Khurram Shahzad’s six-for had Pakistan on top, but they couldn’t capitalise on the opposition being 26 for 6

Ashish Pant01-Sep-2024

Litton Das’s century was his second in an away Test•AFP/Getty Images

In a comeback story for the ages, Litton Das’ sublime 138 backed up by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s confident 78 helped Bangladesh bounce back from the depths of 26 for 6 to post 262 and keep Pakistan’s first-innings lead to a mere 12 runs in the second Test in Rawalpindi.This was Litton’s fourth Test century and his first in more than two years. He was also ably supported by No. 10 Hasan Mahmud, who hung around for a ninth-wicket partnership that frustrated Pakistan for 149 balls, on top of adding 69 valuable runs as Bangladesh closed in on parity. In the end, the visitors fell a mere 12 short.Bangladesh’s remarkable turnaround continued with the ball too with Hasan picking up two wickets in 10 balls. Pakistan, at 9 for 2, could only wonder what if having begun the third day’s play so well. Khurram Shahzad had set the tone, picking up his first Test-match five-for. He finished with 6 for 90, having ripped through the Bangladesh top order in a fiery spell of 4 for 15 in the first hour of the day. But Mehidy and Litton added 165 runs for the seventh wicket to herald the visitors’ fight back. Then there was more rearguard action in the final session.Resuming at 193 for 8 after tea, Litton and Mahmud stalled the Pakistan bowlers for more than two hours. Litton farmed most of the strike as he declined singles and only gave Mahmud a handful of balls to face. Mahmud showed solid defensive technique, playing his part in Litton reaching his century. The wicketkeeper-batter, who overcame severe cramps in the second session, reached the milestone with a delicate dab past backward point.Pakistan finally grabbed the last two wickets when Litton, trying to take on Salman Ali Agha, mistimed his shot for once and holed out at long-on. Two balls later No. 11 Nahid Rana shouldered arms to a straight ball and was give out lbw. Apart from Shahzad, Hamza and Salman also chipped in with two wickets apiece.Khurram Shahzad picked up his first five-for in Test cricket•Associated Press

Earlier, the Bangladesh top order seemed clueless against the Pakistan pair of Shahzad and Mir Hamza. They struck six times in 34 balls in the first hour, swinging the new ball through hoops, but more importantly sticking to their lines.Hamza created the opportunities, but it was Shahzad who got the wickets, picking three in five deliveries. His plan was quite simple. Target Bangladesh’s left-handers from around the wicket and always keep the stumps in play. It worked magnificently.Shahzad had Zakir Hasan flicking uppishly with Abrar Ahmed taking a simple catch around the short midwicket area. In his next over, he cleaned up Shadman Islam, the opener walking right across his stumps but failing to account for Shahzad’s swing. Three balls later, it was Najmul Hossain Shanto’s turn to walk back, playing all around a full ball to find his middle stump rattled.Hamza then had Mominul Haque caught off the first ball of the ninth over. It was a meek dismissal, with the batter chipping a full-length ball to mid-on with the Bangladesh score reading 20 for 4. That soon became 26 for 5 when Hamza got a length ball to nibble away ever so late with first-Test hero Mushfiqur Rahim only managing a thin edge through to Mohammad Rizwan. Shahzad then trapped Shakib Al Hasan, who played down the wrong line to be adjudged lbw. Shakib reviewed, but to no avail.Mehidy Hasan Miraz added a fifty to the five-for he’s already taken in this game•Associated Press

At 26 for 6, Bangladesh’s lowest Test total of 43 looked in danger. But Mehidy and Litton shepherded them past that hurdle and many more. With the sheen off the ball, and the Khurram-Hamza pair out of the attack, the two batters dug in and took Bangladesh to lunch without further damage.Litton went the aggressive route after the break. Still trailing Pakistan by 199 runs, he came down particularly hard on Shahzad, taking him for two fours in three balls in the third over of the session, before smashing him for three fours on the bounce in the next. Bangladesh scored 40 runs in the first six overs after lunch. Litton and Mehidy brought up the 100-run stand for the seventh wicket soon after which also saw them avoid the follow-on that was reduced to a margin of 150 as the opening day was washed out.Litton reached his fifty with a clip towards deep backward square leg while Mehidy also did not take much time to reach his eighth Test half-century. Pakistan were not helped by fast bowler Mohammad Ali leaving the field, feeling unwell.When Shahzad decided to go short, Litton and Mehidy took him on with the pull shot and had decent success with it. Litton clubbed the fast bowler over deep square leg while Mehidy got inside the line and achieved the same result over long leg. Having gone for just 15 off his first seven overs, Shahzad went for 58 from his next six. But he managed to make a comeback.He foxed Mehidy with a fuller ball which he lobbed back to the bowler. That gave Shahzad his five-wicket haul and he quickly added another one, trapping Taskin Ahmed right in front of the stumps which signalled the tea interval.Pakistan would have hoped of a swift end to the innings post the break but Mahmud and Litton were having none of it.

While Pakistan look to stave off a first series defeat against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, much of the PCB’s focus has been 300 km south in Lahore. Having announced five mentors for the Champions Cup, an upcoming series of domestic tournaments which begin with a one-day competition from September 12, the PCB lined them up for press conferences to outline their vision, and, to some extent, clarify their roles.On Friday, it was the turn of former Pakistan captain and coach Misbah-ul-Haq, who will mentor the Wolves. “My thinking is you need to try and maximise a player’s potential. If a player is well-equipped and technically good, he can play all formats. We have to look at how he manages his fitness and potential, and not have any pre-conceived notions about any player. Then we can look at which player specifically fits into our team. That doesn’t mean we limit a player’s ceiling. As mentor and coach, we need to explore their potential to the full.”The vision is to reduce the gap between domestic and international cricket. I feel it and players feel it too. When I came to the international side, it took three to four years to believe that I belonged to international cricket. The vision of the mentors is to prepare the players to raise them to that level, so they adjust with it. This requires a lot of hard work, and it will only happen if we do it.”Misbah is one of five mentors, alongside Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Malik. Only one – Sarfaraz – is set to participate in the upcoming one-day cup, while Malik, who conducted a press conference on Thursday, said he planned to play “select” games in the T20 iteration of the tournament, for which the window has not yet been finalised.”As a mentor, my role goes beyond just providing guidance from the dugout,” Malik, affiliated with the Stallions, said in a statement released by the PCB. “I will also take to the field in select matches to impart my first-hand knowledge and experience. This will enable our upcoming cricketers to refine their skills and elevate their game, ultimately supporting the Pakistan Cricket Board’s efforts to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.”In addition to his role as mentor, Shoaib Malik will also play the T20 version of the Champions Cup•PSL

Though the teams don’t have geographic affiliation, Malik’s pairing with Stallions is symbolic, given his success as captain of the Sialkot Stallions in the mid-2000s. Malik created one of the first successful T20 dynasties, leading his side to five successive domestic titles in the days before the PSL. To a lesser degree, so is Misbah’s with Wolves, the former Pakistan captain a key player in the successful Faisalabad Wolves sides of the early 2000s.The mentor roles have come under scrutiny not least for the salaries involved. Each of the five is believed to be on three-year contracts, earning in the range of PKR 5 million (approx. USD 18,000) per month. Those salaries have raised eyebrows because they are higher than what is paid to all but the most elite Pakistani cricketers – the category A players, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan, in the central contracts pool. The Champions Cup has yet to announce a tangible commercial inflow. A broadcaster has not been announced either. The PCB has advertised for team partners/sponsors to come in but has not yet said whether any have come on board.For perspective, just the mentor salaries will total about half the PCB’s entire broadcast deal for bilateral international cricket at home over the next 30 months. From August 2024 to December 2026, the PCB’s broadcast deal is worth between USD 6 to 6.5 million. Salaries for the five mentors in that time will amount to approximately USD 2.7 million.The roles are separate from coaching – each side will have a separate yet-to-be-announced coaching set-up – and do not require coaching qualifications. Three of the five mentors have served as Pakistan’s head coach in the recent past and the PCB has not made public what metrics the mentors will be evaluated by, or why they believe the outlay will offer a return on investment. In a statement to ESPNcricinfo, the PCB said that it “as a responsible organisation, never discusses in public salaries of its staffers and consultants, which remain a matter between the employer and the employee”.The Lahore and Karachi stadiums are currently undergoing significant renovation, with minor upgrades scheduled for Rawalpindi as well, the cost for which is understood to run into billions of Pakistan rupees. This lines up with a generally heavy spend rate since Mohsin Naqvi assumed the PCB chair, which has coincided with annual revenues from the ICC that have doubled in this international rights cycle, thanks to the global body’s new deal with Disney-Star. However, there will invariably be concern around whether the spend rate is sustainable, especially because the PCB does not receive any public money for its operations.Naqvi made clear early on his goal was to spend the PCB’s money on improving Pakistan cricket, rather than save it.”I have told the PCB our job is not to save money or keep it hoarded away, but to spend it on cricket, from grassroots right through to the national team,” Naqvi said in March, addressing the Pakistan players. “The money will be spent on your fitness, training and coaches rather than keeping it locked away.”

As Russell Martin looks to add the finishing touches on his summer overhaul, one Glasgow Rangers star is reportedly on the verge of finalising his departure away from the club.

Rangers' summer overhaul so far

It’s been all change at Ibrox so far this summer. The Gers first welcomed new owners in the 49ers, then instantly solved their managerial problem by hiring Martin. And ever since, it’s been one fresh face after another. As things stand, the Scottish giants have welcomed as many as six reinforcements this summer, with five of those coming from English football.

Of course, it should come as no surprise that Rangers have been quick to get as much business done as possible, with their Champions League qualifier fast approaching.

The Gers will square off against Panathinaikos on July 22, before the second leg takes place eight days later in a crucial week for all involved at Ibrox. With just seven days to get his side in shape for that all-important first-leg, Martin may yet welcome more fresh faces to finalise his squad ahead of his debut campaign in Scotland.

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Names such as Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi have threatened to steal the headlines in the last week or so and he would certainly follow the trend of talents arriving from English football. But before then, Rangers’ focus may need to shift towards the exit door, amid reports that one player could be heading for a summer departure.

Ridvan Yilmaz agrees Rangers exit

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Ridvan Yilmaz has now agreed to leave Rangers and a deal to join Besiktas is on the verge of being finalised. The left-back has been linked with a move away for some time and now finally looks set to rejoin his former club ahead of next season.

It’s been a mixed spell for the Turkish defender, who missed large parts of last season through injury as new arrival Jefte took hold of his starting spot in Scotland. Whether he would have regained that place under Martin this season is now a question that the Gers may never have an answer for, as Besiktas make their move.

Former interim manager Barry Ferguson was certainly a fan of Yilmaz, however, having told reporters towards the end of last season: “He’s played in a position which is pretty foreign to him. He’s played right back for us. His natural position is left back.

“But he’s one player I can rely on. He doesn’t moan. I’ve asked him to play different positions. He’s become a big player. I like his attitude. His attitude has always been first class. It’s now about him being fully fit for the rest of the season. Because I think if he plays more games, I think he can get better and better.”

Whilst Morgan Gibbs-White’s proposed £60m transfer to join Tottenham Hotspur appeared to be heading in the right direction, his move now appears to be in serious doubt.

The Nottingham Forest star had his release clause triggered by Thomas Frank’s side, but Evangelos Marinakis has raised concerns over the Lilywhites’ move for the attacking midfielder.

It’s been reported that the deal is currently off at present, with the Reds considering legal action over a proposed illegal approach between Spurs and the player’s agent.

His release clause was seen as part of a non-disclosure agreement, something which has been broken, with the deal now seemingly up in the air between the parties.

It’s unclear whether Frank’s side will continue to pursue a move for the England international, but many supporters will hope a deal can be completed to allow him to thrive with another player in North London.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Despite moving for Gibbs-White, other deals have been explored, including a move for Brentford talisman Yoane Wissa, who managed to score 19 times in the Premier League last season.

However, it could prove to be another expensive addition, with the Bees demanding £50m to part ways with him despite having just one year left on his current contract.

He’s not the only other player in England’s top flight on their radar, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton being closely monitored, according to GB News.

The report claims that Frank’s side are preparing a £60m bid for the 21-year-old as part of the investment that’s been seen so far during the summer window.

It also states that the Eagles could be demanding a fee in the region of £75m for the England international, but the Lilywhites are prepared to spend big to land his signature this summer.

Why Spurs’ £60m target would be perfect alongside Gibbs-White

There is no doubt that Gibbs-White would be a top-level addition for Spurs this window, having the ability to transform the club’s fortunes in attacking areas.

The 25-year-old managed to register seven goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season, helping the Reds secure European football for the first time in three decades.

However, the latest news around his move to North London will undoubtedly delay the process, but given Frank’s admiration, it’s understandable if the hierarchy will wait to complete a deal for his signature.

The £60m release clause that has been mooted for his services would be an excellent price, allowing him to nail his place down as a creative star in behind the striker.

However, he will need defensive reinforcements behind him to allow him to thrive within attacking areas, something which Wharton would undoubtedly offer his compatriot.

The Palace star’s figures from last season showcase why he’d be perfect for Gibbs-White, subsequently being able to break up play and hand him the tools to thrive.

Wharton, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by creator HLTCO, managed to complete 7.3 progressive passes and 5.3 passes into the final third per 90 last season, having the tools to give the ball to Gibbs-White, who can create carnage in attacking areas.

Adam Wharton’s stats for Palace in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

20

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

76%

Progressive passes

7.3

Key passes

1.8

Passes into final third

5.3

Tackles won

2.3

Interceptions made

1.4

Clearances made

1.8

Recoveries made

6.9

Stats via FBref

However, out of possession, the youngster was just as impressive, winning 2.3 tackles per 90 and making 1.4 interceptions per 90 – handing Frank the superb ball-winning option he requires at the heart of his side.

He’s also made 6.9 recoveries and 1.8 clearances per 90 in the league throughout 2024/25, highlighting the talent he possesses as a deep-lying option, arguably being the final piece in the Lilywhites’ midfield puzzle.

£60m may be a huge bid for such a young talent, but he’s already showcased his quality early on in his professional career, only getting better in the years ahead.

If he can replicate his talents across the capital in Frank’s side, he will solve such an issue for many years to come, potentially forming a deadly partnership with Gibbs-White if a deal can be resurrected.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 11, 2025

Underestimate Birmingham City at your own peril next season.

Already, the ultra-ambitious Blues have welcomed in seven new faces to the St. Andrew’s camp with more surely expected as they go about continuing to construct a side ready to compete, and potentially soar, at Championship level.

The most high-profile signing of Birmingham’s hectic summer so far has come in the form of £10m attacker Kyogo Furuhashi leaving Rennes behind for pastures new in the West Midlands, with lots expected of the Japanese forward in his fresh second-tier surroundings.

Why Kyogo Furuhashi is an exciting signing

Whilst he has never got going in France with zero goals or assists next to his name from six Rennes appearances, Birmingham will feel they’ve made a worthwhile investment in the 30-year-old striker based on his blistering output at Celtic alone.

From 165 clashes donning the famous green and white jersey, Kyogo would tally up a stunning 85 strikes in total, alongside also chipping in with a healthy 19 assists for his troubles.

Everyone at St. Andrew’s will be praying he can get back to the clinical best he managed in Scotland when now plying his trade in nearby England, with his former Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou once even labelling the four-time Scottish Premiership winner as “outstanding” for his constant magic in Glasgow.

Kyogo will surely give the likes of Jay Stansfield and Alfie May a run for their money in the forward areas, but another exciting signing up top would be seen as even more of a coup than the 23-time Japan international’s arrival onto the scene.

Birmingham could sign an even bigger talent than Kyogo

Birmingham fans might well feel let down by the millions splashed out on Kyogo if he doesn’t instantly hit the ground running, fearful that another Rennes crisis of confidence has enveloped him.

Whilst it could take time for Kyogo to warm up to the challenges of the Championship, Danny Ings would surely feel instantly more comfortable dropping back down to the EFL, after finding his recent Premier League stints to be full of injuries.

As per a report earlier this summer from journalist Graeme Bailey, Birmingham have considered a move for Ings, knowing full well what he’s capable of in front of goal when injuries aren’t dominating his playing time.

All this talk might well have died down now – with Bailey further revealing that Wrexham and Burnley were even eyeing up the goalscoring veteran – but if Birmingham want another top-quality attacker to add to their glittering striker options, and a star who is an even bigger talent than Furuhashi for free, this is a move they should try to get back into motion.

Ings’ G/A record by club
Club played for	Games	Goals	Assists
Burnley	130	43	14
Southampton	100	46	10
West Ham	69	5	5
Aston Villa	52	14	8
AFC Bournemouth	30	8	3
Liverpool	25	4	1
Overall number	406	120	41
Sourced by Transfermarkt

After all, it’s clear from the table above – unlike Kyogo, who fired blanks in Ligue 1 – that Ings has shown off his goalscoring prowess all across his career, even when issues have arisen, with a hefty 120 career goals next to his name from 406 clashes. It was only four years ago that Aston Villa forked out £30m for his services.

43 of those strikes would come about on the books of Burnley, with the three-time England international chomping at the bit to return to the Championship where he first honed his potent craft, as seen in him bagging a healthy 21 strikes during the 2013/14 season to seal promotion for the Clarets.

From then on, it’s been a career mainly played at the pinnacle of English football, with Ings dropping back down to the Championship with Birmingham seen as a statement of intent on Davies and Co’s end of where they want to be in the very near future.

Once labelled as “clinical” by football journalist Leanne Prescott, Ings would be raring to go donning Birmingham blue if a move was sealed, with the experienced attacker perhaps pipping Kyogo to a starting spot in the process.

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By
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Jul 8, 2025

By the time the transfer window shuts on 1 September, how many new signings will Rangers have made?

To date, Russell Martin has made seven additions to his squad since being unveiled as the 20th permanent manager in Rangers’ history, with many more forecast to follow.

Now, could the club be about to break their modern-day transfer record to sign a “special talent”?

Rangers' search for a new winger

Earlier this week, on Tuesday night, the Martin era began with a crucial 2-0 victory over Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier at Ibrox.

Transfer Focus

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

It was the Greek side who dominated the first half, Jack Butland pulling off a string of impressive saves, before teenager Findlay Curtis lashed home the opener shortly after the interval, with substitute Djeidi Gassama then doing similar 12 minutes from time.

Thus, the Light Blues will take a decent, if not unassailable, advantage to Athens next Wednesday, looking to rubber stamp their spot in the third qualifying round, where Servette are likely to await, after their 1-0 victory over Viktoria Plzeň on the road.

Before that crucial second leg at the Spyros Louis Olympic Stadium, could supporters also have a new signing to get excited about?

Well, as reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Rangers have ‘made an offer’ to Crystal Palace as they seek to sign winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. That proposal was rejected by the Eagles, although negotiations remain ‘ongoing’.

Ornstein outlines that the offer was an initial loan, but containing an obligation to buy, which could be worth as much as £10m, should certain performance criteria be met.

This would make the 22-year-old the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history, behind only Tore André Flo, who joined in 2000, surpassing Ryan Kent’s post-liquidation record.

Despite that initial rejection, Rangers’ pursuit continues, albeit while needing to act fast given that there is ‘interest from elsewhere’, so will Rak-Sakyi soon swap Selhurst for Ibrox?

How Jesurun Rak-Sakyi would improve Rangers

Having been released by Chelsea as a 17-year-old, Rak-Sakyi then joined Crystal Palace, actually making his senior debut against his former club at Stamford Bridge in August 2021.

In total, he’s appeared just ten times for the Eagles, seven of which have been as a substitute, but has impressed during two loan spells.

First, he spent the 2022/23 campaign nine miles across South London at Charlton Athletic, scoring 15 goals in 43 EFL League One appearances, with then-manager Dean Holden labelling him a “fantastic young player”, describing him as “humble, calm and composed”, believing “he has a real chance of going to the top level”.

Then, he was loaned out again last season, this time to Sheffield United, really bursting onto the scene at Bramall Lane, scoring seven times in the EFL Championship as the Blades reached the play-off final, heartbreakingly beaten by Sunderland at Wembley.

Edward Walker of the Matchday Man called him a “truly special talent”, while Matt Woosnam of The Athletic praised his dribbling ability and ‘eagerness to learn’, with Nizaar Kinsella of Goal impressed by his ‘technical ability’, forecasting he could go to the very top.

Elsewhere, Adam Oxley of BBC Sport notes that he enjoyed an ‘excellent season’ at Sheffield United, predominantly deployed on the right flank, allowing him to cut inside on his left foot, highlighting his ‘pace and trickery’ as well as his penalty box threat.

Well, right-wing is certainly a position of need at Rangers, underlined by the fact Kieran Dowell, who was shipped out on loan to Birmingham City last season, started in that spot against Panathinaikos.

Last season, Václav Černý was one of the club’s star players, occupying that position, with the table below emphasising the Czech international’s importance.

Minutes

3,933

5th

Goals

18

2nd

Assists

9

3rd

European goals

6

1st

Big chances created

9

4th

Shots

136

1st

Shot-creating actions

42

1st

Progressive carries

40

1st

Average SofaScore rating

7.40

2nd

As the table outlines, Černý was, arguably, Rangers’ most important attacking player last season, scoring six times as part of their run to the Europa League quarter-finals; only Bruno Fernandes, Kasper Waarst Høgh and Ayoub El Kaabi bagged more in the competition.

Nevertheless, Černý will not be returning to Govan following his loan spell from Wolfsburg, so could Rak-Sakyi be the replacement they are searching for?

Well, let’s assess his statistics in the EFL Championship last season to answer that question.

Minutes

1,725

279th

Goals

7

42nd

Shots

46

74th

Shots per 90

2.4

35th

Shot-creating actions

71

98th

Attempted take-ons

95

31st

Take-on success %

49.5%

4th

Progressive carries

73

45th

Carries into the box

49

15th

*minimum 90 take-ons attempted.

As the table outlines, despite featuring in less than 42% of Sheffield United’s regular season minutes, Rak-Sakyi ranks generally very highly for all attacking metrics, most notably when it comes to dribbling, namely take-ons and progressive carries.

Thus, it is clear that the 22-year-old is a serious talent, and one that could be exactly what Rangers are searching for.

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There will be a total of 74 matches played in IPL 2025, the same as the last three seasons. That number, though, is ten less than the 84 matches listed by IPL in 2022 when the media rights for the 2023-27 cycle were sold.In the tender document for the new rights cycle, the IPL had listed a varying number of matches per season: ranging from 74 games each in 2023 and 2024, 84 matches each in 2025 and 2026, and a maximum of 94 matches for the final year of the deal in 2027. ESPNcricinfo has learned that one significant reason the IPL has decided not to have 84 matches in 2025 is to help the Indian international players manage their workload. India are currently favourites to make their third successive World Test Championship final, scheduled from June 11 at Lord’s, and the BCCI wants to ensure players get enough rest as part of their preparation if they qualify.Currently, the IPL dates for the 2025 season aren’t finalised yet but the window is likely to stretch between mid-March and last week of May. “We have not taken a call on organising 84 matches in IPL 2025 since we also have to factor the load on the players due to the increase in matches,” Jay Shah, the outgoing BCCI secretary, told the recently. “While it’s (84 matches) part of the contract, it’s up to the BCCI to decide whether to organise 74 or 84 matches.”Related

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In 2022, the IPL became one of the richest sporting leagues in the world (in terms of per match value) when the media rights were sold for INR 48,390.5 crore (USD 6.2 billion approx.). The rights had been sold across four packages: A (TV rights in the Indian subcontinent), B (digital rights in the subcontinent), C (digital rights in India to a special package of high-profile games – including the playoffs and the final – ranging between 18 and 22 per season) and D (global media rights across five separate regions).The total number of matches in a season, the IPL said, would also determine the number of matches in package C, also known as the special package. This package includes the tournament opener, weekend evening matches, and the four playoffs, including the final. While the opening match and the playoffs will be mandatory, the IPL will determine the number and which evening matches from the double-headers will be included in this package, based on the total number of games in a season.A season total of 74 matches (as was the case in 2023 and 2024) means the special package had 18 matches. If there are more than 74 matches in a season, then the special package matches will rise by two for every ten additional matches. So if there are 84 matches in a season, the special package matches will rise to 20 and if the tournament has 94 games, the special package will have 22 matches.

Celtic look set to lose one of their top talents within the next week or so as Nicolas Kuhn is closing in on a permanent exit from the Scottish Premiership champions.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that the club have agreed a fee of around £16.5m with Italian side Como for the left-footed sensation.

The journalist adds that the former RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich youth prospect has already agreed to sign a long-term contract with the Serie A outfit this summer.

Kuhn has reportedly turned down a potential return to Leipzig, who were interested in signing him, and has a medical scheduled with Como for next week, which suggests that an official confirmation is not imminently expected.

It does appear, though, that it is only a matter of time before Celtic confirm that the German winger will not be playing for the club next season, which will come as a blow to Brendan Rodgers.

Why selling Nicolas Kuhn is a blow for Celtic

Whilst the Hoops are set to rake in a significant sum of money for the 25-year-old talent, it is always a blow when a high-quality player moves on, and that is what he is.

The 2024/25 campaign was his first full season in Glasgow, having joined from Rapid Vienna in the January transfer window last year, and he really hit his stride on the right flank.

Kuhn ended the season with a return of 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, which shows that he provided quality in the final third on a regular basis for Rodgers.

The left-footed magician’s form in the Premiership, as Celtic won the league title, was particularly impressive, as the forward showcased his ability to both score and create goals.

xG

0.46

Top 10%

Goals

0.62

Top 8%

Shots on target

1.30

Top 14%

xA

0.34

Top 10%

Assists

0.43

Top 10%

Chances created

2.49

Top 12%

As you can see in the table above, Kuhn ranked very highly among his positional peers in a host of key attacking metrics, which shows that he scored and created goals at an exceptional rate.

These statistics illustrate why it will be a big blow for Rodgers when this sale goes through, because he is losing a player who has proven that he can make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch for Celtic.

The Hoops have, of course, already signed Benjamin Nygren on a permanent deal to bolster their options on the flanks, but he does not have the creative quality to fully replace what Kuhn offered.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the Sweden international only managed a return of two assists in 30 Superliga appearances, to go with his impressive haul of 15 goals.

Therefore, Celtic may need to dip into the market to sign another wide option who can provide creativity as well as a goal threat, now that Kuhn appears to be on his way out of the club.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that the Scottish giants are interested in Stoke City forward Million Manhoef, who is valued at £10m by the Championship side, and they should now reignite that interest.

Why Celtic should sign Million Manhoef

The Premiership champions could brilliantly replace Kuhn ahead of the 2025/26 campaign by pushing ahead with a swoop for the Netherlands U21 international, as he would arrive with a similar profile.

Like the German star, the Stoke attacker is a diminutive left-footed right winger who has the quality to both score and create goals in equal measure, as evidenced by his form for the English side last season.

He has not delivered the kind of numbers that Kuhn managed for Celtic yet, as he has not had the chance to play in a team that is as dominant domestically as the Hoops are, which means that there would be a degree of risk.

However, Rodgers can afford to take more of a risk with a player like Manhoef because the club have already brought in Nygren to potentially play on the right wing and, as aforementioned, his haul of 15 goals last season suggests that he could be a good option.

The Stoke star ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of five goals and five assists in 28 Championship starts, but it is his underlying numbers behind those headline statistics that are even more promising for Celtic.

xG

7.74

Top 9%

Goals

5

Top 21%

Shots on target

26

Top 9%

xA

4.83

Top 14%

Chances created

52

Top 9%

Assists

5

Top 20%

As you can see in the table above, Manhoef excelled at getting into goalscoring positions and at creating chances for his teammates, ranking highly among his positional peers, but was not clinical enough with his finishing.

Pundit David Prutton claimed it would be a “tremendous” move for Manhoef to sign for Celtic, and these statistics suggest that the potential is there for it to be a tremendous move for all parties.

The Dutch wizard, who only recorded five assists from 12 ‘big chances’ created in the Championship, could thrive in a team that dominates games week-in-week-out, as Celtic do.

He has been playing for a midtable team, in Stoke, who do not challenge at the top end of the division in the second tier in England, which suggests that he has not had the opportunity to play in a side that is consistently on the front foot.

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Therefore, Celtic could brilliantly replace Kuhn by gambling on a swoop for Manhoef, who appears to have the potential to explode as a scorer and a creator of goals in a better team than the one he is currently playing in.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White this summer has already been one of the sagas of the window, with the Nottingham Forest star at the heart of the controversy.

Nearly two weeks ago now, the Lilywhites triggered the 25-year-old’s release clause within his contract, but that’s where the issue over the currently lies.

His clause was seen as a secret within his contract, leading to Nuno Espírito Santo’s side claiming Thomas Frank’s men made an illegal approach for the midfielder’s signature.

It now appears as though Forest have ceased all negotiations with Spurs, putting the deal in potential doubt, with the player himself expected to join the Reds squad on their pre-season tour.

As a result, other summer targets are now being considered by the hierarchy, as they look to back Frank in his quest for success during his first year at the helm.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher has been touted as a potential option for Spurs in the midfield department during the current window.

It remains unclear how much a deal for the former Chelsea star would cost this summer, but the hierarchy have wasted no time in pursuing a move after making contact with the LaLiga side over a potential deal.

However, he’s not the only player currently on their radar this window, with Brentford star Yoane Wissa a player firmly in their sights, according to Ben Jacobs.

The journalist claims that the Lilywhites have been in talks with the Bees over a move for the 28-year-old, who registered 19 league goals during the 2024/25 season.

He also states that Newcastle United and Forest are in the race for his signature, but any deal could be an expensive one given his current £50m price tag.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be a better signing than Gibbs-White

There’s no denying that, given his tally of 15 combined goals and assists in the Premier League last season, that Gibbs-White would be a tremendous addition for Spurs.

However, the current scenario could have repercussions such as a hefty fine or even a transfer embargo should the club be found guilty of their actions.

It’s also unclear what role he would play within Frank’s side, especially considering James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have mainly operated in such a role in recent times.

A deep-lying option is more of a priority within the midfield department this summer, with a new talisman also needed to provide competition to Dominic Solanke.

The aforementioned scenarios would make Wissa an ideal option for Frank’s side this summer, not to mention he enjoyed his best-ever campaign under his guidance last time around.

When comparing his stats to those of current number nine Solanke, he’s managed to outperform him in key areas, showcasing why he’d be an excellent addition for the Lilywhites.

Wissa, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Zach Lowy, massively outscored the Englishman, whilst posting a better goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in front of goal.

How Wissa & Solanke compare in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Wissa

Solanke

Games played

35

27

Goals & assists

23

12

Shot on target accuracy

46%

40%

Goals per shot on target

0.6

0.3

Pass accuracy

77%

70%

Key passes made

0.9

0.5

Carries into 18-yard box

1.1

0.5

Aerial success rate

46%

43%

Stats via FBref

He also managed to complete more of the passes he attempted, whilst also notching more key passes per 90, having the creative ability to allow players around him to thrive in North London.

The DR Congo star’s dominance is further reflected in his aerial success rate, winning more duels and subsequently offering Frank’s side a needed focal point.

£50m may appear to be a hefty fee for the 28-year-old, but given his recent withdrawal from Brentford’s pre-season tour, he could well be available for a cheaper fee.

If he can replicate his form across the capital with the Lilywhites, it would be a phenomenal pickup, landing a player who would certainly have more of an impact than Gibbs-White.

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أوضح عبد الواحد السيد، مدير الكرة السابق بنادي الزمالك، موقفه حال رغبة إمام عاشور لاعب النادي الأهلي، في العودة إلى صفوف القلعة البيضاء بعد تعاقده مع الوكيل آدم وطني.

وأصبح آدم وطني وكيلا لـ إمام عاشور، مما أثار أزمة بسبب أن النادي الأهلي، كان قد أصدر قرارًا بعدم التعامل مع ذلك الوكيل بسبب موقفه في صفقة رحيل الفلسطيني وسام أبو علي.

وقال عبد الواحد في تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب” المذاع على قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “عودة إمام عاشور من جديد إلى الزمالك صعبة”.

وأضاف: “لا أعلم أيضًا إذا كانت جماهير نادي الزمالك ستوافق على عودته إلى صفوف الفريق أم لا في الوقت الحالي”.

طالع | إكرامي: ما فعله إمام عاشور استفزاز وتحدي للنادي الأهلي

وعن أداء الزمالك في الموسم الحالي، قال حارس الزمالك السابق: “الزمالك يظهر بشكل جيد، ولكن التجربة تعتمد فقط على توفير واستمرار الناحية المالية”.

وأكمل: “الزمالك في المباريات الكبيرة قادر على حسمها، لكن أمام الأندية الصغير تكون هناك مشكلة، وأمام الأهلي الغلبة لنا خلال الفترة الأخيرة”.

وأردف: “أرى أنا رحيل أحمد سيد زيزو إلى الأهلي أراح (أوضة اللبس) في نادي الزمالك، هو مستحيل يعود مرة أخرى إلى القلعة البيضاء بسبب عدم وضوحه مع الإدارة، هو عرض عليه مبالغ كبيرة جدًا”.

وأتم: “أطالب لاعبي الزمالك بالاستمرارية، وعدم الذهاب إلى الاتجاه بأن الدوري مضمون للفارس الأبيض”.