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Cricket South Africa has appointed auditing firm KPMG to conduct an investigation into their financial affairs. The inquiry comes after the CSA board agreed it would not challenge a court order to reinstate president Mtutuzeli Nyoka, who insisted on a full, forensic audit, at a meeting in Johannesburg on May 4.Ishmael Semenya, a lawyer on CSA’s legal and governance committee, was tasked with appointing the external auditors at that meeting. He took almost three weeks to decide on which of the country’s four big auditing companies would have the responsibility of conducting the investigation. It is understood that disagreements between board members led to the delay in appointing KPMG.The firm’s mandate will be “to investigate and report on the payment of bonuses, travel expenses, related expenditure and fringe benefits paid to CSA staff members in connection with the IPL and Champions Trophy hosted in 2009,” Semenya told ESPNcricinfo. The investigation will start immediately and Semenya is hopeful the findings will be ready in four weeks.The audit is the culmination of a long battle between Nyoka and chief executive Gerald Majola, which has centered around finances. CSA awarded R4.7 million (US$671,428) in bonuses to 40 staff members in 2009, which were not declared through the body’s remunerations committee (REMCO). Insiders said this was keeping with precedents set during the hosting of the 2003 World Cup and the 2007 World Twenty20. Nyoka wanted these payments and details of how CSA spent money in an account to the value of R84.6 million (US$12,085,714) scrutinised by external auditors.CSA instead held an internal inquiry, chaired by vice-president AK Khan, because it believed it had not exhausted its own procedure. The investigation cleared Majola of any wrongdoing, saying he had made “an error of judgement” in not declaring the payments through REMCO and ordered him to pay back an amount of R28,168 (US$4024) which was used for travel for his children.Following the inquiry, in February this year, the board passed a vote of no confidence against Nyoka, removing him as their president. Nyoka challenged the decision in the South Gauteng High Court, where it was found that his removal was unlawful and that he should be reinstated and his demands for an external audit met. On the same day as the judgement, CSA issued a release stating its intention to appeal the decision.They backtracked on that statement on May 4 at a board meeting in which Majola and Nyoka reconciled “with the best interests of cricket in mind.” At the time, it appeared that the South African Sports and Olympic Committee would conduct the external inquiry, but it has since been decided that KPMG will be tasked with the investigation.

Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lanka captain, took heart from his team’s performance to reach the final of the World Cup but described the defeat to India in Mumbai as “hugely disappointing”

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Apr-2011Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lanka captain, took heart from his team’s performance to reach the final of the World Cup but described the defeat to India in Mumbai as “hugely disappointing”. It was Sri Lanka’s third defeat – starting with the World Cup in the West Indies, followed by the World Twenty20 in England – in a global tournament final since 2007 and Sangakkara regretted not grabbing what he said was a “once in a lifetime opportunity.””It is hugely disappointing but satisfying as well in a strange sense because we understand the magnitude of what we’ve done to get here,” Sangakkara said. “We can be proud of the way we played our cricket. We tried exceptionally hard to win games, but today unfortunately we couldn’t convert.”Sri Lanka had the upper hand after Mahela Jayawardene scored a sublime century to take them to 274 and Lasith Malinga struck early to remove the Indian openers. There had been confusion during the toss, which had to redone after, as Sangakkara claimed, Dhoni thought his counterpart had called incorrectly, while the others weren’t able to hear the call. Sangakkara won the second toss but said the score his team managed after batting first wasn’t adequate given the depth of the Indian batting line-up. “Batting first and putting those runs up on the board was never enough the way the Indians batted,” he said. “Their batting is unbelievable. They probably have the best top seven in ODI cricket.”Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni struck match-winning 90s to get India’s chase on track after those two early setbacks, and Sangakkara admitted his bowlers didn’t apply enough pressure. “After we got the first two wickets, we weren’t really tight enough with our bowling. We bowled quite a few loose balls and Gambhir and Kohli made us pay for that. MS really stuck it out there and saw through the tough periods. Once they matched and then went past the asking-rate, it was very difficult to pull them back.The World Cup eluded Kumar Sangakkara’s team in a gripping final•Getty Images”It was a great pitch, it lasted throughout. It turned a little in the middle part of the innings but the Indians are great players of spin. We didn’t bother them too much today apart from Malinga’s two wickets at the start.”Dhoni’s calm leadership under pressure has come in for praise this tournament and Sangakkara joined in. “Dhoni has been the epitome of captain cool. He’s intelligent, very smart in the way he does things.”It’s a combination of various factors that has helped them win in different conditions. We also have played very well against them, but playing at home they took that inspiration that one step further.”Sangakkara also lauded Jayawardene for helping Sri Lanka overcome a slow start and set a challenging target. It was the first time a batsman ended up on the losing side in a World Cup final after scoring a century. “It was an exceptional innings. He made this wonderful stage his own. He really showed us what he is capable of and what a classy player he is. He got us to where we reached, otherwise we were looking at a total of 240-250.”It doesn’t matter how often you play each other. It is the World Cup final. You need to do something special. We had that in Jayawardene and they had that in Gambhir and Dhoni. They were one step ahead of us.”Sangakkara also acknowledged the contribution of Trevor Bayliss, the Sri Lanka coach, who will be stepping down. “Trevor grounded us very well. A lot of old-fashioned hard work, a lot of common sense. He’s a man of few words but what he does say really counts. He’s been one of our most successful coaches.”

The ICC has published on its website an edited and encrypted 102-page version of the independent tribunal’s verdict in the spot-fixing case but barred it to readers in England and Wales

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Feb-2011The ICC has published on its website an edited and encrypted 102-page version of the final determination of the independent tribunal that handed out its verdict on February 5 after the spot-fixing hearings in Doha. However, in light of the Crown Prosecution Service’s recent decision to pursue criminal charges against the three banned players – Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif – the judgement will not be available to readers in England and Wales.To others, the version available online is in a read-only format and will be available for a period of only seven days.”It is the ICC’s intention to be as transparent an organisation as is feasible and to publish all its reports and findings for the benefit of stakeholders,” ICC chief Haroon Lorgat said. “Publishing the full written determination of the tribunal is clearly in the best interest of cricket.” The tribunal, too, had recommended a full disclosure However, their hands have been forced by legal considerations.The determination came with a clear warning, prohibiting the publication or dissemination of the determination within England and Wales. It also laid out that any attempt to access it from within England and Wales would be deemed unlawful, and could invite legal action.

Peter Chingoka, Zimbabwe Cricket’s long-standing and controversial chairman, has been appointed by the ICC as one of its Pakistan Task Team, originally constituted to assist with the country’s return to staging home Tests and now expanded to “help the Pakistan Cricket Board to carry out any reforms which may be deemed necessary to restore confidence in the administration of the game in Pakistan”.His appointment at a time his own position at the helm of Cricket Zimbabwe is under increasing pressure comes despite his own board having been the subject of a major ICC investigation a few years ago. In 2008 an independent audit commissioned by the ICC highlighted “serious financial irregularities” within the board of which Chingoka was head.While Zimbabwe are taking major strides on their own rehabilitation into the international community, much of the credit for that is given to Ozias Bvute, official the board’s chief executive but increasingly the face of the board.”He is not exactly a shining example of how to run an administration,” said one former colleague and Zimbabwe board member. “Given all that’s happened on his watch it would be hard to find someone less likely to advise another board on how best to run their affairs.”Chingoka remains banned from entering the European Community because of what the authorities claim to be his links to the Mugabe regime, and he was recently identified by the new British government as being the major obstacle to a return of cricketing relations with Zimbabwe.

Abdul Razzaq has urged Pakistan to work towards removing the uncertainty players feel over their place in the team because such an atmosphere is counterproductive to their success

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Nov-2010Shortly after playing the “greatest innings” of his career, Pakistan allrounder Abdul Razzaq has urged the team management and administration to work towards removing the uncertainty players feel over their place in the team because such an atmosphere is counterproductive to Pakistan’s success. Razzaq, who blitzed 109 off 72 balls to wrench the second ODI from South Africa’s grasp in Abu Dhabi, said he too felt insecure about his spot in the side and that Pakistan had failed to maximise his potential over the years.”I always play the match as if it is my last,” Razzaq said. “If players have this constant fear hanging over them that they will fail and then be dropped then they will never be able to perform properly. Even I felt that if I didn’t do anything in this game I would be dropped. This threat has to be removed from the team because it is not productive.”Those guys who don’t perform for a couple of matches, they shouldn’t be dropped so quickly. They need to be encouraged and their morale needs to be boosted.”Razzaq launched his breathtaking assault against South Africa from No. 7 in the line-up, a position at which he’s batted 81 times in his 245-ODI career. The remainder of his innings, however, has been spread over every position, from opener to No. 11. He’s also not been a regular member of the ODI side, despite his match-turning potential, and was exiled for two years for his association with the unofficial Indian Cricket League.”I think my talent has not been properly utilised both in batting and bowling, especially, my batting spot has never been permanent,” Razzaq said. “I don’t think I have been utilised properly over the last five or six years as a batsman.”Sunday’s performance against South Africa was Razzaq’s first fifty-plus score in over four years and his first century since September 2004. It was the third time in 2010, however, that Razzaq pulled off victory for Pakistan. In the previous two instances, he scored 46 off 18 balls in a Twenty20 international against England in Dubai, and 44 off 20 balls in an ODI at Lord’s.Razzaq hoped his century against South Africa would lift Pakistan cricket, which is reeling from spot-fixing allegations and poor on-field performances. “Every time there is a controversy or we lose one or two matches, people start to write us off, which is wrong,” Razzaq said. “I would request the fans to please keep faith in us so that we can lift ourselves.”The ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa is level at 1-1 ahead of the third match on Tuesday in Dubai.

This is part of The Transfer Tavern’s Talking Tactics series, where we analyse two changes the manager should make in their upcoming fixture.

The Lowdown: Spurs return to action…

Tottenham take on Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round today after a near-two week hiatus as Antonio Conte’s side look to kick off February with a win.

Lilywhites supporters will be hoping that their side’s arguably lack-lustre January transfer window, in which the Lilywhites fell short of delivering Conte’s alleged demand of three major signings, won’t came back to haunt them.

The two signings Spurs managed to get through the door, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus, are in fact available but Conte has confirmed neither will start.

Regardless, if the latter man does get to make his debut off the bench today, we believe Spurs could finally unearth an heir to former club favourite Christian Eriksen if Conte takes a gamble and deploys Kulusevski in an attacking midfield role.

Kulusevski…Eriksen 2.0?

The Sweden international is highly versatile and has played in a variety of positions across midfield, both out wide and through the middle (Transfermarkt).

Conte himself as raved over Kulusevski’s ability to slot in many different roles, including as a number nine or number 10, whilst also hinting he could be deployed as a wing-back (Twitter).

We believe, however, that the 21-year-old could come as the surprise heir to Eriksen and replicate his creativity in an attacking midfield role.

While Conte hasn’t really chosen to use a 3-4-1-2 at Spurs, today could be the perfect time to revisit that tactic with Kulusevski’s arrival, especially considering the player himself admitted in 2020 that he sees himself as a ‘trequartista behind the strikers’.

Indeed, he has been described in past seasons as an ‘athletic phenomenon’ and ‘advanced playmaker’ with ‘above average intelligence and decision making’ in the final third by Football Talent Scout Jack Kulig.

As well as this, during his best season in Serie A for ex-club Parma over 2019/2020, the attacker averaged a brilliant 2.2 key passes and 2.1 completed dribbles per 90 according to WhoScored.

These numbers somewhat replicate that of Eriksen’s best years in north London, and taking this into account, a Conte gamble with Kulusevski as a 10 could end up being a huge win.

Lucas Moura…a RWB ‘monster’?

While Conte has hinted the Scandinavian could play right-wing-back after Tottenham missed out on Adama Traore for that specific role, we believe Spurs’ boss has actually had the perfect solution all along in Lucas Moura.

The Italian is clearly looking for a threatening outlet for Spurs in that area, as evident by transfer chief Fabio Paratici wanting Traore, who averaged a phenomenal 4.2 successful take-ons per 90 for ex-club Wolves in the Premier League (WhoScored).

This is a higher number than any of Conte’s current crop, but with current winger Lucas, Tottenham could also win the lottery with another gamble by trying him at RWB.

The Brazilian’s numbers in terms of completed dribbles, while not as impressive as Traore’s, still trump that of any Lilywhites man in the Premier League this season.

Indeed, Lucas has averaged a noteworthy 2.4 successful take-ons per match whilst also attracting the second-most fouls behind compatriot Emerson Royal (WhoScored).

The 29-year-old also ranks third in terms of shots at goal and key passes per 90 out of Spurs’ squad (WhoScored), highlighting his obvious threat.

Tottenham legend Graham Roberts has even endorsed him for this role before, and we believe Conte could certainly strike gold by utilising Lucas as a wing-back.

Leeds United playmaker Raphinha has even called Lucas a ‘monster’, coming as yet more evidence the South American potentially has what it takes for a makeshift new position.

In other news: ‘A question of when’…Source close to ENIC makes Spurs sale claim after what Levy has ‘said’, find out more here.

Benfica have told West Ham that Darwin Nunez could move to the east London club in the summer following David Moyes’ failed January pursuit, according to transfer insider Dean Jones (via GiveMeSport).

The Lowdown: Irons’ elusive hunt for a striker

Throughout last month, many Hammers fans were screaming for Moyes to bring in a striker, as Michail Antonio is the only recognised senior centre-forward at the club. Unsurprisingly, he is the club’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with eight goals.

However, he has a chequered injury history and, given the club’s failure to replace Sebastien Haller following his exit 12 months ago, it’s no wonder supporters may be worried that one injury to the Jamaica international could destroy any chances of securing a top-four finish and achieving Champions League qualification.

West Ham were linked with Benfica’s Nunez throughout the January transfer window, but their offer on deadline day for the player was rejected, according to Sky Sports. The Hammers were considering an improved offer, but the deal was too difficult to complete before the 11pm transfer deadline.

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The Latest: Nunez could join West Ham in the summer

According to transfer insider Jones, Benfica have told West Ham that they would be more open to a deal for Nunez in the summer, adding that the delay doesn’t solve the Irons’ urgent need for greater centre-forward depth.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he outlined: “Benfica basically said, ‘we’re not going to do the deal right now, come back in the summer’ and they might do that but it’s absolutely no help to them right now”.

The Verdict: Would be a huge signing

Sky Italy reported that West Ham offered £37.43m plus add-ons for Nunez, but this fell short of Benfica’s valuation. If the Hammers are to consistently compete for Champions League qualification, they will surely need to bring in players of the same calibre as the Uruguay marksman, with Nunez already proving his worth in the competition.

At just 22, the striker could be performing at the top level for the next decade, so West Ham should do all they can to try and secure his services in the summer after missing out on him last month.

In other news: This West Ham stalwart is ‘in talks’ over a new contract

As per TUTTOmercatoWEB, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij for this summer.

The Lowdown: Spurs target ex-Conte star…

The Lilywhites have been repeatedly linked with a move for de Vrij this summer as manager Antonio Conte reportedly earmarks the signing of a defender as a real Spurs transfer priority.

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Tottenham chief Fabio Paratici has been on the look-out for a central defensive option with the likes of Sven Botman and Alessandro Bastoni linked post-January, according to The Telegraph.

Since before the winter window though, Spurs have had de Vrij on their radar, with Football Insider claiming he is a ‘leading target’ for Conte.

The outlet claimed he was valued at around £40 million, but according to TMW, there has been a fresh update on de Vrij as his price now drops by over 50%.

The Latest: Tottenham want to back Conte…

According to their information, Tottenham want to back Conte with the signing of Inter’s colossal defender, as the Lilywhites ‘would like him in the squad for next season’.

They also claim the Nerazzurri will sell for around €20 million (£17m), less than half the price of his previously mooted £40m figure.

The Verdict: Get it done…

For just £17m, the signing of an accomplished Netherlands international and experienced figurehead of Conte’s 2020/2021 title-winning Inter side is surely a no-brainer.

His age (30) indicates he won’t be a long-term solution, but going by his quality, he could add some much-needed strength in depth alongside the likes of Cristian Romero and Eric Dier in Conte’s back-three.

De Vrij was a mainstay for Inter’s Scudetto winners last season, playing the sixth-most Serie A minutes out of their entire squad whilst also averaging the highest number of clearances per 90 in that time (2.9, WhoScored).

Journalist Dean Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport, believes de Vrij would be an ‘unbelievable signing’ for Spurs and news they want to back Conte with his addition should come as much to the ears of Spurs supporters.

In other news: Conte now eyeing £25.2m-rated ‘game-changer’ who Spurs once agreed personal terms for…find out more here.

Two wickets from seamer Charlie Shreck secured an early foothold forNottinghamshire on despite poor weather on day one of their CountyChampionship Division One clash with Durham

Jon Culley10-May-2010Durham 79 for 3 v Nottinghamshire
Scorecard
Durham twice beat Nottinghamshire by an innings last season and with Steve Harmison belatedly ready to begin his new campaign they might fancy themselves to knock the home side’s confidence a little after their blistering start.Unfortunately, the return to fitness of Harmison after his back trouble has coincided with the loss of Mark Davies, whose ankle injury makes him the 10th Durham player to be hurt with the season little more than a month old.Harmison’s well-being has to be taken slightly on trust. He barely bowled in Durham’s weather-hit match against Durham UCCE last week and sent down six fairly gentle overs in their Clydesdale Bank 40 defeat at Edgbaston on Sunday. There are question marks, too, over Liam Plunkett after he suffered a side injury against Yorkshire two weeks ago. Plunkett is expected to bowl but his county know he could face a long spell out if he breaks down again.In the meantime, they must give Harmison and company something to defend after a stop-start opening day reduced to 27.2 overs. The weather could not have been more frustrating after the forecast suggested a largely dry day. Morning drizzle persisted until early afternoon and then bad light forced more stoppages.Nottinghamshire look credible challengers in the battle to loosen Durham’s grip on the Championship. They have won their first three games and a victory over the title-holders would make them favourites to win their first crown in five years with most pundits outside Yorkshire. In the circumstances, it was probably to Durham’s relief that the weather intervened given that they lost three wickets in the first 12 overs after Nottinghamshire put them in.Darren Pattinson and Charlie Shreck exploited the overcast conditions effectively, although Kyle Coetzer could not blame swing or seam for his dismissal, driving Shreck confidently only for Paul Franks to take a superb catch at mid-off, diving forward and to his left.There was frustration for Pattinson when Mark Wagh dropped a catch at square leg as Michael di Venuto clipped the ball away in the air but the miss cost only six runs as the Australian’s drive was pouched by Samit Patel at gully.Shreck accounted for Will Smith, the Durham captain, whose hopes of a confidence-building score ended when he pushed tentatively at a ball outside off stump and was caught comfortably by Chris Read behind the stumps.From 36-3, Durham recovered to 79 without further loss at the premature close, although Ian Blackwell had an escape on 10 when he almost played on to Shreck. He and Dale Benkenstein now look critical to Durham’s prospects if they are to dampen Nottinghamshire’s fire.

Both teams have only an outside chance of making the semi-finals, but Kolkata’s prospects are slimmer than Rajasthan’s

The Preview by George Binoy16-Apr-2010 Match factsShane Warne’s team needs to produce a magical performance against Kolkata•Indian Premier League

Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals, Eden Gardens
Saturday, April 17
Start time 2000 (1430 GMT)Big PictureBoth teams have only an outside chance of making the semi-finals, but Kolkata’s prospects are slimmer than Rajasthan’s. The hosts have ten points, two games in hand and are in seventh place, while Rajasthan, presently sixth, have 12 with only one to play. Both teams have a negative net run-rate, which worsens their chances. The bottom line is Kolkata and Rajasthan need victory on Sunday to keep their campaigns alive. And even that may not be enough.If Kolkata win, they need to do so by a margin large enough to significantly improve the worst net run-rate of the tournament, and do an encore in their last league game. If they lose, their final match will be inconsequential.Rajasthan also need a large victory to push their net run-rate up towards zero, surpassing Deccan Chargers. And if they manage that, they need to hope Kings XI Punjab beat Chennai Super Kings on Sunday. Should Rajasthan lose to Kolkata, they will be out of the tournament.Form guide (most recent first)Kolkata – LLWLW
Rajasthan – LLWWL
Team talkKolkata’s four overseas players in the nine-wicket defeat in Chennai were Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, Angelo Matthews and David Hussey. And yet they managed to score only 139. Three of them, though, will retain their spots while Hussey could make way for either Shane Bond or Ajantha Mendis.Rajasthan will not change key personnel. They just need Michael Lumb, Shane Watson and Yusuf Pathan to fire because it’s their batting that hasn’t come good. Their bowlers have defended anything over 150. Previously…Rajasthan 4 Kolkata 1
When these two teams met in Ahmedabad, Rajasthan managed 168 after winning the toss. A Kolkata without Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum struggled during the chase and were restricted to 134 for 5.In the spotlightGayle and Ganguly: In their last two partnerships at Eden Gardens, Gayle and Sourav Ganguly have added 94 and 56 for the first wicket. They both fell cheaply in Chennai, and they will want to give Kolkata another rousing start to get the crowd going.Shane Warne: He has 11 wickets at an average of 32 and an economy-rate of 7.68. But Rajasthan need more than just Warne the bowler to perform on Saturday. They need him at his galvanizing best, cajoling and inspiring his charges into raising their performance to levels never reached before. Nothing less will give Rajasthan a hope of making the final four.Prime numbers and trivia Yusuf began his IPL with a 37-ball 100 against Mumbai and later blitzed 73 against Deccan. In his other 11 innings, however, Yusuf has been poor, scoring only 152 runs in 11 innings.Despite the dip in form, Yusuf has hit 24 sixes this season, the second most after Robin Uthappa, who has hit 25. Gayle’s 16 is the most for Kolkata.Sourav Ganguly is Kolkata’s highest run-scorer, with 376 runs in 12 innings. His strike-rate of 112, however, is the lowest for any batsmen with over 200 runs this season.The chatter”We can still get in if Deccan only win one of two games, or lose both. And Chennai lose, and we beat Kolkata Saturday night.”

“The tournament is springing surprises everyday and a few games have produced results to keep us alive. But we need to do this on our own steam, win matches with our own ability.”
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