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He also believes his presence will open the door for the other Indian players to come to the SA20

Firdose Moonda10-Jan-2025Nineteen years ago, a young Dinesh Karthik played his first T20 match – an international – against South Africa at the Wanderers. Chasing 127, he came in to bat with India on 71 for 3 in the 12th over. These days, we’d call an easy win for the batting side. Then, it was nervy. It took until the penultimate ball for Karthik to hit the winning runs in a player-of-the-match performance. A year later, Karthik was part of the Indian squad that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa, a triumph that he believes paved the way for how the world game looks today.”Some of my best memories have come from South Africa, like winning the T20 World Cup and being part of something so special and that also started a very big trend in Indian cricket. It’s called the IPL today,” he said at the Paarl Royals pre-tournament press conference. “Things like that originated because of what happened in South Africa. So, I have very fond memories and I like the place in general.”He especially likes the place he finds himself in now: the picturesque Cape Winelands, where Paarl Royals have their base. “I’ve gone as far as to convince my family to come over as well. They weren’t planning to come, but they’re going to come because I said you don’t get more beautiful places than this.”Related

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But Karthik is on more than just a nostalgia and nature-gazing trip. He is the first Indian player to feature in the SA20 and was sought after as both a cricketer and an ambassador: someone who could talk the tournament up in the subcontinent. And he is doing that already.Asked if he thinks his presence will open the door for the other Indian players to come to the SA20, it was a firm yes. “Anybody who’s done with playing IPL will always look at SA20 because it’s the strongest comp. You get the best of players.”For this edition, that includes him. Karthik is here as a senior player for Paarl Royals, who finished third on the points table twice but are yet to make the final and have three of the youngest players in the tournament in their squad. Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Kwena Maphaka are just 18 years old and Dewan Marais is 19 and Karthik sees his role as key to their development.Dinesh Karthik is set to become the first Indian to play in the SA20•BCCI”One of the reasons why I’ve been picked here is not only just to come and showcase my skills as a batter or a keeper, but also help in the growth of young South African players to become the best version of themselves. So whenever I’ve had the opportunity, I’ve had chats with them,” he said. “I always feel knowledge learned is one side of it, but knowledge shared is a lot more fruitful. So in my experience, whenever a youngster comes and speaks to me about the sport, I’m happy to share my experiences. That is the least I could do.”Karthik will have a particular role to play with Pretorius, who is also a wicketkeeper-batter. While Paarl Royals will start with Karthik as keeper, “there could be opportunities that he (Pretorius) could be keeping and I could be fielding,” Karthik said. “In the practice matches, we shared the load where we kept 10 overs each in one game. In the other game, I ended up keeping the whole time.”That means Karthik will keep to Maphaka, who he identified as “one of those bona fide superstars”. Maphaka also accompanied him to the pre-tournament press conference.”I watched him bowl in the U19 World Cup and it almost felt like when you play against South Africa, you need to get past that first spell. That’s a feeling not many bowlers can give,” Karthik said. “He’s handled pressure, he’s come with expectations, and it’s great to see him grow into not only a good domestic cricketer, but today he’s playing for South Africa in all three formats. If I was him, SA20 would be a great opportunity to show my skills at the T20 level but also be the person who can win matches for the team. He’s a special player. He’s got the skill sets to be the superstar that I expect him to be. In Kwena, South Africa has found a gem, and they need to protect him.Dinesh Karthik said South Africa need to “protect” Kwena Maphaka•AFP/Getty Images”He needs to learn how to take care of his body. The one thing that will happen as he grows is he could drop pace, and he doesn’t want to do that,” Karthik said. “So how he takes care of his body and mentally, every time he gets on the park, it should be about winning the game for that team.”Maphaka sat bashful next to Karthik as the praise poured out and confirmed he would “watch my bowling loads and make sure that I’m stretching and keeping my body in tip-top shape,” after his “crazy” last 12 months. From the under-19 World Cup last January, to an IPL gig to a T20 debut in the Caribbean and his ODI and Test bow in the space of two weeks, Maphaka has barely had time to catch his breath.”It’s crazy to see how quickly things have moved and how quickly my life has changed,” he said. “But I’m just trying to keep my feet on the ground and continue being the player that I am, keep learning and keep striving for success, really.”That’s where the likes of Karthik will come in: where younger players are in danger of being swept off their feet by the speed of events, to help them hit pause and remember they are part of something bigger.”This team is a good blend of experience and some seriously prodigious talent. We speak about Kwena and Lhuan-dre but on the other hand, we have players like David Miller, Joe Root, who’ve been stalwarts for their countries over a period of time,” Karthik said. “My role is to make sure that I’m there for the tough moments, and when the game is on the line, that I’m doing something very special to help the team. I really wish that this experience and youthful exuberance meet somewhere in the middle and something special is created.”Paarl Royals will kick off their campaign against two-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape on Saturday.

It’s been an incredible week to be an Arsenal fan.

On Sunday, Mikel Arteta’s side demolished Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

And then, if that wasn’t enough, the Gunners brushed aside the excellent Bayern Munich to go top of the Champions League table.

There were sensational performances across the pitch for Arsenal, including from someone who is becoming something of a hybrid between Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka.

Eze & Saka's performances vs Bayern

While the likes of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are getting most of the praise following Wednesday night, and rightly so, Saka also put in a performance to be proud of.

Now, it’s true that he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself, but he did provide the assist for the opening goal and was a constant threat throughout his time on the pitch.

At certain points, he had to deal with three Bayern players on his own, but still managed to create two big chances, complete three of four crosses, take one shot on target and recover the ball twice.

It’s clear that the Hale End superstar is still not quite at his very best, but even without a goal to his name, he’s impacting games in a big way.

Likewise, Eze didn’t score a fourth goal in two games, but once again showed why he is one of the best number tens around against the German giants.

It was just before the visitors scored that he helped create a chance with some tidy footwork, only for him to just overhit the pass into Saka.

Then in the second half, every time he had the ball at his feet, he was looking to do something positive.

It was this mindset that saw him play an excellent ball over the top for Gabriel Martinelli to knock around Manuel Neuer and secure all three points.

Overall, Saka and Eze weren’t necessarily the best players on the pitch against Bayern, but they put in strong performances, and now it looks like Arsenal have a player who is becoming a hybrid of both.

Arsenal's Saka & Eze hybrid

With Saka undoubtedly being Arsenal’s most important player and Eze proving to be one of their best signings from the summer, a player would have to be pretty special to be described as a hybrid of the two.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Fortunately, despite certain sections of the fanbase clearly thinking otherwise in the summer, Noni Madueke has proven himself to be just that.

Now, nobody is saying the former Chelsea ace is as good as his compatriots, but he certainly shares some similarities with them.

For example, like the former Palace star, he is someone who can make something happen from nothing.

Granted, that hasn’t necessarily translated into a goal or assist this season, but he is such a direct attacker that, with the ball at his feet, he can make opposition defenders panic.

Moreover, like the 27-year-old, given his ability to make something of nothing, Arteta seems to have given him more freedom to try things on the ball.

Arsenal writer Adam Keys perhaps put it best when, after his goal against Bayern, he described the 23-year-old as an “agent of chaos,” which is just the sort of player the North Londoners have been missing in recent years.

Expected Assists

0.26

0.27

Progressive Passes Received

12.9

12.4

Key Passes

2.29

2.21

Live Passes

32.9

33.5

Tackles Won

0.57

0.58

Successful Take-On %

42.1%

40.5%

Carries

26.9

29.5

Now, when it comes to Saka, the similarities come down to their left-footedness, their close control, and the fact that FBref ranked the Hale Ender as the sixth-most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Madueke in Europe’s top five leagues.

The best way to understand how they came to this conclusion is to look at the underlying metrics they rank closely in, metrics like expected assists, key passes, tackles won, successful take-on percentage and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while his signing was not universally celebrated across the fanbase, Madueke has proven himself to be a more than useful player for Arsenal, and the fact that he shares so many traits with Saka and Eze can only be a good thing.

As good as Rice: Arsenal star has proven he's one of the best "in the world"

The outrageous Arsenal star was as good as Declan Rice in the Champions League victory over Bayern Munich.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 27, 2025

It’s been a turbulent 12 years or so in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Manchester United, a period dominated by talk of ‘projects’, ‘philosophies’ and ‘transitions’.

In truth, the Red Devils have tried it all, from hiring and firing managers at will, to changing directors and CEOs, to even shaking things up at ownership level.

The result? A worst-ever Premier League finish last season, with things again hanging in the balance this time around.

So many problems, so many people to blame, although one consistent theme remains the inability to acquire a truly consistent, world-class figure to lead the line.

Not since Robin van Persie’s breathtaking debut season in 2012/13 has any United player reached 20 Premier League goals in a season, with the club veering from short-term, Edinson Cavani-shaped fixes, to long-term, expensive gambles like Rasmus Hojlund.

Season

Player

Goals

2024/25

Bruno Fernandes & Amad

8

2023/24

Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund

10

2022/23

Marcus Rashford

17

2021/22

Cristiano Ronaldo

18

2020/21

Bruno Fernandes

18

2019/20

Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial

17

2018/19

Paul Pogba

13

2017/18

Romelu Lukaku

16

2016/17

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

17

2015/16

Anthony Martial

11

2014/15

Wayne Rooney

12

2013/14

Wayne Rooney

17

2012/13

Robin van Persie

26

Ruben Amorim and INEOS are crying out for that next Van Persie, or Ruud van Nistelrooy or even Dimitar Berbatov to deliver the goods, with this season again another tale of frustration.

Every Premier League Golden Boot winner at Man Utd

As already stated, it was that man Van Persie – following his controversial switch from Arsenal – who last truly hit the ground running among United centre-forwards, scoring 26 league goals to fire Ferguson to his 13th and final title, while claiming the Premier League Golden Boot as a result.

The Dutchman had also received the honour the year prior during his last campaign at the Emirates, taking the award from the 2010/11 recipients of hero turned nemesis, Carlos Tevez of Manchester City and that man Berbatov.

A maverick talent in every sense, that campaign was the balletic Bulgarian at his very best in a United shirt, scoring 20 times as United romped to the title, memorably scoring that hat-trick to sink Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Far removed from the high-press, relentless talents of the likes of Tevez before him, Berbatov was all silk and intelligence, making up for his lack of pace and power by playing the game at his own speed.

While never truly prolific, the one-time Tottenham Hotspur man remains one of just five players to have won the Golden Boot while playing for United, with that list unsurprisingly completed by Van Nistelrooy (2002/03), Cristiano Ronaldo (2007/08) and Dwight Yorke (1998/99).

Whether anyone will reach such heights again at the Theatre of Dreams remains to be seen, and while patience continues with regard to Benjamin Sesko, time is swiftly running out for Joshua Zirkzee.

Why Man Utd’s new Berbatov is on borrowed time

To defend the modern or current crop, Fergie’s great sides all had a string of forwards who could carry the burden.

For every Yorke, there was an Andy Cole. For every Van Nistelrooy, a Louis Saha. Or for every Van Persie, a great like Wayne Rooney.

That depth, that competition, is no longer there, a fact perhaps best highlighted by the lack of action afforded to Zirkzee of late, with the Dutchman merely a bystander to proceedings this season.

With Sesko the leading number nine, Amorim has also deployed Matheus Cunha through the middle for trips to Anfield and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, thus reducing Zirkzee’s hopes of featuring even further.

While the 24-year-old doesn’t appear to have been too wounded by such a status – having creditably been seen celebrating with his teammates in recent weeks – the writing does appear to be on the wall with regard to his United career.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst put it, he was “reduced to a fleeting waterboy” against Spurs.

Once hailed as “the modern-day Berbatov” by Billy Meredith, such is his fleet of foot and deft touch, such traits have also been his undoing, with his self-proclaimed ‘nine and a half’ role seeing him become unsuited to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

At a time when the Portuguese coach is looking for his next Viktor Gyokeres, a powerful, pacy forward to run the channels – alla Sesko – the former Bologna man is anything but, instead better served linking play and dropping deep to kickstart attacks.

In a different side and in a different era, Zirkzee may well have thrived as a complementary talent to Rooney, Tevez and co, although in the age of one man up top, he does appear to be the face that doesn’t fit.

Indeed, it isn’t as if the Netherlands international has really made his presence felt when he has featured, scoring just seven times in 54 games for the club, only three of which have come in the Premier League.

Yet to score in 2025/26, albeit while totalling just 90 minutes, the £105k-per-week marksman appears destined to depart in 2026, be it in January or next summer.

From fighting his way back after being jeered off against Newcastle United in December, Zirkzee does appear to be up for the challenge, although such are the demands that Amorim places on his strikers, this might not be one he can win.

Unless something drastic does occur, INEOS’ £36m man will sadly be the latest victim of the post-Ferguson striking curse. Where will that next Golden Boot winner come from?

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Following Dream 11’s exit, the BCCI began its search for a new team sponsor on Tuesday

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Sep-2025India are likely to play the upcoming Asia Cup without a lead sponsor following Dream 11’s withdrawal from its contract with the BCCI last month.On September 2, the BCCI began the process to secure a new sponsor by releasing an invitation for expression of interest for the lead sponsorship rights of the national team. The last date for interested parties to purchase the expression of interest is September 12 and the deadline to submit a bid is September 16. The Asia Cup begins on September 9 and concludes on September 28.The need for a new team sponsor arose after the Indian government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming bill last month prohibiting real-money gaming, which was Dream 11’s core business. Following that development Dream 11 communicated to the BCCI that it would have to pull out of its contract, which contained an exit clause to account for such government regulations. Dream XI’s contract was until 2026 and was worth USD 44 million (INR 358 crore approximately).The BCCI has been confronted with the challenge of finding a new lead sponsor after the incumbent pulled out mid-contract previously as well. The most recent instance was in 2019, when mobile company OPPO withdrew three years before its contract was scheduled to end. Educational technology company Byju’s filled the breach before Dream 11 made a successful bid for a three-year deal in 2023.In its invitation for expressions for interest for a new team sponsor, the BCCI specified that alcohol brands, betting or gambling services, cryptocurrency, online money gaming, tobacco brands, or any product or service likely to “offend public morals such as, including but not limited to, pornography” were not eligible to submit a bid.The Indian team is scheduled to leave on September 4 for the United Arab Emirates, where they are grouped with Oman, Pakistan and UAE in Group A of the tournament. They play UAE and Pakistan in Dubai on September 10 and 14, and then play Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19.Group B comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group qualify for the Super Four stage, and the teams that finish one and two in that round will contest the final on September 28.

Manchester United are battling Chelsea over the signing of RB Leipzig’s highly-rated young midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, as Ruben Amorim eyes up new additions.

The Red Devils fell to a woeful 1-0 defeat at home to Everton on Monday evening, failing to beat a Blues side who played most of the game with ten men.

It was a big setback for Amorim, with United now going three Premier League matches without a win, and the manager bemoaned the performance of his players at Old Trafford.

It was further proof that United need to look at midfield additions, whether that be in the January or summer transfer window, and an exciting update has now dropped in that respect.

Man Utd have upper hand on Chelsea in Assan Ouedraogo race

According to Sky Germany [via Sport Witness], Manchester United are pushing ahead in their efforts to sign Ouedraogo from Leipzig in 2026. The Red Devils’ interest in the 19-year-old is “becoming more concrete” all the time, with Premier League rivals Chelsea also pushing for a deal.

United have an upper hand in that they have already had contacts with the player’s camp, pursuing him before he left Schalke in June 2024, but a “top offer” will be needed to pry him away from Leipzig given he has no release clause.

Ouedraogo is a huge young talent with so much potential, so United should be looking at him as a fantastic option to add to their midfield in the coming months.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are both in their 30s now, and struggled together against Everton, but the Leipzig star would be a long-term signing who would add much-needed fresh legs in the middle of the park.

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Ouedraogo recently scored on his debut for Germany, and he will be pushing to be one of the standout youngsters at 2026 World Cup, with scout Antonio Mango desribing him as a “midfield sensation” earlier this month.

While the German teenager is at his happiest in a central midfield role, he can also shine in a more attacking central berth, as well as on the left wing, and United beating Chelsea and others to his signature would feel like a major statement of intent.

Worse than Bruno Fernandes vs Everton: Amorim must bin Man Utd's 3/10 flop

Turkey’s national team reported over €300,000 worth of jewellery missing from their dressing room after the 2-2 draw against Spain in Seville, triggering a police investigation. A luxury watch and two rings vanished from La Cartuja before being recovered. At least one arrest has been made as authorities work to uncover how the theft took place.

Theft shock in Seville: Turkey report €300k jewellery missing

Turkey’s World Cup qualifying draw against Spain ended in dramatic fashion both on and off the pitch, after the Turkish federation reported the disappearance of high-value jewellery from their dressing room at La Cartuja Stadium. According to the initial complaint, a watch valued at approximately €200,000 and two rings estimated at more than €60,000 each were discovered missing shortly after full-time.

The Turkish delegation noticed the items were gone while preparing to leave the dressing room following the 2-2 draw. Stadium personnel later said they received a routine notice that “the Turkish team had left something behind in the locker room,” which at first appeared to be a common oversight. However, when staff checked, it became clear the missing belongings were not simply forgotten but potentially stolen, prompting an immediate formal report.

According to , police had launched a criminal investigation within hours, treating the incident as a suspected case of theft inside an area with restricted access. The timing of the disappearance, and the high value of the items, intensified scrutiny around the stadium’s security protocols during international fixtures.

Authorities later verified that the items were found and returned to Turkish officials, but by then the case had already escalated into a criminal probe involving multiple police units.

AdvertisementItems recovered as police confirm arrest

The report confirmed that both the watch and the two rings have been located and recovered, easing initial fears that they had been moved off-site or trafficked. However, the discovery did little to close the case, with officers emphasising that the objective now was to establish the full chain of events.

Spanish authorities stated that “the investigation is ongoing. Efforts are being made to determine exactly how the theft occurred and who is behind it.” Their remarks underscored that the recovered items do not automatically rule out internal involvement, especially given that La Cartuja’s dressing rooms are typically accessed only by players, staff, security personnel and approved stadium employees.

At least one arrest has been made, with police confirming they are analysing whether the individual had legitimate stadium access at the time. Investigators are working to determine if the detainee is a stadium employee or someone who “entered the area without permission,” a distinction that could reshape the legal penalties attached to the case.

Security review & legal process ahead

The recovery of the stolen items has eased immediate tensions, but both national federations are now awaiting the formal outcome of the ongoing police investigation. Stadium officials at La Cartuja are expected to carry out an internal security audit, especially regarding locker-room access and surveillance coverage during high-profile international fixtures.

With at least one arrest confirmed and the possibility of more to follow, Spanish authorities will continue examining whether the incident was opportunistic or part of a coordinated attempt to target high-value belongings. Further updates are expected once forensic analysis and security footage reviews are completed.

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Getty Images SportTurkey settles, while Spain bracing for biggest arena

The alleged theft cast a shadow over what had been a gripping night of football. Spain secured their place at the 2026 World Cup after a tense 2-2 draw with a spirited Turkey side, finishing atop Group E despite being pushed to the brink.

Dani Olmo opened the scoring in the fourth minute after superb wing play from Marc Cucurella, but Turkey’s Deniz Gul equalised in the 42nd minute with a finish that punctured Spain’s previously perfect defensive record in qualifying. Turkey then stunned the home crowd when Salih Özcan made it 2-1 in the 55th minute with a precise low strike following an intricate build-up.

The result extended Spain’s unbeaten run in qualifiers to 31 matches, maintaining a streak of World Cup qualifications dating back to 1978. Turkey, meanwhile, settled for a playoff position, having needed a near-impossible seven-goal margin to top the group.

Milnes leads Yorkshire fightback after being bowled out for 194 in rain-delayed start to contest

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay16-Sep-2025

Jaydev Unadkat celebrates one of his three wickets•Getty Images

Sussex 84 for 4 (Milnes 2-35) trail Yorkshire 194 (Lyth 47, Hudson-Prentice 3-33, Unadkat 3-36) by 110 runsFourteen wickets fell at Hove as two sides needing a victory that would make sure of their first division status produced a compelling day.Sussex were in the ascendancy when they bowled Yorkshire out for 194 after tea but the visitors fought back, reducing the hosts 84 for four when bad light ended with 13 overs not bowled.A draw would probably suit both teams in their battle to avoid an immediate return to the second division but despite no play on the first day there is now every chance of a positive result. A pitch that had been under cover for the best part of 48 hours offered help to the seamers throughout but there was also some flawed shot selection from both teams.It looked a good toss to win when Yorkshire reached 100 for two. But Indian left-armer Jaydev Unadkat and Fynn Hudson-Prentice, who took three wickets apiece, and the excellent Ollie Robinson fought back to take six wickets between lunch and tea before off-spinner Jack Carson finished the innings off.With the floodlights on, Yorkshire hit back with the new ball. Jack White had Dan Hughes smartly taken low at third slip and Tom Haines was lbw to Matt Milnes working to leg. Milnes struck again in his sixth over thanks to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow’s alertness. Hill shelled a catch at slip, but the ball landed on Bairstow’s right boot and he scooped it into his gloves as it bounced up. James Coles (29) shaped up well until he found mid-wicket trying to work Jordan Thompson through square.The subsequent clatter of wickets had seemed unlikely for much of the morning session as Fin Bean and Adam Lyth accumulated patiently before Bean (27) was caught behind trying to cut Hudson-Prentice’s medium pace and in the last over before lunch left-armer Sean Hunt found Lyth’s inside edge after he’d made 47 and looked to have done the hard work.Yorkshire then lost five for 15 in 7.2 overs with James Wharton taken low down at slip by Carson to give Robinson a belated reward. Bairstow was bowled through the gate by Unadkat in the next over and he struck again when Matthew Revis played at a delivery he could comfortably have ignored well outside off stump.Hill drove loosely and was caught at slip and Dom Bess fell to a leg-side strangle. Jordan Thompson glided the hat-trick ball from Hudson-Prentice effortlessly to the cover rope and Sussex would have been in an even stronger position had Coles held a waist-high chance at second slip before Thompson added to his boundary.Instead, Thompson and Indian Mayank Agarwal put conditions into perspective by adding 52 for the eighth wicket with few alarms.Agarwal, who made a golden duck on his debut at Taunton last week, had been in since the fall of the first wicket and although he struggled with his timing during nearly two and a half hours he did a solid job while wickets tumbled at the other end until following one from Unadkat which had shaped away.After tea Carson pinned Thompson (38) with a ball which straightened just enough and the innings ended when White was caught at slip driving loosely at Carson.