Roberto Mancini has left his role as Saudi Arabia head coach after just 14 months in the position.
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Chennai and Ahmedabad will play hosts for India’s upcoming four-Test series against England. The first two Tests will be played in Chennai (February 5-9 and February 13-17), with the newly refurbished Motera stadium hosting the next two matches, including the day-night Test from February 24.Ahmedabad will also host the five-match T20I series between March 12 and 20, right after the Test leg of the tour. It is currently unclear whether the matches will be played behind closed doors, or with fans allowed in.England will land in Chennai on January 27, a day after finishing their Test tour of Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to be played behind closed doors in Galle.ESPNcricinfo understands that along with Ahmedabad and Chennai, the BCCI had discussed Mohali as a potential venue for the Test series, which will be the last assignment for both India and England in the inaugural cycle of the World Test Championship. Ultimately Chennai got preference over Mohali because of its proximity to Sri Lanka (roughly an hour-long flight from Colombo), as well as the surface at Chepauk which is thought to be better suited to the Indian bowling attack.Ahmedabad, meanwhile, was chosen mainly because it has not hosted an international match for nearly six years and also happens to be the home base for Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary.The last international match played at Motera was the second match of the ODI series against Sri Lanka, in November 2014. The last domestic match was an IPL game in 2015 which Royal Challengers Bangalore won against hosts Rajasthan Royals.The refurbished stadium at Motera, inaugurated in February by outgoing USA president Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, can accommodate 110,000 spectators, making it the biggest-capacity cricket ground in the world.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
The newly laid ground has 11 pitches. It is understood the Gujarat Cricket Association will organise at least one unofficial match contested between Gujarat’s domestic players ahead of the Test series.In a media release issued on Thursdsay to announce the itinerary, the BCCI said they had “restricted” the England tour to just three venues as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic.No word on fans at the gamesThe BCCI did not make any reference to whether fans would be allowed at the stadium in its release. But administrators are optimistic that crowds could come based on directions from the Indian government. Despite resuming normal life after two long national lockdowns India continues to be enveloped by the pandemic. The number of cases, according to the the US-based John Hopkins University of Medicine, are creeping to the 10-million mark (historical), which puts India only behind the US. At the moment, India has recorded over 141,000 deaths.However, the emergence of vaccines globally has provided a ray of hope. The Indian government has set up an expert panel to authorize clinical trials conducted by three firms which are in advanced stages of creating a Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use in the country.With or without crowds, the England tour is the first international cricket that will be played in India since March, when South Africa had to abort their limited-overs tour midway and return home due to the pandemic.”The BCCI prioritises the health and safety of both teams and will leave no stone unturned to make sure that the tour is held adhering to all safety protocols agreed by the BCCI and ECB medical teams,” Shah said.Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive officer, said he was satisfied with the BCCI’s planning to create a biosecure environment for the marquee series.”International cricket between India and England is a highlight of the cricketing calendar and always attracts significant levels of interest from fans around the world,” Harrison said.”We have been delighted with the planning that has been undertaken by the BCCI to ensure the three venues in Chennai, Ahmedabad and Pune will be ready to host international cricket in a bio-secure environment and look forward to working closely with them over the coming weeks to finalise those plans.”
Glasgow Rangers have begun pre-season training this week as the 2024/25 campaign looms on the horizon.
Philippe Clement will be determined to right the wrongs of last season – losing both the Premiership and Scottish Cup to Celtic – as he looks to make his mark on the current squad.
The transfer business has been solid, if unspectacular, thus far, as five players have left while five new arrivals have joined the Light Blues.
This is hopefully just the start, as plenty of talented individuals have been linked with a move to Ibrox in recent weeks. The question is, does Clement have the funds to sign them all?
The Belgian will be hoping to replace some of those who departed at the end of last season, especially Abdallah Sima, who enjoyed a wonderful season in Scotland last year.
Abdallah Sima’s Rangers statistics
The Senegal international winger joined on a season long loan deal last summer as Michael Beale sought to improve his faltering attacking options.
The 22-year-old had failed to make a single appearance for Brighton and Hove Albion, yet it didn’t take him long to settle into life in Scotland.
Between August and January, he netted 14 goals in all competitions, becoming a key member of the first team squad.
He suffered an injury while representing Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of the year, however, which ruled him out of 14 games, disrupting the momentum that he had built up during his first six months at the Light Blues.
Despite an injury-hit final six months, it looked as though Clement was keen on signing the winger on a permanent basis ahead of next term, yet it swung on the transfer fee that the Seagulls would demand.
A few months on from this initial interest, nothing more has materialised with regard to bringing him back to the Gers, which indicates that Clement has moved on and is seeking other targets.
Metric
Premiership
Europa League
Goals
11
3
Assists
2
0
Big chances created
2
0
Key passes per game
0.8
1
Successful dribbles per game
1.2
1.8
Shots on target per game
0.9
1.3
Could he turn to the Netherlands in order to forget about the Brighton starlet? As the Light Blues appear keen on signing a winger who shone in the Dutch top flight last season…
Rangers eye up move for Moroccan winger
It is no secret that Clement is turning to previously untapped markets in order to sign players for the club.
According to Dutch presenter and reporter Mounir Boualin (via The Daily Record), the Gers are showing interest in winger Couhaib Driouech, who starred for Excelsior in the Eredivisie during 2023/24.
His contract is set to expire in 2025 and the club are open to selling him this summer for the right fee, rather than lose him for nothing when January comes around.
The Ibrox side could face some competition, as RC Lens are keen on the youngster, while Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven are said to be sniffing around the Moroccan starlet in a bid to bolster their squad.
His performances last season have certainly grabbed the attention of some big clubs. Could he be the answer for Clement to solve his issues on the left flank?
Couhaib Driouech’s statistics last season
Despite Excelsior suffering relegation from the top flight last season, the performances of Driouech came so close to preserving their status in the Eredivisie.
Across 35 matches in all competitions, the 22-year-old scored eight goals and registered eight assists, predominantly from the left wing slot, but he was also able to operate on the right flank in several games, highlighting his positional flexibility.
Among his teammates, the winger ranked first with regards to Sofascore rating (7.18) in the Eredivisie, while also ranking second for goals and assists (12), second for shots on target per game (0.8), first for big chances created (nine) and for successful dribbles per game (2.3), which indicates that the player offers much more than just a goal threat in the final third.
Not only that, but when he is compared to his positional peers in similar leagues, the Moroccan also stands out. Indeed, he currently ranks in the top 3% for progressive carries per 90 (5.77) and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90 (2.81) over the previous 365 days in the men’s next 14 competitions.
This is further evidence of his ability to burst down the wing and take on opposition defenders with ease, something that Rangers badly need heading into the new season.
What Couhaib Driouech can offer Rangers
As mentioned, the Excelsior star offers both a wonderful attacking threat in front of goal but is also able to create a plethora of chances for his teammates due to his sublime dribbling ability and creative powers.
Clement will be looking for more players to step up and contribute goals and assists next season. Signing Driouech could be vital in this regard.
Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson praised the youngster amid the links to the Light Blues, saying: “Couhaib Driouech (good luck with that) was one of the best dribblers and most exciting wingers in the Eredivisie last season!
“Excelsior were relegated so that could mean he’s available at a cut price, one to watch.”
If the Belgian can secure a move for the wide man this summer for a cut-price fee, it should be a deal he is all over, especially with the qualities that he could offer the club going forward.
Sima’s goals will be hard to replace next season, but if Driouech comes in and hits the ground running, he could be an instant hit among the Ibrox faithful.
It is refreshing to see Clement pursue targets who have gone under the radar of later, rather than spend massive wages on players who are seeking one last big payday before retiring.
This new strategy may be a gamble, but it is one the club need to take in order to try something different, as the same approach hasn’t gotten the Gers anywhere in recent years.
The next few weeks could be interesting indeed, especially with the amount of players Rangers have been linked with.
Imagine him & Cortes: Rangers make enquiry to sign "special" player
Philippe Clement has made contact over signing a former Spurs player on a free transfer
ByRoss Kilvington Jun 26, 2024
يستضيف فريق آرسنال نظيره نيوكاسل يونايتد، وذلك ضمن منافسات ذهاب الدور نصف النهائي من مسابقة كأس رابطة الأندية الإنجليزية “كاراباو”.
وسيخوض آرسنال مواجهة اليوم أمام نيوكاسل يونايتد على ملعب “الامارات” في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة.
اقرأ أيضاً.. والد إيلون ماسك يوضح حقيقة رغبة نجله في شراء ليفربول
وتأهل آرسنال إلى الدور نصف النهائي، وذلك عقب فوزه على نظيره كريستال بالاس بنتيجة 2/3، في اللقاء الذي أقيم على ملعب “سيلهوريست بارك”.
بينما تأهل نيوكاسل يونايتد إلى الدور ذاته، بعد أن فاز بنتيجة 1/3 على برينتفورد في منافسات دور ربع النهائي.
جدير بالذكر أن مواجهة الإياب بين الفريقين، ستقام على ملعب “سانت جيمس بارك”، يوم 5 فبراير من الشهر المقبل. تشكيل آرسنال اليوم أمام نيوكاسل يونايتد في كأس كاراباو
حراسة المرمى: ديفيد رايا.
خط الدفاع: جابرييل، ويليام ساليبا، تيمبر، لويس سكيلي.
خط الوسط: ديكلان رايس، توماس بارتي، مارتن أوديجارد.
خط الهجوم: مارتينيلي، تروسارد، كاي هافيرتز. بدلاء آرسنال اليوم أمام نيوكاسل يونايتد في كأس كاراباو
بورتر، زينتشينكو، تيرني، كيفيور، كالافيوري، جورجينهو، ميرينو، رحيم ستيرلينج، جابرييل جيسوس.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
🔙 Timber returns from suspension
🪄 Trossard on the wing
🙌 Havertz leads the lineLet’s show our character, Gunners ✊ — Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 7, 2025
State squad depth could be severely tested by Australia’s international tours while there may be a considerable overlap with IPL
ESPNcricinfo staff16-Dec-2020
The first set of Sheffield Shield matches took place in an Adelaide hub•Getty Images
Australia’s domestic season will have its latest ever finish with the Sheffield Shield final slated for the middle of April and the One-Day Cup final to be played at the end of the month.The Sheffield Shield will be shortened by one round to nine but retains the traditional final which will be staged from April 15-19 with the top-ranked team hosting the match. Last season the last round of matches and the final were cancelled due to the pandemic.The Australian domestic calendar has never previously stretched beyond the early days of April, but the lengthening of the season allows for a full One-Day Cup – with the final on April 30 – and the majority of the Shield to be played amid the Covid-19 impacted fixture list.After the initial part of the Shield season was played in an Adelaide-based hub the remaining fixtures revert to the home-and-away format with state borders having now opened although a return of Covid-19 cases could still lead to changes.There is also the potential for the latter part of the season to significantly overlap with next IPL and, as with the start of the domestic summer, could see players having to decide between their state and IPL teams.Squad depth for the latter part of the season after the BBL will also be severely tested if the concurrent tours of South Africa (Tests) and New Zealand (T20Is) take place as scheduled in February and March.Victoria, who only played two Shield matches in the Adelaide hub due to their quarantine requirements, will have an especially demanding schedule with seven four-day games and a full seven-match one-day campaign.New South Wales and Queensland have six Shield matches remaining while Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia have five. Queensland are currently top of the table ahead of defending champions NSW.Earlier this week a full eight-round Women’s National Cricket League was confirmed starting on January 15 with the final on March 27.”To have achieved close to a full slate of matches in a pandemic-afflicted summer is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in Australian Cricket and demonstrates a collective commitment to supporting and promoting domestic cricket,” Peter Roach, Cricket Australia’s head of cricket operations, said.”Today’s announcement locks in the final pieces of the most complex scheduling puzzle ever attempted by cricket and we are exceptionally grateful to our players, State and Territory Associations and the ACA for their patience in this process and look forward to delivering a compelling end to the domestic season.”
MatériaMais Notícias
Apontado como um dos clubes que estariam não apenas interessados como também avançaram para saber maiores detalhes visando a contratação de Daniel Alves, nomes fortes do Athletico falaram sobre a viabilidade do negócio em tons distintos.
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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS
Segundo publicou a jornalista Nadja Mauad em seu blog no ‘ge’, o presidente do Conselho Deliberativo, Mário Celso Petraglia, se limitou a dizer que estava “trabalhando” na negociação para contar com o experiente lateral-direito de 38 anos de idade.
Entretanto, pelo lado do diretor de futebol que exerce momentaneamente a função de treinador da equipe, Paulo Autuori, a compreensão sobre o tema é de que viabilizar a contratação de Daniel é algo “muito difícil”.
Outros clubes do futebol nacional estariam no páreo como Flamengo e Fluminense. O Coritiba chegou a ser indicado também nas tratativas, mas o próprio clube emitiu uma nota, na noite da última segunda-feira (20), para desmentir o fato.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke “would love” to sign a £40,000-a-week player after Joe Rodon, according to one journalist.
Gray to Tottenham, Rodon to Leeds
It has been a busy few days at Elland Road, with the Whites cashing in on academy product Archie Gray. It looked as if the 18-year-old was on course to join Brentford on Saturday before a transfer twist which saw Tottenham take full advantage.
Spurs have now won the race to sign Gray and will pay £40m for his services, whereas Leeds will re-sign centre-back Joe Rodon following a successful loan spell last season. Rodon will join on a permanent deal this time around, costing £10m, with both deals now officially announced.
The deals will help Leeds comply with PSR rules for the last financial year, and selling Gray could help the club keep the likes of star wingers Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto, who have both been linked with exits since Leeds' playoff final defeat.
One player who isn’t involved in the deal for Gray, though, is Oliver Skipp, but it looks as if Farke is keen on the midfielder’s services.
Farke “would love” Skipp at Leeds
Reliable Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold, speaking on the Gold and Guest Talk Tottenham Podcast, relayed by TBR, said that Farke “would love” to reunite with Skipp after working with him at Norwich City.
However, even if Tottenham were open to letting him go, Gold feels there would be a number of Premier League clubs keen.
“We mention Oliver Skipp. It doesn’t seem as though he’s involved in this deal in any way, although Daniel Farke would love to have him there after a terrific season with Norwich.
“I get the sense that if Spurs were to allow him to go, Oliver Skipp, there would be Premier League clubs queueing up to take him.”
Farke could land an "exciting" Piroe upgrade for Leeds
The Whites have been linked with a swoop to sign the attacking midfielder this summer.
ByDan Emery Jul 2, 2024
Gold also wrote in a story for football.london on Saturday that a loan or permanent deal for Skipp, on £40,000-a-week, could be looked at by Leeds.
“Leeds are expected to look at Skipp in terms of both a permanent or loan move – depending on their financial situation. The lure of playing for Farke again would be appealing for the young midfielder, although it's likely that a string of Premier League clubs would also enter the equation if Tottenham decide to let the player go and that's likely the level he would expect to be playing at.”
It could still be one to keep an eye on as the window progresses, even if a deal looks to be complicated with Skipp a senior homegrown player in north London.
As rivals grumble over Manchester United's successful signing of centre-back Leny Yoro, INEOS grin as their persistent hounding pays off.
Yoro, 18, has yet to kick a ball for the Red Devils but he's showcased his considerable qualities at LOSC Lille over the past two years, garnering a reputation as a 'generational talent', such is the player's technical command and tactical understanding, exhibited at a precocious level.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig had previously dubbed Yoro as "world-class material", while his efforts in Ligue 1 saw him touted for the Young Player of the Season award, pipped by Paris Saint-Germain prodigy Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Matches played
32
Matches started
30
Goals
2
Clean sheets
13
Pass completion
92%
Touches per game
67.6
Tackles per game
1.1
Interceptions per game
1.1
Clearances per game
3.0
Ball recoveries per game
3.9
Duels won per game
3.3 (63%)
United's £52m outlay, rising to £59m, might seem steep to many, but this is a player with the world at his feet, coveted by Real Madrid and Liverpool, bested by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's blooming project.
Raphael Varane's £350k-per-week contract at the Theatre of Dreams has expired, while Villarreal have signed Willy Kambwala, 19, for £10m. United, hungry for success, want another defender.
Man United lining up another defender
As per Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – Man United are still in for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who has already been the subject of two failed bids from Old Trafford this summer.
United's interest was complicated by Everton's proposed £50m sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa, easing Everton's need to cash in, but following the Freidkin Group's failed Toffees takeover, Branthwaite's future is cast back into doubt.
Sheth says now that the England international is a 'live option' for Erik ten Hag's side, though they would need to hit the £70m ballpark to ensure they complete their backline with a formidable new star.
Jarrad Branthwaite's 23/24 season in numbers
Branthwaite spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, returning to Merseyside last summer and since growing into one of the division's mightiest defenders.
The 6 foot 5 titan, aged 22, featured 35 times in the Premier League last season, scored three goals and kept 12 clean sheets. As per Sofascore, he wasn't just a passenger in a drilled and coherent Everton side, winning a whopping 68% of his duels and averaging 1.9 tackles, 4.5 clearances and 5.2 ball recoveries per game.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 19% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 20% for tackles, the top 18% for interceptions and the top 18% for aerial duels won per 90.
Considering his frame, it's hardly surprising that he's adept in the air, but the way he controls and manipulates with his shifty movements and steely presence in the duels marks him as one of the soundest on English shores.
Take, for example, Everton's struggles in the previous campaign. James Tarkowski is an experienced centre-half, very good at his craft, but he plied his trade on boggy footing and failed to implement Sean Dyche's iron-enforced philosophy, with Michael Keane and Yerry Mina flattering to deceive alongside him.
Two points above the drop zone and 57 goals shipped across the 38-game campaign was not a position to take pride in, but despite the din on the blue half of Merseyside, Branthwaite and his defensive contingent have raised the ceiling and then some, confidently finishing 14th last term despite an eight-point deduction – and with a pretty impressive clean sheet record besides.
1.
Arsenal
18
2.
Manchester City
13
2.
Everton
13
4.
Liverpool
10
4.
Newcastle United
10
4.
Fulham
10
4.
Crystal Palace
10
It's clear that Branthwaite is one of the finest young defenders in the Premier League, and he would make such a difference to United's improving project.
Why Man Utd must follow Yoro signing with Branthwaite
Take a look above; the answer is in the metrics. Branthwaite is a hulking unit of a defender, with his sinewed frame and imposing presence setting him up for a career of imperious defence in the rearguard.
For now, that's at Goodison Park, but United have registered their interest and could now follow up the stunning capture of one of Europe's biggest talents with one of the Premier League's most exciting rising stars.
Crucially, Branthwaite is left-footed. Yoro is not. This could prove to be an almighty partnership down the line, with Branthwaite the "beast" of a defender – as said by analyst Ben Mattinson – to meld into the assured, intelligent security of his French confrère.
The contrast in styles could pay dividends, with the Goodison Park side scarcely employing a possession-heavy style and thus seeing Branthwaite's pass completion rate languish below the, perhaps, desired level.
However, he will undoubtedly see that 80% completion rate rise at Man United, especially next to Yoro, who already ranks among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion (92.1%).
Manchester United haven't been shy to spend over the past decade, but it just hasn't come together for the prestigious Premier League outfit. Now, though, the wind has shifted at the Theatre, and the Red Devils are starting to dream.
Imagine him & Yoro: Man Utd could land £46k-p/w De Ligt upgrade
The Red Devils are looking to overhaul the backline this summer.
ByRobbie Walls Jul 19, 2024
MatériaMais Notícias
Em meio à disputa das semifinais da Libertadores, o Palmeiras terá compromisso importante pela Campeonato Brasileiro diante do rival Corinthians, neste sábado (25), às 19 horas (de Brasília), na Neo Química Arena. O Dérbi marcará o reencontro do Verdão com o atacante Roger Guedes, que acertou com o Alvinegro em agosto deste ano.
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Pouco antes de ser anunciado no novo clube, o camisa 123 do Corinthians já havia apagado todas as fotos de seu Instagram dos tempos em que jogava pelo Alviverde. Após fechar o acordo e ser apresentado oficialmente, o jogador afirmou que não deixará de comemorar caso vá à rede contra o Verdão.
Pelo Palmeiras, Roger Guedes jogou de 2016 a 2017. Em números gerais, foram 84 partidas e 12 gols marcados. O principal momento do atleta no Palestra foi logo em seu primeiro ano no clube, quando assumiu a titularidade e foi um dos destaques do time comandado por Cuca, que conquistou o título do Brasileirão naquela temporada.
Apesar da conquista nacional, a passagem do atacante ficou marcada, também, por intrigas com alguns dos ex-companheiros de time, principalmente com Felipe Melo. O episódio de maior repercussão aconteceu após a vitória do Verdão por 3 a 2 sobre o Peñarol, no Allianz Parque, pela Libertadores. Depois de optar por não ser relacionado para o confronto, o jogador sofreu um trote no treino do dia seguinte, sendo amarrado e preso por outros atletas. À época, o episódio gerou irritação e tentativa de agressão por parte do então camisa 23.
continua após a publicidade
Roger Guedes e Felipe Melo se envolveram em outro princípio de confusão. Durante uma sessão de treinamento na Academia de Futebol, o atacante driblou o volante e foi repreendido pelo ex-companheiro, sendo chamado de “moleque”.
O camisa 30 do Palestra é mais um dos nomes que fazem parte do atual elenco com quem Roger Guedes trabalhou enquanto esteve no clube. Dudu, Willian, Jaílson, Raphael Veiga, Deyverson, Mayke e Luan também jogaram ao lado do ex-atleta do Alviverde.
Ainda que esteja com os olhos voltados para a Libertadores, o Palmeiras precisa vencer o clássico para diminuir a diferença para o Atlético-MG na liderança do Brasileirão, que é de sete pontos. Com 38 somados, a equipe de Abel Ferreira precisa torcer, também, por um tropeço do Galo frente ao São Paulo, neste sábado, no Morumbi.
“We will do a transparent review of the whole season, starting from the England series”
Umar Farooq11-Jan-2021The PCB’s cricket committee will meet on Tuesday to review Pakistan’s 2020-21 season, including the team’s performance in the recent series against New Zealand. Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling Waqar Younis will both be debriefed on a tour where Pakistan lost the Tests 2-0 and T20Is 2-1.One of the key agendas in Tuesday’s meeting would be to assess the performances of Misbah and Younis, who have both been under scrutiny for the team’s poor results lately. Batting coach Younis Khan, however, has been exempted. While the PCB had indicated after the New Zealand tour that there may be a shake-up in the coaching staff, the board’s chief executive Wasim Khan only confirmed a “transparent review” was in order.Related
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“Committees will recommend whatever it is, good or bad, and after that Ehsan Mani will assess and take a final decision,” Wasim said. “At the moment, we can’t speculate and there should be a transparent evaluation of the performance. We will do the review of the whole season, starting from England series. There will be debate and there will be questions, but it doesn’t mean there will be definitely some changes.”Speculations are always there whenever we lose and new names (to replace the present) come up. It is disrespectful to Waqar and Misbah and nothing has changed as yet but their performances will be reviewed.”The committee had been formed in October 2018 to assist PCB chairman Ehsan Mani, but the responsibilities of the panel were limited to just recommendations. Saleem Yousaf, the new head of the committee, is the fourth incumbent in 26 months.
“There should be some continuity and security in contracts. We do give contracts in good faith and this cricket committee meeting will not necessarily recommend a change. This is purely a review and assessment of the cricket we have played so far”Wasim Khan
The role of the committee broadly encompasses cricketing affairs, both domestically as well as internationally, but they aren’t allowed to interfere in day-to-day selection matters. While the committee has not been given any decision-making powers, they have been handed a wide remit. The committee meets three times a year; the upcoming meeting is the first of 2021.Ever since Misbah took charge of the team, the PCB has taken several bold decisions, such as removing Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain and dropping him from all three formats. Soon after, Azhar Ali was made the Test captain while Babar Azam was chosen to lead the team in the limited-overs formats. However, after the England series last year, Ali was also stripped off the captaincy, with the role handed to Azam.After another review last October, Misbah stepped down as Pakistan’s chief selector, but agreed to continue as head coach till 2022.When asked why the PCB hands three-year contracts to their coaches if the management is reviewed after every series, Wasim said, “There should be some continuity and security in contracts. We do give contracts in good faith and this cricket committee meeting will not necessarily recommend a change. This is purely a review and assessment of the cricket we have played so far.”The meeting will be chaired by Yousaf, while other members Umar Gul, Urooj Mumtaz and Wasim Akram will join via video. The PCB said the committee’s recommendations would be announced in due course.