Fulham are likely to reignite their interest in United States men’s striker Ricardo Pepi in the summer transfer window after the potential move broke down this January, sources have told ESPN.

Fulham and PSV Eindhoven were close to agreeing on a fee in the region of €37 million ($43.9m) for the USMNT striker, but the deal was contingent on PSV finding a replacement, according to sources.

With the transfer deadline ticking ever closer, PSV pulled the plug on the deal as they were unable to find a suitable candidate to fill Pepi’s shoes.

The Premier League side has already recruited Oscar Bobb this window and was keen to add the young striker as well.

Pepi, 23, has been in fantastic form for PSV this season, scoring eight goals in 15 Eredivisie matches. He is seen as an ideal target to bolster Fulham’s forward options, though he is out currently with a broken forearm.

Sources say that Fulham are keen to explore another move for Pepi in the summer.

The 23-year-old began his career at FC Dallas before spells at Augsburg and Groningen before joining PSV, where he has 26 goals in 60 games, alongside 13 in 34 for the USMNT.

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• ICC meeting may discuss imposing heavy fines on PCB: sources.
• ICC earlier said it was awaiting formal communication from PCB.
• Pak-India group match scheduled to be played on Feb 15. 
  

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has convened a virtual emergency board meeting today after the Pakistani government announced that the Green Shirts will participate in the upcoming T20 World Cup but boycott the February 15 match against India.

The group-stage clash between the arch-rivals is set to be played on February 15, 2026, in Sri Lanka.

The decision to boycott the match was declared by the government of Pakistan through its official social media channel on Sunday.

The announcement followed a conclusive meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

The government’s statement explicitly granted the national team approval to participate in the tournament while simultaneously forbidding it from taking the field against India.

This move is perceived as a direct attempt to financially pressure the ICC, which PCB chief recently accused of applying “double standards” and operating under the influence of the Indian cricket board.

The International Cricket Council has confirmed it awaits formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding this decision.

In a preliminary response, the global governing body expressed serious dismay, stating that selective participation contradicts the fundamental principle of a world sporting event. The ICC warned that such an action damages the spirit of the competition itself.

While recognising the prerogative of national governments, the ICC publicly urged the PCB to reconsider, arguing that the decision harms the sport and its global fanbase.

The council encouraged the Pakistani board to pursue a mutually acceptable solution that protects the interests of all stakeholders in the game.

The ICC board is now compelled to determine the tournament’s integrity and address a clear breach of its playing agreements, which require teams to fulfil all scheduled fixtures.

Informed sources indicate the meeting will deliberate on imposing significant sanctions against Pakistan.

These potential measures include imposing heavy financial fines on the PCB and enforcing a possible ban from subsequent ICC tournaments.

Additional consequences could involve restricting Pakistan’s bilateral series engagements with other top cricketing nations and placing limitations on foreign player involvement in the Pakistan Super League.

The PCB may also be held financially liable for compensating broadcasters and other commercial partners for losses resulting from the boycotted match.

The backdrop to this crisis includes recent PCB dissatisfaction with ICC decisions, notably the late replacement of Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament schedule. 

Pakistan Shaheens have announced their squad for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against England Lions to be played in the United Arab Emirates, with Shamil Hussain named captain for both formats.

All matches of the series will be held at the Oval Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The three-match T20 series will begin on February 20, followed by a five-match ODI series from February 27 to March 9.

Abdul Samad, Hassan Nawaz, Moaz Sadaqat and Saad Khan have been included in the squad, along with Sameer Minhas and Arafat Minhas.

Rohail Nazir and Saad Baig will share wicketkeeping duties.

Spin bowlers Saad Masood and Sufyan Muqim are also part of the team, while the fast bowling unit includes Ali Raza, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Muhammad Salman and Shahid Aziz.

Pakistan Shaheens will hold a seven-day training camp in Karachi from February 11 to February 17.

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed mentor and manager of the Shaheens.

Ijaz Ahmed will serve as head coach, with Mansoor Amjad named fielding coach and Aizaz Cheema as bowling coach.