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Former England captain feared missing out on World Cup, but is back in situ after patient rehab

S Sudarshanan01-Oct-2025Imagine the dread. The one thing you worked for so dearly is threatened to be snatched away from you. Imagine the fear. Of missing out of an event you so looked forward to.Imagine being Heather Knight in May.Having relinquished England’s captaincy after nine years, she was looking forward to a summer of cricket back in the ranks, with the goal of the Women’s World Cup at the end of it. She remained a vital cog for England under the new leadership of head coach Charlotte Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. But an innocuous turn for a single threatened to ruin it all for her. She heard something pop while batting in the 19th over of a T20I in Chelmsford but did not walk off the field until the innings ended.Knight had suffered a right hamstring tendon tear, in which the tendon had detached from the bone. Recovering from such injuries takes anywhere between four to six months; the World Cup was only 17 weeks away, with England’s departure for a pre-tournament camp in Abu Dhabi a week ahead of that. Opting for surgery would have definitely put the former captain out of the competition. So, alongside England’s team of physios and doctors, she decided to try the rest-and-recovery method.”She’s very, very passionate about playing cricket for England and very passionate about the World Cup,” Angela George, National Lead for Physiotherapy – England Women, tells ESPNcricinfo. “So we knew that it was quite simple for us, really, that we needed to explore the conservative management. And we knew also that, if it wasn’t going to work, we would know about it and at least we would have tried. We went for the conservative option, which if you looked at the injury at the time, was about 50-50 as to whether it would be better to surgically repair or more conservatively manage.”Knight had already suffered a hamstring tear on the same leg in 2013. So that left her slightly more prone to injury. The other factor was an increase in her workload. England’s new regime places an importance on players’ participation in domestic cricket, with Knight featuring in the Women’s One Day Cup for Somerset. Of course, she was not left unmonitored. England use a workload monitoring system called Insights 360 that helps to mitigate injuries. But not all injuries can be predicted, let alone prevented.Knight made 37 against India as she continued her comeback•Getty Images”Her feedback to us around April was that her hamstrings had been in the best place that they felt for a long time,” George says. “We’ve done a lot of work on strength, motor control, hip mobility and just making sure that her hamstrings are in tip-top shape. But she probably had played a bit more cricket domestically than she had done at this point. So we knew we were on a bit of an edge with it, but fundamentally, sometimes these things just happen. The human body is so complex that, we can’t just say, right, that’s going to go at that point, so stop doing that.”The limited time added to the challenge. There were periods when they could push but also time they had to bide their time in order for her tendon to heal. There were no shortcuts. It was not just about getting Knight fit to board the plane; it was about making sure she was at her best for the World Cup.”As week by week went, we were quite slow to start off with and that caused a bit of frustration for Heather because she just wanted to get going,” George says. “She wasn’t looking for us to take shortcuts because, fundamentally, she has a lot of trust in our team to look after her. Whenever we debated something, we came back to the point that, if we push too early and things break down, she was not going to be happy.”Although Heather was coming to us with frustrations – as I would expect her to, as I would hope her to – and wanted to push us as fast as she can, we were always able to justify our decisions that fundamentally, the body needed to heal and put that part of the tendon back onto the bone.”Related

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• Kate Cross questions future after losing England contract

• Nat Sciver-Brunt: 'We are a very different team since the Ashes'

Progress was slow for the first three months. They used MRI imaging at every step of her recovery. Knight worked on her upper body strength and on her other leg in this period. They finally pushed forward mid-August.”That was the time that the MRI started looking really good and we were happy that anything that we were putting through her body, the tendon wasn’t reacting to it.”Knight’s work with London Spirit as a team mentor also kept her occupied. Two weeks before England were to depart for Abu Dhabi, they accelerated her recovery through increased workload.”When we brought back a lot of cricketing skills, that’s when she could really show herself that her hamstring did not let her down,” George says. “We knew that because we’d done a lot of work, but she needed to show her own body that, actually, everything was fine.”Throughout the recovery, England’s management remained adamant that, if fit, Knight would be in straightaway for the World Cup. A lack of game-time was not considered a hindrance, given her previous form in the domestic season and the T20Is against West Indies.”We knew that she would not need an awful lot of game-time to get back to her very best,” George says. “Her hamstrings were in such a good place that, actually, we sort of knew that we could afford not to push the playing beforehand. That didn’t sit all that well with Heather because she just wanted to get playing, but we knew we had it in the back of our locker, really.”In her first knock after recovery, Knight made a 48-ball 41 in England’s unofficial warm-up match against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, and a fluent 37 in the official warm-up against India in Bengaluru.Imagine the dread in the opposition. Imagine a fit Heather Knight at her best at the World Cup.

The U.S. women’s national team will close out January with a friendly against 45th-ranked Chile in Santa Barbara, Calif., marking the program’s first international match in the city. The USWNT will face Chile at UC Santa Barbara, the same campus where the team first held a training camp in 1991 before winning the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in China.

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  'Not a common occurrence'

  While Santa Barbara is new for a match, the USWNT have frequently held training camps at the college campus and even played the UCSB women's soccer team that same year they went on to win the 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup title. 

  “Playing in a city for the first time is not a common occurrence at this point in our history," Hayes said, "So I know our players will enjoy being in beautiful Santa Barbara and our staff are really looking forward to January camp and these matches against two tough South American countries."

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  USWNT's history with Chile

  While the USWNT do not have a long history with Chile, the teams have met before – just three times. Chile are ranked 45th in the world and fifth in CONMEBOL, behind Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Paraguay. Their last meeting came in the group stage of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, when the U.S. won 3-0. Before that, the sides played two friendlies in 2018.

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  'Focused on maximizing every minute'

  It’s no surprise that 2026 will carry plenty of weight for the USWNT, who will soon enter the countdown toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. To set the tone early, Hayes’ side will play two January friendlies – first against Paraguay and then against Chile.

  The Americans enjoyed a historic 2025, finishing with a 12-3-0 record. Hayes also capped her first full calendar year in charge with 25 wins.

  “This is the start of an important year for our team, and as always, we’re focused on maximizing every minute we get with the players,” Hayes said.

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  What will 2026 bring?

  The USWNT finished the 2025 calendar year with back-to-back victories over Italy. Hayes once again experimented with new players and personnel to close out the year, and admirably gave 43 players their senior debuts in 2025, the most in a single year since 2001. 

  There will likely be a shift to more familiar rosters through 2026 as Hayes fine-tunes her playing pool.

Chelsea's fine form under Enzo Maresca continued with a blockbuster win over Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Blues turned on the style against their Spanish rivals, coming away 3-0 winners, thanks to an own goal from Jules Kounde, a wonderful Estevao strike and Liam Delap's first goal at Stamford Bridge. But the Premier League side could have had six or seven, such was their dominance under the lights in the capital.

The home side saw two goals ruled out for offside inside the first 25 minutes, with Enzo Fernandez twice having his celebrations cut short thanks to first a Wesley Fofana handball and then the offside flag. In fact, the Blues almost saw themselves go behind after a rare Barca attack in the early stages, as some slick play from Lamine Yamal saw the La Masia wonderkid slip Ferran Torres through, only for the former Manchester City man to fire agonisingly wide of Robert Sanchez's goal.

Just over 20 minutes later, the visitors were punished. It was third time lucky for Maresca's men, who were finally allowed to celebrate with the Stamford Bridge faithful after Marc Cucurella – who was brilliant across the night – beat the high line of Barcelona and delivered a low cross into the six-yard box. After a scrappy few seconds that saw Pedro Neto attempt a backheel into the net, the ball bounced off Jules Kounde and in, giving Chelsea a deserved lead.

With their backs now against the wall, Barca's misery was further compounded after captain Ronald Araujo was sent off just before half-time. A silly yellow card for dissent towards the referee was followed by a reckless tackle on Cucurella, giving the official no choice but to dismiss the Uruguay international.

With Chelsea in full control, it was plain sailing for most of the second half. The moment of the night came from the highly-rated Estevao, who weaved in and out of the Barcelona defence before blasting an effort into the roof of the net with his weaker right foot. It was another clear sign of the talent he possesses, outshining Yamal when the moment mattered most.

The pain did not stop there for Flick's side, who saw their defence breached for a third time before the final whistle. This time it was Delap who struck, firing home low from Fernandez's pass to put a seal on the game that was never really a contest.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Robert Sanchez (7/10):

  Another solid outing. He dealt with a few dangerous balls in behind his defenders but was barely stretched across the night. 

  Reece James (8/10):

  His extended period without picking up an injury is paying off in a big way. The Chelsea captain led by example as usual, even clipping in a fabulous ball in behind for Estevao's goal.

  Wesley Fofana (6/10):

  Looked comfortable on an evening where he had little to do.

  Trevoh Chalobah (7/10):

  Let out a few roars for the crowd across the night after making a number of crunching tackles. Dealt with the threat of Lewandowski incredibly well and looked determined to keep a clean sheet. Job done!

  Marc Cucurella (9/10):

  Locked up his international team-mate Yamal with ease, and proved once again why he is one of the best defenders in Europe.

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  Midfield

  Malo Gusto (7/10):

  Hounded down the Barca players from midfield and swept up everything not already covered by Caicedo. Replaced by Andrey Santos at half-time.

  Moises Caicedo (9/10):

  Another impeccable performance from the Blues' star midfielder. Every 30 seconds, Caicedo would pop up with a crucial tackle and keep Chelsea on the front foot. Relentless for every second he was on the pitch.

  Enzo Fernandez (8/10):

  Pulled the strings in a slightly more advanced role and could have had two goals of his own, were it not for marginal calls. Instead, the Argentine had to settle for a delightful assist, which he put on a plate for Delap.

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  Attack

  Estevao (8/10):

  The young Brazilian proved there is substance behind the comparisons between himself and Yamal. His magic moment in the second half stole the show, putting the home side in the driving seat and adding another fantastic goal to his growing Chelsea collection.

  Pedro Neto (6/10):

  He was less effective on the ball than his team-mates, but made plenty of piercing runs in behind the Barcelona backline. Had one big chance in the first half that he blazed over and another from a driving run in the second.

  Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):

  It was a quiet evening for the summer signing from Manchester United. Aside from a blocked shot in the opening 45, Garnacho was ineffective and subsequently hooked before the 60-minute mark.

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  Subs & Manager

  Andrey Santos (6/10):

  Was introduced at half-time and covered plenty of ground, albeit the midfielder rarely got his foot on the ball and opted to do the dirty work alongside Caicedo and Fernandez.

  Liam Delap (7/10):

  Came on and ran riot, bulldozing his way into dangerous positions and eventually being rewarded with his first goal at Stamford Bridge to put the game to bed at 3-0.

  Jamie Gittens (6/10):

  Looked sharp in the minutes he was given and gave Kounde a run for his money, albeit his legs were much fresher than the Frenchman's.

  Tyrique George (N/A):

  Introduced for the final few minutes in place of the outstanding Estevao.

  Josh Acheampong (N/A):

  Came on for captain Reece James, who received a standing ovation from the Chelsea faithful.

  Enzo Maresca (9/10):

  The head coach got his tactics spot on and completely outcoached Flick in the opposite dugout. The quick passing and runs in behind paid off, even if his players were still caught offside a number of times. Deserves a huge amount of credit for the win.

Former captain could have been forgiven for wishing he’d been in Ahmedabad, but he was fully present at the Kia Oval

Matt Roller04-Jun-2025″That’s up in the air,” boomed the unmistakable Ravi Shastri. “Straight down the throat of the man at square leg!” Shastri’s voice echoed around The Oval, where the IPL final beamed live on the big screens. Designed to keep fans entertained during a rain delay, it only emphasised the contrast with a dead-rubber ODI in soggy south London.England’s players sat in the dressing room, with three IPL returnees among them. When the BCCI announced revised dates for the play-offs following the league’s brief suspension, the ECB opted against extending the No-Objection Certificates for players involved in England’s ODI squad. For Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks and Jos Buttler, that meant an early return home.In Ahmedabad, Romario Shepherd was padded up in the dugout. Shepherd, centrally contracted by CWI, was named in West Indies’ squad for the series but had his NOC extended by a board on a weaker standing than the ECB. So too did Sherfane Rutherford, who top-scored in his only innings of the series as if to remind West Indies what they had missed when he was in India.Related

• England rush to 3-0 series win as Smith, Buttler star in rain-reduced chase

• London traffic chaos makes West Indies late for Oval ODI as England cycle in

There was never much chance of Bethell or Jacks defying the ECB’s directive but for Buttler, the clash must have stung. He has become an IPL great across 10 seasons in the league, but has only once been involved in the play-offs, in 2022 with Rajasthan Royals. He was a champion in 2017 with Mumbai Indians, but watched the final from his sofa after being brought home by the ECB.Buttler’s Gujarat Titans were not involved in the final, but could easily have been if he had stayed for the duration. They were beaten in the Eliminator last week, falling short in the sort of steep run-chase in which Buttler has often thrived: with him at No. 3 throughout the play-offs, they could have locked horns with RCB on Tuesday night.Instead, Buttler was pulled home for an ODI series notable only for being his first back in the ranks after three years as captain. His successor, Harry Brook, revealed it had been Buttler’s idea to use Lime bikes to beat the gridlocked London traffic to reach The Oval; in India, whole cities are shut down if that is what it takes to get IPL teams from their hotels to a stadium.Jos Buttler and Harry Brook savour England’s 3-0 series win•ECB/Getty ImagesYet as Buttler walked off grinning alongside Brook, after a cameo of 41 not out off 20 balls secured a seven-wicket rout, it felt like a significant moment for England’s white-ball teams. Here was a new England captain being supported fully by his predecessor, whose availability was proof that he remains committed to a format from which he could easily have walked away.Buttler has largely left Brook to his own devices as captain, having returned to keeping wicket, though has offered support when prompted. “He’s letting me do it my own way, and then I’ve gone over to him a few times,” Brook said. “Having him behind the stumps with that wealth of experience, it’s easy to just go up to him and chat, and see what his thoughts are.”In truth, his biggest role in supporting Brook will be with the bat, in the same way that Joe Root’s relentless run-scoring in Test cricket has helped Ben Stokes far more than his tactical insight. Buttler knows as much: when he resigned in February, he cited a desire to “follow Joe Root’s lead” when addressing his own international future.”He almost goes until he wants to retire,” Brook said, acknowledging that Buttler’s achievements as a double World Cup-winner allow him to set his own deadlines as an England player. “He is very well known for being one of the best – if not the best – white-ball players in the world. To see him go out there and crunch the ball as he did tonight was thrilling.”It is easy to risk overstating the pull of the IPL: after all, playing for England is no great sacrifice. Buttler’s earning potential in India (his Titans deal is worth Rs 15.75 crore, around £1.4m) owes no small part to his international success, while his lucrative central contract has seen the ECB pay him handsomely for a decade.That is to say nothing of the prestige that international sport retains, even bilateral series that are largely devoid of context. Buttler would surely not have bothered with this series were he not set on reaching the 2027 50-over World Cup in South Africa, the same tournament that has prompted Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to cling onto ODIs while quitting other formats.But the stark reality is that this England team needs Buttler more than he needs them, as he heads into a later phase of his international career. His innings on Tuesday night – and a shimmying scoop for six off Alzarri Joseph in particular – hinted at a man liberated by his resignation, and one whose mere presence at The Oval was a statement of his intent.

White-ball captain wary of distractions as he embarks on first tour in charge

Cameron Ponsonby17-Oct-2025It is infuriating talking to an England player at the moment. The biggest series in years is on the horizon. It’s all we’ve been speaking about for months. And rather than indulge in playground gossip like the rest of us, they’re rising above it.”We’re in New Zealand,” says Harry Brook, speaking from New Zealand. So far, so good. “I’m the white-ball captain.” Also correct. “We’ve got a game tomorrow night.” Three from three. “And that’s all I’m thinking about.” Wrong. Tell us that Josh Hazlewood is going to get sent to the moon.This is a refined Harry Brook. Wiser than the man who was once burnt after saying he was glad he could “shut up” Indian fans in 2023, then twice burnt by England fans in 2024 after saying “who cares” if someone gets caught on the boundary. Now, in 2025, he is a man who leads his country on and off the pitch. When England were given a traditional cultural welcome on Friday at the Hagley Oval, it was Brook, in his role as captain, whose responsibility it was to stand and say a few words of thanks to the local Maori leaders at the end of the ceremony. A simple, but important task that earned him a tap on the thigh from head coach Brendon McCullum.Related

• New Zealand welcome England for no-strings frolics

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• Mark Wood 'quietly confident' about fitness ahead of Ashes opener

• Finisher Banton is back where he started as career comes full-circle

“Like I said. We’re in New Zealand now,” Brook reiterates.Through nothing other than coincidence, Brook’s development as a cricketer has been inextricably linked to the country. His Test captain, Ben Stokes, has his roots in New Zealand. The only Test head coach he’s ever known, McCullum, is one of the most famous New Zealanders of all time. His centuries in Wellington, Christchurch and Wellington again include arguably his finest knock in an England shirt. And his first tour as an England captain is to the country as well. Most recently, Gilbert Enoka, the famous mental skills coach who worked extensively with the All Blacks, has become a figure Brook turns to for advice.”He’s awesome,” Brook said of Enoka’s presence with the England team. “We’ve actually just done a session with him now for an hour or so. To have him in the ranks, just to be able to pull him for a chat for five or 10 minutes is awesome.”Unprompted, Brook, who was recently named as vice-captain of the Test side, spoke about his need to adapt both as a captain and a batter. A question about Jacob Bethell’s ability against spin segued into an answer about Brook’s recognition about the need to be flexible with a batting line-up.”I haven’t liked doing that in the past,” Brook says of switching left-and-right-handers in the order depending on what the opposition is throwing up. In his eyes, that amounts to a bending of the knee to an opponent who should be dictated to, not delegated around.”But whatever’s best for the team at that stage is vital. And like I said before, having them little chats with Gilbert with everybody heading in the same direction, knowing that things might change here and there is vital for the side.”Similarly with his batting, his quickly trademarked but almost impossible to describe roly-poly Dilscoop ramp, that he unfurled in the Hundred, sounds set for a spell on the sidelines. As a shot it is a moment of pure entertainment. But rather than being the sign of a man with unlimited confidence and limitless form, Brook saw it as a sign he was straying too far into the woods.”It’s fun when the crowd’s cheering and whatnot,” Brook told talkSPORT. “But it doesn’t necessarily work every time.”I’ve actually been quite disappointed with the way I’ve played in white-ball cricket. I feel like I’ve been premeditating a lot. And that’s one goal for me this series, just to try and play on instinct as much as possible.”Brook’s aim to move away from premeditation stems from a desire, to use a football term, to play the way he’s facing. The fact he is able to play 360 degrees, he feels, is pulling him in too many directions. Literally.”Because I’m hitting it in different areas,” Brook explained of why he wanted to scale back. “Obviously it all depends on the situation of the game and the surface, but when I’m at my best I’m hitting it straight.”Brook got engaged recently. It can be the only explanation for such clarity of thought. A man can only plan so much. And a wedding outranks deciding when to scoop Jacob Duffy.When Brook entered the international set-up in 2022, Stokes made a joke at his expense, calling him “a bit dumb”. Joe Root joined the party a couple of years later when referring (endearingly, it must be said) to Brook as an “idiot”.But the fact of the matter is that Brook is very likely to walk out at some stage across the Ashes series with the England blazer on and as captain of his country. Stokes has missed a match through injury in each of his last four Test series. And the Brook that does so, thanks to those around him, will be very different to the one who debuted just over three years ago.”I want Stokesy to play all five games,” Brook said, knocking back any suggestion he’s thought at all about the prospect of walking out on Boxing Day to call heads in front of 95,000 people. “But now we’re in New Zealand. I’m the white-ball captain, and that’s my main focus. That’s all I’m thinking about at this moment in time. We’ve got a game tomorrow night. And like I’ve said so many times, [I want to] just stay in the moment as much as possible.”Brook is only interested in speaking about New Zealand. And really, given his history here, why would he want to talk about anything else?

The first half of the season went about as good as the Mets could have hoped. The team jumped out to a comfortable lead in the National League, having gone 45-25 in their first 70 games.

Since then, the wheels have come off completely. New York has lost 13 of its last 15 games and eight of its last nine, many of which have included painstaking blown leads and inexplicably un-clutch performances.

Thursday night was much of the same, as the Mets fell victim to another late blown lead against the rival Braves. New York entered the eighth inning with a 3–2 lead, but trade deadline acquisition Ryan Helsley's struggles out of the bullpen continued as he surrendered a pair of runs to give Atlanta 4–3 lead. The Braves would hold on to win by that same score.

Mets fans wish they could say this was an unbelievable collapse, but given the state of the team of late, it was totally believable.

The loss puts the Mets at 64-57 on the year, and they're just a half-game ahead of the Reds for the final National League wild-card spot.

Naturally, Mets fans were in full panic mode on social media after another disastrous defeat.

Kate Abdo and Co. can fly into the UK as Paramount Plus has reportedly won the rights to the Champions League from 2027 to 2031. The move signals the end of TNT Sports’ decade-long grip on Europe’s most prestigious club competition and marks a major expansion of the American-owned streaming giant into the UK market.

• Paramount+ set to takeover UK

  According to Paramount+ has committed a substantial financial package to secure the rights, outbidding powerful rivals and positioning itself as the next major player in European football coverage. The company delivered a “knockout” offer, believed to be significantly higher than the competition. The decision, which spans six seasons, aligns the UK broadcast strategy with Paramount’s operations in the United States, where its affiliate CBS Sports already hosts the Champions League with presenters like Abdo, Micah Richards, Thierry Henry, and Jamie Carragher. That star-studded team may now extend their presence to British screens as part of a seamless international expansion.

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  TNT Sports’ decade of Champions League coverage draws to a close

  It is a major turning point for TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport, which first acquired the rights in 2013 through an enormous £897 million deal that prised them away from Sky Sports. The partnership began with the 2015–16 season and grew to include coverage of the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League. However, TNT saw its exclusivity diminish in 2022 when Amazon Prime entered the fray, picking up one game per week. Now, in just two years’ time, TNT’s association with UEFA club competitions will end completely. Despite this setback, the broadcaster still holds the rights to several domestic properties, including the Premier League until 2029 and a four-year FA Cup contract secured last year that guarantees extensive third-round coverage.

  Although Paramount+ has emerged victorious in this bidding war, the development places yet another financial burden on viewers already juggling subscriptions to Sky Sports, TNT, Amazon, and DAZN. With the fragmentation of sports rights accelerating, British fans may soon find themselves paying more than ever to follow Europe’s top clubs. However, there is a silver lining as reports that Paramount intends to air a selection of matches for free through Channel 5, its UK terrestrial network. This strategy mirrors its approach in other territories and could soften the blow for supporters reluctant to pay for yet another streaming platform.

• Streaming giants Netflix and Disney+ also tested the waters

  Although Paramount came out on top, the race was far from one-sided. Both Netflix and Disney+ reportedly explored bids, especially after Netflix’s breakout success with the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing spectacle last year. That event drew an extraordinary audience of more than 100 million viewers, convincing the streaming pioneer to continue experimenting with live sports. Its latest splash, broadcasting Paul vs. Anthony Joshua this week, suggests Netflix’s ambition in the sports market remains strong, even if it fell short here. The scale of Paramount’s investment reflects the soaring value of Europe’s top football competitions. The current set of Champions League rights is estimated at close to £3 billion per season, highlighting just how fiercely broadcasters compete for a slice of the action. UEFA’s revamped tournament format, which launched in 2024, might be a factor in driving the value even higher.

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  What happens to the Super League?

  While the broadcast landscape transforms, UEFA is simultaneously working through another massive development, which is a renewed proposal for a European Super League. According to a confidential eight-month negotiation process has been underway involving UEFA, A22 Sports Management (the Super League’s backers), and powerhouse clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. The discussions aim to bring an end to years of conflict by reshaping the structure of elite European competitions in a way that satisfies all parties. The most groundbreaking element of the proposal may be its broadcasting model. The Super League concept introduces UNIFY, a global streaming service offering both free, ad-supported broadcasts and premium paid options. Designed to give worldwide supporters unrestricted access to every match, UNIFY marks a radical departure from the existing broadcasting service. 

  With Paramount+ preparing its UK takeover and UEFA weighing fundamental structural changes to European football, the mid-2020s are shaping up to be an era of profound change. How these developments intersect, and whether the new Super League format might redefine the broadcasting landscape once again, remains an open question.

Fast bowler gearing up for the likely knockout game against Bangladesh on Thursday

Danyal Rasool24-Sep-20251:26

Aaron: Pakistan using three pacers up top made the difference

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has rejected the notion that the Pakistan T20I side was in any kind of downturn, pointing out that they had won all but one of their previous four series.Speaking after his three-wicket haul against Sri Lanka, which took Pakistan to victory in Abu Dhabi and put them within one win of playing back-to-back T20 Asia Cup finals, he said the team was “ready to face whoever” in their pursuit of a first Asia Cup title in 13 years.”It’s not that we’re not winning,” Afridi said. “We’ve won most of our last dozen games. It’s true we haven’t won against higher-ranked teams, but most of our recent games haven’t been against them. We were here to win the tri-nation series, and we won that. We are here to win the Asia Cup, and that’s all we’re focused on now.”In Abu Dhabi against Sri Lanka, it was the different tactical approach Pakistan took while bowling that stood out. For the first time in 13 matches, no powerplay over was bowled by a spinner. Medium pacer Hussain Talat was given three overs and his two wickets in his first over – the eighth of the innings – were among the game’s turning points. Talat later revealed he’d been told he would play a role with the ball, but it represented a departure from Pakistan’s recent tendency to give spin bowling prime slots through the innings.Related

• Sloppy but unbeaten India storm into Asia Cup final

• Abrarcadabra – the four-over spell that left Sri Lanka stupefied

• Suryakumar: India vs Pakistan isn't a rivalry anymore

• Abhishek: Didn't like Pakistan 'coming at us without any reason'

Afridi, who bowled three overs in the powerplay on Tuesday, said it did not mean Pakistan’s quicks were playing second fiddle to the slower bowlers. “I don’t think our fast bowlers are struggling, but in T20 cricket on good wickets, batters have the license to go after the quick bowlers. We’ve been trying to vary our bowling more, and that’s something I’m working on. We were getting swing. Early on, I got breakthroughs, removing two of their main players. That’s the kind of attacking cricket we want to play – get your main bowlers on and finish the game quickly.Despite an upcoming game against Bangladesh on Thursday, which could be a knockout for a place in the final, attention has already begun to focus on Sunday. The possibility of a first India-Pakistan final in the Asia Cup is suddenly looking a lot more likely. Afridi, too, had his eye on it but repeatedly pointed out that neither side had made it that far yet.Shaheen Shah Afridi: ‘I don’t think our fast bowlers are struggling’•AFP/Getty Images

“Bangladesh has been playing good cricket of late,” he said of the only team to have denied Pakistan a T20I series win in the last four months. “Whenever you play such teams, you should try to strike first. You shouldn’t give them an opportunity. We’ll have to perform well in all three departments if we are to get past them.”The previous game did represent a stark contrast to Pakistan’s demeanor when compared to the one on Sunday. While there were warm handshakes and even embraces between the Pakistan and Sri Lanka players, against India, there appeared to be a coordinated intent to show their more bellicose side. There were several verbal spats on the field, particularly between India’s openers and Pakistan’s pace bowlers. The increased belligerence from Pakistan did not go unremarked upon by Indian opener Abhishek Sharma, who said Pakistan was “coming at us without any reason.”Following the game, India captain Suryakumar Yadav couldn’t resist a dig at the opposition, saying India’s recent dominance meant the game no longer constituted a rivalry. Afridi resisted the temptation to hit back when offered an opportunity.”That’s his opinion; let him say what he wants. Neither they nor we are in the final. We’ll see how things shape up for the final. We’re just here to win the Asia Cup, and we’ll give our all for that.”

Martin O’Neill has now confirmed that he will “step aside” when Celtic find their next manager and revealed that there has not been any talks with the club about taking a permanent role.

O’Neill insists he has no idea whether he will remain at the helm for Celtic’s next match against St Mirren amid reports that the Hoops have stepped up their search for a new permanent manager.

The 73-year-old has been in caretaker charge of the Scottish champions for the last four games since Brendan Rodgers resigned two and a half weeks ago.

It has been reported this week that the Celtic board have been interviewing candidates, with Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy emerging as the new bookmakers’ favourite.

Other names mentioned includes Kieran McKenna at Ipswich Town and Kjetil Knutsen. Whether the Hoops can lure either of those names away from their current positions at Portmand Road and Bodo/Glimt is the question that everyone’s asking.

Reports have claimed that Knutsen wants to at least complete his side’s Champions League campaign, which could end in January in the earliest scenario. Meanwhile, there have been no signs that McKenna will be leaving Ipswich anytime soon.

As Celtic’s search goes on, O’Neill has continued to roll back the years. In his four matches, the 73-year-old – assisted by Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham – has overseen two Scottish Premiership victories, a Europa League defeat by Midtjylland and an extra-time win over 10-man Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final.

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The final against St Mirren takes place on December 14 and there are some who would like to see the veteran remain in charge for the Hampden showdown in order to add to his trophy haul from his glittering first spell in charge in the early Noughties.

O'Neill insists no talks with Celtic board

To no surprise, O’Neill has been questioned a number of times about the Celtic job, but his answer remains the same. He will “step aside” as soon as the club no longer need him and, despite rumours, there have been no talks about the permanent job.

The 4-2-3-1 tactician has done a solid job so far and may yet get the chance to continue that job after the international break, but admitted that he’s not bothered whether he’s in charge for the Scottish Cup final in December, saying: “I am a romantic and have been a romantic all my life. I know the history of football and all of those particular things but that doesn’t bother me one jot.”

Celtic hold talks to sign "talented" manager who's like a young O'Neill

Preston North End attacker Milutin Osmajic has been handed a nine-game ban after being charged with racially abusing Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri. The incident took place during Preston's goalless draw with Burnley in February and now he will be out of action until late December. The forward denied the allegations but he has been fined £21,000.

• Ban meted out

  Last season's contest was delayed for several minutes in the second half when Tunisian Hannibal reacted furiously to something that appeared to be said to him by Osmajic. 

  Hannibal then took to social media to write, "I will not be silent about what happened today. I will always call out racism whenever I hear or see it. That is the only way we change as a sport and a society. I am a strong person but nobody should have to experience this disgusting abuse on the pitch."

  Following the clash between the two players, Osmajic was charged by the Football Association in March, and a hearing took place in September. Now, an 'independent regulatory commission' has sanctioned the Montenegrin man, meaning he will miss fixtures up to and including Preston's Championship fixture with Stoke City on Boxing Day (December 26). 

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• Preston respond to Osmajic punishments

  Preston said they were "extremely disappointed" with the decision to ban their top scorer for more than a month. The club pointed out that the verdict fell under the "balance of probabilities" and not "beyond reasonable doubt", highlighting it wasn't an open and shut case.

  A club statement reads: "Preston North End are extremely disappointed at the decision made by an independent regulatory commission to sanction Milutin Osmajić and impose a nine-match suspension, following an incident which took place in a league fixture against Burnley on 15th February 2025. We note that the outcome was determined on the 'Balance of Probabilities' rather than one that is 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt'. We also note that The FA determined that this decision offers no moral judgement, was not premeditated nor any comment about his general character. Milutin has always pleaded his innocence of the charge and continues to do so. We continue to be fully supportive of our player. We are proud of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies and practices, and we reaffirm our opposition to all forms of discrimination."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Osmajic in trouble again

  This nine-game ban comes 13 months after Osmajic was slapped with an eight-match suspension for biting Blackburn Rovers' Owen Beck. The forward, who joined the Lilywhites from Cadiz in September 2023, got into an altercation with the Liverpool loanee in September 2024, and in addition to the ban, he was fined £15,000. 

  Blackburn's manager at the time, John Eustace, said on the incident: "He's got a big bite mark on the back of his neck. He's shown all the lads. He's a little bit quiet, a little bit shook up."

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• What comes next for Preston?

  This is a big blow for promotion-chasing Preston. They currently sit fourth in the Championship and if they win this weekend, and results go their way, they could be in the automatic promotion spots. The first game of Osmajic's ban is a trip to play-off rivals Millwall on Saturday, before they prepare to face Blackburn, Watford, and Sheffield Wednesday later this month.