What happens when technology and the naked eye contradict each other, as was the case in the second ODI?

Danyal Rasool01-Nov-2020

File photo: Haider Ali’s debut ODI innings ended in somewhat controversial fashion•Getty Images

Haider Ali’s debut ODI innings was going well until it was cut short by what, according to replays, would appear to be a TV umpiring error.The dismissal was a point of interest in an otherwise routine game with little drama. Pakistan got on top early in the second ODI against Zimbabwe, never relinquishing control, and running down a small target on a good batting surface with consummate ease. But the decision that ended Haider’s innings on 29 – and the process that led to it – raised several questions.In the 22nd over, with Pakistan sitting pretty on 137 for 2, requiring 70 more for a series-sealing triumph, Haider tried to lap Sean Williams to fine leg. He missed, and the ball hit his pads. On-field umpire Aleem Dar had little hesitation in raising the finger.The batsman immediately reviewed and front-on slow-motion replays appeared to show the path of the ball deviating after it went past Haider’s bat, onto the pads – apparently off Haider’s gloves. Third umpire Ahsan Raza requested UltraEdge, though the technology showed no obvious spike at the moment slow-motion replays appeared to show a deflection.After lengthy and repeated side-by-side replays, Raza finally decided to go with UltraEdge, ruling that Haider must not have hit it. HawkEye went on to show the ball hitting the stumps, which meant the on-field decision of lbw had to stand. Haider was sent on his way, shaking his head.Though the technology is not thought to have failed, DRS playing condition 3.3.7 states that if it does “for whatever reason, the third umpire shall advise the on-field umpire of this fact but still provide any relevant factual information that may be ascertained from the available television replays and other technology”. The preceding conditions say that “if despite the available technology, the third umpire is unable to decide with a high degree of confidence whether the original on-field decision should be changed, then he/she shall report that the replays are ‘inconclusive’, and that the on-field decision shall stand”.That wasn’t the only awkward moment for the third umpire in what turned out to be a tricky afternoon. When Mohammad Rizwan was beaten and bowled by a Sikandar Raza delivery, the on-field umpires referred the matter to the TV umpire, just to confirm that Zimbabwe’s wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor hadn’t knocked the bails off with his gloves. He hadn’t – conclusively – and while Raza appeared to make his mind up quickly, it was the “not out” sign that flashed on the big screen, much to everyone’s bemusement. After a short delay, the right call was made, and Rizwan was on his way.

تأهل منتخب عمان إلى المباراة النهائية من بطولة كأس الخليج 2024 “خليجي 26″، بعدما حقق الفوز على المنتخب السعودي، اليوم الثلاثاء.

والتقي منتخبا السعودية وعمان، في مباراة دور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس الخليج “خليجي26” المقامة في دولة الكويت.

طالع | موعد مباراة نهائي كأس الخليج 2024 خليجي 26 بعد تأهل عمان على حساب السعودية

واستطاع منتخب عمان أن يفوز بنتيجة (2-1)، ليحجز مقعده في المباراة النهائية لبطولة كأس الخليج. أهداف مباراة السعودية وعمان في نصف نهائي كأس الخليج “خليجي 26”

وينتظر منتخب عمان، الفائز من مباراة الكويت والبحرين في نصف النهائي الثاني، لمواجهته في نهائي بطولة كأس الخليج “خليجي 26”.

وتقام المباراة النهائية لبطولة كأس الخليج، يوم السبت 4 يناير 2025، على ملعب استاد جابر الأحمد الدولي بالكويت.

تفاصيل المباراة

سجل هدف عمان الأول، اللاعب أرشد العلوي في الدقيقة 74، بتسديدة قوية من ركلة حرة ثابتة مرت من تحت الحائط، سكنت الزاوية اليمني لمحمد العويس حارس مرمي المنتخب السعودي.

وأضاف الهدف الثاني لمنتخب عمان، علي البوسعيدي في الدقيقة 85، وقلص الفارق لـ منتخب السعودية، اللاعب محمد كنو في الدقيقة 87.

وشهدت المباراة، بطاقة حمراء مباشرة لـ المنذر العلوي لاعب منتخب عمان بعد تدخل قوي على سالم الدوسري في الدقيقة 34.

وكان حكم المباراة، ألغى هدفًا لمنتخب السعودية في الدقيقة 62 سجله المهاجم عبد الله الحمدان، بعد العودة إلى تقنية الفيديو، لوجود تسلل على اللاعب.

وفي الدقيقة 90+11، شهدت المباراة حالة طرد ثانية، وهذه المرة كانت من نصيب لاعب منتخب السعودية، عبد الإله هوساوي.

منتخب السعودية كان قد تأهل إلي دور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس الخليج “خليجي 26″، بعدما احتل المركز الثاني في ترتيب المجموعة الثانية، بينما كان تأهل منتخب عمان، متصدرًا لترتيب المجموعة الأولي. ملخص مباراة السعودية وعمان في نصف نهائي كأس الخليج

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, a surprising new name has reportedly emerged as a candidate to take the Sunderland job and end the Black Cats' wait to replace Michael Beale once and for all.

Sunderland manager news

A number of names have been linked with the job, from Paul Heckingbottom and Liam Rosenior all the way to Pascal Jansen, but those in Wearside remain without a permanent solution. The powers that be at the Stadium of Light have certainly taken their time, likely ensuring that they get things right after their Beale experiment following Tony Mowbray's sacking went so wrong.

Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus finally gave the fans a positive update in a recent interview, revealing that the process regarding a new manager is now in the "final stages".

The owner said via BBC Sport: "We hope to appoint the next head coach of our great club imminently, as we enter the final stages of the recruitment process. We appreciate the patience and support that we've received from you throughout the summer and our aim has always been to ensure that the right candidate is appointed.

"That outcome remains our focus. On and off the field, we have learnt from last season when we fell short of all our expectations. We are hungry and ambitious for success and determined to ensure we all enjoy a great 2024-25 season together."

Sunderland keen on "impressive" new versatile player from European giants

The Black Cats could land a bargain deal…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 6, 2024

Now, a fresh report has thrown a surprising new candidate into the mix. According to Alan Nixon, Sunderland are eyeing a move for Marti Cifuentes from Queens Park Rangers, who are likely to hand the Black Cats a significant stumbling block in the form of the manager's compensation fee. That said, the QPR boss has certainly impressed enough in the Championship to step into the Sunderland job should it come his way this summer.

Landing "incredible" Cifuentes would be difficult

Cifuentes' unknown compensation package to take him out of his QPR contract would instantly prove too complicated to take him to the top spot of Sunderland's wishlist.

The 41-year-old did an excellent job to keep QPR up in the Championship last season, guiding them to an 18th-place finish, six points above the dropzone and only behind 16th-place Sunderland on goal difference. It's no shock that James Allcott was so full of praise for the manager last season, dubbing his management "incredible" on X.

However, on his way to securing survival, the Spaniard did not defeat Sunderland, with his one game up against the Black Cats ending in a 0-0 draw.

As Sunderland's process enters its final stages, it remains to be seen whether Cifuentes will send further shockwaves across Wearside by securing the job at the Stadium of Light or a different option will emerge to finally take the hot seat in the dugout – be that Jansen, Heckingbottom or an outside shout this summer.

Leeds United are aiming to bolster their ranks with a move for another new centre-back, it has been reported, as they eye a return to the Premier League.

Joe Rodon rejoins Leeds

In a bittersweet move for Daniel Farke's side, Joe Rodon has rejoined the club on a permanent basis in a £10m deal, as part of a move that saw teenage talent Archie Gray leave for Tottenham in a seperate deal worth £40m, but one that almost certainly opened the door for Rodon's arrival.

The Welsh defender was a mainstay of their Championship season, appearing 46 times across their campaign and fast becoming a fan favourite in Yorkshire.

He has penned a four-year deal at Elland Road, where he will likely continue to endear himself to the Leeds United faithful as he looks to steer them out of the Championship at the second time of asking.

Rodon's Leeds United career to date

Appearances

43

Wins

26

Win %

60%

Aerial duels won %

67%

Tackles and interceptions per 90

2.37

Blocks per 90

1.16

Though failure to secure promotion back to the top flight last season left Leeds in financial peril, the BBC report that the sale of Gray and subsequent addition of Rodon "is believed to be enough to make the Elland Road club compliant with profit and sustainability rules", which will come as a boost to the Elland Road outfit as they look to push on with new signings this summer.

And they remain keen to add to their defensive ranks, something that they may have just been handed a massive boost in doing.

Defender admits he wants out

That comes as KAA Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha has admitted that he is happy to leave the Belgian club this summer amid interest from clubs across Europe, including Leeds.

The centre-back, who is down to the final year of his contract with Gent, is thought to be wanted by both Hoffenheim and Leeds United, with Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg having previously revealed that his price tag will be between £2m and £2.5m this summer should he depart, with Farke's side keen to sign him this summer rather than wait to try and grab him on a free.

Farke "would love" to sign £40,000-a-week player for Leeds after Rodon

The centre-back is Leeds’ first summer signing.

ByCharlie Smith Jul 2, 2024

Now, Torunarigha has admitted that offers have come in, and that he is happy to move on this summer but only for the right side.

“There are very exciting and specific enquiries that I am dealing with,” the Nigerian centre-back explained. “I feel good, I’m in top shape and ready for the next step.

“I still have a year left on my contract and I’m not in a hurry. We’ll see what happens. I’m aiming for the highest possible sporting goals. That will definitely play a role in my decision.”

It remains unclear whether Leeds are one of the sides to have tabled an offer, but with the defender seemingly available and ready to move this summer, he could prove a bargain partner for Joe Rodon in the heart of the Whites defence.

MatériaMais Notícias

Contratado em 2020 pelo Marcílio Dias, o zagueiro Luan Rodrigues tem apenas 21 anos e já conquistou a braçadeira de capitão, agora está próximo de completar, se entrar em campo, a marca de 50 jogos pelo clube. Antes da partida decisiva deste sábado, contra o Aimoré, pela Série D do Brasileirão, o jogador falou sobre o duelo e sua conquista pessoal.

RelacionadasCuiabáOsman comemora boa sequência do Cuiabá e projeta duelo com o SantosCuiabá03/09/2021Futebol NacionalJuventude amplia números de sócios com aproximação do retorno dos torcedores aos estádiosFutebol Nacional03/09/2021Futebol NacionalCapitão do São Caetano, Guilherme Tavares comemora importante vitória no Paulista sub-20Futebol Nacional03/09/2021

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão da Série D-2021 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

GALERIA
>Confira 20 clubes que faliram e conseguiram ou não se reerguer

– Estou muito feliz por essa conquista, queria agradecer ao clube, aos diretores e a torcida, por permitir que essa marca fosse alcançada. Durante esse período foram muitos momentos felizes e outros nem tanto, mas sempre com muito trabalho e o mais importante, amadurecimento, dentro e fora de campo da minha parte – disse.

O jogador também ressaltou a expectativa de poder um dia jogar com a torcida do Marcílio Dias no estádio, fato que ainda não ocorreu desde sua chegada.

– A torcida me apoiou desde minha estreia contra o Criciúma. Venho recebendo muito carinho pelas redes sociais e sou grato por isso, a torcida faz parte dessa minha conquista. Espero que logo menos possamos estar juntos, clube e torcida, para sentir essa sensação – finalizou.

Luan aproveitou para comentar sobre o jogo deste sábado, contra o Aimoré, às 15h, pela disputa do Brasileirão da Série D.

– Sabemos da dificuldade e que precisamos de uma combinação de resultados, mas independente de tudo, temos que entrar focados e buscar a vitória – completou o zagueiro.

Glasgow Rangers lack of success last season was due to a variety of reasons. As the Premiership campaign reached its climax, the Ibrox side faltered, as several of the senior leadership team failed to inspire the team when the going got tough.

Injuries also didn’t help the cause, as Philippe Clement had to endure many games without several of his key players, most notably Abdallah Sima and Ridvan Yilmaz.

It was the matches against Celtic which proved to the Light Blues' undoing, failing to defeat their Old Firm rivals at all throughout the 2023/24 season, which included a 1-0 loss in the Scottish Cup final.

Since August 2021, Rangers have won just one Old Firm clash in 90 minutes, and that was when Celtic had already wrapped up the League title during the 2022/23 campaign.

The reason? A lack of control in the midfield, allowing Celtic to dominate proceedings and this has given them the upper hand.

It is clear the Gers miss someone like Steven Davis, who was able to dictate play in these types of matches.

Steven Davis’ Rangers statistics

The Northern Irishman enjoyed two wonderful spells at the Light Blues, making a total of 362 appearances while lifting a host of honours during both his spells north of the border.

Despite his advancing years, Davis was crucial in everything positive about Rangers under Steven Gerrard, none more so than during the 2020/21 campaign which saw the club finally end their decade-long wait for a league title.

Steven Davis' Rangers stats

Season

Games

Goals

2022/23

16

2

2021/22

33

1

2020/21

49

2

2019/20

41

1

2018/19

18

0

2011/12

39

5

2010/11

53

5

2009/10

50

4

2008/09

39

6

2007/08

24

1

Via Transfermarkt

The midfielder finished that season with an 89% pass success rate, while averaging 81.7 touches per game, winning 57% of his ground duels and being dribbled past on just 0.7 occasions per match, showcasing his ability on the ball, which allowed him to control the entire game from the heart of the midfield area.

He was Gerrard’s conductor in that Rangers side, and it is no coincidence that ever since he suffered a career-ending injury in 2022, the club have lacked this control and added bite in the centre of the pitch.

Even his record against Celtic is impressive, especially during his second spell in Glasgow. Since rejoining the Gers in January 2018, Davis played 13 Old Firm matches, losing just three.

Since his last outing in the derby in September 2022, the Light Blues have lost seven times and drawn twice, further evidence of how much they miss Davis.

Could Clement finally replace the Northern Irishman with a move for a Scot who impressed at club level last season?

Rangers eyeing swoop for Championship midfielder

According to reports, Rangers have made contact with Norwich City regarding a move for midfielder Kenny McLean as Clement looks to add some much-needed depth to his playing squad.

He currently has two years remaining on his contract with the Canaries, which suggests Clement may have to come in with a decent transfer offer in order to secure his services ahead of next season.

Having signed plenty of youngsters this summer, the club will require some experience too in their squad and McLean could provide that in abundance.

One potential problem lies with his salary. At Norwich, McLean is earning £25k-per-week, which could prove to be a potential stumbling block, as Clement seems keen on bringing the wage bill down.

Should a deal be cut with the Championship side, however, it could prove to be a solid piece of transfer business by the Belgian, especially with McLean’s plethora of experience in both the English and Scottish top flights during his career thus far.

Kenny McLean’s season in numbers for Norwich City

Across the entire 2023/24 campaign, McLean made 52 appearances for the Canaries as they came close to sealing promotion to the Premier League.

A return of two goals and five assists may not sound impressive, yet McLean offers much greater qualities which could see him shine at Rangers.

Among his teammates, the Scottish international ranked third for overall Sofascore rating in the Championship (7.08), along with ranking first for accurate passes per game (54.7), second for accurate long balls per game (4.2), fourth for tackles per game (2) and third for interceptions per game (1.2), showcasing his sublime passing skills while also offering some defensive solidity in the midfield area.

His former manager, David Wagner, praised McLean, saying: “He is one of, if not the, most reliable players we have. He is a good person as well."

Reliable is exactly the sort of player Clement needs as he seeks to topple Celtic and return Rangers to the top of the pile in Scotland next term.

Kenny McLean could finally replace Steven Davis at Rangers

McLean could give the Gers that control in the midfield they have been sorely lacking in recent seasons.

When compared to his positional peers in the men’s next 14 competitions, McLean currently ranks in the top 6% for attempted passes per 90 (67.21), while ranking in the top 21% for progressive passes (6.41) and top 19% for progressive carries (1.92) per 90, which is yet more evidence of the fact he loves to control the game plus moves the ball forward as often as possible during games.

Related Rangers in talks to sign £25k-p/w star who'd perfectly replace Jack

The Light Blues are reportedly keen to strike a deal for the Scotland international.

Posts ByDan Emery Jun 27, 2024

These qualities are certainly similar to the ones Davis offered during his spell at Rangers, particularly his second stint, where he was deployed slighter deeper due to his advancing years.

If Clement can negotiate a decent transfer fee for the 32-year-old, then there is no doubt he would be a worthwhile signing ahead of next term.

Since moving to Norwich, the Scot has played 68 times in the Premier League, proving that he can mix it with the very best in the country.

A move for him is a no-brainer, but like every other significant signing the club looks to make, it will all come down to the financial aspect.

Davis was a vital cog in the machine during two separate spells at Rangers. Should McLean join the Light Blues, Clement may just replace the former Northern Irishman.

Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has made a surprise career move after his shock retirement from football.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Varane left Man Utd for ComoAnnounced sudden retirementHas taken up board role at Serie A sideFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 31-year-old bid farewell to United at the end of last season, before joining Serie A new boys Como on a two-year deal in late July. However, the former Real Madrid star announced his sudden retirement from football last month following a troublesome knee injury. Now, the Italian team have confirmed the Frenchman will become a club board member, advising on youth development, education, and product innovation – something he described as a "new beginning".

AdvertisementGetty Images EntertainmentWHAT RAPHAEL VARANE SAID

Varane, who played just once for Como, told the club's website: “Being a top-level sportsman comes with joy, sacrifice, and the constant drive to push beyond limits. Throughout my career, I’ve been motivated by a desire to improve and strive for excellence. Transitioning from the field to the boardroom isn’t the end of my football journey; it’s a new beginning that I’m looking forward to. Joining the board of Como allows me to continue contributing to the sport while shaping its future.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The former France international enjoyed a glittering career, winning a World Cup with France in 2018, a host of Champions League titles with Real Madrid, and a number of other trophies along the way. Unfortunately for him, his career was cut short but now he can look forward to a new chapter in his life. Sometimes footballers struggle to deal with retirement so finding a role so soon after hanging up his boots can be seen as a big positive.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Varane may be in the stands at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia for Como's Serie A clash at home to Parma on Saturday. Cesc Fabregas' side, who got promoted out of Serie B last season, currently sit 14th in the division with eight points from seven games.

Sarah Aley has announced her retirement, taking to Instragram to reveal she played her last match for Sydney Sixers in the WBBL at the weekend.The Sixers failed to make the tournament finals, which start on Wednesday, but they upset the top-placed Melbourne Stars by five wickets in their last match of the season.Afterwards Aley, the 36-year-old medium pacer who played three matches for Australia, wrote on Instagram: “Well the cat is outta the bag… It’s time to call it a day. Have loved every moment in magenta with the @sixersbbl…”ALSO READ: Century ‘didn’t really mean a lot’ to Alyssa HealyAley took an excellent catch on the boundary at deep midwicket, juggling the ball and holding on at second grab to dismiss the Stars’ and England’s Nat Sciver on Sunday. It prompted Alyssa Healy, who scored a stunning 48-ball century in the match, to muse that she and her team-mates believed Aley was going to “go out in style”.”She’s really busy working full-time outside of cricket and taking up some coaching roles so I think that’s the last time that we’ll see her out here which is such a shame considering she had more energy than the 17, 18 year olds out there today in the field,” Healy told a post-match press conference.”She’s been such a good mate of mine and such a good team-mate to have alongside you and she’s done some amazing things for the Sixers.”She’s just one of those true champions of the game that people will talk about and in 10 to 15 years’ time, ‘remember Sarah Aley?’ and everyone who played with her said, ‘yep, I remember the passion that she brought to the game,’ so it will be a sad loss.” Healy also gave a glowing video tribute on the Cricket NSW website when Aley retired from the Breakers in May after a Women’s National Cricket League career spanning 16 seasons, describing Aley as “the lifeblood of this team for a very long period of time”. Then Healy described seeing her friend get the opportunity to play for Australia as “still one of the proudest moments of my career”.Aley played one ODI for Australia against Pakistan at the 2017 World Cup and two T20Is, both against England in Australia later that year.Aley played all six editions of the WBBL for Sixers and began this season in second place behind Melbourne Renegades’ Molly Strano on the competition’s all-time leading wicket takers list with 83 wickets at an average of 17.42. Strano went on to become the first player to claim 100 wickets in the WBBL and finished the season with 104, while Aley finished the season fourth on the all-time list with 89.In her second season in the competition, Aley claimed 28 wickets at 11.75, including 4-23 in the final against the Perth Scorchers. Her haul of 28 wickets remains the most wickets taken by any bowler in a single WBBL season.

Liverpool hero Didi Hamann believes Borussia Dortmund's players "no longer want" manager Nuri Sahan in charge after their loss to Augsburg.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Dortmund lose 2-1 to Augsburg
• Hamann critical of manager Sahin
• Says players "no longer want" him in charge

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After the 5-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid in midweek, where they were 2-0 up, and then the 2-1 loss to Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday, ex-Germany international Hamann has raised doubts about Sahin's future in the dugout. He claims the club's players didn't feel former boss Edin Terzic was the right man to be in charge and he has the same feeling for Sahin – who replaced the 41-year-old in the summer.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT DIDI HAMANN

  He told Sky Germany: "There were many players who no longer wanted Terzic. He was the most successful coach of recent years. He won the cup, should have won the championship, was in the Champions League final. The team no longer wanted him. Now the next coach is coming. I have the feeling that there are many players in the team who say: I don't want him. I have the feeling that after ten games the situation has arisen that some players no longer want this coach. The players have been given far too much power. The club still decides who is the coach. They all have to submit to it. The players are employees of the club. It's none of their business. I have the feeling that one or two players are taking advantage of that."

  Hamann added: "I don't want to start a discussion about the coach either, he's a young coach, you have to give him time. The question is: how much time do you want or will you give him? He's no longer untouchable, the start of the season has simply gone too badly for that."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite these disappointing defeats, where Dortmund failed to hold onto a lead again, Sky Germany claims Sahin's future at the German giants is secure for the time being. The report states the club's hierarchy believe in a long-term path with the 36-year-old, whose side sit seventh in the Bundesliga. However, if results go their way, they could rise to third in the next round of fixtures so it is not all doom and gloom.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Sahin's Dortmund will try to return to winning ways on Tuesday night when they travel to Wolfsburg for the second round of the DFB Pokal cup. Their next Bundesliga match is next Saturday at home to RB Leipzig.

The allrounder joins Tom Banton in deciding he needs a break from bubbles, while further England could be impacted by the Covid outbreak in SA

Alex Malcolm07-Dec-2020

Tom Curran celebrates a wicket•Getty Images

England allrounder Tom Curran has withdrawn from the BBL citing the need to spend some time at home after nearly five months in biosecure bubbles.The news comes just days after England team-mate Tom Banton also withdrew from the tournament for similar reasons. The pair have been in biosecure bubbles since cricket resumed in July. Both players were part of England’s white-ball squads before heading to the IPL and both have been in South Africa where Covid outbreaks have wreaked havoc with the tour.Depending on the outcome of the tests in the England camp that are currently being ratified there could be further impact on players coming to the BBL. Those in the tournament were due to fly directly from South Africa after the ODIs, but if there are positive tests within the group they may not be able to leave the country straightaway”I’m really sorry not to be playing in this year’s Big Bash,” Curran said. “As you’ll already know, it’s been a very challenging year and I’ve been in bubbles since July.”I feel very lucky to play for the Sixers, I have loved my time with you all over the last two seasons and I can promise you, this decision was not taken lightly.”I will hopefully be back for many years to come, recharged and ready to go again, but for now I just need some time, normality, see family and be home.”Sixers general ganager Jodie Hawkins said: “The varying conditions we are asking our players to play cricket in worldwide is taking its toll and we understand Tom’s need for a break over this BBL season. While the hub conditions here are much less restrictive than other tournaments, the constant requirement to lock down has been tough and our number one priority is the welfare of our players.”Covid-19 and Australia’s strict quarantine requirements are causing issues for the BBL after the league changed the rules this season to allow three overseas instead of two.Clubs have gone on a signing spree and the BBL was shaping to feature some high-quality internationals given international cricket was in a state of flux.Johan Botha comes out of the retirement to return to the Hobart Hurricanes•Getty Images

Sam Billings, Jason Roy, Liam Livingstone, and Lewis Gregory are due to come from South Africa and need to complete 14 days of strict quarantine prior to being available to play. Dawid Malan arrived over the weekend and is currently quarantining in Perth.Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman tested positive for Covid-19 while in quarantine in Australia and had to be hospitalised, meaning he will likely miss the early part of the tournament.Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad had the start of their 14-day quarantine delayed after they were not allowed to fly to Adelaide as originally planned due to a Covid outbreak in the city. As a result, the pair will miss the Melbourne Renegades’ first two games and the Renegades have signed Gloucestershire allrounder Benny Howell as a replacement, as he is currently in Victoria with his family. The Renegades are sweating on the availability of Imran Tahir in January as he is not set to arrive in Australia until after Christmas.The Hurricanes are confident Sandeep Lamichhane will be available to fly to Australia to play in January despite testing positive for Covid in Nepal.The Hurricanes have convinced Johan Botha to come out of retirement at age 36 to play as a replacement, after retiring from the BBL to take up coaching.”I figured I’m as fit as I’ve ever been, and I feel I can still make a contribution to the team,” Botha said. “I’ve missed playing but I didn’t really want to put it out there and say ‘can you pick me’ in case it didn’t work out, so we kept it quiet from when we first chatted about it at the Shield hub in Adelaide, and it slowly built up from there.””The little Covid cluster in Adelaide for instance didn’t help, so we just kept it quiet all along to make sure everything lined up.”