West Ham United have a proud history of promoting youth players.

The likes of Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Mark Noble have all made their way through the Hammers’ legendary academy.

In more recent times, Declan Rice is probably the best player to come out of the club, and while he did go on to join a London rival, he did so after 245 appearances.

Since he left, the club have struggled to replace him, but that may soon be about to change with someone Jarrod Bowen rates highly.

West Ham's most exciting academy stars

The good news for West Ham fans is that, while the first team might be somewhat lacking in quality, there are plenty of promising youngsters in the academy at the moment.

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Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

For example, they might just have a homegrown version of El Hadji Malick Diouf soon in Emeka Adiele.

The 18-year-old left-back has been in fine form this season, and as things stand, has amassed an impressive tally of one goal and six assists in just eight appearances for the U21 side.

Described as someone “full of confidence and tenacity” by one analyst, it might not be too long until fans get to see him in first-team action.

The same could be said for one of the academy’s best goalscorers: Josh Landers.

The 18-year-old Scotsman joined the Hammers from Hibernian in February of this year and, as one analyst puts it, as one analyst puts it, has “hit the ground running.”

So far this season, the Innerleithen-born gem has already scored five goals in five appearances, totalling 269 minutes for the U21s, which is a goal every 53.8 minutes.

Appearances

12

8

Goals

9

5

Assists

0

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.75

0.62

Finally, although he is a bit older and has now played in the first team, Callum Marshall is still someone worth keeping an eye on, having been named Huddersfield Player of the Year while on loan there last season.

West Ham's future Rice

So, while it’s clear that West Ham have a number of exciting attackers and even the odd full-back coming through, who is the youngster that might one day emulate Rice? That huge task falls to the hugely promising Preston Fearon, but what makes him similar to the Hammers’ former captain?

Well, firstly, like the England international, the 18-year-old gem joined the East Londoners from Chelsea.

More crucially than that, though, he’s someone who can play a few different positions but is primarily a midfielder. More specifically, he thrives as a six and an eight.

Central Midfield

14

0

5

Defensive Midfield

9

0

2

Attacking Midfield

2

0

0

Right Winger

1

0

0

Right Midfield

1

2

0

Centre-Back

1

1

0

For example, since joining the Irons’ academy set-up, the youngster has made 39 appearances across the U18s and U21s, of which 14 have been in central midfield and nine in defensive midfield.

Moreover, on top of his defensive sensibilities, the exciting prospect is capable of chipping in with goal involvements as well, with him scoring three and providing seven assists in his career so far.

Finally, he is also seen as a player who could genuinely make it into the first team, and not just be a part of the squad, but really thrive.

For example, on top of featuring in pre-season, he has also received praise from Bowen, who described him as a “special player” and went on to tell the club’s website that he’s “never seen someone nutmeg so many people in training.”

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Ultimately, it’s hard to predict how a youngster will develop in football, but it does seem as if Fearon has it all, and therefore, he could end up becoming West Ham’s new Rice.

Setting their sights on early 2026 reinforcements, Manchester United have now reportedly sent scouts to watch an impressive forward who’s keeping up with Kylian Mbappe this season.

What Man Utd need in January

Whilst we’re still only in October, it looks likely to be an important January transfer window for Man United. The Red Devils have started poorly once again in the Premier League – winning just twice in seven games – and further reinforcements are clearly needed.

Given that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly backed Ruben Amorim, INEOS must put their money where their mouth is and back the former Sporting Club manager once again when the winter window swings open. Just who they’ll target to do exactly that is the big question.

The rumour mill has already mentioned the likes of Kenan Yildiz from Juventus and David Affengruber from Elche, but it remains to be seen whether those at Old Trafford act on their interest in 2026.

Yildiz would be a particularly impressive signing. The versatile winger has been the main man at Juventus over the last 12 months and is still just 20 years old. His arrival wouldn’t come cheap, but it is one that United should go all out to secure next year.

Affengruber, meanwhile, would be shrewd business. The central defender represents the type of underrated player that INEOS should be tracking if they want to avoid spending big whilst landing a gem.

La Liga could be where it’s at for such talent, too, with reports now suggesting that United have sent scouts to watch an impressive striker target ahead of January.

Man Utd sends scouts to watch Etta Eyong

As reported by TeamTalk, Man United scouts have now been spotted watching Karl Etta Eyong this season. The 21-year-old has enjoyed an excellent campaign so far, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also eyeing moves alongside the Red Devils.

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Having just joined Levante from Villarreal, a January move seems unlikely, but that doesn’t mean he’s not one to watch for next summer. In just eight La Liga games, the forward has scored five goals and assisted another three. To put into context how impressive that is, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe has managed 11 goal involvements in the same number of games.

Praised for an “amazing” season so far by scout Jacek Kulig, the future is certainly bright for Etta Eyong. Whether that future includes a move to Old Trafford is another question entirely, however.

Up against both Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race for his signature, the Red Devils will have to make their first move as soon as possible.

A major injury update has now emerged on a Leeds United star, who manager Daniel Farke has previously described as “crucial”.

Leeds suffer several early injury setbacks

We are only six games into the new Premier League season, but Leeds have already suffered more than their fair share of injury setbacks, with Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu spending time on the sidelines, while Lucas Perri and Wilfried Gnonto remain unavailable.

Prior to the 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth, Farke confirmed that Gnonto was still experiencing issues with his calf, which ruled the winger out of contention, meaning Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson were given the nod on the wings.

Jack Harrison replaced Okafor in the second half, but failed to make any real impact, touching the ball just 11 times, having also been unable to register a single goal or assist in any of his five substitute appearances in the Premier League so far this season.

As such, Farke would’ve been hoping for some good news about Daniel James, who was widely reported to be making progress in his recovery from an injury, which has ruled the winger out of the last two Premier League matches.

However, Adam Pope has now dropped a major update on James’ fitness, and it wasn’t good news, with the reporter saying:

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The severity of the issue is yet to be confirmed by the club, however, Graham Smyth has heard from Leeds that the 27-year-old could be out for weeks not months and has now heard from the Whites who have shared an update.

James' injury could be big problem for Farke

Farke has previously made it clear just how important the Welshman is, describing his work-ethic as “crucial” after an impressive performance against Watford during the Whites’ promotion push last season.

The £75k-a-week winger hasn’t exactly made a flying start to the season, having failed to pick up a goal or an assist, but he played a major role in Leeds’ promotion back to the top flight, picking up 21 goal contributions in the Championship.

As such, James’ likely absence is a blow for Farke. Leeds will need their other forwards to step up, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was failed to score against Bournemouth last time out, with the former Everton striker missing three big chances prior to Eli Junior Kroupi’s late equaliser.

Rangers chiefs have been handed a boost in their search for a new manager to take the Ibrox hotseat.

Latest Rangers manager news

So far, one of the leading candidates to head to Ibrox has been former boss Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool legend has been out of a coaching role since January, when he left Al-Ettifaq and has already held positive talks with Rangers about a return.

Having ended Celtic’s reign the last time that he stepped foot in Scottish football, his appointment would certainly make sense as the Gers aim for a repeat. What’s more, the Liverpool legend, himself, recently admitted that he has “unfinished” business in management after failing in Saudi Arabia and in the Premier League with Aston Villa.

That said, Gerrard isn’t the only candidate on Rangers’ list. The Gers have also been linked with former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl and former Everton manager Sean Dyche.

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It’s a decision that the 49ers cannot afford to get wrong after Martin’s failure and that’s why appointing an option far closer to home may well be their answer to bouncing back.

Derek McInnes now open to Rangers job

As reported by GiveMeSport, Derek McInnes is now open to joining Rangers and has a release clause in his current Hearts deal which should make it far easier for the Gers to seal any potential deal. The talented manager has enjoyed an excellent start to the season with Hearts and even sits top of the Scottish Premiership, unbeaten and two points ahead of Celtic.

After such a strong start at Hearts, the big concern for Rangers would have been convincing McInnes to leave, but reports suggest that he is keen on the job.

His appointment would also be an instant contrast to the route that the 49ers went down to welcome Martin. Instead of turning towards a sacked Premier League manager, the Gers would be welcoming a manager who knows the Scottish Premiership better than most of their other candidates and made history for Hearts last month with their first Ibrox win since 2014.

Interestingly, McInnes is represented by the same agency – Arena Sports Management – as Lennon Miller, after the Gers spent months chasing Miller only to miss out to Udinese. Perhaps the link between the two could create a path for the teenager to return to Scotland further down the line.

Looking at their options, both Gerrard and McInnes are the standouts for Rangers, who should make their decision before the return of domestic football from the international break.

Referee Maurizio Mariani has been stood down by a "furious" chief after his performance in the heated clash between Napoli and Inter. Mariani and his assistant are being punished for a "short circuit" call on a controversial penalty while also missing an "obvious" handball claim for Inter as Napoli ran out 3-1 winners against Christian Chivu's team.

• Major setback for the referee

  Mariani has been stood down from Serie A duties and faces a potential demotion to Serie B following a performance laden with "too serious errors" during Napoli's 3-1 victory over Inter on Saturday.

  According to a report from , Italian referee designator Gianluca Rocchi was left "furious" by the display at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and has immediately "stopped" both Mariani and his assistant, Daniele Bindoni, from officiating. The decision comes after a match defined by controversial penalty decisions that heavily influenced the outcome.

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• 'Short circuit' over late Napoli penalty call

  The primary incident that angered Rocchi was the controversial penalty awarded to Napoli in the 33rd minute. The report describes the contact as "very slight," noting that some on the refereeing panel considered it a non-penalty.

  However, the "short circuit" that proved fatal for the officiating team was procedural. Assistant referee Bindoni flagged for the foul eight seconds after the incident occurred, a delay that triggered the whistle. The report states that had Mariani called the foul immediately, the "perception" of the call would have been different, even if the contact was minimal.

  Rocchi is reportedly furious with the awarding of such "slight" penalties, which VAR rarely intervenes on as contact was present. Kevin De Bruyne converted the resulting spot-kick to give Napoli the lead.

• Getty Images
  

  Inter denied 'obvious' handball penalty

  Mariani's performance was further criticised for a crucial decision that went against Inter. The Nerazzurri were incensed after being denied what the report calls an "obvious" penalty for an outstretched arm by Napoli's Alessandro Buongiorno, which made contact with a touch from Lautaro Martínez.

  This missed call, combined with the "slight" penalty given against them, fuelled the post-match controversy and triggered the review from Rocchi's National Referees Commission (CAN).

  Inter also reportedly questioned Mariani's game management, specifically why Napoli’s Billy Gilmour was not penalised for a foul committed shortly after teammate Giovanni Di Lorenzo had been booked.

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• AFP
  

  What next for Mariani and officiating team?

  The consequences for the "too serious" errors were swift. Mariani, who had only refereed two Serie A matches this season after officiating the Under-20 World Cup final, has been removed from the schedule for the midweek round.

  He will also be sidelined for Matchday 10. The report indicates he may be reassigned to Serie B or moved to a VAR role for the time being. Assistant Bindoni has also been stood down and will not be included in the upcoming squad of officials.

  The move is part of a wider disciplinary action by Rocchi, who has also stood down referee Daniele Chiffi for significant errors in the Parma-Como match. Chiffi is also expected to be moved to a VAR role, so he can "understand what it means to be on the penalty line or out."

  The incidents overshadowed a crucial win for Napoli, who remain top of the Serie A table. After De Bruyne's opener, Inter equalised through a penalty of their own from Hakan Calhanoglu, but goals from Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa sealed the 3-1 win. Inter remain in fourth place.

أكد محمد الشناوي، قائد الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، جاهزية اللاعبين لمواجهة سيراميكا كليوباترا في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، المقرر إقامتها غدًا الخميس في دولة الإمارات، مشيدًا بالاستقبال والتنظيم، ومؤكدًا أن الفريق يسعى للتتويج باللقب من أجل إسعاد الجماهير.

وقال محمد الشناوي في تصريحاته خلال المؤتمر الصحفي: “نحن سعداء بالتواجد في بلدنا الثاني الإمارات، فالاستقبال والتنظيم رائعان، ودائمًا نكون سعداء بالحضور هنا، نستعد جيدًا لمباراة سيراميكا كليوباترا ونتدرب بشكل قوي، والأهم بالنسبة لنا هو التركيز في مواجهة الغد ثم التأهل إلى النهائي”.

وتابع: “سنواجه فريقًا محترمًا مثل سيراميكا كليوباترا، الذي قدّم نتائج جيدة مؤخرًا، لكن بطولة السوبر تختلف، والأجواء هنا مختلفة، الأهلي معتاد على التواجد وسط جماهيره في الإمارات، وكل الفرق تكون متحمسة لمثل هذه الأجواء، نحن مستعدون بشكل جيد، وكعادتنا في كل بطولة نشارك فيها يكون هدفنا هو التتويج باللقب”.

طالع أيضًا | ييس توروب: أعمل على حل مشكلة الأهلي.. وهذا موقف إمام عاشور من السوبر

وأضاف: “قائمة الأهلي تضم 30 لاعبًا، وجميعنا سواء، لا يوجد فارق بين كبير أو صغير، فنحن فريق واحد نُكمل بعضنا البعض، والأهم بالنسبة لنا هو الفوز بالبطولة لإسعاد جماهير النادي”.

وأردف: “بطولة السوبر تأتي دائمًا في بداية الموسم، وقد نجحنا في حصد اللقبين الأخيرين، ولكنهما أصبحا من الماضي، أمامنا غدًا مواجهة قوية أمام سيراميكا، ونحن نفكر فقط في القادم، وهدفنا زيادة عدد البطولات، فهذه هي سمة النادي الأهلي”.

واختتم: “التتويج بالسوبر سيمنحنا دفعة قوية في مشوار الدوري ودوري أبطال إفريقيا مع المدير الفني الجديد، وجميع اللاعبين جاهزون بإذن الله”.

Visitors will have Mehidy Hasan Miraz back and could go with three spinners at SSC

Madushka Balasuriya24-Jun-2025

Big Picture: WTC points at stake for both sidesAfter a draw in the first Test in Galle, the action moves to Colombo with more World Test Championship (WTC) points on the line for a Test arguably more important for Sri Lanka than Bangladesh. As their remaining two home series in this cycle are against India and South Africa, two Tests without a win against a lower-ranked Bangladesh might leave the hosts feeling like they left points on the table.As for the visitors, they were the closer of the two sides to getting a positive result in Galle, and will be heading to Colombo with the belief that they can go one better. And with their remaining two away series this cycle against WTC 2025 finalists Australia and South Africa, the points might prove more valuable than most.It is also Sri Lanka’s first Test of the post-Angelo Mathews era, with the search for his replacement now moving into full gear. The first to get a go looks likely to be spin-bowling allrounder Sonal Dinusha, whose slow left-arm spin makes him a handy option – particularly in home conditions. With no Tests on Sri Lanka’s cards until next year, he’ll be itching to make this opportunity one to remember.Related

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If Sri Lanka opt to throw all their spin eggs in the Prabath Jayasuriya basket, then one of Pavan Rathnayake, Pasindu Sooriyabandara or even Oshada Fernando could come in.Bangladesh, meanwhile, welcome Mehidy Hasan Miraz back after he missed the first Test with fever. You would expect the No. 2-ranked allrounder in the world to be welcomed back with open arms. But his replacement Nayeem Hasan was arguably the best bowler on show in the first Test.With the SSC surface expected to be dry and batter-friendly, both teams will be trying to decipher the ideal combination. Dhananjaya de Silva hinted that three seamers were likely for Sri Lanka – which could potentially mean a debut for Isitha Wijesundara – but if Bangladesh were to follow suit, it might mean Nayeem misses out.Bangladesh, though, have the seam options to go with a three-pronged spin attack, with both Khaled Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain available for selection. With Ebadot just returning from an injury layoff, Khaled could get the nod, particularly owing to his proficiency with the new ball.Form guideSri Lanka: DLLLL
Bangladesh: DWLWLLAnamul Haque fell for 0 and 4 in the Galle Test•Associated Press

In the spotlight: Dhananjaya de Silva and Anamul HaqueFor most of his career, Dhananjaya de Silva has batted at No. 6 or lower. He was tried at No. 5 for the entire 2021 as well, and to some success. But with Mathews retired, Sri Lanka’s Test middle order is getting its first real shake-up in over a decade. The biggest beneficiary of that might be the Sri Lanka captain himself. Dhananjaya looks set to slot into that No. 4 role – at least initially – a position he has batted in on only six prior occasions, and one where he averages just 20.33. DDS, as he’s commonly known, has always been the man for a crisis in Sri Lanka’s lower order, and Sri Lanka will be hoping that crisis-management mode kicks in upon the retirement of one of the country’s stalwarts.Anamul Haque’s Test career hasn’t been one to write home about. Having made his Test debut back in 2013, he was in the wilderness from 2014 to 2022. Anamul’s return to the national team was brief, though, as he was dropped after a single Test for another three years. At 32 years of age, his return against Zimbabwe this April was less comeback, and more a reintroduction. He scored 39, his highest Test score, the only time he batted in that game. The Galle Test brought Anamul scores of 0 and 4, not ideal either. But on an SSC track that is expected to be as batter-friendly – if not, more – now, if ever, is the time to deliver.Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be back in action after a fever•AFP/Getty Images

Team newsSri Lanka will be pondering Mathews’ replacement, as well as whether to play three seamers. Milan Rathnayake’s injury has left open a spot for a bowling allrounder, and Dinusha seems likely to fill that role. Tharindu Ratnayake will be the one to make way if Sri Lanka go for an extra seamer.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Lahiru Udara, 3 Dinesh Chandimal, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), 5 Kamindu Mendis, 6 Sonal Dinusha, 7 Kusal Mendis (wk), 8 Prabath Jayasuriya, 9 Vishwa Fernando, 10 Kasun Rajitha/Isitha Wijesundara, 11 Asitha FernandoBangladesh will have to decide how to slot in the returning Mehidy, while also pondering whether to go with three seamers or an extra spinner. It could be Nayeem who misses out if the extra seamer does come in. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto also picked up a finger injury at training, but it doesn’t look likely to rule him out.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Shadman Islam, 2 Anamul Haque, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Jaker Ali (wk), 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8 Nayeem Hasan/Khaled Ahmed/Ebadot Hossain, 9 Taijul Islam, 10 Nahid Rana, 11 Hasan MahmudOf active Sri Lanka players, Prabath Jayasuriya’s ten wickets are the most at SSC•AFP/Getty Images

Stats and trivia Sri Lanka have lost four of their last eight Tests at the SSC. Prior to that, they had gone 21 Tests without defeat at the venue. Of active Sri Lanka players, Jayasuriya’s ten wickets are the most at the SSC. Bangladesh have beaten Sri Lanka just once across 27 Tests.Quotes”Runs in the first innings is the key. Then we can try and take 20 wickets in the game. Toss will not be a major factor. Even in Galle, we were able to score the same number of runs as them.”
“To leave Naeem out is difficult. But we make sure everyone is on the same page, and if a decision has to be made, people understand that it’s what’s best for the team.”

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À disposição do técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo para o jogo contra o Fortaleza, nesta quinta-feira (14), pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, o volante Gabriel Moscardo, do Corinthians, viveu momentos de tensão na última semana, quando estava no Marrocos durante o terremoto que atingiu o país, causando quase 3 mil vítimas fatais.

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O atleta corintiano estava com a seleção pré-olímpica que fez um amistoso contra os marroquinos. Um segundo jogo estava programado, mas foi cancelado devido ao abalo sísmico, o que fez com que Moscardo retornasse mais cedo para o Timão.

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– Foi por volta das 11 horas da noite, eu já estava no quarto, deitado, quando a cama começou a tremer muito. Eu não sabia o que estava acontecendo. O abajur na minha frente começou a tremer muito também, uma sensação bem estranha, o quarto todo tremendo. Fui para o corredor, todos estavam bem assustados, não sabiam se era um terremoto ou outro problema no hotel. Uns 15 minutos depois, o pessoal da segurança veio e pediu para sair, ir para uma área mais aberta, perto da piscina. Ficamos por cerca de uma hora. Depois veio outro terremoto, mas bem leve. A gente não sentiu. Foi algo único, que eu nunca tinha vivido, uma sensação diferente – revelou o meio-campista.

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Mesmo com o susto, o jogador do Timão destacou a primeira experiência internacional vestindo a camisa brasileira. Ele atuou durante 15 minutos na derrota do Brasil para o Marrocos, na quinta-feira (7).

– Foi uma experiência única, como eu já esperava. Algo inesquecível, a primeira vez na seleção. Essa semana de treinamentos e 15 minutos em um jogo foi algo único para mim. Aprendi bastante com o treinador da seleção, o Ramon, e com os meus companheiros, que me receberam muito bem. Uma seleção muito boa, com grandes jogadores que atuam na Europa. Fui bem recebido e aprendi muito com eles. Foi uma semana muito boa, apesar da infelicidade do terremoto no país – comentou o volante, chamado de última hora devido à lesão de Danilo, ex-Palmeiras e atualmente no Nottingham Forest, da Inglaterra.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Moscardo participou dos dois últimos treinamentos do Corinthians antes de enfrentar o Leão do Pici. O jogador reconhece que o Timão vive momentos de dificuldades no Campeonato Brasileiro. A equipe do Parque São Jorge está em 13º lugar, mas ainda flerta com a zona de rebaixamento, estando a cinco pontos de distância.

– Sabemos da nossa situação no Campeonato Brasileiro. É um jogo importante, fora de casa, e sabemos que é muito difícil jogar no Nordeste contra as equipes nordestinas. Mas é um jogo muito importante para nós, e com certeza, vamos lá buscar os três pontos e melhorar nossa colocação – destacou Gabriel Moscardo.

Corinthians e Fortaleza farão, pelo Brasileirão, uma prévia do encontro pelas semifinais da Conmebol Sul-Americana. As partidas acontecerão nos dias 26 de setembro e 3 de outubro.

Left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has returned to Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the series against Bangladesh, having been unavailable for the Australia series in February due to injury. He replaces the now-injured Lahiru Kumara in the ODI squad.Also in the 16-member ODI squad is allrounder Milan Rathnayake, who has played five Tests but is uncapped in white-ball internationals. His involvement depends on fitness – he is out of the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh with a side strain, but is expected to have recovered by the time the ODIs begin, on July 2.Making a return on the batting front is wicketkeeper-batter Sadeera Samarawickrama, who last played for Sri Lanka in November 2024, and was dropped due to modest form. He essentially replaces Nuwanidu Fernando in the squad.Seamer Eshan Malinga also keeps his place, having had a good run with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025. Asitha Fernando is the other fast bowler in the 16-member squad.The remainder of the squad is largely on expected lines. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana lead the spin contingent, which also features legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay and left-arm spinning allrounder Dunith Wellalage. The likes of Avishka Fernando and Nishan Madushka are also competing for top-order spots, having been named in this squad.The first two ODIs will be played in Colombo, before the series moves to Pallekele on July 8. A three-match T20I series follows, with the first match on July 10 in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad

Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranaga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga

Earlier on Friday, RCB official Sosale was arrested in relation to the stampede at RCB’s victory celebrations that caused the death of 11 people

Edited PTI copy06-Jun-20251:15

Gambhir: We should never have roadshows

The Karnataka High Court on Friday granted interim protection from arrest to key office bearers of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) in connection with the deaths of 11 people and injuries to many more in a stampede during the event held on Wednesday to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the IPL.Justice S R Krishna Kumar, who heard the petition seeking to quash the FIR against the KSCA office-bearers, restrained the police from taking any coercive action against the officials until the next hearing. The court also directed the petitioners to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The petition to quash the FIR will be taken up again on June 16.The KSCA ‘s lead office bearers comprise: former Karnataka spinner Raghuram Bhatt (president), K Sriram (vice-president), A Shankar (secretary), ES Jairam (treasurer) and former umpire Shahvir Tarapore (joint secretary).Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, who appeared on behalf of the state, clarified that the police had no immediate plans to arrest anyone and sought permission for the investigation to continue.The counsel defending KSCA raised concern over the recent arrest of Nikhil Sosale, the marketing and revenue head of RCB, claiming it indicated a targeted approach. The state advocate general responded that Sosale had been apprehended at the airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Dubai.Related

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The KSCA plea argued that the FIR naming them was a “knee-jerk” reaction by the police under pressure from the state government. A related petition filed by Sosale and RCB was also heard on Friday. However, the court adjourned the matter to Monday without passing any orders.The High Court has also taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and has asked the state to file a status report. That matter will be heard on June 10.The Bengaluru police arrested Sosale on Friday. The arrest followed the Karnataka state government suspending top police officials on Thursday, while appointing a new commissioner, Seemanth Kumar Singh. Sosale has challenged his arrest and approached the Karnataka High Court, according to Bar and BenchIn their FIR on Thursday, the Bengaluru police claim that they denied RCB permission to conduct their victory parade at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, around which the stampede occurred leading to casualties. RCB were listed as the first accused along with DNA Entertainment, the franchise’s event partners, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which is in charge of the stadium premises.Nikhil Sosale being taken to court from the Cubbon Park police station after his arrest•AFP/Getty ImagesAs per the Bengaluru police, officers had been on duty around the stadium until 5:30am on June 4, the day after RCB’s victory in the IPL final, and due to the difficulty of managing another large crowd, permission for the event was denied. “Despite this, KSCA, RCB, and DNA proceeded with the event, ignoring police instructions,” the FIR said.”Without any official permission, on June 4, RCB announced their celebration and victory parade on their social media and website, inviting fans to join. Once this news spread on TV channels and social media, we (Police) informed our senior officers and requested security and necessary arrangements.”According to the police, RCB’s posting of free entry passes on their social media channels worsened the situation as the franchise hadn’t informed the police or public about how passes would be distributed, causing confusion among the fans gathered outside.There has been no official statement or reaction from the franchise since the arrest has been made. On Thursday evening, the state government as well as RCB, owned by liquor giants Diageo, announced a compensation of INR 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, while covering all medical expenses for the injured. ESPNcricinfo has reached out to Sosale and RCB for comment.Edited PTI copy, with additional reporting by ESPNcricinfo