While no official decision has been made, it is understood that the selectors are mulling changes

Andrew Fidel Fernando26-Nov-2025Sri Lanka may sack T20 captain Charith Asalanka two months out from a home World Cup. Chief selector Upul Tharanga insisted no decision over the captaincy had yet been made, but did confirm that the selectors were mulling changes.According to Tharanga, Asalanka’s poor form in T20Is has prompted this re-evaluation. That Asalanka was sent home ahead of the ongoing tri-series in Pakistan was only due to illness, or so at least team management has claimed. In any case, it is possible he has captained his last T20 match for Sri Lanka.”We have to weigh our best options after this series,” said Tharanga, when asked whether the selectors were considering a change in captaincy. “With a World Cup so close we can’t make a lot of big changes. The selectors, after talking to the coach, will have to make a decision on what’s best for the team.”Related

SSC ground in Sri Lanka to get floodlights for men's T20 World Cup

Nissanka's 98* keeps Sri Lanka's hopes of making tri-series final alive

Tharanga indicated that the selectors had been mulling a change to the leadership even before the ongoing tour of Pakistan, which is why they had appointed Dasun Shanaka – who has captained Sri Lanka before – vice-captain for the tour. “That was to give us another option,” Tharanga said.Still, no firm decision has been made, he said.”Still Charith is our captain. It’s because of an illness to Charith that we appointed Dasun as our stand-in captain. Charith is still the captain in our plans. We haven’t made a decision to change that. We’ve planned all along for Charith to captain this World Cup. We’ll see what happens. We haven’t made a decision about that yet.”Charith hasn’t been among the runs in T20s, and because of an illness he was forced to return home, unfortunately.”Asalanka had never quite established himself as a reliable T20I batter, with a strike rate of 126 across 68 innings. He’s been modest in 2025 too, having scored only 156 runs in 12 innings this year, with a strike rate of 122. Sri Lanka have won 11 and lost 14 matches under Asalanka’s captaincy.Still, his return from Pakistan ahead of the tri-series serious prompted speculation in local media. One theory suggested Asalanka had been among the players who opposed remaining in Pakistan following a suicide bombing in Islamabad, and that his being sent home was punishment for voicing opinions that ran counter to board wishes. As the tri-series runs for two weeks, teams would generally keep a player in the squad until they make a recovery, especially if that player is captain.Tharanga said it was illness that forced the selectors’ hand.”He had a viral fever, and he had body aches,” Tharanga said of Asalanka. “The physio told us that it’s hard for him to predict when Charith would get better, and that’s why we had to make that decision.”We’ve also had a problem in the middle order, and we’ve not been consistent there. If he couldn’t play, we needed to have someone else there. That’s why we brought Charith to Sri Lanka.”Tharanga envisioned Asalanka playing a role in Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign with the bat.”Charith is a very talented cricketer, with a lot of experience. I’m sure he’ll be an important cricketer for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup. We’ve seen what he can do in the middle order, where sometimes he’s won games by himself. He’s in our World Cup plans.”

Liverpool star Florian Wirtz was felled by a high tackle from Brighton's Diego Gomez at the end of the first half of Saturday's 2-0 Premier League win for the Reds at Anfield. The challenge angered many Liverpool fans, who felt Gomez should have seen red, but the Premier League have confirmed why only a booking was handed out to the Paraguay international.

Liverpool back to winning ways in the Premier League

Liverpool returned to winning ways in the Premier League by beating Brighton 2-0 on Saturday. Hugo Ekitike was the star of the show for the Reds, bagging both goals to fire Arne Slot's side up into sixth place in the table. The match also saw Mohamed Salah make his return for the Reds. The Egypt star started on the bench but came on in the first half to replace the injured Joe Gomez. There was also controversy at the end of the opening 45 minutes when Wirtz was clattered by a high challenge from Gomez. The Brighton star escaped a sending off, with the Premier League having explained why he did not see red at Anfield.

AdvertisementExplained: Why Gomez was not sent off for Wirtz challenge

The Premier League posted on X: "The referee’s call of yellow card to Gomez was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge on Wirtz deemed not to be with excessive force and not serious foul play."

'That's a red card' – Gomez decision criticised

Television pundit Tim Sherwood was baffled by the decision not to send Gomez off. He said on Sky Sports: "I think it’s a red card. I honestly do. Wirtz wins it before him. [Gomez is] not even there to go and win the ball. He’s trying to make out he’s tried to win the ball. His foot is in his chest, he’s studded him down, dragging [his boot] down into his abdominal region. For me that is a red card."

Former striker Chris Sutton also felt the challenge warranted a dismissal. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "The challenge on Wirtz is a really poor one from Gomez. It’s really high and catches Wirtz in the stomach. So high and dangerous. Another day, he could’ve seen red."

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Match-winner Ekitike speaks out

Ekitike highlighted the importance of the win to Liverpool after the game. He told BBC Sport: "That was really important. We had a great game in the Champions League. Last game in Premier League against Leeds was difficult. We came back to Liverpool with the draw so today it was important to win and maybe restart something. I am happy today. I really enjoy my life here. I have great team-mates, good staff, great fans. They give me so much love so I try to give it back. The best way is to score goals, be involved and win games. I am just here and I do my job. Whether I play with Flo [Wirtz] or Alex [Isak] I do my best to complement them.

"I wouldn't say it was perfect because I know I could score way more today. The most important was to win in front of our fans. It was a good day at work. I was looking for the hat-trick but it is going to be another time. It was good, two goals. We try to stick together and work together. Today wasn't easy. We had to stay compact and stick together. I think we deserved it. We did a great week and let's continue. When you play for Liverpool, you just have to win games. We are Liverpool, we need to win.

The French star also spoke about playing alongside Salah once again, adding: "Mohamed is a great, great professional. I look to him as an example. You can see how much he is involved in goals and assists. He is a legend here. To share the pitch is a blessing. That's the kind of player who makes us like to watch football."

Rafael Devers made his debut as a San Francisco Giant on Tuesday night after the Boston Red Sox traded him in a blockbuster move on Sunday.

After the team's 3-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, Devers opened up about all the emotions he was feeling on Tuesday, especially after he received such a warm welcome from the San Francisco fans.

“I was a little bit overwhelmed,” Devers said through Spanish language interpreter Erwin Higueros, via . “I’m more relaxed now. Tomorrow will be better.”

As the designated hitter on Tuesday, Devers finished his Giants debut with two hits, one RBI and two strikeouts in his five at-bats. Not too bad for being a member of the team for a wee 48 hours.

“Very excited, very nervous at the same time,” Devers detailed about going to the plate. “I was really hoping to just hit one out of the ballpark.”

Devers will have plenty of opportunities to hit a home run with the Giants this season. He hit 15 homers with the Red Sox leading up to this point, which is the 15th most in the league.

Devers will make his second Giants start on Wednesday night against the Guardians again.

تحدث أحمد المحمدي نجم الكرة المصرية السابق، عن مجموعة منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس العالم المقبلة 2026. 

وأسفرت قرعة كأس العالم عن تواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة السابعة رفقة منتخبات إيران وبلجيكا ونيوزيلندا. 

طالع.. ترتيب مباريات مصر في كأس العالم 2026

وقال أحمد المحمدي في تصريحات لقناة “بي إن سبورت الإخبارية”: “مجموعة منتخب مصر متوازنة، وبلجيكا مصنف رقم 4 في العالم”.

وأضاف: “مواجهة مصر أمام بلجيكا ستكون كبيرة أمام منتخب يضم لاعبين كبار أصحاب خبرات مثل دي بروين وكورتوا ولوكاكو، والبداية ستكون قوية أمام بلجيكا”.

وتابع: “إيران ونيوزيلندا منتخبان في المتناول، على الجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر الاستعداد بقوة لهذه المجموعة، لا توجد مباراة سهلة في كأس العالم مهما كان اسم المنتخب”.

واختتم: “الجمهور المصري سعيد بهذه المجموعة، يجب البداية أمام بلجيكا تكون موفقة وتعطي دفعة كبيرة جدًا لمصر أمام إيران ونيوزيلندا”. 

Ronald Acuna Jr. hit a ridiculous home run to towards the grassy knoll in right field at the A's temporary home stadium in Sacramento on Wednesday. Acuna reached a ball way outside the zone and hammered it for what was actually his second home run of the game.

His first was equally impressive for different reasons. First, he hit it a very long way. So far that it left the stadium So far that, hold on, is that a bus? Did he almost hit a bus? I think he almost hit a bus. You should be able to take the bus in Sacramento without having to worry about getting hit by a baseball.

As far as the whole major leaguers playing in a minor league stadium goes, being able to see a bus stop while the broadcast tracks a home run is right up there with grassy knoll in right field.

Maikel Garcia had some extra motivation on the base paths Monday night as his Kansas City Royals took on the Atlanta Braves at Kauffman Stadium.

His cousin is Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., who happened to get the ball in right field as Garcia raced from second base and rounded for home. The play wasn't very close, as Garcia beat his cousin's throw home, but he couldn't help poking some fun at Acuña, who he grew up playing baseball in Venezuela with.

As he slid into home, he wagged his finger and let out a big smile toward right field, letting his big cousin know he got him this time. Check out the fun sequence below after the base knock from Salvador Perez:

Acuña won the next battle, though, as he smashed a 468-foot bomb to left in the top of the third inning to tie the game:

Then in the bottom half of the inning, Garcia stepped up to bat and was stung by a bee in the middle of his plate appearance. No worries, though, as he still legged out a double on what initially looked like nothing more than a single.

An eventful few innings for the cousins. They're having fun out there and making their family proud while at it.

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País Basco e Uruguai se enfrentam neste sábado (23), às 16h (de Brasília), em amistoso. A bola rola às 16h. Não terá transmissão para território brasileiro.

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Confira abaixo todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto do Fortaleza com o Vitória (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅FICHA TÉCNICA
PAÍS BASCO X URUGUAI
Data e horário: sábado, 23 de março de 2024, às 16h (de Brasília);
Local:Estádio San Mamés, em Bilbao, na Espanha.

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⚽PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

País Basco (Técnico Jagoba Arrasate)
Julen Agirrezabala; Andoni Gorosabel, Aritz Elustondo, Unai García e Martín Aguirregabiria; Dani García, Mikel Vesga e Iván Martín (Jon Ander Olasagasti); Asier Villalibre, Álvaro Djaló e Adu Ares (Álex Sola).

Uruguai (Técnico: Marcelo Bielsa)
Franco Israel; Ronald Araújo, Sebastián Cáceres, Nicolás Marichal (Bruno Méndez) e Mathías Olivera; Nicolás de la Cruz, Federico Valverde e Arrascaeta; Facundo Pellistri, Brian Rodríguez e Federico Viñas (Luciano Rodríguez).

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Uruguai

Manchester United are now eyeing a “sensational” £52m Kobbie Mainoo replacement, having received the green light from Ruben Amorim.

Mainoo heading for the exit door amid Keane criticism

Amorim has been extremely reluctant to give Mainoo game time this season, but the Man United manager has the backing of Roy Keane, who recently suggested the midfielder hasn’t done enough in substitute appearances to force his way into contention.

Keane said: “He’s had opportunities recently and when he’s come on and got opportunities, he just looks a bit short for me. I wouldn’t be scratching my head thinking: why is he not in the team? I can see why he is not picking him at this moment in time.”

However, with an opportunity to play for England at the 2026 World Cup at stake, the 20-year-old cannot afford to sit on the bench for the entire season, and it has now been revealed that he is close to sealing a January exit.

Man Utd preparing bid for £43m Gabriel & Saliba "hybrid" demanded by Amorim

The Red Devils are now readying a big offer for a January signing, with Ruben Amorim personally very keen.

1 ByDominic Lund Oct 22, 2025

Napoli are now leading the race for the central midfielder, with the Italian club advancing in talks in recent days, and the academy graduate’s departure could exacerbate the need for Amorim to sign a new midfielder this winter.

As such, the United manager has now given a move for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher the green light, according to a report from Football Insider, which states the former Chelsea man is being targeted as a direct replacement for Mainoo.

The Red Devils are closely monitoring Gallagher ahead of the January transfer window, as club chiefs believe he would be a better fit in Amorim’s system than Mainoo, but there may be competition for his signature.

Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest in the 25-year-old, although a deal could be expensive, considering he was recently valued at the £52m mark.

"Sensational" Gallagher could be solid Mainoo replacement

It would be sad to see Mainoo leave, given that the youngster progressed through the youth ranks, but Amorim clearly isn’t totally convinced by the Stockport-born ace, who has featured for just 118 minutes across six Premier League appearances this season.

In an ideal world, Man United would sign one of the best midfielders in the world to replace the starlet, but the Atletico Madrid maestro could be a solid option, given his previous exploits in the Premier League and battle-tested mentality.

During his time with Crystal Palace in the 2021-22 campaign, the Epsom-born midfielder displayed his attacking prowess, chipping in with eight goals and three assists in the top flight, while he is also solid defensively.

Indeed, Gallagher places in the 96th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, proving that he is a well-rounded midfielder.

A “sensational” £25m midfielder has now emerged as a key target for Wolverhampton Wanderers, with a number of Europe’s top clubs in the race for his signature.

Wolves keen on new additions amid slow start

Seven games into the Premier League season, Wolves sit bottom of the table, having put in some very poor performances, with the 3-1 home defeat against newly-promoted Leeds United likely to be particularly concerning for Vitor Pereira.

Usually, a manager without a win in his first seven league games would be under serious pressure, but the board have decided to back Pereira, with the 57-year-old signing a new three-year contract back in September.

New Cunha: Wolves have a "special" 18-year-old who could rival Strand Larsen

Vitor Pereira could now have Wolverhampton Wanderers’ next Matheus Cunha at his disposal, and it’s not Jorgen Strand Larsen.

By
Kelan Sarson

Oct 13, 2025

Chairman Jeff Shi said: “Now is a time for stability. Vitor needs time to work with the squad, to build a chemistry with new players, and we will do everything to support him and his staff.”

One of the ways in which Shi can back his manager is by strengthening the squad in the January transfer window, and a midfielder has now emerged as a key target for the Old Gold.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Wolves are in the race for Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, but there could be stiff competition for his signature, with a number of top clubs in the Serie A and Bundesliga also keen.

Within the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and West Ham United have also expressed an interest in the midfielder, and there is a feeling the Scottish Premiership side could demand £20m – £25m to sanction a departure.

Raskin was open to leaving Ibrox during the summer transfer window, but he ultimately ended up staying put, given a lack of concrete bids. However, amid widespread interest in the Belgian, there may be plenty of options available in 2026.

"Sensational" Raskin could be difference-maker for Wolves

We are still at an early stage of the season, but Wolves will be very keen to avoid being dragged into another relegation battle, so it would make sense to splash the cash on a new midfielder during the January transfer window.

Moreover, there are clear indications the Rangers star could be a real difference-maker, given the impact he’s made at Ibrox ever since arriving, with former teammate Scott Arfield saying: “Nico’s first two training sessions were sensational. You could see he is built to play at a club like Rangers. I can see him playing there for years. He is captain material.”

The Liege-born maestro poses a real threat on the front foot, having chipped in with one goal and four assists in all competitions already this season, while he is also solid defensively, placing in the 98th percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year.

Raskin is a very well-rounded midfielder, and the interest from some of Europe’s top clubs speaks volumes, so it would be a real coup if Wolves were able to get a deal done.

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Sem Messi, a Argentina enfrenta El Salvador nesta sexta-feira (22), em jogo válido por um amistoso internacional. A partida está marcada para começar às 21h (horário de Brasília), no estádio Lincoln Financial Field, nos Estados Unidos. A transmissão será pelo Star +, plataforma de streaming.

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Confira abaixo todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto da Argentina (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
Argentina x El Salvador – Amistoso

🗓️ Data e horário: sexta-feira, 22 de março de 2024, às 21h (hora de Brasília)
📍 Local: Lincoln Financial Field, na Philadelphia (EUA)
📺 Onde assistir: Star +

⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

ARGENTINA
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Otamendi, Cristian Romero e Tagliafico; Enzo Fernández, De Paul e Mac Allister; Di María, Julián Álvarez e Lautaro Martínez (Giovani Lo Celso). Técnico: Lionel Scaloni.

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EL SALVADOR
Mario Gonzalez; Rudy Claver, Jorge Cruz, Adan Climaco e German Fuentes; Diego Flores, Christian Martinez e Darwin Ceren; Nathan Ordaz, Brayan Gil e Javier Ferman.Técnico: David Dóniga Lara.

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ArgentinaMessiOnde assistir