Arsenal now “want to move very quickly” to sign a “special” Tottenham Hotspur target, and talks with his camp are currently ongoing, journalist Sebastien Vidal has revealed.

Gunners step up pursuit of new attacker after Lookman blow

Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman handed in a transfer request earlier in the window, which could’ve paved the way for a move to the Emirates Stadium, but the Gunners have recently been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the London-born forward.

Consequently, Mikel Arteta’s side will have to move on to alternative options, and they remain interested in signing Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing they are “waiting for a signal” from the Brazilian forward.

Tottenham are also in the race for the 24-year-old, with it recently being revealed that Thomas Frank has also approved a move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, which could be a concern for Arsenal, who are also well-known to be interested.

In fact, the Gunners have now agreed a £55m fee with Crystal Palace, with the deal edging closer to completion, although there are still a few issues to sort out, such as the structure of the installments.

As such, the door could still be open for Spurs to make a late move, which is why Arteta’s side “want to move very quickly” to sign Eze, according to a recent update from Vidal on X.

Related Tottenham now discuss signing "genius" £25m attacker who's keen on PL move

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The journalist states that Arsenal representatives were sent to the Community Shield final against Liverpool, in order to “maintain contact” with the 27-year-old’s camp and “avoid any setbacks”.

Tottenham have also identified the Palace star as a “priority” target, but a deal may not be possible for either of the north London clubs until Crystal Palace secure a replacement.

"Special" Eze would surely favour move to Arsenal

While Spurs ultimately secured Champions League qualification via their Europa League triumph, they finished 17th in the Premier League last season, which is likely to be in the back of the attacking midfielder’s mind.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have been knocking on the door for the past three seasons, and having finally signed a top striker in the form of Viktor Gyokeres, this could be the year they end their long wait to win the Premier League title.

As such, the England international would surely favour a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, and barring any late hitches, it looks like the Gunners will get a deal done, which is exciting news, off the back of a very impressive 2024-25 campaign.

Lauded as “special” by members of the media, Eze is clearly now entering the prime of his career, and he could be a difference-maker for Arsenal in their pursuit of the Premier League title.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após o empate sem gols contra o Atlético-MG, o Santos se prepara para o duelo de volta da Copa do Brasil diante do Botafogo-SP. No primeiro confronto, o Peixe triunfou por 2 a 0 contra o Pantera. Sob uma condição especial, o clube abre nesta segunda-feira a venda de ingressos para o público.

Coforme foi decidido pelo Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD), será permitida a entrada no estádio apenas de mulheres, crianças (meninos e meninas) até 12 anos e pessoas com deficiência.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSantosVÍDEO: Os melhores momentos do empate entre Santos e Atlético-MG pelo BrasileirãoSantos23/04/2023SantosOdair Hellmann lamenta desfalques do Santos e reforça necessidade de apoio ao ÂngeloSantos23/04/2023SantosOdair explica sistema com três meias e lamenta falta de atacantes de velocidadeSantos23/04/2023

+ATUAÇÕES: Santos tem atuação irregular, e Ângelo sai vaiado em empate com o Atlético-MG

Confira o cronograma de vendas e os preços dos ingressos

Data das vendas web:

Segunda-feira (24/04):
10h: Sócias
14h: Público feminino geral (torcedoras do Santos FC e do Botafogo-SP)
Data das vendas nas bilheterias físicas – Vila Belmiro:

Quarta-feira (26/04):
Torcida Santos (P6): 09h às 20h
Torcida Botafogo-SP (P19): 17h às 20h

Preços

PMR – Pessoa com Mobilidade Reduzida (P 3/26)
Inteira: R$ 40,00
Meia e Silver: R$ 20,00
Gold: R$ 20,00
Black: Gratuito

Cadeira Social Dom Pedro (P 1/2)
Inteira: R$ 40,00
Meia e Silver: R$ 20,00
Gold: R$ 20,00
Black: Gratuito

Cadeira Social Princesa Isabel (P 17)
Inteira: R$ 40,00
Meia e Silver: R$ 20,00
Gold: R$ 20,00
Black: Gratuito

Cadeira Coberta José de Alencar (P 22)
Inteira: R$ 40,00
Meia e Silver: R$ 20,00
Gold: R$ 20,00
Black: Gratuito

Cadeira Coberta Dom Pedro (P 25)
Inteira: R$ 40,00
Meia e Silver: R$ 20,00
Gold: R$ 20,00
Black: Gratuito

Cadeira Cativa/Especial Princesa Isabel (P 13/14/15)
Inteira: R$ 40,00
Meia e Silver: R$ 20,00
Gold: R$ 20,00
Black: Gratuito

Cadeira Cativa Dom Pedro (P 25)
Inteira: R$ 40,00
Meia e Silver: R$ 20,00
Gold: R$ 20,00
Black: Gratuito

Arquibancada Princesa Isabel (visitante) (P19)
Inteira: R$ 40,00
Meia: R$ 20,00

PCR – Pessoa em Cadeira de Rodas (Acesso pelo Memorial das Conquistas)
Inteira: R$ 40,00
Meia e Silver: R$ 20,00
Gold: R$ 10,00
Black: Gratuito

Sunderland fans will be hoping their team can be instantly successful moving up to the Premier League after an action-packed summer so far in the transfer window.

Of course, it will take time for the multitude of fresh signings on Wearside to gel and get up to speed with their daunting new environment, but Regis Le Bris will just pray it clicks relatively quickly as his team tries to stave off an immediate drop back down to the Championship.

Granit Xhaka could well be the next statement addition through that door that ruffles a few feathers, with the Black Cats reportedly striking an agreement on personal terms with the ex-Arsenal midfielder to return to the Premier League. Further reports have indicated that a bid has also been lodged for the Bayer Leverkusen man.

Then, with the attack already bolstered and the midfield department brimming with quality, the defence could be next on Le Bris’ agenda to strengthen.

Sunderland prepare bid for £22m titan

The star-studded buys look as if they will continue into the Black Cats’ back line, with Sunderland now being linked to former Europa League winner Loic Bade in the heart of defence.

Recent reports have suggested that the newly promoted side are in pole position to land the imposing Frenchman, even as fellow suitors from the Premier League in Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur circle for the £25m defender’s services, alongside Marseille and Villarreal.

It still could be a tall order for Sunderland to win this race outright, even if they are reported to be in the lead for his signature currently, with a dream alternative to the 25-year-old now up their sleeve as a fresh bid is potentially prepared.

Transfer Focus

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

As per reports from Italian outlet Il Resto del Carlino, as relayed by 1000CuoriRossoblu, Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi is now tempted by a move to Wearside after initially being hesitant.

With the newly-promoted side already lodging a bid of around €20m (£17m), a heftier offer is now being prepared by the Black Cats, with the Serie A side looking for closer to €25m (£22m) to cash in.

With Lucumi’s agents also pushing for the centre-back to relocate to England, this might well be a move that is finalised in a swifter manner than Bade’s, with the Bologna number 26 sticking out as a dream alternative to the one-time France international.

Why Lucumi would be a dream Bade alternative

This chaotic summer period so far has proven that the Black Cats are unafraid to splash the cash, with a club-record £30m forked out on Habib Diarra.

Yet, there won’t be a bottomless pit of money at the Stadium of Light forever, meaning £3m saved on a defender could be a worthwhile, savvy move in the long run, especially when you weigh up Lucumi’s strengths next to his £25m counterpart.

Games played

32

31

Goals scored

0

1

Assists

1

1

Touches*

73.2

68.3

Accurate passes*

57.9 (92%)

48.6 (86%)

Tackles*

1.7

1.5

Ball recoveries*

5.5

4.3

Total duels won*

3.9

4.3

Clean sheets

10

8

Despite once being heralded as an “elite” level defender by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Bade comes up short when assessed next to Lucumi in many different areas of their defensive games across last season.

The South American centre-back trumps the Sevilla number 22 when it comes to accurate passes per 90 minutes in league action, on top of Bade also falling flat in terms of ball recoveries and tackles won.

Lucumi’s well-known composure with the ball at his feet has even seen him labelled as “ice cold” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, with this assured demeanour standing him in good stead for the intense challenges the Premier League would throw his way.

Whilst Bade might be a more notable name to an outsider looking in, the evidence here proves that Lucumi would be a fantastic, cost-effective alternative to the Frenchman.

Adingra will love him: Sunderland in talks to sign "sensational" £22.5m ace

Sunderland is continuing to negotiate a deal to snap up a £22.5m star

ByKelan Sarson Jul 22, 2025

Tottenham have had a worryingly quiet summer transfer window so far, and Thomas Frank quite simply must strengthen before the start of his debut campaign in the north London dugout.

While the likes of Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea spend hundreds of millions on reinforcing their squads, ahead of what is expected to be a very competitive Premier League season, Spurs boast just three major first-team signings.

Burnley (home)

August 16

Man City (away)

August 23

Bournemouth (home)

August 30

West Ham (away)

September 13

Brighton (away)

September 20

Mohammed Kudus arrived in a £55 million deal from West Ham, and chairman Daniel Levy managed to negotiate a cut-price £30 million deal for Mathys Tel with Joao Palhinha also arriving on loan – but that is the sum of their activity.

Technically, Tottenham have spent £116 million this summer, if you count Kevin Danso’s obligation to buy deal, which was agreed in January, but Levy’s spending still doesn’t even come close to their arch rivals.

We’re less than a week away from the start of the new Premier League season and a meagre few days from Spurs’ UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, but Frank’s new-look squad is somehow weaker than Ange Postecoglou’s.

Son Heung-min’s emotional goodbye to LAFC and James Maddison’s crippling ACL rupture, adding to Dejan Kulusevski’s long-term absence with a knee injury, leaves Frank desperately short of options.

Reinforcing the squad with quality is an absolute non-negotiable if Levy is serious about transforming Spurs into genuine trophy contenders.

They’re set to be among the big boys in next season’s Champions League draw too – making new signings all the more important before the transfer deadline in under a month.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested that striker Richarlison could leave Tottenham as well, and if that were to be the case, Spurs could become genuine contenders for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson with contact made.

There was another striker on their radar earlier this summer, Brentford star Yoane Wissa – a player Frank knows well from his many years at the Gtech.

Likelihood of Tottenham signing Brentford striker Yoane Wissa

Spurs were in talks for Wissa around the time of their failed move to sign playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, but precious little has been reported about their interest since then. Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has provided an update to TBR Football.

Bailey reports that Frank “specifically identified” Wissa as a target for Tottenham, and the club held talks with him, but the likelihood of Spurs doing a deal for the 29-year-old is now very unlikely as Newcastle United close in on the £40 million forward.

“Spurs did open talks with Yoane Wissa when Frank first came in,” said Bailey. “That was a player Frank specifically identified. But it looks like Wissa’s nailed on for Newcastle now. Frank made it clear from day one that he told Wissa exactly how he wanted to use him, centrally.

“I think Frank also understands the reality. Do you really pay £40 million for a 29-year-old with one year left on his deal? Tottenham are never going to do that. Newcastle look like they will, but there are other reasons behind that move.”

The Congolese bagged 20 goals in all competitions last season, with 19 of them coming in the Premier League, but that £40m could be reinvested into the signing of a proven playmaker – which Frank desperately needs.

You can see why they’ve backed out, and amid reports Jackson could leave Chelsea on loan, they do have other, cheaper options to target up front.

India

For India to be sure of qualifying, they need to win both their remaining Tests in Melbourne and Sydney. Then they would finish on 60.53, which would be more than Australia’s 57.02 even if they were to win their upcoming two-Test series 2-0 in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s points ceiling for this cycle is 53.85 – a tally they would end up with if they were to sweep Australia at home.If India win one Test and draw the other, they’ll finish on 57.02; in such a case, they could lose out on the second spot to Australia, who would finish on 58.77 if they were to also win both Tests in Sri Lanka. For India to qualify with 57.02, Australia would need to get no more than 16 points in Sri Lanka (a win and a draw).A win and a defeat in Australia would put India on 55.26, which would leave them pinning their hopes on Sri Lanka beating Australia by at least a 1-0 margin.Two draws would leave India on 53.51. Sri Lanka can go past that with a 2-0 win, while Australia would need at least one win in Sri Lanka to beat it.If India draw a Test and lose the other they would finish on 51.75 and be out of the race; in such a case Australia would finish ahead of India even if they were to lose 2-0 in Sri Lanka.India still have plenty of work to do in Australia•AFP/Getty Images

Australia

If Australia were to win the Melbourne and Sydney Tests against India, they would be certain of qualifying for the WTC final – in such a case, they would finish on 57.02 even if they were to go on to lose 2-0 in Sri Lanka.A win and a draw against India would leave them ahead of India even if they were to lose both Tests in Sri Lanka, but then Sri Lanka could go past Australia with a clean sweep.If Australia were to win one and lose one against India, they would need at least one win in Sri Lanka to stay ahead in the race. The same applies if both Tests against India are drawn.If they were to draw one and lose the other against India, they would need two wins in Sri Lanka.Defeat in both Tests against India would push Australia out of contention.Sri Lanka cannot afford any more slips, and still need Border-Gavaskar Trophy results to go their way•Associated Press

Sri Lanka

The maximum Sri Lanka can finish on is 53.85, if they beat Australia 2-0. For that to be enough for a second-place finish, one of two scenarios have to play out in the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests:

• Both Melbourne and Sydney produce draws
• Australia win one of the two home Tests, while the other is drawn

In any other scenario, either Australia or India will finish higher than 53.85 and knock Sri Lanka out.

MatériaMais Notícias

O meio-campista Nikolas se tornou o primeiro jogador investigado na Operação Penalidade Máxima a ser condenado no âmbito esportivo. Em julgamento realizado nesta segunda-feira (22), o TJD-RS definiu que o atleta do Novo Hamburgo ficará de fora dos gramados por 720 dias (dois anos) e terá de pagar uma multa de R$ 80 mil.

O jogador cometeu propositalmente um pênalti em partida contra o Esportivo, em Bento Gonçalves. De acordo com o relator, este caso era grave e não permitia que Nikolas recebesse a pena mínima, de 360 dias. Os demais auditores do TJD-RS compartilharam a visão. O atleta ainda pode recorrer ao plenário da casa. O valor da multa foi estipulado em R$ 80 mil por ser a mesma quantia que ele receberia da quadrilha que organizou a manipulação de resultados.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

+Julgamento de atleta no TJD-RS é adiado; entenda o motivo!

O jogador ou qualquer representante não compareceram para sua defesa. Os auditores também se queixaram do Novo Hamburgo não enviar representantes. O clube terá de arcar com multa do mesmo valor por omissão.

Os integrantes do TJD-RS não se limitaram a avaliar as conversas entre Nikolas e os apostadores, que anteciparam pagamento de R$ 5 mil e prometeram R$ 80 mil caso a infração fosse cometida. Houve análise do lance e citações quanto à narração do jogo.

– Aqui é papo de home (sic). Se eu falei que eu vou fazer, eu vou fazer, entendeu? Eu sabia que ia entrar no jogo, então não tinha erro – disse Nikolas a um dos apostadores em mensagem interceptada pelo MP-GO.

Também era aguardado o julgamento de Jarro Pedroso, do Internacional-SM. Porém, o atleta pediu o adiamento ao TJD, para elaborar melhor sua defesa e foi atendido.

ENTENDA O CASO

A investigação sobre suspeita de manipulação de resultados teve início em novembro do ano passado. O mandatário do Vila Nova, Jorge Hugo Bravo, descobriu que jogadores do clube vinham sendo aliciados por um grupo de apostadores antes da partida contra o Sport pela Série B. O dirigente juntou provas da tentativa de manipulação e procurou os promotores que combatem o crime organizado no estado.

Oficial da Polícia Militar, Jorge Hugo Bravo descobriu que o atleta Marcos Vinícius Alves Barreira, apelidado de Romário, tinha sido aliciado. Como o jogador não foi escalado, tentou induzir algum companheiro de time a levar um cartão vermelho ou cometer um pênalti no seu lugar. O valor combinado, segundo depoimento de Romário, era de R$ 150 mil, com uma “entrada” de R$ 10 mil, conforme vídeo de seu depoimento divulgado no programa dominical “Fantástico”, da Rede Globo. Entre os vídeos,há ameaças de um integrante do esquema ao zagueiro Eduardo Bauermann, do Santos.

A investigação apontou que houve manipulações em jogos das Séries A e B do Brasileirão de 2022 e em partidas de Estaduais. O grupo pagava para que jogadores fizessem determinadas ações, como receber cartões amarelo e vermelho ou cometer pênaltis. Em paralelo, os integrantes apostavam em sites do ramo que esses lances ocorreriam durante os jogos e conseguiam lucros.

Há estimativas de que o grupo “investiu” R$ 8430,00 e somou ganhos de R$ 730.616,00. O MP-GO continuará a apurar o caso e não descarta que ocorreram manipulações de resultados em outros jogos de futebol. A Operação Penalidade Máxima está em sua segunda fase.

In desperate need of more firepower, West Ham United are now reportedly “very interested” in signing a forgotten wonderkid for Graham Potter this month.

Potter has "no doubt" about West Ham squad

Despite their opening day humiliation at the hands of Sunderland, West Ham manager Potter has hit back at criticism and reiterated that he has “no doubt” in his side. The Hammers picked up where they left off in a miserable campaign last time out, with a frustrating summer culminating in an afternoon to forget against the newly-promoted Black Cats. But Potter still has plenty of faith in his side.

The West Ham boss was also quizzed on potential incomings with less than two weeks remaining in the summer transfer window and admitted that he has to work with what he has at the London Stadium: “If I look historically, West Ham have spent money, have signed players. Signing players is easy. It doesn’t mean that they’re going to be the right ones.

“It doesn’t mean to say that the team’s going to improve. It doesn’t mean to say that in six months’ time you’re stuck with a player that’s on too much money, that’s too old and you can’t sell them. It would be nice to have £200m to spend but that’s not the case. I have to work with what I have responsibly.”

However, Potter’s words may be different to West Ham’s actions in the next two weeks amid reports that they’ve turned their focus towards a forgotten wonderkid.

West Ham now "very interested" in Breel Embolo

According to Swiss agent Gianluca Di Domenico, West Ham are now “very interested” in signing Breel Embolo this month after the forward was not included in AS Monaco’s squad to face Le Havre in their Ligue 1 opener last week.

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The agent claimed: “West Ham are also very interested in Embolo. He’s on the market, and by not calling him up, his club, Monaco, has made it clear they’re just waiting for an offer to sell him.”

With just one year remaining on his current contract, the Monaco man is unlikely to be out of West Ham’s price range and may well turn into a bargain deal if he finally realises his potential.

Of course, it wasn’t so long ago that the Swiss international was considered one of the best wonderkids that world football has to offer. Years on from that verdict, however, Embolo is 28 years old and one of many players who simply failed to live up to live up to the hype.

Manchester United are now willing to pay whatever it takes to sign another striker, even alongside their move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, according to a report.

Man Utd closing in on deal for Sesko

Despite rival interest from Newcastle United, it now appears as though Man United are closing in on a deal to sign Sesko, and they are aiming to get it over the line as quickly as possible.

Alan Shearer has subsequently been left frustrated by Sesko’s decision to move to Old Trafford rather than St. James’ Park, saying: “It sounds as if Benjamin Sesko had two clubs to choose from in Newcastle and Man United. One that won a trophy last year and is now playing Champions League football this season – and one that didn’t win anything, finished 15th and had a dreadful season.”

However, it is a testament to the size of Manchester United that they have seemingly won the race for the Slovenian striker, but they may not be done there, with a report from Foot Africa revealing they are keen on signing another centre-forward.

Indeed, United are now prepared to pay whatever it takes to sign Fiorentina striker Bassidy Sanogo, who is attracting interest from a number of clubs, after impressing for the Serie A side at youth level.

It's not Sesko: "Unbelievable" £50m striker now really keen to join Man Utd

A Benjamin Sesko alternative is now ready to make the move to Old Trafford.

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Stuttgart, Hoffenheim and Club Brugge are also named as potential suitors, but Fiorentina are determined to keep hold of the 17-year-old, which could make it difficult to get a deal over the line, although the Red Devils are willing to pay whatever it takes.

The teenager has been exhibiting promising signs for Fiorentina U18s, picking up six goals and two assists in 18 matches in the 2024-25 campaign, indicating that he could be an exciting long-term addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad.

However, it is far more important for Man United to bring in a ready-made striker, and Sesko could be the solution to their attacking woes, given that the 22-year-old now has two impressive Bundesliga seasons under his belt.

Lauded as “outstanding” by former United boss Ralf Rangnick, the Leipzig star has scored 27 goals across the previous two Bundesliga campaigns, while also finding the back of the net four times in the Champions League last season.

Not only that, but the Slovenia international also outperformed Rasmus Hojlund’s attacking numbers in the year before the Dane moved to Old Trafford, indicating Sesko could be a real upgrade on the former Atalanta man.

Rohit is now averaging 10.43 across 16 innings in first-class cricket in the 2024-25 season

S Sudarshanan23-Jan-2025Rohit Sharma’s return to the Ranji Trophy was a short-lived one – he lasted 19 balls and scored just three in Mumbai’s Group A fixture against Jammu and Kashmir at the Sharad Pawar Academy in BKC in Mumbai.Rohit, India’s Test and ODI captain who has been going through a terrible run of form, was the focus of a lot of attention in the lead-up to the game as soon as he confirmed his presence in the game with a nod and “I will” at the Champions Trophy squad announcement press conference last week. With a white floppy hat and sunglasses on, Rohit was relaxed before the game, joking with his team-mates as they warmed up with some head volleyball.But he wore a determined look as he walked out to open with his regular India opening partner in Tests, Yashasvi Jaiswal, after Mumbai’s captain Ajinkya Rahane opted to bat. To accommodate Rohit and Jaiswal at the top, Mumbai had to leave out Ayush Mhatre, who, in his debut season, has been one of Mumbai’s star performers: 408 runs from nine innings at an average of 45.33 with two centuries.It was a cool winter morning in Mumbai, a relief after a week that saw temperatures touch the mid-30s. And J&K’s opening bowlers made sure to make use of the early-morning nip.Related

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Auqib Nabi conceded a four early in the opening over but then tightened his lines; Rohit got off the mark with a single through the on side. But he was given a proper work over by Umar Nazir Mir, who bowled two successive maidens to him. Nazir maintained a consistent line outside off and varied his lengths a touch, not allowing Rohit to get going.Rohit managed to drive a Nabi delivery through the covers for a couple in the next over but once again was kept quiet by Nazir, who got his reward on his 17th ball. He bowled a length delivery on the fifth stump, with a hint of movement away from the right-hand batter. Rohit looked to play his trademark pick-up shot over midwicket but only managed to get a leading edge to the off side. Paras Dogra ran a few yards to his left from mid-off to extra cover, called loud and clear, and pouched it to end Rohit’s stay in the middle.The short stay in the middle meant that Rohit’s lean run in red-ball cricket continued. Across five home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand at home last year, he had just one half-century to show – against New Zealand in Bengaluru – with four single-digit scores across ten innings. He also had just one double-digit score in five innings in Australia, where he played in three of the five Test matches. He finished the 2024-25 Test season with a batting average of 10.93.Rohit’s first-class batting average of 10.43 across 16 innings in the 2024-25 season is the second-lowest for any batter since 2006 (for a minimum of 15 innings while batting in the top six). England’s Haseeb Hameed averaged 9.44 across 18 innings in the 2018 season.Before Rohit, Jaiswal fell. Nabi managed to get his line right against the left-hand batter, getting a couple of balls to move away. One of those narrowly missed the outside edge of Jaiswal’s bat – a muted appeal was given not out. On the next ball – the third ball of the third over – Nabi got a length ball to jag back viciously; Jaiswal was caught off-guard, and was beaten on the inside edge and hit on the back leg right in front of middle and leg. He was quite deep in the crease and the umpire took little time in raising the finger. Jaiswal, who was one of India’s most successful batters at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, dragged himself off with 4 against his name.After the close of play Nazir, who took 4 for 41, said Rohit’s wicket was a “prized” one. “A good ball is a good ball against any player, you don’t look at the stature of the player. But Rohit Sharma’s wicket is a big one, I am happy. When you dismiss an international player, it is always a prized wicket. There was some help from the surface, I tried to bowl in right areas. Rohit Sharma is a big name and his wicket was important for us and for me, personally, as well.”Nazir was part of J&K’s line-up when they defeated Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium in 2014. He had picked up four wickets in the second innings, which was why he was unfazed by having to bowl at such high-profile batters.”I slept off at 10pm last night and woke up around 7am and was quite relaxed,” Nazir said. “I tried to bowl fuller lengths because of the bounce on the surface. [When Rohit was dismissed] the first thought in my mind… I did not celebrate because I am a big fan of Rohit Sharma. If we manage to win this game, it would be a proud moment for me, and the team, because India’s captain is playing in the opposition.”

BCB president Faruque Ahmed held discussions with the team owner and several players on Monday, but the deadlock remains

Mohammad Isam15-Jan-2025

ESPNcricinfo has learned that the cheques of some of Rajshahi’s local players bounced on January 9•Durbar Rajshahi

Durbar Rajshahi cancelled their training session in Chattogram on Monday after their Bangladeshi players protested for remaining unpaid by the BPL franchise. Several of the players, seeking anonymity, confirmed that they took the stance after Rajshahi owner Shafique Rahman shifted the payment date several times.The players informed the team management of their reluctance to go to training on Monday morning, following which the franchise informed the media that “the team decided to opt for a rest day today”. News spread soon afterwards that Rajshahi’s local players forced the management into this decision after spending the last two weeks without payment. The overseas players and coaching staff, however, have been paid 25 per cent of their total fees after the team’s fourth match of the season, against Fortune Barishal on January 6.Related

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After hearing of the incident on Monday, BCB president Faruque Ahmed spoke to the board directors before holding discussions with Rajshahi owner Shafique Rahman, captain Anamul Haque, and several other players. The deadlock, however, remained at the time board director Manjur Alam briefed the media in Chattogram on Monday evening.”I am speaking on behalf of the BCB president,” Manjur said. “The board president called an emergency board meeting on Zoom. I was physically present, the other directors were online. Negotiations are in process. Hopefully we can come to a solution tomorrow. The president spoke directly to the team owners, captain and players. We have a positive vibe from all parties. They will attend practice tomorrow, which is the most positive part of the negotiation.”The BPL governing council have set the payment schedule for the franchises to pay all players 50% of their total fees before the start of the tournament, 25% during the tournament, and the remaining 25% after the tournament.The BPL governing council had also instructed the teams to give the BCB a bank guarantee of BDT 8 crore (USD 657,000 approx), but the franchises requested that this sum be brought down to BDT 3 crore (USD 246,000 approx). Even then, Fortune Barishal are the only team to have paid the BCB the bank guarantee.ESPNcricinfo has learned that the cheques of some of Rajshahi’s local players bounced on January 9. This lead to the players threatening to pull out of their January 10 game against Khulna Tigers. Team owner Shafique Rahman told the players they would be paid on January 14, but that didn’t come through either.The latest breakdown in communication led to the players pulling out of Monday’s training session in Chattogram. A number of them have said they will not play Rajshahi’s next game, against Sylhet Strikers on January 17, unless all the local players are given 50% of their payments.ESPNcricinfo has also found out that Rajshahi have been irregular with their daily allowance payments. The players have had to bear their own costs from January 5 to 11, the last time they were contacted by ESPNcricinfo.Anamul had sounded out the payment problem as early as December 30. In the post-match press conference following Rajshahi’s tournament opener against Barishal, Anamul had said the players were yet to be paid their first installment.”We haven’t been paid our wages. None of us have,” he said. “The BPL has just started so we don’t want to raise a negative image of the tournament. Everyone around the world is keeping an eye on BPL.”The players have been reluctant to speak on record on the payment issue after that, but the mood inside the Rajshahi camp is one of unease.