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And can Ireland nullify any such calculations with their first win against India across formats?

Vishal Dikshit22-Aug-2023Big Picture – Will Bumrah give chances to Jitesh, Shahbaz and Avesh?India have largely achieved what they wanted from this Ireland series. Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna have made excellent returns to form and fitness and have subsequently been drafted into the Asia Cup squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad has returned to the T20I set-up with one unbeaten knock and one quick half-century. Sanju Samson looked fluent during his 40 in the second T20I before Rinku Singh sparkled on what was effectively his debut. Shivam Dube has auditioned as the back-up for Hardik Pandya’s role – although he could do with some more wickets. And Ravi Bishnoi grabbed four wickets in the two games after going wicketless in his only outing in the Caribbean. And, India have the series in the bag.So now they can turn attentions to the players who’ve been on the bench in Malahide. Jitesh Sharma could be given his India cap and bat in the lower middle order with licence to showcase his hit-from-ball-one skills. Shahbaz Ahmed could also come in – confident after his haul of wickets in the Deodhar Trophy – to give India another all-round option while resting the more-established Washington Sundar. And Avesh Khan, once such a promising force with the white ball, could do with another chance to prove he has ironed out his flaws.Ireland will have to step up big time with both bat and ball to give India a fight. In the first game, they slumped to 59 for 6 against two bowlers returning from injury, who were not yet at their peak. Opting to bowl in the second match, all India’s batters bar one flourished, Ireland leaked too many in the death overs, and their top four batters – barring Andy Balbirnie – couldn’t find answers to Prasidh’s short balls and Bishnoi’s wrong ‘un.Related

Avesh Khan ready for reboot after being 'all over the place'

Even if they leak runs again, which isn’t a crime in T20s, Ireland’s batters will have to shoulder most of the responsibility if they want to register their first win against India after ten unsuccessful attempts.Form guideIndia WWLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Ireland LLLWWIn the spotlight – Shivam Dube and Paul StirlingAllrounder Shivam Dube had a second coming of sorts in the IPL this year with the bat. He had his most prolific season – 418 runs at a strike rate 158.33, including a whopping 35 sixes (second-most in IPL 2023), while also averaging 38. More than half of those runs and 22 of those 35 sixes came against spin, though, and the conditions in Ireland are as different as they could get from Chennai (his home base at the IPL) – soggy, overcast, and quicker, bouncier, greener tracks. He faced only pace in the second T20I and scored 22 not out off 16 balls. His challenge will be to score more off the short stuff should it come his way, and be a wicket-taking option in the middle overs in conditions that better suit him.Paul Stirling has been scoring all around the world in the last couple of years – in the Vitality Blast and the Hundred in England, at the Lanka Premier League, the Pakistan Super League, the Caribbean Premier League and the SA20, apart from in international cricket. He took the added responsibility of the captaincy from Balbirnie in July, but he hasn’t scored much against the No. 1 T20I side in this series. He fell to Bishnoi’s googly in the series opener before being bounced out by Prasidh for a duck and, with Ireland’s batting under pressure, Stirling will be eager to end the series with a significant contribution.Team news – Will Theo van Woerkom get a debut?Samson could hand over the wicketkeeper-batter reins to Jitesh, Shahbaz could come in for Washington, and Avesh for Arshdeep Singh, since Bumrah and Prasidh would want more game time before the Asia Cup. The only question would be whether India would want to make as many as three changes.India (possible XI): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3 Tilak Varma, 4 Rinku Singh, 5 Sanju Samson/Jitesh Sharma (wk), 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Washington Sundar/Shahbaz Ahmed, 8 Arshdeep Singh/Avesh Khan, 9 Ravi Bishnoi, 10 Jasprit Bumrah (capt), 11 Prasidh Krishna.Ireland have used the same XI in both games and, with nothing more to lose, they could also hand a debut to Christchurch-born left-arm spinner Theo van Woerkom. He was part of New Zealand’s Under-19 World Cup squad in 2012 but has qualified for Ireland, with an Irish background on his mother’s side. He could come in for legspinner Ben White. They could also try out Ross Adair (Mark Adair’s brother) at the top or batting allrounder Gareth Delany in the middle.Ireland (possible XI): 1 Paul Stirling (capt), 2 Andy Balbirnie, 3 Lorcan Tucker (wk), 4 Harry Tector, 5 Curtis Campher, 6 George Dockrell, 7 Mark Adair, 8 Barry McCarthy, 9 Fionn Hand/Craig Young, 10 Josh Little, 11 Ben White/Theo van Woerkom.Stats and trivia Paul Stirling is fifth among the all-time T20I run-scorers, behind the high-profile names of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Martin Guptill and Babar Azam. He will overtake Babar on Wednesday if he scores more than 77. Bumrah’s economy rate in this series so far is just 4.88 – no other bowler has gone at under six an over.Pitch and conditionsWednesday is expected to be mildly sunny in patches, with more of cloud cover and windiness and some rain expected. The temperature is expected to settle just under 20 degrees Celsius. There are more chances of rain later in the evening especially so, with a 3pm local time start, we should get a completed game squeezed in, even if it is interrupted.

Chelsea and Enzo Maresca could face FIFA's wrath for breaching an agreement during their Club World Cup campaign.

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Chelsea could face FIFA's wrath Blues signed an agreement before participating in CWCChelsea face Flamengo on FridayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After a hectic 2024-25 campaign, where the Blues finished fourth in the Premier League and secured a Champions League slot, they got off to a flying start in the Club World Cup in the United States as they comfortably beat local side LAFC 2-0 in their tournament opener. Manager Maresca fielded a strong starting lineup in their first match, with new signing Liam Delap coming off the bench and providing an assist on debut.

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The reports that after a perfect start to their campaign, Maresca is now considering rotating his first team to avoid fatigue in the squad after a hectic season. The Italian coach's decision, however, could land Chelsea in trouble with FIFA as they could be considered to have breached an agreement.

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The report adds that the English giants had signed a participation agreement before competing in the Club World Cup, which ensures that they field their strongest possible team throughout the course of the competition.

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While FIFA does have an agreement in place with Chelsea, it is unclear how they could challenge a club over playing their best possible team, as the matter is highly subjective. The Blues next face Flamengo on Friday in Philadelphia.

Stuttgart are unwilling to sell Nick Woltemade despite Bayern Munich’s verbal agreement, insisting the player remains key to their future plans.

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Woltemade has a verbal agreement with BayernStuttgart refuse to let the striker leaveDirector says “his journey is far from over”Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Woltemade, one of Germany’s most exciting prospects, has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Bayern over a future transfer. However, Stuttgart have made it clear that they are not willing to part ways with the 23-year-old striker this summer, despite interest from the Bundesliga giants.

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The German striker's stock has risen sharply, having scored 17 goals in his breakthrough season before shining at the ongoing European Under 21 Championship. Bayern are pushing to secure his signature on a deal until 2030 and have already received internal approval from their supervisory board. But their rivals view him as essential to their plans and are holding firm, unless an astronomical offer lands on their table.

WHAT FABIAN WOHLGEMUTH SAID

Stuttgart’s sporting director, Wohlgemuth, addressed the ongoing transfer buzz: "The fact that this development hasn't gone unnoticed by others and that we now read about interest from other clubs almost every day doesn't change the fact that Nick's journey with us is far from over," the 46-year-old told .

He made a clear statement, saying: "We are firmly committed to Nick and want to continue to benefit from his athletic qualities in the coming year. There is no alternative planning scenario."

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Despite Bayern's intentions, Stuttgart remain firm. The club's CEO, Alexander Wehrle, also weighed in strongly, stating: "We're going into next season with Nick. Period!" Unless the Bundesliga winners table a massive offer that Stuttgart can’t refuse, Woltemade looks set to continue his development in Swabia next season.

Kerr, Wolvaardt and Kapp also main significant gains in ODI rankings

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-2023West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has consolidated her position as the No. 1 allrounder in the ICC rankings with scores of 99 not out and a career-best 132 against Australia. She also moved to No. 7 on the batting rankings while her four wickets in two games took her to No. 5 in the rankings for bowlers.Matthews, who is currently enjoying a run of seven consecutive Player-of-the-Match awards, has been in rich form. In her last two outings, she scored 231 runs off 138 balls that helped West Indies level the T20I series 1-1 with Australia. Matthews, who credits her ‘leadership role’, as a factor in her strong performances, now has 480 ranking points – a personal best.Australia’s Tahlia McGrath (T20I batting) and England’s Sophie Ecclestone (T20I bowling) remain on top the rankings with Matthews joining them as the No. 1 allrounder.Kerr, Wolvaardt, Kapp make gains in ODIsAfter South Africa won the three-match ODI series against New Zealand 2-1, batter Laura Wolvaardt and allrounder Marizanne Kapp climbed up the rankings.Full rankings tables

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With scores of 50 and an unbeaten 124 in South Africa’s series triumph, Wolvaardt is now No. 4 among ODI batters, up by two places. Kapp’s 144 runs and two wickets took her to tenth place on batting and bowling rankings. She is also the No. 2 among ODI allrounders.New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr, the top-scorer of the series, is at No. 5 among ODI allrounders and just outside the top 10 for batters at 11th place . The England pair of Ecclestone (bowling) and Natalie Sciver-Brunt (batting), and Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner (allrounders) are the current table-toppers in the ODI rankings.

Gareth Bale has taken a significant step toward owning the club he supported as a child by leading a consortium that has formally submitted a £40 million ($54.5m) bid to purchase Cardiff City. Despite the emotional and symbolic value of such a move, the offer is facing stiff resistance from the club’s current owner, Malaysian businessman Vincent Tan.

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Bale & Co. make an official bid for Cardiff takeoverThe move is likely to be rejected by the owners Cardiff continues to prepare for life in League One Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to the bid was lodged recently following Cardiff’s relegation from the Championship to League One in May. However, Tan, who has overseen the club for over a decade and claims to have invested more than £200 million ($272m), has signalled no intention of accepting the offer. The proposal has been perceived by Tan’s camp as falling well below the club’s true value, particularly in light of the significant financial commitments made during his ownership.

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Though expected to be turned down, the offer highlights the group’s serious intent and opens the door for potential future negotiations. The presence of American financial backers also underscores the viability of the consortium’s long-term plans, should Cardiff’s ownership situation shift.

WHAT BALE SAID

Bale had expressed his passion for taking charge of Cardiff City, describing the potential acquisition as something deeply personal. Speaking to , the former Wales international revealed his long-standing connection to the club and said: "We are interested in getting Cardiff. It’s my home club, it’s where I grew up and my uncle used to play for them. To be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true. It is a club close to my heart and I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs.

“I know how amazing the Welsh fans and Cardiff fans are. It would be amazing to try and do something together. We are trying to engage with Cardiff and more news will come out on that in the future, but hopefully we can get something done.”

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Bale’s efforts are drawing parallels to recent high-profile club investments. Wrexham, under the stewardship of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, and Birmingham City’s fortunes have also improved following investment by NFL icon Tom Brady. Such examples may serve to strengthen Bale’s case that superstar influence and commercial acumen can positively transform football clubs in the lower divisions.

South Australia’s No. 10 threatened Henry Thornton threatened a late twist but the visitors came out comfortable winners

AAP20-Oct-2023New South Wales paceman Liam Hatcher took a hat-trick after captain Moises Henriques smashed a century in a 33-run victory over South Australia in their one-day game.Henriques cracked seven sixes in an unbeaten 103 as the Blues posted 291 for 7 at Adelaide Oval. In reply, the Redbacks were bowled out for 258 in 48.2 overs with Hatcher ripping through the lower order with three wickets in consecutive balls in the 39th over.Test offspinner Nathan Lyon also made a successful comeback to top-level cricket from a calf tear suffered in June during the Ashes.Related

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Sizzling Short century helps Victoria beat Queensland

Lyon claimed none for 37 from eight overs and took a sharp catch at backward point as NSW banked a second win from four games to leave SA winless after three outings in the 50-over competition.Henriques dominated with the bat, rescuing his side after a sedate start. The visitors were 110 for 2 after 25 overs amid tight early spells from SA paceman Harry Conway.And with five overs remaining, they were only 227 for 5 before Henriques launched his assault. The 36-year-old cleared the boundary rope seven times and struck three fours in a brilliant 72-ball knock rewarded with his fourth domestic 50-over century.SA’s run chase didn’t feature Jake Fraser-McGurk, who last week set a world record for the fastest century in a 50-over game when reaching the milestone from just 29 balls against Tasmania.Fraser-McGurk was sidelined after pulling up sore from SA’s Sheffield Shield win over NSW this week.In his absence, the Redbacks fell short despite opener Henry Hunt scoring 75 from 95 balls, Nathan McSweeney compiling 49 from 68 and No. 10 Henry Thornton blasting 51 from 36.SA were already on the ropes in the 39th over when Hatcher produced his hat-trick. The right-arm quick dismissed had Ben Manenti caught at deep point, then trapped Nathan McAndrew lbw with his next delivery.On his hat-trick ball, Hatcher enticed an outside edge from Wes Agar which was taken by Sangha at a floating slip position.

The 27-year-old outperformed other contenders for the soon-to-be vacant opener’s job, in the tour game against Pakistan

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff08-Dec-2023Matt Renshaw bolstered his chances of a Test recall with a controlled century in the tour game against Pakistan, adding more intrigue to the question of who replaces David Warner when he retires. The 27-year-old outperformed other contenders for the soon-to-be vacant Australia Test opener’s job with an unbeaten 136.The Prime Minister’s XI reached 367 for 4 in their first innings at stumps on days three at Manuka Oval, still 24 runs behind the tourists with the final day’s play almost certain to bring a draw.But Renshaw sealed honours in the so-called “bat-off” in this match among the leading Warner replacements, with openers Cameron Bancroft (53) and Marcus Harris (49) and allrounder Cameron Green (46) not making the most of their starts.He denied there was extra motivation for his classy knock, instead crediting his much-improved mindsight.”It’s just another game of cricket, all the other stuff takes care of itself,” Renshaw said. “Only a couple of years ago, I took a break from the game because of how much I was taking it seriously, that was a really big learning curve for me just to go ‘why am I playing this game’?”It’s not to play for Australia, obviously I want to and that’s the goal but at the end of the day, I’m going to try and enjoy myself.”Renshaw, who has played 14 Tests, adds Friday’s century to 348 Sheffield Shield runs this season at an average of 32, while Warner has previously endorsed him as the leading contender for his job.Outside of a 10-minute period where he hoisted Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed for two fours and a huge six, Renshaw played a particularly defensive innings at No. 3 that featured 337 balls. He did have a couple of moments of fortune when he survived a huge appeal for a gloved pull and later edged between the keeper and slip.”It was taking a lot out of me to keep grinding down,” he said. “There were some times where I felt like I couldn’t get the ball off the square.”My game has been transitioning really well this season [from] a couple of little conversations with batting coaches and myself just to work out what I’m trying to do.”Green played some nice shots early, but reached at a wide Faheem Ashraf delivery and was caught behind just as a big score beckoned. He could still play a part in replacing Warner when the opener retires after the Pakistan series, if any of Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh or Travis Head are moved up to open for the Test team.Bancroft perhaps entered the “bat-off” in pole position as the Shield’s top run-scorer this season, while Harris has regularly travelled with the Australian side as the spare batter.Spectators at Manuka Oval perhaps were given a preview of a future Australian leader, with 24-year-old Nathan McSweeney playing some exquisite square drives on the way to his 40. A brilliant diving catch from Mir Hamza denied him the chance for a statement score. McSweeney, who is captaining the PM’s XI, has been earmarked as a future leader after skippering Australia A earlier this year.Beau Webster slugged a monster six that was caught by a youngster in the crowd, a rare highlight in a dull late session.Pakistan had rested first-choice pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim, and spinner Abrar exited the tour match on Friday nursing what appeared to be an injured calf muscle.If they want a specialist spinner in Perth, they may need to pick 37-year-old Noman Ali who also sat out the tour match.

Viktor Gyokeres believes he is one of football's top strikers, saying he sits at the 'same table' as Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowksi and Erling Haaland.

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Striker was speaking exclusively with L'equipeGyokeres: "You haven't seen the best of me yet"Transfer saga with Arsenal rumbles onFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Sporting CP transfer recently sat down for an exclusive interview with . Towards the end of the interview, Gyokeres was asked where he would rank himself in the pantheon of great strikers operating in the sport today. The 27-year-old said he belonged at the very top, alongside Kane, Lewandowski and Haaland.

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Gyokeres is currently embroiled in the longest-running transfer saga of the summer. He is reportedly considering sitting out Sporting's pre-season plans to force a move to Arsenal. The two clubs have not reached an agreement over a transfer fee, with Sporting asking for at least £70m ($85m) to part company with the 27-year-old. In the same interview, Gyokeres revealed he is excited to return to English football and finally have his shot at the Premier League. While on the books at Brighton, the Swede never made a first-team appearance, while all 110 of his games for Coventry City were played in the Championship.

WHAT GYOKERES SAID

Gyokeres was asked where he would currently rank himself alongside Kane, Lewandowski and Haaland. He said, "I'm definitely one of them. It's hard to classify me, but yes, I'm at the same table as them now. They are extraordinary players, at the top level for many years, who have proven much more than I have.

"For my part, I have to show that I am capable of maintaining these performances season after season. What I managed to do at Sporting, I am convinced I can achieve anywhere. You haven't seen the best Gyökeres yet."

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With Sporting reporting for pre-season training in the next couple of days, we will see how hard Gyokeres is pushing for his desired transfer. Although it has been reported that the Swede may once again entertain offers from Manchester United, all signs suggest he is committed to a move to north London.

Christian Mosquera has reportedly made his intentions clear to Valencia that he wants to join Arsenal. The Spanish centre-back has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners, as per earlier reports, and a new round of talks is scheduled for next week between the two clubs as Mikel Arteta's side aim to finalise a summer deal for the highly rated 19-year-old.

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Mosquera tells Valencia he wants Arsenal moveGunners to reopen talks with €20m bid plannedDefender agreed personal terms weeks agoFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per , Mosquera has informed Valencia he does not plan to renew his contract and has his heart set on a move to Arsenal. The Gunners have had two bids rejected so far, with the most recent one worth €15 million (£12.9 million/$17.6 million), but are preparing to return to the table. With personal terms already agreed, only a transfer fee remains to be settled as Valencia rate their centre-back at €20 million (£17.3 million/$23.3 million).

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Mosquera’s current deal expires in under a year and Valencia are resigned to losing the talented Spaniard this summer. Arsenal and Arteta see the 19-year-old as both a long-term option and quality backup for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. Talks are reportedly progressing well, with Arsenal ready to meet Valencia's €20m valuation.

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The Gunners have been tracking Mosquera for weeks and accelerated their pursuit after the defender rejected Valencia's contract offer. Mosquera's decision not to renew his contract now gives Arsenal the upper hand in negotiations heading into next week.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MOSQUERA?

Arsenal are now expected to table an improved bid closer to Valencia’s asking price. Talks between the two clubs are set to resume next week, with a deal considered likely. If successful, Mosquera would become the Gunners’ fifth summer signing.

The board meeting is set to be held on Tuesday, in Ahmedabad, two days after the 2023 ODI World Cup final

Tristan Lavalette17-Nov-2023Sri Lanka Cricket’s suspension, the future of ODI cricket and a revival of a high-performance programme aimed at the top Associates and some Full Members are all set to be on the agenda at the upcoming ICC board meeting in Ahmedabad.The quarterly meetings, the last of the year, begin on Saturday with various committees before the ICC board meeting set for Tuesday, two days after the 2023 ODI World Cup final. While some of the big-ticket items have been effectively finalised, such as the revenue distribution model for the 2024-27 cycle of events and cricket’s entry into the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, there remain a number of talking points.Sri Lanka Cricket’s board suspensionSLC’s suspension last week is set to dominate the ICC board meeting. Possible conditions over the suspension will be debated as well as whether Sri Lanka continue to remain hosts of the men’s under-19 World Cup in January and February.The ICC’s deputy chair Imran Khwaja is likely to be an influential voice having been engaged to look into potential political interference for a while. He investigated the matter in May during a fact-finding mission to Sri Lanka.Related

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The future of ODI cricketTwo days after the ODI World Cup final, possible discussions around the future of the 50-overs format are on the cards. There will be at least two boards pushing for the revival of the recently-scrapped 13-team ODI Super League. With a new qualification pathway already approved for a 14-team 2027 men’s ODI World Cup, the Super League, if it does return, could only do so from 2028.Zimbabwe – co-hosts of the 2027 ODI World Cup along with South Africa and Namibia – are advocating for an analysis to be conducted over the current World Cup to gauge its global popularity.”This World Cup came at the same time as the rugby World Cup, so it would be a good opportunity to compare the audience and measure our global impact as a sport,” Zimbabwe Cricket chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani said.”It felt like the Rugby World Cup was more popular, especially in countries where both sports are popular. I don’t think the problem is with the ODI format… there aren’t enough teams in the World Cup, even 14 isn’t enough. And there won’t be context without the Super League.”We need ODI cricket, we can’t afford to not have it. It is still a money-maker for us and many countries.”High-performance programme revivalThe ICC’s high-performance programme is set for a revival, having been scrapped late last decade, after running for 15 years. The programme was aimed at top Associate nations and included player development pathways and specialised administrative structures to help professionalise those deemed close to Full Member status.The new programme, in a point of difference, will involve Full Members Ireland, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and possibly others. It has been resurrected as the ICC look to establish development programmes through funds from its next four-year commercial cycle. Funding from the programme is hoped to encourage more fixtures between these countries, including A tours and women’s cricket matches.An as yet unspecified amount has been mooted, taken from the ICC’s overall revenues, to be divided among these boards. But specific details, including the countries involved and total funding allocated, will be revealed at the meeting.Cricket has been included in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028•AFP via Getty ImagesFunding from revenue distribution model set aside to create reservesSome of the funds allocated to members in the new distribution model will be diverted into a retained surplus fund totalling US$100 million a year, which will be invested and distributed back to members at a later time.The interest accrued will be distributed according to the contribution by the member in what is seen as a prudent financial measure with uncertainty over what type of media rights deal will be struck for the cycle of 2028-31. Full Members will contribute US$ 88.8 million to this fund – of which the BCCI will put US$ 38.5 million – annually and the Associates US$11.2 million.But not everyone is satisfied with the arrangement. With plans to build a cricket stadium in Dublin, Ireland want to receive its full US$18 million a year allocation. Around US$3 million a year of their funding is earmarked for the surplus fund and so too Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.”We need funding to do that [build infrastructure],” Cricket Ireland high-performance director Richard Holdsworth said. “To withhold what it looks like to be about US$12 million over four years….maybe that’s for the members to make the right decisions as to whether they stick money into reserves or spend it all now.”For us, we’ve got a lot of things to invest in and we need to do that now. We can’t wait four years.”Cricket at the OlympicsAfter returning to the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games recently, T20 cricket was last month officially confirmed as an Olympic sport for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The board will formalise cricket’s inclusion and there is expected to be discussion over possible qualification pathways.Some boards hope that more than six teams per gender can be included in subsequent Olympics after Los Angeles.