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Brook says a ‘shame’ if Pakistan players snubbed for Hundred

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Brook says a ‘shame’ if Pakistan players snubbed for Hundred


England’s Harry Brook celebrates with the trophy after winning the series. — Reuters/File

England captain Harry Brook said on Saturday that it would be “a shame” if Pakistani players were shut out of England’s domestic white-ball Hundred competition by Indian-owned franchises.

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan on Friday urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to “act fast” on BBC reports that Pakistani players will be “overlooked” in the player auction next month.

Ahead of England’s opening Super Eights clash against Sri Lanka in Kandy on Sunday, Brook — who will play for Indian-owned Sunrisers Leeds in the Hundred this year — was asked about the issue.

“Our main focus now is what’s coming up in the T20 World Cup. It’s not really any of our business, to be honest,” said Brook.

“But what I would say is Pakistan have been a great cricket nation for many years.”

Long-standing political tensions between India and Pakistan have led to the border rivals only playing each other in international cricket events.

Their Colombo showdown at the ongoing T20 World Cup only went ahead after Pakistan called off a threatened boycott.

“I think there’s about 50, 60 players in the auction, and it would be a shame to not see some of them in there,” said Brook.

“There’s some amazing cricketers and, yeah, and they bring some great crowds as well.

“So it would be a shame to not see some of the Pakistan players in there and make the tournament and competition even better.”

The newly renamed Sunrisers Leeds is owned by Indian conglomerate Sun Group, one of four of the eight Hundred franchises with connections to the Indian Premier League.

The others are Manchester Super Giants, Southern Brave and MI London.

It has been claimed that politics has also led to an effective ban on Pakistani players participating in the Indian Premier League since 2009.

The ECB has been unable to substantiate the BBC allegations, but former England captain Vaughan called for the governing body to investigate the issue thoroughly.

Vaughan referred to the ECB’s stated aim of cricket becoming the most inclusive sport in the country.

“The ECB need to act fast on this… they own the league and this should not be allowed to happen… the most inclusive sport in the country is not one that allows this to happen,” Vaughan posted on X.

An ECB spokesperson said: “The Hundred welcomes men’s and women’s players from all over the world and we would expect the eight teams to reflect that.”

Only two Pakistan internationals — Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim —appeared in last year’s Hundred, the final edition before new investors became involved.





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Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal eyeing Newcastle’s Gordon

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Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal eyeing Newcastle’s Gordon


Arsenal are considering a summer move for Newcastle United‘s Anthony Gordon, while Manchester United are eyeing RB Leipzig‘s Yan Diomande and Everton‘s Iliman Ndiaye to boost their attacking options.

Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades

TRENDING RUMORS

– Arsenal have scouted Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon ahead of a potential move, according to TEAMtalk. The England international is one of several wingers Arsenal are said to have shortlisted, with Atlético Madrid‘s Julián Álvarez their “dream” target. Gordon, 25, is keen to compete at the highest level and would reportedly relish the prospect of working with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. The former Everton player, who has also been linked with interest from Liverpool, scored 10 goals in Newcastle’s UEFA Champions League campaign this season.

– Manchester United have shortlisted attackers Yan Diomande and Iliman Ndiaye ahead of the summer transfer window opening, Sky Sports reports. Diomande, 19, has shone in the Bundesliga this season with RB Leipzig, scoring 10 goals in 27 league matches. He is under contract until 2030, having arrived in Germany last summer from Spanish club Leganés. Senegal international Ndiaye has six goals and three assists in the Premier League for Everton so far this season. United have also been linked with Aston Villa‘s Morgan Rogers in recent days, as they look to bolster their left-wing options next season.

Tottenham Hotspur are in “pole position” to sign Andy Robertson this summer, according to David Ornstein. The Liverpool left-back has announced his decision to leave Merseyside at the end of the season, with several clubs around Europe keen on landing him. Robertson, 32, is said to be “fully focused” on helping Liverpool for the remainder of the season, as the club look to secure Champions League qualification. As things stand, Spurs are a leading contender to sign him — should they avoid relegation from the Premier League — having made enquiries about a move for the Scotland international in January.

– Informal talks have taken place between Sporting CP and Manchester City over a future move for Morten Hjulmand, A Bola reports. The Denmark midfielder is a summer target for City following an impressive campaign in Portugal. Sporting have already made plans for Hjulmand’s departure at the end of the season, whose contract is set to expire in just over two years’ time.

Chelsea could be willing to let Enzo Fernández leave the club if they fail to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, AS reports. The Argentina midfielder recently hinted at his interest in a move to Real Madrid, leading to his removal from Liam Rosenior’s squad for two matches. Chelsea are outside of the Champions League qualification places, meaning a move away from West London, for the time being at least, remains a possibility.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN’s Rob Dawson looks at Manchester United’s transfer plans for the summer:

Speaking to a small group of reporters at Carton House Hotel in County Kildare this week, Harry Maguire took the opportunity to send a message to the Manchester United hierarchy.

In Ireland, with the rest of Michael Carrick’s squad for a short training camp designed to rejuvenate players and staff ahead of the final push towards qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League, Maguire — with a new one-year contract signed and sealed — was already looking to the future.

“I think this summer is going to be a big summer,” he said, unprompted. “I think we’ve got to recruit really well.”

It felt like Maguire was speaking on behalf of a dressing room that has seen the benefit of positive signings — Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens — this season and now want more to help the team finally challenge for the Premier League title.

But if Maguire’s comments were aimed at co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, they were probably unnecessary. Sources have told ESPN that there’s a feeling internally that getting this summer’s recruitment drive right is even more important than the appointment of the next head coach.

It’s not to say that the decision about who should be Ruben Amorim’s permanent successor isn’t a big one. But having been in position for more than two years, Ratcliffe and his team have learned that it’s easier to recover from manager mistakes than it is from ones made in the transfer market. They’re still dealing with the fallout from some of the decisions made before they arrived.

OTHER RUMORS

– Inter Miami are in talks to sign Casemiro on a free transfer this summer. The Manchester United midfielder has been offered a contract until December 2028. (Nicolo Schira)

– Atalanta midfielder Éderson is keen on a move to Atlético Madrid this summer. The Brazilian has previously rejected moves to Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United. (AS)

– Salzburg and Hertha Berlin are monitoring the development of Juventus left-back David Puczka. (Nicolo Schira)

– Monaco have received calls from several Premier League clubs over the availability of youngster Maghnes Akliouche. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Interim Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is now in “pole position” to become the Premier League club’s permanent manager. (talkSPORT)

– Paris Saint-Germain are optimistic that head coach Luis Enrique will sign a contract extension at the club. (Ben Jacobs)



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PSL 11: Lahore Qalandars win toss, opt to bowl first against Peshawar Zalmi

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PSL 11: Lahore Qalandars win toss, opt to bowl first against Peshawar Zalmi


Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi (left) and Peshawar Zalmi’s Babar Azam at the toss time ahead of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 match at the National Bank stadium in Karachi on April 11, 2026. — PCB

Lahore Qalandars chose to field after winning the toss against Peshawar Zalmi in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 clash at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi are ranked second on the points table and remain the only unbeaten side in the tournament, having won three of their four matches, with one game abandoned.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have won two of their four matches and currently sit in sixth place.

Playing XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Haseebullah Khan(w), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi(c), Dunith Wellalage, Mustafizur Rahman, Ubaid Shah.

Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris, Babar Azam(c), Kusal Mendis(w), Michael Bracewell, Abdul Samad, Farhan Yousaf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Aamer Jamal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.


This is a developing story and is being updated with further details.





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Minnesota Duluth’s Plante captures Hobey Baker Award

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Minnesota Duluth’s Plante captures Hobey Baker Award


Minnesota Duluth sophomore forward Max Plante was crowned the 2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner on Friday night as the nation’s best college hockey player.

Plante, a Detroit Red Wings prospect, beat out Denver defenseman Eric Pohlkamp, a San Jose Sharks prospect, and Michigan forward T.J. Hughes, an undrafted free agent.

“I, obviously, had a great year, but a lot of props to my linemates,” Plante said. “They made a bunch of plays for me, and I was the beneficiary of it.”

A second-round pick in the 2024 NHL draft, Plante, 20, was second in the nation with 25 goals and third with 52 points. He ended the season on a five-game point streak, including an assist in the Bulldogs’ 4-3 loss to Michigan in the NCAA tournament quarterfinals.

Plante is expected to return to Minnesota Duluth next season to play alongside his two brothers: older brother Zam, a Minnesota Duluth teammate who was a fifth-round pick of the Penguins in 2022, and younger brother Victor, who is committed to play for the Bulldogs next season.

“That was a huge motivator,” Plante said. “Just the fact to have a chance to play with two brothers at that high of a level, and to try and achieve something that I haven’t achieved yet — a national championship.”

Plante is Minnesota Duluth’s seventh Hobey Baker winner.



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