أكد عادل مصطفي، المدرب المساعد للنادي الأهلي، أهمية تحقيق الفريق الفوز على الزمالك، في مباراة القمة، التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم الإثنين، في مشوار الفريق ببطولة الدوري.
وانتصر الأهلي على الزمالك، بهدفين مقابل هدف، في اللقاء الذي أقيم ضمن منافسات الجولة التاسعة من عمر مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
وقال مصطفي خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “أبارك لكل جماهير الأهلي كانوا منتظرين الفوز، واستطاعنا إسعادهم، واللاعبون يحاولون تقديم أقصى شيء لديهم، ولا يوجد اي أحد قصر منذ أول يوم عملنا”.
وأضاف: “قدمنا مباراة كبيرة وبمكسب وأداء، لم نحقق شيء بعد وما زال الدوري طويلا، هذه المباراة لها طعم آخر عند جماهير القطبين”.
وواصل: “السيناريو الذي كنا نعمل عليه الأسبوع بالكامل تقريبا حدث، لاعبو الزمالك كواليتي محترم، بداية المباراة كانت لصالح الزمالك بعد ذلك المباراة تحولت لنا”.
طالع | أشرف قاسم: لاعب الزمالك باع نفسه أمام الأهلي.. ومستقبل حسين الشحات سيتغير
وأكمل: “توقيت ضربة الجزاء لم نكن موفقين فيه، ولكن يحسب للاعبين أنهم كانوا متماسكين، وتحدثنا بين الشوطين مع اللاعبين أن يتحلوا بالهدوء”.
وأردف: “مباراة الزمالك بالنسبة لي أهميتها أن اللاعبين تعود لهم الثقة في أنفسهم، يجب أن نفوز بكل مبارايتنا ولا ننظر لأحد، كان مهم تحقيق المكسب”.
واستمر: “كانت مباراة مهمة للاعبين ويستحقون الفوز، كانت توجد بعض الأشياء البدنية تعطلنا بعض الشيء ومع توالي المباريات اللاعبين سيدخلون في الأجواء وهذا بدأ من المباراتين الماضيتين”.
واستكمل: “شرف كبير جدًا لي أن أعود لبيتي مرة أخرى، وأشكر إدارة زد أنهم وافقوا أنني أخرج في وقت حرج وأشكرهم على دعمهم لي”.
واختتم: “حسين الشحات لاعب كبير وبعدما أعلن التشكيل، ذهبت له وقلت له من الممكن أن تكون نجم المباراة حتى إن لم تبدأ المباراة، وربنا كرمه وهو لاعب كبير، دائمًا أراهن عليه ودائمًا يصنع الفارق”.
وساهم حسين الشحات بشكل كبير في فوز الأهلي على الزمالك، حيث منذ دخوله كبديل في الشوط الثاني سجل هدف التعادل وتحصل على ركلة جزاء جاء منها الهدف الثاني.
A week on from the start of the new Premier League season and Arsenal finally look ready for the challenge ahead.
It had been a slow pre-season for the Gunners but a 3-0 win over Bilbao has calmed the nerves, particularly after Viktor Gyokeres opened his account in the red and white.
A series of matches both on foreign soil and at the Emirates Stadium had left supporters feeling frustrated at a lack of change, but they got change on Saturday where the forward line certainly looked more potent.
Kai Havertz even got on the scoresheet, presenting Mikel Arteta with a dilemma over who to pick at centre forward next weekend when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Before then, Arteta and Andrea Berta may hope to get another signing across the line.
Arsenal's transfer plans before September 1st
With Noni Madueke and Gyokeres signed, Arsenal have ticked off two of their biggest priorities this summer: sign some backup and competition for Bukayo Saka, and sign a new striker.
Book PL Hospitality
Secure your matchday experience with Seat Unique.
Buy Premium Now
However, there’s a lingering feeling that the Gunners need more in their forward line.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard went goalless through pre-season and question marks are being raised again about the quality of the options on the left-hand side of Arsenal’s attack.
As a result, Eberechi Eze’s name is once again doing the rounds and according to one report, a deal now looks closer than ever.
That’s according to Football Transfers who report this weekend that Eze is ‘closing in’ on a move to the Emirates.
Financial terms have already been agreed between Arsenal and Palace with Arteta’s side set to pay a total fee of £55m to Palace for the England star, with £30m set to come upfront. That’s lower than Eze’s reported £68m release clause.
Talks over the structure of the remainder of the instalments are ongoing but it’s not thought as though that will be a major sticking point.
Why Eze could be Arsenal's new Emile Smith Rowe
Let’s cast our minds back to the early years of Arteta’s reign in London. The years are 2021 and 2022 and it’s safe to say that it’s not entirely rose for the Spaniard.
However, Saka and Smith Rowe (you know how the song goes) came along and acted as the club’s saviours.
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
The latter may have only scored four senior goals in 2020/21 but came alive in 2021/22, scoring ten times in 33 league outings for the club.
A product of Hale End, he was adored by Arsenal fans and his crafty, clever skills won hearts from all corners of the Emirates.
We all know how it ended for the England international with his injury woes ultimately seeing him join Fulham last summer, but he certainly has similar attributes to Eze.
Not only can both players feature from the left wing, but they’re also excellent attacking midfielders who are capable of scoring goals. In 2024/25, Eze netted 14 in all competitions, with eight goals coming from 34 Premier League appearances.
To really rubberstamp the similarities, we’ve compared how Eze performed last season with Smith Rowe’s best term at Arsenal.
Goals
0.47
0.28
Assists
0.09
0.28
Shots
1.88
3.47
Key passes
1.41
2.01
Progressive passes
3.99
3.37
Shot-creating actions
3.15
4.69
Progressive carries
3.05
2.40
Successful take-ons
1.50
2.33
Carries into final 3rd
2.07
1.67
As far as the numbers are concerned, there are some notable differences during their peak seasons so far in English football.
Smith Rowe looked like the more prolific goalscorer while Eze, who is a “magician” in the words of Micah Richards, was more creative.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
Ultimately, though, they share the same sort of style. They like to carry possession, beat their marker and influence play from similar zones in the final third of the pitch.
Smith Rowe captivated Arsenal fans with his running style and ability to glide past players. Eze shares that trait and would no doubt become a quick fan favourite if he traded Selhurst Park for the Emirates.
Readers like you help support FootballFanCast. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
Arteta's next Rice: Arsenal hoping to sign "phenomenal" £104m talent
Arsenal may yet add another central midfielder to their ranks.
A Manchester United forward, who Michael Carrick described as “terrific”, is now heading for the exit door, as a new club have agreed a transfer fee, according to a report.
Man Utd's attacking rebuild underway
There were many reasons behind Man United’s extremely disappointing 2024-25 campaign, but their attack was one of the most glaring issues, scoring just 44 goals all season in the Premier League.
Consequently, it is no surprise Ruben Amorim has set out to strengthen his forward line as a priority, having already sealed deals for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, and the next task for recruitment chiefs will be to bring in a new striker.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now revealed United have two main options in mind at centre-forward, saying: “Ollie Watkins has options and Aston Villa are looking at their options too – there is a real chance that he could leave Villa Park this summer, and Man United like him a lot – he is seen as a very good fit.”
Aston Villa's OllieWatkinscelebrates
“Sesko is ongoing too – United, though, are working on this situation. Could it be Watkins or Sesko? United certainly believe so,”
However, considering the Red Devils are well-known to be treading a fine line PSR-wise, there will also have to be some outgoings this summer, and they are now close to sealing a deal to sell one of their forwards.
That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which states a deal is now in place to sell Jadon Sancho to Juventus for £15m, and the winger has already agreed personal terms with the Italian club.
Man Utd present offer to agents of "phenomenal" £78m star, talks ongoing
The Red Devils are vying to sign a centre-forward, and they are currently in direct negotiations with his entourage.
5
By
Dominic Lund
Jul 29, 2025
However, the deal is currently on pause, with Juventus looking to offload Timothy Weah and Nico Gonzalez, while they could also look to move on Dušan Vlahović before fully turning their attentions to Sancho.
Some final details also need to be finalised, such as bonuses, and the player himself is now growing impatient, as he is keen to seal a move to the Serie A side.
Sancho needs to move on this summer
Despite once being described as “terrific” by Michael Carrick, the English winger has never really managed to make an impact at United, and he clearly didn’t do enough to impress Enzo Maresca last season, with Chelsea paying a £5m penalty to avoid signing him.
Chelsea's JadonSanchocelebrates scoring their first goal
As such, a move abroad could be ideal for the £25-year-old, given that his best years were spent outside England, picking up a combined 34 goals and assists for Borussia Dortmund in the 2019-20 Bundesliga season.
It is disappointing that Man United are only set to recoup £15m for Sancho, but he clearly has no future at Old Trafford, and there is every indication that Cunha and Mbeumo could be real upgrades.
Como head coach Cesc Fabregas urged patience after his side were held to a late 1-1 draw against Genoa, stressing that his squad are still young and developing. Despite Alvaro Morata and Sergi Roberto being the only experienced winners, the Spaniard believes the project is on the right path as Como look to continue their climb up Serie A.
Como concede late in frustrating Genoa draw
Fabregas’ men were seconds away from a valuable win before Caleb Ekuban’s 92nd-minute equaliser denied them all three points in the third round of Serie A. Nico Paz had earlier lit up the match with a stunning strike from outside the box, giving Como the lead after just 13 minutes. The Blue and Whites defended bravely and created several chances, but the task grew harder when Jacob Ramon was sent off in the 88th minute. Reduced to 10 men, Como were unable to hold on, and inexperience showed in stoppage time as Genoa snatched a share of the spoils. The result leaves Como with four points from their opening three fixtures, having beaten Lazio, lost narrowly to Bologna, and now drawn against Genoa.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
A young Como squad still learning at the top level
The former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder was quick to remind supporters and critics alike that his squad remains "one of the youngest in Serie A". Many players are still in their early years as professionals, while several returned late from international duty, disrupting early preparations.
Como are only in their second campaign back in the Italian top flight after a 21-year exile that saw them plummet as low as Serie D. Since the Indonesian Djarum Group’s takeover in 2019, the club have rebuilt impressively and finished 10th in the top-flight last season, but Fabregas insists the process will take time before they can compete with established sides like Napoli, Inter and Juventus.
What Cesc Fabregas said about his team’s growth
Speaking to after the game, the 38-year-old highlighted both the positives and the reality check of the late draw.
“We're a team that had 12 players in the national team who returned a bit late. And I remind you, lest some forget, that we're a young team. There are many players in their first or second season as professionals . It's not easy, so I'm very patient, even though I see their attitude and their quality every day. We're not there yet, like Napoli, who have players who have already won and are experienced. We only have Morata and Sergi Roberto, who have already won.”
He added: “We wonder why we don't do everything well, but we have to stay very calm because in football everything takes a long time. Last season, we did a lot of things well in the first half but didn't get any points, while in the second half we did very well.”
The Spaniard, who was previously linked in the summer with jobs at Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig and even Inter, continues to stress that Como’s project is built for long-term stability rather than short-term success.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images Sport
What’s next for Como and Fabregas in Serie A
The Lariani side currently sit ninth in Serie A, a solid start for a club still adjusting to life back in the top flight. Next up is a tricky clash against Fiorentina, where Fabregas will hope his young squad can build resilience and bounce back from consecutive dropped points.
Alyssa Healy is racing the clock to play in Australia’s looming ODIs against India after being ruled out of the remainder of the WBBL with a knee injury.Sydney Sixers on Saturday said Australia’s captain would not play for them again this tournament, after picking up an injury in her left knee. Australia’s three-match ODI series starts four days after the WBBL final, leaving Healy in significant doubt for international duties.Related
Healy ruled out of India series, Voll in line for Australia debut
Healy opens up on injury: 'Probably took the wrong risk'
'Just go all out': Rodrigues looks to Australian mindset
Healy did not keep in Sixers’ last-start loss against Brisbane Heat because of body management, and had entered the tournament with a foot injury that ended her T20 World Cup early. Australia host India in three ODIs, before travelling to New Zealand over Christmas for three more one-dayers.It’s understood Healy will be assessed in the next fortnight ahead of those two series, with a squad to be announced next weekend.The injury is not believed to be serious enough to have her in any current doubt for the multi-format Ashes, which begin with an ODI at North Sydney on January 12.Healy had warned on her return from her foot injury that she may need to be managed through the summer.”There are higher powers sitting above that are quite vocal in what can and can’t happen, which I completely understand,” Healy said earlier this month. “Being skipper as well is a fairly big role for me. I want to be available for as much of the summer as I can.”I’ve hardly played a game for the Sixers for the past two seasons, and it’s a place I really enjoy playing cricket. I want to be available for every game that I possibly can, but the reality is that might not be the case.”It’s going to be managing the pain, function and what I can and can’t do [all summer]. How I pull up from games is going to be really important as well.”Healy’s injury comes as a serious blow to Sixers, who face the prospect of needing to win their last three matches to make the WBBL finals.If Healy does miss international matches, Tahlia McGrath would be expected to deputise as captain again after doing so in the World Cup.
In an unexpected move, Manchester City have now reportedly emerged as contenders to sign a young Chelsea starlet who Enzo Maresca is keen to keep hold of.
Man City in talks to sell Ederson
It looks set to be the late show at the Etihad this month as Pep Guardiola aims to strengthen his side one final time in the summer transfer window. That show is unlikely to go on without sacrifice, however, and whilst names such as Gianluigi Donnarumma have emerged on City’s radar, it looks as though Ederson could be heading for the exit door.
Ederson will go down as one of the most important signings of the Guardiola era, but his time now looks as though it’s coming to an end. Whether there’s time for all of the parts to move into place for the Brazilian to become a Galatasaray player and Donnarumma to join Manchester City remains to be seen, however.
Guardiola had his say on the future of both Ederson and winger Savinho in the build-up to the Wolverhampton Wanderers game – saying: “Ederson didn’t come to me and said he wanted to leave or he has an offer. All the players here are our players and I want them. What’s going to happen in three weeks, nobody knows.”
Man City in talks to sell "incredible" star in key step towards Donnarumma
The Citizens could enjoy quite the domino effect.
ByTom Cunningham Aug 16, 2025
Of course, the Donnarumma and Ederson saga isn’t the only one to watch, either. Manchester City have also reportedly set their sights on an unexpected move to deal Chelsea a frustrating blow this summer.
Man City interested in Acheampong
As reported by The Guardian, Manchester City are now surprise contenders to sign Josh Acheampong from Chelsea, although Enzo Maresca is keen to keep hold of the young defender.
Of course, there have been plenty who have featured for both clubs in the past, with Mateo Kovavic and Marcus Betinelli the most recent examples. But Chelsea will be keen to ensure that Acheampong doesn’t follow suit. In a packed dressing room, there’s still a place for the 19-year-old right-back who has already earned the praise of Maresca.
Chelsea's Tyrique George celebrates scoring their third goal withJoshAcheampong
The Chelsea boss told reporters: “But the one that I fell in love with is Josh Acheampong because for me potentially he can be fantastic player, a top player for this club, and for football in general.
“A good player shows you they can play in different position and do good. He was a full back, good, midfielder, good, central defender, good, so it’s not about ‘I play in that position or in that position’ — if you are a good player you can be in different positions.”
What will be music to Maresca’s ears is that Acheampong is under contract until 2029, which should leave those at Stamford Bridge in a strong position to keep hold of their versatile gem.
Unsurprisingly, given their immense success, Chelsea have been blessed with some utterly sensational players over the last two decades.
The likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba all cemented themselves as club and Premier League legends in the 2000s and early 2010s.
Then, after them, came another crop of world-class title-winners, with perhaps two of the most entertaining being Cesc Fàbregas and Eden Hazard.
Both players were absolute magicians with a football, and so fans should be excited about reports linking Chelsea to someone who has shades of both in his game.
Chelsea target international with shades of Cesc & Hazard
It’s been a brilliant summer for Chelsea so far this year, as on top of their successes on the pitch, the Blues have been efficient and intelligent with their transfers off of it.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
BlueCo have sold incredibly well so far, and brought in players who should be able to make a real difference for Enzo Maresca this season, like Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato.
However, with the window still open for another two weeks, the West Londoners appear intent on making at least one more addition to the team and are targeting a player who reminds us a little of Fabregas and Hazard.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescabefore the start of the second half
At least that is according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has confirmed that Chelsea are still incredibly keen on Xavi Simons.
The Italian journalist has revealed that the Blues are still in talks and “working on the deal with Leipzig,” but have yet to reach an agreement with the German outfit.
Romano doesn’t mention how much the Dutchman is likely to cost the West Londoners, but stories from earlier this summer claim that the Bundesliga side want around £61m for him.
So, while it could still be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, Simons has proven he’d be worth the effort for Chelsea, especially as there are shades of Fabregas and Hazard in his game.
How Simons compares to Fabregas and Hazard
At their peak, both Fabregas and Hazard were near enough unplayable at times for Chelsea, and so even though fans should not expect Simons to be at that level from the word go, we don’t see a reason why he couldn’t get there, especially as there are some evident similarities between his game and theirs.
Starting with the Spaniard, the most apparent element of his game that we see in the Dutchman is his vision.
At times, the former Arsenal star was a conductor from the middle of the park, seeing passes before anyone else and playing balls in behind that opposition defences could do little about other than watch on.
This is something the former PSV Eindhoven gem can do as well, as, according to FBref, he sat in the top 1% of midfielders in the Bundesliga last season for through balls, the top 2% for passes into the penalty area and the top 5% for shot-creating actions stemming from live passes, all per 90.
In other words, the 22-year-old magician was incredible at passing the ball into dangerous areas for his teammates to exploit, which helps to support one analyst’s bold claim that he’s “one of the best 10s in the world.”
However, the Amsterdam-born dynamo is not just a creator, as he’s just as much of a goal threat, which is one of the traits he shares with Hazard, who left the Blues with a strong record of 110 goals in 352 games.
For example, despite playing just 33 games for Leipzig last season, Simons managed to score 11 goals to go along with his eight assists, which works out to a goal every three games – not a million miles off the Belgian’s rate of return for the Pensioners.
Appearances
33
Minutes
2763′
Goals
11
Assists
8
Goal Involvements per Match
0.57
Minutes per Goal Involvement
145.42′
Moreover, while the La Masia graduate can play in the middle of the park, he’s also more than comfortable playing out on the left, where he can really demonstrate another trait he shares with the former Real Madrid ace: his close control.
We can see this by once again looking at FBref, as they ranked him in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga last season for carries into the final third and the top 8% for fouls drawn, both per 90.
These numbers help to show that he’s not only elite at dragging the ball up the pitch and into dangerous areas, but that opposition defenders struggle to get it off him without committing a foul.
Ultimately, while it might take him some time to reach the levels of Fabregas or Hazard, Simons looks to be on his way, and therefore, Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign him as soon as possible.
26-year-old star holds talks to join Chelsea alongside Simons and Garnacho
Após a vitória na Libertadores diante do Cerro Porteño por 2 a 1 na noite da última quinta-feira (20), o Palmeiras treinou nesta manhã, na Academia de Futebol, iniciando a preparação para o duelo deste domingo (23) contra o Vasco, às 16h, no Maracanã, pela segunda rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. O treinamento marcou o retorno de Mayke, recuperado de lesão.
> ANÁLISE: Especialista, Palmeiras não precisa ser sempre o ‘time da virada’
O lateral-direito está recuperado de uma entorse no tornozelo direito e iniciou o processo de transição física. O jogador participou de parte dos trabalhos técnicos de troca de passes, enfrentamentos de ataque contra defesa e finalizações no gramado. Enquanto isso, os atletas que foram titulares contra o Cerro seguiram cronograma de atividades regenerativas na parte interna do centro de excelência.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasNBARevelação do Palmeiras, Endrick curte NBA e é fã de Ja MorantNBA21/04/2023PalmeirasANÁLISE: Especialista, Palmeiras não precisa ser sempre o ‘time da virada’Palmeiras21/04/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras supera número de gols sofridos da fase de grupos da Libertadores 2022Palmeiras21/04/2023
Mayke se juntou a Bruno Tabata como mais um jogador do Verdão em transição, aumentando as expectativas do técnico Abel Ferreira de diminuir a sua lista de desfalques. Lembrando que o uruguaio Piquerez já passou por esse processo e foi opção para o treinador português no banco de reservas na última quinta.
Com isso, a provável escalação do Palmeiras para enfrentar o Vasco é: Weverton, Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gúmez, Murilo, Vanderlan, Gabriel Menino, Zé Rafael, Dudu, Artur, Jhon Jhon (Endrick) e Flaco López.
> Palmeiras supera número de gols sofridos da fase de grupos da Libertadores 2022
O Verdão volta a treinar neste sábado (22), às 10h, na Academia de Futebol. Vale ressaltar que esta será a primeira vez Palmeiras e Vasco se enfrentam no Maracanã neste século. A última vez foi em 2000, pela partida de ida das finais do Torneio Rio-São Paulo. Na ocasião, o Alviverde venceu por 3 a 1, e confirmou o título no Morumbi com goleando o Cruzmaltino por 4 a 0.
Lamine Yamal has revealed how he convinced his parents to back his dream of football stardom at Barcelona instead of studying for a degree.
Yamal planned on studying for degreeRealised he wasn't 'cut out' for itUpset his mother by giving up on schoolFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Yamal was famously studying for his school exams after he had already established himself as a first-team regular at Barcelona and a star for Spain, even finding out his results during La Roja's journey to Euro 2024 success. The 18-year-old had initially planned on taking on a university course alongside his playing career, but opted to focus on his performances.
AdvertisementadidasWHAT YAMAL SAID
Speaking on Jose Ramon de la Morena’s podcast, the 18-year-old confessed: "One day I called my mom and said: 'Mom, I'm going to go to school, but I'm not going to do anything. I'm going to get ready for training this afternoon.' And she replied: 'What have you taken?' I said: 'If I focus, I'll be a soccer player.' She yelled at me every day, but she finally understood. I don't recommend this to anyone, but it was my dream, and I achieved it.
"I would have liked to study a degree, but I'm not cut out for it. I told my parents: 'If you depend on me for work, we're screwed. But if I become a footballer, don't worry, because I'm going to be a footballer.'"
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Barca wonderkid also opened up about his difficult upbringing and life-changing journey to football stardom, revealing the sacrifices he made as a child and the important role his mother played in keeping him grounded.
"I came from an apartment where the kitchen and bedroom were in the same place," he said. "I see my mother happy, I see that my brother can have the childhood I would have wanted, and that's what makes me happiest.
"For me, [my mother is] my queen; she's what I love most."
His new fame has made some things in life difficult, though, as he added: "It’s changed my life in every way. Before, I could do whatever I wanted: I could go out for drinks with my friends, but now I can’t. I remember the preseason this summer in Korea, Japan, China – it was impossible to go anywhere… but I’m happy."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFPWHAT NEXT?
With the possibility of becoming one of the youngest-ever Ballon d’Or winners, Yamal’s focus remains on football, but his story is also about the broader meaning of success and ensuring a better life for his loved ones. Barcelona, meanwhile, must manage both his footballing development and the immense external pressures that come with being a teenage global superstar, and the continuing of-field noise around him. Barca is set to face Valencia on Sept 14.
The two players had come out of international retirement to play the T20 World Cup in 2024
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Dec-2024
Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim first unretired and have now re-retired pretty much together•AFP/Getty Images
Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who had both reversed their decisions to retire from international cricket to play the T20 World Cup earlier this year, have re-retired between yesterday and today. Imad said “this chapter comes to an end” on Friday, followed by Amir making public his “difficult decision” on Saturday.
Both Imad and Amir were picked in the Pakistan side for the T20 World Cup, that was played in the USA and the Caribbean in June, and their last appearances for Pakistan were in the same game, a group-stage fixture against Ireland in Lauderhill on June 16.Pakistan failed to make it out of the group stage at the tournament, which was won by India, but both Imad and Amir performed decently. Amir was Pakistan’s joint-highest wicket-taker, along with Haris Rauf, with seven wickets from four bowling innings, and had an economy rate of 4.50. Imad didn’t do much with the bat – 19 runs at a strike rate of 65.51 – but picked up three wickets and had an economy rate of 4.00.Both bowling allrounder Imad and quick bowler Amir are in demand in the franchise T20 (and T10) circuits. Most recently, they were in action at the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, where Imad’s Morrisville Samp Army were the losing finalists, while Amir’s New York Strikers failed to make the playoffs.