The franchise for Eastern Cape will continue to be based in East London till the end of the 2005-06 season, after which it will move to Port Elizabeth for the next two seasons. This was decided by the General Council of the South African board after a meeting in Johannesburg. The council also stated that at the end of that period, the Eastern Cape Franchise Board will pass a resolution to decide on where the franchise will be based thereafter.Among the other resolutions passed was the agreement that domestic cricket in South Africa would continue to be played by six regional teams till the 2007-08 season. The teams are Southern Gauteng, Northern Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Central and Eastern Cape. The council also agreed that there would be no changes to the agreements pertaining to the franchises for the first four teams.The council also announced that since Griqualand West and Free State had not been able to reach an agreement regarding franchising for the Central region, status quo would be maintained for that region.Ray Mali, the president of UCBSA, was pleased that the franchise issues had finally been sorted out. “Our organisation has been temporarily paralysed by the uncertainty regarding the franchise system and these resolutions will allow us to progress operationally in the best interests of South African Cricket.”The decisions taken by the council were based on findings and recommendations made by the Franchise Review Committee, a group appointed by the General Council.
Group D ScorecardPakistan became one of only two sides to emerge from the group stage unbeaten, completing their stay at Khulna with a thumping 163 victory over West Indies. In front of a packed crowd, Pakistan scored 251 for 9 in 50 overs after being put in. Jahangir Mirza top-scored with 92, and Usman Saeed contributed 40 against a West Indies attack that was without Ravi Rampaul, who was feeling unwell.The West Indies reply was over in 27.3 overs due mainly to a devastating opening burst from Riaz Afridi, who took 5 for 28 runs with Tariq Mehmood and Mansoor Amjad providing able support as West Indies were skittled out for 88.”We simply have to improve our batting as we have not been consistent enough,” said Denesh Ramdin, West Indies’ captain. “We have enjoyed out time in Khulna, it has been fantastic here.”Aqib Javed, Pakistan’s coach, said he thought his side were in good shape going into the Super League. “We stuck to our game plan today and performed well,” he said. “I was pleased with our batting and bowling and I am looking forward to the Super League in Dhaka.”
A cavalier 151 by Corey Richards helped NSW scrape into Sunday week’s ING Cup final after a nailbiting win over Western Australia at the WACA ground tonight.The Blues held off the Warriors late batting charge to win by three runs with quick Shawn Bradstreet (2-39) the hero having tail-ender Michael Clark (7) caught behind with just three balls left.It continues the Blues’ recent dominance over the Warriors, winning their last three matches by the slimmest of margins, including last year’s ING Cup final at the WACA ground.But a nervous NSW brigade appeared to be cracking under pressure with some sloppy bowling and fielding in the final overs as the run chase climaxed.And despite an excellent knock from allrounder Brad Hogg (39no) for the home side, he ran out of partners in the end.It was the Warriors who eventually folded under the pressure with their last four wickets going for 29 runs.Richards earlier rode his luck being put down three times as he registered the fifth highest innings in domestic one-day cricket off 147 balls.He guided the Blues to 9-267 off their 50 overs but the Warriors made 264 in reply.NSW will play the winner of the match between South Australia and Queensland in Adelaide this Sunday.Richards’ glorious innings overshadowed big Jo Angel’s (3-53) record-breaking feats as the West Australian quick became the leading wicket-taker in domesticone-day cricket.But it was a bittersweet evening for the veteran as he watched his state’s outside chances of making the final slip away.Angel moved past former teammate Tom Moody’s mark of 70 wickets when he had a scratchy Michael Bevan (40) caught at mid-on by Clark.But it was the dropped catch by Kade Harvey from a full-blooded cover drive when Richards was on 68 that came back to haunt the Warriors.Richards seemed to edge his way towards his ton before accelerating the innings after key batsman Michael Clarke (18) and Shane Lee (2) fell in one Brad Williams over.In reply, wicketkeeper Ryan Campbell lived dangerously before Mark Higgs had him caught by Bevan for a quickfire (42) to leave the Warriors at 1-71 inthe 14th over.Chris Rogers (28) followed just three runs later when quick Stuart Clark (1-35) had him caught behind by Brad Haddin.But it was when skipper Simon Katich (18) was caught behind off Bradstreet that the home team looked in deep trouble at 3-109 in the 22nd over.Michael Hussey revived the innings with a dashing 45 which included a $200,000 sweep shot which hit the sponsor’s sign at square leg.The 26-year-old, who is expected to keep $80,000 of the bounty and share the rest with teammates, could only manage another 14 runs after the money shot.But a fifty-run partnership between Hogg and Harvey (29) for the seventh wicket put the heat back on the Blues.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), earlier this week announced that it was in a good financial position despite experiencing a financial loss of US 5.4 million dollars for the fiscal year ending 30th September, 2000.The increase in the Board’s positive cash flow (US 2.03 million dollars), was due mainly to a new television rights agreement with BskyB during the year under review, which included an upfront signing advance of US 5 million dollars.According to the Board, the losses experienced were due mainly to the expansion of the development programme (an expanded Under-15 and Under-19 tournaments, along with the hosting of two West Indies “A” tours). The loss was further compounded by an unprofitable tour of England last summer along with the television production expenses for the home tours of Pakistan and Zimbabwe. These productions did not earn the commensurate revenue from those weaker television markets.The Board accepted that the change in the tour guarantee system implemented by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revised payment terms, which emanated from it, led to last year’s unprofitable tour of England.It was also accepted that while the WICB was committed under the existing television contracts to produce television for every home series, there are losses in some years. These are however, compensated by the substantial revenues from television rights when the West Indies plays England, India and Australia at home.The Board also agreed to continue its efforts to increase revenue sources and reduce costs so that funds can be made available to meet the developmental needs of the WICB and its member territorial boards.
Match referee Javagal Srinath was forced to suspend play for half an hour in the third ODI between Sri Lanka and Pakistan after a rock was thrown onto the field at the Premadasa Stadium. The incident came after fights had broken out in the terraced section of the south-eastern stand during Sri Lanka’s innings.”There was an issue between two factions in the stands,” SLC secretary Prakash Schaffter said. “The police sorted that out. There was a stone that found its way to the ground – outside of the boundary line though. Nevertheless it was on the ground. They temporarily stopped play and then the police brought the situation under control. When we confirmed that to the match referee, the match commenced. Play was stopped partly because of an abundance of caution, because player security is paramount.”The lower tier of the stand was temporarily evacuated after the fights began, but objects continued to be thrown – in many instances by people who were being evicted from the ground. Several rocks were thrown through the back of the open south-eastern stand, and these were seen cascading down the terrace steps.Policemen had swarmed the area early on during the incident, but while they were able to control the violence within the stadium, they were less effective outside it. People throwing rocks were seen fleeing the stadium through the small alleyways that surround the venue.The interruption came at around 9:35pm – Sri Lanka were at 158 for 7 in the 34th over of their chase – and the players were asked to leave the field soon after. The entire eastern stand was evacuated and once match officials were satisfied that police and riot police had quelled the violence, play resumed at 10:05pm with no reduction in overs.Mahela Jayawardene, the former Sri Lanka captain, was among those to react to the incident. He tweeted: “Tough game for @OfficialSLC . Heard what happen with the spectators. We as a nation don’t believe in this kind of behaviour.”Pakistan went on to complete a 135-run win, and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
The race for Antoine Semenyo is seriously heating up ahead of the January transfer window, and Tottenham are firmly involved.
Spurs 'aggressively' pursuing Semenyo prior to January
Tottenham have significantly accelerated their pursuit of Semenyo, positioning themselves as the most aggressive suitors right now, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The north London club are also reportedly prepared to obliterate their existing wage structure by offering the 25-year-old a contract that would make him Tottenham’s highest-paid player – a dramatic financial commitment reflecting Thomas Frank’s desperation for attacking reinforcements.
Semenyo becomes available via a £65 million release clause, starting on January 1, though it’s only active during a limited early-window period before dropping to £50 million next summer.
Tottenham’s readiness to trigger the higher valuation immediately signals their intent, following a damp run of form that has left them languishing in mid-table.
Tottenham hold loose talks to sign "strong" Man City player amid worry over mainstay
He’s apparently keen on a move.
ByEmilio Galantini
Frank’s side have collected only one victory from their last seven Premier League fixtures, with last Sunday’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest exposing severe attacking deficiencies.
The Ghanian would come as a dynamic, versatile forward option that Frank desperately needs, capable of operating across multiple attacking positions while providing the pace and directness currently absent from Tottenham’s struggling frontline.
However, Tottenham face formidable competition for his signature.
Man City, Liverpool and Man United are also believed to be contending for Semenyo next month, and City can guarantee both Champions League football and a title challenge.
If the Lilywhites are beaten to the punch for Semenyo, Spurs are being urged to consider another ‘magic’ forward behind-the-scenes.
Club scouts urging Tottenham to sign Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche
As per TEAMtalk and journalist Dean Jones, Monaco winger Maghnes Akilouche is that man.
Indeed, it is believed that Tottenham have identified Monaco winger Akliouche as a compelling alternative to Semenyo should they fail to secure their top target next month.
Club scouts have recommended the 23-year-old to Tottenham as a January signing, having tracked him extensively, including his goalless Champions League appearance against Spurs earlier this season.
Sources indicate Akliouche remains firmly on Tottenham’s transfer shortlist as Frank continues searching for solutions to his glaring left-wing void.
The Monaco star represents a significantly cheaper option than Semenyo, with expectations he would cost approximately £40 million compared to Bournemouth’s £65 million release clause.
Akliouche’s profile ticks numerous boxes for Frank’s struggling attack. TT say he is renowned for possessing “magic skills,” and the versatile forward has impressed throughout 2025 with Monaco.
Subscribe to the newsletter for Semenyo transfer coverage Get deeper context on the Semenyo transfer race—subscribe to the newsletter for comprehensive coverage and detailed analysis of this pursuit and other major transfer targets, plus profiles of contenders, tactical fits, and market moves. Subscribe to the newsletter for Semenyo transfer coverage Get deeper context on the Semenyo transfer race—subscribe to the newsletter for comprehensive coverage and detailed analysis of this pursuit and other major transfer targets, plus profiles of contenders, tactical fits, and market moves.
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He’s attracted parallel interest from PSG too, who are also contemplating a pursuit after being left ‘impressed’ by Akliouche this year.
This isn’t the first time that Spurs have been linked with the player, either.
Before they struck a deal for Xavi Simons, Tottenham were considering a summer move for Akliouche after they missed out on a deal for Eberechi Eze, following Arsenal’s infamous hijack.
He can play in the number 10 role, on the left and on the right-hand side – so Frank would have a very versatile attacking option at his disposal.
Frank’s side appear to have kept a firm watch on the Frenchman since then, and he could now come back into play this winter.
Tottenham ready to bid up to £35m for PSG target after 'concrete' discussions
Glamorgan have pulled off a major coup after the ECB awarded Cardiff the opening Ashes Test for next summer.The announcement was made public on Friday, and the first Test is set to get underway at the newly refurbished Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on July 8, which is a Wednesday instead of the traditional Thursday.The ground has been undergoing a £9.4million refurbishment since it was announced in 2006 that it had won the right to host its maiden Test match. The capacity will have been raised from 5,500 to 15,643 in just under two years. The first Test of the famous 2005 series took place at Lord’s, but Australia will not have fond memories of Cardiff, after their shock defeat against Bangladesh in that summer’s NatWest Series.David Collier, the ECB’s chief executive, said: “Already there is great expectation surrounding the Ashes Test Series which will follow the 2009 Twenty20 World Championships in an exciting summer of cricket for cricket followers.’We have been in full consultation with the England management about the structure of the series and our summer programme in 2009 and this was ECB’s preferred programme . I think everyone is now looking forward to the summer with relish.”Cricket Australia’s CEO, James Sutherland, said: “While it’s still more than a year away, the 2009 Ashes Series is already generating significant interest both here and in the UK. The 2005 series was a remarkable contest and the catalyst for huge growth in our game Australia and the UK. I’m sure that the 2009 Ashes will be another eagerly anticipated series.”Commenting on the announcement, Kevin Pietersen said: “As a member of the victorious England team in 2005, I’m looking forward to facing the Australian team again on home soil. The 2009 series promises some great cricket, at some great venues and no doubt some tough challenges along the way.”I’m pleased that interest in cricket continues to grow and the spectators can look forward to another thrilling Ashes duel,” said Pietersen, “arguably the biggest cricket contest of them all.”In addition to Cardiff and Lord’s, next summer’s other venues will be Edgbaston, Headingley and The Oval.The Ashes itineraryWed 8 – Sun 12 July, 1st Test, Cardiff Thu 16 – Mon 20 July, 2nd Test, Lord’s Thu 30 July – Mon 3 Aug, 3rd Test, Edgbaston Fri 7 – Tue 11 Aug, 4th Test, Headingley Thu 20 – Mon 24 Aug, 5th Test, The Oval
Zimbabwe’s Graeme Cremer has been slammed by an Oxfordshire club side after he failed to honour an agreement to play for them this summer.According to the Oxford Mail, Cremer had signed a contract to play and coach at Aston Rowant and was due to make his debut this weekend. But when club officials tried to contact him to confirm travel arrangements, they received a text message from Cremer saying he was no longer coming.Paul Humphreys, Aston Rowant’s captain, told the newspaper that the club was considering writing to the ICC for advice. “I’ve been told that there is no point in going to Zimbabwe Cricket because we won’t get anything out of them,” said Humphreys. “We could take it up with him because he has already broken his contract. We are out of pocket as a club and it is hugely frustrating for us.”It’s a bit of a muddle. We’ve been trying to get to the bottom of it. Two weeks ago he was selected to play for Zimbabwe A after being out of favour for a couple of years. Because he had already signed for us, he said it would be beneficial for him to play in the UK.”But Zimbabwe Cricket is blocking its cricketers from playing abroad, and all those who took part in the World Cup were forced to sign contracts agreeing not to seek overseas employment or they would have been dropped. Last summer several players, including Terry Duffin and Ed Rainsford, played for UK clubs.Cremer did not sign such a contract, but it seems he changed his mind about playing for Aston Rowant once he was picked to represent Zimbabwe A against a touring Kenya Select XI. It is reported that he was told in no uncertain terms by Ozias Bvute, ZC’s managing director, that if he joined an English club then he was finished as far as Zimbabwe cricket was concerned.However, Cricinfo has learned that Cremer failed to advise the club even though he knew he would not be coming more than a week before he texted them. “I just checked with him on Wednesday that he was OK,” Humphreys said. “He sent me a text message saying ‘no I’m not coming, I thought you had already been told this’. But when I contacted his agent, he had no idea about this and thought he was going to honour his contract.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has appointed Ranjib Biswal, a national selector, and D Dongoankar as managers of India’s one-day and Test side managers for the series against West Indies starting May 12.Ravi Sawant, the Mumbai Cricket Association vice-president, has been appointed as assistant to Dongaonkar. The BCCI also appointed Arindam Ganguly as India A manager for their tour to Australia from June 28 to July 25.India play five one-day internationals and four Tests against West Indies.
Bennett King, the West Indies coach, has blamed inherent weaknesses in the domestic structure for the team’s poor results in the international arena. West Indies, once invincible on home soil, have performed abysmally at home in recent times, thumped by England last year, and easily beaten by South Africa in two of three Tests so far this season.Addressing the media before the final Test in Antigua, King said: “I believe one of the main problems with the West Indies at the moment is the gap between regional cricket and international cricket. They are trying their best but if you go and watch regional cricket closely the lines that they bowl aren’t conducive to taking wickets at international level.”King insisted that a failure to adequately pressure opposition batsmen had been the root cause of insipid bowling displays. “We’ve talked with all the coaches and to a man they have been supportive of the approach that we are trying to put forward,” he said. “That means all our bowlers, including spinners, bowling attacking rather than defensive lines. We need to put pressure on opposing sides.”Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the captain, stressed that the West Indies would have to improve all aspects of their play to be competitive against a South African side that has played some superb cricket since escaping with a draw in Guyana. “We are going into the match in a positive frame of mind and we’re looking for a win,” said Chanderpaul. “We’ve been trying hard, we’ve had meetings where everybody has contributed. That makes my job easier, and I’m happy with that. But I’m not happy with our results.”