'I was talked about more than Cristiano Ronaldo' – Ex-Tottenham & AC Milan star felt 'wave of hatred' from fans as he opens up on brutal experience in Serie A

Former AC Milan defender Emerson Royal opened up about his difficult spell at the San Siro, revealing that the negative attention he received in Italy made him a more talked about figure than Cristiano Ronaldo. The lack of appreciation from supporters, combined with a lengthy spell on the sidelines, ultimately influenced his decision to leave Milan. However, the Brazilian admitted that he is now happy at Flamengo, where he has settled back into life in his home country and rediscovered his confidence.

Emerson struggled at Milan

Emerson arrived at Milan from Tottenham in a €16 million (£13m/$18m) deal, brought in to strengthen the right flank. Under Paulo Fonseca, he initially became the starting right-back ahead of Davide Calabria, but his time at the club quickly turned turbulent. Although he showed flashes of quality, his performances were marked by inconsistency, positioning errors and a struggle to adapt to Milan’s tactical demands, leading to a mixed and ultimately disappointing spell.

He did enjoy one high point, winning the Supercoppa Italiana under Sergio Conceicao after Milan’s victory over Inter. However, the relationship between player and coach deteriorated soon after, pushing Emerson further down the pecking order. A move to Fenerbahce was close, but an untimely injury caused the transfer to collapse.

Eventually, Milan decided to move him on, and Emerson joined Flamengo in a permanent €9 million deal in the 2025 summer window bringing an end to a difficult chapter in his career.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEmerson opens up about his difficult life at Milan

In an interview to , Emerson recalled the negative attention he received after arriving in Milan, explaining that no matter how hard he tried, he struggled to gain acceptance from the fans. 

"I arrived in Italy with a slightly strange feeling right from the start. From the beginning, every time I said or did something, people talked about me more than they talked about Cristiano Ronaldo, but in a negative way. I felt like I always had to do twice as much to be accepted, and then still not be accepted anyway," he said.

"It all started with me and my request. I spoke to my family and my agent, and the idea of leaving had already become a priority. I couldn't continue with that feeling. The same thing had happened to me at Tottenham, but there I managed to change their minds: you arrive, people talk, then they don't want you to leave. It's always a matter of time and adaptation. Initially, I thought I would do the same at Milan, stay to really prove who I am. But after the injury and months on the sidelines, that feeling grew even stronger. And when I realised that my relationship with the environment had worn thin, I realised that staying would not be the right choice."

However, things have turned around for Emerson since his move to Flamengo. The Brazilian has settled back into his home country and is thriving, with Flamengo leading the Brazilian Serie A by two points. Reflecting on his resurgence, he said: "Today I am well and finally happy again. Coming back here after so many years away has been special. We are competing in two important competitions and one of the reasons I chose to return was to make myself better known to the people of my country, because I have been abroad for so long. It is a wonderful feeling to feel appreciated."

Milan recovering all their players from injury

Milan appointed Massimiliano Allegri as head coach in the summer, and his arrival brought a shift to a 3-5-2 system with Alexis Saelemaekers operating effectively as the right wing-back. The team has responded well to the new structure, sitting third in the table after crucial wins over Napoli and Roma, and now just two points behind rivals Inter. An injury crisis in October disrupted their rhythm, but Milan have since recovered key players, including Christian Pulisic, Ardon Jashari, Adrien Rabiot and Pervis Estupinan. Their return comes at the perfect moment as Allegri prepares for a decisive derby clash against Inter.

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Getty Images SportTop of the table Derby clash

With Milan recovering key players over the international break and Pulisic scoring in a friendly against Virtus Entella, Allegri will now look to use his returning starters to make important adjustments to his style of play, with Milan set for a virtual six-pointer against Inter on Sunday.

Forget Elanga & Barnes: Howe must now unleash Newcastle's "unsung hero"

Newcastle United arguably put in their besst performance of the season as they beat Benfica 3-0 to make it back-to-back wins in the Champions League.

Though the Magpies have struggled to get going this season, especially from an offensive standpoint, their success on the continent is evidence of Eddie Howe’s abiding tactical quality, with the cogs sure to start whirring as the new batch of players work toward a continuation of last year’s illustrious success.

That starts now, in the Premier League. Last weekend, United lost on a trip to Brighton, and they languish in 14th place, just nine points from eight games.

But a closer look at the new phase Howe is championing demonstrates exactly why he is valued as “one of the top managers in the country, if not the world” by pundit Jamie Redknapp.

He adapts, and the tactician must showcase that nous yet again on Sunday, when Fulham are welcomed to St. James’ Park. However, that frontline does need some work, even with Nick Woltemade firing on all cylinders.

Newcastle team news

Howe said that Newcastle must produce their best possible performance if they wish to turn over a gritty and well-balanced Fulham side in the Premier League.

The Cottagers claimed three points at St. James’ Park last season, but they have lost three on the bounce in the Premier League and are there for the taking, with Joachim Andersen and Antonee Robinson both sidelined.

A promising update on the injury recoveries of Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall: both full-backs are nearing the end of their rehabilitation and are back on the grass. Anticipate further developments in the coming weeks.

While Howe reported no new injury concerns, he did confirm Sandro Tonali “will be touch and go” after struggling with illness this week.

Meanwhile, summer signing Yoane Wissa’s wait for his debut rages on, still in recovery from the knee injury suffered on international duty. The 29-year-old’s rehabilitation will stretch toward the Christmas period.

More praise was heaped on Woltemade. The German striker continues to deputise as Wissa’s recovery continues, and given the richness of the purple patch he is riding, few will have concerns about his presence at number nine (other than the Fulham defence, that is).

However, while the striker is firing, Howe will hope to see more from his wide forwards. In fairness, Harvey Barnes bagged a brace in midweek, with Anthony Gordon claiming the Man of the Match award in the Champions League.

But Anthony Elanga continues to leave much to be desired down the right, and it’s for this reason that Newcastle’s most underrated star could be the difference-maker on Saturday afternoon.

Howe must unleash Newcastle's "unsung hero"

Has there been a more compelling success story at Newcastle over the past few years than that of Jacob Murphy? The 29-year-old was written off after years as a journeyman, but has pieced together an iconic career on Tyneside.

Last season, in particular, Murphy was in fine fettle, stepping up after Newcastle failed to sign a right-sided forward and posting nine goals and 14 assists across all competitions.

Some return, that. Howe hailed his protege as “the ultimate professional”, and his is a story that up-and-coming hopefuls will use as fuel for many years to come. It’s never too late to turn things around.

The veteran has only featured as a substitute across Newcastle’s past two Premier League matches, and his stability and industriousness could be perfect against Marco Silva’s organised outfit.

That is not to say he’s without his flair and creativity on the ball. As per FBref, Murphy ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists per 90.

He might not have Elanga’s pace or Barnes’ natural eye for goal, but with Gordon clicking into gear and Woltemade undroppable at the front of the ship, this could be the line-up to develop and sustain synergy and fluency across the full 90.

You will need no reminder that the Magpies have only won two of their eight Premier League fixtures so far this season.

It stands as a testament to Murphy’s resilience and unwavering belief in his abilities that he has established himself as one of the key components of Newcastle’s journey since the PIF takeover and subsequent appointment of Howe.

Howe’s Most-used Players at Newcastle

Rank

Player

Apps

1

Bruno Guimaraes

164

2

Fabian Schar

160

3

Dan Burn

159

4

Jacob Murphy

145

5

Joelinton

139

Data via Transfermarkt

He might not be the most prolific player in the mix, but Murphy is unquestionably among England’s most underrated players in modern times, hailed as an “unsung hero” by journalist Scott Wilson for his knack at coming up trumps for the Toon.

And anyway, with three goals and four assists across 13 matches against Fulham, Howe would be restoring the experienced winger to the starting line-up against the side he has chalked up more direct contributions than any other across his career.

While Elanga will be desperate to impress after going without a goal or an assist across his first 12 appearances in black and white, Howe will know the importance of using the midweek Champions League victory as a springboard.

Newcastle simply have to return to winning ways in the Premier League, and with Murphy on the right, fuelling in-form pair Gordon and Woltemade, it might just be the perfect blend.

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Everton join Premier League race to sign "intelligent" ex-Real Madrid defender

Looking ahead to 2026, Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign a former Real Madrid defender alongside a number of Premier League rivals.

David Moyed "thrilled" with Crystal Palace win

Without a win in four games in all competitions and heading into the Hill Dickinson to host a Crystal Palace side without a defeat in 19 games, Everton looked destined for an uphill battle on Sunday. The Eagles had just defeated the Premier League champions in Liverpool and were after another Merseyside scalp – taking the lead through Daniel Munoz.

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1

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Oct 6, 2025

From there, it seemed as though Everton were set to hand Palace the 20-game unbeaten run that they were after, only for the Hill Dickinson to get its most dramatic moment yet.

After equalising through Iliman Ndiaye in the final 15 minutes, the stage was set for someone to become a hero and that someone was Jack Grealish. The Manchester City loanee was perfectly placed to benefit from Munoz’s clearance and simply deflected home to hand his side a 93rd-minute winner.

David Moyes, like every Everton fan inside the Hill Dickinson, was left “thrilled” by his side’s dramatic comeback – telling reporters: “I’m thrilled with the three points, thrilled with the result.

“Mixed emotions on the performance. Not very good at all in the first half and could have been three down, but kept defending, kept stuck at it, showed a bit of resilience.

“I’ve been waiting on a late goal here. Aston Villa was 0-0, we couldn’t quite get the winner against West Ham, so I was hoping we’d get one of them. Thankfully, we got it today.”

Having sealed the three points, Moyes’ side now sit as high as eighth in the Premier League and providing an early marker to become shock contenders for a European place – something that should boost their transfer ambitions.

Everton join race to sign Mario Gila

According to The Boot Room, Everton have joined the race to sign Mario Gila from Lazio in 2026. The former Real Madrid defender has attracted interest from all around the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth all joining Everton in the battle to secure his signature.

It’s no real surprise that interest is rising in the 25-year-old, who has been one of few bright sparks in Maurizio Sarri’s struggling Lazio side.

Former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare was also full of praise for the Spanish defender after signing him from Real Madrid, saying: “He is fast, intelligent and never puts a foot wrong. He can become one of the top 3-4 defenders in the world and it wouldn’t surprise me if Real wanted him back.”

Considering concerns that Jarrad Branthwaite could still leave Everton, Gila wouldn’t exactly be a bad signing to welcome in 2026. The Spaniard is at the peak of his powers and already has impressive experience under his belt.

It would be yet another ambitious move from The Friedkin Group, who’d be signing a former Real Madrid gem ahead of their rivals.

ديلي ميل: أزمة مرتقبة بين حسام حسن ومحمد صلاح بسبب كأس أمم إفريقيا

كشفت تقارير صحفية احتمالية وجود خلاف بين حسام حسن، المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر الأول لكرة القدم ومحمد صلاح، نجم ليفربول بسبب المعسكر الاستعدادي لبطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا.

يخوض منتخب مصر معسكرًا تدريبيًا ومباراة ودية أمام نيجيريا على استاد القاهرة الدولي خلال المعسكر الذي سيبدأ يوم 8 ديسمبر استعدادًا لبطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا بالمغرب.

وبدأ محمد صلاح، في استعادة مستواه شيئًا فشيئًا إذ سجل هدفًا رائعًا أمام برينتفورد في الدوري الإنجليزي كما سجل أمام أستون فيلا وتألق في مباراة ريال مدريد الأخيرة في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ووفقًا لصحيفة “ديلي ميل” البريطانية، فإنه من المقرر أن يعقد محمد صلاح اجتماعًا حاسمًا مع مدرب منتخب مصر حسام حسن الأسبوع المقبل لتجنب حدوث أي خلافات بين النادي والمنتخب قبل انطلاق كأس الأمم الإفريقية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | المرشحون لجائزة أفضل هدف بشهر أكتوبر في ليفربول.. موقف محمد صلاح

خلال تلك الفترة، يلعب ليفربول ضد إنتر ميلان خارج أرضه في دوري أبطال أوروبا، ثم ضد برايتون على أرضه في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز في هذا الأسبوع ويريد النادي الاحتفاظ بقائد منتخب مصر في تلك المواجهات المهمة والحاسمة.

وبحسب ما أفادت الصحيفة البريطانية، يبدو أن صلاح يفضل أيضًا البقاء والمشاركة في تلك المباريات المهمة مع ليفربول.

ومن المقرر أن يجري اللاعب البالغ من العمر 33 عامًا حديثًا مع حسام حسن الأسبوع المقبل خلال فترة التوقف الدولي إذ يستعد المنتخب المصري لمواجهة الجزائر وأوزبكستان في مباراتين وديتين.

"Incredible" ex-Man Utd coach on shortlist to replace Amorim at Old Trafford

An “incredible” manager has now been shortlisted as a potential target to replace Ruben Amorim, with the Manchester United boss now under significant pressure.

Man Utd compile new manager shortlist amid Amorim uncertainty

Amorim would’ve been hoping the 2-1 victory over Chelsea could’ve been an early turning point in the season, but normal service was resumed in the trip to Brentford at the weekend, with his side falling to a 3-1 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Having taken just seven points from their opening six games, there are very few signs of improvement from last season, with Man United sitting 14th in the Premier League table, and the manager now appears to be under real pressure.

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The Red Devils are still yet to secure back-to-back Premier League wins under the helm of Amorim, and Wayne Rooney has made it clear he doesn’t back the former Sporting CP manager to turn things around.

The United legend said: “I honestly hope he can turn it round and he does. But…after everything I’ve seen, honestly, I’ve got no faith in it.”

Consequently, INEOS have now started to identify potential replacements for Amorim, compiling a four-man shortlist, according to The Boot Room, who reveal that Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has emerged as a target.

Difficult to see way back for Amorim at Man Utd

In all honesty, it is difficult to envisage Amorim putting a strong run together and saving his job, having failed to make an impact ever since his arrival, averaging just 1.35 points per match across 49 games in all competitions.

McKenna, who prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation, is clearly a talented young manager, having been lauded for the “incredible” job he’s done at Ipswich Town by Jermaine Jenas, leading the Tractor Boys from League One to the Premier League in back-to-back seasons.

That said, it would be another gamble from INEOS if they were to take a risk on a young manager, with limited top level experience, and some of the other options on the shortlist would make more sense. McKenna does already know Old Trafford well, though, after a spell as a first team coach under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

2025 FA Cup winner Glasner, in particular, could be a sensible appointment, given that the Austrian utilises a three-at-the-back system at Palace, meaning he may be able to simply tweak Amorim’s current system and get more of a tune out of the squad.

Oliver Glasner to Bayern Munich? Crystal Palace coach responds to 'amusing' rumour he wants to replace Vincent Kompany

Crystal Palace manager Olivier Glasner has denied reports he has his heart set on taking over at Bayern Munich. The Austrian coach had previously been linked with Bayern in 2024 as the Bundesliga champions looked for Thomas Tuchel's replacement and claims he is still dreaming of sitting in the hot seat at Allianz Arena.

Glasner's links to Bayern

Bayern reportedly approached Glasner to replace Tuchel earlier in 2024, but a deal could not be reached with Crystal Palace, who reportedly demanded a compensation of €100 million (£86m/$125.5m) to release the Austrian coach, causing the move to collapse. According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Glasner still harbours ambitions of a future move to Bayern and had even pushed to include a release clause in his contract. The speculation prompted Glasner to respond to the media regarding the report

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCrystal Palace boss responds to rumours

Glasner responded to the rumours linking him to Bayern, saying: "Someone claimed I actually want to become Bayern Munich's coach. It amuses me when other people know what I want without having spoken to me.

"I follow the media relatively little. I've stopped following the media too much, regardless of victory or defeat, because I've noticed that a lot of nonsense is being written."

Glasner thriving at Palace after FA Cup success

Crystal Palace’s 2-1 defeat to Everton at the weekend ended their remarkable 19-game unbeaten run across all competitions which began last season. A highlight of that streak was Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City, securing the club’s first-ever major trophy. The run also saw Palace rise to sixth in the Premier League table, just eight points behind current leaders Arsenal. Since then, the coach has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but firmly denied those rumours.

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Getty Images SportGlasner and Palace's expectation this season

Glasner will look to remain at Crystal Palace, building on the solid foundations he established over the past season and aiming to secure Champions League qualification, which would further enhance his reputation.

Aston Villa agree deal to sign "brilliant" midfield gem, medical scheduled

Looking to end the transfer window with a flourish of arrivals, Aston Villa have now reportedly agreed a deal to sign a midfield talent with a medical already scheduled to take place.

Who Aston Villa could sign before the deadline

Deadline day is just around the corner and, as such, the frantic search for late reinforcements has officially commenced. Aston Villa, part of that search, still have plenty of work to do and have reportedly launched an opening offer worth as much as £47m to sign Lucas Paqueta from West Ham United.

The Hammers have so far been adamant that the Brazilian is not for sale, however, and their reluctance to negotiate a loan with an obligation to buy may stand in the way of Paqueta’s late move to Villa Park.

Whilst PSR is still limiting their transfer activity, late sales could yet take place to free up some funds for the likes of Paqueta. Emiliano Martinez, for example, is still being linked with a move away from the club, as has been the case all summer long, and Manchester United could yet make a late attempt to secure his signature.

The Red Devils are primarily focused on signing Senne Lammens, but Villa themselves have also asked about the Royal Antwerp goalkeeper and could set off a Martinez domino effect by hijacking United’s move at the death.

Senne Lammens for Royal Antwerp.

Meanwhile, as that saga threatens to unfold, Villa have at least reportedly agreed a late deal to sign a midfield talent for Unai Emery.

Aston Villa set to sign Fletcher Boyd

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Aston Villa have now agreed a deal to sign Fletcher Boyd from Aberdeen. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is reportedly scheduled to undergo a medical at the club on Sunday before officially completing his move from the Scottish club.

One for the future, Boyd’s opportunities are likely to come with Villa’s youth sides rather than straight into Emery’s thinking. The pathway to the first-team is certainly one that he’ll have his eye on, however, having already experienced senior football at Aberdeen.

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After scoring on his debut for Aberdeen at just 16 years old last year, Boyd received impressive praise from former interim boss Peter Levin, who told reporters: “Just to get his debut is amazing but to score… wow, he will never forget that.

“The fans were unbelievable and for them to sing ‘Fletcher Boyd, he’s one of our own’ is a fairytale for him. Fletcher has been brilliant this season for the under-18s and they won the league the other day. He has contributed to more than 30 goals in the 18s and has just turned 16.”

مونت كارلو: وسط نشوة وقنابل.. الرأس الأخضر يصنع تاريخًا جديدًا بتأهله إلى كأس العالم 2026

تحدثت إحدى الشبكات العالمية عن الإنجاز التاريخي الذي حققه منتخب الرأس الأخضر بعدما تأهل لأول مرة إلى نهائيات بطولة كأس العالم، نسخة 2026، وذلك مساء يوم الإثنين.

وخاض منتخب الرأس الأخضر مباراته الأخيرة في تصفيات قارة إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم، ضد نظيره منتخب إسواتيني وفاز بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.

وتحصل منتخب الرأس الأخضر بذلك على بطاقة التأهل إلى المونديال الذي سيُقام في أمريكا، كندا والمكسيك، وذلك لأول مرة في تاريخهم، ليحقق إنجازًا مذهلًا.

وذكرت شبكة “راديو مونت كارلو” الفرنسية أن منتخب الرأس الأخضر صنع تاريخًا جديدًا يوم الإثنين، 13 أكتوبر، بتأهله لأول مرة إلى كأس العالم، حيث ضجت مدرجات الملعب بالبهجة والنشوة بعد فوز القروش الزرقاء على إسواتيني.

وأوضحت أنه قد سُجلت صفحة جديدة من تاريخ الرأس الأخضر على أرض ملعب “إل استاديو ناسيونال” في برايا، حيث سجل ثلاثية ضد خصمه عن طريق كل من دايلون ليفرامينتو (48)، ويلي سيميدو (54) وستوبيرا (90+2).

وبذلك، احتل الرأس الأخضر المركز الأول في المجموعة الرابعة، متقدمين بأربع نقاط على الكاميرون، التي ستخوض ملحقًا فاصلًا في أحسن الأحوال.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ترتيب مجموعة ليبيا بعد نهاية تصفيات كأس العالم 2026

وأشارت إلى أن الملعب الوطني ضج بحماس الجماهير مع كل هدف يُسجل لصالح الرأس الأخضر، وبعدما تم إحراز الهدفين الأولين، احتفل لاعبو القروش الزرقاء بالغطس بين الجماهير أسفل المدرجات.

ومع تسجيل الهدف الثالث، أخرج لاعبو الرأس الأخضر، المتواجدين، على دكة البدلاء، قمصانًا صُممت خصيصًا حال التأهل لكأس العالم، بينما ركض المدرب بيدرو ليتاو بريتو إلى أرض الملعب.

وبعد إطلاق صافرة النهاية، اجتاح جميع لاعبي الرأس الأخضر أرض الملعب، بينما احتفلت المدرجات، بزيهم الأزرق، فرحًا، كما أُطلقت قنابل دخان.

ليس هذا فقط، بل سبق ذلك إعلان رئيس البلاد، خوسيه مارسيا نيفيس، اعتبار اليوم مميزًا، وسُمح للسكان بالتوقف عن العمل عند الظهر، قبل 3 ساعات من انطلاق المباراة من أجل متابعة ذلك اللقاء التاريخي.

وقد أصبحت الرأس الأخضر ثاني أقل دولة من حيث عدد السكان في تاريخ كأس العالم مشاركة، بسكانها البالغ عددهم حوالي 525 ألف نسمة، بعد أيسلندا في 2018، وأصغر فريق من قارة إفريقيا، متجاوزةً ترينيداد وتوباجو في 2006 بألمانيا.

BPL crisis: Rajshahi dues to be cleared by February 10, sports ministry says

Bangladesh’s sports ministry said on Monday that Durbar Rajshahi owner Shafiqur Rahman has vowed to clear the team’s dues to players by February 10. Rahman had earlier said that the dues would be cleared by February 2.On Saturday, Asif Mahmud, the government advisor on matters of sports and youth affairs, said that he had spoken to Rahman, warning him of the consequences if the dues were not cleared. The Bangladesh government has also formed a fact-finding committee to look into the non-payment of players.The ministry issuing a press statement on a matter of the BPL – a tournament organised by the BCB – is unprecedented.Related

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“He [Rahman] accepted his fault and promised to clear all dues of the team in three instalments of 25 percent each on February 3, 7 and 10,” the release said. “He also assured that alongside the players, everyone involved with the team would also receive their payments in each instalment. Otherwise, whatever necessary legal actions will be taken against him.”Even as the franchise continued to miss payment deadlines, the team’s overseas players were left stranded in the team hotel in Dhaka. Mohammad Haris (Pakistan), Aftab Alam (Afghanistan), Mark Deyal (West Indies), Ryan Burl (Zimbabwe) and Miguel Cummins (West Indies) were all waiting for some portion of their payments to come in. A couple of them had been paid 25%, while some haven’t been paid at all. To make things worse for the players, the Rajshahi team bus driver has allegedly said in interviews that he was holding cricketers’ kit bags as ransom as he too hadn’t been paid.Burl was the first to get an air ticket and he left early on Monday. According to a message from the Rajshahi franchise, Haris is scheduled to leave on Monday afternoon while the others have flights scheduled in the next two days.Rajshahi have been dogged by financial problems from the start of this BPL season.Anamul Haque had first claimed that the local players hadn’t received any payments prior to the start of the tournament – they are usually played 25% before the tournament starts. They boycotted a training session in Chattogram last month, while the overseas players boycotted a match. Burl and Haris eventually made themselves available to play and helped them stay in contention for a playoff finish, but they fell short on net run-rate.

Couch's historic hat-trick and Agar's guile dismantle Tasmania

Defending champions Western Australia completed an innings win to put them top of the table

AAP04-Nov-2024A week after George Bailey issued a call for Australia’s left-arm spinners to stand up, Western Australia’s Ashton Agar virtually said, “Don’t forget about me”.WA extended their lead at the top of the Sheffield Shield ladder with a comprehensive thrashing of Tasmania in Hobart, with left-armer Agar claiming 3 for 12 in 17.5 testing overs in the second innings.Related

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The visitors dismissed Tasmania for 98 to win by an innings and 45 runs, with paceman Brody Couch becoming the first bowler to take a Sheffield Shield hat-trick for Western Australia in their history.Couch had Jake Doran lbw, before Lawrence Neil-Smith chopped a ball onto his stumps and Couch clean bowled Sam Elliott. The three wickets came in the first over after tea, killing off any hopes of Tasmania hanging on for a draw after they started the final session at 89 for 6.Agar’s strong performance came after New Zealand left-arm spinners Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel played crucial roles in a historic 3-0 Test series win in India.Just last week Australian chairman of selectors Bailey said left-arm orthodox spin was “an incredible skillset in the subcontinent”, with a series in Sri Lanka next year on the horizon.”Realistically there’s not a huge amount of players in domestic cricket that are doing it, so it is something we are looking to expose,” Bailey said.Agar showcased great variety on the final day and dried up the runs, allowing the pace attack at the other end to also shine.WA, winners of the past three Shield titles, had earlier taken a 143-run first innings lead The hosts resumed at 10 for 2 needing one of their top order to dig in for a big score.It was not to be, as left-arm quick Joel Paris swung a pearler in to Charlie Wakim to trap him lbw without troubling the scorers to the fifth ball of the morning.Nightwatchman Gabe Bell was undone by a perfect left-arm orthodox delivery from Agar that curled in and spun away to hit the top of the off stump. Captain Jordan Silk was unable to get going and was trapped in front by an Agar skidder.Paris, 31, showcased why he is one of the leading exponents of left-arm pace bowling in the country. His 2 for 18 in the second innings complemented the 4 for 45 he claimed in the first. At times he was unplayable on a surface that offered very little.The WA performance was more meritorious considering strike bowler Matthew Kelly was rubbed out after suffering a hamstring injury in the first innings.

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