Imran Tahir, who captained the team to their maiden title last season, has been retained

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Jun-2024Guyana Amazon Warriors have signed Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for CPL 2024. Imran Tahir, who captained the team to their maiden title last season, has been retained.Gurbaz will return to the franchise, having been a part of them in 2022. He played six matches and scored 157 runs with two half-centuries.Among the other overseas players retained are Pakistan batters Saim Ayub and Azam Khan and South African allrounder Dwaine Pretorius. They have also retained a number of big West Indies names – Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul.Related

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In all, Amazon Warriors have signed 14 players so far, which means they will need to sign three more players at the draft in July to round out their squad.Amazon Warriors beat Trinbago Knight Riders in a low-scoring final last season to seal their maiden CPL win. The defending champions will open their campaign against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, the new franchise, on August 30 in North Sound.The 2024 edition of the CPL will take place from August 29 to October 6 with games taking place in Antigua for the first time in ten years. Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago are the other venues. The National Stadium in Providence, Guyana, will host the final.Guyana Amazon Warriors squad listImran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Saim Ayub, Shai Hope, Romario Shepherd, Azam Khan, Gudakesh Motie, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kevin Sinclair, Dwaine Pretorius, Keemo Paul, Shamar Joseph, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair

Nepal want to leave a mark on T20 World Cup 2024 in their last group game against Bangladesh, according to head coach Monty Desai. Although Nepal’s one-run defeat against South Africa was heartbreaking, they will try to “put on a show” against Bangladesh, who are in a good position to grab a Super Eight spot.Netherlands have an outside chance but their net run rate is too low. Nepal, with just one point from three games, are already out of the race.”We are building our story, so I am not thinking about spoiling anyone else’s party,” Desai said. “The message in the dressing room was that we still want to live in a world of imagination, where we want to believe that we crossed the line [on Friday]. We want to think that we are on three points, looking forward to Bangladesh and playing to qualify for Super Eight. If you can bring that mentality and fight till the end, cross the line, at least we will go back with a proud moment of winning, and then probably think about the ifs and buts of other games. But yes, we want to put up a show.”Related

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Against South Africa, Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee shared seven wickets, and later Aasif Sheikh scored 42. Sandeep Lamichhane went wicketless in his first match back in Nepal colours, but he was economical. Despite all that, a run-out on the final ball cost them the game. Desai said the Nepal players had to pick themselves up from the defeat.”This is exactly where the mental strength will be tested for a young Associate team like Nepal,” he said. “Twenty-four hours from now we will be planning, discussing and moving towards the stadium to play against Bangladesh. It is very important to remember the processes that have helped us so far.”Nepal fans had their spirits high despite rain hindrances•ICC/Getty Images

The narrative around Nepal’s cricket also involves their fans. They play in front of packed audiences back home, and it was no different in Dallas, Lauderhill and Kingstown. Desai appreciated the massive support but also wanted them to understand that Nepal’s progress depended on playing big teams and winning big moments.”I think the biggest success story of Nepal cricket is about these innocent fans,” he said. “I say innocent because I am only looking at it through my lens. I know when I walk across the Tribhuvan University ground [in Kirtipur], I see so many of those Nepali fans on the banks, they might be having daily jobs, daily wages to live their life and they leave that and come to watch the game and support these young dreams.”They have stood with the umbrellas in the rain in the past. When we qualified [for the T20 World Cup], they were standing on the roof, they were climbing the trees. There are so many layers to the definition of ‘fans’ as the 12th man for Nepal cricket. I am sure it will be very hard right now for them to soak in their emotions. Cricket is cruel sometimes. Again, I say South Africa had already qualified, we just needed to cross the line and stay alive in this tournament.”I urge the fans back home to keep supporting these young dreams with the limited resources, not using an excuse. I think we have taken strides. The more we get exposure against these Test nations, again another opportunity tomorrow, we’ll go to that [game] against Bangladesh, and I think we’ll be up for it. I know all it requires now in those one-ball battles is courage and that is something which we are instilling and moulding in these young dreams.”Meanwhile, Bangladesh fast bowler Tanzim Hasan has said that they will not take Nepal lightly as the format doesn’t allow any team to hold momentum for too long.”There is no small or big team in T20 cricket,” he said. “We try to see each team equally. Because T20 is a game of momentum. It is a game of only 20 overs. No one can say when the momentum changes. We try to take each team equally. We will play aggressive cricket. We will stick to our place. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is. We will try to play equally with everyone.”

Manchester United’s front line has often contained some top-level talents that have gone on to achieve huge things across many different leagues all across Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Red Devils back as a teenager in 2003, with no one anticipating the rise he would have during his time as a player at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese international made 270 appearances in his first stint as a Red Devil, scoring 109 times – winning various major honours, including the Ballon d’Or back in 2008.

Other players have starred alongside the iconic forward, with Wayne Rooney often partnering him in forward areas, still holding the record for the most goals scored by a player in the club’s history.

However, fast-forward to 2025, boss Ruben Amorim doesn’t have that calibre of player to rely on, needing to make the right calls over the summer to hand him with the tools needed for Premier League success.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

After a deal to sign Matheus Cunha was confirmed, United have been working tirelessly to secure a deal for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, as the manager looks to add depth and quality in the final third.

It was reported that the 25-year-old wanted a move to Old Trafford this summer, but could be in doubt now after Thomas Frank opened talks with the winger after taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur.

However, other targets have emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Viktor Gyokeres once again becoming a man in demand, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They claim that Jason Wilcox has been in constant talks with his representatives over a move to United this summer, calling every day to ensure he’s still keen on a move to the club.

It also states that the Swedish international’s situation with the Portuguese outfit has become tense, with the hierarchy wanting a fee close to his release clause of £84m to sell him this summer.

Why Gyokeres would be a better signing than Ekitike

Given the need for a new striker at United this summer, it has seen countless players already being touted with a move to join the club to improve the current situation.

Gyokeres is just one of many, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké the latest player in their sights ahead of the window reopening on June 16th.

The Frenchman has also been of interest from Liverpool and Chelsea this summer, with a three-way battle seemingly appearing over a move for the 22-year-old.

His tally of 22 goals across all competitions this campaign certainly makes him an attractive option, but the club should look to steer clear and focus on a move for Gyokeres during the off-season.

The Swede, who’s been labelled a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has massively outscored the French star, whilst also registering a hugely better shot on target accuracy rate – demonstrating his edge within the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more key passes per 90 and complete more carries into the penalty area per game – having the tools to provide his teammates at Old Trafford with added opportunities in front of goal.

The 27-year-old has also dominated aerially in 2024/25, handing Amorim the focal point he’s craved after taking the reins at United back in November.

Given the difference in the figures between the pair this season, it’s evident that the Sporting talisman would be the better option this window, with the hierarchy needing to continue with their persistence to land his signature.

It would be a hefty investment, showcasing the board’s ambitions for Amorim’s tenure, with the Red Devils on their way to building an impressive frontline that could transform their fortunes on the pitch in 2025/26.

He'd be amazing with Ekitike: Man Utd "optimistic" of sealing deal for star

Manchester United appear to be edging closer to completing a deal for one top-level talent.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 13, 2025

Rohit Sharma had to retire hurt after getting hit on the arm against Ireland

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jun-20242:03

Flower on New York pitch – ‘Bordering on dangerous’

India will prepare for tough batting conditions when they play Pakistan on Sunday, said Rohit Sharma after his team beat Ireland by eight wickets on a difficult surface in New York.”I don’t know what to expect from the pitch to be honest, but we will prepare as if the conditions are going to be like this,” Rohit said after India dismissed Ireland for 96 in New York on Wednesday.In anticipation of pace-friendly conditions after South Africa and Sri Lanka played a low-scoring game in New York, India picked three fast bowlers, Hardik Pandya, and two spin-allrounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel instead of Kuldeep Yadav to strengthen their batting against Ireland.”I don’t think we can play four spinners here,” Rohit said with a laugh, having talked up India’s spin strength prior to the tournament. “When we picked the team, we wanted to have that balance. If conditions are there for the seamers, we wanted to have that. As we head into the later part of the tournament, spin will play a part later on.”Looking at the pitch and conditions, we are open to make changes and do what is required at that point, but today was a four-seamer pitch and we still managed to get two spinners, who are allrounders. It gives us balance heading into the game. It [Pakistan game] is going to be a kind of game where all XI of us need to contribute.”Related

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Rohit scored a half-century in India’s chase against Ireland but ended up retiring hurt after getting hit on the arm by a short ball from Josh Little. On ESPNcricinfo’s Timeout show, former England coach Andy Flower said the New York pitch was “bordering on dangerous”.Jasprit Bumrah, who was Player of the Match for his 2 for 6 off three overs, was elated after playing his first T20 World Cup match since 2021. He had missed the 2022 tournament in Australia due to a back injury and enjoyed the conditions in New York.”Coming from India, when you see the ball seaming and doing quite a bit, with good bounce and pace, you’d never complain when there’s help for the bowlers,” Bumrah said. “You have to be proactive in this format, you can’t pre-empt things. You have to adapt to conditions. We played a practice game here [against Bangladesh], realised how the wicket is. We realised the new ball will do a lot, so I was just trying to stick to what is working for you.”[As a bowler] you want to cover all bases. Once the seam [movement] goes down, the wicket settles down. Yes, there was uneven bounce but you have to be prepared to bowl in all condition and I’m very happy with the outing.”

Burns, Curran make half-centuries but 183-run target is hunted down with over to spare

ECB Reporters Network12-Jul-2024

Tom Kohler-Cadmore powered his way to a match-winning half-century as Somerset beat Vitality Blast South Group leaders Surrey by six wickets beneath the floodlights at Taunton.Set 183 to win, Somerset chased down their target with six balls to spare thanks to a forthright knock of 51 in 32 balls from Kohler-Cadmore, who hit three sixes and a trio of fours and shared in a crucial stand of 67 for the third wicket with Tom Abell.Academy product George Thomas impressed on his debut, raising an eye-catching 25-ball 40, while Sean Dickson scored a nerveless unbeaten 20 at the death to see Somerset home in front of a sell-out crowd at the Cooper Associates Ground.Surrey’s innings of 182 for 5 was built around a partnership of 107 in 12.2 overs between Sam Curran and Rory Burns. Returning from England duty, Curran raised 59 from 42 balls, Burns top-scored with 62 off 44 deliveries and Jamie Overton smashed a quickfire unbeaten 30 at the death.Somerset made light work of the chase to achieve an inside-the-distance victory that cemented their position in the top four and kept them on track for a place in the quarter-finals. Despite losing for only the second time this season, Surrey remain top of the table and on course to reach the knockout stages.Surrey won the toss, elected to bat and quickly plummeted to 24-3 inside four overs. Making his first T20 appearance at Taunton, Jack Leach saw off Dom Sibley, persuading him to hole out to Dickson on the mid-wicket boundary. Dickson again demonstrated safe hands when Will Jacks hoisted the next ball, sent down by Riley Meredith, to deep third man, while Laurie Evans miss-cued high to cover as Craig Overton made further in-roads.Curran and Burns made a decent fist of repairing the damage, advancing the score to 44 by the end of the powerplay, achieving a 50 partnership in 36 balls and lifting Surrey to 77 for 3 at halfway. Although boundaries were in relatively short supply by Taunton standards, the fourth wicket pair ran hard and Curran suggested a change in tempo when depositing Jake Ball over the long-on boundary for six and hoisting a Ben Green full toss high over square.With the innings still in the balance at 105 for 3 at the end of the thirteenth, Curran attempted to force the issue, going to 50 from 34 balls, guiding Meredith behind square to attain the landmark with his fourth four. Although less expansive in his approach, Burns nevertheless proved mightily effective, the former England man raising his 50 from 38 balls.Somerset badly needed a breakthrough and skipper Lewis Gregory obliged at the start of the seventeenth over, Curran finding Overton at long-on with the score on 131, having dominated a revitalising partnership. Burns departed in the penultimate over, offering a return catch to Ball, but former Somerset all-rounder Jamie Overton ensured there was no respite for the home side, mustering 2 sixes and a brace of fours in a hard-hit innings of 30 not out from 13 balls.Somerset needed to win to be sure of preserving their place in the top four and Tom Banton plundered three boundaries in one Tom Lawes over to set the tone. Encouraged by his partner’s example, debutant Thomas made a mockery of his rookie status by taking Dan Worrall for a six and 3 fours in an opening stand that yielded 42 in 3.2 overs.Surrey responded, Jordan Clark having Banton caught at mid-on for 17, but Thomas continued to take a liking to Worrall, harvesting another six and a further two fours off the Australian as Somerset advanced to 61 for 1 at the end of the powerplay.Chancing his arm once too often, Thomas hit Cameron Steel high to mid-on and departed for a 24-ball 40, having announced himself on the Blast stage in style. Tom Kohler-Cadmore now took up the cudgels, greeting the advent of Chris Jordan by hoisting the England man high over backward square for six as the home side continued to exert pressure. The Yorkshireman smashed a straight six and two fours off Lawes, whose first two overs went for 35, as Somerset moved menacingly to 104 for 2, requiring a further 79 off 10 overs.Kohler-Cadmore went to his half century via 28 deliveries and he and Abel raised a 50 partnership from 31 balls to bring the required rate down below eight an over for the first time. But Surrey refused to lie down, Jordan and Jacks removing Kohler-Cadmore and Abell in quick succession to ask questions of the home side.Casting all doubt aside, Dickson struck an authoritative 20 off 12 balls with two fours in partnership with Gregory, who contributed 12 off seven deliveries in an unbroken partnership of 34.

Arsenal haven’t enjoyed a rip-roaring start to the transfer window by any means, but deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard, who is in the process of completing his medical, mark astute business.

Furthermore, Martin Zubimendi is an Arsenal player in all but confirmation, with his metronomic midfield qualities sure to add some more Spanish flair to Mikel Arteta’s side.

But many Gunners fans are still hoping to see some attacking additions packaged into his talented team. A lack of incisiveness in the final third formed the crux of the club’s issues last season – that and a luckless injury record.

Well, despite the slow start, technical director Andrea Berta is beginning to take the Londoners’ forward search up a notch.

Arsenal seeking new forwards

Arsenal’s search for a new striker is ongoing. Berta has compiled a shortlist of four principal options, and we must now wait and see where a breakthrough might occur.

However, number nine isn’t the only area Arteta wants to reinforce. With Gabriel Martinelli attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League following a few seasons that have left something to be desired, sights have been set on an exciting replacement.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Chelsea could be looking to bank £60m for Noni Madueke’s summer sale, with Arsenal gearing up to advance their ongoing talks for the England international.

That has been followed up by journalist Fabrizio Romano, who outlined that personal terms have been agreed with the former PSV Eindhoven star, with club to club talks set to continue.

Madueke, 23, has been an important part of Enzo Maresca’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, and it’s thought that any deal for the versatile winger would not affect the north Londoners’ pursuit of Eberechi Eze.

Why Arsenal want Noni Madueke

Madueke, a one-time Tottenham Hotspur youth, joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for a £29m fee. He’s since gone from strength to strength, with 16 of his 29 goal contributions since arriving coming throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

His potential was recognised from his formative years. Described as a “mentality monster” by personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, the English winger was singled out for his pace, potency and determination.

A remarkable blend of noted athleticism and versatility could even see Madueke prove an upgrade on Martinelli. Having been fielded on the left across a number of games for Chelsea last term, he impressed with his ability to take on and beat his man, owing to his electric-paced movements, largely.

Considered to be an ever-improving goalscorer with a myriad of physical weapons at his disposal, Madueke has been likened to Martinelli by data-driven site FBref, and he might even be performing at a higher level than the Brazilian talent.

Goals

0.31

0.31

Assists

0.13

0.16

Shots taken

3.54

2.16

Shot-creating actions

3.50

2.91

Pass completion

77.4%

71.4%

Progressive passes

3.05

2.04

Progressive carries

6.82

4.87

Successful take-ons

1.99

1.30

Ball recoveries

3.72

3.07

Touches (att pen)

8.15

7.15

Martinelli, 24, has faced plenty of criticism for his struggles to kick on in recent years, and when considering that Madueke outperformed him across most metrics last year, it’s clear to see that he’s not so indispensable as he once was.

He’s also been reported to have been considering taking his leave from the Emirates in recent weeks, so it might be worth bringing in a player like Madueke, who would be determined to fight for Arteta’s cause.

Dynamic and deadly on his day, Arteta’s coaching could see Madueke rise to the next level, covering Bukayo Saka on the right and challenging for a starting berth on the left.

On the basis of the evidence, the Gunners might secure a more complete and effective version of Martinelli by getting the deal done.

Eze will love him: £40m PL striker would now "love" to sign for Arsenal

The free-scoring forward would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 3, 2025

Amid concerns that Luis Diaz could leave the club this summer, Liverpool have now reportedly joined the race to sign a versatile winger in a deal worth £17m.

Al-Nassr still chasing Diaz deal

With Darwin Nunez reportedly edging closer and closer to a Napoli move, clubs in the Saudi Pro League have reportedly turned their attention towards an alternative Liverpool star in Diaz. The Colombian winger is yet to sign a new deal at Anfield and has just two years remaining on his current contract with fresh terms currently looking unlikely.

Whilst the Reds reportedly told Barcelona that Diaz is not for sale this summer, it will be interesting to see whether Al-Nassr are able to change that stance as they prepare to offer around €85m (£73m) to sign the former FC Porto star. Those at Anfield have already spent big this summer and may yet be tempted to do so again by selling Diaz.

Had this been this time last year, the idea of Diaz’s departure may have been absurd after Liverpool decided against welcoming extensive additions in Arne Slot’s first summer in charge. One year later, however, there will be question marks over whether a £73m offer is simply too good to turn down for those at Anfield.

Having broken the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz and since set their sights on £85m-rated Hugo Ekitike, Diaz could yet find himself plummeting down the pecking order in Merseyside. And if that is the case, a sale would be best for all parties as he enters the final two years of his current deal.

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Liverpool are interested in signing a new striker this summer.

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With that £73m, not only could Liverpool spend big to sign a striker this summer but they could also turn their focus towards replacing Diaz with a younger, cheaper option.

Liverpool racing to sign Moussa

As reported by O Jogo and relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool are now racing to sign Anis Hadj Moussa ahead of Nottingham Forest from Feyenoord, who value the 23-year-old winger at just €20m (£17m) this summer. The versatile Algerian can play all across the frontline and could offer Slot an instant replacement for Diaz if the Colombian departs.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Moussa

Diaz

Starts

22

28

Goals

8

13

Assists

3

5

Key Passes

35

56

In fewer appearances, Moussa managed to keep up with Diaz for the most part last season and a move into Liverpool’s frontline in front of new man Wirtz is only likely to increase his numbers.

Praised for a “fantastic” run of form by scout Jacek Kulig in December, in which he scored six goals in seven games, Moussa’s rise has been a pleasant surprise at Feyenoord.

For just £17m, the winger could quickly become an impressive bargain compared to Liverpool’s high spending so far this summer. If they manage to sell Diaz for big money at the same time too, then Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes can tick off yet more impressive business.

أجرى لويس دي لا فوينتي مدرب منتخب إسبانيا، مؤتمراً صحفياً للحديث عن استعدادات منتخب بلاده لمواجهة تركيا غداً الأحد في الجولة الثانية من تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

وفي بداية المؤتمر الصحفي، نقل عن “سبورت” الإسبانية تصريحات لويس دي لا فوينتي الذي وجه رسالة لمواطنه لويس إنريكي مدرب باريس سان جيرمان بعد خضوعه لعملية جراحية بسبب حادث دراجة مروع بعد إصابته بكسر في الترقوة.

وقال دي لا فوينتي: “أرسل أطيب التحيات وأتمنى الشفاء العاجل للويس إنريكي، هيا بنا”.

وحول إمكانية مشاركة فيران توريس أساسياً في مباراة الغد، أضاف: “نتخذ القرارات في اللحظات الأخيرة، نريد أن نرى كيف سيشعر بعد الحصة التدريبية الأخيرة، يعاني بعض اللاعبين من كدمات وإصابات طفيفة لكنها ليست خطيرة، فيران يتدرب جيداً وهو خيار أكيد لنا”.

وحول الأجواء في تركيا واصل مدرب إسبانيا: “نأتي من بطولة أوروبية ضد ألمانيا الدولة المضيفة، لعبنا في أجواء عدائية للغاية، ستكون تجربة رائعة، ونحن مستعدون للعب تحت أي ظرف من الظروف”.

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وحول أورايزبال لاعب آرسنال وإذا كان مقدر بما يكفي رد دي لا فوينتي: “أقدره بما يكفي، إنه لاعب لعب 400 مباراة مع ريال سوسيداد، وهذا أمر جدير بالتقدير، إنه لاعب موهوب للغاية، لدينا العديد من اللاعبين المختلفين للعب هناك، فيران، موراتا، أولمو، أنا مرتاح للغاية ولدينا لاعبون ذو جودة رائعة”

وعن لو نورماند تابع دي لا فوينتي: “أنا سعيد جداً به، أعتقد أنه من أفضل المدافعين في أوروبا، أعرف نقاط قوته وخصائصه، كنا نعرفه جيداً عندما انضم للمنتخب لأول مرة، لدينا قاعدة نناقشها دائماً قبل دخول الملعب، نريد أن نبدأ بالتشكيل الأساسي وننهي المباراة بنفس التشكيلة، نعلم أن الطرد قد يخرجه من التشكيل الأساسي لكن هو لاعب نحبه حقاً”.

وحول مشاركة موراتا لدقائق قليلة في المباراة الماضية: “لم أقدم له أي تفسير، إنه يعرف دوره جيداً، يعتمد لعبه إلى حد ما على خطة وخصائص الخصم، ألفارو مهم جداً لنا، هو قائدنا، وأريد منا أن نقدره، قائد المنتخب يجب أن يحظى بكل شرف، ألفارو موراتا قائد المنتخب وأنا فخور بوجوده”.

وعن المقارنة بين لامين يامال وجولر أكمل دي لا فوينتي: “أنا محظوظ بتدريب من أرى أنهم الأفضل في العالم، مع كامل احترامي للآخرين، لاعبيني هما الأفضل مع أن هناك الكثير مما نحتاج لتحسينه وتطوره، هما لاعبان رائعان لكنهما بخصائص مختلفة، كلاهما ممتاز، نحن محظوظون بوجود لامين، إنه شاب متشوق لمواصلة التطور، هذا أمر جيد جداً له وللفريق بأكمله”.

Shweta Sehrawat, Priya Punia among first picks in the four-team inaugural women’s DPL

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Aug-2024Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma, Ayush Badoni and Harshit Rana were among the key picks at the player draft of the inaugural Delhi Premier League (DPL) on Friday. The draft featured 270 players from across Delhi including those who played for India’s senior and Under-19 teams and the IPL. A notable absentee in the player draft was fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who impressed with his pace for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024 but was ruled out due to injury.Purani Dilli 6 picked Pant and Ishant while North Delhi Strikers drafted Rana in and Badoni was the first pick for South Delhi Superstars. Central Delhi Kings drafted in former India Under-19 captain Yash Dhull and legspinner Prince Choudhary.Rana returned 19 wickets in 13 matches of IPL 2024, representing title-winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He also received his maiden call-up for the ODI series on India’s tour of Sri Lanka. Apart from Rana, North Delhi Strikers also selected KKR spinner Suyash Sharma, who was Delhi’s leading wicket-taker in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023, as well as Kshitiz Sharma, the allrounder who Chennai Super Kings (CSK) picked in the auction ahead of IPL 2018.Pant and Ishant aside, Purani Dilli 6 also drafted in offspin-allrounder Lalit Yadav, who played for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, batting allrounder Shivam Sharma and right-arm fast bowler Prince Yadav.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper Anuj Rawat and CSK fast bowler Simarjeet Singh were the first couple of picks for East Delhi Riders. Fast bowler Navdeep Saini and former Mumbai Indians spinner Hrithik Shokeen were the first two picks for West Delhi Lions. Priyansh Arya, who was the leading run-scorer for Delhi in the Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy last year, was drafted by South Delhi Superstars, who also got left-arm fast bowler Kuldip Yadav as their second pick. Kuldip made his IPL debut in 2023 for Rajasthan RoyalsShweta Sehrawat will play for South Delhi Superstars in the inaugural DPL•ICC/Getty ImagesSehrawat leads the pick for womenBatter Shweta Sehrawat, who was India’s vice-captain in the inaugural Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup early last year, was the top pick for South Delhi Superstars while opener Priya Punia, who made her ODI comeback this year in Bangladesh, will play for East Delhi Riders.Wicketkeeper Laxmi Yadav, who was with UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), was drafted by Central Delhi Queens while hard-hitter Ayushi Soni and seamer Soni Yadav were picked by North Delhi Strikers.The top four bidders for teams in the men’s franchise auction also secured the teams for the women’s DPL.The inaugural DPL will be played from August 17 to September 8, 2024 with all matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The men’s competition will consist of 33 games while the women’s competition will have seven matches.Men’s Delhi Premier League squadsSouth Delhi Superstars: Ayush Badoni, Kuldip Yadav, Priyansh Arya, Sumit Mathur, Divij Mehra, Kunwar Bidhuri, Digvesh Rathi, Tejaswi Dahiya, Raghav Singh, Saurabh Deswal, Sarthak Ray, Lakshay Sehrawat, Tarun Bisht, Shubham Dubey, Vision Panchal, Dhruv Singh, Mayank Gupta, Anshuman Hooda, Anindo Naharay, Deepanshu GuliaEast Delhi Riders: Anuj Rawat, Simarjeet Singh, Himmat Singh, Himanshu Chauhan, Harsh Tyagi, Vaibhav Sharma, Mayank Rawat, Samarth Seth, Pranav Pant, Sujal Singh, Hardik Sharma, Raunak Waghela, Agrim Sharma, Shantanu Yadav, Bhagwan Singh, Ansh Choudhary, Sagar Khatri, Shivam Kumar Tripathi, Rishabh Rana, Lakshaya SangwanCentral Delhi Kings: Yash Dhull, Prince Choudhary, Hiten Dalal, Jonty Sidhu, Lakshay Thareja, Yogesh Sharma, Money Grewar, Keshav Dabas, Shaurya Malik, Saurav Dagar, Aryan Rana, Siddhant Bansal, Rajneesh Dadar, Sumit Kumar, Kaushal Suman, Deepesh Balyan, Vishant Bhati, Dhruv Kaushik, Ajay GuliaNorth Delhi Strikers: Harshit Rana, Suyash Sharma, Pranshu Vijayran, Vaibhav Kandpal, Kshitiz Sharma, Vaibhav Rawal, Yash Dabas, Pranav Rajvanshi, Manan Bhardwaj, Yash Bhatia, Yatish Singh, Aman Bharti, Yajas Sharma, Sarthak Ranjan, Anirudh Choudhary, Shivam, Yatharth Singh, Sidhhartha Solanki, Dhruv Chauhan, Yuvraj RathiWest Delhi Lions: Hrithik Shokeen, Navdeep Saini, Dev Lakra, Deepak Punia, Shivank Vashisth, Akhil Chaudhary, Ayush Doseja, Krish Yadav, Anmol Sharma, Yugal Saini, Ankit Rajesh Kumar, Vivek Yadav, Aryan Dalal, Masab Alam, Ekansh Dobal, Shivam Gupta, Yogesh Kumar, Suryakant Chauhan, Tishant Dabla, Abrahim Ahmad MasoodiPurani Dilli 6: Lalit Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Arpit Rana, Shivam Sharma, Prince Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Mayank Gusain, Sanat Sangwan, Ankit Bhadana, Yug Gupta, Keshav Dalal, Ayush Singh, Kush Nagpal, Sumit Chhikara, Arnav Bugga, Vansh Bedi, Manjeet, Yash Bhardawaj, Sambhav Sharma, LaxmanWomen’s Delhi Premier League squadsSouth Delhi Superstars: Shweta Sehrawat, Medhavi Bidhuri, Tanisha Singh, Ekta Bhadana, Manju Godara, Sumiti Soni, Nishika Singh, Nidhi Mahto, Riya Soni, R Priyadarshini, Mitali, Aarti Kumari, Anshu Nagar, Shivani Yadav, Vrinda, Chelcy Yadav, Neha Puri, Chhavi GuptaEast Delhi Riders: Priya Punia, Priya Mishra, Pratika Rawal, Madhu, Mallika Khatri, Pragya Rawat, Kashish, Saachi, Vanshika Lila, Ishika, Nilanchal Nerwal, Priya Gaur, Shivani, Jyoshi Nain, Ashmeet Kaur, Shreya Sharma, Himanshi Rai, Anushka SinghCentral Delhi Queens: Laxmi Yadav, Parunika Sisodia, Mayuri Singh, Ria Sharma, Vandana Chaturvedi, Shivi Sharma, Mahi Chauhan, Deeksha Sharma, Meenakshi Vashishat, Armeet Kaur, Akanshi Singh, Mitali R, Neha Chillar, Sonia, Rishika, Taniska Rana, Aujasvie, ChanchalNorth Delhi Strikers: Soni Yadav, Ayushi Soni, Nazma, Bharti Rawal, Riti Tomar, Riya Shokeen, Monika, Antra Sharma, Riya Kondal, Upasana Yadav, Goyinka Sharma, Mansi Sharma, Urvashi Gupta, Reshika Beniwal, Kritika Gaghda, Sonia Lohia, Aashi Saxena, Sonia Khatri

Defending Women’s Caribbean Premier League [WCPL] champions Barbados Royals have strengthened by adding Sri Lanka superstar Chamari Athapaththu to their side for the 2024 season. Australia wicketkeeper-batter Georgia Redmayne will also turn out for Royals this year.Royals have also retained allrounder Hayley Matthews and legspinner Amanda-Jade Wellington from the title-winning squad of last year. Additionally, they are also bringing back Australia batter Laura Harris along with Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne and Qiana Joseph from the 2023 squad for the new season.There are six more spots left to be filled and these players will be selected at the WCPL draft which takes place later in July.Matthews had captained Royals to glory last season and finished with the second-highest runs in the competition: 191 in five matches with a strike rate of 132.63. She was also the joint third-highest wicket-taker with seven at an economy rate of 7.44. Her most telling contribution came in the final against Guyana Amazon Warriors when she scored 82 off 59 balls and picked two wickets.Wellington, meanwhile, finished as the second highest wicket-taker in 2023 with eight in five games at an economy of 4.80.In Athapaththu, Royals have a solid top-order batter and offspinner. In 12 T20Is this year, she has scored 371 runs which includes a 102 against Scotland. Athapaththu has also picked up 13 wickets with a best of 4 for 29 against West Indies last month.The WCPL this year will be staged in Trinidad from August 21 to 29, with the Brian Lara Cricket Academy hosting all seven games. Trinbago Knight Riders, Amazon Warriors and Royals are the three teams taking part.

Barbados Royals squad so far

Hayley Matthews, Chamari Athapaththu , Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Harris, Georgia Redmayne, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Qiana Joseph