Kings XI Punjab have expressed their desire to play more matches at the Maharashtra Cricket Associaton stadium on the outskirts of Pune in the next edition of the IPL, but have clarified that Mohali will continue to remain their base. While the Maharashtra Cricket Association is open to hosting Kings XI, a final decision can only be taken based on whether one of the two new franchises, that will be announced tomorrow, picks Pune as their home base.The MCA stadium was one of the home venues for Kings XI in IPL 2015 and hosted three matches.Mohit Burman, one of the co-owners of Kings XI Punjab, said the franchise would speak to the BCCI on the matter soon. “We played a few matches this season in Pune and it was a good experience. We would now want to play more matches there,” Burman told ESPNcricnfo.Burman, however, said the franchise had no desire to shift its base to Pune. “We remain a Punjab franchise and we would continue to play in Mohali,” he said.While Kings XI have lost four of their five matches overall at the MCA Stadium in Pune, they have benefited financially. “They played only three matches in Pune. They made [Rs] 10.6 crore within that short period,” an IPL official said. “If they play five-plus [games], then their profits would increase effectively.”The official, however, said that Kings XI would have to wait for the outcome of the auction on Tuesday, where the two new franchises that will replace Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals will be unveiled. “What if one of the new franchises opts for Pune, which is part of the nine bidding cites?” he said.
Andrew Flintoff’s return to action after his ankle surgery has been delayed by England’s inclement summer. The first day of Lancashire’s 2nd XI match against Derbyshire, at Blackpool, was abandoned due to a waterlogged outfield and puddles on the pitch.Play was due to start at 11am, but a brief inspection by the umpires made it clear that play wouldn’t be possible and officials are not hopeful of any action over the remaining two days.Flintoff is confident of returning to England colours for the one-day series against India next month. He hasn’t played international cricket since the World Cup after feeling discomfort in his ankle while bowling against Hampshire, before the first Test against West Indies, in May and underwent his third operation.David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, is pleased by Flintoff’s progress. “Andrew Flintoff’s rehab is on course and there are not the same deadlines we have had in the past,” he told . “The original plan was for him to be fit for the one-day series and I haven’t seen or heard anything to the contrary.”
It is being reported in the UAE that Dubai Sports City (DSC) is trying to get the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to relocate a little more than a year after it lured the ICC away from Lord’s.A report in the Khaleej Times claims that an offer has been made to the ACC and that a move could be almost immediate. The ICC is in temporary accommodation while the DSC is finished, and a similar arrangement could be implemented for the ACC.The newspaper quotes a senior ACC official as saying: “The offer needs to go through the finance committee. It would then go to the executive board and the general body.”The proposal is believed to include rent-free office space, relocation expenses, a subsidy for the staff and sponsorship of ACC events totaling around $1 million per annum. While living expenses would be considerably higher than in Kuala Lumpar, where the ACC is based at the moment, the soruce added that as “there is no taxation in the emirates and for the employees that could be a major attraction.”The newspaper concludes that the final decision is likely to depend on the Indian board “as they call the shots within the ACC”.
Somerset have already caused one or two upsets this summer – just ask Australia – and today was no different when they defeated the favourites Lancashire to lift the Twenty20 trophy for the first time. And, again, it was the imperious Graeme Smith who led from the front to mastermind victory in a rain-reduced, relatively low-scoring chase under the lights.Smith was in control from the outset, mixing up his bowlers, setting fields with aplomb and then striking 64 not out to take them home after Lancashire made just 114 for 8 from their 16 overs. James Hildreth, who hit the winning runs, joined Smith in a matchwinning fourth-wicket stand of 53 from 36 deliveries.Earlier, the pace bowlers Richard Johnson and Andrew Caddick had taken five wickets between them to put Somerset in a dominant position. Stuart Law topscored for Lancashire with a battling, brave 59 after some injudicious batting had left his side reeling at 40 for 5, with Mal Loye and a brace of Andrews – Symonds and Flintoff – all back in the pavilion. Another Andrew, Crook, added 15 but there was little else to cheer about for Lancashire’s batsmen.Somerset made steady progress in their reply, until Flintoff struck two vital blows, removing Marcus Trescothick and Matthew Wood. But by this time, Somerset had more than half of the runs they needed, and they knew that from there on in it would be a case of hanging around, playing a patient game. Ian Blackwell showed no such patience, holing out for 3, but no matter, for this was the last wicket to fall, and Smith seized control of the match from there.Showing shades of the former Somerset bighitters Viv Richards and Ian Botham, Smith casually swatted boundaries like flies. Lancashire’s captain Mark Chilton threw Symonds and Flintoff at the latest incarnation of Somerset brawn, but neither of these experienced campaigners could make a dent in Smith’s well-fashioned armour. Smith stood firm and did the job, but admitted later such efforts had taken their toll. “I’m going to go and put my feet up for a bit,” he said. He deserves it.Lancashire’s total, though, had never seemed enough after their middle order was dismantled by Johnson. He followed up from where he had left off in the semi-final, with nagging, wicket-taking form. He took two wickets in successive balls to continue the slide started by Andrew Caddick, who had decided that he, too, was coming to this Twenty20 party. Johnson brought his own bottle – having dropped a sitter from Loye in the first over off Caddick, he stayed calm to hang on to an identical chance three balls later. That was the first of Caddick’s two big wickets, and his second was even bigger: Flintoff, for 2, caught by Blackwell (15 for 2).Symonds was next to fall, run out for 12. Just one run later, Dominic Cork (a skier to Marcus Trescothick) and Glen Chapple (golden duck, bowled) joined him, both cleaned up by Johnson. Chilton followed soon afterwards. At 69 for 6, a dire Lancashire were in the mire and, although Crook followed the long handle of the Law – they shared a stand of 32 – it was too little, too late.
Shane Bond’s return to international cricket continued with his inclusion in the New Zealand A team to play Sri Lanka A in three one-day matches starting next week.Bond hasn’t played for New Zealand since he broke down with a back stress fracture nearly a year ago. He played club cricket in Christchurch over the last two weekends and Sir Richard Hadlee, New Zealand Cricket’s (NZC) selection manager, said it was time to assess his fitness at a higher level.”As part of his managed return to international cricket Shane will available for selection for the first game,” Hadlee said. “He will then be rested for the second game and, assuming he gets through the first game without any problems, he will then be reconsidered for selection for the third game.”Hadlee added that the side would be led by Chris Harris. “Chris is New Zealand’s highest capped ODI player and has been playing very good cricket this summer. His experience at the highest level will be of enormous benefit to those less experienced players around him.”New Zealand A Chris Harris (capt), Shane Bond, James Franklin, Jamie How, Gareth Hopkins, Hamish Marshall, Bruce Martin, Michael Mason, Kyle Mills, Mathew Sinclair, Ross Taylor, Lou Vincent
Former Australian cricket captain and Nine Network cricket commentatorMark Taylor today vigorously denied quotes attributed to him in a Sydneynewspaper calling on Steve Waugh to retire from international cricket.The back-page report in today’s Daily Telegraph was based on commentssupposedly made by Taylor on the World Cup’s official website.”Since arriving in South Africa on February 9 I have not made any publiccomments concerning Steve Waugh, nor have I given any interviews on thesubject,” said Taylor. “And in the two World Cup matches that I have sofar been part of as a commentator I made no reference to Stevewhatsoever.”Taylor said: “I completely refute comments attributed to me in aso-called interview reported on the official ICC World Cup websitedealing with Steve Waugh and several other issues.””I have steadfastly stayed clear of the public debate concerning SteveWaugh’s future,” Taylor said from Johannesburg.”Having been through something similar myself back in 1997, I can wellappreciate what Steve is going through. That’s why I have consistentlyrefused to enter the debate as to whether he should keep playing orretire.”(Issued by Mark Taylor’s management, The Fordham Company.)
A ninth-wicket stand of 65 between John Morris and Greg Smith late on the second day enabled Notts to recover from another disappointing batting display to reach 280 all out, still 74 runs adrift of Sussex’s first innings total of 354 all out.An opening stand of 42 between Darren Bicknell and Guy Welton should have laid the platform for a sizeable score from the home county but once Welton had edged Mark Robinson to Chris Adams at slip wickets fell at regular intervals.Greg Blewett ran himself out for 13, Bicknell for 29 and Usman Afzaal for 40 both fell to lbw decisions and Paul Johnson made 25 before falling to a spectacular one–handed catch by Jason Lewry.After tea Chris Read (18) and Gareth Clough (2) provided Adams with more catching practice, although the fielder had to make good ground to his left to claim Read’s mishit sweep.John Morris batted watchfully in his first game of the season and inched Notts towards the follow–on target, reaching 200 by hitting Mark Davis straight down the ground for the first six of the contest.A swept four by AJ Harris, from the bowling of Davis, took Notts past the 205 needed to avoid the follow on and he had shared in a vital stand of 22 before falling leg before to James Kirtley.Some rustic slogging from Greg Smith boosted the total and allowed Morris to ease his way to a well–merited half-century (154 mins 126 balls 3x4s 1×6).Smith then took centre–stage, three consecutive boundaries off James Kirtley rocketing him into the 30s, and he then clubbed Davis, his team–mate at Northerns, for another explosive boundary.The stand was worth 65 when Morris unluckily saw the ball loop off bat and pad to give Adams his fourth catch of the day.Just two balls later Kirtley clean bowled Richard Stemp to wrap up the innings on 280, leaving Smith unbeaten on 44.Earlier, Notts had sealed the Sussex innings during the first hour of the day, with Harris collecting three of the last four wickets to fall, to finish with figures of 6–98, his best for the county.
Arsenal’s attack in 2025/26 has been nothing short of exceptional, with such performances playing a massive part in the club sitting top of the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta’s side have already netted 30 goals in their first 16 league outings this campaign, with only Manchester City currently scoring more at this stage.
However, no player has yet scored five goals or more, subsequently showcasing the importance of having countless players who can chip in within the final third.
Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres all currently sit top of the goalscoring charts with four strikes – highlighting the strength in depth available to the manager.
Such numbers may be impressive to many, but the Gunners’ hierarchy appear to be wanting to inject further quality into such a department during the upcoming window.
Arsenal actively pursuing move for £62m superstar this January
Over the last couple of weeks, a new winger has seemingly become the priority for Arsenal and Andrea Berta ahead of the January transfer window.
As a result, Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has become just one player touted with a switch to the Emirates, with his £65m release clause set to become active on the first day of the new year.
They aren’t alone in the pursuit of the 25-year-old attacker, with Manchester United and Liverpool just two other clubs who could pull the trigger and land him this winter.
However, Semenyo isn’t the only winger in the sights of the Gunners hierarchy, with Athletic Club star Nico Williams once again appearing firmly in their sights.
According to one Spanish outlet, Berta and Co are actively pursuing the 23-year-old, who’s already racked up five combined goals and assists in the 2025/26 campaign.
The report also states that the Spaniard could be available for a reported £62m this window, but it’s unclear if the Gunners would match such a price after their summer spending spree.
Why Williams joining would be bad news for Martinelli
Back in the 2022/23 campaign, Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli cemented himself as one of Arsenal’s most important players due to his impact in the final third.
The 24-year-old ended such a season with 15 goals and six assists across all competitions, but he’s been unable to get anywhere near close to such numbers in the last two years.
He’s only registered 16 goals in his last two seasons combined, whilst subsequently coming under fire for his lack of clinical nature when bearing down on the opposition goal.
As a result, Martinelli has only started a total of five league games out of a possible 16 this season, with Arteta often preferring the likes of Trossard in such a position.
However, it could be about to get a whole lot worse for the attacker should Williams join, with the Spaniard no doubt pushing him further down the pecking order.
The £62m fee would certainly suggest that he’d be a regular starter, with the comparison of their respective stats from the ongoing campaign, undoubtedly showcasing that the Athletic star is a bigger talent.
Williams, who’s been dubbed “electric” by one analyst, has achieved more goal contributions, whilst also achieving a better shot on target accuracy rate.
How Williams & Martinelli compared in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Williams
Martinelli
Games played
13
12
Goals & assists
5
1
Shot on target accuracy
38%
26%
Pass accuracy
71%
67%
Progressive passes
2.8
2.2
Key passes
1.9
0.6
Take-on success
42%
33%
Progressive carries
5.7
2.7
Crosses completed
2.9
1.8
Stats via FBref
Such numbers in LaLiga showcase that the 23-year-old is certainly more of a clinical option in the final third, which could bolster Arsenal’s already impressive goalscoring record.
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He’s also completed more progressive passes and key passes per 90, subsequently having the creative nature which could allow the other attackers around him to bolster their own tallies.
Williams’ dominance with the ball at his feet over Martinelli is further demonstrated in his hierarchy tallies of take-ons and progressive carries completed per 90.
However, he’s also been able to offer the end product to his mazy runs this campaign, as seen by his tally of 2.9 crosses completed per 90 – a tally nearly double than that of the Brazilian.
£62m would certainly be yet another huge investment for the Gunners board, but it’s one that could allow for an immediate and long-term option off the left-hand side.
As for Martinelli, any move this winter could be catastrophic for his career in North London, which could even lead to a departure away from the Emirates as a result.
Bad news for Nwaneri: Arsenal have already agreed to sign their next Dowman
Nwaneri could have some serious competition for game time at Arsenal in the future.
Already banned by the Pakistan board for five years, there was more bad news for the beleaguered Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar as Nasim Ashraf, the chairman of the PCB, filed a Rs 22 crore (approx US$3.37 million) defamation suit against him.Shoaib had alleged on a TV show that Ashraf had demanded a share of his salary from the IPL. He also alleged that Ashraf had tried to extort money from other Pakistan cricketers as well. Shoaib later retracted his claims and also made an unconditional apology for “any grief or embarrassment that may have been caused to the nation, particularly to the PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf”.Tafazzul Rizvi, the legal counsel for Ashraf, filed the suit in a civil court in Lahore and hearings will start from Saturday.Ashraf had earlier served a legal notice that called upon Shoaib to “retract” his statements against him, and “tender an unconditional apology”. The notice also sought damages of Rs100 million (approximately US$1.6 million) to Ashraf for “defaming him personally” and another Rs100 million to the PCB for “sullying the name of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket team.”
After being the dominant team for three-quarters of the tournament, New Zealand A were unable to maintain their peak at the business end and were easily over-run by South Africa Emerging Players in the final at Allan Border Field. South Africa, who inflicted the only group defeat of James Marshall’s team on Wednesday, were again in control after a strong batting performance and a restrictive bowling display.South Africa’s 9 for 254 was set up by half-centuries from JP Duminy and Vernon Philander, who provided a late flurry of 59 off 50 with two sixes. Philander also made an important impact with the ball, taking 3 for 30 as New Zealand folded for a disappointing 172.New Zealand were in a comfortable position at 1 for 71, but Philander quickly collected his victims and five wickets, including Marshall to Johan Botha, fell for 15 runs. Nathan McCullum tried his best with 43 before the team which performed so well in the early stages finished with an 82-run loss. The hosts sneaked home with a ball to spare to avoid the wooden spoon and end a difficult week on a high. Karnataka beat the Academy on Wednesday and they were on track for a repeat after posting 264, with V Cheluvaraj’s 69 and KD Pawan’s 57 leading the way before Aaron Heal stepped in with four wickets.Luke Ronchi provided a start that is becoming typical – he smashed two sixes and nine fours in his 45-ball 56 – and Michael Hill produced a mature 66 to steer the Academy chase before Phillip Hughes (38) and Ben Cutting (7) combined for the final 20 runs. The win sealed third place for the Academy, which was without the suspended Mark Cosgrove, Aaron Finch and David Warner.