Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Murphy replaces Lyon in Australia squad, Cummins out of rest of Ashes series

    Murphy replaces Lyon in Australia squad, Cummins out of rest of Ashes series

    In a significant reshuffling of their championship squad, Cricket Australia has announced major roster changes ahead of the final Ashes Tests. Spinner Todd Murphy has been called up to replace the injured Nathan Lyon, while captain Pat Cummins will sit out the remainder of the series to manage his back injury.

    The changes come despite Australia’s decisive victory in the third Test at Adelaide, where they clinched the series 82 runs against England to retain the Ashes. Lyon’s hamstring injury, sustained during Sunday’s match, has ruled him out for the remainder of the competition, creating an opportunity for Murphy, long considered Lyon’s natural successor.

    Steve Smith returns to captaincy duties despite missing the third Test due to vertigo. Smith, who previously led the side during the first two Tests in Cummins’ absence, will resume leadership responsibilities for the upcoming matches.

    Coach Andrew McDonald explained the strategic decision regarding Cummins at a Melbourne Cricket Ground press conference: “Pat won’t play any part in the rest of the series. We were taking on some risk with him, and we’ve now won the series—that was the goal. To position him for further risk and jeopardize his long-term fitness is not something we want to do.”

    The bowling attack will likely see Brendan Doggett or Michael Neser replacing Cummins, who delivered an impressive six-for-117 performance in Adelaide. Additionally, Jhye Richardson has been called into the squad following strong domestic form after shoulder surgery rehabilitation.

    Murphy, 25, brings considerable experience with seven Tests since his 2023 debut in India. The selection panel faces strategic decisions regarding spin options, with all-rounder Beau Webster providing part-time off-spin alternatives.

    McDonald expressed confidence in Murphy’s readiness: “Todd’s been an important part of key overseas series. He played in the last Ashes back in 2023, and we feel Todd’s back to his best.”

    Meanwhile, veteran spinner Lyon underwent surgery Tuesday for his hamstring injury. McDonald described the 38-year-old as “devastated” but already focused on returning for Australia’s 2027 tour of India.

    Top-order batsman Usman Khawaja retains his squad position despite briefly being dropped for the Adelaide Test, only to be recalled when Smith was ruled out minutes before play.

    The revised Australian squad for remaining Tests: Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

  • Key to probe England’s excessive drinking on Ashes beach break

    Key to probe England’s excessive drinking on Ashes beach break

    England’s cricket leadership has launched an internal review into allegations of excessive alcohol consumption by players during their mid-series break in Australia. Managing Director Rob Key announced the probe Tuesday amid growing scrutiny over team conduct following their disappointing Ashes performance.

    The controversy emerged after England’s squad traveled to the Queensland coastal resort of Noosa following consecutive Test defeats in Perth and Brisbane. During their several-day stay, players were observed by media crews frequenting beachside establishments, with British newspapers reporting extended drinking sessions lasting five to six days.

    While Key acknowledged that initial reports indicated players were ‘very well behaved’ during the excursion, he emphasized that any evidence of excessive drinking would be treated seriously. ‘Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol for an international cricket team is not something that I’d expect to see at any stage,’ Key stated from Melbourne ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

    The managing director drew a clear distinction between reasonable relaxation and unacceptable behavior: ‘I have no issue with the Noosa trip if it was to get away and just throw your phone away, down tools, go on the beach. If it goes into where they’re drinking lots and it’s a stag-do, that’s completely unacceptable.’

    This incident follows previous alcohol-related concerns, with Key revealing he had previously addressed reports of players drinking before a limited-overs match in New Zealand shortly before the Ashes tour. Although those incidents didn’t warrant formal warnings, they prompted informal discussions about professional standards.

    The drinking allegations compound England’s on-field troubles, having surrendered the Ashes urn in just 11 playing days—their joint fastest defeat in over a century. Key maintained support for head coach Brendon McCullum despite the disappointing results, though both men’s positions ultimately depend on evaluation by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

    Reflecting on broader performance issues, Key admitted: ‘Clearly, we’ve mucked up on the big occasions. The big ones have eluded us… we have to evolve. We have to make sure that we’re doing things better.’ The investigation represents part of this ongoing evaluation process as English cricket seeks to address both performance and professionalism concerns.

  • Mbeumo & Wissa ‘inspiring’ – Ouattara

    Mbeumo & Wissa ‘inspiring’ – Ouattara

    Brentford’s record signing Dango Ouattara credits the club’s African stars for smoothing his transition to Premier League football, revealing how former players Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo inspired his promising start. The Burkina Faso international, who joined from Bournemouth for £42 million in August, has become the latest African talent to thrive with the Bees following the departures of Mbeumo to Manchester United and Wissa to Newcastle.

    Ouattara shared insights from his conversations with DR Congo forward Wissa, who emphasized Brentford’s unique player-focused environment. “I was fortunate to connect with him briefly, which proved beneficial,” Ouattara told BBC Sport Africa. “He highlighted the club’s supportive staff and their close relationships with players—something I’ve now experienced firsthand.”

    The 23-year-old winger has made an immediate impact at Brentford, scoring three goals and winning four penalties—the highest tally in the Premier League this season. His contributions have helped maintain the club’s competitive edge despite losing last season’s prolific duo. Wissa had delivered 19 goals and 4 assists before his £50 million move to Newcastle, while Mbeumo contributed 20 goals and 7 assists prior to his £65 million transfer to Manchester United.

    Ouattara particularly admires Wissa’s achievement of nearly 20 non-penalty goals last season: “Whether African or not, their performances inspire all strikers.”

    The transition period under new manager Keith Andrews has been smoother than many anticipated. Following Thomas Frank’s departure to Tottenham after seven successful years, Andrews has maintained team cohesion with his attentive approach. “He’s genuinely supportive,” Ouattara noted. “Even before I played, he was there for me—that meant a lot.”

    As Ouattara prepares for his third Africa Cup of Nations appearance with Burkina Faso, he acknowledges the leadership of captain Bertrand Traore. The Sunderland forward’s calm authority and selective communication have created a balanced squad dynamic. “He speaks when he has something positive to contribute,” Ouattara explained.

    Burkina Faso begins their Afcon campaign against Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, with potential knockout stage meetings against former Brentford teammates Mbeumo’s Cameroon and Frank Onyeka’s Nigeria.

  • From Major heartbreak to a sudden goodbye: Mito Pereira walks away from golf at just 30

    From Major heartbreak to a sudden goodbye: Mito Pereira walks away from golf at just 30

    In a move that has sent shockwaves through the professional golf community, Chilean athlete Mito Pereira has announced his immediate retirement from competitive play at just 30 years of age. The decision marks a dramatic conclusion to a career that once positioned Pereira on the brink of major championship glory.

    The announcement came via Pereira’s social media channels, where he published a bilingual statement in both Spanish and English. Rather than citing competitive reasons, Pereira emphasized personal evolution and a desire to return to his native Chile after years of relentless international travel. ‘After many years connected to this beautiful sport, priorities naturally evolve,’ he stated. ‘Today, my main desire is to step away from constant travel, return to Chile, and focus on my personal life.’

    Pereira’s career will be forever remembered for his dramatic collapse at the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills. Holding a three-shot lead entering the final round, he needed only a par on the 18th hole to secure victory. Instead, an aggressive tee shot found water, resulting in a double bogey that forced a playoff eventually won by Justin Thomas.

    Despite this setback, Pereira represented the International Team at the Presidents Cup and competed in the Tokyo Olympics later that year. He subsequently joined the LIV Golf League, where he earned over $11.5 million across three seasons despite inconsistent results. His final season saw him ranked 51st in the standings, triggering relegation from the league.

    Compounding his competitive challenges, Pereira suffered a broken collarbone in a bicycle accident that forced extended time away from competition. Those close to the golfer indicated he had reached a personal crossroads, ultimately leading to his decision to prioritize family and life beyond golf.

    Pereira’s retirement places him among other notable golfers who left the sport unexpectedly early, including Lorena Ochoa (retired at 28 while world No. 1) and Michelle Wie (stepped away in her early 30s due to chronic injuries). The Chilean star concluded his statement by expressing gratitude for golf’s role in his personal development while looking forward to his next chapter with ‘happiness, motivation, and peace.’

  • Arsenal faces backlash over partnership with Israeli-founded firm Deel

    Arsenal faces backlash over partnership with Israeli-founded firm Deel

    English football club Arsenal FC is confronting significant criticism from its supporter base and pro-Palestinian advocates following the announcement of a new multi-year partnership with Deel, an Israeli-founded human resources and payroll platform. The controversy highlights the increasing challenges sports franchises face when navigating geopolitical sensitivities in commercial decisions.

    The club formally revealed Deel as its Official HR Platform Partner on December 12th, but multiple industry reports indicate the company is positioned to become Arsenal’s shirt-sleeve sponsor beginning with the 2026-27 season. This development follows Arsenal’s November announcement that it would not renew its controversial £10 million per year sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda, which had drawn sustained criticism from human rights organizations and supporters over Rwanda’s alleged backing of militia groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The new partnership has sparked immediate backlash across social media platforms, with critics highlighting Deel’s Israeli origins and the public statements of its co-founder Alex Bouaziz. The entrepreneur has previously expressed support for Israel and Israeli reservists, with reports indicating that Bouaziz and other company executives have purchased clothing and supplies for Israeli soldiers. Many critics argue this alignment conflicts with Arsenal’s public commitments to equality and anti-racism initiatives.

    The controversy has additionally revived scrutiny of Arsenal’s December 2024 dismissal of long-serving kit manager Mark Bonnick over pro-Palestine social media posts. This juxtaposition has led some supporters to accuse the club of applying inconsistent standards to employee activism versus corporate partnerships.

    While some football business commentators, including former Everton CEO Keith Wyness, have praised the commercial logic of securing a financially comparable sponsor quickly, the overwhelming response from segments of Arsenal’s fanbase has been negative. Calls for merchandise boycotts have emerged alongside accusations that the club has replaced one problematic sponsorship with another equally contentious arrangement.

  • Why Mbappe had £1.3m ethics bonus in PSG contract

    Why Mbappe had £1.3m ethics bonus in PSG contract

    French football superstar Kylian Mbappé has secured a landmark legal victory against former club Paris Saint-Germain, with the Court of Arbitration ordering the Parisian club to pay €60 million in unpaid wages and bonuses. The most intriguing aspect of the ruling concerns €1.5 million designated as “ethics bonus” payments—a contractual element commonplace in French sports but largely unknown internationally.

    The ethics bonus system emerged as a creative solution to French labor laws that prohibit salary deductions for disciplinary reasons. Unlike English clubs that can fine players up to two weeks’ wages for misconduct, French teams structure contracts with base salaries supplemented by behavioral incentives. These bonuses effectively constitute the remainder of the player’s total compensation, subject to compliance with club conduct standards.

    Football finance expert Kieran Maguire explained: “Clubs are very keen to protect their image. They don’t want anybody going nuclear and criticizing the club, which means they implement good behavior clauses. We’ve seen similar structures with Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong regarding sponsor morals clauses.”

    Previous high-profile cases illustrate how these bonuses function in practice. In 2018, midfielder Marco Verratti had portions withheld after a drink-driving incident, while Hatem Ben Arfa lost his bonus for skipping PSG’s mid-season training camp in Qatar. Most recently, Lionel Messi faced sanctions for an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia.

    The concept gained notoriety when details of Neymar’s PSG contract revealed he received €541,680 monthly for demonstrating “courtesy, friendliness and availability to supporters,” alongside requirements to greet fans before and after matches and maintain professional conduct with sponsors and officials.

    Modern football contracts have evolved into complex financial instruments encompassing loyalty payments, image rights, performance bonuses, and Champions League participation incentives—often totaling 25-40% beyond base salaries. As Maguire noted: “The contract which used to be written on the back of a napkin is now an investment by a series of stakeholders.”

  • Man City in advanced talks with Bournemouth’s Semenyo

    Man City in advanced talks with Bournemouth’s Semenyo

    In a significant development in the January transfer market, Manchester City has positioned itself as the probable destination for Bournemouth’s dynamic forward Antoine Semenyo. The Premier League champions have made substantial progress in negotiations and now appear optimally placed to secure the services of the 25-year-old Ghana international.

    The pursuit of Semenyo has sparked considerable interest across England’s top football division, with four additional elite clubs—Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea—having initiated enquiries regarding the player’s availability. However, United has withdrawn from active contention anticipating Semenyo’s move to their cross-city rivals, while Chelsea has explicitly decided against pursuing a formal offer.

    Liverpool maintains peripheral interest but faces complications following Alexander Isak’s recent leg fracture, potentially accelerating their transfer strategy. Tottenham remains considered an outside contender for the signature despite previous engagement.

    Critical to the transfer dynamics is Semenyo’s £65 million release clause, strategically negotiated into his July contract extension with Bournemouth. This financial mechanism remains active exclusively during the initial ten days of January, with the valuation set to decrease slightly during the summer transfer window.

    Bournemouth’s management acknowledges their vulnerability in retaining their key asset and demonstrates willingness to negotiate with any club prepared to permit Semenyo to remain until the current season concludes.

    From the player’s perspective, financial considerations appear secondary to sporting ambitions. Well-informed sources indicate competing clubs have proposed remarkably similar remuneration packages. Semenyo’s decision-making process prioritizes long-term competitive prospects and trophy-winning potential, with familial considerations and geographical factors also influencing his choice.

    Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola addressed the speculation surrounding his player: ‘The situation remains beyond our control, but Antoine continues demonstrating professional commitment. While I unequivocally prefer retaining him, the transfer market’s unpredictability persists.’

    For Manchester City, acquiring Semenyo addresses Pep Guardiola’s strategic objective to reinforce the right attacking flank. The Ghanaian’s exceptional pace and direct offensive style would provide valuable tactical diversity as City challenges Arsenal across four competitive fronts.

    The potential arrival could precipitate departures from Etihad Stadium, with Savinho or Oscar Bobb potentially becoming transfer candidates to accommodate the new signing.

  • UAE: Sharjah Warriorz clinches dramatic four-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

    UAE: Sharjah Warriorz clinches dramatic four-wicket win over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

    In a nail-biting conclusion at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Warriorz secured a dramatic four-wicket triumph over Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on the final delivery of their DP World ILT20 Season 4 encounter. The victory propels Warriorz to six points with two matches remaining, intensifying the competition for playoff qualifications.

    The match unfolded as a tale of two distinct phases. Knight Riders faced catastrophic collapse early in their innings, plummeting to 10/4 within four overs due to devastating bowling from Taskin Ahmed and Wasim Akram. UAE national Wasim Akram made history by delivering the league’s first-ever maiden over by a local player. Despite Sherfane Rutherford’s resilient 44 off 36 balls and Unmukt Chand’s supporting 24, Adil Rashid’s three-wicket haul (3/18) restricted Knight Riders to a modest 134/9.

    Warriorz’s chase encountered early turbulence as Jason Holder and Ajay Kumar struck crucial blows. Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s 30 off 35 provided stability before James Rew’s unbeaten 42 off 29 balls emerged as the match-winning performance. Sikandar Raza contributed a vital 28 off 25, forming a 57-run partnership with Rew that proved decisive. The tension peaked when Warriorz required 12 runs from the final over, with Rew and Adil Rashid holding their nerve to secure victory on the ultimate delivery.

    Post-match, Player of the Match Adil Rashid acknowledged the pressure of bowling critical overs against world-class opponents. Knight Riders captain Jason Holder conceded his team’s insufficient total despite praising his bowlers’ fighting spirit, particularly highlighting Sunil Narine’s economical spell that nearly turned the match.

    The result significantly impacts the ILT20 standings, with Warriorz establishing themselves as serious playoff contenders while Knight Riders face increased pressure in their remaining fixtures.

  • I’m not retiring, I’m evolving – Kipchoge

    I’m not retiring, I’m evolving – Kipchoge

    In a definitive statement addressing his future in athletics, Kenyan marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge has proclaimed he is not stepping away from competition but rather entering a new phase of evolution. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder, who has secured every major honor in long-distance running, is now channeling his focus toward ambitious new objectives beyond personal accolades.

    Kipchoge’s remarkable career includes breaking the mythical two-hour barrier in an unofficial marathon and dominating major events like the Berlin and London Marathons. While he continues to train and compete at the elite level, his vision has expanded to include broader contributions to the sport. This strategic shift involves mentoring emerging athletes, promoting global running initiatives, and advocating for health and wellness through physical activity.

    The athlete’s statement signals a transformative period where his role transcends athletic performance to encompass ambassadorial and inspirational leadership. This evolution reflects a growing trend among veteran athletes who leverage their platform to create lasting impact beyond competition. Kipchoge’s approach demonstrates how sporting legends can redefine their careers while maintaining connection to their core discipline.

    His continued involvement in competitive running will now coexist with developmental projects aimed at strengthening athletics infrastructure in Kenya and internationally. This dual approach ensures his expertise benefits both future generations of runners and the broader sporting community, marking a new chapter in one of distance running’s most celebrated careers.

  • Thousands turn out in Kabul to cheer on Afghanistan’s traditional buzkashi equestrian games

    Thousands turn out in Kabul to cheer on Afghanistan’s traditional buzkashi equestrian games

    KABUL, Afghanistan — Amid clouds of dust stirred by thundering hooves, Afghanistan’s ancient equestrian tradition of buzkashi reached its dramatic climax in a national championship final. The northern province of Sar-e-Pul emerged victorious with a decisive 7-0 triumph over Badakhshan province in a match that showcased both athletic prowess and cultural preservation.

    The brutal yet captivating sport, once banned during the Taliban’s previous regime, now operates with official sanction despite maintaining its characteristically violent scrums. Modern adaptations include replacing the traditional goat carcass with an artificial equivalent—crafted from leather and rope, then stuffed with straw and weights to mimic the original’s heft and dimensions.

    Twelve riders per team demonstrated extraordinary equestrian skill, leaning perilously from their saddles to seize the simulated carcass and break away toward scoring zones. The tournament’s organization reflects evolving support structures, with corporate sponsorship from a gasoline company providing funding for substantial prizes including vehicles for the top four teams alongside traditional cups and medals.

    Attendance revealed both the sport’s popularity and societal constraints: thousands of male spectators packed the Kabul arena, with some scaling trees and electricity pylons for better views. Notably absent were women, excluded under current Taliban restrictions that formalize previously informal social conventions regarding female attendance at such events.

    The international dimension expanded this year with eight professional players from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan participating, according to Atal Mashwani, spokesman for Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports. The 11-day national league tournament, now in its eleventh edition, represents both cultural continuity and changing political realities in contemporary Afghanistan.