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Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, has said the bans imposed on Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt should act as a deterrent against corruption in cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Feb-2011The ICC is “satisfied” with the verdict and punishments handed out to three Pakistan players on Saturday on charges of spot-fixing during the Lord’s Test last summer. A three-member tribunal found Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir guilty of offences under article 2 of the ICC’s anti-corruption code and banned them for 10, 7 and 5 years respectively. Haroon Lorgat, the ICC’s chief executive, hoped that as a result of the ICC’s investigation and the subsequent hearing, the game’s image would improve.In the aftermath of the sanctions, questions were raised over why no life bans were handed out to any of the players, which would’ve been the maximum sanction for the relevant charges. The ICC’s legal team is also believed to have pushed for those.The tribunal also included the possibility of suspended sentences in the cases of Butt and Asif, of 5 and 2 years respectively, which means they could be out for as few as five years. Considering the ages of a couple of the players – Butt is 26 and Amir just 18 – in theory, they could return after serving their bans, though that remains a considerably distant prospect, especially given that they still have to deal with a criminal case in the UK.”My first reaction is one of sadness at the fact that we had to go through such an ordeal but I am satisfied we have concluded it,” Lorgat said at a press conference in Doha. “I’m also satisfied that the sanctions delivered are severe enough to send out a clear message that the ICC will not stop short at anything to prosecute any player found wanting in this area of corruption. I don’t believe the sentences are lenient by any stretch of the imagination.”Lorgat added that he thought the sentences “will make it extremely difficult for them to return to the Test format. It is at the prime of their careers that they are faced with punishment. I don’t want to speculate what may happen in future.”The tribunal’s statement raised a couple of questions – answers to which will no doubt come if and when the full judgment appears. The recommendation to the ICC of a change in certain aspects of the code and sanctions left Amir and Butt – as seen in the statement of their lawyers – feeling that they could have received lower punishments than they did had the code allowed it. The implication, Amir’s lawyer Shahid Karim felt, was a change to that code might benefit Amir.But Lorgat said the ICC wasn’t bound to the recommendation to change, only to consider it. “We would be open-minded to all recommendations put forward. This particular code was substantially rewritten and came into effect in October 2009. This is the first instance we have of provisionally suspending players and working through a case so whatever learnings come out of it we will consider. As far as I understand, it is not binding from a legal perspective.”The other broad concern has been the programme of education prescribed to Butt and Asif has been left under the auspices of the PCB, an administration that has only recently been given warnings by the ICC to put its house in order. But the emergence of the ICC’s Pakistan task team (PTT), believes Lorgat, should help matters. “The PCB has made remarkable strides in the last few months in supporting the zero tolerance approach we espouse. We will do everything possible to support them, working together with them through the PTT.”The ICC’s role in the investigation, Lorgat said, proved their seriousness in protecting the game’s integrity. “It’s a fact that this is a kind of incident we don’t want to see in the game, but equally, with the speed with which we have got to this point, the hope is that people realised we are serious about maintaining our integrity and we will do everything to protect that. I hope as a result of what has transpired yesterday the image of the game has improved.”

Don Lockerbie has been relieved of his position as chief executive of the USA Cricket Association with immediate

Martin Williamson21-Nov-2010Don Lockerbie has been relieved of his position as chief executive of the USA Cricket Association with immediate effect hours before a board meeting in Florida, according to sources inside US cricket.The news comes a little over a week after the resignation of Nabeel Ahmed, the first vice-president of USACA.While nobody was prepared to confirm the report, it follows several months of increasing concern that Lockerbie’s bullish promises about changes he was going to make to the game in the USA had come to nothing.The board’s finances remain a concern, and despite official denials it is widely believed the ill-fated tournament in Florida in May featuring New Zealand and Sri Lanka landed USACA with considerable losses.Lockerbie had a reputation of being someone big on talk but far more reluctant to address media inquiries about the more questionable aspects of USACA’s operations.He took up his role in April 2009 and quickly unveiled ambitious plans to turn US cricket professional and stage an IPL-type tournament in the country. But despite strong support from the ICC his plans failed to materialise, and in recent months there has been growing discontent within the USA which appears to have cost Lockerbie his position.While few will lament his departure, it does raise the grim spectre of the USA sliding back into the murky shambles that led to its suspension from the ICC in 2005.

Sussex strengthened their grip at the top of the table as they beat nearest rivals Essex by 17 runs in their Friends Provident Twenty20 battle at Chelmsford

29-Jun-2010
ScorecardGrant Flower is bowled during Essex’s collapse as their run chase fell apart•Getty ImagesSussex strengthened their grip at the top of the table as they beat nearest rivals Essex by 17 runs in their Friends Provident Twenty20 battle at Chelmsford.After posting a total of 174 for 5 on the back of a superb half-century from Matt Prior, Sussex restricted their opponents to 157 for 9. Prior dominated an opening partnership with Ed Joyce to such an extent that he scored 50 out of 65 runs before he drove David Masters to extra cover where Mark Pettini took a fine catch.Those runs came from only 27 balls and contained four sixes and four boundaries. Joyce, Murray Goodwin, Dwayne Smith and Andrew Hodd all reached the 20s to ensure Sussex set their opponents a testing target.Left-arm spinner Tim Phillips was the pick of the bowlers, conceding 22 runs in his four overs during which he claimed the wicket of Joyce. It looked as though Prior’s efforts would go unrewarded when Essex replied.With Pettini, who was restored to the side after a loss of form lead to him being dropped a fortnight ago, finding his touch without the burden of captaincy, Essex reached the halfway stage on 82 without loss.It was not until two overs and eight runs later that Pettini’s innings came to an end after he contributed 59 from 38 deliveries with the help of five fours and three sixes. But Essex’s hopes of recording a sixth successive win quickly evaporated as they lost their way.Pettini’s departure signalled a collapse that saw nine wickets go down in as many overs for 49 runs. Among them was young opener Jaik Mickleburgh who was run out for 32, but he struggled so much that he needed 42 balls to gather those runs while striking just two boundaries.A late flourish from John Maunders, who struck two sixes in an unbeaten 25 from 16 balls, gave the Essex reply an air of respectability but never threatened to prevent Sussex getting back on the winning trail.Their win came after two defeats and was backed up by some disciplined bowling and fine work in the field. Chad Keegan bowled with commendable accuracy while conceding just 19 in four overs, during which he gathered the wicket of Pettini, while Smith was also a model of accuracy while picking up one for 23.

Celtic have been dealt a huge injury setback ahead of their upcoming Premiership fixture.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments made on The Go Radio Football Show (via Vital Celtic), The Celtic Exchange podcaster known as Tino revealed that Callum McGregor will miss at least Saturday’s clash with Dundee United and Wednesday’s Old Firm derby as a result of the facial injury the 28-year-old picked up against Alloa Athletic.

Speaking about the condition of the central midfielder, the podcaster said: “I’ve heard that Callum McGregor picked up a concussion and I believe there’s a ruling in place that you need to wait something like 12 days [before being able to play again].

“So, I’m not sure exactly how that plays out, maybe someone can tell us on that. I think he numerically could be ruled out of [the Dundee United and Rangers fixtures]. I don’t think there’s any fracture to his jaw from what I’ve heard.”

Ange will be livid

Considering just how integral a part of the Celtic side McGregor is, the fact that the Scotland international looks set to miss out on both the Dundee United and Rangers games as a result of an injury picked up against League One Alloa Athletic is sure to have left Ange Postecoglou livid.

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Indeed, over his 18 Premiership appearances this season, the £6.75m-rated midfielder has been in impeccable form for the Bhoys, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.9 key passes, 0.6 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, 72.7 total passes and winning 53% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £30k-per-week man average a SofaScore match rating of 7.31, ranking the 28-year-old as the seventh-best player in the entirety of the Scottish top flight.

As such, it is clear for all to see that being without McGregor for both the Dundee United and Rangers fixtures will severely reduce the Bhoys’ chances of picking up maximum points in the games – with anything but six points from the next two outings potentially having disastrous consequences in the Hoops’ bid to reclaim their Premiership crown this season.

In other news: Ange must now axe “arrogant” £15k-p/w Celtic flop by landing “incredible” £5k-p/w gem

The Kochi franchise will be a part of the IPL in 2011, the league’s governing council has said after a meeting in Mumbai on Sunday

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Dec-2010The Kochi franchise’s new ownership pattern has passed scrutiny and the team will feature in the fourth edition of the IPL, which begins on April 8. After receiving the new ownership pattern from the Kochi consortium last Sunday, the IPL had deferred the final decision by a week. Today, after a two-hour long meeting that was attended by some of the Kochi owners, the IPL said it was satisfied with the submissions and assurances from the consortium.”The IPL governing council confirmed that the Kochi franchisee had satisfactorily responded to the notice issued to them by the BCCI, and decided that the franchisee Kochi Cricket Pvt Ltd, would play in the IPL from 2011 onwards,” the BCCI said in a release after the meeting.The decision means that the IPL in 2011 will have at least eight teams, while uncertainty continues over the fate of the two franchises that were terminated – Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab. An arbitrator has since passed a stay order on Rajasthan’s termination while the hearing of Punjab’s appeal was stalled because the same arbitrator stepped down citing a conflict of interest.”For the moment the IPL will have eight teams, until the courts decide on Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, which have entered into legal battles with the BCCI after they were terminated,” an IPL official told ESPNcricinfo.It was the fourth time the governing council was meeting to discuss whether to retain the faction-ridden Kochi franchise, which suffered from disputes right from its inception because of a tussle for ownership between the promoters and the investors. Annoyed and dissatisfied by the franchise’s inability to sort out the internal problems, the IPL served a termination notice to Kochi on October 27, giving it a 30-day deadline to respond and explain why it should not be scrapped. The franchise was given two extensions before it finally submitted its restructured ownership pattern on November 28.The investors in the Kochi consortium include corporate firms Anchor Earth, Parinee Developers, Anand Shyam Estates and Film Wave – which held 74% of the equity according to the original shareholding structure when they won the bid. The remaining 26% had been given to the family of Gaikwads – Shailendra, his brother Ravi and their parents plus a few others, all part of Rendezvous Sports – as free equity for services rendered in successfully bidding for the franchise.

The Cobras’ three-wicket victory earned them the right to play the table-topping Lions in Friday’s final at the Wanderers

The Report by Firdose Moonda09-Dec-2012
Scorecard Justin Ontong made an unbeaten 82 to help the Cobras reach the Momentum Cup final•Getty ImagesDale Steyn’s five-wicket haul for the Cobras helped offset AB de Villiers’ century for the Titans as national heavyweights played starring roles in the one-day cup playoff. The Cobras’ three-wicket victory earned them the right to play the table-topping Lions in Friday’s final at the Wanderers.They had their bowlers to thank for restricting the Titans to a below-par score on a slow Newlands pitch and Justin Ontong and Yaseen Vallie’s century stand for anchoring the chase. Despite, eventful dismissals – like Dane Vilas’ for obstructing the field – the Cobras won with 21 balls to spare.Steyn was not even due to play this match after he signed a one-game deal with the Brisbane Heat for Australia’s Big Bash League. CSA withdrew his NOC at the last minute and even though Steyn said he was disappointed not to be able to participate in the BBL, he did not show it. Instead, he struck telling blows for the Cobras against his former franchise, with two wickets in his first spell and three in one over in his last.The Titans were without their BBL-contracted player, Faf du Plessis, who returned from Australia on Saturday but was left out of the XI. They did have Morne Morkel at their disposal, but his efforts with the ball were not enough, despite an early breakthrough.After Eden Links caught Andrew Puttick spectacularly at short midwicket off Roelof van der Merwe, Morkel had Stiaan van Zyl caught at third man. Richard Levi got a top-edge a heave over long-off to leave the Cobras 72 for 3 in the 14th over.Vilas should have been out caught off the glove when he was on 23 but stood his ground and the umpire did not raise the finger. In the next over, Vilas danced out of his crease and drove the ball back to David Wiese. Before Vilas had made his ground, Wiese threw the ball back and Vilas got into position to block it with his bat.The Titans appealed for obstruction and, after a lengthy delay, Vilas was given out. Graeme Smith, the national captain who plays for the Cobras but missed the match through injury, called the dismissal a “disgraceful decision setting the wrong precedent,” on Twitter.Ontong and Vallie ensured Vilas’ departure did not affect the Cobras too badly. They played aggressively and targeted relative newcomer Tumi Masekela. Vallie became van der Merwe’s third victim and Robin Peterson his fourth but Ontong batted to the end, turning it on against Henry Davids* when he hit the medium-pacer for back-to-back sixes over square leg. But, it was Rory Kleinveldt who blasted the winning runs in boundaries off Wiese, who he hit for two fours and a six.Earlier, Steyn found swing on a warm Cape Town day and dismissed the Titans openers cheaply. When de Villiers walked in, his side was in trouble on 18 for 2 in the fifth over. He joined fellow international Jacques Rudolph and the two did a good repair job to add 49 runs for the third-wicket before Rudolph was run-out.The Titans then had another wobble. When Martin van Jaarsveld was caught behind off Rory Kleinveldt they were 85 for 4 but with de Villiers still there to build the second recovery. De Villiers and Farhaan Behardien rotated the strike well, with de Villiers finding boundaries off Johann Louw.Their 120-run fifth wicket stand gave the Titans a launch pad but the rocket did not take off. De Villiers was run out by a direct hit from Ontong at point and the Titans stalled. Steyn was brought back in the 47th over and pegged them back further.He had Wiese caught behind off the first ball and Behardien deceived by a change of pace off the fourth. But his marquee wicket was bowling his South Africa team-mate Morkel, who did not get forward to a delivery that uprooted off stump.With their lower-order in tatters, the Titans stuttered to 241 for 9. It was a score that did not look enough and in the end, proved not to be.*11.58 GMT, December 11, 2012: Corrected bowler from Eden Links to Henry Davids

An exciting behind-the-scenes Newcastle United claim has emerged ahead of the summer…

What’s the talk?

Mark Douglas Tweeted that “The big announcements are coming at #nufc” with a link to his INews report, which states that PIF are looking to build the club sustainably and will not be immediately eyeing superstars or ageing gems like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

The report claims that Benfica’s Darwin Nunez and Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta are both ‘viable’ targets for the Magpies heading into the summer. It also states that they are looking to make key appointments behind the scenes, including a sports nutritionist and a sporting director – with Douglas expecting these ‘big announcements’ to come at some point. 

Eddie Howe will be buzzing

The Toon head coach will surely be buzzing with these claims for multiple reasons.

Firstly, he will be excited by the prospect of the infrastructure of the club being improved upon with several key appointments being made.

A nutritionist can help to improve the fitness of his players to get the most out of them over the course of a campaign, whilst bringing in a sporting director will have a big impact on what they can do in the transfer market as they will have an expert working with Howe to get the right players in to build a winning team.

The ex-Bournemouth boss will also be delighted with the potential signings of Nunez and Paqueta as both players would be exceptional additions to the squad.

Nunez has scored 25 goals and provided four assists in 21 league starts for Benfica this season. This shows that he has been a consistent goalscorer for the Portuguese outfit, at the age of 22, and can join the Magpies to improve their options at the top end of the pitch.

Howe would surely love to work with the young attacker as he has shown that he can perform in the present whilst he has the potential to improve further at his young age.

Paqueta, meanwhile, has been superb in Ligue 1 for Lyon. Bruno Guimaraes’ ex-teammate has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.14 in the French top-flight, scoring eight goals and providing five assists from midfield.

He has shown that he can perform to a high level on a consistent basis in a top European league, which suggests that he can be a big player for Newcastle in the Premier League. His pre-existing relationship with Bruno also means that it could be a smooth transition for him as he will already know how his compatriot likes to play, which is why Howe will be buzzing with him being a target for the club.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Wilson: NUFC can seal dream pairing with “unplayable” £25m “monster”…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has shared some post-January Southampton transfer news involving West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Southampton eye summer moves…

As per reliable Saints reporter Tom Leach of Hampshire Live, CEO and transfer chief Martin Semmens has his eyes firmly on the summer window after a fairly quiet January.

Southampton did hold talks over Chelsea youngster Tino Anjorin, who they are now set to scout during his loan spell at Huddersfield Town, with the Blues also said to be open to letting their on-loan striker Armando Broja join the Saints permanently (Hampshire Live).

One area of the squad raising question marks is undoubtedly Ralph Hasenhuttl’s goalkeeping roster, as all of his current options are set to run out of contract at the end of 2021/22 as things stand (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Crook makes post-January claim involving Johnstone…

Sharing what he knows, talkSPORT reporter Crook said that Southampton have been laying the groundwork to sign Baggies ace Johnstone, with the England international set to leave West Brom on a free transfer later this year.

The journalist added that St Mary’s is the ‘most likely destination’ for Johnstone, telling GiveMeSport:

“Southampton have been working quite hard to try and get this one teed up for the summer. So, at the moment, I would say that is his most likely destination to go and become number one.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Semmens should hold no hesitation in signing the 28-year-old on a free transfer, especially considering his Three Lions recognition, his homegrown status and that he still has plenty of years left in his career.

He would come as a suitable and cheap long-term option for Hasenhuttl who also happens to be proven in the Premier League.

Johnstone’s former boss Sam Allardyce raved over the goalkeeper last year, calling him ‘one of the best’ in his position, while ex-Sheffield United shot-stopper Paddy Kenny has also branded the player ‘unreal’ (Football Insider).

On a free transfer and with many Saints ‘keepers looking set to leave in a few months’ time, this really does seem like a no-brainer.

In other news: Southampton also eyeing ‘strong’ player, Semmens has personally met with his father…find out more here.

Phil Hay was unimpressed with Leeds United’s first-half display in the Premier League clash with Tottenham, with the unfamiliar sound of boos echoing around Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Leeds being thumped by Spurs

The Whites were hoping to bounce back from their 6-0 drubbing away to Liverpool on Wednesday night, with a relegation battle looking increasingly on the cards.

It didn’t pan out that way in the opening 45 minutes against Spurs, though, with Antonio Conte’s side going 3-0 up before the half-hour mark in front of a stunned Elland Road crowd.

Leeds’ defending yet again left a huge amount to be desired and understandably the home faithful grew increasingly restless as the minutes ticked by.

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The Latest: Hay fumes at Leeds’ performance

Taking to Twitter during the first half, Hay bemoaned Leeds’ performance and made the telling observation that boos were ringing around the stadium, something he hadn’t heard at Elland Road all season until today despite the Whites’ struggles.

Just after Dejan Kulusevski gave the visitors a 2-0 lead, the journalist lamented: “Confidence, judgement…it’s all taking a hammering. A few boos after that second goal which is the first time we’ve heard that at ER this season. You can’t concede goals as easily and regularly as this.”

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The Verdict: Hugely worrying times

Leeds are arguably the most out-of-form team in the Premier League currently, with goals being conceded by the bucket load – they have now let in three or more in each of their last five league games – and confidence looking shot.

Having also lost 4-2 to Manchester United last Sunday, Marcelo Bielsa’s team have conceded 13 goals in less than 144 hours – for context, Manchester City have shipped 17 in the league since the start of the season in August.

Question marks could be raised about Bielsa’s current performance as manager, with his tactics naive and the players seemingly not showing the same levels of hunger and belief.

There is still time for results to change, with the likes of Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford hopefully returning soon, but a drastic improvement is needed quickly to get the disillusioned fan base back on side.

In other news, one Leeds player has hinted at a potential move away from Elland Road. Find out who it is here.

Transport for London has announced that it will name one of its London Overground lines after the Lionesses to honour the England team's achievements.

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England women honoured with London Overground line'The Lioness line' will run through WembleyFollows iconic achievements under Sarina WiegmanWHAT HAPPENED?

TfL announced last year that it would be renaming six of its London Overground lines and on Thursday it was revealed that one of them will be known as 'the Lioness line', following the remarkable milestones that England have hit under Sarina Wiegman's charge over the last 18 months. The line will run from Euston to Watford Junction and through Wembley.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

It was at Wembley that the Lionesses won their first major tournament in the summer of 2022, lifting the European Championship trophy after beating Germany in extra time. They then followed that up last year with a run to the World Cup final, becoming the first senior England side to get there since the men won the tournament in 1966.

DID YOU KNOW?

When the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022, they did so in front of a crowd of 87,192. That is a record attendance for a Euros match, across both the men's and women's tournaments.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR THE LIONESSES?

England will play their first fixtures of 2024 later this month, taking on Austria and Italy in a pair of friendlies in Spain.