Arsenal's unlikely charge for Premier League glory has been unprecedented, made even more impressive given the fact that last year they could not even achieve a top-four finish.

All it took was some shrewd business from Mikel Arteta, and suddenly the Gunners were back on top.

However, recent stumbles have allowed Manchester City to creep back into contention, with an eye on once again coming back from the dead to claim the title whilst still chasing a remarkable treble too.

Such unparalleled consistency across numerous competitions is owed to Pep Guardiola's genius, but also the endless pool of world-class talent at the Etihad.

The Cityzens absolutely only ever sell when they want to, given just how attractive a proposition they remain, and if their Spanish boss requires an upgrade, their untold riches often secure one.

It is this unrelenting desire to continue improving that makes them such an unstoppable force, and one which very well could make history this season.

Whether the North London outfit see out their season with silverware or not, they have still merited praise. It is just clear that their shortcomings are born of two things: perhaps an unfamiliarity with their situation, given their last league title came in 2004, and a lack of quality squad depth.

Therefore, to solve the latter, the likes of Mohamed Elneny must be shipped off and improved upon to maintain their stay challenging at the pinnacle of English football.

Will Mohamed Elneny leave Arsenal soon?

Despite having signed a new one-year contract extension in February, the Egyptian has endured a campaign consisting of little football due to his various ailments.

Just five starts across all competitions are indicative of the thigh and knee problems that have plagued him, yet Arteta sought to tie him down for one last year.

Perhaps this could have been a ploy in order to sell on £8m-rated maestro this summer, who journalist Juan Arango once branded a "beast", and "dirty work personified".

The £55k-per-week stalwart has been at the Emirates for seven years now, with his 2016 signing allowing the 30-year-old to make 155 appearances for the Gunners.

However, no matter how endearing the midfielder might be, a lack of ample cover for the likes of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey offers no help when seeking out the ultimate honours. The latter put in a particularly poor display in their recent collapse against West Ham United, yet there remained no feasible alternative to bring on.

The former FC Basel ace – even when fit – hardly offers much anyway.

From just five appearances in the league this season, the 5 foot 10 star has only managed a 6.60 average rating. Even back in 2016, journalist Robert Lusetich suggested that the midfielder was "average" anyway – with time having passed since this label, it is yet to be disproved.

In Manchester, if Jack Grealish is ever injured, then Phil Foden is ready to step up. If the young Englishman isn't available then Riyad Mahrez is next in line. Worst case scenario they could just deploy Julian Alvarez on that flank.

This is the kind of depth Arsenal are competing with, and unfortunately, if they seek to continue doing so, Elneny just will not cut it in the long run.

Andre Fletcher batted through a scorching afternoon in the Florida heat, making an unbeaten 79 to set up a 63-run win over Jamaica Tallawahs in Lauderhill

The Report by Peter Della Penna in Florida30-Jul-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAndre Fletcher batted through a scorching afternoon in the Florida heat, making an unbeaten 79 to set up a 63-run win over Jamaica Tallawahs in Lauderhill. It clinched a playoff berth for St Lucia Zouks and moved them two points clear of Trinbago Knight Riders into sole possession of third place. Zouks’ total of 206 for 3 is the highest total of CPL 2016 and second-highest ever in the four-year history of the CPL.Fletcher played the anchor role on a placid batting wicket as Johnson Charles and Shane Watson played the aggressor in partnerships of 89 and 59 for the first and second wickets respectively. Charles clubbed seven fours and two sixes in his 59 while Watson produced a flurry of sweetly-timed straight sixes, five in all, to make 43 off 20 balls.Fletcher later said the Florida heat – temperatures hit 33C with a real feel of 38C with the humidity – were the hottest conditions he had ever played in.Though the pitch played just as well in the second innings, Tallawahs were dealt an early blow when drawcard Chris Gayle was cramped up by Delorn Johnson and produced an edge to first slip for 13. Kumar Sangakkara kept up with the run rate early in the Powerplay, but got into a mix-up with Chadwick Walton and was run-out for 18 to make it 57 for 2 in the sixth over.Walton eventually top-scored for Tallawahs with 54 off 51 balls but struggled to maintain momentum. Tallawahs needed 68 off the final two overs with Andre Russell on strike but when he was caught at the long-on boundary to start the 19th over, a playoff berth was clinched by Zouks.

It’s no secret that Glasgow Rangers are keen on a move to sign goalkeeper Jack Butland this summer, with Michael Beale looking at bolstering his options between the posts ahead of next season.

However, according to The Scottish Sun, Manchester United are looking to double his salary in a bid to keep the Englishman with the club for 2023/24, which could scupper any potential move to Rangers.

Butland hasn’t played a minute for the Red Devils since joining from Crystal Palace on a six-month loan deal, yet Erik ten Hag looks like he wants to retain his services, meaning Beale may have to move onto other targets.

According to the Daily Mail, the 42-year-old has shown an interest in Fortuna Sittard goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, with the report claiming that the Light Blues have sent scouts to watch the Croatian gem in action against PSV Eindhoven last weekend.

He is on loan at the Eredivisie club from Hellas Verona, though he will make the switch permanent this summer after they tied him down until 2027.

Who is Ivor Pandur?

With Allan McGregor looking increasingly likely to hang up his gloves at the end of the season and Jon McLaughlin’s future uncertain, it could leave Robby McCrorie as the only senior ‘keeper in the squad come the summer, and Beale will be looking to provide plenty of competition for the Scot.

Pandur has displayed some impressive form in the Dutch top flight this term, earning a 7.01/10 Sofascore rating for his performances, making the team of the week twice.

The 23-year-old has saved 67% of the shots he has faced this term, which works out as 3.7 saves per game while also achieving a 100% runout success – proving to not only be an excellent shot-stopper, but also effective at coming off his line to prevent goalscoring opportunities.

He also ranks seventh out of all the ‘keepers in the Eredivisie for saves made this season, showing how often he is called into action, and if he makes the move to Rangers, it could be argued that the improved quality of defence compared to his current side will mean he shouldn’t have to make this number of saves.

His ability to save shots from close range has also been on show, with Pandur ranking fifth in the league with 72 saves inside the box – another impressive number. Therefore, if Beale manages to secure a deal, they could land a top ‘keeper.

Fortuna technical manager Sjoerd Ars has lavished praise on him, labelling the player as a “top professional”, and although playing for Rangers would be a major step up, there is surely no doubt that he could handle himself well in Scotland.

Pakistan will play their first day-night Test with a pink ball in Dubai against West Indies from October 13 to 17, the PCB announced on Thursday

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-20161:09

Pakistan to host day-night Test against WI

Pakistan will play their first day-night Test with a pink ball in Dubai against West Indies from October 13 to 17, the PCB announced on Thursday. The Pakistan board released the schedule for West Indies’ tour of the UAE, which starts on September 23 and comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and three Tests.Pakistan v WI in the UAE

September 20: T20 tour match v ECB XI, ICC Academy

September 23: 1st T20I, Dubai

September 24: 2nd T20I, Dubai

September 27: 3rd T20I, Abu Dhabi

September 30: 1st ODI, Sharjah

October 2: 2nd ODI, Sharjah

October 3-4: Two-day tour match v ECB XI, ICC Academy

October 5: 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi

October 7-9: Three-day tour match v PCB Patrons XI (D/N), Sharjah

October 13-17: 1st Test, Dubai (D/N)

October 21-25: 2nd Test, Abu Dhabi

October 30-November 3: 3rd Test, Sharjah

Dubai will host the first two T20I matches on September 23 and 24, with the third one being held in Abu Dhabi on September 27. The ODI series will be played between September 30 and October 5, with Sharjah and Abu Dhabi listed as venues. The day-night Test will be the first in the three-match series, and West Indies will play a day-night tour match against PCB Patrons XI between October 7 and 9 in Sharjah to prepare for the first Test. The second and third Tests will be held in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, from October 21 and October 30 respectively.In June, an initially reluctant WICB had agreed in principle to play a day-night Test in the UAE, following the PCB’s offer of a practice match and training sessions under lights. Pakistan are also scheduled to play second day-night Test in the 2016-17 season, against Australia in Brisbane from December 15.Apart from the day-night tour game, West Indies are scheduled to play two tour matches – a T20 and a two-day game – against an ECB XI. Both matches will be held at the ICC Academy in Dubai.The PCB had also mulled hosting West Indies in Sri Lanka to counter the growing expenses in the UAE, which has been host to Pakistan’s home series for a decade now. The idea, however, was dropped after assessing the drawbacks of playing in Sri Lanka during the monsoon.

The Lodha Committee has suggested a “panel of administrators” take charge of the BCCI to oversee the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Lodha report

Nagraj Gollapudi28-Sep-20164:26

‘BCCI’s conduct indicates that it must have a plan’

The Lodha Committee has significantly raised the pressure on the BCCI by asking the Supreme Court to “supersede” the board’s top brass with “immediate effect” because its officials have not complied with various timelines set by the Committee to implement its recommendations.The Committee suggested that a “panel of administrators” take charge of the BCCI to oversee the implementation of the Lodha report’s recommendations that were ratified by the Supreme Court on July 18.In the status report submitted to the court on Wednesday, September 28, Lodha elaborated on the BCCI’s transgressions.”While the Office Bearers of the BCCI gave assurances to the SC Committee on August 9, August 25 and September 20, 2016 that they would cooperate with the Committee towards fulfilling the directions of this Hon’ble Court (subject to any modification or review), the events over the past weeks have shown that this is not the case,” Lodha said in the status report. “Directions of this Hon’ble Court have been ignored, actions have been taken to present a fait accompli to the Committee, the directives of the Committee have been breached, and member associations have not been duly intimated about the directions of the Committee and the timelines fixed by it.”With as many as seven of the timelines to be complied with by September 30, 2016, it is now clear that the BCCI is in no position to ensure that the timelines mandated to be laid down by this Hon’ble Court are complied with. The conduct of the office bearers of the BCCI in not following the direction of the SC Committee has created serious impediments in the implementation of the directions of this Hon’ble Court.”According to the Lodha Committee, the decisions taken by the BCCI at its AGM on September 21 were “contrary” to the court order issued on July 18 by TS Thakur, the Chief Justice of India, and Supreme Court judge Ibrahim Kallifulla.”In view of all the above, the Committee seeks the following directions from this Hon’ble Court: Supersede the present Office Bearers of the BCCI with immediate effect; and appoint in their place a Panel of Administrators of the BCCI to ensure the smooth transition from the old to the new system recommended by the Committee,” Lodha said in the status report.”Direct that all decisions of the BCCI taken after July 18, 2016, which are contrary to the judgment dated July 18, 2016, of this Hon’ble Court and/or the directives of the SC Committee for implementing the same are  and ineffective; and any other direction as may be deemed fit for the implementation of the judgement dated 18.7.2016.”Drawing up a timeline of events since the Supreme Court’s order on July 18, Lodha said the BCCI had remained unresponsive when reminded about various issues.The Committee said it had received the agenda for the BCCI AGM on September 17, four days before the meeting, through other sources and not from the board. Upon perusal it had found that “almost all items” on the agenda were violations of the directions given by the Committee to BCCI chief executive Rahul Johri in an email on August 31.The Committee had reminded Johri “to limit” the AGM’s agenda to routine business for the year 2015-16. “The purpose of this direction was to ensure that the recommendations which had to be implemented are not circumvented by delaying the formal adoption of the MoA and Rules & Regulations by the BCCI by creating fait accompli,” Lodha said.Providing an example of the BCCI not following instructions at the AGM, Lodha said Ajay Shirke, the lone nominee for the secretary’s post, had failed to mention whether he was eligible for the post. “The Nomination Form for the Secretary’s post requires an undertaking to be given by the candidate that he possesses the requisite eligibility for continuing till 2017.”The BCCI elected Shirke as the secretary at the AGM, appointed five-member selection panels for the men, women and junior teams, appointed its president Anurag Thakur and former president Sharad Pawar as representatives to ICC Board meetings, and Shirke for the ICC’s chief executives’ meeting, and also approved the budget for 2016-17.The Lodha Committee has still not been provided with the minutes of the AGM by the BCCI.The Committee also took exception to the BCCI announcing a special general meeting (SGM) on September 30. The BCCI, Lodha said, was supposed to hold an executive general body meeting (EGM) by September 28, when it would adopt the new Memorandum of Association and Rules (MoA), the first step needed to adopt the recommendations of the Lodha Committee. Instead Shirke had written to the Committee on September 22 stating the BCCI would “consider” the amendments suggested at the SGM.The Lodha Committee – comprising Lodha and retired Supreme Court judges Ashok Bhan and R Raveendran – 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.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in Premier League action today, as they travel to face Leeds United in a clash that could have huge repercussions at both ends of the table.

Whilst Ryan Mason will be seeking to ensure his side's presence in the Europa Conference League for next year, the best possible finish he could secure for whoever the new manager might be, instead Sam Allardyce is seeking to demolish the Lilywhites in order to secure survival. Even then they would remain reliant on Everton dropping points, making the day a dismal-looking one for the Yorkshire outfit.

Many of the travelling fans will likely welcome the end of this abysmal campaign, which has seen three different managers grace their dugout and many of the playing staff reveal their true colours.

It is clear to many that this is a squad far from capable of leading the club into a brighter future, and for Daniel Levy, this summer represents a time to thin out those far from the requisite level to return them that level.

As such, this clash could even mark a farewell game for some, with Ben Davies being one who should be shown the exit door.

Will Ben Davies leave Tottenham Hotspur?

Pundit Jamie O'Hara summed it up perfectly when he noted that the Welshman was part of a back three that was "not good enough" for the club only in March.

However, with few other viable options within the squad, today might have to be his last start.

The 30-year-old moved to north London back in 2014 as one of Mauricio Pochettino's first signings, and has since gone on to feature 310 times for the Lilywhites, marking him out as a mainstay throughout his period at the club.

However, as has been the case with many this term, under the scrutiny this season has commanded, the former Swansea City full-back has wilted.

A 6.81 average rating is indicative of his consistently underwhelming displays, with only one of his last five league games surpassing a 6.7 rating. Such figures are only maintained when delving deeper into his statistics for the year, as an 83% pass accuracy alongside 0.6 interceptions and 0.8 tackles per game are hardly stunning for someone often deployed at centre-back, via Sofascore.

Although it was some time ago now, the £80k-per-week dud was even branded "embarrassing" by pundit Noel Whelan for one particularly poor passing display, with the aforementioned accuracy from this campaign suggesting that little has changed since then. He remains the average asset he has always been, never offering anything outstanding, but seldom letting the side down.

It is no surprise that such mediocrity has seen his future already questioned, with Levy reportedly open to offers for the defender. As part of a revolutionary summer, this kind of dead weight must be binned and improved upon, thus making today what should be his final game in a Spurs shirt.

West Ham United have six fixtures of the 2022/23 Premier League season remaining as they look to pick up as many points as possible to avoid suffering relegation at the end of the term.

The Irons suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night at the London Stadium so will be hoping to change their fortunes and get back to winning ways to create sufficient distance between themselves and the drop zone.

The E20 outfit also have an added bonus in the sense that they still have a game in hand on the majority of their fellow relegation-battling opponents that are around them in the table and that are also competing for survival, so David Moyes needs to use this to his advantage, and with that being said, here's how we think their final few matches will pan out.

West Ham fixtures

• 29 April: Crystal Palace (a)

• 3 May: Man City (a)

• 7 May: Man United (h)

• 14 May: Brentford (a)

• 21 May: Leeds (h)

• 28 May: Leicester (a)

Crystal Palace v West Ham

Following the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool last night, the Irons will no doubt be wanting to get back to positive form when they make the trip to Selhurst Park to take on Roy Hodgson’s side on Saturday, with three points for the visitors vital in the race to avoid the drop to the Championship.

Moyes has to make sure that his outfit turn up full of confidence and self-belief that they can take at least a point out of the game, which is exactly what they might have to settle for in front of the away crowd with the Eagles boss having made an instant positive impact back in the dugout in SE25.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 West Ham

Man City v West Ham

The Premier League fixtures aren’t showing any signs of slowing down for West Ham, whose next away game after Crystal Palace is against Manchester City.

The Sky Blues have firmly put themselves in control of the title race following their 4-1 thrashing of league leaders Arsenal but they still have two games in hand, meaning that they will be crowned champions should they win all of their remaining games during the run-in.

From an Irons perspective, this match is likely to be considered one that’s pretty impossible to gain a positive result from and it will definitely be the most difficult task Moyes and his side come up against before the end of the season.

Prediction: Man City 3-1 West Ham

West Ham v Man United

On balance, Man City should be the hardest game left to play, but West Ham also won’t be faced with an easy task when they welcome Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United for their next fixture back at the London Stadium.

The Old Trafford outfit will be desperate to secure a place in the top four and qualify for the Champions League, but with the Irons crowd sure to make themselves heard, Moyes will believe he can take something from his former side having previously studied their strengths and weaknesses.

Prediction: West Ham 2-2 Man United

Brentford v West Ham

Following what is likely to be an entertaining home encounter versus Man United, West Ham hit the road once again, this time travelling to the Community Stadium to take on Brentford who are enjoying a remarkable season and are expected to nail down a top-ten finish.

Back in December’s reverse fixture, the Bees secured a 2-0 victory at the London Stadium, so Moyes will be hoping that he can turn the tables and gain revenge by securing all three points this time around which they are more than capable of doing.

Prediction: Brentford 1-2 West Ham

West Ham v Leeds

West Ham’s final home game and the penultimate fixture of the 2022/23 season sees them face Leeds United who are also hoping to escape relegation, therefore making them one of their biggest rivals.

The Whites, however, will be lacking in confidence having won just one of their last six top-flight games, so should this poor run of results continue between now and when they face the E20 side, a victory should seem comfortable.

Prediction: West Ham 2-0 Leeds

Leicester v West Ham

West Ham’s concluding match of the campaign sees them make the journey to Dean Smith’s Leicester who, once again, are another team giving their all to escape relegation and maintain their Premier League status.

The Foxes picked up a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture at the London Stadium back in November, and whilst Moyes will want to replicate that result at the King Power, the hosts will be fighting for their lives in what is set to be a definitive day at the bottom of the table.

Prediction: Leicester 1-1 West Ham

• Predicted run-in points: 9/18

• Predicted total points: 43

The Argentina striker scored a stunner and won a penalty at Craven Cottage as City held on for a battling 2-1 win in west London

On another record-equalling day for Erling Haaland, it was his understudy who stole all the headlines for Manchester City as Julian Alvarez scored the goal that sent the defending champions back to the top of the Premier League.

Alvarez was only in the City team after Kevin De Bruyne was ruled out through injury, but wasted little in time in making an impact, as he won a penalty inside 90 seconds after a foul by Tim Ream.

Haaland converted from the spot for his 34th Premier League goal of the season – the joint-most in a single campaign – but Carlos Vinicius pulled Fulham level after 15 minutes with a fine finish.

Alvarez, though, produced a moment of individual brilliance to fire a 25-yard strike past the otherwise impressive Bernd Leno for what proved to be the winner midway through the first half.

GOAL rates City's players from Craven Cottage…

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Ederson (6/10):

  Had no chance with the goal. Crucial hand denied Vincius after Dias mix-up.

  Kyle Walker (6/10):

  Pace got him out of trouble defensively. Some impressive cross-field passes to release Grealish.

  John Stones (7/10):

  Able to step into midfield from centre-back. Always assured in possession.

  Ruben Dias (5/10):

  Had some shaky moments both in and out of possession, most notably when bumping into Ederson in the second half.

  Manuel Akanji (6/10):

  Caught out by Wilson's movement for Fulham's goal but otherwise solid.

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• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Rodri (8/10):

  Won possession back constantly in midfield and used the ball intelligently.

  Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

  Constantly on the move in midfield. City will miss him if he leaves this summer.

• Getty Images
  

  Attack

  Riyad Mahrez (6/10):

  Gave the ball away a little too often, though did work hard to win it back.

  Julian Alvarez (8/10):

  Won the early penalty before scoring the winner with a sublime long-range strike.

  Jack Grealish (6/10):

  Should have scored twice in the first half but denied by Leno. Tete will be glad to see the back of him.

  Erling Haaland (7/10):

  Nerveless penalty and some excellent link-up play, most notably to set up chances for Grealish.

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• Getty Images
  

  Subs & Manager

  Phil Foden (6/10):

  Made little impact after coming on for the final 10 minutes.

  Bernardo Silva (6/10):

  Ensured City controlled the closing stages.

  Pep Guardiola (7/10):

  Playing Alvarez just off Haaland, as he had done with De Bruyne against Arsenal, worked well.

West Ham United have been linked to a forward ahead of the summer transfer window, with a busy summer expected at the London Stadium.

The primary focus until the break is on the Europa Conference League final, which takes place on June 7th as David Moyes’ side face Fiorentina in the bid to win the club’s first European silverware since 1965.

Despite the hype surrounding the historic final, the Irons have a lot to improve on ahead of next season, having only mathematically survived relegation from the Premier League last weekend.

Most of the focus on West Ham’s transfer news has revolved around the future of midfielder Declan Rice, who is expected to be snatched by Arsenal this summer, however, it’s not just outgoings expected in east London.

News reported this week has revealed the club’s potential plans to bring a forward from the Bundesliga to the club, in a bid to add depth to the squad ahead of the next campaign.

What’s the latest on Alassane Plea to West Ham United?

As reported by Foot Mercato earlier this week, West Ham are reportedly one of the clubs interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach forward Alassane Plea this summer.

The 30-year-old is wanted by former club Olympique Lyon, however, the report states that the French outfit should expect some rivalry to sign the attacker from the Premier League.

West Ham, along with Crystal Palace and Fulham have “already made some contact” with the player’s representatives, with his value believed to be in the region of €10m – €12m (£8m – £10m).

What could Alassane Plea bring to West Ham United?

Hailed as being “versatile, quick and clever” by Monchengladbach’s former director of sport Max Eberl, the forward could offer a lot to West Ham.

While the Hammers already have a kitted-out left-wing department, which is Plea’s dominant position, the forward has been used through the middle before as a striker, which could make him an attractive player in Moyes’ system.

Current strike options at the club are Michail Antonio and Danny Ings, one being the club’s top goalscorer this season but the other in Ings finding the net just twice in the Premier League since arriving in January.

When comparing the form of both Ings and Plea over the past year, it’s clear to see why the Frenchman is reportedly on West Ham’s radar.

The £61k-per-week ace offers a lot more to an attack than goals, securing nine assists in 20 Bundesliga starts this season, showing his eye for a pass and instinctual nature in the final third.

Having Antonio firing when leading the line could allow Moyes to use the Frenchman as a decoy or as a rotating striker to add competition to the 33-year-old.

The 30-year-old has a lot more in his locker creatively than Ings, as shown through FBref, with the Borussia star averaging 4.67 progressive passes to the Englishman’s 1.26 per 90.

The Lille-born forward also averages two progressive carries per 90 to Ings’ 1.38, showing his ability to float around the attack rather than remain as a stationary striker.

One of the most prominent areas of his game is his playmaking, with him ranking in the top 3% of players in Europe’s top five leagues for his rate of assists, averaging a huge 0.46 assists per 90 – as per FBref.

Moyes could utilise the forwards’ strengths in a way more useful to West Ham than those that Ings portrays, and as such would be a greater signing.

Bangladesh’s limited-overs captain Mashrafe Mortaza reached out to the England players with whom, he said, a deeper bond can be developed if the October tour goes ahead

Mohammad Isam24-Aug-2016Bangladesh’s limited-overs captain Mashrafe Mortaza reached out to the England players with whom, he said, a deeper bond can be developed if the October tour goes ahead. The three-member ECB delegation, which recently completed a security assessment ahead of England’s tour to Bangladesh and India, are due to brief the one-day team on Thursday. England are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on September 30 for two Tests and three ODIs.”I would tell all the players to come to Bangladesh,” Mashrafe said. “I can assure you that you can play cricket here wholeheartedly. You don’t have to think of anything else. It will be a competitive series. Our friendship will get deeper if we play in this series. It is not just about the game. There are a lot of things connected to this series. We are hoping that they would come here to play. From what I have heard, our security forces are giving it the highest attention. I have confidence in them since we have hosted many big tournaments in the recent past.”As a player I would urge for cricket to continue. These incidents are happening all over the world and if we postpone playing now, there will be a time when we would have to stop the game. We all have to keep our faith on the ECB team that visited recently as well as the two boards.”Last month, after the ECB said it would follow government advice on touring Bangladesh following the terror attack in Dhaka on July 1, Mashrafe had said he was hopeful of the tour going ahead. He didn’t rule out communication initiated by Bangladeshi cricketers to urge their English counterparts. He also said that England’s participation in this year’s Under-19 World Cup gave them confidence that the tour will go ahead.”If some of the players have a friendly relationship, they may knock each other. But these things are mainly dealt by the boards, on whom we have to depend upon,” he said. “I believe that the ECB is taking it very seriously, and they will be satisfied with our security plan.”England has been with us from day one and I believe they will be with us now as well. They sent their team to the U19 World Cup.”Mashrafe also said that the Bangladesh players’ body, the Cricketers’ Welfare Association of Bangladesh (CWAB), could still play a role in discussing player safety with their counterpart, the Professional Cricketers’ Association.”I think steps can be taken through our players association, because it does have an impact. Maybe our players’ body isn’t the strongest but I still feel that if there’s an opportunity, we can venture into that avenue too. A lot is at stake here.”