Kade Anderson's beginning to his MLB career was a bit more unusual than most draft prospects, largely because he didn't know where the city he was drafted to was located.

Anderson was the third player taken off the board in this year's draft, getting selected by the Mariners. The LSU product was the first lefty and the second pitcher taken in the draft, and is heralded as one of the most exciting prospects in his class.

After growing up in Louisiana and playing his college ball for the Tigers, Anderson is already experiencing a bit of culture shock with the move out to the Pacific Northwest. In fact, the 21-year-old admitted to reporters that he wasn't even aware of where Seattle was when the Mariners drafted him.

"I knew, kind of, a little bit of where it was, but had to really make sure. It's really shocked me how nice it is here. Super excited to get to learn the area… excited to just venture. I got to go to the fish market and do all of the cool Seattle things and learn what Seattle's all about," said Anderson.

While the weather in Seattle has been beautiful this summer, hopefully Anderson doesn't become disillusioned about the volume of rain that's to come. Still, he seems to have been thoroughly enjoying his time in the Pacific Northwest and seemed plenty eager to learn about his new surroundings.

Anderson was dominant at LSU, recording a 3.18 ERA with 180 strikeouts and 35 walks in 119 innings. Now, he becomes the latest arm in a Mariners organization that already boasts a grade-A pitching staff.

Big picture: A twist to the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka tale

Bangladesh cricket fans had to put on hold their antagonistic feelings towards Sri Lanka for a couple of days – they needed Sri Lanka to beat Afghanistan to stay alive in the Asia Cup, after all. That’s how it panned out, leaving Bangladesh fans thrilled. Social media in Bangladesh has been buzzing with self-deprecating memes, all with photos of the Sri Lankan flag or Bangladeshis wearing the Sri Lanka jersey.The rivalry that has developed over the last seven years has often been full of cringe-worthy elements, but it’s also true that the players have been able to move up an extra gear whenever they’ve been in contest with each other. So there is a lot of interest in Saturday’s match, the first of the Super Four stage.Related

• Pathum Nissanka is raising his bar one notch at a time

• With goals reset, Kusal Mendis finally finds his niche

• Nasum Ahmed's bouncebackability on show again

Charith Asalanka’s side has been the more dominant in the Asia Cup. They won all three of their group games, including against Bangladesh. Curiously, Hong Kong pushed them harder than Bangladesh or Afghanistan could.Importantly for them, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis commandeered the 170-run chase against Afghanistan relieving the pressure that’s been on Pathum Nissanka. The opener has been in good form and has been crying out for support. Sri Lanka were finally able to give that to him and will take confidence from that going into the pointy end of this tournament.2:18

Maharoof: Nissanka among the best all-format openers

Bangladesh have an opportunity for course correction. Some of it is already underway, with Parvez Hossain Emon losing his place in the team. Saif Hassan, who took his spot, has looked competent but Sri Lanka will be a major test for the comeback man. Bangladesh suffered back-to-back wicket maidens to start the game when the teams last met. The balance of their bowling is another puzzle they must solve. Their fifth-bowler combination (Saif and Shamim Hossain) didn’t work in the previous game.This promises to be a closer contest than the earlier game. The stakes are higher, with the first set of points crucial. Asalanka and Litton Das will also be leading two sets of players eager to one-up each other after a brief bit of peace.

Form guide

Bangladesh WLWWW
Sri Lanka WWWWLMustafizur Rahman has been effective, but not always frugal•Associated Press

In the spotlight: Mustafizur Rahman and Kusal Mendis

Mustafizur Rahman took three wickets to help Bangladesh against Afghanistan, but the left-arm quick has been quite expensive in the Asia Cup. Especially in the group match against Sri Lanka, Mustafizur bowled his most expensive spell of the year (3-0-35-1). Bangladesh will hope the left-arm quick returns to his stingy best. Mustafizur will have the added motivation of completing 150 wickets in T20Is – he is four short of the milestone – and also overtaking Shakib Al Hasan, who has 149.Kusal Mendis carried Sri Lanka to their six-wicket win against Afghanistan with a sparkling, unbeaten 74. Mendis is also very good against Bangladesh. He is already Sri Lanka’s second-highest run-getter with four centuries across formats against them. He is undoubtedly the key wicket in the Super Four opener.2:27

Abhinav lauds Bangladesh’s spin-choke tactic

Team news: Wellalage available to play

Bangladesh could bring in either of the allrounders Mahedi Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin to fill their fifth-bowler gap.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Litton Das (capt, wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shamim Hossain, 6 Nurul Hasan, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Nasum Ahmed, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur RahmanDunith Wellalage, who flew back home following the death of his father, is set to rejoin the Sri Lankan team on the morning of the match and is available for selection.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Mendis (wk), 3 Kamil Mishara, 4 Kusal Perera, 5 Charith Asalanka (capt), 6 Kamindu Mendis, 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dunith Wellalage, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Nuwan Thushara

Pitch and conditions: Struggle for runs in Dubai

Batters have only gone at a strike rate of 109.26 in Dubai at this Asia Cup. Abu Dhabi, for comparison, has been slightly better – 119.50. The slow nature of Dubai’s pitches have certainly helped the spinners. The weather forecast is for a typical hot evening.

Stats and trivia: Litton on top

• With 513 runs, Litton is currently this year’s top run-getter in T20Is among Full Member sides.
• Thushara’s 4 for 18 against Afghanistan is Sri Lanka’s best figures in the Asia Cup’s T20I version.
• Jaker has shown in the last 12 months that he has a few tricks up his sleeve but in this series, his 53 runs have required 48 balls and include only three fours.

Breaking into Didier Deschamps' France squad is one of the toughest tasks in international football, but Tottenham’s Wilson Odobert is rapidly forcing his way into the conversation. After battling through injuries, thriving under Thomas Frank, and emerging as a decisive presence for Spurs and France’s U21s, the 20-year-old winger is now reportedly on Deschamps' radar and the timing may finally be on his side.

Deschamps planning to call-up Spurs winger Wilson Odobert

A place in France’s senior squad is notoriously difficult to secure. Deschamps has always strive to have a balanced squad merging the team with new talent while maintaining loyalty to trusted figures like Randal Kolo Muani, Adrien Rabiot, and Lucas Hernandez, players he has selected consistently despite their patchy club form.

With Les Bleus already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, the competition only intensifies. According to L'Equipe, several players outside the current set-up believe they can force a late surge, but very few catch Deschamps’ attention. One who has is 20-year-old Odobert, now seen as an emerging contender thanks to his strong start to the season at Tottenham and sharp progression with France’s U21s.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportOdobert's Spurs breakthrough: From injury setback to key performer

Odobert’s debut season at Tottenham was turbulent but promising. After joining from Burnley in August 2024, a severe hamstring injury sidelined him for months, restricting him to 21 appearances. Still, he produced standout moments, most notably his Europa League brace against AZ, a decisive performance that helped Spurs overturn a deficit and eventually win the trophy in Bilbao.

This season marks a turning point. Injury-free and gaining rhythm, he has accumulated 679 minutes, scoring and assisting in recent matches. Coach Frank has stabilised Spurs' left wing by placing trust in Odobert, praising him for “stepping up” and delivering in key moments.

Odobert has embraced the tactical shifts under Frank, calling the system “top-notch” and highlighting the importance of patience and hard work. His mindset reflects maturity:

“If you look closely at our performances, we’ve been close even in the home losses. It’s about patience, hard work, and letting time take its course.”

The youngster recently earned the player of the match award for his performance against Manchester United helping the team clinch a 2-2 draw. Odobert’s ability to take on defenders, create opportunities, and remain effective under pressure showcased why he has become such a clutch player for manager Frank this season.

Why Deschamps is looking into Odobert's profile

Deschamps’ interest in Odobert aligns with both timing and profile. France’s attacking department is increasingly competitive, with recent call-ups Maghnes Akliouche and Rayan Cherki showing how quickly the hierarchy can shift. Yet Odobert offers something distinct herald by his direct wing play, verticality, and calmness in high-pressure moments, traits Deschamps values.

His 15 U21 appearances with five goals show consistent development, and his Premier League adaptation displays resilience after adversity. Deschamps has always appreciated players who overcome setbacks, evolve, and stay mentally strong. Odobert fits that mould perfectly.

With France seeking renewed attacking depth ahead of the World Cup, Odobert’s rising form gives Deschamps a compelling reason to hand him his first senior call-up, potentially opening the door to World Cup 2026 if he continues his ascent.

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AFPOdobert's time to shine for Les Blues

If Deschamps decides to include him, the timing could not be better for Odobert. He is fit, trusted by Frank, consistently performing, and mentally ready. A senior call-up now offers him exposure to elite international rhythm and a chance to impress before squad decisions tighten.

Tt is a strategic investment for Les Blues to include a winger who brings freshness, work ethic, and versatility. For Odobert, it is the opportunity he has been preparing for, to translate Premier League progress into international impact and position himself as a long-term attacking option for Les Bleus. If his upward trajectory continues, Odobert could become one of the surprise breakthrough names in Deschamps’ next squad.

Everton have enjoyed a solid start to the campaign. Negativity has wended its way in over recent weeks – and understandably so – but few expect the 14th-place Premier League side to slump into the drop zone and remain there.

Of course, neither are David Moyes’ team firing on all cylinders, and after a hard-fought draw at high-flying Sunderland on Monday evening, the issues relating to goals and strikers remained at the forefront.

Perhaps more concerning was the way the Toffees tapered off after the interval, almost knocked out of kilter by Granit Xhaka’s deflected howitzer moments into the second half; the Black Cats were on the hunt for much of the affair thereafter.

Moyes needs to fix these problems and ensure Everton push for an elusive place in the top half. But, in order to do this, he must find solutions to the current problems.

How Moyes can solve Everton's problems

Not to be unduly pragmatic, but the data suggests Everton are headed for a mid-table Premier League finish, settled somewhere on the bottom half of the ladder.

How to dissect the glaring conundrum on Moyes’ desk? Between them, Beto and Thierno Barry have scored one goal in the league this season, and the slew of missed chances are piling up.

Barry will be desperate to break his duck after moving to the Hill Dickinson from Villarreal for a £27m fee in July. A smart deal for a promising attacking talent wrapped up nice and early.

Things need to improve in the final third, with Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish keeping things afloat.

However, Moyes’ job would be a whole lot more unstable were the defenders not playing their part. James Tarkowski has not looked his sharpest so far this term, though Jordan Pickford is as important as ever. An issue down the defensive flanks is as noisy a talking point as the one at number nine.

With Jarrad Branthwaite yet to make his seasonal bow as he recovers from a hamstring injury, the Blues’ secure defence could have crumbled over the past few months, but there’s been an unlikely hero who is keeping Everton away from the maw of the relegation zone.

The Everton flop saving Moyes' skin

Toward the end of the 2024/25 campaign, it looked nailed on that Michael Keane would close the door on his Everton career, drawing to a close a career on Merseyside with many ups and downs.

Keane, 32, penned a new deal at the start of the summer, and that’s a move which has proved incredibly shrewd, for he has started all ten Premier League fixtures so far as Branthwaite recovers.

Once said to have “failed a succession of managers” at Goodison Park by writer Jim Keoghan, Keane looks as sharp and cultured as he ever has, really making a positive impression as the protective tissue in front of Pickford’s goal. Against Sunderland, for example, Liverpool World handed him a 9/10 match rating for his defensive contribution.

Looking at how Keane has fared alongside Tarkowski, you might argue he has been the superior man. Certainly, he has been less error-strewn in his efforts than the vice-captain.

Premier League 25/26 – Tarkowski vs Keane
Stats (* per game)	Tarkowski	Keane
Matches (starts)	10 (10)	10 (10)
Goals	0	1
Assists	0	0
Touches*	58.6	51.1
Accurate passes*	35.9 (81%)	31.1 (85%)
Chances created*	0.5	0.1
Recoveries*	2.4	2.9
Tackles + interceptions*	2.3	1.7
Clearances*	6.9	7.7
Ground duels*	2.2 (61%)	1.3 (62%)
Aerial duels*	4.3 (70%)	2.9 (62%)
Errors made	4	0
Data via Sofascore

The significance of Keane’s fine form in the rearguard cannot be understated. Branthwaite is indeed sidelined and may yet be uncleared for several months.

Imagine a world in which the Friedkin Group had opted against renewing Keane’s deal, content with the options at hand. It would have been disastrous and to the detriment of Moyes’ first full season back in charge.

Just look at the England international’s display at the Stadium of Light. His fearlessness to make one near-the-line clearance showcased his determination and spirit, and he has been a credit to Moyes’ team this year.

Issues persist at right-back, and while he’s imperfect in the role, Jake O’Brien has proved largely effective in an unnatural berth. Recalling him to central defence alongside Tarkowski might have had an adverse effect on the squad’s fluency, not least because of the lack of options in the position.

Would it be too much to claim Keane has been the signing of the summer for the Toffees? Perhaps not, considering the circumstances. His steely displays in front of Pickford’s goal might even be keeping Moyes in a job as he looks to find a successful formula to stave off any worries of yet another relegation-threatened campaign.

Moyes can drop Barry & Beto by unleashing "magic" Everton star in new role

Everton have got some major problems in the final third this season.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 5, 2025

Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has finally shown glimpses of lift off over the last couple of weeks, with the first-team squad now adapting to the demands of his 3-4-2-1 system.

Ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, his future at Old Trafford was massively up in the air, especially after only being able to register a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season.

However, he maintained the backing of the board, with such a decision now proving to be the right one, especially if their recent run of form is anything to go by.

The Red Devils remain unbeaten in each of their last five outings, winning three in a row in the process, leading to the 40-year-old claiming the division’s Manager of the Month award.

However, one player who joined the club during the off-season has somewhat struggled to make the desired impact in recent weeks, leading to question marks around his future.

What former Man Utd players have made of Sesko’s start at the club

Benjamin Sesko joined United in a £74m transfer from RB Leipzig, with the fanbase having real expectations on the centre-forward to change their fortunes in the final third.

The Slovenian has already featured in 11 league outings to date, but has only managed to find the net twice, failing to score in any of the last four matches in the Premier League.

Given his lack of goals, questions have been asked about the 22-year-old’s role at Old Trafford, with many former players voicing their concern over his struggles in England.

Former right-back and now pundit, Gary Neville, spoke about Sesko early this month and gave an honest review on the youngster’s start to life at the club.

The 50-year-old stated: “The jury is out. He’s well off it compared to the other summer signings Manchester United made up front, like Cunha and Mbeumo.

“He looks awkward. He had a couple of good opportunities against Forest, but his touch wasn’t quite right. For £80 million, you can say he’s young and settling in, but you still want to see a bit more.”

He wasn’t the only former Red Devils first-team member to speak out on the striker’s lack of form at present, with Peter Schmeichel also questioning the big-money transfer.

The former goalkeeper said: “You spend £70 million-plus on Sesko, when we don’t have the number six we should have, and there’s the goalkeeping position as well.

“Why did we bring someone in that we didn’t need? Because the head of recruitment [Christopher Vivell] comes from Leipzig and he’s got to make a mark.”

However, Wes Brown has jumped to Sesko’s defence in the last couple of weeks, with the Englishman offering a more open-minded view on his early months in Manchester.

He claimed that: “The quality in wide areas is very good now, so this season can be a positive one for Manchester United. I think Sesko has all the attributes to score plenty of goals for Manchester United. He is mobile, good in the air and with his feet, so it all bodes really well for the club.”

If he is to reach the heights many anticipated earlier this summer, he will definitely need time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, with Amorim needing to show patience in the talisman.

The United star who’s becoming INEOS’ worst signing

Despite Sesko needing time to prove his worth at United, the same can’t be said about numerous other talents who were brought to the club by INEOS in recent years.

Manuel Ugarte was signed for a reported £50m from PSG last summer, but his move to Old Trafford has fallen way below the expectations many had upon his arrival.

The Uruguayan was seen as the perfect ball-winning option at the heart of the side, but he’s struggled to cement his place in the starting eleven under Amorim.

It’s evident that the manager currently doesn’t trust the 24-year-old at present, with the boss currently selecting 33-year-old Casemiro ahead of him in the pecking order.

Given his tally of just two starts in the league throughout 2025/26, it would be a surprise to no one if he was sold in January, with the club needing to recoup as much of their investment as possible.

However, he might not be alone in that aspect, with forward Joshua Zirkzee another player who has struggled with the expectations after his own move 18 months ago.

INEOS forked out a reported £36m for his signature last summer, but the Dutchman has massively struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old featured in 49 matches across all competitions last season, but was only able to register a measly tally of seven goals – an average of one goal every seven games.

This season has been a new low for the Dutchman, with the attacker only making four appearances in the league under Amorim – none of which have been from a starting position.

During those outings, he’s only featured for a combined total of 82 minutes, with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha ahead of him in the pecking order.

His struggles may be down to his own confusion, with Zirkzee even stating that he sees himself as a 9.5, often liking to drop deeper and affect the player – with the manager’s system just not suiting his playstyle.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

72%

Shots taken

1.8

Chances created

0.8

Dribble success

38%

Aerials won

29%

Times dispossessed

2.8

His performances have unfortunately fallen way below what many expected last summer, leading to one analyst dubbing him as “terrible” after being hooked before half time against Newcastle United.

Given his lack of impact, there’s no denying that his move to Old Trafford has been a failure, with the board desperately needing to offload him in the upcoming window.

Whilst Sesko has had his own doubters in recent months, Zirkzee is on another level in terms of failures at the club – potentially going down as one of their worst dealings in the last couple of years.

Their own Anderson: Man Utd to make £53m bid to sign "world-class" CM

Manchester United are set to make a January move for another top-level central midfielder.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 13, 2025

Football goalkeepers arguably have one of the most important roles on the pitch and can go down as the hero or the villain in one moment.

The role of a goalkeeper has evolved over time, and now, being a world-class shot-stopper isn’t enough. Having a ‘keeper with ability on the ball is just as crucial for the top sides, which starts with their No. 1.

There have been some great ‘keepers throughout history, with Man City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma regarded as the current best in the world.

Here is a look at 20 of the greatest goalkeepers in footballing history, factoring in their longevity, consistency at the highest level, while also highlighting team and personal accolades.

20 Greatest Goalkeepers of All Time

Rank

Name

Country

1

Lev Yashin

Soviet Union

2

Gianluigi Buffon

Italy

3

Manuel Neuer

Germany

4

Iker Casillas

Spain

5

Peter Schmeichel

Denmark

6

Oliver Kahn

Germany

7

Gordon Banks

England

8

Petr Cech

Czech Republic

9

Edwin van der Sar

Netherlands

10

Dino Zoff

Italy

11

Sepp Maier

West Germany

12

Pat Jennings

Northern Ireland

13

Peter Shilton

England

14

Frantisek Planicka

Czechoslovakia

15

Andoni Zubizarreta

Spain

16

Dida

Brazil

17

Alisson Becker

Brazil

18

Amadeo Carrizo

Argentina

19

David Seaman

England

20

Thibaut Courtois

Belgium

20 Thibaut Courtois

If club trophies are what you’re after when looking for a goalkeeper, then Thibaut Courtois’s cabinet is full from his time in Spain and England.

A regular for Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Real Madrid since 2011, Courtois, who stands at 6ft 7, also has more than 100 caps for Belgium.

He has multiple Champions League, La Liga and Premier League crowns to his name and has been a dependable shot-stopper on the biggest stage.

19 David Seaman

Known best for his time as Arsenal’s number one, David Seaman made over 500 appearances for the Gunners and was hailed by Arsene Wenger during his time at Highbury.

Also England’s first choice for 11 years, Seaman was a consistent performer and made some world-class saves. He will be remembered for his iconic FA Cup save against Sheffield United and, unfortunately, being lobbed by Ronaldinho at the 2002 World Cup.

18 Amadeo Carrizo

One of the first goalkeepers to make the decision to wear gloves was Argentine legend Amadeo Carrizo, who played until the age of 44.

A River Plate icon was one of the first shot-stoppers to venture out of the area and play as a sweeper keeper, something which would catch on in time. Carrizo was recognised a year after his death in 2021 by being named in IFFHS Argentina All Times Dream Team.

17 Alisson Becker

One of the best modern day goalkeepers in recent times has been Alisson Becker, who helped transform Liverpool back into Premier League and Champions League winners.

The second most expensive ‘keeper of all time at £67m, Alisson has proven to be worth every penny for the Reds, with his commanding presence and incredible shot-saving ability seeing him become a regular for Brazil.

16 Dida

Arguably the greatest Brazilian goalkeeper, Dida was a star in an iconic AC Milan team in the 2000s and won 93 caps for his country.

Named FIFPro Goalkeeper of the Year in 2005 and IFFHS Best Brazilian Goalkeeper of the 21st Century, Dida won two Champions League titles.

15 Andoni Zubizarreta

Before Iker Casillas became Spain’s most recognised goalkeeper, they had Andoni Zubizarreta, who played more than 1,000 games during his career.

A club career with Athletic Club, Barcelona and Valencia, Zubizarreta won back-to-back La Liga titles with Athletic Club in the 1980s and four in a row in the 1990s with Barcelona, starring in Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’.

14 Frantisek Planicka

One of the first ‘keepers who made themselves a superstar was Frantisek Planicka, who captained Czechoslovakia at the World Cup in 1934 and 1938, making the final in the former.

Interestingly, Planicka never picked up a card in his career and was a vital member for club and country, winning eight titles with Slavia Prague.

13 Peter Shilton

Making his debut just before England’s 1966 World Cup triumph, Peter Shilton remains England’s most capped player of all time with 125 appearances for the Three Lions.

In his prime, Shilton was one of the best, and his 31-year career, starred in Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest side that won back-to-back European Cups.

Diego Maradona scored the famous ‘Hand of God’ goal against Shilton, and the goalkeeper was named in the World XI on six separate occasions.

12 Pat Jennings

Loved by supporters of both Tottenham and Arsenal, Pat Jennings spent there majority of his club career in north London while also enjoying a 22-year international stint with Northern Ireland.

Winning the FA Cup with Spurs and the Gunners, Jennings made more than 1,000 top level appearances and was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or on three occasions across 13 years.

11 Sepp Maier

The early 1970s was dominated by Bayern Munich and West Germany, with Sepp Maier the top goalkeeper during that era.

Maier, named German Footballer of the Year on three occasions, helped Bayern to three straight European Cups between 1974 and 1976 while also winning Euro 1972 and the 1974 World Cup.

Top reflexes and quick for a ‘keeper, Maier had a crazy personality alongside his ability over an 18-year career.

Eighteen years ago, Delhi had to choose between two local players. They did not choose Kohli and the rest is history

Matt Roller26-Apr-20252:23

Will it be another happy homecoming for Kohli in Delhi?

When Virat Kohli walks out of the away team dressing room in the pavilion that bears his name at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, it will be tempting to wonder what might have been. As the IPL turns 18, Kohli remains the only player to have represented the same franchise in every single season – but it is not the team based in his hometown.It remains the biggest missed opportunity in IPL history. In February 2008, two months before the league’s launch, Delhi Daredevils (as they were then known) were lining up local players for their first squad. “In the mandatory under-22 category, we have identified Virat Kohli, Pradeep Sangwan and Tanmay Srivastava,” TA Sekhar, their head of cricket operations, said at the time.The move made perfect sense: Kohli was the India Under-19 captain, born and raised in Delhi, and had already represented the state team in the Ranji Trophy and in white-ball cricket. And yet, one month later, Kohli was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the inaugural IPL season. He has never left, and has declared that he never will.The chain of events started with a frenzied backdrop as the league hurried towards its launch. “Everything was done with an unhealthy rush,” recalls Charu Sharma, who was appointed chief executive of RCB by owner Vijay Mallya in early 2008. “The juggernaut started in late 2007… To get a league of this magnitude up and running in three-and-a-half months was just ridiculous.”Related

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Five ‘icon’ players were signed before the initial auction in mid-February, after which teams began to approach unsigned players directly. Franchises were told to sign a minimum of four Under-22 players, and a minimum of four from their local ‘catchment area’, prompting a race for the best young talent – including India’s Under-19s.Sharma reached out to Karnataka’s Manish Pandey, who fit both criteria for RCB, and asked him to commit to the franchise in writing. “It wasn’t a contract, just a two-liner to say, ‘It’s OK by me’ because we wanted to make it legitimate,'” Sharma says. “Manish said, ‘Thank you so much, I’m very happy,’ but a day or so later, I still hadn’t heard from him. I said, ‘What’s going on?'”Pandey was with India’s squad at the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia, and agents had caught wind of an opportunity. “He told me that agents had landed from India and were running around the hotel, promising people all sorts of things,” Sharma explains. “The boys were being pestered by these agents saying, ‘Sign with me, I’ll get you a better deal.’ It was quite disturbing.”Sharma escalated the matter to Mallya and his fellow CEOs at other franchises. The BCCI soon issued a diktat that, for the duration of the World Cup, the Under-19 players were strictly off-limits. In the meantime, a new system was proposed: they would be selected via a draft at a second, smaller player auction in mid-March, with each team picking up two players.The mechanism was straightforward: each team would have two picks in a double-draft, with the first team drawn at random picking first and 16th, the second team picking second and 15th, and so on. Salaries were capped at US$30,000 for the Under-19s – or $50,000 for those who, like Kohli, had already played for their state teams in the Ranji Trophy.Virat Kohli is playing his 18th IPL season for RCB•Associated Press”Lo and behold, the first name to come out of the bag was Delhi Daredevils,” Sharma says. “There was a collective groan, with everyone thinking, ‘OK, Kohli is gone.’ He was captain of the team, the best player, and he was from Delhi. And to everyone’s surprise, they got into a huddle, and after a few moments, they said, ‘We’ll take the left-arm seamer: Pradeep Sangwan.'”The decision had cricketing logic: the Daredevils squad was already stacked with batting. In the first auction, they had signed Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, AB de Villiers, Dinesh Karthik, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Manoj Tiwary; in the interim, they had recruited Shikhar Dhawan and Mithun Manhas among their ‘catchment’ players.Sangwan, another Delhi boy, was considered a star in the making. “He was touted as one of the next big things for India,” recalls Abhinav Mukund, who was part of the India Under-19 World Cup squad. “India was going through a left-arm pace obsession at that point with Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan and Irfan Pathan. He bowled really well throughout that tournament, and had some pace too.”Sehwag, the Daredevils ‘icon’ player, was an advocate for Sangwan’s selection. They both grew up in the same western suburb, Najafgarh, and Sehwag had played a role in Sangwan’s call-up to Delhi’s state teams in 2007. Sekhar, the franchise’s head of cricket operations, had also played a prominent role in his development, working with him at the MRF Academy.When RCB had the second pick, they had no hesitation at all. “We took about a quarter of a quarter of a quarter-second, and said, ‘Virat Kohli, thank you,'” Sharma says, laughing. “I don’t think anybody knew that he would become a big global superstar, but he was certainly showing all the signs of being the best Under-19 player in India.”Even as he was fast-tracked into India’s national set-up, Kohli was not an immediate success at RCB. Across the first three IPL seasons, he averaged 21.75 and scored only two half-centuries, primarily batting at No. 5 or 6; it came as something of a surprise when he was the franchise’s only retention ahead of the 2011 mega-auction. But the fact remains that no other team since has ever had the opportunity to sign Kohli; it is unlikely they ever will.”I’ve been approached many times to come into the auction,” he told an RCB podcast in 2022. “[But] what this franchise has given me in terms of opportunity in the first three years, and believed in me, that is the most special thing.” Kohli has been retained for 17 consecutive seasons, and declared when quitting the captaincy in 2021 that he would be an RCB player “until my retirement”.Sangwan, meanwhile, started well at Delhi: in 2009, he took 15 wickets as the Daredevils finished top of the table in South Africa. But as Kohli soared, he never kicked on as intended: he struggled to get a game when he joined Kolkata Knight Riders, and served an 18-month ban in 2013-14 after testing positive for a banned steroid. Now 34, he has not played a professional game in 15 months.Kohli’s standing in Delhi is as strong as ever, no matter his association with a rival IPL franchise: when he made an improbable return to their Ranji Trophy side in January, crowds estimated at more than 10,000 came to watch. Sunday will be his first RCB game in the city since 2023, with both teams chasing a win which will boost their chances of a top-two finish.But in that regard, at least, Sangwan has the upper hand. For all that Delhi’s decision to sign him ahead of Kohli is remembered as the IPL’s greatest recruitment blunder, Sangwan has been part of two title-winning squads: at KKR in 2012, and with Gujarat Titans a decade later. Kohli, RCB and DC are all still on the hunt for their first IPL trophy.

The powerplays proved to be the difference on a pitch that was difficult for batting

Madushka Balasuriya16-Sep-20252:27

Mukund lauds Bangladesh’s spin-choke tactic

Bangladesh held on for a win in the first real nail-biter of Asia Cup 2025, as they pipped Afghanistan by eight runs and kept their hopes of qualification alive.The defence was set up by the very first delivery of the chase, as Nasum Ahmed trapped Sediqullah Atal lbw. It signalled the start of a dominant bowling powerplay that would see just 27 runs scored for the loss of two wickets.From that point on, Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by their excellent spin contingent, strangled the chase through the middle overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tried to play through the innings, but he fell straight after the drinks break. That started the downward spiral of the Afghan innings.Nasum ended up finishing with figures of 2 for 9, while Rishad Hossain – whose only blip was dropping Ibrahim Zadran in the second over – finished with 2 for 18. Taskin Ahmed, recalled to the XI, picked up two as well, but the pick of the bunch was the evergreen Mustafizur Rahman with his 3 for 28 – including some pivotal overs at the death.It was a team effort that ensured Bangladesh were able to defend a total that seemed perhaps around 20 runs short, after Afghanistan’s excellent bowling through the middle and at the death had hauled Bangladesh in following a blistering powerplay led by Tanzid Hasan, who ended with a 31-ball 52.It was an innings that secured Tanzid the player-of-the-match award, and one that in hindsight, likely proved the difference between the two sides on a surface that was not the easiest to bat on.Powerplays prove to be the differenceTanzid’s display of unadulterated intent at the top of the order set Bangladesh up for a total much more than they eventually got, but it showed the importance of utilising the fielding restrictions.It was an innings with its fair share of fortune – a thick edge sailing between keeper and first slip when he was on 2 the glaring example – but he rode that luck and found a string of boundaries to give their innings momentum. Of his first 12 deliveries, six went to the boundary.2:44

Abhinav: Tanzid has shown a lot of promise

The powerplay brought 59 runs, nearly 40% of Bangladesh’s final total before Afghanistan clawed things back with the ball. Bangladesh dominated the powerplay once more in the chase, this time through Nasum Ahmed, who bowled three overs for seven runs and picked up two wickets in those pivotal first six overs.Batting only ended up getting harder in the next phase as Bangladesh tightened the screw and kept pushing the required rate ever higher.Spin to winThe spinners from both sides proved impossible to get away – in fact the only spinner that struggled was AM Ghazanfar, who was brought inside the powerplay and was targeted expertly by Tanzid.Prior to Nasum and Rishad throttling the chase, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad had done the same to Bangladesh’s innings after their Tanzid-propelled start.1:34

Jaffer: Omarzai wicket the turning point in Afghanistan’s chase

The pair gave away just 49 runs across their eight overs while sharing four wickets between them. They proved pivotal in the middle-overs period that saw four wickets fall for 65 runs.In fact, Afghanistan’s bowlers bettered their Bangladeshi counterparts both through the middle and at the death, with the difference being made up crucially in the powerplays.Bangla seamers come in clutchEven accounting for the excellence of Bangladesh’s bowling, 53 needed off the final five overs with five wickets in hand was not strictly an impossible ask. And with Azmatullah Omarzai going strong, Afghanistan would not have given up hope in the slightest.The Bangladesh seamers, however, ensured they kept their nerve at the death, and stuck diligently to their plans. Taskin, who ended with figures of 2 for 34, accounted for the key wicket of Omarzai, while Mustafizur got rid of Rashid, who had struck a pair of no-look boundaries to keep Afghanistan in the hunt.Rashid ended up admitting after the game that the final three-over requirement of 31 was not beyond the realms of modern T20 batting, and that credit must go to Taskin and Mustafizur for holding their nerve in a must-win scenario.

Aston Villa have recently submitted an offer for Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia, and the Spanish club’s stance on sanctioning a departure has now been revealed.

Villa have stepped up their pursuit of a new centre-forward with Ollie Watkins failing to reach his usual lofty standards in the Premier League this season, netting just one goal and receiving criticism from former Arsenal striker Ian Wright back in September.

Wright said: “As a player, I think that he should be doing more for what he’s capable of doing.

“He’s a channel runner, gets in the box, he gets on the end of things. I think he could be a lot sharper with his finishing, and I thought that’s what he’d be working on.”

Fortunately, the Villans have managed to find goals from other sources, which have propelled them up the table in recent weeks, rising to sixth after a dominant 4-0 rout of AFC Bournemouth in their final match before the international break.

That said, Watkins’ poor form is likely to still be a concern for Unai Emery, and the manager has seemingly decided to bring in another striker capable of challenging for the Englishman’s place in the starting XI.

Aston Villa submit offer for Gonzalo Garcia

According to a report from Spain, Aston Villa have offered €20m (£18m) offer for Real Madrid forward Garcia, and they are looking to finalise a deal as quickly as possible, given that the Spaniard’s value could plausibly rise as the season goes on.

Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers have lodged bids of their own, so there will be competition for the 21-year-old’s signature, but a deal could be there to be done, as the Spanish club view cashing-in as an ‘attractive financial opportunity.’

As one of the first clubs to make contact with Madrid, Villa should be well-placed to get a deal done, not least because their main rivals seem to be newly-promoted Sunderland and a Wolves side at serious risk of relegation.

Hopefully, it will only be a matter of time before Watkins starts scoring again, but the 29-year-old having some healthy competition could kick him into gear, and there are signs the Real Madrid starlet could push for a starting spot.

Lauded as a “goal machine” in the media, the youngster performed remarkably well at youth level in the 2024-25 campaign, netting 26 goals in 37 games for RM Castilla, before going on to impress considerably at the Club World Cup, netting four goals for the senior side.

That said, it would be a risk to sign Garcia, given that he is yet to prove himself in the Madrid first team over a sustained period, and 21-year-old FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who scored 19 league goals last season, could be an interesting alternative option.

Aston Villa fighting to sign Samu Aghehowa Aston Villa fighting to sign Samu Aghehowa amid interest from Tottenham and Arsenal

Recent reports have indicated that Aston Villa would be keen on signing Porto forward Samu Aghehowa.

ByJames O'Reilly Nov 5, 2025

ITV confirmed earlier this month that it is in preliminary discussions to sell its broadcasting business to Sky for £1.6 billion. The talks come as the television industry faces fierce competition from the rise of streaming services such as Disney+, Prime Video and Netflix. The former platforms already own rights to show one Champions League and one La Liga match per gameweek.

• Sky-ITV merger could impact how fans watch football

  However, one finance expert believes the main concern should be the loss of free-to-air sport. ITV hold the rights for some England and World Cup games, and the worry is that users may one day have to pay for the opportunity to watch the national team, either in qualifiers or at major international competitions.

  "The World Cup is currently locked into listed-event regulation, keeping prices relatively low because rights must remain free-to-air," finance expert Professor Rob Wilson told OLBG. "Should free-to-air erode and regulatory protections weaken, a very different market emerges. A largely exclusive World Cup becomes a quadrennial subscriber magnet with huge advertising and digital potential.

  "Under those conditions UK rights might land in the £350 to £500 million range at the cautious end, rising toward £750 million to £1 billion if full exclusivity and deep digital rights are included. That would make the tournament comparable to a significant slice of Premier League value, something only possible if it moves away from the current BBC-ITV sharing model."

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  'For Match of the Day, the threat is less direct but still real'

  Wilson went on to add the free-to-air shows like Match of the Day may come under threat. While the BBC's weekly Premier League highlights show doesn't actively show domestic top-flight action live, it's still at risk of being unable to fulfil demand owing to potential financial constraints down the line.

  "For shows like Match of the Day, the threat is less direct but still real," Wilson added. "The BBC would be facing a competitor with extraordinary reach across both pay and free platforms. That pushes up prices and makes it harder to retain highlight packages without paying more. In the long run it could shift the balance between free and paid access to top tier sport.

  "A Sky and ITV combination would become the most influential force in British broadcast advertising. Buying strategies would change. Cross platform packages would grow. And the line between broadcast and streaming would blur even further as the combined business pushes its viewers into unified ecosystems."

• 'A Sky–ITV merger would push major football rights upward'

  Furthermore, Wilson discussed the astronomical value of the UK sports market, adding: "The UK sports rights market today is roughly £3 to £3.5 billion annually, with the Premier League and Champions League forming its core.

  "A Sky–ITV merger would push major football rights upward, while expanded competitions and tech-sector interest would accelerate growth. It is reasonable to see the market reaching £4.5 to £7 billion a year by the mid-2030s.

  "For Amazon, Netflix, YouTube or Apple, participation is less about direct profit and more about acquiring customers. Each could justify spending £200 to £500 million annually on UK rights as a strategic foothold, with total disruption capital potentially exceeding a billion pounds a year if multiple platforms compete simultaneously."

  Wilson continued: "ITV's channels would remain free to air because their public service obligations would transfer. But over time, the strategy would change. Expect more cross promotion between free and paid services, more sport moving into premium windows and more rights carved into layered offerings.

  "In short, this deal would be hugely significant in the medium term. If it happens, it would reshape how rights are bought, how audiences are reached and how sport and entertainment flow between free and paid screens across the UK. It might even start an acceleration away from free to air programming as we know it."

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  Premier League & UCL rights would increase

  Wilson also discussed the potential of the costs of Premier League and Champions League rights increasing should the ITV-Sky merger come to fruition. "A combined Sky and ITV would be a powerful buyer," he added. "Sky already controls much of the premium sport in the UK and adding ITV's free to air channels gives it both reach and versatility. It could bid for major rights with more confidence, and it could spread those rights across subscription, streaming and free to air platforms in ways no other British broadcaster can match.

  "Premier League rights currently sit at around £1.7 billion per season, with the Champions League adding roughly another £450 to £500 million. A combined Sky and ITV would be able to monetise rights across pay TV, streaming and free to air in a way no rival could match, reducing competitive pressure and giving them licence to bid more aggressively.

  "In that environment Premier League rights could plausibly rise toward the £2 to £2.3 billion range per season in the early 2030s, while Champions League rights might move into the £600 to £750 million band. Together, the two properties could command between £2.6 and just over £3 billion per year, implying an uplift of around £0.5-£1billion on the current level."