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Nasum picked up six wickets from 13 matches for the Chattogram Challengers in the latest BPL season

Mohammad Isam05-Mar-2020

Bangladesh selectors have given uncapped left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed a spot in the T20I squad for the two matches against Zimbabwe on March 9 and 11.Bangladesh T20 squad

Mahmudullah (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Naim, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mohamamd Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Aminul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Al-Amin Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed
IN: Nasum Ahmed, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Saifuddin
OUT: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Mithun, Rubel Hossain

Nasum picked up six wickets from 13 matches for the Chattogram Challengers, who made it to the second qualifier before they were knocked out. Overall, the 25-year old has played 17 T20s and picked up eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.23.The selectors also recalled Mushfiqur Rahim and allrounder Mohammad Saifuddin, both of whom missed the three match T20I series in Pakistan in January. There was no place for Mohammad Mithun and Rubel Hossain, while Najmul Hossain Shanto’s finger injury ruled him out.”We had to offload Mithun and Rubel as we included Mushfiq and Saifuddin. Shanto is out injured,” said chief selector Minhajul Abedin.

England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley is expected to take charge of the Three Lions senior team on an interim basis after Gareth Southgate's exit.

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• Southgate exited after Euro 2024 final loss
• Football Association still seeking replacement
• Carsley to be given the role temporarily

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Football Association (FA) has been looking for a candidate to replace Southgate at the helm of the national team after the manager's departure following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain last month.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With Nations League games against Republic of Ireland and Finland coming up next month, though, the Three Lions are in need of someone to take over for the time being and claims that Carsley is expected to be given the nod on a temporary basis, at least.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Carsley has already been tipped as an option to take over the job permanently, with Liverpool winger Harvey Elliott throwing his support behind the idea. However, the FA are reportedly open to hiring a foreign manager to take on the role, with the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola already ruling themselves out of contention.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  Carsley, though, may fancy his chances of making the jump from U21s to senior manager given Southgate, Stuart Pearce and Howard Wilkinson all had the same trajectory in the past. Carsley, who guided the U21s to European Championship success last year, will hope to guide the Three Lions to victory in the upcoming Nations League matches.

Chelsea have arguably one of the best academies in world football. An array of talent has been produced from Cobham and more are still developing.

Some of the most well-known Blues academy graduates in recent times are players such as Reece James, Levi Colwill and Mason Mount.

Additionally, as they are one of the Premier League's most successful clubs and are included as part of the 'big six', the London-based club have a lot of monetary backing behind them.

In fact, since Todd Boehly's acquisition of the club in May 2022, the American has managed to spend over £1b in transfer fees alone – a sum in that region has been unheard of in recent seasons and for good reason.

One signing that Boehly did play a role in bringing to Chelsea was that of Raheem Sterling, the former Manchester City man leaving the Etihad after seven extremely successful years for a fee worth around £47.5m.

Sterling's time at Chelsea in numbers

Although since their Club World Cup win in the 2021/22 season they are yet to win a trophy, Sterling has had a fairly solid impact on the side since joining.

Brought to the club under Thomas Tuchel who claimed he was the west Londoners' "top priority" at the time, the move was one many didn't see coming due to City's prior dominance.

However, a move was likely sanctioned as Sterling – who scored 131 goals in 339 games for his former employers – believed he wasn't getting as much game time as he would have liked whilst with the Cityzens.

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, the winger has played a total of 67 times for the Blues and managed to contribute to 28 goals during that time.

This season looks set to be his most prolific season of the two as the 29-year-old is already on seven goal contributions after only 29 games played.

Despite Sterling's solid showing, Chelsea are massively underperforming yet again. So, this could mean, in order to try to change their fortunes, the Blues could look towards their academy players.

Why Tyrique George is the perfect heir to Sterling

Tyrique George is the name which is currently being floated about to be next in line for the former Liverpool man's throne.

George is a versatile player who, much like Sterling, can play on either wing or even centrally.

He has been with Chelsea's academy for the entirety of his career and has been involved with the U18's since as early on as the 2021/22 season.

Since then, he has played a total of 41 times for the youth side in a multitude of competitions and has managed to score ten goals and create an additional five for his teammates.

The promising winger – who has nine goals and assists in 18 games this season – has even been described as "very creative" by Chelsea's Under-21 coach, Mark Robinson.

"I was really pleased with Tyrique's performance on Tuesday and he has done well when he has stepped up to the Under-21s," Robinson said.

"He finds space very well and is very creative, whilst also scoring goals. He needs to improve his discipline off the ball, but he knows that and is a willing learner. That is the most important thing."

Chelsea could replace Sterling with academy gem who's like Bernardo Silva

The English international might have to start looking over his shoulder.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Feb 10, 2024

Receiving this level of praise at just 18 years old clearly shows how mature the youngster is and outlines why he could be the heir to Sterling's place within the Chelsea line-up.

It also shows that, despite not performing to the best level on the pitch, the Blues' academy is still producing incredible talent and bodes well for their future.

George has been setting the youth leagues alight with his pace and keen eye for goal which is shown by this stellar strike against Crystal Palace's Under-21 side.

One thing is for sure, the teen sensation is without doubt a special talent and could have a real impact in future seasons for the west London club.

علق كارلو أنشيلوتي المدير الفني لفريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ريال مدريد، على تأقلم الدولي الفرنسي كيليان مبابي مع ريال مدريد بعد انضمامه من باريس سان جيرمان.

كيليان مبابي انضم إلى ريال مدريد قادمًا من باريس سان جيرمان في الصيف الجاري، ولم يتمكن من تسجيل أي هدف في أول مباراتين بالدوري الإسباني.

وعلق أنشيلوتي في المؤتمر الصحفي الخاص بمواجهة ريال مدريد ولاس بالماس غدًا الخميس: “أعتقد أننا سنواجه فريقًا تنافسيًا، الحرارة مرتفعة ملعبهم ليس سهلًا على الإطلاق”.

طالع أيضًا | ريال مدريد يتكبد خسائر مالية بعد هدف إندريك في بلد الوليد

وعن تأقلم مبابي: “في كل عام يتغيّر التحدي، لأن الفريق وهيكله يتغيّران قليلًا. لقد فزنا بالعديد من المباريات في الموسم الماضي بالدقائق الأخيرة، وهذا الموسم يحتاج أن نتحلى بالصبر على كل شيء، مبابي يتقدم ويتحسن، يجب أن يركز الصحفيين على العمل بتواضع”.

وشدد: “لقد سجل في نهائي كأس السوبر، علينا أن ندرك أنه لم يمر أسبوعين على ذلك الهدف، لذلك لا داعي للقلق، سواء بالنسبة له أو للفريق”.

وواصل: “لدينا العديد من الموارد في الهجوم، مبابي وفينيسيوس ورودريجو، سجلنا 6 أهداف والفريق ليس في أفضل حالاته بعد، ولذلك نحن لا نواجه مشكلة تتعلق بالتسجيل”.

وعن رأيه في النظام الجديد لـ دوري أبطال أوروبا: “ليس لدي رأي حالي، لأننا لم نلعب بعد بالنظام الجديد. علينا الانتظار وسنتحدث لاحقًا، ولكن في بعض الأحيان يكون الشيء الجديد جيد بعض الشيء”.

وعن تشواميني: “لا اطلب منه أن يكون مثل كروس، يجب أن يعتاد الفرق على كل لاعب وطريقته وامكانياته، إنه لاعب مهم للغاية بالنسبة لنا”.

وعن فالفيردي: “لقد طلبت منه 30 هدفًا هذا الموسم، إنها مزحة. لكن الجميع يرى أنه يتحسن ويتقدم أكثر في كل موسم، إنه بطل الرواية دائمًا وقائد في الملعب، ويوفر بيئة نظيفة ومحفزة للجميع”.

Thomas Muller says he is getting "goosebumps" from the "football fever" sweeping Vancouver as the Whitecaps star adjusts to his life outside Germany.

Muller gets 'goosebumps' from fans Has already made impact on the pitchTransition from Germany has been a culture shockFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Muller has begun a new chapter with the Vancouver Whitecaps, marking his first professional experience outside of Germany. Just weeks into his tenure, the ex-Bayern Munich player is already making an impact, scoring a celebrated winner with a penalty in his second competitive appearance for the club. Muller’s arrival has sparked a “football fever” across the city. His debut at BC Place saw an electric atmosphere with over 26,000 fans, some of whom even wore traditional German lederhosen in a nod to his Bavarian roots. The cultural exchange goes both ways, as Muller, who previously spent his entire career at Bayern, is now adjusting to a new continent and a new league. The former German international has been surprised by the outpouring of support from fans, who stop him in the street not for autographs but to thank him for choosing their city.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT WAS SAID?

Muller wrote in his newsletter: "Heard a lot about Canadian hospitality. But what happened here in Vancouver was just really cool. People all over the city are suddenly in football fever. While strolling through the city or getting coffee, people come up to me and thank me. Not for an autograph, but for choosing the Whitecaps. 'Thank you for choosing our city, Thomas!' – I hear that again and again. It really gives you goosebumps when people are so proud that you're now part of their city."

DID YOU KNOW?

Muller's easy transition and humble approach are perhaps best illustrated by a unique gesture he made to his new teammate, Ralph Priso. The former German international, who wore the number 13 on his way to a World Cup title, was given his preferred number by the young Canadian midfielder. Muller, in turn, offered a very special Bavarian gift as a token of his appreciation.

"When I received number 13 from Ralph Priso, it was clear to me: I needed a proper Bavarian gift," he said. "And what could be nicer than a pair of genuine Lederhosen? Ralph was thrilled and actually came to the stadium in Lederhosen for our first game together – really casual. In North America, we players arrive at matches in our own clothes, and he immediately took advantage of the opportunity to make an appearance."

Getty Images SportWHAT'S NEXT FOR MULLER?

With his first two appearances and a match-winning goal already under his belt, the 35-year-old is well on his way to settling in and cementing his role as a key player for the Whitecaps. The club are expecting his on-field leadership and football intelligence to be instrumental in their push for a strong playoff run and a potential championship title.

West Ham United could move for another late January signing to replace centre-back Nayef Aguerd, according to journalist Wayne Veysey.

Aguerd linked with West Ham exit

Aguerd, who shined for West Ham during his debut season last year, has been linked with a move away from the club to Saudi Arabia in recent months.

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ByEmilio Galantini Jan 24, 2024

Surprisingly, given manager David Moyes' lack of depth behind the Moroccan, West Ham would consider selling Aguerd for the right price. The 27-year-old put in some vital performances for Moyes to help boost West Ham's 2022/2023 survival bid, scoring a crucial winner at home to Southampton which went some way in aiding their battle against the drop (Jacob Steinberg).

Aguerd, called a "revelation" by Martin Keown, was also backed to replace Declan Rice as captain by club insider ExWHUemployee at one point.

“If Declan does go in the summer, which I’m pretty sure he is, then I think he [Aguerd] would be a great shout to be captain as well, and apparently, he’s a real, real great lad as well, which is really good to hear," said Ex on The West Ham Way podcast (via WHZ).

“From what I’ve heard from all the staff, from all the other players, he’s very well-liked, a bit of a joker, a bit of a bubbly character, so for me, he’s got the whole package.

“[Moyes] lost him from before we even kicked a [ball] in the Premier League, and that was a massive loss for us. There’s no coincidence that things are turning with him in the side.”

Fast-forward to now, and West Ham are now willing to part company with Aguerd in what has apparently left staff "surprised" (Football Insider).

Aguerd, who is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco, played a crucial role as his country sailed through to the AFCON knockout stages on Wednesday.

West Ham have been linked with possible replacements for Aguerd, like Wolves defender Max Kilman, and the club bringing in a new centre-half is apparently something that can still happen.

West Ham could replace Aguerd with centre-back

Indeed, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke, writing a small line for Football Insider, West Ham could swoop late to sign a centre-back if Aguerd leaves.

It will be interesting to see if the Hammers and technical director Tim Steidten can faciliate such a move with just days of the January window remaining, and having already sealed moves for the likes of Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips on loan.

West Ham will apparently front the entirety of Phillips' big wage packet during his stay at the London Stadium, and clubs may demand a premium fee to sell their star centre-halves so close to deadline day.

The Hammers also paid a reported £3 million loan fee to seal his services, so if they're to sign a new defender, any interested side may presumably have to fork out an offer worth considering.

Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United side extended their undefeated run to five Premier League games on Monday night, with the 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace seeing the Whites keep their second consecutive clean sheet away from home, as well as securing what could prove to be an all-important point in their fight for survival.

Indeed, the result sees Leeds pull five points clear of 18th-placed Everton – although the Toffees do have a game in hand – something which, with just five and six league fixtures left to play for the respective teams this season, would appear to give the Whites a fantastic chance of enjoying top-flight football once again in 2022/23.

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However, that is not to say the job is done for Marsch and his side, and, with the Whites’ next three fixtures consisting of Manchester City at Elland Road, Arsenal at The Emirates and Chelsea at home, should the 48-year-old manager wish to give his side a chance of securing safety during this run of fixtures, he must address a glaring issue in his lineup.

Lost possession every two touches

With Patrick Bamford remaining sidelined due to injury on Monday night, one of the biggest challenges the American faced when putting his starting XI together was who to deploy through the middle of his attack – Dan James, Joe Gelhardt or Sam Greenwood.

And, despite being on a run of seven games without a goal when played up top, Marsch once again decided to go for James – a decision which, not for the first time in the manager’s reign at Leeds, did not pay off.

Indeed, while the 24-year-old’s work rate in running the channels cannot be questioned, anyone with two functioning eyes can see that the £25m summer signing is simply not suited to playing as a lone centre-forward – something Marsch must realise.

Over the course of his 59 minutes on the pitch, the £50k-per-week attacker enjoyed just 14 touches of the ball, completed a mere seven passes, managed no shots at the Palace goal, failed to find his man with his one attempted cross and ceded possession for his side on seven separate occasions – meaning he gave the ball away with every other touch.

The Wales international also offered little from a defensive point of view, losing all of his two ground duels and one aerial duel, as well as committing one foul – a rather cynical challenge on Joel Ward, for which the winger received a yellow card and was dubbed “pathetic” by Chris Sutton.

These returns saw James receive a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.6, ranking him as the Whites’ joint-worst starter on the night, while Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross also appeared unimpressed with the performance of the forward, awarding him a three in his own player ratings, as well as stating:

“Still hard to see what the gameplan is with the diminutive forward in the frontline. Whatever it is, it’s not getting the best out of him. Another hour of chasing shadows.”

As such, while it is true that none of the Whites’ attacking cast particularly impressed on Monday evening – with Jack Harrison, Rodrigo and Raphinha being awarded a three, a three, and a five in Cross’ ratings respectively – it is evident that playing James as a lone striker does not benefit the player himself or his team, as the Welshman failed his manager once again at Selhurst Park.

AND in other news: Orta given green light for “superb” £8.5m-rated signing, it’d be a huge coup for Leeds

da roleta： Newcastle United fans would be ‘licking their lips in anticipation’ if the club reunited Lucas Paqueta with Bruno Guimaraes. 

da betway： That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to GiveMeSport about Newcastle’s summer target.

The lowdown

According to French outlet Le10Sport, Newcastle saw a £34million bid for Paqueta rejected last year following the takeover at St James’ Park. The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder has more recently claimed that the Magpies are ‘in with a great chance’ of landing the Brazilian this summer.

Paqueta’s future is uncertain, with sources indicating that he’s told manager Peter Bosz that he’ll make his decision this month.

Guimaraes, who played with the former AC Milan star at the Stade Gerland before his £40million switch to Newcastle, has offered his recommendation.

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The latest

O’Rourke says supporters would relish the chance to see the pair rekindle their partnership in the north east. He believes it could be the stuff of ‘dreams’ for the Toon.

“It would definitely be something that would have a lot of Newcastle fans licking their lips in anticipation of what they can do,” he tells GMS.

“Bruno Guimaraes has already established himself as a big fans’ favourite at the club and he linked up really well with Paqueta at Lyon.

“If those two could be reunited, they could be a dream pairing for Newcastle going forward.”

The verdict

It’s clear that the bond between the two players is incredibly strong. Paqueta told Guimaraes following his January move that he would miss him ‘so much, on and off the pitch’.

In reply, Guimaraes described Paqueta as the ‘brother’ he never had and said it had been a ‘huge pleasure’ to play alongside him.

That connection materialised on the field in a 1-1 draw between Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the year as Guimaraes provided a ‘beautiful assist’ for his team-mate.

If £50,000-per-week star Paqueta does decide to leave, his former midfield partner will surely do all he can to persuade him to pick Newcastle.

In other news, PIF are insisting on this signing. 

The recent Harshal Patel example tells us why players need to train for these dismissals

Aditya Prakash12-Apr-2023It is not often that you see a run out at the non-striker’s end. It is even less often that you see a failed run out at the non-striker’s end. Perhaps it is yet more uncommon to be in a situation where five runs are needed off the last over and it is a challenging ask for the batting team in a match where only one other over has gone for fewer runs. We got two out of three of these unlikely possibilities in the last over of the game between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants on Monday.At the core of it lies a trite sentiment expressed by understandably shocked spectators: how on earth could Harshal Patel have missed that run out? That surprise might obscure a more complex, embedded, question: given that Harshal had uncannily perfect execution in that over, how could the run out be the thing he messed up?Let us start by regarding this situation from a more empathetic perspective, borrowing from the study of task-switch costs in psychology.Related

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In day-to-day life we often perform more than one activity at a time, such as watching a cricket match and tweeting about it. One can easily see how there is an impairment in the performance of either task that results from attempting to multitask. You may miss a magnificent six because you were too caught up in looking at your phone. It may take you several more minutes than usual to compose a tweet because you were distracted by a series of pressure-building dot balls in the match. In cognitive psychology, these different modes of activities are called task sets – representations of associations between information in the world and relevant responses to this information. As one swaps from one task set to another, there are initial impairments to performance – task-switch costs – while the existing task set is inhibited and the new task set is activated.Look back at the final over of the India vs Pakistan T20I World Cup game in 2022. One can think of Mohammed Nawaz’s unprecedented switch to medium pace from his previous three overs of left-arm fingerspin and his subsequent execution failures as a task-switch cost.Pressure can add to these switch-cost effects. In a losing situation – despite a rich history of a tactic or plan working successfully – a player or team might shortsightedly underestimate the effectiveness of existing plans and adopt alternative tactics that might seem relatively appealing under pressure. Moreover, research shows that time pressure itself (caused by a nervous bowler hurrying their rhythm, for instance) amplifies the effect of a switch cost. So pressure impairs performance by making alternative plans more attractive, forcing switch costs and amplifying these costs by causing bowlers to rush.A more fine-grained example of a task switch is the use of bowling variations, which often demand drastic changes in motor coordination. With disciplined practice, good bowlers can disguise variations and switch between deliveries with few flaws in their execution. Bowlers can train themselves to minimise or eliminate the effect of these switch costs between variations by bowling different types of deliveries a lot in net sessions. But in high-pressure situations, switching between different balls, which was so effortless in the nets, can suddenly prove challenging to execute. This is seen in the death overs of just about any T20 game when an intended yorker or flighted, wicket-seeking delivery becomes a full-toss.

Research shows that time pressure itself (caused by a nervous bowler hurrying their rhythm, for instance) amplifies the effect of a switch cost. Pressure impairs performance by making alternative plans look more attractive, forcing switch costs and amplifying these costs by causing bowlers to rush

Harshal has built his name on his death bowling, as was borne out by the fact that the match was not already won in the four balls preceding the failed run-out attempt. Like Dwayne Bravo, his success in this phase of the game rests on his signature dipping, slower yorker. Both these bowlers’ resounding success in the IPL (three purple caps between them) can be attributed not just to the difficulty batters have in hitting their signature deliveries but to how even the failed execution of this delivery – the dipping full toss – is difficult to hit. These players are not necessarily beasts under pressure; their success rests on even their “mistakes” having utility. In other words, just because Harshal can be effective at the death, that does not necessarily say he is invulnerable under pressure and to pressure-mediated switch costs.So, after concentrating his attention on the tasks of clinically bowling yorkers and short balls, Harshal readies himself for the final delivery of the game. Ravi Bishnoi had not been a non-striker to that point in the game, and there was no strong reason for Harshal to proactively keep an eye open for the possibility of Bishnoi leaving his crease early. Of course, Harshal will have had a non-specific awareness that this could occur, given how crucial it was that Lucknow Super Giants took the single.At this point perhaps Harshal simply plots another yorker in light of the relatively tighter field and the conditioning imposed by the previous delivery, which was short. As he gets into position for his run-up, he may well have got into “dipping yorker mode”, a rehearsed, finely tuned choreography – saunter, sprint, leap, release – that he has performed countless times in the nets and in match situations like this one with success.At some point during this sequence of actions, he catches a glimpse of intent from Bishnoi to run early, or perhaps he doesn’t see Bishnoi but quickly decides that there is no risk at this point in attempting a run out. Either way, given that he has already begun his bowling action, there is difficulty inhibiting dipping-yorker mode and therefore difficulty in efficiently adopting “non-striker-run-out mode”. As a result, an execution error occurs and the ball is declared dead.What if the run-out attempt was premeditated? The underlying switch-cost logic still holds. In this case, Harshal is aware that Bishnoi may leave his crease early in light of the game situation. In order to sufficiently fool Bishnoi into believing the ball will be bowled, Harshal launches into a general “bowling mode”, replicating most of the choreography mentioned above. In trying to realistically bait the non-striker, he devotes his attention to bowling mode. This makes the eventual inhibition of this mode difficult and subsequently leads to a failure in executing the secondary non-striker-run-out mode. The magnitude of this cost is perhaps amplified further by the implicit time pressure caused by rushing when nervous. In a sense, the razor-sharp focus on execution that preceded the run-out attempt amplified its error rate.The run-out action is not similar to anything else a bowler does routinely on the field, which is why it needs practice to effect smoothly•Patrick Hamilton/AFP/Getty ImagesWhat distinguishes the run-out attempt is that it is likely not something Harshal has practised to the extent he has practised actually bowling. More specifically, it is unlikely that coaches ever have had players practise disengaging from their run-up for a purpose beyond just stopping. As a result, most players likely do not have the required training required to switch without cost between the task of bowling and the task of running out the non-striker.Effecting a run out at the non-striker’s end is mechanistically among the most anomalous actions in a bowler’s repertoire. It is the least similar to any other action he routinely performs. This further amplifies the difficulty in switching from bowling mode to non-striker-run-out mode, relative to, say, switching from yorker mode to bouncer mode. Most (but not all) recent prominent examples of run outs at the non-striker’s end were effected by spinners, who have relatively modular and slower run-ups compared to fast bowlers. This provides them more time and opportunity to disengage from bowling mode and engage non-striker-run-out mode. In the heat of a game – especially for fast bowlers with quick, highly linear, stereotyped run-ups – run outs at the non-striker’s end are hard and should be practised like any other skill within the game.Unfortunately, this need is hindered by prominent coaches, captains, and other authority figures in the game not recognising non-striker run outs as a legitimate form of dismissal, to the point that it is suggested that should a player effect such a dismissal, the captain can opt to void the appeal.This confusion within the cricket community – which exists despite how clear the laws of the game are on the issue – may discourage players from training for a legitimate form of dismissal, leading to errors in execution during the moment of truth. Harshal’s own hesitation reflects the hesitation many in cricket have towards non-striker run outs generally. An event like this botched non-striker run out can indirectly serve as a reminder that teams need a full commitment to the laws of cricket, not to some nebulous “spirit of cricket”. This sentiment should not just be reflected in words and thoughts but also in training regimes and strategies, just like with any other element of cricket play.

The ICC Women’s Championship has expanded to 11 teams with Zimbabwe’s inclusion, and a new T20 Champions Trophy has been introduced

Shashank Kishore04-Nov-2024The Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be played in January-February from 2026, while the Hundred (August) and WBBL (November) have been allotted dedicated windows in the new women’s Future Tours Programme for the 2025-29 cycle.The BCCI moving the WPL has resulted in Cricket Australia pushing back its women’s marquee summer fixtures from mid-January to February-March to avoid a clash with the most lucrative women’s franchise league.The 2024-25 women’s Ashes, which begins on January 12, will be the last international matches Australia will host in January until 2029. The first of Australia’s marquee home series in their new window is a tour by India for one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is after the WPL in January-February 2026.The ICC Women’s ODI Championship has been expanded to 11 teams in the new FTP with the addition of Zimbabwe. This follows the addition of Bangladesh and Ireland to the ongoing cycle that will culminate with next year’s ODI World Cup in India in October. Zimbabwe’s inclusion means all of ICC’s Full Members except Afghanistan, who don’t field a women’s team, are part of the championship.With the expansion of the Women’s Championship, each country will play four teams at home and four away over a three-year cycle. In their maiden appearance in the upcoming cycle, Zimbabwe will host South Africa, West Indies, Ireland and Sri Lanka and will tour India, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Pakistan.As expected, India and Pakistan will only play each other in world tournaments in the new FTP, and not in bilateral series.ESPNcricinfo LtdIn another addition that has been largely members-driven, teams have scheduled tri-series as part of their preparation for ICC events during this cycle.”Ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, England will host India and New Zealand for such a three-team T20I tournament while Ireland will host Pakistan and the West Indies,” ICC general manager Wasim Khan said. “Sri Lanka and the West Indies are among other Members scheduled to host tri-series, in 2027 and 2028, respectively.”A T20 Champions Trophy for womenThe ICC has introduced a T20 Champions Trophy – to be held in Sri Lanka in 2027 – as part of its strategic plan to have at least one women’s global tournament each year. This new tournament will feature six teams and will comprise 16 matches. The addition of this tournament to the women’s calendar means there will be three global events – including the LA Olympics (August 2028) and T20 World Cup (September 2028) – over a 12-month period.This takes the count of all ICC senior women’s events in the new FTP cycle to five: two T20 World Cups (2026 and 2028), two ODI World Cups (2025 and 2029), and a T20 Champions Trophy in 2027.The ODI World Cup will have 10 teams playing 48 matches from 2029 (up from eight teams, and 31 matches, till 2025), the T20 World Cup will be expanded to 12 teams playing 33 matches from 2026 (up from 10 teams and 23 matches till 2024).Women’s FTP – Test cricket•ESPNcricinfo LtdWest Indies to play Tests after 20 yearsA total of 15 women’s Tests have been included in this cycle, with West Indies set to return to the format after more than 20 years. They host Australia for one Test as part of a multi-format series in March 2026, play England in another at home in April 2027, and will play a Test in South Africa in December 2028.West Indies last played a Test in 2003-04, against Pakistan, and have only played 12 women’s Tests in all. India, meanwhile, will play Australia and South Africa in away Tests in 2026, while also hosting Australia and England later in the cycle.Having toured Australia for what was only their second women’s Test in nearly a decade, South Africa will host Australia for a Test for the first time in March-April 2027. The new FTP concludes in 2029 with the ODI World Cup, the venue for which is yet to be announced.