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The BCCI has reaffirmed its commitment to make this past weekend’s T20 series in the USA an annual event for India, with board president Anurag Thakur calling the series “a great success”

Peter Della Penna31-Aug-20162:47

BCCI wants to make cricket very popular in US – Thakur

The BCCI has reaffirmed its commitment to make this past weekend’s T20 series in the USA an annual event for India, with board president Anurag Thakur calling the series “a great success.” Thakur also said the BCCI was eager to strengthen its connection with the US market.”We need to come, I can’t say many times a year, but yes on annual basis we have to be here if we really want to develop a market and want locals to play and participate, not only to watch cricket,” Thakur told ESPNcricinfo. “We have to play a much much bigger role and India is up and ready to play that big role. BCCI is here to deliver and will make it a big success.”I think there needs to be more focus in countries like US, Canada and others where we have a lot of population who is from Asia who understands cricket, could be more involved and can get more locals involved. So we are not here just to play a couple of games.”We will come out with a long-term plan after this success, how to make it work in US, how to have more and more local people playing the game of cricket. If they can play in early 18th century, what made cricket go out of America? We have to bring it back. No other country than India can do that.”The two T20 internationals in Lauderhill were officially sold-out, though actual attendance figures are yet to be released. Saturday’s crowd was near to the 15,000 capacity set for the event while Sunday’s turnout was smaller and estimated to be close to the 12,000 range. On both days, the crowds were predominantly made up of adult male Indian supporters and few young families in attendance.Ticket prices were steep for the matches, though, ranging from US $75 to $250. When asked if the BCCI would consider lowering them in the future to attract families and first-time fans, Thakur said they needed to meet the expenses for putting on the event to make it financially feasible.”When you have got a quality product, you have to pay a good amount,” Thakur said. “So we promise quality cricket. We are not making enough money out of it. In India we make much more money. Here it is just meeting out the expenses.”So the issue is why should India be investing here? I’m not just investing here for the sake of money. I’m investing here because I believe as a true leader India should play an important role to make this game more popular. How do you do that? There should be more engagement. How do we do that? If I don’t earn, how do I invest? I need to earn and invest at the same time.”The two T20Is in Florida were the third high-profile series in the USA in the last year. Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar’s Cricket All-Stars tour of New York, Houston and Los Angeles in November was followed by the CPL’s maiden visit to Florida in July. The Cricket All-Stars and CPL groups also conducted kids’ clinics as part of their fan engagement efforts. The BCCI chose not to do anything similar and when asked if they would set up junior clinics on their next visit, Thakur said it was the responsibility of local administrators to get kids playing.”I think it’s very important that the locals should start playing more cricket, quality cricket, and they should have enough facilities available, but that has to be done by the local federation or association board,” Thakur said. “BCCI can play a role, but can’t take the control of American cricket.”Thakur also floated the possibility of playing at other venues around the USA in the future, but said the east coast was the most realistic option to satisfy the TV market in India. The matches in Florida started at 10am local time, 7.30pm in India, and playing in Chicago or on the west coast would not be practical with a 7 or 8am start.Thakur also said that they were not sure of returning specifically to the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, the only ICC certified venue in the USA, for their next visit and they would be reluctant to use the Cricket All-Stars’ model of drop-in pitches at baseball stadiums with unorthodox boundary configurations. Even if it allowed them access to the New York market, Thakur said the objective remained to avoid “exhibitions” and that cricket should be played “not casually but seriously”, thus making a traditional stadium important to any plans.

Newcastle United completing the summer signing of Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries would "take the team to the next level", according to BBC pundit Alan Hutton.

Will Denzel Dumfries leave Inter Milan?

The Dutchman has made 91 appearances to date since arriving at the San Siro back in 2021, and despite his contract not expiring for another two years, there’s a chance that he and some of his fellow teammates could be sold during the upcoming window as the Italian outfit look to resolve their financial crisis.

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, PIF and Eddie Howe have recently submitted an official enquiry to discover what it would take to complete a deal for the 27-year-old right-back, with the boss also targeting a fresh face on the opposite flank, where it appears that the Magpies are closing in on a move for Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney having been given the green light by Mikel Arteta to make the switch to St. James’ Park.

Are Newcastle signing Dumfries?

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton was asked whether he thought Dumfries was capable of taking Kieran Trippier's place in Howe's first-team should he put pen to paper at Newcastle in the Premier League, to which he replied:

“I think he is a brilliant football player. Already for such a young age, what he is achieving is up there. I think the next step for him is to go to the Premier League. Newcastle are definitely doing it in the right way. I think they are spending money and recruiting well, not just splashing the cash on anybody. They are in a situation that we did not see this early on."

“They have to go again and improve and Dumfries definitely gives you that. He definitely gives you the competition, so that would be a good battle moving forward and I think that is what they need to take the team to the next level. If they could get that over the line with Tierney possibly on the other side, I think they would have a really strong defence.”

Whether Dumfries would get into Newcastle’s starting XI ahead of Trippier remains to be seen, but regardless of if he’d be a regular or a back-up option, he’d be a fantastic alternative for Howe to have at his disposal having been dubbed a “monster” by journalist Alan Rzepa.

The World Cup participant is naturally much strong in the offensive aspect of his game and when bursting down the flank having clocked up seven assists and one goal in 31 Serie A games so far this season, but he’s still constantly looking to create moments of magic even if he’s not always on the scoresheet. As per FBRef, the £53k-per-week ace ranks in the 99th percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area and the 93rd percentile for total shots, so is a real force to be reckoned with driving forward.

Finally, Dumfries has the flexibility to operate anywhere across the defence, including left-back, right-back, centre-back and even higher up in defensive and on the right side of the midfield, so would provide excellent cover should any unexpected injuries occur, therefore making this a no-brainer of a deal to for even if he doesn't dislodge Trippier.

ScorecardWill Bragg laid the base for Glamorgan’s victory•Getty Images

Gloucestershire, the current Royal London Cup champions, suffered their second defeat in successive days when they were soundly beaten by 52 runs by Glamorgan.Despite half centuries from Michael Klinger and top score Benny Howell (77), Gloucestershire were always behind the run rate and lost wickets at regular intervals.Glamorgan, who were put in by Klinger, made 289 before they were dismissed with a ball of their innings remaining, but had been in a position during their 50 overs to have scored in excess of 300.Jacques Rudolph and Will Bragg laid the foundation adding 122 in 22.2 overs for the second wicket, Bragg top scoring with 75 and Rudolph 53. The Glamorgan captain has struggled for runs this season, and in a laboured innings of 81 balls he struck only two fours, scoring only five in the first ten overs.From 156 for 1, Glamorgan suffered a mini collapse, losing four wickets for only 23 runs and it was left to Colin Ingram and Graham Wagg to resurrect the innings with a partnership of 60 until Wagg ran himself out with four overs left.Although Gloucestershire’s two left arm spinners Chris Dent and Tom Smith conceded 94 runs in their ten overs, Glamorgan were restricted by Matt Taylor and Benny Howell in the last 10 overs, as they added 74 runs and lost five wickets. Howell, with his variation of cutters and slower balls was a difficult proposition and is an important member of Gloucestershire’s one day team.Wagg soon made inroads into Gloucestershire’s top order by taking wickets in his third and fourth overs. Dent gave the bowler a return catch then Gareth Roderick struck one to short midwicket where Donald held the catch at the second attempt.When Hamish Marshall fell to Timm Van de Gugten, the visitors had slumped to 48 for 3, with their hopes resting primarily on Klinger. He put on 61 with Ian Cockbain, but both batsmen were restrained by some accurate bowling, and after Cockbain was caught down the leg side by the wicketkeeper, Gloucestershire lost their leading batsmen when Klinger, who had struck 52 from 79 balls, gave Ingram a return catch.Ingram’s leg spin caused problems for the batsmen and after Jack Taylor was caught at long off Gloucestershire were in trouble at 123 for 6 with Ingram having taken 2 for 12 from 5 overs.With 10 overs remaining Gloucestershire required 105 to win, with Tom Smith and Benny Howell having shared a useful stand of 64, but Craig Meschede then uprooted Smith’s off stump with his third ball. Howell battled until the end before he was the last man out, caught on the extra cover boundary.

Amid the multitude of issues surrounding relegation strugglers Leeds United at present, one of the major causes for concern has been at right-back, with neither Jesse Marsch nor Javi Gracia having been able to settle on a consistent option in that.

Despite splashing out £10m on Rasmus Kristensen last summer, the former Red Bull Salzburg man has "failed to make the step up from the Austrian Bundesliga to the Premier League", according to writer Zach Lowy, having endured a difficult campaign at Elland Road.

The Denmark international has battled it out with experienced Englishman, Luke Ayling for a starting role of late, although the latter man has also been rather uninspiring, having been described as "absolutely woeful" by broadcaster Conor McGilligan.

As Leeds Live's Beren Cross only recently noted following the 2-1 defeat to Fulham, 'right-back has been the biggest of many positional problems in the team this season', with the Whites likely needing to find a longer-term solution next season.

There may well have been those keen to see Cody Drameh earn a promotion to the first team next term after spending the second half of the current campaign on loan at Luton Town, with the former Fulham ace having been "really good" during his time in the Championship, according to Hatters boss, Rob Edwards.

That being said, however, the 21-year-old is facing an uncertain future at his parent club amid reports that he could be set to leave at the end of the season, with Burnley – who only recently secured a return to the top flight – said to be keen on his signature.

As such, Leeds may have to look elsewhere for a potential long-term fit on the right side of the defence, with a standout candidate having perhaps presented himself in the form of "versatile" teenager, Morten Spencer, as hailed by BBC reporter, Adam Pope.

Who is Leeds's Morten Spencer?

While a midfielder by trade, young Spencer – who only recently extended his deal until 2024 – has popped up in a variety of positions in the youth ranks in season, including taking on the right-back role in each of the last three Premier League 2 games.

The Darlington-born sensation seemingly 'looked at ease' in that new role in the recent clash with West Bromwich Albion at U21 level, according to Leeds Live's William Jackson, having 'moved the ball forward well and delivered a number of dangerous set-pieces.'

A player who "loves a big slide tackle", according to journalist Joe Donnohue, the former Norway youth international has made a strong impression in the academy set-up of late, having initially been snapped up back in 2019, amid rival interest from Manchester City.

That swoop from Sunderland appeared a real "coup" at the time – as per respected insider The 4th Official – with the £140-p/w youngster perhaps deserving of a chance to finally impress at senior level.

Even though a full-back role may not be Spencer's natural position, with both Ayling and Kristensen currently struggling for form – and with Drameh seemingly set for an exit – an opportunity in the first-team could well come sooner rather than later.

Tottenham Hotspur were often accused of not quite backing Mauricio Pochettino, who has easily earned the most success of any manager to grace North London in recent memory.

The Argentine came in when the club was at a real low, and steadily propelled them up the Premier League table and into consistent contention for top four.

As their rise up the league continued, so did their spending, culminating in the two windows during the 2017/18 season that welcomed a few big names. The failure of many of these acquisitions could well have contributed to Daniel Levy's thinking, when he refused to sanction a single signing the year following.

Whilst Davinson Sanchez might steal the headlines for his failures after such a lofty price tag, it perhaps papers over further cracks in the form of Serge Aurier and Lucas Moura.

The latter remains at the club to this day, although his £90k-per-week deal is due to expire this summer, and has been quietly draining the club whilst offering little in return.

How has Lucas Moura played for Spurs?

Speaking of papering over the cracks, there is one night in particular that perhaps expunges any and all shortcomings that had come before for the wide man. Looking down and out in their Champions League second-leg tie in Ajax, the 30-year-old took the game by the scruff of its neck to score a sensational late winner to cap off his hat trick. One of the Lilywhites' greatest-ever nights was born of the Brazilian's brilliance.

However, this would be one of the few outstanding performances that Moura would enjoy, as across 218 appearances he has notched just 38 goals and 27 assists.

His best goalscoring season within the Premier League only saw him hit ten goals, struggling to surpass a tally of four every other year.

Journalist Paul Canning had warned of the "wildly inconsistent" winger after his £25m move from Paris Saint-Germain, and his performances across his five-and-a-half-year spell in north London have only proved him correct.

Whilst the initial fee might have seemed like a bargain at the time, the hidden drain on the club's resources is often the astronomical salary. Having sat, quietly earning with each season, the fee the 5 foot 8 speedster has commanded through wages alone has nearly overtaken his initial transfer sum (£25m).

Therefore, the total cost that Moura has seized amounts to a whopping £50m.

Pochettino did plenty right during his tenure at Spurs, but at times his transfers were left lacking. In this particular deal, nearly four years after his dismissal, one such failed deal continues to rinse the club until his expected exit this summer.

Callum Hudson-Odoi looked destined for great things when he first broke into the team at Chelsea but he has sadly failed to live up to expectations with the Blues and Graham Potter should look to get rid of him in the summer.

Should Chelsea get rid of Hudson-Odoi?

Hudson-Odoi joined Chelsea 16 years ago in 2007 and would dazzle in his time in the academy, memorably scoring ten goals in seven appearances in the FA Youth Cup in the 2017/18 campaign.

His incredible form in the academy saw him earn his first four senior appearances that season, as he featured twice in the Premier League and twice in the FA Cup, despite still being a teenager.

Further appearances and his first senior goals would follow in the 2018/19 season, with an impressive four goals and two assists in nine Europa League appearances as the Blues won the trophy under Maurizio Sarri.

It was no surprise therefore that when Frank Lampard took over from the Italian he was keen to utilise one of Chelsea's most exciting young talents, and Hudson-Odoi would register one goal and five assists in 22 Premier League outings in the 2019/20 campaign but averaged a disappointing 6.56 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Soon, the England international would transition from a promising youngster to an established member of the first team, who was sadly failing to perform consistently.

Under Thomas Tuchel in the 2021/22 campaign, he enjoyed the most Premier League starts of his career with 11, but failed to make that opportunity count, with just one goal and two assists to his name.

Alan Shearer and Ian Wright were both critical of the winger, who earns £120k-per-week at Chelsea, when speaking on Premier League Productions after a particularly poor display away at Brighton in January of last year.

Shearer suggested that the 22-year-old was "really poor" while Wright blasted his failure to find Romelu Lukaku on a counterattack, saying that he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Following the takeover from Todd Boehly, Chelsea have seen an influx of wingers arrive at the club, with Raheem Sterling signed from Manchester City in the summer, which was perhaps a catalyst in Hudson-Odoi being loaned to Bayer Leverkusen for the 2022/23 campaign.

His return of no goals and just one assist in 13 Bundesliga appearances does not bode well for his future at Stamford Bridge, especially given the January arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke.

Therefore, it seems clear now that Hudson-Odoi won't be good enough to be a regular at Chelsea and Potter should look to get rid of him in the summer before his market value drops significantly, bringing an end to his 16-year stay at the Bridge.

While Tottenham Hotspur still remain firmly in the fight for a top-four finish, last week's Champions League exit has ensured that it is set to be yet another trophy-less season for the Lilywhites this term, with the appointment of serial winner Antonio Conte having been unable to have the desired effect.

A notable issue for the north London outfit this season has been the lack of impact from the club's summer signings, with Yves Bissouma having been hampered by injury, while Djed Spence is currently out on loan at Stade Rennais.

There has also been further frustration regarding the mixed fortunes of veteran wing-back, Ivan Perisic, with the Croatian international having been dubbed a "complete liability" in recent times by writer Andrew Gaffney.

While the 34-year-old does have five assists to his name in the Premier League this season, the defender's attacking quality has been called into question at times, with Gaffney stating following the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month that the experienced asset had "contributed nothing" going forward.

Those woes have also led The Athletic editor James Maw to suggest that the former Inter Milan man could eventually prove to be a "massive waste of money" despite having arrived on a free transfer, with that telling of his struggles at N17 to date.

The 123-cap machine has continued to feature on the left flank, however, due to the lack of suitable alternatives, with former Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon currently ruled out through injury, while Ben Davies has typically slotted in on the left of a back three.

Despite the shortage of depth, Conte should take the ruthless decision to remove Persic from his starting berth moving forward, with teenage gem Romaine Mundle one potential candidate among the academy ranks who could take his place.

Who is Romaine Mundle?

The 19-year-old has recently come to wider attention among Spurs supporters after earning a place on the bench for Sunday's win over Nottingham Forest, with that inclusion having been a richly deserved "reward for his recent good form for the U21s", as per football.london's Alasdair Gold.

The London-born dynamo has enjoyed a real standout campaign thus far after racking up four goals and four assists in 28 games in all competitions to date, scoring three times and providing three assists from his 19 Premier League 2 outings.

As journalist George Sessions stated, Mundle has "impressed" so far this season and scored some "great goals" from his wide berth, having typically featured in a left-wing role in the academy set-up – notably producing a "brilliant display" against Marseille in the UEFA Youth League back in September, as per journalist Rob Guest.

While not typically deployed as a wing-back, the teen ace was utilised in that position in the mid-season friendly clash against Motherwell back in December, while he has also featured at right-back on occasion this term.

Unlike Perisic – whose final ball has come under the microscope – young Mundle has showcased that he can offer a far greater attacking threat, having averaged two key passes per game from his three EFL Trophy appearances earlier in the campaign, a superior record to what the Split-born dud has achieved in the top-flight (1.3).

That should ensure that handing a chance to the exciting talent – who is in line for a new contract at the club – could prove fruitful for Conte and co.

A positive development has emerged regarding the fitness of Sunderland defender Niall Huggins as he recovers from a minor knock…

What’s the latest on Niall Huggins’ injury?

Black Cats manager Tony Mowbray has revealed that the full-back is back on the training pitch but will not be rushed back into action as the team prepares to play Bristol City in the Championship this weekend.

Speaking at his press conference, the Sunderland boss said: “We’re trying to manage the players’ workload at the minute and assessing a few – it’s about getting the balance right. Niall Huggins was back on the grass, but we’ll be easing him back in with a week’s training.”

Mowbray then provided an update on the rest of the squad, saying: “Lynden Gooch will hopefully be ready in another couple of weeks – he’s still in the treatment room, but fingers crossed it won’t be too long before he’s back involved.

“We have the longer-term absentees in Corry Evans, Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart, but apart from that everyone seems okay.”

Big boost for Sunderland

The return of Huggins in the coming days and weeks is set to be a big boost for Sunderland, as the 22-year-old is a quality versatile option for Mowbray to call upon in the final three months of the campaign.

With the likes of Gooch, Dennis Cirkin and Aji Alese all missing for periods through injury this season, it is important for the club to have depth in the full-back positions, and the Welshman can play on either side of the pitch.

In his short career so far, the youngster has played an equal number of matches at left-back and right-back, demonstrating has the versatility to play on either flank, which means that he can cover multiple positions for the manager.

The Wales under-21 international, who made his Premier League debut for Leeds in 2020/21, played at left-back in the Black Cats’ 2-1 win over Birmingham earlier this season and caught the eye with four clearances, one interception and two tackles. In two games in League One last term, the defender averaged 2.5 tackles and interceptions per match and completed 80% of his attempted passes.

Huggins also showcased his attacking quality in the Carabao Cup last season by creating three chances and setting up one goal in two appearances, whilst also making 3.5 tackles and interceptions per game.

These statistics show that. when fit, the 22-year-old has the ability to offer plenty to the team both offensively and defensively, and that is why the dynamo’s return will be a big boost for Mowbray.

The Sunderland boss will surely be pleased to have a player as versatile as Huggins in order to provide strong competition for places, while it also means that an injury or two to the current first-choice options would not overly derail the team.

Chelsea could retain the services of midfielder N’Golo Kante beyond the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Kante nearly out of contract

The Frenchman has been a wonderful servant for the Blues, making 262 appearances and helping them win the Premier League title back in 2016/17.

Kante is out of contract at the end of the season and various recent reports have suggested that he will move on once this season reaches in conclusion, with Barcelona seemingly the likely destination.

However, a fresh update now claims there could be a twist in the tale.

The Latest: New twist…

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Phillips says that Kante could actually end up signing an extension at Stamford Bridge to keep him at the club:

“But you can say Kante’s people have always had their desire to stay, it always has been. It has to be something that they’re happy with, in a sense of the terms as well.

“There’s a lot of optimism on that one. Everyone I’ve asked about that in the last few days, they think that he’s going to sign.”

The Verdict: Should he be moved on?

This is an interesting update regarding Kante’s future and it is a difficult decision to make, in terms of whether or not it is worth retaining his services.

The midfielder is on a whopping £290,000 a week currently, and considering he turns 32 this summer and has become increasingly injury-prone, allowing him to leave could make more sense.

Getting Kante off Chelsea’s wage bill would free up funds for new signings this summer and allow Graham Potter to continue his rebuild in the middle of the park.

There is no doubt that he has been a top-class player and extending his stay would be no disaster – Cesc Fabregas has called him ‘world-class’ – but letting him go still feels like the preferable decision.

Leeds United could make a move for AS Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo if Jack Harrison makes a deadline day departure, insider Dean Jones has claimed.

What’s the word?

Harrison has been linked with a move to Leicester, who are level on points with Leeds in the Premier League, and a replacement would be needed if he departs.

Zaniolo could leave Roma after a fallout with manager Jose Mourinho, and has been linked with a number of clubs including Tottenham Hotspur.

However, speaking to Football FanCast, Jones has claimed that Zaniolo could be an option for Leeds to replace the Englishman.

“If Harrison does end up leaving Leeds, then obviously opens up a spot in the squad. Zaniolo, I’m not sure about, I mean, he’s been linked with various teams,” he stated.

“What I’d say is, like Bournemouth are willing to pay €30m for him, which a substantial amount of money to go and spend on deadline day out of the blue.

“So it depends what level of scouting these teams like Leeds and Tottenham have already done on Zaniolo, as to whether he’s actually attainable at the moment. The player’s head must be all over the place.

“He’s been looking for a transfer, he’s convinced it would happen. It hasn’t happened. People in Rome are not happy with the way he’s going about things. He’s kind of frozen out at the moment. He needs something to happen today.”

A more attacking option

Zaniolo would represent a more attack-minded midfield option than Harrison, ranking in the top 4% of midfielders for shots, and the top 20% for attacking penalty area touches as per FBref.

Harrison ranks significantly lower in both metrics, but also ranks in the top 8% of midfielders for tackles and blocks, making him a more well-rounded option.

With Weston McKennie coming in to play with Tyler Adams, Zaniolo could add goals to the side if Harrison departs and he settles quickly, but Leeds could be well served by not selling a key player to a potential relegation rival.