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Laura Forde, the wife of Wrexham star Anthony, has revealed how Ryan Reynolds helped her to escape the “living nightmare” that engulfed her family.

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Laura Forde diagnosed with brain tumourTold see may only have a matter of months to liveReynolds helped to get a second opinionWHAT HAPPENED?

Within days of welcoming son Paddy into the world, Laura Forde was informed that she had an inoperable brain tumour after going for a routine MRI scan. It was claimed that the tumour was malignant and that she may only have a matter of months to live. Wrexham co-owner Reynolds then helped Forde and his partner to get a second opinion, with another neurosurgeon delivering a more optimistic assessment following another biopsy – with it revealed six weeks later that the tumour was in fact benign and the initial diagnosis had been wrong.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT FORDE SAID

Laura Forde has told the of an emotional and scary period for all concerned: “We said then we didn't want to know how long. Paddy was four weeks old and I am being told basically that I may not see my son turn a year old. No word of a lie, I was planning my funeral as I was doing those night feeds. I was crying silently. It was a really low time. A living nightmare. It was a very low time. In the first few months after giving birth, a woman is severely all over the place hormonally, not to mind getting this landed on me. Emotionally, it was just a roller coaster. I was initially in shock and disbelief. I was in such a vulnerable place that I felt I should be happier about this. But I had just been through the worst seven weeks imaginable with my newborn baby. I have PTSD as a result. I am going to counselling. I am not ashamed to say that.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Fordes saw their story covered on the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series, with Anthony adding his voice to those singing the praise of Reynolds and his fellow co-chairman Rob McElhenney – who have committed fully to helping the local community on and off the field. Forde said: “They are such normal people and there is not a chance that they would do this for publicity. They don't need it. I remember saying to Ryan 'I can't thank you enough' and he said, 'People have helped me too.'”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR FORDE?

Forde took a much-needed break following his wife’s initial diagnosis, but returned to action in time to play an important role in Wrexham’s National League title-winning campaign. He has remained a regular in Phil Parkinson’s plans this season as the Red Dragons take aim at securing promotion into League One.

Ross Whiteley stole the show with six sixes in an over after David Willey’s thunderous hundred had taken Yorkshire to their second record Blast score in the week

ECB Reporters Network23-Jul-2017
Ross Whiteley struck six sixes in an over•Getty Images

Worcestershire’s Ross Whiteley hit six sixes in an over after David Willey had blasted a stunning career best 118 as Yorkshire won a high-scoring NatWest T20 Blast clash at Headingley.Willey sent records tumbling with a 55-ball assault as the Vikings, invited to bat, posted a county-best 233 for 6 from their 20 overs. Fellow left-hander Whiteley then hit novice left-arm spinner Karl Carver over the ropes six times in the 16th over, which included a wide.That took the score to 173 for 4, but he fell for 65 off 26 balls as the Rapids finished on 196 for 7, a 37-run defeat.Sheffield-born Whiteley becomes the sixth man to hit achieve the feat in world cricket, including Lancashire’s Jordan Clark, who did it in a second-team game against Yorkshire in 2013.Whiteley said: “It was the right time in the game for me to go for it. It was all or nothing. Unfortunately for the bowler it was a short boundary on the leg-side.”I had the mentality that I was going to go for it before I got in. I hit the first out of the screws and needed to keep going for the team, not for that achievement. It’s something I never really thought I’d do in professional cricket.”Personal milestone are great, but it’s hard to get away from the defeat. It’s pretty tough to take. We’ve lost four out of five and are right down at the bottom. Obviously we have to bounce back. There’s no reason why we can’t.”Yorkshire’s coach Andrew Gale had only sympathy for Carver, even criticising his captain – and brother-in-law – Tim Bresnan for bringing him on to bowl.”I blame poor captaincy for that,” he said. “He shouldn’t have bowled him at that part of the game. I felt for Karl, he’s got a good record in T20 cricket and he’ll bounce back. Ross nearly did it a few years back against us. It was good striking.”England limited-overs all-rounder Willey hit nine fours and eight sixes, helping to take 34 off John Hastings in the 17th over as he reached his second ton off 49 balls.It was Yorkshire’s record individual score and the highest in the Blast this season. It was also the highest by any team this season and their record score, beating 227 for 5 against Notts earlier this month.Yorkshire flew out of the blocks and rarely broke stride in an innings which was only briefly interrupted by rain.Alex Lees, in for ineligible former Worcester man Tom Kohler-Cadmore, hit an early straight six off Hastings onto the Football Stand roof before being bowled two balls later.Willey and Adam Lyth, whose 31 off 23 balls was Yorkshire’s next best score, then shared 81 in 6.2 overs for the second wicket before Willey and Jack Leaning later added 67 for the fifth wicket in 4.4 to advance from 148 for 4.Willey, fresh off 70 in Friday’s win over Birmingham here, fell in the 19th over when he was bowled trying to paddle Ed Barnard to third-man.The Rapids kept pace with Yorkshire in a rain-affected chase and were even ahead of Duckworth Lewis Stern for much of the Powerplay as Australian all-rounder John Hastings was promoted to open, but they lost Ben Cox to Azeem Rafiq with the last ball of the sixth over to put them behind again at 60 for 2 and eventually slipped to their fourth defeat in five North Group matches.Hastings hit Yorkshire captain Bresnan for two sixes and a four in the first over before falling in the third, caught at deep mid-wicket for 24.Clarke continued the blitz but lost Ben Cox caught at cover off an Azeem Rafiq full toss shortly before a half-hour rain break.They reached 102 for 2 after 10 overs before excellent Adil Rashid struck twice, including Clarke. Then came Whiteley, too late to affect the result, but entering the records in style all the same.

Liverpool are "speeding things up" in regard to signing Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram this summer, according to reliable journalist Rudy Galetti.

Is Thuram likely to join Liverpool?

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the Reds' primary midfield targets this summer, as Jurgen Klopp looks to make significant additions in the middle of the park.

Alexis Mac Allister was an early-summer arrival, in what looks like an exciting piece of business, while the club recently announced the arrival of Dominik Szoboszlai.

It could be that Thuram is seen as the third addition to bring in, which would be a huge transformation of Liverpool's midfield, with the £14,000-a-week Nice star enjoying an eye-catching 2022/23 season. He registered four assists and scored twice in Ligue 1 – while the Reds are not the only ones apparently interested.

While the Szoboszlai news has dominated the headlines in recent days, it looks as though Thuram could now return to the forefront of the Reds' thoughts, following a new update.

What's the latest on Thuram to Liverpool?

Taking to Twitter, Galetti claimed that Liverpool are now trying to make a move for Thuram happen quickly, with Newcastle United hovering ominously:

"Liverpool are speeding things up for Khephren Thuram. LFC want to close the gap with OGCNice soon to anticipate the competition of Newcastle, which are starting to move concretely for the player: evolving situation."

This is great news, with Thuram someone who could be a devastating addition to Liverpool's midfield, potentially adding something that was not there last season as the Reds missed out on Champions League qualification.

The 6 foot 4 Nice ace is a towering player with great physical attributes, but he is also technically strong, using the ball intelligently and with purpose, as seen in his 86.9% pass completion rate in the 2022/23 Ligue 1 campaign.

Nice teammate Aaron Ramsey has said that Thuram is "very dangerous, very powerful, a very strong dribbler of the ball", adding that he is "another player that can go all the way to the top", which says a lot about his ability.

If Liverpool could bring in Mac Allister (24), Szoboszlai (22) and Thuram (22), it would have to be considered a wonderful summer – completely rebuilding a problem area of the pitch and solving the issue for years to come, considering the ages of the players in question.

For the second time in three days, a batsman has been given out despite the bulk of his body having crossed the plane of the crease

Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Apr-2017For the second time in three days, a batsman has been given out despite the bulk of his body having crossed the plane of the crease.Dinesh Chandimal did initially ground his bat behind the crease as he sauntered in to complete a second run, in the 26th over, but he briefly raised it again as his body passed the line. His feet, however, did not touch the ground before the bails were dislodged.Collecting a good throw from deep point, wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim snapped the bails off and appealed – if without much conviction. The Bangladesh fielders had actually returned to their fielding positions while third umpire S Ravi reviewed the footage, but were ecstatic at having wangled an important wicket when the decision came through.It was only on Thursday that Evin Lewis was run out in similar circumstances in at T20 against Pakistan in the Port-of-Spain. On that occasion, however, a collision had seen Lewis lose grip of his bat, and had contributed to his inability to ground some part of his body.And the Chandimal run out was also the second such dismissal Bangladesh have effected this year, with Neil Wagner having been dismissed this way in a Test match in January. Wagner had also grounded his bat, then raised it before the stumps were broken.The run out rule is about to change, however. From October, a batsman who has grounded his bat behind the crease before the bails are broken, cannot be given out even if the bat is later raised (provided it is clear the batsman is not attempting another run). Neither Wagner or Chandimal would have been out under that rule.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has personally held talks with the representatives of Leicester City star James Maddison, according to reports.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

Maddison is being pushed as a top target for Spurs by sections of the press with some sources even suggesting that the 26-year-old was at the centre of a double bid last week.

The Lilywhites were said to have lodged an offer for both Maddison and his teammate, Harvey Barnes, worth in excess of £50 million which was swiftly rejected by Leicester.

Sky Sports rebuffed this claim, stating while Spurs had a serious interest in both, no formal proposal of any kind had gone in for the duo.

As well as the Foxes playmaker, it is believed that Tottenham are targeting a new goalkeeper, central defender and possible forward additions.

David Raya of Brentford is wanted to replace Hugo Lloris, meanwhile the likes of Man City defender Aymeric Laporte have been tipped with potential moves to Spurs.

Galasary forward Nicolo Zaniolo has emerged as a target in recent days, too, with Postecoglou seemingly looking to strengthen in various areas of the pitch.

Going back to Maddison, a report by Football Transfers has shared some interesting news on Tottenham's chase for the England international.

According to their information, Postecoglou has personally held talks with Maddison's agents recently, and he is thought to have made a really good impression on them,

This has apparently helped to sway Maddison more towards Tottenham than Premier League rivals Newcastle, and the former Norwich City star may be tempted to join.

Despite this, Maddison is yet to have any personal contact with Spurs, but Postecoglou coming across well to the player's camp could be crucial.

How many goals did Maddison score last season?

Maddison starred for Leicester over the course of 2022/2023, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in the league alone, totalling an impressive 19 attacking contributions (WhoScored).

The Three Lions ace also attempted more shots at goal per 90, completing more key passes and registered their joint-highest rate of successful take-ons in the top flight (WhoScored).

These numbers make one thing crystal clear – he is far too good for the Championship.

Whether it is Newcastle or Spurs, either side may be on to seal a very potent and capable attacking threat in the final third.

Former West Ham and Leicester City star David Connolly has also called Maddison "absolutely magnificent" for his form at the King Power.

The BCCI’s existing power structure has been dismantled by the Supreme Court of India in a landmark order, which directed the removal of the board president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke from office with immediate effect.The order was the culmination of a long-standing impasse between the BCCI and the Lodha Committee: the board had resisted implementing the majority of the committee’s recommendations despite being told to do so by a Supreme Court order on July 18.The court also ordered that other office bearers of the BCCI and state associations who did not meet the eligibility criteria set by the Lodha Committee shall “cease to hold office” immediately. According to the committee’s recommendations, an office bearer should be a citizen of India, should not be 70 years or older, should not be a government servant or minister, should not hold office in another sports organisation, should not have held office with the BCCI or state association for more than nine years, should not be insolvent or of unsound mind, and should not have a criminal record.All existing office bearers who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were permitted to continue in their roles, but were asked to file an “unconditional undertaking” in the Supreme Court within four weeks from January 2 that they would implement the Lodha Committee’s recommendations.To fill the gap created by Thakur and Shirke’s removal, the court said the most senior vice-president of the BCCI would perform the duties of president in the interim, and the joint secretary – Amitabh Chaudhary – will perform the secretary’s role.

I wish them all the best – Anurag Thakur

In a video on Twitter, Anurag Thakur said he had fought for the autonomy of the BCCI and not a personal battle. “Over the years, Indian cricket saw its very best in terms of administration and development of the game. BCCI is the best-managed sports organisation in the country, with defined procedures. India has the best cricket infrastructure, built and maintained by the state associations with the help of BCCI. India has more quality players than anywhere in the world.
“I respect Supreme Court as any citizen should. Supreme Court judges feel that BCCI could do better under retired judges, I wish them all the best. I’m sure Indian cricket will do well under their guidance.”
Shirke said he wasn’t too concerned by the development. “If I am removed, there is absolutely no issue. I will go back to my work,” he told CNN News from the UK. “The enforcement of the order is not in my individual control. The members decide. They have accepted many recommendations. Now that the Supreme Court has settled the matter, let the new dispensation carry on the good new work.”

The court also said that a committee of administrators would be appointed on January 19 to supervise the functioning of the BCCI through its chief executive officer. The committee will also oversee the functioning of the BCCI and states’ office bearers and ensure that the Lodha Committee recommendations approved by the Supreme Court order on July 18 are implemented.Amicus Curiae Gopal Subramanium and senior advocate Anil Divan* were asked by the court to suggest names of persons having “integrity and experience in managing a similar enterprise” for the committee of administrators. “We request the learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the parties to also place their suggestions before the Court so as to facilitate a considered decision,” the court said.At the previous hearing on December 15, before breaking for the winter holidays, the court had reserved its order in response to the Lodha Committee’s status report, which recommended that all ineligible BCCI office bearers be removed and an observer be appointed to oversee the board’s operations.On Monday, the three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India TS Thakur, and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, approved the Lodha Committee’s view of the BCCI’s office bearers.”The Committee has in its status report dated 14 November 2016 drawn the attention of the court to the fact that several office bearers both of BCCI and the State Associations continue to hold posts although they stand disqualified in terms of the above norms which have been accepted by this Court,” the order read. “Persons who have a vested interest in continuing in their positions in spite of the norms noted above have ensured that the writ of the court is obstructed and impeded.”We need to emphasise that the turf of the cricket field is not a personal turf or fiefdom. We must hence order and direct that no person shall hereafter continue to be or be entitled for appointment as office bearer of BCCI or a State Association in breach of the above norms. All existing office bearers of BCCI and of the State Associations who do not fulfill the above norms shall with effect from the date of this Order stand disqualified.”The course of events indicates that though sufficient opportunities have been granted to BCCI to comply with the judgment and order of this Court, it has failed to do so. The President and Secretary and office bearers of BCCI have obstructed the implementation of the final directions of this Court on the basis of a specious plea that its State Associations are not willing to abide by the directions. This Court having furnished sufficient opportunities to BCCI to comply, it is constrained now to take recourse to coercive steps to ensure that the directions contained in its final judgment and order are not left to be a writ in sand.”5:04

Ugra: A legacy judgement from Justice Thakur

Former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha, the chairman of the Lodha Committee, said the court order was “the logical consequence” of the position the BCCI had taken. “Once the recommendations were accepted by the court, it had to be implemented,” he said. “There were obstructions, there were impediments … obviously this had to happen, and it has happened. The Supreme Court itself has ensured that its order of 18 July is now enforced.”It’s a victory for the game of cricket and it will flourish. Administrators come and go, ultimately it is for the game.”The Lodha Committee was formed in January 2015 to determine appropriate punishments for some of the officials involved in the 2013 IPL corruption scandal, and also to propose changes to streamline the BCCI, reform its functioning, prevent sporting fraud and conflict of interest.In January 2016, the committee released its report, which recommended an exhaustive overhaul of the BCCI’s governance and administrative structures. On July 18, the Supreme Court approved the majority of the recommendations and directed the Lodha Committee to supervise the BCCI’s implementations of the same. However, despite the Lodha Committee laying out timelines and other directives, the board did not cooperate because its state associations objected to the recommendations.

Liverpool have offered Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister a £150k-per-week contract to try and lure him to Anfield, according to reports.

What's the latest on Mac Allister to Liverpool?

The Reds have ruled themselves out of the running to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham so are on the hunt for other midfield alternatives, and being Roberto De Zerbi’s top-performing offensive player and second best overall with a WhoScored match rating of 7.09, Mac Allister has been made a target by Jurgen Klopp.

Football Insider have reported that the Argentine does want a move to the Premier League giants, with Sky Sports since claiming that the Seagulls are expected to demand an asking price of £70m to sanction his sale while some reports have even claimed a deal has already been reached.

TalkSPORT recently suggested that the Merseyside outfit are yet to make any kind of official contact regarding a deal for the 24-year-old however despite outlets stating otherwise, though it would now appear they have taken the first step towards changing that.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have “offered” Mac Allister a “huge” £150k-per-week contract which is triple the £50k-per-week he earns at Brighton. The Reds are “making progress” on the deal, with club officials having already “met” the midfielder’s agents for “face-to-face talks”, which is when they submitted their proposal.

Klopp would like FSG to have signed his target in time for the start of pre-season and he views him as an “amazing” player and one that could “instantly” slot into the first-team. The Anfield side have “not yet secured an agreement”, but are “increasingly confident” of doing so with the World Cup winner the “most advanced” of their possible new signings.

Should Liverpool cash out on Mac Allister?

During the World Cup, Mac Allister was dubbed an “unsung hero” by Argentina reporter Roy Nemer and he’s continued his excellent run of form since returning from Qatar so Liverpool should empty their pockets to wrap up a deal in the weeks and months ahead.

The Seagulls' talisman has posted 14 goal contributions (12 goals and two assists) in 35 appearances across all competitions this season and has recorded a total of 75 shots since the start of the term, which is higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef.

A versatile operator, Mac Allister has the additional flexibility to play in a wonderful seven various positions across the pitch, including five in the midfield, out wide on the left wing and even at centre-forward, so he would be the perfect candidate to put pen to paper at Anfield.

Newcastle United are moving towards the forefront of European football with expeditious assertiveness, and with Champions League qualification firmly in their grasp, Adrien Rabiot has been earmarked to fortify the centre of the park.

What's the latest on Adrien Rabiot to Newcastle?

According to prominent French outlet L'Equipe, the Frenchman is 'an important goal' for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, with his contract at Juventus expiring in several weeks.

The report also credits Magpies manager Eddie Howe with an interest, bolstering previous claims from the likes of CalcioMercato that the Tyneside club have 'tested the ground' on the feasibility of a deal.

Technical director Dan Ashworth will need to act swiftly if he is to tie up a move, especially considering the Red Devils' interest in the midfield machine.

Should Newcastle sign Rabiot?

While St. James' Park now boasts an affluence that only a select few can compete with on the global footballing stage, completing a shrewd move for Rabiot could be a most auspicious avenue for the club to delve down.

Valued at £43m by CIES Football Observatory, the 36-cap France international has been in emphatic form this season and scored 11 goals and four assists for the Old Lady this term, hailed as an "absolute monster" by journalist Robin Bairner.

Newcastle have been tremendous this season, taking their success under Howe's tutelage from last year and moulding it into something capable of sustaining a position challenging for silverware and top four.

Each shelf of the system has been triumphant, with the defence imperious and the attack devastatingly clinical; the midfield, notably, has been churning at an intense output and the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Joelinton have formed a high-octane sense of constancy.

With the addition of European endeavours next year, bringing Rabiot into the fold would only enrich the prospects of success. As per FBref, the £152k-per-week gem ranks among the top 3% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 20% for progressive carries, the top 21% for clearances and the top 17% for aerials won per 90.

The phenom, quirkily heralded as a "wardrobe" by Gianluigi Buffon, is also listed as the most comparable player in world football to Magpies menace Joelinton, which could bode very well for Howe and co as they look to clinch new signings capable of flourishing but not disrupting the finely-poised balance of the system.

The Brazilian machine ranks among the top 11% of positional peers for rate of non-penalty goals and the top 16% for progressive carries per 90, as well as the top 6% for successful take-ons, 15% for interceptions and 7% for aerials won per 90, described as "tireless" by writer James Nalton, illustrating the semblance between the two players.

Newcastle must sign Rabiot, he fits the mould for success in the Premier League and, considering he is available on a free transfer, would represent a fantastic value for money.

BCB president Nazmul Hassan has said the board will not negotiate further with Faruque Ahmed, who resigned as chief selector on Sunday

Mohammad Isam20-Jun-2016BCB president Nazmul Hassan has said the board will not negotiate with Faruque Ahmed, who resigned as chief selector on Sunday. Hassan said the BCB hadn’t received an official resignation yet.Faruque announced his resignation after the board of directors restructured the selection panel, expanding it to six members comprising the three original selectors, the Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, and two BCB representatives in cricket operations chairman Akram Khan and director Khaled Mahmud, who is also the Bangladesh team manager. Faruque said the new selection process would be a hindrance.Hassan insisted that Faruque had worked under a similar system when he took over as chief selector for his second stint in 2013.”He hasn’t officially informed me or the board,” Hassan said. “He has been working under the same system all this time. I don’t see any difference now and I don’t know where the problem is. This is not a new system and we are not changing anything as the team is doing well. I think I now have to ask him whether the teams he gave [for approval] wasn’t changed. We had to sit in many meetings with the selectors before every single game.”There is no scope for negotiation. Did we get a better pace bowling coach than Heath Streak? We didn’t negotiate with him when he wanted to leave.”Hassan said Faruque’s success was a factor in his appointment as chief selector to the three-member panel.”I like Faruque,” Hassan said. “We have respected his past record by keeping the chief selector’s post. But he can resign if he doesn’t agree with it. There’s no need to create any problems or spread confusion. I don’t want to do it but if I am pushed, I will tell everyone directly what happened.”Questions were raised after Mahmud’s controversial inclusion in the selection committee, but Hassan said his role was to only provide strategic input.”The manager is not in the selection process,” Hassan said. “The team will be picked by the selectors. Before every series, the coach and manager will only inform the selectors of their requirements. The selectors will pick the team with those in mind.”Tamim Iqbal or Shakib Al Hasan never came to me [for selection matters], only [Khaled Mahmud] Sujon comes to me. We could have included the captain in the selection committee instead of the manager. Since the captain is happy with the inclusion of the manager, the selectors shouldn’t have a problem with him.”

The BCCI’s technical committee has recommended that all Ranji Trophy matches in 2016-17 be played at neutral venues to make domestic cricket more competitive

Arun Venugopal29-May-20163:42

Agarkar: Should be good enough to play at opposition’s home

The BCCI’s technical committee has recommended that all Ranji Trophy matches in 2016-17 be played at neutral venues to make domestic cricket more competitive. The committee’s recommendations, according to the BCCI, seek to “rule out the issues related to preparing specific wickets for home teams, as well as to expose players to play in different conditions.” These recommendations will have to be ratified by the board’s working committee. A similar recommendation, to play all Ranji matches at neutral venues, was made before the 2012-13 season but was later turned down.The pitches used in the Ranji Trophy last season came under scrutiny after nine matches finished inside two days. Former India captain Rahul Dravid was critical of the “poor” pitches that stunted the development of young cricketers. He had also said state associations had to be forced to prepare good surfaces.

India A’s tour to Australia approved

The BCCI’s technical committee has approved India A’s tour of Australia in August for two four-day matches and a tri-series. India A had last toured Australia in July 2014 where they played two unofficial Tests against Australia A before playing a quadrangular series that also featured South Africa A and Australia’s National Performance Squad. Australia A had returned the visit with a tour to India in August last year, where it played two Tests against the home side before playing a tri-series that comprised South Africa A as well.

“A lot of people criticise and say Ranji Trophy [knockout] matches should be held in home venues of teams,” he said. “But if teams resort to doing these kind of things, then I think it is better the knockout matches are staged in neutral venues.”While Karnataka coach J Arun Kumar welcomed the panel’s recommendation, his Assam counterpart Sanath Kumar disagreed with the idea.”Apart from not having the home-crowd advantage and the home-pitch advantage, I don’t see anything wrong in that,” Arun Kumar told ESPNcricinfo. “There have been a lot of problems in the past with home-team advantage [resulting in] very bad wickets. Not having crowd support is the only setback but otherwise I think it’s a very fair move.”Sanath Kumar said the existing system, where a team played four games at home and four away, was fair. “I don’t think anybody will now come and watch. [Playing games at home meant] at least a few fans will come and support the team,” he said. “It will be like a knockout match where hardly anybody is watching the game. Instead of this recommendation, they could have had a [neutral] curator to prepare the pitches. That would have been an easier solution.”The technical committee has also recommended that the Duleep Trophy be played entirely as a day-night tournament, with four teams, picked by the selectors, playing in a round-robin format. In January, the BCCI tours and fixtures committee had asked the technical committee to explore the possibility of trialing the pink ball in the tournament. This move is significant considering the board’s keenness to host a day-night Test during India’s long home season where they will play series against New Zealand, England and Australia.Sanath Kumar said there had been discussions about changes in the zonal format of the Duleep Trophy since last season. “[In the coaches and captains enclave last year] we told the BCCI that the zonal system didn’t make much sense,” he said. “In the past we used to play Ranji Trophy at the zonal level and then we go to the knockouts. That time Duleep Trophy had a lot of relevance whereas now Ranji Trophy itself has become an all-India tournament and so Duleep doesn’t have a lot of recognition. Even the players don’t take it seriously.”We suggested that if the selectors select four teams like they do for the Challenger Trophy, it would be a better way of going about things.”