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Khushdil has been fined 50% of his match fees and handed three demerit points

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Mar-2025Pakistan allrounder Khushdil Shah has been fined 50% of his match fees for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during their first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch.Khushdil has also been handed three demerit points. This was his first offence in a 24-month period.The incident occurred during the eighth over of Pakistan’s innings, when Khushdil hit the third ball from Foulkes past mid-on. He ran into the bowler, who had his back turned towards him, with his left shoulder. The umpire had a word with Khushdil after the batters ran two.Since Khushdil accepted the sanctions levelled by the umpires and match referee Jeff Crowe, no formal hearing was needed.Related

Pakistan 91 all out as post Babar-Rizwan era begins with a whimper

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Khushdil top-scored for Pakistan with 32 off 30 balls in the first T20I but had little support from the other end as they were bundled out for 91. Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen then helped New Zealand chase the target in 10.1 overs to give them a 1-0 lead.Pakistan have opted for a new-look side for the tour of New Zealand, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan dropped as they look to try out a more ‘high-risk’ approach.They will hope for a turnaround as the action moves to Dunedin for the second T20I.The two teams will also face off in three ODIs after the five T20Is.

Sussex coach calls for a more streamlined T20 competition, and a reboot for 50-overs

Alan Gardner25-Mar-2025Sussex head coach, Paul Farbrace, believes English cricket has a golden opportunity to overhaul the structure of the men’s county game with a blueprint that is “right for cricket and not right for finance”, in the wake of the ECB securing an unprecedented windfall from its sale of equity in the Hundred.The process to attract outside investment in the eight Hundred franchises ended last month, with around £500 million in line to be distributed once exclusivity agreements are reached. Non-host counties such as Sussex could receive in the region of £25-30 million, with the expectation that a substantial one-off dividend can help “recapitalise the county game for the next 20-25 years”, in the words of ECB chief executive, Richard Gould.Farbrace, who previously held the role of director of cricket at Warwickshire and has coached at Yorkshire and Kent as well as England Men, suggested that the extra financial security should enable cricket’s decision-makers – in particular the county chairs and chief executives who would be required to vote through change – to grasp the nettle and redesign the county schedule so that it produces the best players for England and the best spectacle for fans.Farbrace oversaw Sussex’s return to Division One last season•Getty Images”We’ve never had a better opportunity in the game, with the money that’s coming from the Hundred, to actually have a county plan for the summer that absolutely is right for cricket and not right for finance,” he said. “One of the challenges we’ve always had, you’ve got your directors of cricket and coaches who want less cricket, more preparation time; you’ve got your majority of chairman of clubs who are voted in by the members who want Championship cricket; and then you’ve got your chief executive who wants T20 because they want to make money. If you’ve got that within your own county, it’s very difficult within the game [as a whole].”We’re now in a position where the money that’s coming in means that, actually, every county should be able to say, ‘this is what we want in terms of county cricket’. What is best for English cricket? How are we going to produce players to play for England? How are we going to have the best spectacle? So when you have your games, you want your best players available. We’ve never had a better time to do it. The money that’s coming from the Hundred should set aside any financial concerns about we need to play lots of T20 to make money. It should now be about what’s the best structure for the game of cricket in this country going forward.”I think all the people that are going to get around the table – our chair, Jon Filby, and others – they’re going to make good decisions based on what’s right for the game, as opposed to balancing books. I’d say that this Hundred money has absolutely come at the right time for the game.”The ECB is set to embark on its latest attempt to restructure the domestic season, almost three years after the recommendations of Andrew Strauss’ high-performance review – which called for a cut in the number of Championship and T20 Blast fixtures – were rejected the counties. Since then, issues with the fixture list have only increased, amid concerns about player welfare and the rise in T20 franchise competitions taking place during the English summer.Related

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Six-team Championship Division One and Blast reduction among recommendations of High-Performance Review

The failure of England Men at each of the last two ICC ODI tournaments has also led to questions about the sidelining of 50-over cricket, which is currently played in the shadow of the Hundred. Farbrace, who alongside Trevor Bayliss oversaw England’s rise to No. 1 in the ODI rankings ahead of their 2019 World Cup triumph, is among those who advocate shifting the List A competition to the start of the season, alongside an overall reduction in first-class and T20 cricket.”I think we need to be playing a minimum of 12 Championship games,” he said. “I think that’s the ideal. I would play 10 T20 games, because I think we would all far rather have five home games that we can really make a big fuss of in the Blast. And then 50-over cricket, we either take it seriously and we treat it properly, or we carry on doing what we do at the moment, which is effectively a second XI competition.”It’s no good us kicking the England team about 50-over cricket performances if we don’t play 50-over cricket. So I think that the best way to do it would be to start a bit later in April, play 50-over cricket for that last two weeks of April into May, and then play Championship cricket, 12 games, 10 games in the Blast. Then we just need to find something to do in August when the Hundred is going on. That’s where my super plan falls down a little bit, because I’m not quite sure what we’re doing then – whether we play a bit more 50-over, or why don’t we have a second division of the Hundred?”But I think 50-over cricket, if we’re going to play it, we need to play it properly and get the best players involved. It seems to be the back end of April [is] the best time. And I would suggest you can probably produce better one-day pitches than you can four-day pitches at that time of the year.”Tymal Mills, Sussex’s T20 captain, was in agreement about reducing the number of Blast games, suggesting that it could help alleviate players’ concerns around travel and playing back-to-back fixtures, as well as enabling the ECB to stage Finals Day closer to the end of the group stage – rather than with a six-week gap, as was the case in 2024 and will be again in 2025.”I think 14 games is too long,” Mills said. “The IPL is the only other competition in the world that plays a 14-game group stage. The Blast, obviously, we play the seven home games because the counties need the money and I completely understand that. But from a cricketing point of view, it does tend to drag on a little bit, and you lose that quality a little bit over the course of 14 games. Whereas if you had 10, as Farby said, each game has that bit more on it, each night is a bit more special and carries a bit more weight, whereas in the current format you can lose six games and still maybe go through to quarter-finals. Also then, if you are able to reduce it to 10 games, you hopefully can get it done in in one block.”

It was a chaotic final few days of the transfer for Newcastle United. The summer window did not go to plan, with the club missing out on key targets and losing Alexander Isak late on, with the striker’s move to Liverpool finally going through after a saga that lasted several months.

Yet, they did manage to strengthen towards the back end of the window. German international striker Nick Woltemade made the move from Bundesliga side Stuttgart. His switch to St James’ Park cost the Magpies a club record fee of £69m, including add-ons.

The German forward was not the only last-minute attacking reinforcement, with Brentford striker Yoane Wissa finally forcing his move to Newcastle through.

Wissa’s move to Newcastle

DR Congo star Wissa finally got his move from West London to the North East on deadline day after forcing the transfer through. Like Isak did at Newcastle, the Brentford attacker did not train and released social media statements to make his desire to join the Magpies clear.

In the end, his move was completed, with the 29-year-old joining Eddie Howe’s side for a fee of £55m, which includes add-ons. Wissa will don the famous number nine shirt, previously worn by the great Alan Shearer.

Perhaps this piles the pressure onto the experienced attacker, but his numbers from the last few Premier League seasons suggest he is good enough to cope.

He’s bagged 45 Premier League goals so far in his career, reaching double figures the last two seasons and finding the back of the net on 19 occasions in 2024/25, his most prolific campaign.

That being said, the Magpies already have an attacker they can rely on. One who cost less than Wissa did, and is now worth even more than their new number nine.

How Gordon's market value compares to Wissa

There are quite a few highly valued Newcastle players, including the midfield pairing of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali – the former having reportedly been the subject of a £120m offer from Saudi Arabia.

Yet, there is one name that really sticks out and that is another Howe-signed player, Anthony Gordon. The England international has become a key player at St James’ Park, and in light of Isak’s departure, is arguably their key forward. Statman Dave even said he can be “unplayable” at times.

The former Everton player, who is a graduate of their academy, has played 108 times for the Magpies.

In that time, he’s bagged 22 goals and assisted 23. His best season came in 2023/24, where he scored and assisted 26 Premier League goals in just 35 games.

Some of his numbers from the last two seasons show exactly why Gordon is so important to Newcastle.

For example, in 2023/24, he averaged 1.8 key passes and 1.7 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, and last term, those stats read 1.9 key passes and 1.4 successful dribbles.

Goals and assists

0.6

0.4

Key passes

1.8

1.9

Dribbles completed

1.7

1.4

Tackles and interceptions

1.9

1.5

Expected goal involvements

0.49xGI

0.48xGI

With that in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that h/e is so highly valued and is worth far more than Wissa. The Merseysider is valued at £56.2m, as per Transfermarkt, over double that of Wissa’s current market value of £27.6m, and more than what they paid for the DR Congo star.

It is worth noting that Gordon also cost less than Wissa, with Newcastle paying just £45m including add-ons. Not only is he worth more than his new teammate’s market value and transfer fee, but he was a cheaper deal.

There is no doubting Gordon’s importance to this Newcastle side. The 24-year-old is a key component of Howe’s outfit, and that is reflected in his current market value, which is so high it’s double that of Wissa’s.

Not Miley: Newcastle have Anderson 2.0 in 19-year-old "star in the making"

Newcastle are still looking for the perfect in-house Elliot Anderson replacement

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 10, 2025

AC Milan are interested in signing Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer, with his contract set to expire in 2026. His high salary could prove to be an obstacle, so Milan are also evaluating other options and may look to bring in a new striker in January. Lewandowski’s future is not limited to Milan, however, as he also has offers from Saudi Arabia.

Milan's interest in free agent Lewandowski

According to reports in the Spanish media, Lewandowski earns a gross salary of €33 million (£28m/$38m), a figure that would be difficult for Milan to afford. However, Spanish outlet reported that Milan sporting director Igli Tare has already held exploratory talks with Lewandowski’s agent Pini Zahavi to assess the feasibility of a summer move, while also evaluating alternative profiles.

Lewandowski’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2026, but according to Fabrizio Romano there is more than a 50 per cent chance the striker could leave as a free agent. In addition to Milan, the Poland international also has offers from Saudi Arabian clubs.

AdvertisementAFPLewandowski's numbers at Barcelona

Lewandowski joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 from Bayern Munich. Last season, he scored 38 goals and provided seven assists, helping Barcelona win the La Liga title ahead of Real Madrid. Despite playing only six games this season, the 37-year-old has already scored four goals. However, given his age, Barcelona are looking for a replacement next summer, with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez emerging as a target.

Modric's effect on Milan

Milan sit at the top of the Serie A table following their 2-1 win over Napoli on Sunday. After finishing eighth last season, the signing of Luka Modric has rejuvenated the squad, with Milan legend Demetrio Albertini praising the Croatian, saying Modric makes everything easier not just for himself but also for his teammates.

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gettyLewandowski's upcoming challenge

Lewandowski will look to sort out his future patiently, but for now his focus remains on helping Barcelona defend their La Liga title. The striker will aim to add to his tally when Barcelona travel to Sevilla on Sunday.

Unbroken second-wicket stand puts hosts in sight of White Rose first innings

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay19-Apr-2025Alex Lees excelled against his former county as he and fellow centurion Emilio Gay ensured Durham dominated day two of their Rothesay County Championship clash with Yorkshire at the Banks Homes Riverside.At the halfway stage of this Division One fixture, Durham have control having replied strongly to a first-innings 307 with 264 for 1 from 63.2 overs, bad light curtailing the day just before 5pm.Yorkshire had seemingly enjoyed a healthy day one as they compiled 295 for 8 in challenging batting conditions. But, in easing conditions, Durham pressed ahead to give themselves a great chance of ending a two-game losing streak at the start of the summer.Lees led the way with 148 not out off 194 balls, while Gay’s unbeaten 105 off 168 represented an expert supporting role. They shared an unbroken 242 – a Durham second-wicket partnership record in first-class matches against Yorkshire.Durham wrapped up Yorkshire’s tail in the first five overs of the day, Ben Raine and Matthew Potts striking, before captain Lees and fellow left-hander Gay united from mid-morning onwards. Thirty-three overs were lost to bad light.The pair came together after George Hill removed prospective England Test opener Ben McKinney for 6, caught at second slip by Adam Lyth, leaving Durham at 22 for 1 after six overs.Durham’s opening partnership is one made up of two players at contrasting stages of their careers.Even though it would be a surprise to see England return to 32-year-old Lees, who played the last of his 10 Tests in 2022, it is too early to write him off given he continues to rack up the runs for his second county.McKinney, however, is very much England’s future. There is increasing talk that the tall 20-year-old left-hander will make his Test debut this summer having impressed for the Lions in Australia over the winter before making a first-innings 153 in defeat to Warwickshire here last weekend.But this wasn’t a day when he advanced his cause. He got himself in a tangle against a full delivery angled in from Hill and departed early.Like Lees and McKinney, Gay is another left-hander who has been talked about as an England possible in recent times. This was his first century for Durham since a move from Northamptonshire late last summer.Lees was strong on both sides of the wicket but drove particularly well, while Gay was far more circumspect against a visiting attack who never got a foothold.Hill and new-ball partner Jack White were okay, but New Zealand quick Ben Sears took time to settle on debut, bowling 12 overs at a cost of 56.Incidentally, Sears had been the first wicket to fall on day two when he was bowled by Raine, who finished with 4 for 64 from 24 overs. Potts had Dom Bess caught in the deep pulling for 66 to wrap up Yorkshire’s innings.There was no doubt that Durham have had the better of the batting conditions. The second day was played under a much brighter skies for example, and the life has gone out of the pitch. But Lees and Gay impressively took advantage.Lees survived a close shave with a run out on 67 shortly after lunch and went on to reach his century off 126 balls, by which stage Durham were 162 for 1.Bad light forced an early tea – 224 for 1 – but just beforehand Lees hit four fours off a Matthew Revis over which cost 19.Gay reached his century off 163 balls shortly after the resumption, but he only faced three more balls and it was only a brief evening session because of the light.Meanwhile, when Durham come to bowl again during the next two days, they may have to do it without seamer Paul Coughlin, who suffered an abdominal injury whilst bowling during the opening day.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in a tight spot under Vitor Pereira and need to find a run of form, though they could now shatter their transfer record to improve their lacklustre forward line.

Wolves looking to bounce back after another Premier League defeat

Molineux isn’t somewhere that supporters would describe as a happy environment at the moment, and it remains to be seen whether Pereira can turn the tide after a fifth successive Premier League defeat against Leeds United last weekend.

Despite Ladislav Krejci’s fine opener, a quickfire trio of goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor left fans leaving their feelings known at full-time as the Old Gold verged four points away from safety.

Even at an early stage, the Old Gold are playing with fire in their hunt for top-flight survival. Crucially, they have put their trust in Pereira with a new three-year deal, albeit his contract extension doesn’t come with an added compensation threshold should they opt to part ways with the Brazilian later down the line, per The Daily Mail.

Reacting to speculation over his future, he said post-match via Match of the Day: “I am not worried about my future. I don’t need to answer because I am not worried about my future. I am worried about the results. Of course I am confident I can turn it around.”

Speculation surrounding an out-of-window Wolves move for Dele Alli has seemingly died down, not that the England international appears to be a sole solution to their problems. However, he could help to plug a noticeable creativity void left by Matheus Cunha’s departure to Manchester United.

With that in mind, they could now be about to back Pereira by pursuing an exciting attacker once the January transfer window opens.

Wolves want to meet Yeremay Hernandez release clause

According to reports in Spain, Wolves want to meet Deportivo La Coruna star Yeremay Hernandez’s £52.3 million release clause and feel confident they can seal an agreement to bring the Spain Under-21 international to the West Midlands.

Approval ratings for the Old Gold’s ownership are low among supporters, prompting club chiefs to show ambition in the market by looking to complete what would be a club record deal, exceeding Cunha’s arrival from Atletico Madrid by quite a distance.

Wolves bid for star rejected but he's now up for sale and could join in January

The Old Gold could look to pounce for his signature.

BySean Markus Clifford Sep 8, 2025

Following a return of 15 goals and five assists in 39 appearances last term, Yeremay has registered a goal inside his first six outings for Deportivo in 2025/26. He has previously been lauded for his “creative” qualities by Ben Mattinson.

Capable of playing on either flank, the 22-year-old is viewed as someone who could turn Wolves’ poor start to the campaign around. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether they can force a deal through in January.

FIFA is redrafting its regulations concerning domestic league games played in foreign countries and seeking legal advice on potentially banning them outright, after UEFA reluctantly approved LaLiga and Serie A matches to be played overseas. The games to be played are Villarreal v Barcelona in Miami and AC Milan v Como in Perth.

Overseas angst from governing bodies

Amid growing controversy over domestic league matches being played abroad, FIFA is working on a more robust rulebook for early next year. The effort follows UEFA's approval of games abroad, for which it blamed the loopholes in the existing, outdated regulations. FIFA was reportedly frustrated as the 2014 rules do not grant it the power to stop such games, provided all necessary parties approve. The original idea for exporting domestic games, the Premier League's "39th game" proposal back in 2008, was met with fan outrage and shelved.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportUEFA regret at overseas agreement

Despite announcing their agreement to the matches, UEFA were quick to reveal their regret, saying: "Given that the relevant FIFA regulatory framework – currently under review – is not clear and detailed enough, the UEFA executive committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it."

And UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin, made clear that the matches agreed will not become the thin end of the wedge for more matches to move abroad. Ceferin said: "League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions. Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment."

Are the matches confirmed?

The final decision now rests with the host federations, the US Soccer Federation (for a proposed Villarreal vs Barcelona match in Miami's Hard Rock Stadium) and Football Australia, along with their respective confederations, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation. US Soccer's approval for the Miami game is uncertain due to concerns that hosting European and potentially Mexican league matches could commercially harm Major League Soccer. And there was a lawsuit brought by Relevent Sports against US Soccer and FIFA, following a denied request for Barcelona to play Girona in Miami the previous year.

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Getty Images SportPremier League juggernaut rolls on

Commercial revenue from overseas markets is a growing income stream for top clubs. While playing league matches abroad is controversial, it can generate revenue and reach new audiences and  pre-season tours overseas also help clubs connect with international fans and generate revenue. International earnings are a significant factor, with the Premier League generating more from international broadcast rights than the combined total of La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, and Ligue 1. The Premier League's international broadcast rights notably exceeded domestic income for 2022-2025, generating £5.3 billion globally. The league is broadcast in 188 countries.

And Premier League CEO Richard Masters has indicated the model for watching the Premier League is set to change again soon. Speaking earlier this year, he said: "If you think where football was 10 years ago, it's a sort of version of where we are today. But I hope the PL will still be in it's current position globally. I think obviously, things are going to change. Maybe the broadcast market. But I hope that we retain and maintain some of the great things about English football. The history and traditions of the game, the way the whole thing fits together with its sort of soap opera chaos thrown on the side but it maintains its current shape. And I'm very confident, in 10 years time, that the English football industry will continue to be the envy of the world."

Manchester United are pressing ahead in their mission to improve their squad and now have a gentleman’s agreement in place to address a key position.

Ruben Amorim's urged to experiment at Manchester United

Like most managers, Ruben Amorim would’ve liked one or two more arrivals through the door at Old Trafford to offer further balance and structure to his side, though he will have to work with the players at his disposal for the time being.

While his unwavering reliance on his favoured system isn’t going away any time soon, Owen Hargreaves has urged the former Sporting boss to experiment a little with his starting line-up as he aims to bring about a consistent run of results.

He said via TNT Sports: “I’d love to see Bruno play as a 10, maybe with Mbeumo as a No. 9. If you have Cunha and Bruno playing as two 10s plus Mbeumo, that’s good. Maybe play Amad as a wing-back on the left if you want to stay with the formation. I just think it’s harsh on Bruno, him being criticised.”

Later, he added: “They decided to get goals and sign proven Premier League players in Cunha and Mbeumo, which I like, but now Bruno has to play deeper to get on the ball and create. He’s not playing his natural position; he’s playing deeper.”

Undoubtedly, Bruno Fernandes has been shoehorned into a deeper role and doesn’t look entirely comfortable. Missed penalties against Fulham and Brentford haven’t helped his case, either. It is entirely fair to say.

Man Utd's most expensive sales of all time

A look at Man Utd’s record departures in their history.

1 ByCharlie Smith Oct 3, 2025

17 chances created from the Portugal international on Premier League duty illustrate he is still having a telling influence, per Fotmob, though Manchester United could be about to free him up if recent developments come to fruition.

Man Utd have agreement to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace

According to Ben Jacobs via The United Stand, Manchester United have a gentleman’s agreement to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton next summer if he fails to put pen to paper on an extension at Selhurst Park.

In a deal that could be worth between £60-£65 million, the England international may be the final piece of the jigsaw that Amorim is missing, albeit it remains to be seen if he does end up signing a new deal at his current employers.

Impressing across Crystal Palace’s superb unbeaten run, Wharton has registered one assist in nine appearances this term, thriving in his deep-lying role.

Labelled “outstanding” by Declan Rice, the former Blackburn Rovers man may well be the man to transform Manchester United’s midfield, though he is unlikely to be short of interest over the coming months.

Nico Schlotterbeck has admitted he is in no rush to sign a new Borussia Dortmund contract, saying he will “see where it leads”, as Bayern Munich and Real Madrid monitor the defender’s situation. Dortmund want him tied down until 2030, but fresh doubts over his long-term plans have reopened transfer speculation.

Schlotterbeck’s future at Dortmund remains unclear

Schlotterbeck has left the door open to a possible exit from Dortmund after admitting that contract talks are ongoing but undecided. The centre-back has two years left on his current deal expiring in 2027 – yet Die Schwarzgelben have already submitted an extension offer that would take him through to 2030.

Despite BVB viewing him as a future captain and key defensive leader, Schlotterbeck is in no rush to commit. 

"I still have over a year and a half left on my contract. I'll sit down with Sebastian [Kehl], work out a plan, and see where it leads," Schlotterbeck explained on after the 2-1 defeat to Bayern in Der Klassiker. "I feel very comfortable in Dortmund and have no problem continuing on this path. But it's obviously an important decision for my career."

According to reports, the new offer includes a salary far above his current deal, potentially tripling his wages to make him one of the top earners at the club. Dortmund, however, are aware of growing interest from European heavyweights.

AdvertisementgettyGrowing transfer tension: Bayern & Madrid circle as contract stalls

Top European clubs have taken notice of the delay in contract progress. The Bavarians have placed the 25-year-old high on their shortlist as they face complications in extending Dayot Upamecano's contract beyond 2026. Madrid are also tracking the situation, considering Schlotterbeck as a potential long-term defensive addition.

Lothar Matthaus recently urged the Bundesliga champions to act quickly: "If things don't work out with Upamecano, then Schlotterbeck would definitely be more than an alternative. Then bringing him to Munich would almost be a must," Matthaus said. "Because he's familiar with the Bundesliga, because he plays alongside Tah on the national team."

He added: "That would make sense to me, because his contract wouldn't run as long. But it might be a bit cheaper than with [Nick] Woltemade… Price tag, price tag, yes, thin ice. But that's the contract term, you have to take that into account. That's why I say: Yes, Schlotterbeck would be cheaper than Woltemade!"

For Los Blancos, Schlotterbeck represents a future-proof alternative as they gradually replace veterans like Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.

Dortmund determined to keep their defensive leader

Dortmund remain firm in their intention to keep Schlotterbeck at the heart of their long-term project. The club view him as a future captain and a pillar of their defensive structure. Their contract proposal reflects this belief – a long-term extension until 2030, a significant salary increase and an elevated leadership role within the squad.

Dortmund believe Schlotterbeck can be one of the faces of the club’s next era, both on and off the pitch. However, despite being settled and “very happy” in Dortmund, the defender and his camp are taking their time. They are fully aware of the magnitude of the decision, especially with Bayern and Madrid showing concrete interest. A move to either club could reshape his career, and that makes the decision far from straightforward.

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(C)Getty ImagesWhat happens next in the Schlotterbeck saga?

The coming months will be crucial. Dortmund want clarity before next summer to avoid letting Schlotterbeck’s contract run too far into its final years, which could weaken their negotiating position. Their ideal scenario is securing his renewal early and publicly shutting down transfer speculation.

Die Roten, meanwhile, are keeping a close eye on the situation. If Upamecano agrees to a new deal, their interest may cool. But if contract talks with the Frenchman collapse, Bayern are expected to go all-in on Schlotterbeck in 2025. Los Blancos are also monitoring developments, viewing him as a long-term fit for their evolving backline.

For now, the defender remains fully focused on the pitch. Dortmund’s 2-1 defeat to Bayern in Der Klassiker was their first loss of the Bundesliga season, and attention now turns to the Champions League clash against Copenhagen. His final decision may not come soon, but with each passing week, the pressure surrounding his future only grows.

There’s no place for Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 16-man squad for the three T20Is

Mohammad Isam21-May-2025Sahibzada Farhan has been rewarded for his sterling form in the ongoing PSL 2025 with a recall to the Pakistan T20I side for the three-match series against Bangladesh later this month. Farhan is among eight changes to the side that toured New Zealand in March.Also returning to the side are Hasan Ali and Saim Ayub.Ayub was out of the national side since picking up an injury in South Africa in January during the Test series. He missed all the cricket between that series and the PSL, including the Champions Trophy, and makes his comeback despite average returns for Peshawar Zalmi – 174 runs in ten innings at an average of 17.40 and strike rate of 125.17.Hasan was in the team last in May 2024, and has now forced his way back with 15 wickets in the PSL for Karachi Kings, which places his joint-second with Abrar Ahmed and Jason Holder, and only behind Abbas Afridi, who has 17 wickets. Abbas, meanwhile, is one of the players to have been dropped.ESPNcricinfo LtdFarhan pretty much forced the selectors to recall him after last playing a T20I in December last year. Playing for Islamabad United, he is currently the PSL’s top scorer with 394 runs at a strike rate of 154.50, and has hit a century and two half-centuries.Also back are Fakhar Zaman, Hussain Talat and Faheem Ashraf, apart from Mohammad Wasim and Naseem Shah, giving the side an experienced and solid appearance.However, there is no place for Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Babar and Rizwan were dropped from the T20I series in New Zealand earlier this year, when Salman Agha was unveiled as the new T20I captain. Afridi played the T20Is on that tour, but has now been left out.Pakistan squad changes

IN – Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub
OUT – Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan

Pakistan’s three-match series against Bangladesh is also going to be Mike Hesson’s first assignment as the Pakistan white-ball head coach after he joined them earlier this month.The three T20Is will be played on May 28 and 30, and June 1.Pakistan squad for T20I series against Bangladesh
Salman Agha (capt), Shadab Khan (vice-capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Wasim, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub