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يرى أشرف صبحي وزير الشباب والرياضة، أن بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز من أقوى الدوريات في القارة الإفريقية، معلقاً على تصريحات حسام حسن الأخيرة، وأشار إلى دور رابطة الأندية واتحاد الكرة في توعية الجماهير.

وقال أشرف صبحي في تصريحات عبر قناة “cbc”: “أعلنا هذا الأمر وكان هناك اجتماع بوزارة الداخلية في حضور الجهات المنظمة ووزارة الشباب والرياضة، وأعلنا بشكل رسمي عودة الجماهير، لكن قلنا أنه لا بد أن نعمل على توعية الجماهير لأن هناك لائحة ستطبق”.

وأضاف: “جاءت لنا الفرصة وعلينا الحفاظ عليها، الجمهور يدخل لكي يكون سعيدًا ويشجع فريقه، وبالتالي لا بد أن يكون معك (فان أي دي) ولو فعلت مشكلة الكاميرات ستصورك، ولو هناك شغب النادي سيتحمل غرامات مالية كبيرة، وقانون الرياضة يمنع الإهانة لأن هذا عقوبته تصل للغرامة والحبس”.

وافاد: “رابطة الأندية والاتحاد والوزارة عليهم أن يقوموا بعمل توعية للجماهير”.

طالع أيضاً.. الخليج: حصيلة محمد شريف في الدوري السعودي جيدة.. ويعاني من نفس مشكلة بنزيما وفيرمينيو

وأشار: “حتى 2026 هذه فترة لا بد أن يكون بها استقرار، اتحاد الكرة الانتخابات به ستكون في موعدها، فلابد أن نحافظ على مشهد الاستقرار”.

وأكمل: “بالنسبة للمنتخب الأولمبي ميكالي حصل على الميدالية الذهبية مع البرازيل، ولديه استقرار وإن شاء الله ربنا يوفقه، ودوري كوزارة الشباب والرياضة أن نوفر التطوير، وعلى المسؤولين على الكرة أن يقوموا بعملهم”.

وعن تصريحات حسام حسن، قال: “فرصنا حاليًا أفضل في تصفيات كأس العالم فالظروف أفضل، والجهاز الفني والإداري للمنتخب جدد، حسام وإبراهيم حسن معروف إنجازاتهما، خاضا تجربة احترافية ولعبا لأكبر ناديين وحققا انجازات، جاء وقتهما لتدريب منتخب مصر، نحن دورنا أن نوفر لهما كل الظروف الملائمة ولا نحكم مبكرًا”.

واستكمل: “أمامنا مباراة مقبلة لمنتخب مصر في شهر يونيو المقبل ثم لقاء آخر شهر ديسمبر في تصفيات كأس العالم، والمهمة ليست سهلة وليست صعبة، وأمامنا كأس أمم إفريقيا بالمغرب 2025، فيجب أن يحصل الجهاز الفني على وقته، ويؤدي بجهد كبير، حسام حسن أصلح من تصريحاته اليوم وقال إنه تم تحريف تصريحاته”.

وأضاف: “الجيل الذي كان متواجدًا مع حسن شحاته، كان معظمه محليين ولا يوجد محترفين، الجيل الحالي متواجد فيه 7 محترفين وفي أندية كبيرة على رأسهم محمد صلاح، والباقي في الدوري المحلي، الدوري المصري مقارنة بباقي الدوريات هو أقوى دوري في قارة إفريقيا”.

وواصل: “أتابع مع الجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر الأول والأولمبي ومع اتحاد الكرة ما ينقصهم، في الوقت الحالي يجب أن نكون خلف منتخبنا”.

هل تقوم بدور وساطة وتقريب وجهات نظر بين محمد صلاح وحسام حسن؟ أجاب: “هذا الأمر يتردد كثيرًا، أنا وزير دورنا استراتيجي أكثر، عندما تكون هناك أزمات وتمس الشأن العام أتدخل فيها، أطمئن الناس لو هناك مشكلة سأتدخل فيها، محمد صلاح أول لاعب محترف يصل لهذه الدرجة وله الحق أن نفتخر به”.

واختتم: “محمد صلاح قال إنه سيكون متواجدًا في المعسكر المقبل لمنتخب مصر، وعندما سينضم سيكون إضافة وسيغير من شكل المنتخب”.

أثنى أحمد حسام ميدو مهاجم الزمالك الأسبق على الأداء الذي يقدمه مصطفى شوبير حارس الأهلي خلال المباريات الأخيرة، موضحًا رأيه في مشاركة محمد الشناوي أساسيًا بعد تعافيه من الإصابة.

وقدم مصطفى شوبير أداءًا متميزًا في مباراة الأهلي أمام الإسماعيلي أمس والتي انتهت بفوز القلعة الحمراء بنتيجة 2-1.

وقال ميدو في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة المحور: “أؤكد إعجابي بمصطفى شوبير لأنه شجاع ومستواه الفني يتطور، ووضع كولر في أزمة (صحية) بالنسبة للمدير الفني”.

خبير تحكيمي يوضح مدى صحة ركلة جزاء الإسماعيلي أمام الأهلي

وأردف: “محمد الشناوي منذ سنوات يلعب في الأهلي ووضع قدما على القدم وفي منتخب مصر أيضا، بمشاركة شوبير وإنقاذه لكرات مهمة ولعبه بشخصية والتطور الذي يحدث له، وضع كولر في أزمة صحية”.

وتابع: “مشاركة محمد الشناوي بشكل أساسي مع المستوى الذي يقدمه شوبير أصبحت غير مضمونة له ولكولر، الآن توجد منافسة”.

وواصل: “الشناوي حارس مرمى كبير جدًا ولكن المستوى الذي يقدمه شوبير مع بعد الشناوي عن الملعب، فأنا لو مكان كولر والثنائي متاحين أمامي سأعطي الفرصة لشوبير، لأنه هو الذي قدمه في الملعب، الحارس الثاني لو تألق حقه المشاركة”.

وعن تقييمه لمباراة الأهلي والإسماعيلي، قال ميدو: “شعرت أنها تقسيمة، أبارك للأهلي، نتيجة منطقية وطبيعية نظرًا لفارق المستوى الكبير بين الفريقين”.

وأتم: “حزنت أن هذا هو مستوى لقاء الأهلي والإسماعيلي، تشعر أن لاعبي الدراويش لا يصدقون أنهم من الممكن أن يحققوا التعادل، ومصطفى شوبير من أبرز أسباب فوز الأهلي أمس”.

West Ham United are in advanced talks over a deal for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, with the Irons likely to shell out a fee in the region of €35m (£30M), according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

West Ham have now made it clear they would be interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, however the German has no desire to leave the Bundesliga champions this summer, so David Moyes may have to turn his attentions elsewhere.

According to Plettenberg, the Hammers have four other central midfield targets on their list, including Edson Alvarez, Sofyan Amrabat, Denis Zakaria and Gallagher, with a move for at least one of those players considered likely.

Speaking specifically about the Irons' pursuit of the Chelsea midfielder, the Sky Sports reporter said: "Talks are already well advanced with Gallagher. The fee would be between 25 and 35 million euros. At least one of the five candidates mentioned should come."

New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is said to be an admirer of the Englishman, so it remains to be seen whether he is willing to sanction his departure this summer, and West Ham may face fierce competition for his signature from other Premier League clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on the 23-year-old, while Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion are also thought to have him on their wanted list.

Given that the Hammers are in advanced talks to sign the England international, however, it appears as though they could be one of the clubs best-placed to secure his signature.

How good is Conor Gallagher?

It would be fair to say the Cobham academy graduate did not make the impression he would have liked to across 35 Premier League appearances last season, registering a total of just three goals and one assist.

However, during his time with Crystal Palace, when the central midfielder received much more regular game time, he managed to record eight goals and three assists in all competitions.

Not only has the Epsom-born midfielder demonstrated he has a lot to give in an attacking sense, he is also more than happy to pitch in defensively, ranking in the 96th percentile for blocks per 90 in the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Football Scout Jacek Kulig has lauded the Chelsea ace as a "warrior", while Jermaine Jenas has praised him for his attacking prowess, saying: “I think he is a game-changer aswell Conor Gallagher. He’s the type of player that you bring on and he has an impact on the game. He presses, gets himself in the box and creates chances."

The midfielder has proven himself in the Premier League, but he is unlikely to receive much game time as he would like at Chelsea, given the Blues' heavy spending last season, bringing in Enzo Fernandez for a fee of €121m (£104m).

As such, it makes sense for Gallagher to seek pastures new at this stage of his career, and he could be a solid addition to Moyes' squad.

ScorecardJamie Porter removed both openers on his way to four wickets•Getty Images

Paul Walter and Jamie Porter blasted out fragile Middlesex for 149 to claim career-best one-day figures and lay the foundations for Essex’s comfortable seven-wicket Royal London Cup victory.Walter marked his List A debut on Wednesday with three wickets at the death against Sussex, and bettered that with four front-line Middlesex wickets for 37 from eight overs. At one stage he had taken 4 for 21 runs from 27 balls.Porter weighed in, claiming his four wickets for 40 as Middlesex, put in, slumped from 54 for 1 to 117 for 9. Only a last-wicket stand of 31 between Steven Finn and Ravi Patel, the second best of the innings, took Middlesex to a seriously below-par 148. To compound their humiliation, they left nearly 10 of their 50 overs unused.Alastair Cook saw Essex through to their fifth win in six as the day-night match ended with more than 20 overs remaining and still in bright sunlight. Cook finished unbeaten on 67.The big news in Essex’s selection was that James Foster came in for his first game of the season behind the stumps; he was on the scorecard as early as the seventh over. Nick Gubbins had hit five fours in 22 before he got a thick edge to Porter and a diving Foster took the catch in front of first slip.After two brief breaks for rain, which enlivened the wicket no end, Middlesex lost two wickets in five balls. Nick Compton played on to Walter’s second legitimate ball and then Dawid Malan wafted at Porter to give Foster a more straightforward catch.Walter made deep inroads into the Middlesex middle-order in a spell of four wickets from 27 balls at a personal cost of 21 when he sent back Adam Voges, James Franklin and John Simpson in quick order.Voges chased a wide one to give Foster a third catch, Franklin was trapped lbw on his crease next ball, and Simpson followed in his next over, also leg before. Middlesex had slumped from 54 for 1 to 90 for 6.When the 22-year-old Walter came off after six overs, he had figures of 4 for 31. That brought Porter back into the attack and he claimed his third wicket, Ryan Higgins misjudging a slower ball and cross-batting to Tom Westley at short midwicket.Tom Helm contributed just one before he sent back a tame caught-and-bowled to Ashar Zaidi and then Toby Roland-Jones fell lbw to Porter, stepping back and not playing a shot. Patel showed some spirit with a six off Zaidi over long leg as the tail wagged determinedly. , Patel finally departed for a pleasing 18 when he was bowled by Simon Harmer, leaving Finn 13 not out.Varun Chopra and Cook moved comfortably to 49 for the first wicket. Cook stepped back to cut one from Helm and Chopra pulled Finn for two splendid fours before he was first to depart, caught behind on the drive against Patel.Cook survived a dropped catch by Franklin in the slips off Finn when he was 35, and soon after Zaidi received a reprieve when Patel missed a simple caught-and-bowled on one. It only cost Middlesex five runs as Zaidi swept Patel low to Voges at square leg.The England opener eased himself to fifty from 51 balls when he punched Patel through the covers for his eighth boundary. His ninth, though, was rather more fortunate as he edged Finn uppishly through a three-man slip cordon.Tom Westley came in after successive first-ball ducks, but looked in better form as he thumped Finn through the covers for four and added two more with identical on-drives off Helm. However, in the same over, he chopped on and departed for 15.Ravi Bopara looked in a hurry as he took three fours in an over off Patel, sweeping the first and lofting two straight drives to take Essex within 15 runs of victory in only the 26th over. The otherwise accurate Patel finished with a tidy two for 39 from his 10 overs.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Bayer Leverkusen gem Moussa Diaby, as Unai Emery and Monchi get to work this transfer window.

The Spanish duo is due to have a busy summer as they bid to get the squad up to par to compete in the Premier League and Europe next season.

Monchi could provide his second masterclass in signing Diaby, with Pau Torres set to become the first big signing of his reign.

Could Aston Villa sign Moussa Diaby?

As reported by the Daily Mail earlier this week, Villa were named as one of the clubs interested in the Bayer Leverkusen winger.

The report claimed that the Villans had joined the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle in the race for the 24-year-old.

Contracted to the German club until 2025, Leverkusen would expect an offer in the region of £50m for the Frenchman.

Where could Moussa Diaby play at Aston Villa?

Making a name for himself in Paris Saint Germain’s academy, the Paris-born gem has sparkled in Germany, cementing himself as a favourite in Leverkusen.

In 172 total appearances for the Bundesliga side, the 24-year-old has contributed to 97 goals, scoring 49 and assisting 48 from the wing, seeing him described as “electrifying” by journalist Aaron Stokes.

With the ability to play on either side of the pitch, Diaby has proved to be a constant threat from the flanks, as highlighted by his 24 goal contributions in all competitions last season.

While many know of the wide players’ talents, not many are aware of his expertise on the level of former teammate Leon Bailey, who caused havoc playing alongside the Frenchman at Leverkusen.

The once frightening duo could be an incentive for Emery to hire Diaby, with the possibility that he could uncover the Jamaican’s form prior to his move to the Premier League along with the potential addition.

Across 119 Bundesliga appearances, Bailey contributed to 49 goals, scoring 28 and assisting 21 to highlight the threat he can pose on the flanks.

His skills have not yet been transferred to Villa Park, with him scoring just five Premier League goals in 51 appearances so far for the Villans.

Hailed as having “deadly wings” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Leverkusen were once spoiled by the riches of Bailey and Diaby, who as highlighted by the scout contributed collectively to 51 goals in 2020/21.

Emery could reignite where the duo left off, bringing a once-threatening combination back to life in the Midlands in the bid to improve the form of their winger as well as the overall form of the club.

Averaging 1.70 successful take-ons and 4.17 progressive carries per 90 in the Bundesliga last season, Diaby could be the perfect outlet on the flank to liven up the play in the wide areas at Villa Park.

The French "demon" – as lauded by The Athletic's Alex Barker – is also a strong figure in his playmaking efforts, averaging 1.93 key passes per 90, being a prominent presence in the final third for those around him.

Monchi could deliver Emery a masterclass in giving the Spaniard a chance at re-coupling the two wingers, in the hope to re-spark the chemistry once loved in Germany.

Liverpool have met with the representatives of midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, but need to act quickly in order to get a deal done, presenter Mark McAdam has claimed.

What's the latest on Liverpool's transfer targets?

A big window lies ahead for Jurgen Klopp, as he aims to make Liverpool competitive at the top of the table again after a disappointing season in which they finished fifth.

They have already confirmed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister as part of their midfield revamp, and are now interested in Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

The midfielder has a release clause which expires at the end of June, so the Reds may have to act quickly if they are to strike a deal for the 22-year-old.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, McAdam revealed that Liverpool have already spoken to the player's representatives over a move.

"They are looking to revolutionise, revitalise, revamp that midfield after having lost various players. Of course, they've already signed Alexis Mac Allister, and to point out Dominic Szoboszlai, he's a 22-year-old midfielder currently at RB Leipzig," he stated.

"He currently has a €70m (£60m) release clause, which expires tomorrow [Friday], so if Liverpool are interested in the midfielder, they're going to have to act quickly.

"We know that he's been on their radar for some time, he fits the type of profile of the midfielders that they're looking to bring into the football club, and we know that Liverpool have met his representatives as well. So things are moving, probably not as quickly as the club needs to act."

What do Liverpool need to do in this transfer window?

The priority for Klopp is clearly the midfield, and if he can secure a deal for the Hungary international, he may still hunt for another option in the market.

Khephren Thuram has also been linked, and Liverpool could end the window with an entirely new midfield trio.

They may also need reinforcements at the back. Virgil van Dijk attracted criticism for his performances last season, and a younger option may be needed to replace him and Joel Matip in the long-run.

There have been links with Micky Van de Ven, but it remains to be seen how much spending power Liverpool will have, having failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2016.

The expectation for Liverpool, should they sign Szoboszlai, would likely be a return to the top four, as well as challenging for major trophies, and returning to the level of performances they displayed as they challenged for the quadruple in 2022.

Liverpool will make their priorities clearer 'in the next few days' at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp looks to bring in midfield reinforcements this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What midfielders have Liverpool been linked with?

According to FootballTransfers, Borussia Monchengladbach ace Manu Kone remains high on Liverpool's shortlist at Anfield as their hunt for midfield signings intensifies.

The report states that Liverpool may have to pay up to €40 million (£34.1 million) to land the enforcer and talks are said to have taken place between his current employers and the Reds.

As per The Athletic, Liverpool are also believed to have held 'positive discussions' with Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, though the German giants are reluctant to let go of the 21-year-old in the transfer window.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that Liverpool are keen on Khephren Thuram and issued an update on their pursuit on Twitter, stating: "Told Nice are in talks with Liverpool over the potential fee for Khephren Thuram but there is a fear that the French outfit may look to draw out a number of other interested clubs in purchasing the Reds’ number one target."

Liverpool have already completed one midfield signing in the form of Alexis Mac Allister, who has arrived from Brighton & Hove Albion for an initial fee of £35 million, as per Sky Sports.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has stated that Liverpool's intentions over who they may turn to next to feature in their engine room moving forward will start to become clearer shortly.

Jones said: “I think it's an example of when clubs have to have a wide field of options and decide which one they're closing in on.

“They’re not going to sign all three of those, but after getting Mac Allister through the door, they'll still sign at least one more midfielder.

“It will probably be one of those two [Thuram and Kone] or Gravenberch. I think it should become clear in the next few days.”

Have Liverpool targeted any other midfielders this window?

Liverpool have targeted a whole host of midfielders as they look to replace the departed trio of Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who have all left the club under freedom of contract.

According to Football Insider, Fulham anchorman Joao Palhinha is a target for the Reds, though they will need to pay a fee of around £50 million to tempt the Cottagers into selling him.

The Daily Mail report that Southampton ace James Ward-Prowse has also cropped up on the radar at Anfield following his current employers' relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.

In a different Football Insider scoop, Ward-Prowse's teammate Romeo Lavia has been identified as another potential incoming; however, Liverpool are keen not to be dragged into a drawn out pursuit for the 19-year-old this summer.

Match facts

Friday, December 9, 2016
Start time 1745 local (1145 GMT)Dhaka’s Shakib Al Hasan and Dwayne Bravo will need to display their all-round skills in the final•BCB

Big Picture

Though there are in-form specialist batsmen and bowlers in both line-ups, the BPL final between Dhaka Dynamites and Rajshahi Kings could boil down to one set of allrounders edging out the other.Dhaka’s firepower is led by Andre Russell, assisted by Dwayne Bravo, Shakib Al Hasan, Nasir Hossain and Mosaddek Hossain. All of them have shown the ability to change the course of the game with their batting, their bowling and their fielding. Russell, Bravo and Shakib have done so time and again in T20 finals but Nasir and Mosaddek will have to adjust to the big occasion.Darren Sammy will lead Rajshahi’s all-round troops, which also include Samit Patel, Mehedi Hasan, Farhad Reza, James Franklin and young Afif Hossain. It is a motley crew of veterans and rookies but they have done the job on many occasions during the BPL this year.Rajshahi’s bowling attack also includes Kesrick Williams and Nazmul Islam, two bowlers who have been miserly whenever they have been pushed to win a game. Of course, Rajshahi would be foolish to depend solely on their middle order and bowlers. The likes of Mominul Haque, Nurul Hasan and Sabbir Rahman have to do their bit, which will also give them momentum ahead of Bangladesh’s full series against New Zealand later this month.Dhaka’s openers Mehedi Maruf and Evin Lewis are dangerous, while the experienced Kumar Sangakkara will provide balance in the top order.

Form guide

Dhaka Dynamites: WLWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Rajshahi Kings: WWWLL

In the spotlight

Mehedi Maruf hasn’t scored a half-century since Dhaka’s fourth game; he is due, and when better than the final to deliver? He has been trying to hit out from the first over and, if he succeeds, that could be dangerous for Rajshahi who will also need to contain Evin Lewis at the other end.After his memorable Test debut against England, Mehedi Hasan has had an uneventful maiden BPL campaign – so far. He has taken 11 wickets in 14 matches and has done well with the bat just once. A budding allrounder, his offspin could make a big difference to Rajshahi’s attack against Dhaka’s big-hitters.

Team news

Dhaka are likely to go with the same XI that crushed Khulna in the first qualifier, which means that the big-hitting Seekkuge Prasanna may have to be kept out.Dhaka Dynamites (probable): 1 Mehedi Maruf, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Nasir Hossain, 5 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 6 Mosaddek Hossain, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Dwayne Bravo, 9 Alauddin Babu, 10 Sunzamul Islam, 11 Abu JayedRajshahi is also likely to remain unchanged from the second qualifier against Khulna, fitting their six allrounders into a strong but inconsistent batting line-up.Rajshahi Kings (probable): 1 Mominul Haque, 2 Nurul Hasan (wk), 3 Afif Hossain, 4 Sabbir Rahman, 5 James Franklin, 6 Samit Patel, 7 Darren Sammy, 8 Mehedi Hasan, 9 Farhad Reza, 10 Kesrick Williams, 11 Nazmul Islam

Pitch and conditions

Mirpur’s darker soil hasn’t been all that comfortable for the batsmen. Its slow nature has meant that the average score for teams batting first in the evening games has been only 135. In Chittagong it was 161, while in the day games in Mirpur it was 154. Only seven out of 19 times in this tournament have teams batting first won an evening game in Mirpur.

Stats and trivia

• In matches won, Dhaka’s Mehedi Maruf has batted at a rate of 145.19. Rajshahi’s Darren Sammy has done even better in that regard: strike rate of 194.79 in wins. With the ball, Kesrick Williams has conceded just 3.33 runs per over in Rajshahi wins
• Rajshahi won both their league games against Dhaka, with Samit Patel adjudged Player of the Match on both occasions
• This will be the third BPL final for a Dhaka franchise, with the Gladiators having won the title in 2012 and 2013. Rajshahi will be playing their first final

Quotes

‘We want it just as bad as they want it.”

Zimbabwe Cricket has released a statement condemning the alleged racist abuse of Zimbabwe batsman Malcolm Waller by a section of the home crowd during the second Test against Sri Lanka last week

Liam Brickhill13-Nov-2016

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has released a statement condemning the alleged racist abuse of Zimbabwe batsman Malcolm Waller by a section of the home crowd during the second Test against Sri Lanka last week.Waller is understood to have lodged the complaint when abusive comments were directed at him after he dropped a catch on the morning of the fourth day of the Test. Fielding at square leg, Waller missed an easy chance off Asela Gunaratne’s bat in the middle of an otherwise tight spell from quicks Carl Mumba and Chris Mpofu. Zimbabwe went on to lose the Test by 257 runs, conceding the series 2-0.”Zimbabwe Cricket was deeply disturbed by the conduct of a section of fans who made abusive and racist chants targeted at our players during Zimbabwe’s just-ended Test series against Sri Lanka at Harare Sports Club,” ZC’s statement said. “We condemn any act of racism, abuse or intolerance in cricket, in particular, and sport, in general.”The chants appear to have come from the section of the ground known as Castle Corner, where fans traditionally gather in boisterous but good-natured support during international games. This is also the area where members of the Zimbabwe Cricket Supporters Union (ZCSU), an unofficial body that mobilises support for the national team during home games, can usually be found.”We are also disappointed by such racist rants, if they were really made,” Tapfumaneyi Vivian Banhire, chairman of the ZCSU, told . “Our supporters union has no such members who engaged in such behaviour.”Banhire confirmed his organisation’s position to ESPNcricinfo. “It wasn’t any of our guys,” he said. “Zimbabwean supporters are not racial at all.”During Zimbabwe’s last home series against India in June when the home side was thrashed in all of their matches, disgruntled Zimbabwe fans vented their frustrations by holding up a variety of homemade signs, some of which suggested that Zimbabwe cricket players should be arrested and “face treason” over their performances.”The fans made themselves clear during the India series and I believe the players had got the message, therefore there was no need to continue with waving such cards again,” Banhire said. “The fans are very happy that we have come this far.”ZC is continuing to investigate Waller’s complaint, and warned that it is “taking steps to introduce sanctions against those involved in such incidents”. The ICC’s anti-racism code requires members to impose punishments, including possible life bans, on anyone found guilty of racial abuse.

India opener Shikhar Dhawan has admitted to channelling the disappointment of being omitted from the playing XI for the recent T20I series against West Indies into improving his standards. Dhawan had a mediocre outing in the Test series in the West Indies, where he managed only 138 runs from four innings before being dropped for the final Test in Port of Spain.”I feel my motivation always increases even when things don’t go well for me,” Dhawan told reporters after the Duleep Trophy final between India Blue and India Red. “Sure, it does hurt me, but I channel the hurt to keep getting better; I don’t let it bog me down. That’s how I work.”Like, when I was left out for the T20s – of course I wanted to be in the playing XI. So, that required me to do better. So, I thought, ‘OK man, I have to raise my standards. As simple as that.’ I don’t look outside; I look inside and say, ‘I will have to do this, I will do it.'”Dhawan also said his motivation to do well increased with time, and that age didn’t have a bearing on it. “It depends on your desire [to do well], how much you love the game and what goals you have.”With the emergence of KL Rahul, India have had the luxury of opting for any two of three potential openers – Rahul, Dhawan and M Vijay – and the team used all possible pairings during the West Indies Tests. Dhawan’s middling returns have coincided with a breakout season for Rahul – he scored 236 runs, including a hundred, from three Test innings, before smashing an unbeaten 51-ball 110 in the first T20I in Florida.Dhawan agreed that the competition for the opening spots had intensified, and that it had kept every player on his toes in the lead-up to a long home season. “It is a good thing. [One needs to give it one’s all to keep one’s place in the side],” he said.”Rahul, anyway has done quite well in Test matches and T20s, so if you look at the bigger picture it’s very good for India that there are three or four openers pushing one another, as well as openers in the domestic circuit who are also pushing for places. Such competition ensures each individual keeps working hard.”With the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur set to begin in a little over a week, Dhawan said he was preparing well and getting physically and mentally stronger. Asked if there was any specific preparation involved, he replied with a laugh: “I am batting for 40 minutes [in the nets].”Dhawan was also appreciative of head coach Anil Kumble’s cricketing smarts, and said he was learning from him the importance of hard graft. “It’s been great having Anil around. Of course, he is a great legend,” he said. “He is so well educated and obviously has a sharp brain. He has great cricketing intelligence as well, so you obviously learn a lot for him – be it the dedication and hard grind he brought to his game, or the aggressive mindset with which he played.”Dhawan, who turned out for India Red who lost the Duleep Trophy final to India Blue, said the tournament provided useful game-time ahead of a busy season. “It’s quite useful because I believe practice in the form of matches is always good as it gives you a feel of the pressure,” he said. “Especially, after you field for two successive days, your body also loosens up and you get a good vibe. So, you take that confidence forward.”