Governing council to consider moving IPL 2017 abroad – Thakur

A round-up of IPL-related news on April 21, 2016

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Apr-2016Governing council to discuss moving IPL 2017 outside IndiaBCCI secretary Anurag Thakur has said the IPL governing council will consider moving the next edition of the tournament outside India because of the legal challenges affecting the 2016 season of the league.”The IPL governing council will be looking at the venues in India and abroad. The constant shifting is getting tough. From now, before drawing the schedule, we have to check the availability of the venues and prevailing conditions,” Thakur said in Delhi on Thursday.BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry had also tweeted on April 17: “Very soon the IPL may be played outside the country if this goes on :)! Loss to the GDP would not be insignificant.”IPL matches have been moved out of India twice before. In 2009 the entire tournament was played in South Africa and in 2014 the first 20 matches were held in the UAE. On both occasions, the reason was the general elections in India because of which enough security could not be provided for the IPL.This year, all matches scheduled after April 30 in Maharashtra had to be moved out of the drought-affected state, because of the Bombay High Court ruling on April 13. A week later, though, the high court said Pune could host the May 1 match between Rising Pune Supergiants and Mumbai Indians, after the BCCI filed an application citing logistical difficulties due to a short turnaround time.Kings XI move Nagpur matches to DharamsalaThree of Kings XI Punjab’s home matches that were earlier scheduled in Nagpur will now be played in Dharamsala. The franchise shifted the games to Dharamsala following a Bombay High Court ruling last week that ordered all matches after April 30 to be moved out of Maharashtra due to a severe state-wide drought.Kings XI were originally scheduled to play Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Nagpur between May 7 and 15. The High Court, however, moved out matches in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur in May due to the water crisis. The ruling was in response to a Public Interest Litigation by a Hyderabad-based NGO that questioned the hosting of IPL games while Maharashtra suffered one its worst droughts.Dhawan’s form not a concern, says LaxmanVVS Laxman, the Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor, has dismissed concerns surrounding the form of Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan, who has endured a lean patch, hasn’t registered a single double-digit score, totalling just 16 runs in three innings in IPL 2016.”Shikhar’s form is not a worry for Sunrisers,” Laxman said on Wednesday. “He is a gifted player, and when he plays well, he finishes off the match. He is a match-winning player.”Sunrisers, however, have had a few positives on the bowling front, most notably Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladesh left-arm seamer. Mustafizur had returns of 2 for 26 in four overs in Sunrisers’ opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where the hosts blasted 227 for 4, and was the only bowler with an economy rate of under seven. He took 1 for 32 against Mumbai Indians to help set up Sunrisers’ seven-wicket win, their first of the tournament.”He (Mustafizur) is a smart bowler. He is exceptionally talented, he has a plenty of variations with the new and old ball, and more important, he is very consistent,” Laxman said.Sunrisers’ batting hasn’t exactly fired in unison and David Warner has done much of the heavy lifting. Laxman commended the captain even as he called on the rest to step up. “Warner has been in fantastic form and he played many match-winning knocks, but other batsmen, particularly domestic players coming in the middle order need to contribute more with the bat,” Laxman said. “If the openers and middle order manage to click, then the team certainly enjoys a comfortable position.”Laxman also had a word of appreciation for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, left-arm spinner Bipul Sharma and left-arm medium pacer Barinder Sran for their contributions to the win against Mumbai Indians. Laxman put the defeats in the first two matches down to improper execution of plans and exuded confidence ahead of Thursday’s clash against Gujarat Lions, who are undefeated in the competition.

‘Still processing it!’ – Wrexham star Jacob Mendy reacts to first Gambia cap as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned Red Dragons prepare for Morecambe clash

Wrexham star Jacob Mendy shared his delight and declared himself "hungry for more" after making his international debut.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Mendy makes Gambia debutThanks fans for messages of supportEyes African Cup of Nations spotGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The wing-back started for Gambia during their 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in World Cup qualifying on Monday. Despite the result, Mendy was delighted with the experience and has now set his sights on winning a spot in The Scorpions squad for the African Cup of Nations in January.

AdvertisementWHAT JACOB MENDY SAID

"Still processing it!" Mendy told Instagram followers. "Just wanted to thank everyone for the support and the messages I’ve received and I’m still receiving. Really appreciate it. Hungry for more"

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mendy's energy down the left flank was a key feature Wrexham's promotion push at the end of last season and was typified by a crucial goal in the epic April showdown with Notts County. That form earned a first call-up for Gambia's summer internationals and a congratulatory message from co-owner Rob McElhenney. Mendy though, had to wait for the most recent round of internationals to finally make his international bow.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR JACOB MENDY AND GAMBIA?

Mendy will be eagerly waiting to hear if he makes the Gambia squad for the African Cup of Nations which begins in the Ivory Coast on January 13. The Scorpions have been drawn in an intimidating group alongside Senegal, Cameroon and Guinea.

‘Will take a miracle’ – Update on Luis Suarez’s proposed reunion with Lionel Messi at MLS side Inter Miami delivered by Gremio boss

Gremio boss Renato Gaucho admits it “will take a miracle” for his side to prevent Luis Suarez leaving for a reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Uruguayan striker in Brazil for nowSet to leave at the end of the yearReady to join all-time great in FloridaWHAT HAPPENED?

The veteran Uruguayan striker is in Brazil at present, but has been cleared to see his contract brought to a close at the end of the calendar year. The expectation is that Suarez will pack his bags at that point and head to the United States.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Inter Miami have made no secret of their interest in the former Liverpool and Barcelona frontman, with another familiar face set to be slotted into their squad alongside eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi – with deals having already been done for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

WHAT THEY SAID

Gaucho sees Suarez heading for MLS, telling reporters after watching the 36-year-old net the only goal of the game for Gremio in their 1-0 win over Bahia: “It will take a miracle [for Suarez to stay]. He already has plans for 2024. He made that clear a few months ago and I’m not expecting a miracle. It’s his decision. I’d like him to stay, but we have to be honest with our fans. If he ends up staying, it’ll be a miracle, and that miracle comes down to him.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Suarez is expected to agree a deal with Inter Miami ahead of the 2024 MLS season, allowing him to take on another new challenge in a career that has already taken him from Uruguay to Brazil via the Netherlands, England and Spain.

Code violations in IPL 2014 cleared by BCCI's anti-corruption unit

The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit had pulled up IPL franchises and players for failing to adhere to protocol during the 2014 tournament, but the board and teams confirmed the ACU was satisfied with the explanations it had received

ESPNcricinfo staff22-May-2015The BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit had pulled up various IPL franchises and players for failing to adhere to protocol during the 2014 tournament, but both the board and teams confirmed the ACU was satisfied with the explanations it had received and the inquiries were considered closed.In an email to some officials in the previous BCCI administration, ACU head Ravi Sawani outlined instances where franchises had failed to provide guest lists for private parties and sponsor events in advance, and certain players had allowed visitors into their rooms without informing the on-duty ACU officer, according to a report in the .ESPNcricinfo confirmed the contents of Sawani’s email with BCCI officials.The ACU’s concern that certain players were still not following the code strictly stemmed from the scandal of the 2013 season, when some players and team officials were found to be involved in corrupt activities that brought the game into disrepute.One example Sawani cited, according to the report, was of a private party organised by Kings XI Punjab owner Preity Zinta on a boat on April 30, 2014. In this instance, though only players were invited, there was also a friend of Zinta’s in attendance, whose presence the ACU was unaware of. It is understood the ACU wanted to first establish whether there was a party and whether there was an outsider present.The newspaper also cited similar examples of Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan and Delhi Daredevils owners hosting events involving their squads without intimating the ACU. The Daredevils reportedly hosted a party at a five-star hotel in Delhi before IPL 2014 where all the players and support staff mingled with more than 100 outsiders.A BCCI official said franchises have started sending out guest lists for private parties and sponsor events in advance to the ACU, which vets the names and sends an alert in case of any undesirable elements being present.Another instance Sawani cited involved two Chennai Super Kings players allowing friends to stay overnight in their hotel rooms without informing the ACU officer. They breached ACU protocol, which states no individuals, “except blood relations or wife/ partner,” should be entertained by players in their room.Ranjib Biswal, who was the IPL chairman in 2014, said all the necessary actions had been taken by the BCCI. “Our ACU chief Ravi Sawani was constantly in touch with all the franchises,” Biswal told ESPNcricinfo on Friday. “Wherever necessary, he had reprimanded the owners and players concerned”A Kings XI spokesperson confirmed the boat party had taken place, according to the newspaper report, and that “the BCCI was satisfied with the action taken by the franchise.” A Delhi Daredevils spokesperson also said the details of their function were shared with the BCCI-IPL management through various channels.Ever since three Rajasthan Royals players – Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila – and a Chennai Super Kings team official Gurunath Meiyappan were arrested during IPL 2013 for their alleged involvement in corruption, the BCCI has been extra vigilant about keeping the game clean.There is emphasis on educating players during other domestic tournaments as well as IPL, and all franchise squads are accompanied with an integrity officer who keeps a watch on player movements.BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur had said the efforts were paying off. “As far the players being approached is concerned, the BCCI education policy is working very well. If someone is being approached by anyone, he has reported back to the anti-corruption unit,” Thakur said. “I think this is the thing to highlight and admire that the players are reporting back.”

Haphazard Bangladesh edge low-scorer

Taijul Islam’s 8 for 39, the best figures by a Bangladesh bowler, should have heralded a dominant victory, but he found himself in the middle again, at No. 9, striking the winning boundary to overhaul a target of 101

The Report by Alagappan Muthu27-Oct-20144:59

‘A great victory for Bangladesh’ – Jurgensen

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsTaijul Islam’s 8 for 39 were the best figures in Bangladesh history•AFPBowl straight, enlist the assistance the pitch was eager to provide, prey on the batsman’s uncertainty. Repeat. Taijul Islam’s strategy was simple and his execution was ruthless enough to give him the best bowling figures in Bangladesh history. His 8 for 39 should have heralded a dominant victory, but familiar failings were exposed in the batting and Taijul found himself in the middle again, at No. 9, striking the winning boundary to overhaul a target of 101.Whatever joy Bangladesh had earned from a disciplined bowling performance evaporated when their top three bagged ducks – an event that has happened only twice before in Tests – and the score read 0 for 3. Zimbabwe took a punt and gave Elton Chigumbura the new ball, hoping to exploit a two-paced surface and gloomy overhead conditions, and he delivered. All of his four wickets were timely and furthered very real hopes of an unlikely victory.The hosts were 82 for 7, battling disconcerting bounce, but Mushfiqur Rahim knew the target was small enough to scrape across. As calm as he kept himself, he also ensured Taijul did not feel the immense pressure Zimbabwe’s bowlers and their close-in fielders were creating and took Bangladesh home to break a 12-match losing streak across all formats of cricket. It was also their first win against a Full Member in 2014, the only other victories in the year having come in T20 internationals against Nepal and Afghanistan.Although they haven’t had many matches on their docket recently, a newish Zimbabwe side has showed admirable fight. They shocked Australia during a home tri-series in August, caused a South Africa collapse two days earlier and benefited from the same scrappy, collective effort to have Bangladesh sweating.Bangladesh never looked sure of themselves in the chase. Bounce and seam undid Tamim Iqbal, driving on the up cost Mominul Haque and Shamsur Rahman dragged a wide Tinashe Panyangara delivery onto his stumps.Further chances were created when Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan were new at the crease. Both players left their bats hanging outside off and were reprieved at gully in the space of eight balls. The offender, John Nyumbu, was whisked away to a different part of the ground and bowled only one over. Brendan Taylor preferred using his quicks and as the new ball’s shine began wearing off, the batsmen began settling.So Shakib was battered with a few short balls. With just enough uncertainty creeping back into the batsman’s game, Tendai Chatara jerked a back of a length delivery away to claim Shakib’s outside edge and Nyumbu displayed better catching skills at second slip and the score limped to 46 for 4.Chigumbura, who was the reason for Australia’s humiliation, induced Mahmudullah to drag a slower ball onto his stumps for 28. He combined with Regis Chakabva, the wicketkeeper, to get rid of Shuvagata Hom to usher the Bangladesh tail in with victory still a sizeable 39 runs away. Then came another telling blow – a pulled six from No. 8 Shahadat Hossain – that redressed the balance somewhat. Mushfiqur stowed his shots away, unless he was presented with the poorest of deliveries, and his 63-ball stay proved the difference.If Bangladesh’s nemesis was pace, Zimbabwe’s was the lack of it. Nine of the visitors’ batsmen were spun out and the day’s wicket tally stood at 17. Taylor played as late as possible against the spitting and turning ball, compiling 45 off 60 balls. But the other end was a revolving door of batsmen.”Bang Bang, here lads,” Mushfiqur had cheered and Vusi Sibanda became a victim of Taijul’s flight and turn, while Hamilton Masakadza shouldered arms to an indipper from Shahadat to lose his off stump.Zimbabwe managed a brief flurry with Sikandar Raza, who realised mere survival was becoming impossible. He charged down the track and hammered two impressive sixes in the 18th over against Taijul. But the hat-trick was too tempting, especially when another tossed up delivery came at him. This time though, Raza could only skew a tame catch to a deepish point.Mushfiqur sensed further opportunities. “Sixty for five, boys,” was the next demand and Taijul bettered it with a double-wicket maiden that left Zimbabwe 58 for 5. Chakabva, hiked up to open, went at a flighted delivery with hard hands – a symptom several of his team-mates displayed as well – and was caught at slip to end a 51-ball vigil. Although his patience was commendable, it also meant Bangladesh were allowed to pile on dot balls and scare the batsmen with several deliveries leaping past prodding bats. Chigumbura had no such luck though as he fell second ball, caught at slip again.”One will keep low, that’s all we need,” Mushfiqur chirped. Craig Ervine was leg before as he played around a length ball that failed to rise as much as he thought. Having got everything he had asked for, Mushfiqur snared a sharp catch to hand Shakib Al Hasan his first wicket and a battered Zimbabwe went into lunch at 94 for 7 and folded for 114 soon after. The result had seemed a foregone conclusion then, and the same one eventually came to pass, but the ride was far more nerve-racking.

Which Liverpool heroes make an African Dream XI of FA Cup winners?

In light of Saturday's FA Cup final, GOAL pick an African Dream Team to have won football's oldest club competition

GettyBruce Grobbelaar

Africa has not produced many goalkeepers who have had as much success around the world as Grobbelaar.

The Zimbabwe keeper was very successful during his time at Liverpool, and in a career that spanned over 600 games, he won six league titles, three FA Cup winner’s medals and a European Cup.

He will cherish his 1989 FA Cup medal in particular, as a tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who were killed in the Hillsborough disaster earlier that season. 

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLauren

Lauren was an outstanding defender and a crucial member of Arsenal’s Invincibles team that went the entire 2003/04 season unbeaten.

The Cameroonian was often referred to as the Gunners’ unsung hero during his time at the club, and walked away with a Premier League double, three FA Cup medals, and two Community Shield trophies.

He also enoyed a superb international career with the Indomitable Lions. 

Getty ImagesKolo Toure

Toure was a defensive stalwart in England for more than a decade, winning trophies with Arsenal and Manchester City.

He won the FA Cup three times, two with the Gunners and one at City, and enjoyed great success in North London as a member of the 2004 Invincibles squad. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

(C)Getty ImagesJoel Matip

The Cameroon centre-back steps into our African Dream XI of African winners after clinching the cup with Liverpool on Saturday.

He was introduced as a substitute during the contest, and helped the Reds keep the European champions at bay before they won it on penalties.

Pulisic, Adli and 15 new stars to watch out for at 2022 World Cup

The dust has settled on the 2018 blockbuster in Russia, so Goal takes a look at who could light up the next tournament in Qatar

France are the 2018 world champions, while Luka Modric and Kylian Mbappe have been crowned the best player and best young star of the World Cup in Russia. But who will earn the acclaim when the jamboree moves on to Qatar four years from now?

Many of the nations who took part this year have further talents to get excited about seeing in the years to come, while there are plenty coming through with those countries who didn't make it to Russia.

So here Goal looks at 15 players who could well make a lasting first appearance at a World Cup finals tournament at the next event in 2022.

Getty ImagesYacine Adli (France)

If you thought 2018 winners France were loaded with talent, the bad news for the rest of the world is that there are more high-calibre players to come in four years’ time.

Dynamic midfielder Yacine Adli is one such star of the future, having already made his Ligue 1 debut in the final game of Paris Saint-Germain’s 2017-18 season.

New Arsenal boss Unai Emery had been hopeful of taking Adli with him to north London but the 17-year-old has belief in his ability to break through at the Parc des Princes.

AdvertisementGettyHoussem Aouar (France)

With Liverpool and Barcelona among those said to be tracking his progress, it is fair to say that Houssem Aouar is already making a name for himself in the European game.

A regular starter for Lyon last season when still only 19, the midfielder has the versatility to potentially make him a key member of the France squad heading to Qatar to defend their title.

At home in the centre of midfield, he can also fill the No.10 slot or play off the wing.

TélamSantiago Ascacibar (Argentina)

One of the most glaring elements of Argentina’s failure to recreate their run of 2014 with another final appearance in Russia was Javier Mascherano’s decline in the centre of midfield.

But now that the former Barcelona man has announced his international retirement, the new Albiceleste coach could look to build his side around Stuttgart’s Santiago Ascacibar instead.

The 21-year-old has the quality and discipline to carry out the role at the base of the midfield, which would allow Argentina to regain some control in the engine room.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesJosip Brekalo (Croatia)

For some, Croatia’s run to the World Cup final is the peak of their possibilities. But with players of the quality of Josip Brekalo still to break in to the senior side, there is plenty of hope for the future.

The 20-year-old attacker spent 2017 with Stuttgart and was such a success that Wolfsburg recalled him early from his loan spell in January of this year.

With the ability to play anywhere across the attacking midfield line, Brekalo offers the kind of versatility that national coaches love in their squads.

How Man Utd should line up for the 2023-24 season: Drop Antony and unleash Alejandro Garnacho!

The Argentine teenager is ready to kick on after a stunning breakthrough season and must be given a regular place in the starting XI by Erik ten Hag

There were two chants at Old Trafford last season that were heard more than any others. One was "We want Glazers out", a defiant message to the club's despised owners that was aired after every goal. And the other was "Viva Garnacho", an ode to Manchester United fans' latest idol.

Alejandro Garnacho was already well known to supporters for his role in United's FA Youth Cup win and he made a thrilling step up to the first team last season, firing in crucial goals against Real Sociedad, Fulham, Leeds, West Ham and Wolves. Had it not been for an untimely ankle ligament injury, he could have achieved even more.

The forward has just turned 19 but he is already an Argentina international and he is determined to make an even bigger impression in his first full season with the first team. The only problem is he shares a favourite position, on the left of attack, with Marcus Rashford. However, there is an alternative position that could open up and that is as a right forward, and he has a much better chance of unseating its current occupier, Antony, than United's homegrown talisman.

Antony had a handful of great moments last season but ultimately failed to live up to his £85 million ($107m) price tag and ended the campaign with a meagre eight goals and four assists in 44 appearances in all competitions. Garnacho, in 34 appearances and far fewer minutes, managed five goals and five assists.

United should not write Antony off just yet but Garnacho is hammering at the door of the starting XI and deserves far more opportunities this season. He is easily good enough for a regular place in the team and on present form is more deserving of a staring berth than his Brazilian team-mate.

Choosing between Garnacho and Antony is Erik ten Hag's biggest selection dilemma although he will also need to decide which defenders will work best with new goalkeeper Andre Onana and whether big-money signing Rasmus Hojlund should start regularly or have a bedding-in process.

As United prepare to kick off their Premier League campaign against Wolves on Monday, GOAL looks at how Ten Hag's side should line up this season…

GettyGK: Andre Onana

The Cameroonian was hand-picked by Ten Hag to replace David de Gea and has the ability to transform United's style of play and get them playing exactly how the manager wants. Onana will demand a lot of his defenders and has a huge personality which he will impose on the team. He's exactly what United need after years of standing still in such a vital position. However, he is bound to make a few high-profile errors due to his flamboyant style.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Wan-Bissaka was one of United's most improved players last season and won his place in the line-up back from Diogo Dalot. The pair will have another close rivalry for the position and although the Portuguese offers more going forward, Wan-Bissaka is far more solid and reliable and should be first-choice, especially against the top sides.

Getty CB: Raphael Varane

Varane is unquestionably in the starting line-up but his propensity to pick up small injuries means he will likely miss a number of games and Victor Lindelof will be called into action.

The Frenchman has seen it all after winning a World Cup and five Champions Leagues and his experience and control helped him work up a solid partnership with Lisandro Martinez. He is also fully focused on United after retiring from France duty earlier in the year.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty CB: Lisandro Martinez

The Argentina defender silenced the doubters with an exceptional first campaign with United. He has remarkable passing ability and courage to bring the ball out from the back and play his way out of pressure. He is sure to be an ally of Onana and has already sung the praises of his new goalkeeper.

Martinez's real impact became glaringly obvious when he fractured his metatarsal in April and the team limped over the line towards a top-four finish but he has fully recovered and in pre-season he demonstrated that the injury has not affected his desire to compete and win.

RCB lodge complaint over Yuvraj bid

Vijay Mallya, the owner of Royal Challengers Bangalore, lodged an official protest with the IPL governing council, against the Knight Riders over the Yuvraj Singh bid

Nagraj Gollapudi12-Feb-2014Vijay Mallya, the owner of Royal Challengers Bangalore, lodged an official protest with the IPL governing council, against the Knight Riders over the Yuvraj Singh bid. Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals made the opening bids for Yuvraj before Mallya raised the paddle to bid at Rs 3.5 crores (approx $583,000). The bid escalated fast and reached the 10-crore mark. However, there was some confusion as the auctioneer apparently failed to notice the paddle raised by Knight Riders.Knight Riders withdrew their bid at Rs 13.5 crores ($2.25 million) before Mallya raised another Rs 50 lakhs to close the debate.”For me the hammer went down at 10 crores for Yuvraj Singh,” Mallya told . “We have officially written to the IPL governing council for the decision to be overturned.”Ranjib Biswal, the IPL chairman, confirmed the RCB complaint but said the final decision was that of the auctioneer. “They filed a complaint asking Yuvraj should be given to them at 10 crores and not 14, but we can’t do anything now,” Biswal said.Mallya later said that Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers’ captain, was “keen” on getting Yuvraj. Along with Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, Royal Challengers now have one of the most star-studded and powerful batting orders in the IPL.”Virat Kohli, our captain, was very keen on him. That extra Rs 4 crores was somewhat unfortunate, but the auctioneer has the sole discretion,” Mallya said. “Everybody saw him look around the room before the hammer fell but he then chose to continue the bidding. So life must go on.”

Shakib likely to get Big Bash go-ahead

BCB president Nazmul Hassan has said Shakib Al Hasan’s participation in this season’s Big Bash League is all but confirmed

Mohammad Isam02-Dec-2014BCB president Nazmul Hassan has said Shakib Al Hasan’s participation in this season’s Big Bash League is all but confirmed. Hasan said the decision to overturn the embargo on his No-Objection Certificate (NOC) will be made official on Thursday after collecting the board members’ signatures over the next two days.Three weeks ago, Hassan had said Shakib was close to regaining his NOC for showing “leadership skills” in the Test series against Zimbabwe. Now he said Shakib would get a decision in time to find a Big Bash team, ahead of the tournament that begins on December 18. Shakib has played two Big Bash matches for Adelaide Strikers in the 2013-14 season.”I think we will get a decision by tomorrow since our board meeting is still some time away,” Hassan said. “I have spoken to Shakib even today. We will get everyone’s signatures by tomorrow. I am going abroad tonight, will return on Thursday. We are not making the decision in the meeting.”We already got most of the directors’ verbal decisions. We have some left. We will make an official decision on Thursday when I arrive at the airport. If it was my decision, I would have said he can play [in the Big Bash]. But the board takes the decision. I don’t have the right to give the decision on my own. But since we are taking a board decision, we don’t want to take it without prolonged discussion among ourselves.”On July 7, Shakib was banned for six months and told he wouldn’t be granted an NOC to play in overseas competitions until the end of 2015. He was punished for “serious misbehaviour” with Chandika Hathurusingha, the Bangladesh coach, and an altercation with a spectator during the first ODI against India in Mirpur.On August 26, the BCB reduced his ban by three a half months, letting him play from September 15. Shakib was then made vice-captain for the ODI series against Zimbabwe. He was man of the series in the Tests against Zimbabwe and played a stellar role in Bangladesh’s 5-0 ODI series win.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus