Burnley: Kompany looking to sign "top-class" free agent

Burnley and manager Vincent Kompany are reportedly looking to sign an in-demand free agent.

Who did Burnley sign this summer?

The Clarets once again had an extremely productive transfer window ahead of their Premier League return, bringing in a whopping 15 players. However, the club have struggled to make an immediate impact back in the top flight, losing all three of their fixtures to date.

All of Burnley’s Premier League encounters have been played at Turf Moor, with Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham all scoring three or more goals and taking home the points.

As a result, the Clarets sit bottom of the league, with fellow newly promoted side Luton Town also failing to pick up a point in any of their first three games.

Player

Former club

Fee

Zeki Amdouni

FC Basel

€18.6m

James Trafford

Manchester City

€17.3m

Aaron Ramsey

Aston Villa

€16.45m

Jordan Bayer

Borussia Monchengladbach

€15m

Sander Berge

Sheffield United

€13.9m

Wilson Odobert

Troyes

€12m

Dara O'Shea

West Brom

€7.8m

Michael Obafemi

Swansea City

€4m

Hannes Delcroix

RSC Anderlecht

€3m

Luca Koleosho

Espanyol

€3m

Nathan Redmond

Besiktas

Free transfer

Han-Noah Massengo

Bristol City

Free transfer

Lawrence Vigouroux

Leyton Orient

Free transfer

Mike Tresor

Genk

Loan transfer

Jacob Bruun Larsen

Hoffenheim

Loan transfer

With plenty of new players, time may well be required for Kompany to get the best out of his side, however, it looks as if those high up at Turf Moor are still looking at potential additions in the free-agent market.

Who wants to sign Jesse Lingard?

According to 90min, Jesse Lingard is a player who is in demand and has received offers from clubs in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United States of America.

He is currently training with West Ham, who are considering offering a short-term contract, although Burnley and Everton are also thought to be interested in the attacking midfielder. However, the report states that if Lingard is to stay in England, it would be with the Hammers.

Lingard, who has scored two goals against Burnley in the past, would offer plenty of Premier League experience at Turf Moor, making 182 appearances in the competition for the likes of Manchester United, West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Capable of playing in a range of attacking positions, the Englishman was hailed as "top-class" by former Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and is 30 years of age, so you'd expect the player could have a number of years left at the top level.

It does look as if a move to West Ham could be on the cards, though, with David Moyes recently saying:

"He’s in really good condition – much better condition than he was when he first came in. I have to say, when Jesse joined us two years ago I think he scored nine goals in 15 games and was probably the difference between us getting into Europe for the first time. I want to give him every opportunity to get himself back in condition and see how he does."

However, should a move to the London Stadium fall through, Burnley could be in a position to make an offer, so his future could be one to keep an eye on.

Spurs: Levy "on the verge" of signing "top talent" who only wants Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur have not wasted any time before getting going under Ange Postecoglou, who has got off to a near perfect start at the club. Having endured fairly uninspiring football from the likes of Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte, the Lilywhites are now one of the most interesting sides to watch in the Premier League.

The summer transfer window certainly left them in an interesting position, and without Harry Kane, you worried about them. Yet, after four games, only Manchester City have won more points than their ten, having even defeated Manchester United along the way.

Now, they are set to strengthen further, despite the transfer window slamming shut earlier this month, with a centre-back coming through the doors of Hotspur Way.

What's the latest Spurs transfer news?

james-maddison-tottenham-hotpsur-ange-postecoglou-sarr-rodrigo-bentancur-injury

Losing Kane for a reported £105m to Bayern Munich in the summer, Spurs have invested their money well, welcoming the likes of Micky van de Ven, Brennan Johnson and standout player James Maddison, who already has four goal involvements in five games for the club in all competitions.

Among all the positives, though, Postecoglou actually suffered a late blow to his squad depth when Davinson Sanchez lef the club to join Galatasaray after the closure of the English transfer window, leaving Spurs short on defensive options. But it appears that's not the only out-of-window business, as Postecoglou now looks to the future.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are "on the verge" of signing the Croatian centre-back Luka Vusković on a five-year deal, fending off interest from five other clubs in the process. The 16-year-old will reportedly make the move from Hajduk Split when he turns 18 in two years, giving him plenty of time to develop even further.

Romano said: "Tottenham are on the verge of signing Croatian CB top talent Luka Vusković! After top project for his development, Vusković only wants Spurs — despite interest from 5 more top clubs. Personal terms agreed, clubs finalising paperwork. Here we go."

Who is Luka Vuskovic?

At 16, Vuskovic stands at 6 foot 4 and could still have room to grow even more, potentially making him a dominant central defender. Despite his age, the Croatian has already made 11 first-team appearances for Hajduk Split, even scoring one goal, and making the bench twice this season.

Given that he is being trusted to feature for the first-team before he's even 18-years-old, it certainly seems as though Spurs have got themselves one to watch for the future.

From the Lilywhites' perspective, they'll be hoping to get a player ready to play a part in their squad once he turns 18, and completes the move once and for all. For now, though, they'll be well aware that he is still very much in the early stages of his career, and gaining first-team experience at Split is more important than ever.

Securing the central defender once again shows how much Spurs have improved off the pitch in such a short space of time. Reportedly beating five other clubs to Vuskovic's signature, the Croatian's arrival represents a major coup for the future.

Crystal Palace: Hodgson Keen To Sign "Amazing" £55k-p/w Machine

In the search for more defensive reinforcements, Crystal Palace are exploring the chance of signing a player from a fellow London club…

What’s the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?

According to the Daily Mail, the Eagles have 'shown an interest' in signing Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu this summer.

However, given Jurrien Timber’s devastating ACL injury, the right-back could be set for a more prominent role in the squad.

Would Takehiro Tomiyasu be a good signing for Crystal Palace?

Tomiyasu joined Arsenal in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of £16m.

Upon his arrival, Mikel Arteta was extremely satisfied with the signing and said:

“Takehiro is a strong defender with good experience in Serie A and at international level. He’s a versatile defender with great defensive qualities, high technical ability and composure on the ball. He will be an important member of our squad.”

Since then, the 32-cap international has accumulated 55 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners. In his debut year in the English capital, Tomiyasu made 20 Premier League starts, averaging 1.7 tackles per game, completing 60% of his dribbles, and winning 55% of his duels.

However, the £55k-per-week titan’s progress has been hampered by injury issues, having missed 23 games in two years due to separate knee and calf problems.

Tomiyasu is still highly regarded in the Arsenal dressing room, with teammate Ben White saying:

“Tomi is amazing. He’s always focused, it’s an honour to play next to him.

“Tomi does the simple things at a world-class level. He is very alert and he isn’t careless in games.”

White’s comments are supported by Tomiyasu’s quality in the defensive and offensive thirds. The former is showcased by his rank in the best 11% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for tackles per 90, interceptions per 90, and aerials won per 90.

The Japan "warrior" – as he was once lauded by former teammate Mitchell Dijks – has also displayed he is technical and comfortable on the ball, sitting within the highest 1% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes per 90, as well as the best 21% for pass completion per 90 and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

Takehiro-Tomiyasu-Crystal-Palace

Ironically, the 24-year-old was sent off against Palace in Arsenal’s tense 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park on Monday evening, but given the evidence above, he could be an incredibly useful asset for Roy Hodgson and could potentially form an eye-catching partnership on the right with Michael Olise.

The winger had been expected to join Chelsea, who looked to set to activate his £35m release clause, but Olise opted to sign a new £80k-per-week contract at Palace, keeping him at the club for another four years.

The joyous technician is of insurmountable importance to the South London outfit, as last term, he was the first Palace player to register 10 or more assists in a single top-flight campaign and became the youngster ever Premier League player to record three assists from open play in one match. As a result, he was named the club’s Players’ Player of the Season.

Given Tomiyasu’s defensive solidity and Olise’s attacking exuberance, they could be a highly effective combination.

Ellie Roebuck to Barcelona? Door opens for Lionesses star as goalkeeper Sandra Panos announces exit amid WSL and NWSL interest

Barcelona's Sandra Panos has announced she will leave the club at the end of the season, possibly opening the door for England star Ellie Roebuck.

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  • Panos to leave Barca this summer
  • Club reported to want Lioness Roebuck
  • Panos has interest in England, U.S. and more
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    It has been rumoured for some time that Panos would depart Barca in the summer when her contract expires and the 31-year-old confirmed as much on Friday. It follows reports in the January transfer window that the club were interested in signing Manchester City and England goalkeeper Roebuck, who is also set to become a free agent in a few months' time. The 24-year-old hasn't made a single appearance for her club this season after losing her starting spot to teenager Khiara Keating.

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  • WHAT PANOS SAID

    In a message to Barca fans on social media, Panos wrote: "I want to tell you that this will be my last season at FC Barcelona. After nine years defending the goal of the best team in the world, the time has come to end this stage.

    "There have been many games and countless moments since I arrived at Barcelona in the summer of 2015. Here I have fulfilled dreams, and beyond the titles, filling the Camp Nou, and being one of the captains, I feel very grateful and privileged for what we have built together during this time. For me, the legacy we can leave to future generations goes beyond sporting success, and the social transformation of which this club has been a part makes me very proud.

    "I know that when it is my turn to look back I will do so with the satisfaction and conviction of having given everything for this crest. Barca is and will always be my home, and the people who have been part of it are also my sporting family. We will have time to say goodbye as we deserve, and to thank all the wonderful people who have crossed paths and helped me in the most important stage of my life. Until then, I will continue to work to the maximum to help the team to keep winning, with the ambition and determination that we are so identified with. Let's enjoy these last few months together and fight for the titles that remain."

  • Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Clubs across the world had been put on alert by the rumours of Panos' departure in the last few months, with reporting in November that there was interest in her services from teams in Spain, England, the US and Mexico. She is unlikely to be the only player to leave Barca this summer, too. Several stars are out of contract at the club, including England star Lucy Bronze, while Asisat Oshoala left earlier this week to join Bay FC in the NWSL.

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  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Panos has won 15 major honours in her time with Barca so far, including two European titles. After the Catalans' first triumph in 2021, she was named the Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season.

Ireland clinch thrilling consolatory win against Afghanistan

Ireland clinched their first win of the tournament but in their last attempt of the group stage, when they beat Afghanistan by only four runs in Whangarei

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jan-2018ICC/Getty Images

Ireland clinched their first win of the tournament but in their last attempt of the group stage, when they beat Afghanistan by only four runs in Whangarei. Afghanistan needed 10 runs from the last two overs and only seven from the last but they had only two wickets in hand and were bowled out with four balls to spare. Max Neville started the last over with a no-ball and wide to reduce the equation to five required from six but he removed the last wicket of Qais Ahmad to steal a thrilling win.Chasing 226, Afghanistan could not get any big partnerships going. After losing two wickets for 47 runs by the 11th over, No. 3 Bahir Shah top-scored with 34 and took them close to 100 but handed a return catch to Varun Chopra. Offspinner Harry Tector troubled their middle order with the next three strikes, including the wicket of Tariq Stanikzai (33 off 24) that left Afghanistan on 155 for 6. Captain Naveen-ul-Haq scored 25 off 35 to rally the tail but his was the eighth wicket to fall, at 196. Afghanistan needed 30 from the last seven overs and the pair of Ahmad and Mujeeb took them close but could not finish things off.Earlier, Ireland were troubled by the duo of Wafadar and Ahmad as both took three-wicket hauls. Ireland started slow and were 69 for 2 before Ahmad’s legbreaks accounted for the next three wickets, including opener Jamie Grassi (32), Sam Murphy (2) and Neil Rock (35). Tector, the captain, scored a patient 36 before Wafadar sent the next three batsmen back to leave Ireland on 202 for 8. An unbeaten and quickfire 37 off 24 from Graham Kennedy led Ireland to 225 for 8, proving just about enough in the end.

Mitchell Marsh steers Western Australia to JLT Cup title

The allrounder and Western Australia captain, slammed an unbeaten 80 to drive his side to a six-wicket win in the final against South Australia in Hobart

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-2017
ScorecardThe victorious Western Australia team with the trophy•Getty Images

Western Australia captain Mitchell Marsh led his state to a comfortable victory over South Australia to lift the domestic limited overs trophy at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Saturday.South Australia made a swift start after winning the toss, but the loss of regular wickets limited their chances of posting the sort of totals that had allowed them to beat Western Australia in the qualifying rounds and Victoria in the elimination final.Western Australia, who had been unbeaten before the SA loss, were then able to reel them in with 38 balls to spare, largely due to the efforts of Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Bancroft, the sometime-Test opening contender, but now a free-scoring gloveman.While Mitchell Marsh was named Man of the Match, at a time when his recovery from shoulder surgery rules him out of bowling and by extension an Ashes berth, it was his brother Shaun Marsh who was named Man of the Tournament for a string of outstanding displays at the top of the batting order.South Asutralia had started fluently through a first-over boundary from Alex Carey, but the early dismissals of the wicketkeeper and dual tournament centurion Jake Weatherald set a pattern. South Australia scored freely but lost regular wickets, which meant the later acceleration typical of their bigger totals was instead a steady stand between Tom Cooper and Cameron Valente followed by a late rush of wickets.Their new-ball bowling had been another feature of their progress, but after Michael Klinger fell early and Shaun Marsh had not fired from the start, Mitchell Marsh and Bancroft missed scarcely a beat in bringing the target under control. Long touted as a future leader by his coach Justin Langer, Mitchell Marsh has aced his very first exam as state captain.

ICC launches corruption probe in Sri Lanka

The ICC has confirmed its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has opened an investigation in Sri Lanka, less than 48 hours after 40 top cricketers petitioned Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to launch an inquiry into corruption allegations.On Friday, SLC confirmed it had received a letter signed by national players, including captains Dinesh Chandimal and Upul Tharanga, urging the board to probe the “baseless allegations” the players claim were made by former cricketer and selector Pramodya Wickramasinghe. The board, however, stopped short of stating it would launch the probe, and merely recounted the current players’ dismay at having their integrity questioned. But the ICC itself has now publicly established ACU officers have recently visited Sri Lanka in relation to an investigation.”The ICC Anti-Corruption Unit works to uphold integrity in cricket and this includes conducting investigations where there are reasonable grounds to do so,” Alex Marshall, the ICC’s General Manager – ACU, said. “There is currently an ACU investigation underway in Sri Lanka. Naturally, as part of this, we are talking to a number of people.”There have been rumours in Sri Lanka about the nature of play in a particular international match for several weeks, but no evidence of any sort has been produced, or even pointed to.And while some present cricketers claim Wickramasinghe made wild allegations against them, Wickramasinghe himself has more recently suggested that he was only making note of allegations that were already in circulation.Nevertheless, Wickramasinghe has been cast as the source of these allegations. SLC said the players had expressed “profound shock and displeasure at a former national cricketer and selector making such serious allegations,” and that SLC should “initiate an immediate inquiry by summoning Wickramasinghe in fairness to their good names that have been slandered by such diabolic [] allegations.”Whatever the case, it is uncommon for the ICC to comment on ongoing ACU investigations as they have on this occasion.

Chelsea Keeping Tabs on 22 y/o Talent Who Could Be Salah 2.0

Chelsea have brought in a couple of big-name signings so far this window, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku undoubtedly bolstering their attack, but at least one more new forward could be en route to Stamford Bridge.

Who have Chelsea signed recently?

Confirmation of Nkunku's arrival from RB Leipzig had long been expected when it finally arrived last month, with that swiftly followed by the arrival of Jackson from Villarreal.

Kai Havertz and Mason Mount have both departed since the end of last season, however, while David Datro Fofana has been loaned to Hertha Berlin and Joao Felix has returned to parent club Atletico Madrid.

New head coach Mauricio Pochettino could therefore do with another player who can play in the forward line, and 90min suggests that man could be Egyptian winger Ibrahim Adel.

The Blues are said to be keeping tabs on Adel, who plies his trade for Egyptian side Pyramids, but a number of other Premier League clubs – Liverpool among them – may also be tempted to make a move.

Who is Egyptian winger Ibrahim Adel?

Adel had been relatively unknown given he has first four years in senior football in his homeland, but he is now on the radar of numerous elite clubs after being named Player of the Tournament at the recent Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations.

The versatile winger has scored 20 goals across 60 Egyptian Premier League appearances in the past three seasons, giving him a nice rounded average of a goal every three games.

While that number may not exactly jump out, particularly given the level he is playing at, the 22-year-old showed at the U21 AFCON that he is one of the hottest talents outside of Europe.

Liverpool winger Mo Salah.

Comparisons with Mohamed Salah may seem lazy, but there is more to them beyond the fact they are both simply Egyptian.

Indeed, Salah was not much younger than Adel when making his first appearance in one of Europe's top five leagues with Chelsea at the age of 21.

Salah made 36 appearances in his homeland for Al Mokawloon prior to joining Basel and then Chelsea, scoring 11 goals. That tally highlights that a player's goal return early in their career cannot be a sole indicator of what is to come.

Adel, who at 5 foot 10 is an inch taller than Salah, has already been capped four times by his country at senior level and has played alongside the Liverpool superstar.

Pyramids director of football Mahmoud Fathallah previously described Adel as a "huge talent for [the club] and for Egyptian football", but it remains to be seen how long the African side can keep hold of their prized asset.

With a history of signing emerging Egyptian talent in Salah – albeit from a European side, rather than directly from Al Mokawloon – Chelsea could be about to do so again.

Unlike with Salah, the Blues will just be hoping it is they who reap the rewards should that happen, rather than one of their domestic rivals.

Faheem scorches Pakistan to incredible warm-up win

An outrageous half-century from Faheem Ashraf took Pakistan to a victory that, even by their standards, must rate as one of the most improbable in their history.

George Dobell at Edgbaston27-May-2017Pakistan 342 for 8 (Shoaib 72, Faheem 64*) beat Bangladesh 341 for 9 (Tamim 102, Junaid 4-72) by two wickets
ScorecardShoaib Malik’s 72 kept Pakistan in the game before an astonishing finale•Getty ImagesAn outrageous half-century from Faheem Ashraf took Pakistan to a victory that, even by their standards, must rate as one of the most improbable in their history.Fahee, playing his first innings in a Pakistan shirt, thrashed 60 in 34 balls to turn this Champions Trophy warm-up match against Bangladesh on its head. Coming in at No. 9, he helped add 93 in 41 balls for the ninth wicket to take his side to an unlikely victory and make an all-but-undeniable claim for selection in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy side.Sadly for Faheem, this match will barely rate a footnote in the record books. With both sides able to utilise substitutes and Edgbaston sporting a remarkably short boundary towards the Pershore Road side of the ground (it measured just 42 metres, or 47 yards) in an effort to ensure the best surfaces were protected for more important matches, the game will not even be regarded as a List A encounter.But let nobody say this innings came in a soft or contrived manner. At various stages, Pakistan had looked doomed to a fourth one-day defeat in succession against Bangladesh – Bangladesh won the last series between the sides, in April 2015, 3-0 – as they subsided to 168 for 5, 227 for 6 and, in the 42nd over, 242 for 7.That meant they required exactly 100 from the final eight-and-a-half overs. But Faheem, who thinks of his seam bowling as his stronger suit, struck four sixes – none of them over the short boundary – and four fours to take his side over the line.He launched the assault by taking 19 off an untidy over from Mehedi Miraz, followed it with 16 off one from Mashrafe Mortaza and, with 13 required from the last, eased his side’s nerves with a vast pull for six from the first ball of the final over over the longest boundary in the ground.While it was his straight hitting that was most impressive – think of Darren Sammy at his best – it was noticeable that, when Bangladesh dropped short in an attempt to push him onto the back foot, he pulled with powerful assurance. It was, by any standards, a wonderfully persuasive performance by a man pushing for an international debut.Perhaps, had Mustafizur Rahman been playing – he was rested – things might have been different. Taskin Ahmed seemed to tire noticeably as the innings progressed and Shakib Al Hasan did not bowl his whole allocation of overs. But such was Faheem’s power that the Bangladesh bowlers’ ploy of making him hit towards the long boundary was negated and even the experience of Mortaza could find no answer for his clean hitting down the ground.Maybe we should suspend judgement on Faheem. This was a warm-up game, after all, without the large crowds or media scrutiny of a tournament match. But if he replicates anything like this in the game against India a week tomorrow – and it is hard to see how he could be left out of a Pakistan side that has been looking for a seam-bowling all-rounder since what seems the dawn of time – a star really will have been born.There was one other major caveat to this performance. The Bangladesh fielding was, at times, really quite appalling. At least five potential catches were dropped – including Faheem in the final over, allowing him to run three – and one important stumping was missed.Coming on the heels of a match against New Zealand where Bangladesh won despite dropping four chances it underlined the impression that their fielding is a major area of concern going into the Champions Trophy. As Imrul Kayes put it afterwards with a lovely hint of understatement: “I think we need a few more fielding sessions… That’s why we lost the match.”The shame of that is that, for a vast chunk of this game, Bangladesh were the better side. With Tamim Iqbal slamming a century, they set a total that we may well come to think of as something around par in a tournament that looks set to be hugely enjoyable for batsman and a complete nightmare for bowlers.After a relatively cautious start (he scored only 8 from his first 17 balls), Tamim thrashed 43 from his next 22 as he made full use of the short boundary and any width offered by Pakistan’s seamers. Imrul added a run-a-ball 61, Mushfiqur Rahim a typically pugnacious 46 and Mahmudullah and Mosaddek Hossain some impetus towards the end of the innings.With Mohammad Amir rested, Pakistan’s attack offered plenty of pace but no obvious control. Junaid Khan was taken for 25 in one over, Mushfiqur struck Imad Wasim for successive sixes and Wahab Riaz, who cannot be assured of his place in the side, was as mercurial as ever. While Hasan Ali, who could be the unfortunate man to make way for Amir’s return now that Faheem has made such a strong case for selection, leg-spinner Shahdab Khan and Faheem offered a little more control, this was a tough target for a Pakistan side who have made 340 in an ODI only once – and that against Zimbabwe – since the 2015 World Cup.And, for much of their innings, it seemed they had no chance of reaching it. Azhar Ali and Babar Azam both perished poking at balls outside off stump before Ahmed Shahzad’s promising innings was ended by a beauty from Shakib Al Hasan that gripped just a little and took his off bail. While Shoaib Malik, who was dropped on 8, and Mohammad Hafeez added 79 in 12.3 overs for the fourth-wicket to provide some hope, when they went and Sarfraz Ahmed soon followed, it seemed their chances departed with them.But Imad, who survived a stumping chance on 39, kept the chase alive before Faheem delivered his knock-out blow in partnership with Hasan.Insisting he was expecting to force his way into the side before the first match of the tournament – he was a non-playing member of the limited-overs team in the Caribbean – Faheem said he produced such innings “a lot” in first-class cricket – though a List A average of 15.52 with one half-century underlined that his shorter-format batting record is modest – and thanked his captain and coach for “their belief in me.””It’s the first innings I’ve played for Pakistan,” he said. “In first-class cricket I’ve played a lot of innings like that, but that’s the first one in one-day cricket. On one side, the boundary was very small. But they were bowling in good areas and we thought we would hit straight down the ground. I have an ability to hit straight.”He sure does. And while few will recall the details of such a warm-up game in a couple of weeks, his promise might mean that a Pakistan side seen as rank outsiders go into the tournament with hopes just a little higher.

Younis firm on retiring after WI Tests

While clarifying a previous statement which left open the possibility that he could extend his career if the team needs him, Younis said he would retire even if he “scores a hundred in every innings of every match against West Indies”

Umar Farooq23-Apr-2017Pakistan batsman Younis Khan remains firm about his intent to retire from international cricket at the end of the ongoing three-Test series against West Indies. In a clarification of a previous statement which left open the possibility that he could extend his career if his team needs him, Younis said that he will retire even if he scores “a hundred in every innings of every match against West Indies”.Younis’ statement around the possibility of reconsidering his retirement raised a number of eyebrows in Pakistan, a country familiar with difficult and prolonged retirements; only two weeks ago he had announced his decision to end his career.”A lot has been said about my retirement from cricket that maybe Younis wants to keep on playing Test cricket which is absolutely not true,” Younis said in a video message released on the second day of the first Test in Kingston. “I had announced my retirement with a plan, with honour after thinking and according to my wish.”The question that was asked to me, what my answer was and what version went out, I don’t want to go in detail. Younis Khan will retire even if he scores a hundred in every innings of every match against West Indies. Please don’t doubt Younis Khan’s credibility and support Pakistan. Pray for Younis Khan and for Pakistan that we can win a Test series for the very first time in West Indies.”

Younis sets the record straight on retirement

Posted by ESPNcricinfo on Saturday, April 22, 2017

Younis, 39, had announced his decision to retire from international cricket on April 8. At the time, when asked if he would reconsider his decision if asked to return by the PCB or fans, he said: “This will be a u-turn and then people will call me u-turn. But the country is always first and we can do anything for Pakistan. I am not saying that I want to captain but I don’t want to make a u-turn. I am for Pakistan and Pakistan is everything for me.”His retirements from T20 internationals and ODIs have not been without some drama. In 2009, he announced his intent to retire from T20 internationals moments after leading the side to the World T20 title. But a year later, he played three T20I matches in New Zealand, after which he was never selected for the format.He announced his retirement from ODIs on the morning of the start of a four-ODI series against England in the UAE in November 2015 and walked away after playing the first match. He had been recalled to the side after losing his place following a disappointing performance in the 2015 World Cup, and had been vocal in his criticism of the selectors in the wake of his axing.With Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq set to retire at the end of the series, Pakistan’s selection committee is looking to induct youngsters in the side with the intention of building a new team after the exits of the senior batsmen. The team’s next assignment is a series against Bangladesh and Pakistan’s chief selector, Inzamam-ul-Haq was known to be keen to move on beyond Misbah and Younis after the Caribbean tour

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