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After a disappointing season last year, the West Indies allrounder talks about how hungry he is to make an impact this IPL
Interview by Nagraj Gollapudi24-Mar-2019In the IPL opener in 2018, defending champions Mumbai Indians were reduced to 113 for 4 with 32 deliveries remaining. Usually Kieron Pollard, padded up, would have walked in at that stage. But it was Krunal Pandya who came out to join his brother Hardik. It was a hard omission for Pollard to swallow, he admits. It would turn out to be a difficult season for him, and he would end up being dropped eventually, as he lost his form and did not bowl at all. The five matches he missed in the last IPL was the most he had sat out in a single season, since he was first picked for Mumbai a decade ago; he had missed only two matches for Mumbai in the previous five seasons. In this interview, conducted the day after the Pakistan Super League finished (where Pollard played for runner-up Peshawar Zalmi), he talks about how he did a lot of “soul searching” immediately after the IPL, and how he decided it was time to enjoy the game the way he did when he had started to play it.You are coming into the IPL on the back of some solid form. This PSL, playing for Peshawar Zalmi, you had the second highest strike rate (173.17) for all batsmen, the second-highest number of sixes (23) and you were one of only two batsmen in the top 20 run-makers with more sixes than fours.
It is due to some soul-searching I did, and being able to perform my role freely. Having [Darren] Sammy as the captain [at Peshawar Zalmi], the rapport that we possess, he knowing what I can do, gave me the freedom to express myself once again.But the way in which I bat, yes, I will be responsible at times, but there are times where you go out and have a swing. The scores wouldn’t dictate what your impact really was. A lot of people would have been carried away by the scores rather than looking at situations of the game.So [in the PSL] I was able to get my old self back and go out, and if the first ball needed to be hit for six, I did that. If there was a situation where I needed to change the momentum – didn’t matter if it was the start of the innings – I was allowed to do that. My mind was a lot more clear.I was bowling as well. That is an aspect of my game that has been taken away from me, I have to say.It was a combination of things. Thank god it worked before the IPL. But that doesn’t guarantee runs will come in the IPL. It is a good confidence-booster, but I know what I can do and what I am still capable of doing.Girish TS/ESPNcricinfo LtdYou hit more sixes this PSL than in the previous two editions combined. So are you getting back to being that dangerous T20 batsman, something that attracted franchises when you came into the reckoning a decade ago?
I want to be always expressive, but for some reason I went into a shell. A lot of different things would have played a part in that, but I’ve realised that a more dangerous Pollard or a more aggressive Pollard is the way to go. That has made me who I am today. Why not go back to that and back myself in that aspect?Your strike rate this PSL was your best in any tournament since 2010, when facing 100-plus deliveries. How does that help your confidence coming into the IPL?
It helps you to keep at the back of your mind that nothing is impossible. You still have it. Once you do anything with a clear mind and you have a plan behind it, and you put in the work, the rewards are going to be there.You have to be realistic as well. I don’t really like numbers, but sometimes they play an important role. A consistent strike rate of over 150 across 400-and-something games – I would think that’s phenomenal.Do you remind yourself of that whenever you are in a slump?
Yeah, of course. You remind yourself of the good times, what you did, your mindset, in those times. I relish that opportunity that was given in terms of that role of freedom. I batted at No. 3 [and lower] whenever the team was in a tough situation. There was this one innings where I went in and hit two sixes in two balls and got out. That changed the momentum because that is what T20 cricket is about. We tend to get carried away by the amount of runs that you score, but T20 cricket is about the impact a guy can have with the bat or the ball or even in the field. You can take two magnificent catches or you have the run-out that changes the course of the entire game – that would be the deciding factor. Those are things we tend to bypass when we do the analysis.This will be your tenth season with Mumbai Indians. Do you think you have managed to consistently be the impact player you were when you were hired?
I would want to believe so. When I look back, I would say yes more often than not. In ten years, [despite] three bad years, I would have repaid the faith on many different occasions to the franchise. And the franchise has reciprocated as well. They have shown faith in me even when I had a bad year. It goes to show the owners and the sort of people that Mumbai Indians have. I am always grateful and thankful for the opportunity. When you don’t do well, you wonder who is going to have your back. I can safely say they have had my back and I have had theirs.I had a good working relationship with Mumbai. Again, they have shown faith in me this season. I am looking forward to my tenth year. It is a special one. Looking for it to be a memorable one.”When I play against Chennai I am always switched on”•Getty ImagesWhen you were first hired by Mumbai, you were this young allrounder who could create an impact in a matter of minutes and balls. As you have evolved, that role has somewhat changed.
The last three to four seasons, my role has been different. I wasn’t specifically told it is a different role, but when you find yourself in situations, you realise it is a different role.In the very first match of the last season, we batted first and we lost a wicket in the 15th over [113 for 4]. When I play against Chennai [Super Kings], I am always switched on. But I did not bat in that game. It was a different feeling. Why things really did not go well [last IPL] may be because I wasn’t mentally switched on in accepting: this is what [it is] at this point in time. I wasn’t too clear.I learned from that. I did well in the CPL, which followed the IPL. It is about mentality switch. At that point in time a lot of things were going through my mind and we [Mumbai] were not winning as a team. That doesn’t help. So I was able to refresh my mind and come back with a different kind of thinking. Hopefully pieces of the puzzle fall into place and whatever role I am given this year, I am able to deliver.You seemed to be affected by not being sent to bat in that first match last IPL. Did you have a chat with Mahela Jayawardene or Rohit Sharma about that?
Not about that. The only chat we had was when I was going to be left out [later in the season]. It was a very honest chat. Once it is straight and it is honest, I am fine. I was good around the group [despite being dropped]. I am a positive person in anything I do. Once that chat was done, then it was about what the team needed at that point in time. Then we started to win. And when I came back in with a fresh mind, I scored a fifty. I was part of the resurgence. That whole 2018 season for us was a bit up and down, a bit clouded.Was this chat between you and Jayawardene?
Yeah, Mahela delivered the bad news. But it was a very, very good chat. Being able to have a guy who has played a lot of cricket, knows the up and down of form, was even better. The plan was to sit out a few games, but Evin [Lewis] got injured and I was filling in [for one match]. I was then out for a while because they wanted to try a different combination. That was fine with me. I still had an important role to play as a senior guy at Mumbai Indians and I think I did that even without that.Girish TS/ESPNcricinfo LtdYou had a poor season, scoring 133 runs in eight innings. How difficult was it for you to accept what was happening, being the senior pro, the vice-captain?
It wasn’t really difficult. You try to look at things from different angles: as a player, as a member of a squad, as somebody who has to make a decision for the benefit of the team. Once you are honest in certain aspects, as to where you might not agree with everything, but as a team player you realise certain things might have to change, then it becomes easier for you accept. It would have been the first time I would have been dropped in the IPL ever. It was a matter of staying positive.Imagine, guys are writing, “Is this his last IPL?”, “Is he finished?” It is amazing how many of these guys would have even picked up bat or ball, and they are writing off people’s careers. Come on. Let’s be real.Do you reckon you perform better in the final ten overs than when you come in earlier?
I am not too sure where I am most comfortable. I look to evolve. Sometimes you need more time, sometimes less. It depends on the position you are batting. In Mumbai, I started off batting in the last five overs, then eventually after 12 overs on. Honestly, I just want, at times, to play roles where I have an impact, change the game for the team to win. But you can tell me the stats. I am not sure.First ten overs, 175 runs, 206 balls, four sixes. Last ten overs, 2301 runs, strike rate of 154.12, 150 sixes.
The last ten it is for me then! ()Where are you comfortable batting mentally?
Mentally, any time after eight to ten overs, I am fine. But then there are times you walk in after the third or fourth over because the team has lost early wickets. You practise against the new ball for that reason. For the stats you gave me there, it might be a case of the team in trouble, you have come in early and you have no choice but to settle first, you have to consolidate.There was a perception in the PSL that you have a weakness against legspin. But you hit Shadab Khan for two sixes and a four in three balls in one of the earlier matches. Did that give you the confidence to express yourself against spin with more freedom?
Yes and no. Again, conditions dictate your tempo a lot. A legspinner to a right-hander is always a dangerous match-up. I dare you to tell me how many right-handers actually dominate legspin. Legspinners are one of the strongest wicket-taking options. When a guy comes in against a spinner who has both the legbreak and the googly, it is very difficult to hit him for sixes because initially he is going away from you and then you are thinking it is going to come back in. So in my mind I would be a little more conservative against that type of a bowler and accelerate later. You have to be a bit more cautious.I have worked on ways either to get off the strike or put the pressure on the spinner. Or just show that sort of different intent.No one is invincible. There is an interesting stat I am aware of as well: I don’t think MS Dhoni has hit [Sunil] Narine for a six [or a four] ever in the IPL. Why is that?After ducking a bouncer from Shaun Tait in a 2010 Champions League T20 match, Pollard responded by whacking him for a huge six that disappeared over midwicket in the next over•AFP/Getty ImagesBut do you accept legspin is something you are vulnerable against?
Definitely. But you try and work on it day in, day out. It makes no sense to hide from it and be macho. It is there. It is there to see.Another perception is that you are vulnerable against the short ball from the really quick bowlers. How do you respond to that?
That, to me, is laughable. Why would you try to dominate something that maybe has the risk of getting you out when you can leave it and there are five other deliveries to face and capitalise on? You see people have these sorts of perceptions and they don’t think about risk and reward. They only speak about it because they are not in that position. Say, you’ve just come in to bat, and the bowler is bombarding you with short balls – what’s the risk, what’s the reward? The numbers do not show I am actually weak against the short ball.Yes, your numbers against the short ball are good: 180 runs, 91 balls, dismissed only three times, average 60. Do you remember your response against Shaun Tait in the 2010 Champions League T20 in South Africa?
[Hit him] straight out of Durban!Even then there was that perception. But who hits the short ball for six consistently? No one. And why try to go after a short delivery, high up over your head, to hit a six when you are strong enough to capitalise against the length balls, half-volleys? Sometimes, it is not a weakness, it is just a smart decision.Has the impact player changed in T20 cricket at all?
No, I don’t think the impact player’s role has changed. You have young guys like Nicholas Pooran. He is going to change the way of things. Hardik Pandya – he walks in and hits spinners for a six off the first three balls. It is a matter for franchises to understand players who perform different roles while creating impact.There is also a role for conventional batsmen scoring at a strike rate of 120-130. There is a role for conventional cricket shots. There is a role for a finisher. There is a role for specialist death bowlers. There is a role for guys who run in and bowl fast and create an impact in middle overs. And there is a role for legspinners. So you can be an impact player in different areas, not only hitting sixes.Even opening the batting, taking the bull by the horns and scoring that quick 30 off 12 balls, giving that rapid start – all that is impact. That is what we need to look at when franchises are building teams.Girish TS/ESPNcricinfo LtdDo you still look at yourself as an allrounder? You did not bowl at all in the last IPL. In fact, you have bowled only 47 deliveries in the last three IPLs.
Yes, I have not been bowling, especially in the IPL. That may be because of the [Mumbai] think tank’s lack of confidence in my bowling. It could be because of the line-up that we play, because we tend to play with five out-and-out bowlers, and then we have Hardik, who is our sixth bowler. And then I can bowl as well. So that has diminished my bowling a bit. But outside of IPL, I bowl in other tournaments – PSL, CPL.That aspect of my game is still there. I always feel like I can come on and make a difference with skills like taking the pace off the ball, lines, lengths, different things. Sometimes you don’t need to be express pace to make a difference. I am not blowing my own trumpet, but I have been successful for all teams I have played for in various competitions. I might have a little bit of knowledge about T20 cricket. Mumbai have struggled to make a solid start and found themselves in precarious positions many times in the past few seasons. As one of the most senior players in the side, what do you reckon needs to change for the team to be dominant consistently?
It is a matter of decision-making at times, in terms of how we go about things. Sometimes, when you’ve lost a game in the last over, you can pinpoint all sorts of ways or means where you could have done better. But it is just about thinking on your feet and then having clearer plans. Last year, in a couple of games, we were really unfortunate. A couple of games we did not execute what we wanted to, and we were in winning positions but we lost. We just need to identify where we need to be a little more stronger, a bit more precise, and execute.That can be in a batting scenario, where the opposition team brings on a bowler to get the wicket. Rather than giving him that wicket or continuing to be overly aggressive, you go harder [in subsequent overs]. Or if you are bowling a certain line and length and it is a plan you need to change midway, you need to have the courage to say, “Listen, this is not working, let’s do it this way and it might make a difference.”Of course, guys have to play their roles. In T20 cricket and franchise cricket, you need everything to be working in sync. And you need, at certain times, individuals stepping up in crucial situations. We did not have that last year. The main players or senior heads not standing up when it matters the most, which is myself, the skipper [Rohit], is something we have accepted.”The only chat we had [with Jayawardene and Rohit] when I was going to be left out. Once it is straight and it is honest, we understand both sides, I am fine. I was good around the group [despite being dropped]”•AFPYou said you did a lot of soul-searching in the last year. What was that about?
Some things you just have to keep within. I had an honest look at myself and different aspects I wanted to change. I had a very, very long discussion with myself and with persons close to me on certain aspects and a direction in which I wanted to go forward. How and what are some of the things I need to do and not do that would help me express myself better, make me a better player and also a better person. Basically everything.Do you think you have a point to prove to yourself or do you look at it as having another opportunity to make yourself count?
I don’t think of it as a point to prove. I have proven it before. There is no doubt I can do it again. It is about enjoyment now. We start to play this game, this lovely game, because we loved it. I always remember that. Not many people get paid to do the things that they love. When I look back, I used to enjoy, I used to smile. It used to be a lot different. At one point that intensity [of enjoyment] might have dropped. That is one of the things I have brought into my life, both on and off the field. I have no point to prove to anyone.You are 31 now. Do you think a good IPL might help your chances of playing the World Cup?
Ha ha! For the World Cup, my selection for West Indies is out of my hands. It is not something I lose sleep over. We had individual meetings last June or July with Jimmy Adams [Cricket West Indies’ director of cricket] and Johnny Grave [CWI chief executive], where our positions were stated. But since then nothing has changed. I am not being bitter. I am not losing sleep. I continue to play cricket. Whoever selects Pollard and he is fit, I would want to have a positive impact on that team.”In ten years I would have repaid the faith on many different occasions to the [Mumbai Indians] franchise. And the franchise has reciprocated as well. They have shown the faith in me even when I had a bad year”•Getty ImagesDid you enjoy watching the resurgence of West Indies cricket during their successful home series against England?
I did, actually. The guys really showed their mettle in the Test and ODI series. It was just a shame we couldn’t finish it off in the T20 leg. But you give praise where praise is due. And it was great to see another 30-plus guy, 35-year-old [Chris Gayle], who they would have been writing off on so many occasions prove again why he calls himself Universe Boss: 39-odd sixes in four ODIs. That in itself was fantastic.
Garber declined to address any potential suspension for the Miami star duo, pointing to Inter Miami's recent matchload
Garber wouldn't discuss potential suspensionCommissioner did say rules are rulesPointed to Messi's overall impact for MLSGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
AUSTIN, Texas – Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber declined to say whether Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi or Jordi Alba will be disciplined for their absence at this week's MLS All-Star activities, but admitted the league should have been more proactive in confirming the players' status ahead of its marquee summer event.
"Yeah, we should have known earlier. We should have addressed it earlier. No doubt about that," Garber said in his midseason address prior to the All-Star Game.
MLS didn't publicly announce that Messi and Alba would not play in the All-Star game until the roster was confirmed Wednesday morning, and offered no specifics behind the absences. Many of the other 28 MLS All-Stars had expressed their excitement to play with the eight-time Ballon D'Or winner.
But after the Argentine and his teammate Alba were absent for the second ASG training session, several players mentioned their surprise that the two were no-shows.
READ MORE: Messi's ASG absence stained league – and MLS must clean it up
Garber stressed that MLS and Inter Miami are communicating as to why neither were available for Wednesday's game, but he also pointed to Miami's heavy schedule – playing nine matches in just more than a month – spread across the Club World Cup and MLS action.
"Miami has had a schedule that is unlike any other team," Garber explained. "Most of our teams had a 10-day break. Miami hasn't. We had Leo playing 90 minutes in almost all the games that he's played."
The Herons did have a 14-day break prior to their participation at the Club World Cup, with their last MLS match ahead of the competition on May 31. Miami then opened the Club World Cup on June 14.
By comparison, the Seattle Sounders – one of the two other MLS teams in the tournament – had just seven days off prior to the Club World Cup. LAFC had eight days between competitions.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Garber noted that Messi and Alba did not participate in recent practices, alluding to a potential injury for Alba. Miami is set to return to MLS action against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
"We have to manage that as a league, but at the same time we do have rules and we have to manage that as well," Garber said. "So we would have loved to have Leo here. We love to have every player that was selected for the All-Star team here. And after this All-Star game, we'll figure out what needs to happen this weekend.
"I was told this morning that neither Jordi nor Messi practiced today. So Jordi came up with an injury in the last game, and we'll have to manage through what Miami is going to say about that."
WHAT GARBER SAID
Garber pointed to Messi's immense social media following as a significant boost to MLS. He also compared the forward's impact on the league that of David Beckham – one of the owners of Inter Miami now – during his time in the league.
"MLS wouldn't be what it is today without David Beckham, but MLS wouldn't be what it is today without Leo Messi," he said. "I don't think any of us realized what impact this player would have on our league, on our global exposure, on our credibility, on creating the thrills and and just unique experiences that he's done over just the last couple of weeks – scoring multiple goals in multiple games, playing 90 minutes over the last four or five games and not wanting to come out of the game.
"He's an incredible competitor, and he's performing at a really high level. So we are perceived very differently globally because Leo Messi is in our league. But we are very different from the way the world thought of us because David Beckham not only played in our league, but also because he's built a team that is globally popular."
DID YOU KNOW?
Messi currently has 18 goals and nine assists in 18 MLS matches.
Liverpool fell by the wayside under Arne Slot’s wing last season, the Dutch tactician getting the sack as the Anfield side failed to qualify for the Champions League and went without silverware.
That paragraph is completely, painfully incorrect, but it perhaps conveys the result that rivals had hoped for and expected after Jurgen Klopp packed his bags and left Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 term.
Liverpool might have lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, but things are going well indeed, with the Reds revelling in the glory of winning the Premier League and now making staggering moves in the transfer market.
FSG are planning for extensive changes this summer, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is sure to be the cream of the crop, currently in the process of signing for the Merseysiders.
However, Liverpool need new forwards too. Wirtz is technically an attacker, but he’s more of a playmaker, a string puller.
Liverpool looking for new forwards
With Luis Diaz potentially leaving Liverpool this summer, courted by Barcelona and Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, Reds sporting director Richard Hughes may want to turn toward a new wideman.
And if recent reports are to be believed, Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon is one of Liverpool’s top targets to replace their Colombian talent.
Gordon, however, has struggled to recapture his form from 2023/24, and given the Magpies want £80m for his sale, Liverpool might be better off focusing their time and resources elsewhere.
Though the England international’s dynamism and ability to shift across the frontline is something which echoes Diaz, who has played a false nine role at times in Slot’s set-up, there might be another option on the market who can play that Bobby Firmino-esque role.
Though Wirtz would be the obvious pick for such a position, he might actually be placed on the wing during his Liverpool career, for his ball-carrying skills are “out of this world”, according to one data analyst.
Real Madrid star Rodrygo faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu, and while Arsenal are interested in striking a deal for the Brazilian, Liverpool have also been credited with an interest last month, holding discussions to ascertain the feasibility of launching an official bid.
But given Los Blancos would be hoping to bank around €100m (£84m) for the 24-year-old’s sale, FSG would need to be certain he’s the man for the job.
Luckily, Rodrygo ticks all the boxes, and could be the perfect fit.
Why Liverpool should sign Rodrygo
Real Madrid signed Rodrygo from Brasileiro Serie A giants Santos in a deal worth €45m (£39m) back in 2019, when the talented young forward turned 18.
He’s been immense in white, praised as a “world-class superstar” by former teammate Luka Modric. Rodrygo perhaps doesn’t get the acclaim teammates like Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham reap, but then he’s often placed on the right flank, which he doesn’t enjoy.
That’s because it inhibits the right-footer’s goalscoring, and given that Mohamed Salah has extended his Liverpool contract by two years, the Brazil star shouldn’t have that problem, instead allowed to play on the left or in the false nine role that Diaz has performed across the past year.
Right winger
145
34
30
Centre-forward
82
22
8
Left winger
78
23
16
Attacking midfield
4
–
1
It’s not as if he hasn’t played in the centre before, and with such dynamic technical qualities, Rodrygo could become Salah’s new Firmino, ranking as he does among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, as per FBref.
Regarded as a “magician” by Statman Dave, the £202k-per-week talent has a similar silkiness to his compatriot, who in his Liverpool pomp was one of the most elegant and influential forwards in the business.
Excitingly, Rodrygo is also a superior finisher to Firmino, evidenced by his missing just one big chance in La Liga this season, converting six big chances, as per Sofascore.
Moreover, he’s one of the definitive big-game players of his generation, as evidenced by his immense record in the Champions League knockout rounds.
As Liverpool look to clinch number seven in the coming years, Rodrygo’s profile would be doubly important. You’d have to say, his record and indeed future potential suggest Liverpool would be better off moving for him than pushing ahead with a move for Newcastle’s Gordon.
With Salah likely entering the penultimate year of his legendary Liverpool career, finding the right formula to win the Champions League is going to be crucial for the Egyptian, who would certainly relish the opportunity to play alongside a seasoned continental star like Rodrygo.
And further to the point, Rodrygo’s finishing could find the perfect battery power in Salah, who stormed his way toward the Premier League Playmaker award this season, scoring 34 goals from 52 matches in all competitions but also laying on 23 assists.
Two years ago, Salah declared his departing Brazilian peer would be remembered as one of “the best players to ever play for Liverpool”, and now he could find a new incarnation of Bobby Dazzler in Rodrygo.
Only a few months ago, in March, Jude Bellingham claimed Rodrygo is “the most gifted player in the squad.”
It’s clear that Rodrygo isn’t drawing the praise he perhaps deserves, and if Liverpool were to make their move, he could become a bona fide superstar in the Premier League, acting as the connective force in the frontline to elevate Salah and combine with Wirtz.
Rodrygo, for sure, could emulate his iconic countryman Firmino and become a staple of the incipient era at Anfield.
Better than Gyokeres: Liverpool dream of signing "the best ST in the world"
Liverpool plan on signing a new centre-forward in the transfer market this summer.
1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 7, 2025
Lions will now face Markhors in the second Eliminator on Friday
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-2024
Khushdil Shah picked up 3 for 40•PCB
An all-round show from Ahmed Daniyal and a three-wicket haul from Khushdil Shah helped Lions keep their campaign alive, as they held on for a 12-run victory in the Champions One-Day Cup Eliminator against Stallions in Faisalabad. Lions will now face Markhors in the second Eliminator on Friday, with the winner facing Panthers in Sunday’s final.Opting to bat, Lions were in a spot of bother at 43 for 3, before Sharoon Siraj (38) and Mohammad Taha revived the innings with a 77-run partnership. However, Stallions kept chipping away, resulting in another slide for Lions, who went from 120 for 3 to 140 for 7 in the space of five overs. With Lions staring at the possibility of a sub-200 total, Daniyal and Aamer Yamin launched a counterattack, their 81-run eighth-wicket stand eventually guiding the team to 263 for 9. While Yamin was run out for 46, Daniyal remained unbeaten on 65 off 59 balls, with two fours and five sixes. For Stallions, seamer Ubaid Shah was the pick of the bowlers, ending with 3 for 46.Stallions began their 264 chase well, courtesy an opening stand of 64 between Yasir Khan (39) and Maaz Sadaqat (27). However, three wickets in successive overs saw the team stumble to 68 for 3, with Khushil accounting for both Sadaqat and Adil Amin. Another threatening partnership – 69 for the fourth wicket between Tayyab Tahir and Hussain Talat – appeared to give Stallions a way back into the game, but Daniyal broke through to halt their momentum in the 30th over.Stallions captain Mohammad Haris and Jahanad Khan provided a late surge, but Lions stayed ahead with regular wickets. Stallions needed 23 off the last two overs, but they only had two wickets in hand, and Lions finally bundled them out for 251. Khushdil finished with 3 for 40 while Daniyal took 3 for 59.
Fabrizio Romano has shared an intriguing update on Arsenal and their transfer plans for the summer window, with one target set to speak to his agents about the possibility of a move to the Emirates Stadium this week.
Mikel Arteta set for talks with Arsenal co-chairman over striker plans
The Times and journalist Gary Jacob shared some very interesting news regarding Mikel Arteta and Gunners co-chair Josh Kroenke.
Arsenal: Berta now targeting £80m Premier League star as Rodrygo talks stall
They’re having problems in pursuit of the Brazilian.
ByEmilio Galantini May 26, 2025
According to their information, amid a plethora of reports linking them with a striker, Arteta and Kroenke are set for internal talks over signing a prolific centre-forward in the next few days, with Arsenal looking to solve their goalscoring problem.
Arsenal surrendered the Premier League title to Liverpool, finishing 10 points behind Arne Slot’s side, with the north Londoners failing to reach their previous heights in terms of ruthlessness in the final third.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
Arteta’s men drew more games than any other side in the top ten over 24/25, scoring just 69 league goals in total, which is far fewer than the 91 and 88 they managed over the previous two seasons.
There has never been a more clear indication that Arsenal are in dire need of a striker, and Arteta publicly suggested that they have every intention of solving that issue among other concerns in the squad.
“Believe me, we are on it,” said Arteta about Arsenal potentially making a signing up front.
“We will try to squeeze and think and turn every stone that we possibly can, to make this club even more successful. But I think what these boys have done, the team has done, regarding everything that has happened, I repeat myself, I think they deserve a lot of credit.”
The result of these sit-down talks with Kroenke could have a profound effect on their chances of mounting a better Premier League title challenge next season, amid serious links to Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.
Viktor Gyokeres set to speak with agents about possible Arsenal move
The Swede ended 24/25 with 54 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, potentially signing-off on his Sporting career with a strike in the Portuguese Cup final against Benfica on Sunday.
Gyokeres is a top striker target for Arsenal, alongside RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but it remains to be seen which marksman ends up at N5.
The 26-year-old has plenty of options, including Arteta’s side, with Romano sharing an update to GiveMeSport on Gyokeres’ plans after what was potentially his last game for Sporting.
Romano reports that Gyokeres is set to speak with his agents “in the next days” and assess all new destinations, including a possible move to Arsenal, and the ex-Coventry City star will make a decision on his next club “soon”.
Gyokeres’ rumoured price tag comes in at around £63 million, which could be seen as a bargain considering his exceptional goalscoring record, and it is peculiar that he hasn’t managed to seal a big-money move until this summer.
It adds further weight to some belief that Gyokeres is “massively underrated” in terms of strikers, and while you can make a case for a lack of quality in the Primeira Liga, the forward’s haul is hugely impressive no matter what division you’re playing in.
رد إكرامي الشحات، حارس الأهلي السابق، على أنباء عرض نادي بيراميدز زوج نجلته رمضان صبحي للبيع خلال الفترة القادمة.
وقال إكرامي خلال تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب” على قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “الكلام الذي يتكتب على السوشيال ميديا 90% منه كذب”.
وأضاف: “هل بيراميدز الذي قام بتجديد عقد رمضان صبحي ثلاث سنوات ويعالجه يريد بيعه! هذا كلام هري”.
طالع.. رسميًا | بيراميدز يتخذ قرارًا جديدًا بشأن رمضان صبحي وأسامة جلال
وتابع: “أريد أن اتحدث في نقطة، هناك لاعب خرج في تصريحات عن رمضان صبحي، في الأيام الماضية، أقول له عيب، أنت كنت لا تستطيع أن تتكلم بهذا الشكل وهو معك في الفريق (وهو بيحط عليك في الفريق)”.
وأتم: “عيب أن يطلع يتكلم على الكابتن بتاعه بالأسلوب ده، وانت أصلا لاعب قليل أنك تطلع تتكلم على الكابتن بتاعك بالاسلوب ده، الله كريم خليك في نفسك”.
تجدر الإشارة إلي أن لاعب الأهلي السابق وسيراميكا كليوباترا الحالي، كريم نيدفيد، هو من كان تحدث عن رحيل رمضان صبحي من الأهلي مؤخرًا، لمطالعة تصريحاته كاملة من هنا).
There’s a lot going on down Anfield Road this summer, and there’s more yet to come for Liverpool’s Arne Slot as the Premier League-winning manager pieces together a squad capable of sustaining title charges across so many years.
Few predicted Liverpool would be crowned champions after Jurgen Klopp stepped down from his post, but the Merseysiders proved a cut above their rivals to win the title at a canter. However, now is the time for investment, having spent nominally in last summer’s market.
Whether the Reds manage to offload Darwin Nunez and bring in a flashy new striker remains to be seen, but there’s little question that Jeremie Frimpong, who has already signed, and Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz, who are on the verge, will improve the Merseysiders and then some.
It’s all going swimmingly, but Liverpool will be frustrated by their failure to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, the centre-back instead signing for Real Madrid last month in a £50m deal.
Why Liverpool wanted Dean Huijsen
Analyst Ben Mattinson remarked last season that Huijsen was “the most in-demand centre-back in the world”, and after such an impressive breakout campaign with Bournemouth, it’s clear to see why.
The archetypal modern centre-half, Huijsen, only 20 years old, can do it all, defending with steely tenacity and spraying balls forward with the artful elegance of a midfield maestro.
As per FBref, he ranked among the top 7% of Premier League positional peers last term for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 4% for interceptions and blocks per 90.
With Virgil van Dijk approaching the autumn of his illustrious Liverpool career, the left-sided Huijsen would have been the perfect fit, but instead Liverpool will have to turn their attention elsewhere.
The Spain international is off the cards, then, but FSG may yet authorise a move for an up-and-coming defensive star.
Liverpool enter race for new CB
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Liverpool have joined Chelsea in the race for Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo, who has an €80m (£68m) release clause in his contract.
The 23-year-old might be higher on Chelsea’s list at the moment, but that’s not to say Liverpool won’t accelerate their plans in the coming weeks, once other areas of the field have been dealt with.
It’s worth noting that Benfica do not want to sell their prized defender, but if Liverpool are serious, they may be able to tempt the player to push for an exit before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
What Tomas Araujo would bring to Liverpool
Liverpool wouldn’t have just made themselves known as suitors for Huijsen because many of their divisional rivals had registered interest; the Reds’ data-driven approach would have seen the Dutch-born talent profiled extensively.
He is indeed off the cards, but Liverpool could sign a similar player in Araujo, who has been hailed for his “magnificent” rise to prominence in Portugal by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Having graduated from Benfica’s academy and having completed a season-long loan with Gil Vicente in 2022/23, Araujo has now completed 68 senior matches with the Eagles, winning the Taça da Liga last season (effectively the Portuguese version of the League Cup).
Limited to just 20 appearances across all competitions in 2023/24, having returned from his promising loan spell, Araujo has now become a mainstay in Benfica’s first team, going from strength to strength to attract the attention of Liverpool.
And when collating his data from the 2024/25 campaign with Huijsen’s, you begin to see that Liverpool could actually strike gold in signing this second choice, for he matches up with the Spaniard nicely indeed.
Matches (starts)
32 (26)
28 (28)
Goals
3
1
Assists
2
2
Touches*
63.9
66.9
Pass completion
84%
86%
Key passes*
0.5
0.4
Dribbles*
0.1
0.6
Ball recoveries*
3.3
5.4
Tackles + interceptions*
2.7
3.4
Clearances*
6.1
1.5
Duels (won)*
3.6 (56%)
5.1 (60%)
Matching Huijsen across ball-playing metrics, Araujo has also proved himself to be more accurate in the duel and more active across tackling and intercepting areas, albeit making far fewer clearances than his fellow Iberian.
Curiously, Araujo also recovered more balls, which speaks highly of his athleticism and energy, covering ground. This would be especially important in the Premier League, which is played at a higher pace than the Liga Portugal.
And furthermore, Araujo is also a capable right-back, playing out wide when the situation demands it. The fruits of this can be found in his 0.6 dribbles per game, also maintaining a crispness in his passing while creating openings for his teammates in a similar vein as Huijsen.
He might not have the goalscoring advantage on Real Madrid’s new recruit, who already is an expert at using his rangy frame in the box, but then he has shown on occasion an ability to find the back of the net with a leaping effort.
A balanced defender who has proven his ability to shake things up on the biggest stage, Araujo is the real deal. Across the 2024/25 Champions League season, he ranked among the top 17% of central defenders for shot-creating actions and the top 1% for tackles per 90 (FBref).
Given Liverpool’s pressing need for more depth and quality in the rearguard, especially with Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain and Jarell Quansah linked with a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, Araujo could be the perfect fit.
The Benfica star’s ball-playing and -carrying strengths indicate a style which Huijsen has performed so well in the Premier League, so now it’s up to FSG to steal ahead of Chelsea in the transfer tussle.
Perfect for Isak: Liverpool told £75m bid for PL star will be accepted
Liverpool may need to sign a new left-sided forward this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025
India fast bowler Mohammed Shami has made considerable progress in his recovery from an ankle injury that has sidelined him from cricket since the ODI World Cup last November. The hope is that he will be ready to play India’s home season, which begins with a Test series against Bangladesh in September.The selectors have been apprised of Shami’s progress and a decision on whether he should play at least one of the Duleep Trophy matches, beginning on September 5 in Anantapur, to prove his fitness will be taken soon.Shami is currently in his final stages of rehab at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Last month, he had resumed bowling for the first time since his surgery and is understood to have slowly built up his bowling workload after being pain free.Related
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Prior to India’s departure for the tour of Sri Lanka in July, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had confirmed Shami had “started to bowl” and the first Test against Bangladesh starting on September 19 in Chennai “was always the goal” for his comeback.”We more or less know who the guys are, there are some injuries at the moment and hope they will be back up,” Agarkar had said. “Shami has started to bowl which is a good sign. September 19 is the first Test and that was always the goal. I don’t know if that is his timeline for recovery, will have to ask the guys at the NCA about that.”There are so many Tests coming. We will need some depth. Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj have been around for a while, these are the obvious ones. But there will be some conversation around it. Got a lot of first-class cricket coming up so we can build guys up like that.”Mohammed Shami was the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup•AFP/Getty Images
Late last month in Kolkata, Shami had expressed hope of playing for Bengal first before returning to the national team, while he took part informally in a few motivational and fitness sessions for the state players.Even if Shami misses some or all of India’s home Tests – two against Bangladesh and three against New Zealand – he still has enough time to build his bowling rhythm for the tour of Australia, for which the team will depart shortly after the third Test against New Zealand ends on November 5. There is the Ranji Trophy beginning in October, following the BCCI’s decision to split the first-class competition into two halves to prevent matches being affected by weather disruptions, especially during winter in north India. India’s A team will also play two first-class games in Australia from October 31, giving Shami plenty of opportunities should he need them.The ankle injury, which came to light soon after the 2023 ODI World Cup, was initially believed to be not so severe. Shami had been included in India’s Test squad for the two-match series in South Africa in December-January subject to fitness. He was subsequently withdrawn from the tour.Shami went back to the NCA in the hope of recovering for the home Tests against England in February-March, but was advised surgery after he experienced continuous swelling on his right ankle, forcing him to miss the series and IPL 2024 for Gujarat Titans.Shami was a key player in India’s run to the final of the ODI World Cup, taking 24 wickets in just seven games at an average of 10.70 and strike rate of 12.20.
Left-arm quick Josh Little, who is currently with LA Knight Riders in the MLC, is a notable absentee from the Test squad
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jul-2024Uncapped legspinner Gavin Hoey has received his maiden call-up to the Ireland squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe, which begins on July 25 in Belfast. He will bolster a spin attack that includes left-arm fingerspinner Matthew Humphreys and offspinner Andy McBrine.Theo van Woerkom and George Dockrell made way for Humphreys and Hoey who have just one Test cap between them. Seamer Matthew Foster, who was part of the Ireland squad that had toppled Afghanistan for their first Test win in March earlier this year, also didn’t find a place in this squad.Humphreys had a tough initiation into Test cricket, conceding 67 runs in ten overs on debut against Sri Lanka in Galle last year. His recent form, however, is more encouraging: he bagged 15 wickets in two first-class games for Ireland Emerging side against West Indies Academy at an average of 12.60, including two five-wicket hauls, last month.Related
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“Humphreys made his Test debut in Sri Lanka and found the going difficult against good players of spin out in the subcontinent,” Andrew White, the national selector, said in a statement. “He’d admit himself that he went through a period of a loss of form and maybe a loss of confidence, but he’s worked extremely hard to come back into the reckoning and his performances for Ireland Wolves have been exactly what we were looking for. Obviously in the West Indies last year for Emerging Ireland, then in Nepal, and has now backed it up in the recent series for the Emerging Ireland side against West Indies Academy, where he took 10 wickets. But it’s the consistency he has shown over the last period which has been really pleasing and he very much deserves his call-up.”White also talked up Hoey as an attacking option. “Hoey is a talented legspinner, and his ability to spin the ball both ways gives us a strong wicket-taking option,” he said. “Again, he’s a player that’s been on the radar for a while and can play across all three formats. But this is an opportunity for him to come into the Test squad and get used to the environment.”Left-arm quick Josh Little, who is currently with LA Knight Riders in the USA for the MLC, is a notable absentee from the Test squad. Little has prioritised white-ball cricket, including franchise opportunities, but is passionate about playing Test cricket in the future. While Little is now a regular in T20 leagues around the world, he is yet to make his Test debut.”I sort of blocked off this [next] two years as pretty busy franchise-wise, and then after that I’ll be putting an eye on Test cricket,” Little told . “It’s definitely something I want to do, something I’m passionate about doing. I can guarantee I will play Test cricket at some stage.”I love playing for Ireland, but equally franchise opportunities may not come around forever. It’s tough at times. Cricket Ireland have been nothing but accommodating. Sometimes it is a balancing act.”The one-off Test against Zimbabwe will be PJ Moor’s first international game against his country of birth. Moor had qualified to play for Ireland in October 2022 and was more recently part of the Ireland side, which earned their first Test win, in Abu Dhabi.Ireland Test squadAndrew Balbirnie (capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig YoungIn: Gavin Hoey, Matthew Humphreys
Out: George Dockrell, Matthew Foster, Theo van Woerkom