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The Supreme Court has put off passing the order concerning the BCCI’s implementation of the Lodha Committee recommendations until its next working day, which is October 17

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Oct-20162:49

Supreme Court wants BCCI president to clarify approach to ICC

The Supreme Court has put off passing a final order concerning the BCCI’s implementation of the Lodha Committee recommendations until its next working day, which is October 17 because the court breaks for holidays for a week.The court had initially given the board one day to provide an undertaking that it would accept the recommendations “unconditionally” by October 7, but the delay was because the entire three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice TS Thakur and Justices AM Khanvilkar and DY Chandrachud, which had heard the matter on Thursday, was not available after lunch on Friday.The matter had been listed for the “end of board,” which meant the order would be announced after all other cases for the day were heard, but Justice Chandrachud, who was presiding on a different bench on Friday, had left for the day before the other matters in the Chief Justice’s courtroom were concluded.As a result, the court passed an interim order in which it noted that the BCCI had been “non-cooperative in its attitude” based on the status report submitted by the Lodha Committee and also the arguments raised by amicus curiae Gopal Subramanium on Thursday.”The sequence of events that have taken place since 18th July, 2016 and referred to in the status report prima facie give an impression that BCCI has far from lending its fullest cooperation to the Committee adopted an obstructionist and at times a defiant attitude which the Committee has taken note of and described as an impediment undermining not only the Committee but even the dignity of this Court with several statements and actions which according to the Committee are grossly out of order and may even constitute contempt,” the order stated.The court said it would leave a final decision for a future date, but reminded the BCCI about its attitude. “All that we need mention is that in the implementation of the recommendations of the Committee, the BCCI appears to be non-cooperative in its attitude.”Chief Justice Thakur also said in court that BCCI president Anurag Thakur must file a personal affidavit to respond to whether he had approached the ICC asking for a letter that may have aided the board in not implementing the Lodha Committee’s recommendations.The Chief Justice was referencing a story in on September 12 that quoted ICC chief executive David Richardson as saying that Anurag Thakur had asked the ICC to address a letter to the BCCI, asking it to clarify whether the recommendations of the Lodha Committee did not amount to government interference in the board. As per ICC regulations, member boards cannot have government interference in their functioning. ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, Richardson said, had been reluctant to get involved in the matter unless “formally” requested to.The Supreme Court has asked BCCI president Anurag Thakur for a personal affidavit•Hindustan Times via Getty Images”Mr. Anurag Thakur, President of the BCCI shall file a personal affidavit whether he had asked the CEO of the ICC to state that the appointment of Justice Lodha Committee was tantamount to Government interference in the working of the BCCI,” the court said in the order.A BCCI official ESPNcricinfo spoke to, however, said the board would continue to stick to its stance that it will not give the undertaking asked by the court to “unconditionally” implement the recommendations of the Lodha Committee. When asked whether the postponement of the hearing to October 17 would give the BCCI time to reach out to the state associations and form a response, the official said the absence of the top brass of the board would be a hurdle.The official said both BCCI president Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke would be in Cape Town to attend ICC board meetings between October 10 and 14. They would return by October 16.On Thursday, the court had given the BCCI one day to return with such an undertaking, but a board official had indicated later that evening that it was not in a position to do so in such a short time frame. The court had set the deadline while hearing the BCCI’s response to the Lodha Committee’s status report, which had been filed in the Supreme Court on September 28 and recommended that the court “supersede” the board’s office bearers with “immediate effect” because they were hindering the implementation of the recommendations.

George Bailey fired a career-best Twenty20 score of 76 to boost Middlesex’s hopes of a home NatWest T20 Blast quarter-final, as they thrashed bottom-placed Hampshire by 43 runs

ECB Reporters Network22-Jul-2016
ScorecardGeorge Bailey lifted Middlesex with a rapid half-century•Getty ImagesGeorge Bailey fired a career-best Twenty20 score of 76 to boost Middlesex’s hopes of a home NatWest T20 Blast quarter-final, as they thrashed bottom-placed Hampshire by 43 runs.Overseas star Bailey was brilliantly partnered by John Simpson in a perfectly paced fourth wicket stand of 114. Ryan Higgins then took 5 for 13 – having only taken his maiden T20 wicket on Thursday evening – to make sure Hampshire’s chase never got going and give Middlesex back-to-back wins in the competition.Middlesex, after winning the toss and batting, were guided to 182 thanks in the main to a well-paced partnership between Bailey and Simpson.Dawid Malan, on the back of a record, unbeaten 185 for England Lions, was caught and bowled by Ryan McLaren. England one-day skipper Eoin Morgan fell soon after with Liam Dawson taking the catch at mid-on, before Paul Stirling was bowled by Brad Wheal to end the Powerplay 40 for 3.But that kick-started the mammoth stand between Bailey and Simpson, who never looked in trouble, never appeared to need to play the big shots.Former Australia T20 captain Bailey, following a match-winning 55 in the London derby on Thursday night, was the first to reach fifty, from 38 balls. Wicketkeeper Simpson quickly followed to the milestone in a slightly quicker 32 deliveries, helped by a trio of maximums.The partnership stretched from the seventh over to the 19th, when Simpson picked out Joe Weatherley on the midwicket rope. James Franklin and former Hampshire man Bailey, who passed his previous best Twenty20 score of 71, both departed before the close – Middlesex scoring 181 for 6.In a reply which never got going, Adam Wheater struggled to time the ball and his tortured spell was ended when he skied one to Malan, Tom Alsop copied his fellow opener’s style four balls later.Hampshire captain Sean Ervine and England international Dawson ticked along with a promising 40 stand in five overs. But the hosts were stunted again when Dawson chipped to Lions teammate Malan at short extra cover before Shahid Afridi teed up to James Fuller at deep square leg.Ervine was progressing nicely with a rapid 36 before Higgins’ slower ball pegged his middle stump back. Morgan managed to keep himself inside the boundary to hold on to Weatherley’s slog and the steady flow of wickets continued next ball when McLaren reverse swept to Bailey, off Higgins.Lewis McManus nicked off, Brad Taylor mistimed to short third man and Wheal was castled, with Hampshire losing their final five wickets in just 25 balls.

Liverpool are considering making a summer approach to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves, according to reports.

What's the latest on Neves to Liverpool?

The Old Gold captain first arrived in the Premier League back in 2017 and has since gone on to make 250 appearances at Molineux, but his future heading into the upcoming window is in the air.

The Portuguese international will be out of contract at the end of the next season and reports have claimed that he is ready to quit and embark on a new challenge, so with this set to be the final chance for Julen Lopetegui’s side to cash in, potential suitors are already circling, including the Reds.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed in April that Jurgen Klopp does have the 26-year-old on his list of midfield targets but that a move was not “imminent”, though a fresh update has now emerged which suggests otherwise.

According to Spanish outlet Sport (via TEAMtalk), Liverpool, alongside top-flight rivals Arsenal and Manchester United, are all “strongly considering” making an official approach for Neves. The Wolves skipper is “keen” on a move to Barcelona, who are also name-checked as admirers, but it’s the trio that are the ones “in the race” to secure his services. The Midlands outfit have set a price tag “in the region” of £40m for their prized asset, though there’s a chance that could be increased given the calibre of clubs chasing him.

Would Neves be a good signing for Liverpool?

Liverpool have clearly been long-term admirers of Neves and it’s no surprise that he’s attracting interest being Wolves’ overall top-performing player this season with a WhoScored match rating of 6.99, so he would certainly be a fantastic acquisition for FSG and Klopp.

The Nike-sponsored star, called "incredible" by his teammates, is naturally a defensive midfielder who sits just in front of the backline, which is proven by him ranking in the 98th percentile for clearances amongst midfielders, but he’s also capable of contributing to efforts in the final third.

The World Cup and Europa League participant has recorded a total of 72 shot-creating actions and 62 shots since the start of the current term which is higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef, not to mention that he’s got seven goal involvements to his name as a reward.

Finally, Neves has been dubbed a “beast” by the United States’ former professional Jimmy Conrad, so for all of the valuable qualities that he would add to the squad, he could be the perfect Fabinho successor.

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison was spotted sitting alone on the bench following their defeat on the south coast to Bournemouth on the weekend.

What was Jack Harrison seen doing?

Javi Gracia will be wanting to put Sunday behind him very quickly as Leeds suffered defeat away to one of their relegation rivals, Bournemouth.

Not only did Leeds taste defeat, but they were on the end of a 4-1 hammering as the Cherries secured the points to take them nine points clear of the Yorkshire side.

Leeds found themselves 2-0 down fairly early in the game but were offered a glimmer of hope when Patrick Bamford halved the deficit before half-time.

However, Bournemouth went on to secure the points with two further goals after the break which leaves the Whites now just one-point above the drop having played a game more than Leicester City and Everton.

Following the game, footage emerged of the £90k-per-week ace seen sitting alone on the bench still in his full strip after all the fans had vacated the stadium.

Having posted it on Twitter, the Leeds presenter questioned whether there was more to this than what may initially meet the eye:

"It might be nothing but been sent this by a Bournemouth fan. Why is Jack Harrison sitting alone in the dugout Ten mins after the stadium had emptied? Shouldn’t they all be in the dressing room? I am confused. Something isn't right," he said.

Has Harrison been good enough this season?

The Leeds winger has recently put pen to paper on a new deal which will see his future extended at Elland Road through until the summer of 2028.

It has been a fairly inconsistent campaign for the Englishman who has provided a solid return of four goals and seven assists in the Premier League (via Transfermarkt).

However, three of those goals and three of those assists have all come since the last week in February.

The other goal and a further three assists all came in the first three weeks of the campaign, too.

This has left a huge barren run through the majority of the campaign where the 26-year-old has not been providing the Whites with a contribution in front of goal.

Harrison was awarded with a mere 4/10 rating following the game on Sunday with journalist Graham Smyth saying:

"Tried to get up and down but couldn't do enough. Defending for the first was poor, albeit after a pitch-length sprint. Position asked a huge amount."

Harrison has registered two key passes, three clearances and a tackle during the game on the south coast, however, he was also dribbled past twice and lost possession 20 times (via SofaScore).

The video shows the winger is hurting, however, it is apparent there is no time for the Leeds players to be feeling sorry for themselves with Manchester City next up for the Whites.

Everton “would be fools” if they were to hand Dominic Calvert-Lewin a new bumper contract, according to talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.

Calvert-Lewin's injury struggles…

The Toffees striker’s contract at Goodison Park isn’t set to expire until 2025 but he’s failed to have any kind of consistent impact on the team this season, having made just nine starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League, as per WhoScored.

The England international is hugely injury prone as proven over the course of the past two terms, where he’s missed a total of 30 games due to various issues. Last year, he suffered a fractured toe, and this campaign has been even worse with a knee problem followed by a hamstring injury. Sean Dyche is yet to have been able to properly see what he’s capable of on the pitch, but with him earning £100k-p/w, the boss will be mindful that he may have to reduce his squad size and trim the wage bill should the club get relegated at the end of the season.

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor was asked whether he thought Everton could be considering offering Calvert-Lewin improved fresh terms, to which he replied:

“There’s not a chance. When it comes to giving him a contract, Everton have got to consider a pay-as-you-play deal. Low wages with a big appearance fee. It’s gotten that bad for him with the constant injuries.

“No club is going to give him a big contract. There was talk of Arsenal signing him a couple of years ago – but there’s no chance of that happening now. The days of him being worth £40 or £50million are long gone. He’s going to have to prove his fitness across a whole season now. Everton would be fools if they gave him a big contract.”

Should Everton keep or sell Calvert-Lewin?

Calvert-Lewin is certainly a lot more receptive to injuries than Everton would like, but having been a fantastic servant since joining back in 2016, they should keep hold of him because he could still be such a key player moving forward.

The Nike-sponsored star has posted 77 goal contributions in 203 outings on Merseyside and is currently averaging 1.97 shots per game, not to mention that he’s the ideal target man standing at 6 foot 2, which is proven in him ranking in the 97th percentile for aerials won by forwards in the top five European leagues.

Calvert-Lewin is also comfortable playing in six different positions, including anywhere across the frontline, and having been dubbed a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Toffees should offer him a new deal, even if it is only a short-term one.

It is fair to say that Arsenal supporters were not left overly impressed by the club's transfer dealings in January, with the signing of experienced midfielder, Jorginho, in particular, having gone down like something of a lead balloon.

After weeks of speculation regarding a potential move for Brighton and Hove Albion gem, Moises Caicedo, to then see the Gunners settle for a last-gasp, surprise move for the 31-year-old appeared to some like a mere panic buy, with that arrival sparking little enthusiasm among the Emirates faithful.

Just a few months on, however, that £12m capture from Chelsea now appears to be something of a masterstroke, with the 5 foot 10 maestro having already proven a "superb" addition for Mikel Arteta and co, according to former Highbury hero, Kevin Campbell (talkSPORT, 20/02/2023/, 08:11).

In truth, on the evidence of Jorginho's standout displays since his arrival from Stamford Bridge, it does appear as if the title hopefuls truly did hit the jackpot with the signing of the one-time Napoli ace.

How much is Jorginho worth now?

As pundit Rio Ferdinand predicted, the 47-cap ace has also proven a "shrewd" signing for the north London outfit, notably playing a key role in the vital, comeback win away to Aston Villa last month, after seeing his long-range effort deflect in off the sprawling Emi Martinez.

Speaking after that potentially decisive moment in the title race – which came after a run of three league games without a win – Arteta hailed his new addition as "tremendous" while also suggesting that the Brazil-born gem makes those around him "look better".

The "relentless" machine – as previously lauded by former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel – has added further depth and quality to a midfield department that has been stretched at times, with Thomas Partey, in particular, having been hampered by injury during his spell in England.

While Jorginho may not possess the "physicality" of the Ghanaian international, as per talkSPORT pundit Danny Murphy, he is still a "world-class" asset in his own right – according to ex-Liverpool man Jose Enrique – with Arsenal likely to be delighted with themselves at pulling off such an astute deal.

As Murphy noted at the time of the signing, the move did look like a "really clever piece of business" due to the relative bargain nature of the £12m fee, with that emphasised by the fact that the former Hellas Verona man is currently said to be worth as much as £30m, according to CIES Football Observatory.

That should indicate that Arteta truly did strike gold by pushing to sign the playmaker in the winter window, with that acquisition potentially set to prove vital in the club's title charge in the remainder of the campaign.

Leeds United fell to a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, with Chelsea claiming only their third victory in 16 matches as Javi Gracia’s side were unable to build upon the victory they claimed against bottom club Southampton last time out.

The Whites were good value against Chelsea, and produced a stoic display in west London, largely dampening the home side’s fire after weathering the early storm, with Graham Potter’s outfit charging like a ferocious bull in the early stages.

The Yorkshire outfit’s new boss will be pleased with how his side grew into the game, before being unravelled by £75m defender Wesley Fofana, who rose highest to find Ben Chilwell’s delivery and condemn Leeds to a 13th league defeat of the campaign.

Just one place and one point above the bottom three, Leeds will lament the missed opportunity to exacerbate their opponents’ woes and claim an invaluable victory to calm the boiling waters of their own perils.

And while it was a tricky afternoon for all involved, American midfielder Brenden Aaronson will be particularly disgruntled after an ineffective display at the heart of the pitch.

Was Aaronson out of sorts vs Chelsea?

The midfield trio of Aaronson alongside compatriots, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams was supposed to industriously counter the efforts of the home side, but Gracia’s strategy fell short and the hosts were, by-and-large, able to exert their authority in the centre of the park.

Aaronson was praised for how he “worked hard” by journalist Joe Donnohue, but ultimately, he came up short against the Blues, with another sports journalist stating that the USA ace needed more “guile”.

Leeds writer Beren Cross was candid in his assessment of the 22-year-old’s afternoon, remarking that the 28-cap star simply “didn’t lay a glove” on the opposition, having been withdrawn on the 68-minute mark following an ineffectual display.

As per Sofascore, Aaronson’s 6.3 rating bettered no other man on the field for either outfit, and he will hope for far more fruitful endeavours as the season approaches the business end.

The “stand-out” gem – as previously hailed by Noel Whelan – only completed 15 passes, while also making fewer touches than Illan Meslier between the sticks (42) and failing with both his attempted crosses, being dribbled past once and losing possession ten times.

Also winning just two of his seven total duels, Aaronson was not the robust and assiduous force Gracia would have hoped him to be against the west Londoners, and had the collective central efforts been a bit more robust, the result might have swayed in the Whites’ favour.

With the danger of the relegation zone troublingly a mere point away, Leeds will need to claim a few more victories to breathe easy.

And while the result held positives – United were compact and combative – the security of perching a few places ahead in the Premier League table remains outside the clutches of Gracia and co.

Manchester United are believed to be interested in snapping up one of the hottest young talents in world football at present, amid reports linking the Red Devils to Independiente del Valle teenager, Kendry Paez.

What’s the latest on Kendry Paez to Man United?

According to respected journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Old Trafford outfit are said to be one of the clubs who are interested in signing the 15-year-old sensation in the near future, albeit with Premier League rivals Chelsea – and Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen – also said to be in the mix for his signature.

Writing on Twitter about that battle for the emerging superstar, the transfer guru revealed:

“Chelsea are in the race with Man Utd and Bayer Leverkusen to sign Kendry Paez, 2007-born Ecuadorian talent. Independiente del Valle’s midfielder, Kendry Paez is highly rated — decision to be made soon. “

This follows reports from back in December that claimed United had made an offer for the promising midfielder, while the Blues are also said to have had a bid of around $18m (£15m) knocked back by the player’s current side.

Is Paez a ‘world-class’ talent in the making?

It is undoubtedly remarkable that there is such a clamour over a player who is yet to enjoy a taste of first-team football, although Paez has seemingly warranted such interest as a result of his displays at youth level for both club and country.

The left-footed playmaker already boasts three goals in only five outings for Ecuador at U17 level, having also been lauded as “ridiculous” by R.D Football Scout after producing a glorious touch and assist in the U16 Flamengo Cup at the tail-end of last year.

While it is still early to judge the highly-coveted dynamo due to his lack of senior involvement, the youngster has been described as an “absolute world-class talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, with that an indication of what Erik ten Hag and co could have on their hands if a deal is to be agreed upon.

The fleet-footed starlet is said to be widely recognised as “one of the most talented players of his generation in South America” and potentially the “future of Ecuadorian football” – in the words of Kulig – with it now a tantalising wait to see him in action in the coming months and years.

Even though United would be forced to wait until the player turns 18 to bring him to England, that patience could well prove worth it to sign such a “magnificent” prospect – also according to Kulig – with the midfield maestro having also earned notable comparisons to the likes of James Rodriguez and Angel Di Maria in the recent past.

Having previously fumbled the chance to land Paez’s compatriot Moises Caicedo from Independiente back in January 2021 – with the latter man ultimately joining Brighton and Hove Albion for a fee of just £4.5m – the Red Devils must not make the same mistake this time around.

Phil Hay has revealed that Michael Skubala has simplified everything at Leeds United since Jesse Marsch was sacked.

The Lowdown: Skubala is Leeds’ final hope

Things never really seemed to click into gear for Marsch at Elland Road with the American boss managing to win just 11 games during his short but sweet tenure as a Premier League boss.

Therefore, when Skubala was trusted to take the reigns at Leeds he will have known that something ended to change, although that doesn’t always need to be something elaborate and over the top.

Instead, it appears as though Skubala has gone the other direction and made things a lot simpler and more straightforward for his group of players according to Hay.

The Latest: Tactics now simpler for Leeds players

While speaking on The Phil Hay Show the Athletic journalist has admitted Skubala wants his players to understand all of his instructions having made it very simple for them to follow tactics on the training ground.

He said: (29:00) “I’ve been asking quite a lot about what’s Skubala’s doing and what way is he approaching this and everything that’s getting said seems to be simplification.

“I mean Marsch didn’t have the same training week that Bielsa did, Bielsa’s training weeks were hugely intense and never really eased off, never really a gap and never really a break and long analysis sessions and for a long time worked effectively.

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“Marsch’s weeks tended to be a lot more structured that two days before a game it would be fairly low-key, fairly gentle to let the player’s legs recover a bit more, some sessions were purely on set pieces and the analysis wasn’t as in-depth or as longwinded as some of Bielsa’s.

“It sounds like Skubala has simplified all of that again, it’s not the case of doing the bare minimum as in tossing it off, it’s a case of I think trying not to overcomplicate things with the players and trying to make it as basic and simple a plan and a stay as possible so that ideally it works as quickly as possible.”

The Verdict: Season-defining period for Leeds

It will be interesting to see how the Leeds players respond from a more simple approach to tactics and instructions as they may well take it as an insult to their intelligence and ability or may well feel this benefits given the situation they find themselves in.

While fans may well be happy with Skubala in charge given he picked up a point against Manchester United, it’s one thing getting results when there’s no pressure on you as an interim manager compared to when you’re the main man for the foreseeable future.

Skubala will certainly feel the pressure this weekend as he takes his Leeds side to face an Everton outfit that won their last home game against Arsenal, so his tactical nouse will certainly be tested against Sean Dyche.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe may well be looking to strengthen his midfield ranks this summer, with recent reports having claimed that the Magpies are showing an interest in Sporting Lisbon starlet Manuel Ugarte.

According to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), the Tynesiders are believed to have made contact regarding a possible move for the 21-year-old, with the Uruguayan said to be on the club’s ‘summer menu’.

The report added that, while the youngster would be open to signing a new contract with the Lisbon outfit – after arriving from Famalicao just 18 months ago – he is not said to be keen on an increase to his current €60m (£54m) release clause.

That could well allow the chance for the Tynesiders to pounce ahead of next season, with the “midfield machine” – as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig – having caught the eye as a result of his standout displays both in Europe and domestically of late.

The hope would be that the six-cap maestro could look to emulate the impact of his former Sporting team-mate and fellow defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha in the Premier League, with the latter currently thriving following his £17m move to Fulham last summer.

The towering 27-year-old leads the way in the English top flight for tackles made (98) so far this season, having been described as a “bargain” by NBC journalist Joe Prince-Wright and “one of the signings of the season” by Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir.

As Fulham manager Marco Silva put it, the 6 foot 3 ace has been a simply “gigantic” addition for the west London outfit so far, having been an integral part of a team which is firmly in the mix for European qualification.

That success seemingly bodes well as far as Newcastle’s pursuit of Ugarte is concerned, with the Uruguayan also something of a “warrior” in the middle of the park, according to Kulig.

Like his former Sporting colleague, the 21-year-old is a true master at winning back possession, averaging 3.5 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game from his 18 league outings this season, while Palhinha has averaged 4.7 and 1.3 for those same two metrics respectively.

The two players are also commanding and dominant figures in the air, as the Portuguese maestro has won 62% of his aerial duels in the current campaign, while Ugarte has won 63% of his for Ruben Amorim’s side.

The latter’s quality has also been evident in the Champions League this term as he has averaged 4.8 tackles per game from his six group stage appearances, the best record of any player in the competition so far.

With Newcastle seemingly crying out for a midfield destroyer alongside Bruno Guimaraes, turning to the Sporting ace could well be a transformational signing, much like Palhinha has been at Craven Cottage.