through the covers and began to accumulate.Sales swept Carson over midwicket while van der Merwe sent one over extra cover for six. He scooped Lamb for four before sweeping Foreman to reach 50.Even though van der Merwe upper cut to third where Lenham held an excellent tumbling catch, a big Northamptonshire total looked assured. Sales twice crunched Foreman through extra cover and moved into the eighties in style, smashing Lenham straight into the top tier of the Turner Stand.But Sussex did well to contain as Sales grew becalmed, scoring just 21 in the final 10 overs.New batter George Bartlett counterattacked after being dropped at extra cover, hitting Lenham straight for six and taking three boundaries off a Crocombe over.His luck ran out when he was run out for a quickfire 28 off 18 balls, Fynn Hudson-Prentice deflecting the ball onto the stumps in his follow-through. It sparked a mini collapse, Northamptonshire losing four wickets in 19 balls. Lewis McManus and Dom Leech were bowled by Lamb and Hudson-Prentice respectively before Sales was agonisingly caught at cover.In stark contrast, Sussex’s powerplay saw a wave of boundaries producing 80 runs.Tear was in full command. He played some textbook drives, cuts and clips off his legs, but also attacked, pulling anything short and smashing over long-on before a beautiful straight drive took him to 50. Haines too started to find the ropes even if he was fortunate to gather a six via a top-edge.Indian legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal and debutant pace bowler Ben Whitehouse briefly stemmed the flow of runs, the youngster conceding just two off his first over. But the scoring was relentless. Haines whipped one through the on-side to bring up Sussex’s 100 off 85 balls, while Tear deposited Chahal over long-on.Tear continued to gather runs all around the wicket, a cover drive off Chahal bringing up his century off exactly 100 balls. He pulled Whitehouse ferociously for four more and crunched him down the ground before tucking into a Dom Leech over which leaked 18 runs, including a straight six to bring up the 200 partnership.Northamptonshire finally made the breakthrough in the 34th over when Haines hooked Whitehouse to the sweeper on the legside boundary. Tear motored on past 150, reaching the milestone by swatting Leech over midwicket for six. His innings ended with the finishing line in sight, caught at backward point off Leech. Tom Clark made 34 before he was bowled by Bartlett with five needed, John Simpson hitting six to wrap up the win.

Fresh from his hat-trick to send the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup playoffs, Everton have now reportedly set their sights on signing Troy Parrott from AZ Alkmaar.

The Toffees are reportedly looking to address their striker problem in the January transfer window after Thierno Barry has failed to hit the ground running. The £27m forward, who became one of Everton’s most expensive signings in the summer, is yet to score a goal for the club and initially struggled for starts in the Premier League this season.

Barry’s disappointing form has coincided with Beto’s own struggles. The towering striker has bettered his teammate’s goal tally, but has still scored just twice in 13 games so far this season.

With two goals between their two forwards, Everton have set their sights on the likes of Daizen Maeda ahead of the winter window. The Celtic forward reportedly wants to leave the Scottish club in January and the Toffees are among the clubs eyeing his signature for just £15m.

At his best, Maeda scored 33 goals in all competitions for Celtic last season and although he is yet to reach those levels in the current campaign, a move away could quickly rediscover his golden touch.

However, he’s not the only name on Everton’s shortlist. Those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium have also reportedly set their sights on Napoli’s Scott McTominay, who’d help their goal problem from midfield. The Scotland star recently scored a stunning overhead kick for his country as they secured World Cup qualification in dramatic fashion.

Everton certainly had an eye on the international drama too, given that they’re now also reportedly targeting a move to sign Parrrott.

Everton plotting Troy Parrott move

As reported by TeamTalk, Friedkin are now plotting a move to sign Parrott, who is a boyhood Everton fan. The Irishman has been in scintillating form so far this season, scoring 13 goals in 14 games for AZ Alkmaar and then scoring five goals in two games for Ireland over the November international break.

Three of those five goals came against Hungary as Ireland secured their playoff place at the death, courtesy of their rising star. It’s a performance that will live on in Irish history and one that could help Parrott make his return to the Premier League.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker was rightly at the centre of praise, with former Ireland star Ray Houghton saying: “I understood it, that Troy was a young lad who came through and was going to be a sensational talent, went to Spurs as a kid, made his debut when he was 17 and had so much ahead of him, but it didn’t quite go the way everyone anticipated.

Everton's stance on selling Tim Iroegbunam in January amid David Moyes decision

Moyes has made a key decision on the future of the midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Nov 18, 2025

“He had to reinvent himself as a player, so to see the joy he had playing for his country and doing what he did, hopefully it will inspire the next generation of players.”

Everton applying "strong pressure" to sign £17m+ star who rejected Wolves

Many Rangers supporters want to see sporting director Kevin Thelwell replaced, and now a big claim has emerged regarding his position of power at Ibrox.

Thelwell feeling the heat at Rangers

The Gers’ 3-0 defeat away to Brann in the Europa League on Thursday has done little to silence the dissenting voices, with Danny Rohl experiencing a sobering life in charge at Ibrox. It is hard to blame the German, but this will only increase the magnitude of the job being asked of him.

There are high-profile characters galore at Rangers who are under huge pressure, including sporting director Thelwell, with former defender David Weir mentioned as an option to replace him by Heart & Hand.

There is no doubt that Thelwell hasn’t hit the ground running in his role, having arrived from Everton at the end of last season, and unless something drastic changes, it is hard to see him remaining in the job for too long.

The same applies to chairman Andrew Cavenegh and CEO Patrick Stewart, and now a big claim has dropped that highlights the level of power Thelwell has at Rangers at the moment.

Thelwell influencing team decisions at Ibrox

Speaking on Hotline Live [Ibrox News], journalist Keith Jackson claimed that Thelwell actually helped pick Rangers’ starting XI against Dundee United last weekend, and may have also influenced the line-up vs Brann.

“What I’ve heard, whether it’s right or wrong, but I suspect it’s correct – I think Thelwell had a hand in picking the team at the weekend when Steven Smith was in charge. Would it surprise me if there was a little bit of influence from the sporting director in that lineup (vs Brann)? Not in the slightest.”

This update perfectly illustrates the control Thelwell has at Rangers, and many will feel that him picking the team at home to Dundee United only undermined the job that Smith was doing. Not only that, but the Gers failed to win the game, falling further behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts in the process.

The 51-year-old Englishman has a huge amount to do if he is to win round the masses, and despite only being sporting director for a matter of months, the writing is arguably already on the wall for him, having blown a huge amount of money on the struggling

Youssef Chermiti and decimated the defensive ranks in the transfer window.

Related Rangers now told to replace Kevin Thelwell with "recruitment mastermind"

Would this be an upgrade for the Gers?

Posts 1 ByHenry Jackson Oct 24, 2025

Thelwell’s biggest hope of staying on at Rangers is enjoying a strong working relationship with Rohl, and helping oversee massive improvements on and off the pitch, but even then, his critics are unlikely to go away any time soon.

The movers and shakers are in Orlando, Fla., as MLB's winter meetings began on Monday. Questions and rumors are in the air, and with a star-studded free agent class, as well as some big names potentially available on the trade market, there's the opportunity for some groundbreaking deals to be made.

It wouldn't be unusual territory for the winter meetings, which historically have produced some big moves (Miguel Cabrera to the Tigers, Juan Soto to the Yankees). And we've already seen a couple of big moves, with slugger Kyle Schwarber returning to the Phillies and the back-to-back defending-champion Dodgers landing the best closer available in Edwin Diaz. So, let's get bold and crank up baseball's hot stove with some predictions as the market heats up.

Tarik Skubal is traded to the Mets

Mets receive: SP Tarik Skubal
Tigers receive: SS/OF/2B Jett Williams, SP Jonah Tong, SP Brandon Sproat, RHP Jack Wenninger

Tigers president Scott Harris on Monday said there were “no untouchables” on Detroit's roster, an understandable position given Skubal, the back-to-back Cy Young Award winner, is a free agent in 2026 and could command a deal the Tigers simply can't afford to pay him. The Mets, coming off of a collapse that saw them improbably miss the postseason, are in need of starting pitching, particularly an ace. Landing Skubal, even if it's just for one season, is the kind of move that, coupled with a free agent starter, could transform the Mets rotation overnight into one of the best in MLB. Skubal won't be cheap though. New York would likely have to part with at least three top-10 prospects and another highly touted young arm. In this deal, the Tigers, starving for young pitching prospects in their farm system, land two MLB-ready arms in Tong and Sprout, as well as a promising youngster in Wenninger. Williams, who may not have a clear path to the majors after the Marcus Semien deal, could find an easier lane to the majors in Detroit.

Pete Alonso to the Red Sox

The contract: 4 years, $120 million

Mets fans would very likely be happy with the blockbuster trade above. But they won't be happy with this one. Alonso, a fan favorite who has come up with some clutch hits and made five All-Star teams during his tenure in New York, lands with the Red Sox in a bold swing by the American League East club, adding to an already-fearsome lineup. Boston, after seeing Triston Casas go down to a season-ending injury and infamously—and unsuccessfully—attempting to coax former third baseman and DH Rafael Devers to first base, brings in the slugging Alonso in what could amount to one of the biggest upgrades this winter. Boston first basemen ranked just 21st in Wins Above Replacement in 2025.

Framber Valdez to the Orioles

The contract: 5 years, $140 million

No club had a worse starting pitching situation than the Orioles in 2025. Baltimore starters posted the 26th-worst ERA in the majors, helping to dig an AL East hole the club ultimately could not pull itself out of. The trade of Grayson Rodriguez, arguably Baltimore's best starter when healthy, imported outfield talent but left the rotation starving for an impact arm. Enter Valdez, one of the most durable and reliable starters in the game. He has pitched to a sub-3.50 ERA with at least 190 innings pitched in three of the past four seasons. That's the kind of reliability that would make even the Orioles, who have been reluctant to spend money on free agents in past years, open up their wallets.

Kyle Tucker does not agree to a deal at the winter meetings

Tucker is the best free agent available on the board. While lacking the star power of a Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge, Tucker does darn near everything very well, combining a low-strikeout rate with a good eye at the plate while also having the power to hit 30 homers, the wheels to steal 30 bases and the defensive capabilities to win a Gold Glove. Thus far, Tucker has met with the reigning AL champion Blue Jays, who seem to be positioning themselves at the front of the line for the talented outfielder. But there will likely be other suitors, perhaps the Yankees, Dodgers, Giants, Orioles and maybe several surprise clubs as well. Tucker's market seems like one that will take more time to develop, more time than the winter meetings, which end on Wednesday, will allow.

Home conditions typically translate to home advantage in cricket. And teams sometimes take different, even extreme, measures to ensure their strength gets support from the pitches. There is often a tacit association between the home team’s decision-makers and the curators too. But the relationship cannot be too obvious. Visiting teams are aware of what awaits them.Bangladesh are no different as hosts. On Saturday, they beat West Indies in the first ODI by 74 runs. It is a bit of a turnaround after their 3-0 bashing at the hands of Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi last week. The win also came on the back of abuse and harassment when the team returned from the UAE on Wednesday.The first ODI was played on a rather dark-looking pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Usually, a dark surface in this part of the world suggests the ball is most likely to stick on the surface, which allows spinners to get the ball to break more. It has been a few years since this colour has been seen here – a layer of cut grass usually gives it a grey-green look.Related

• Rage against the pitch – it's Bangladesh vs West Indies vs the surface in series decider

• Bangladesh target 2-0 while West Indies look for batting lift

• Rishad's six-for wrecks WI as Bangladesh take 1-0 lead

Bangladesh nowadays have a strong pace-bowling unit, but the team management often resorts to spin-favouring pitches. In this case, not unusual if you have just lost 3-0 to Afghanistan. It has been Bangladesh’s go-to home strategy particularly since 2016. It is a bit of a shortcut to success, though visiting spinners like Rashid Khan, Nathan Lyon, Sajid Khan and Rahkeem Cornwall have also been match-winners here.On Saturday, spin accounted for 11 of the 20 wickets to fall. Rishad Hossain picked up career-best figures of 6 for 35, becoming only the second legspinner to take the opposition’s first five wickets in an ODI. The fast bowlers took eight wickets.But what does winning with this sort of tailored home advantage mean?Among the plethora of pitch-related questions at the post-match press conference, one seemed to bother Rishad, the Player of the Match. He was asked if he preferred a six-for on a pitch that helped him, or fewer wickets on a “sporting track”. In this case, only 340 runs were scored across two innings.Rishad referred to “a Guyana pitch”, which he said was worse than the one in Dhaka on Saturday. He was probably referreing to the surfaces used during the West Indies-Bangladesh ODI series in 2022. “The [Dhaka] wicket was same for both teams,” he said, meaning it didn’t change character during the course of the match. “We have encountered an even worse pitch in Guyana. We adjusted to those conditions. It was the same condition for both sides.”To an earlier query on the pitch, Rishad had said the Bangladesh batters had had a better plan to tackle the conditions than their West Indian counterparts. “Our batters could read the wicket better. They figured out that if they start slowly, they can finish well with wickets in hand,” he said. “I think they were just carrying out their plans to the best of their ability.”The pitch debate overshadowed Rishad’s impressive all-round show. He struck a breezy 13-ball 26 with two sixes, which took Bangladesh close to the 200-run mark before he fell in the 49th over. Those were two of only three sixes in the innings. Then, with the ball, he sparked a collapse from 79 for 1 to 133 all out.Rishad Hossain finished with career-best figures of 6 for 35•AFP/Getty Images

“I stuck to my process. I had to adjust in the first couple of overs, but then I could make up quickly,” he said. “I always try to contribute in all three departments. I believe that Allah will always find me a way to do always something for the team.”I always try to contribute something extra with the bat for the team. I think if my contribution takes the team from 180 to 210 or 215, that’s great. I am aware of what the team is looking from me as a batter.”Bangladesh are trying to get back on track in ODIs after an impressive recovery in T20Is in 2025. Good results in ODIs are necessary to ensure automatic qualification to the 2027 ODI World Cup. For that, on this evidence, home pitches in bilateral series will be prepared according to their strengths.True, Bangladesh’s fast bowlers are also match-winners. Truer surfaces will also help the batters stay in touch with playing on livelier pitches for series elsewhere. For now, though, this is an ODI series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium that Bangladesh need to win. The batters have to rein themselves in, and the fast bowlers may feel redundant. The spinners will be licking their lips.

The demand from Naqvi, also the Asian Cricket Council president, came a day after the PCB had alleged that Pycroft had “requested the captains not to shake hands at the toss”

Danyal Rasool15-Sep-2025

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has demanded the “immediate removal” of Andy Pycroft, the match referee for the India vs Pakistan game on Sunday evening in Dubai, from the remainder of the Asia Cup.The demand from Naqvi, who is also the current president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), came a day after the PCB had alleged that Pycroft had “requested the captains not to shake hands at the toss” as is customary.On Monday, the PCB sought to escalate the matter. “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket,” Naqvi said in a tweet (reproduced below). “The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”ESPNcricinfo understands that the PCB has conveyed this demand via a letter addressed to ICC general manager Wasim Khan. The letter says that Pycroft, at the time of the toss, took Pakistan captain Salman Agha aside and told him there would be no handshakes at the toss. It goes on to say that Pycroft then spoke separately to India captain Suryakumar Yadav.Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema subsequently spoke to tournament director Andrew Russell asking for an explanation, and was told, the PCB says, that it was down to the line the BCCI had taken on the matter following discussions with the Indian government. When contacted by ESPNcricinfo, Russell offered no comment on the subject.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The PCB says that Pycroft’s action had violated the MCC Laws and was against the spirit of cricket, and accused the match referee of violating the ICC’s code of conduct. While there is speculation that Pakistan have threatened to withdraw from the tournament if Pycroft was not removed, ESPNcricinfo understands that the PCB has not yet adopted that position.ESPNcricinfo has sent a query to the ICC, which is the ultimate authority, to check whether Pycroft did indeed instruct the captains not to greet each other at the toss.At the conclusion of the game, which India won by seven wickets, the Indian players and support staff chose not to meet the Pakistan side, an unwritten custom after a contest, with Suryakumar Yadav, the India captain, saying afterwards that the Indian “government and the BCCI were aligned” on the matter.Pakistan captain Salman Agha subsequently skipped the post-match presentation, and coach Mike Hesson called India’s decision “disappointing” when he spoke at a press interaction.Shivam Dube and Suryakumar Yadav went straight back to the Indian dressing room after completing the win•Associated Press

While this is an ACC tournament where the ICC has no organisational role, the match officials are allocated by the ICC. Withdrawing a match referee and appointing a replacement would require the ICC to get involved. The BCCI, meanwhile, are the official hosts of this Asia Cup, and might be required to play a part in the matter too.This is the second statement Naqvi has issued since tensions between India and Pakistan spilled over following the game. Shortly after the defeat, he accused India of “dragging politics into the game” and lacking “sportsmanship”. Suryakumar, meanwhile, said at the press conference that a “few things in life were ahead of sportsman’s spirit”.Pycroft is one of two match referees at the Asia Cup, Richie Richardson being the other, and has two more games to officiate in during the group stage of the tournament: Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka in Dubai on Monday and Pakistan vs UAE, also in Dubai, on Wednesday.This was the first meeting between the two teams since India and Pakistan exchanged cross-border hostilities in May, and uncertainty had surrounded the match in the intervening months, with several calls for India to boycott it. Clarity only emerged when the Indian government made public its official policy for sporting engagements with Pakistan, greenlighting meetings in multilateral events while refusing to engage in bilateral contests.As such, this might only have been the first part of an issue that could well come up again next Sunday: Pakistan need to beat the UAE to secure progression to the Super Four, where they will face India in Dubai again on September 21.

Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy is reportedly being considered for the vacant Celtic FC job following Brendan Rodgers’ departure last month. The Scottish club has appointed Martin O’Neill as interim boss but is expected to move quickly to secure a permanent head coach. Nancy, who has led Columbus since 2023, is among the names on their shortlist.

USA Today ImagesNancy to Glasgow?

There would seem to be serious momentum towards Nancy moving to Celtic, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Crew manager is among the leading candidates to take the job at the SPL club. The Frenchman has been repeatedly linked with a European move, and was thought to be likely to leave at the end of the 2024 season. But he stuck around for the 2025 campaign. The manager has mentioned in the past he's open to a move in the future. 

"I've been in situations when nobody knew me, nobody was talking about me, and [now they do]," Nancy said to GOAL at MLS Media Day in January. "Now so with my staff, everything for a moment, works well. So I'm happy in Columbus, and after that, we'll see."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesA solid resume

Nancy has been among the best coaches in MLS since he arrived in 2023. He has led the Crew, a small market team, to a MLS Cup win in 2023, and Leagues Cup the year after. He was named the 2024 MLS Coach of the Year. Before that, he was a narrow second place to the coach of the year award after overperforming with a struggling Montreal side in 2022. 

Columbus Crew left back Max Arfsten admitted Nancy might be ready for a European move. 

 "Yeah, I mean obviously it would be tough if he left just because he's a good coach, but he has to do what he wants for his career, and if he wants to go to Europe and test himself out there, I feel like you've got to respect that," he said at Tuesday's USMNT availability. "It would definitely be tough for us at Columbus, but it's one of those things where at the same time, if he decides to go, you've got to be happy for him because that's what he wants to do."

ImagnA disappointing 2025

For all of his success in years prior, 2025 has been slightly underwhelming for the Frenchman. Before the season, the Crew were considered among the favorites for MLS Cup, but rather struggled as the season went on. They turned in a spirited performance against local rivals FC Cincinnati in the playoffs, but were bounced after a 2-1 Game 3 loss in the first round of the MLS Playoffs. 

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Nancy may be among the frontrunners, but he is by no means the only name in the mix. Celtic are also reportedly considering Bodo/Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen for the vacant position. O'Neill has won three straight in his return to the helm at the club. 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared what’s impressed him most about teenager Andre Harriman-Annous after the Hale End graduate’s senior debut against Brighton on Wednesday.

The Gunners extended their unbeaten run to 11 in all competitions whilst booking a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after their victory over Brighton.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Goals from fellow youngster Ethan Nwaneri and star winger Bukayo Saka handed Arsenal a routine win at the Emirates Stadium, despite summer signing Kepa Arrizabalaga being forced into a string of early saves to deny the Seagulls, who threatened to break through first.

The headlines initially belonged to Max Dowman, after the 15-year-old became Arsenal’s youngest ever starter.

Dowman showed flashes of brilliance on the right-hand side in place of Saka and the injured Noni Madueke, who’s believed to be making “faster-than-expected” progress in his recovery from a knee injury.

However, once the teenager was hauled off Saka, and Harriman-Annouss replaced Declan Rice, attention turned towards the latest in a long queue of star-studded talents from the Hale End production line.

Harriman-Annous, who bagged 18 goals in 37 games for the Under-21s last season, has been a regular in first-team training at London Colney with Arteta taking note.

The England Under-18 international can feel hard done by that he didn’t mark his first senior appearance for the club with a goal too, having watched Jason Steele save his one-v-one effort before Saka dispatched the rebound.

Arteta shares what's impressed him about Harriman-Annous after Arsenal debut

It was a night to remember for Harriman-Annous, with Arteta explaining in a post-match press conference why he finally gave the youngster a chance to shine at N5.

Arsenal’s boss explains that Harriman-Annous has impressed him with a fierce mentality and work ethic behind-the-scenes, with the versatile centre-forward desperate to make an impact.

Arsenal supporters have plenty of reasons to feel excited about Harriman-Annous after his debut against Brighton.

Stepping onto the pitch in a high-stakes cup match is no small feat, and the teen showed glimpses of the potential that has impressed coaches throughout his development.

His composure and confidence stood out. He demonstrated good technical skills and an understanding of the game that belies his age. For a young player making his first senior appearance, showing such calmness under pressure is a promising sign of future growth.

Harriman-Annous made the bench against Liverpool in August, and if he continues to seize his opportunities like he did against Brighton, it’s only a matter of time before he makes his first Premier League outing.