The former Sri Lanka captain also said the charges allege he has not been co-operative with the ACU’s investigations only, and do not pertain to any match or pitch-fixing

Andrew Fidel Fernando and Nagraj Gollapudi16-Oct-2018Former Sri Lanka captain and selector Sanath Jayasuriya has said he has “always conducted [himself] with integrity and transparency with matters concerning the sport,” in the wake of being charged on two counts under the ICC’s anti-corruption code.Jayasuriya, 49, also pointed out that the charges laid upon him “do not contain any allegations pertaining to match fixing, pitch fixing or any other similar corrupt activity,” and that they were charges that allege he has not been co-operative with the ACU’s investigations only. He made these statements in a press release on Tuesday.The ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) is understood to have interviewed Jayasuriya several times before their charges were eventually laid. Some of these discussions had centred around a phone that Jayasuriya had been asked to hand over to the ACU, but had failed to present in a timely manner. Among the reasons Jayasuriya provided for the delay was that he had personal materials and videos on that phone that he was reluctant for officials to see.In his release, Jayasuriya stated that he is “not in any position to release any comments at this moment” as he is first required to to submit his response to the ACU inside 14 days. “I am under strict legal advice that no comment is to be made in respect of the charges as such a course would offend the ICC rules,” the statement said.With the ACU investigations still ongoing, it is possible that more figures involved in Sri Lankan cricket could be charged under the anti-corruption code in the coming weeks and months. The ACU general manager Alex Marshall had also briefed the players in the two teams in the ongoing England v Sri Lanka ODI series in order to “ensure they remain alert to the risks of would-be corruptors”.The charges against Jayasuriya relate to failure or refusal to cooperate with an ACU investigation and obstructing or delaying an investigation, including concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information which may be relevant. They were laid following more than a year of ACU focus on Sri Lanka’s 2017 ODI series against Zimbabwe.Jayasuriya was chairman of selectors until he and his committee resigned in September 2017, following widespread criticism of the committee’s performance. He had also been chief selector in a previous two-year stint, that ran from early 2013 to the end of the 2015 World Cup. The charges are understood to relate to alleged incidents that occurred during the second of those stints.Concerns had surfaced over a year ago in the media about Sri Lanka’s performance during their home ODI series against Zimbabwe last September. The five-match series, closely fought, was eventually won by Zimbabwe 3-2.It is understood that there were specific concerns about the fourth ODI of the series, in Hambantota, which Zimbabwe eventually won on the basis of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method despite Sri Lanka setting a 301-run target initially.

Leeds United have had an enjoyable start to the 2023/24 Championship campaign and currently find themselves competing for an automatic promotion place.

The Whites are third in the division as it stands, during the November international break, and are eight points behind Ipswich Town and Leicester City – who currently occupy the top two positions.

German head coach Daniel Farke arrived at Elland Road over the summer and was tasked with building a squad that could compete to make an immediate return to the Premier League.

The ex-Norwich City boss was able to make nine new additions to his side; including Joel Piroe, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Jaidon Anthony, Djed Spence, Glen Kamara, Joe Rodon, Sam Byram, and Karl Darlow.

These additions have played their part in the club's impressive start to the season but that does not mean that there is no room for further additions when the January transfer window rolls around ahead of the second half of the campaign.

In fact, Leeds are reportedly looking at a possible signing to bolster their options out wide…

Leeds United transfer news – Ryan Kent

According to TEAMtalk, the Whites are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a move for Fenerbache wide forward Ryan Kent at the start of 2024.

The report claims that the Turkish giants are set to make the English attacker available on a loan deal in January as he has struggled for minutes at times this season.

It is also stated that they are willing to negotiate an option-to-buy within any agreement, which means that Leeds could snap him up on a permanent basis next summer if they so choose.

TEAMtalk claim that Kent has not found the transition to life in Turkey an easy one to make and has had issues settling in with his teammates and within the club in general, which could be a reason behind this possible exit in January.

However, it will not be a straightforward deal for the Yorkshire-based outfit to complete as Premier League side Bournemouth and Scottish giants Rangers, whom he left earlier this year, are also said to be looking at him as a possible target.

Back in 2021, Marcelo Bielsa urged former sporting director Victor Orta to secure a swoop for Kent when he was at Ibrox, and the club considered a £15m approach for his services.

That came after the Argentine tactician failed in an £11m offer to sign the former Liverpool academy prospect ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League campaign.

The ex-Leeds head coach was seemingly very keen to get him to the club, given his efforts to land him on two occasions, and the Whites could finally get the whiz – around 30 months and four managers later.

Although, there is no guarantee that Leeds will be able to win the race for his signature this time around as Bournemouth and Rangers each have their own appeal, with top-flight football and a return to a comfortable environment respectively.

If the club can bring Kent in, though, then Farke could secure his next version of Crysencio Summerville with an exciting right-footed attacker who can play across the frontline.

Summerville's season in numbers

The 22-year-old magician, who can operate on either flank, has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the 2023/24 campaign and has emerged as a crucial player for the German boss.

Only Piroe (six) has scored as many Championship goals as the Dutch hotshot so far this season for Leeds as the young gem has proved himself to be a reliable scoring option for his side.

The talented wizard has also showcased his creative qualities with a team-leading five assists, which is a tally that only Georginio Rutter has been able to match. He has also produced the most key passes per game (2.8) within the squad this term – 0.3 more per match than any of his teammates.

Summerville has created seven 'big chances' for his fellow attackers but they have not been able to make the most of those opportunities, as evidenced by his five assists.

The Leeds star has also been an exciting player for the supporters to watch with his direct running and ability to beat defenders with the ball at his feet. Only Rutter has been able to match the supreme youngster's 2.4 completed dribbles per match this season for Leeds.

These statistics show that Summerville is a productive forward who can score and create goals for his team, whilst also being able to get fans off their seats with his impressive running, which is what Kent has the potential to provide as well.

The statistics that show why Kent could be Summerville 2.0

The 27-year-old ace has failed to showcase the best of his abilities at Feyenoord this season as he has zero goals and zero assists in seven league appearances to date.

However, his form for Rangers over the last few years of his career in Scotland suggests that there is plenty more to come from the English talent.

Appearances

218

Goals

33

Assists

56

Trophies

Two

During the 2022/23 campaign, Kent racked up three goals, eight assists, and nine 'big chances' created in 28 Scottish Premiership starts for Rangers.

That came after the "unplayable" – as he was once dubbed by journalist Andrew Dickson – star managed an eye-catching three goals and 19 assists in 46 matches in all competitions for the Light Blues throughout the 2021/22 season.

His goalscoring prowess was on display the previous campaign as Kent produced 13 goals and 14 assists across 52 outings for the Gers under Steven Gerrard.

These statistics show that the potential is there for the impressive forward to contribute with goals and assists at an excellent rate if Farke can get him back to playing at the peak of his powers after a difficult start to life in Turkey – with one league start to his name so far.

The Leeds target completed at least 1.9 dribbles per game in each of his last three Premiership season with Rangers, which illustrates his ability to commit and beat opposition defenders with the ball at his feet.

Therefore, Farke could secure his next version of Summerville in a swoop for Kent and should push to win the race for his services on loan in January.

International breaks can either come at an ideal time or the worst possible time for a club – there is rarely an in between. And for Leeds United, it has come at the worst possible time, with Daniel Farke's side firing on all cylinders in pursuit of Ipswich Town and Leicester City at the top of the Championship. The Whites have lost just once in their last seven games and sit just seven points adrift of what once looked like an unreachable top spot.

From Farke's perspective, he'll just hope to see that momentum continue after the international break. But bad news is already beginning to pile up for the Whites, with one star player already potentially injured ahead of their return to club action in a week or so to make it yet another international round to forget.

Leeds United injury news

When it comes to injuries this season, Leeds haven't faced incredibly unfortunate times with knocks, keeping the majority of their side together to eventually form what is currently an impressive run of results. That said, Farke will know just how quickly things can change and could already be without one specific player when club football returns.

According to Leeds All Over, Wilfried Gnonto was forced off with an injury for Italy U21s as they smashed San Marino 7-0 on Thursday. The winger was responsible for two goals, before passing on the chance to score a hat-trick, instead handing the penalty to Sebastiano Esposito. Gnonto reportedly appeared to clutch his hamstring as he limped off in what is a worrying sign for Farke and co.

It wouldn't be Gnonto's first injury of the season, either. The Italian has struggled to get going after seeing his campaign disrupted early on by an ankle injury which saw him miss four games. Now, he could be set to miss even more action after coming off for the national side.

Leeds need "incredible" Gnonto back to his best

If Leeds are to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, then getting Gnonto back to his best could be the key. The winger showed glimpses of what he can do in the top flight last season, recording six goal involvements, but has struggled to get going in the Championship, with just one goal and one assist to his name in 11 appearances.

At just 20-years-old, Gnonto still has plenty of time to rediscover his golden touch and become the player that former manager Jesse Marsch praised so highly in the past. The ex-Leeds boss said after the winger's Paolo Di Canio-esque volley last season: "It was a good diagonal ball from Rodrigo, really clever from Willy to fox the defender and then an incredible finish. He’s really happy with that. We knew about him for a while and we initially had a little more of an idea to bring him in the future.

“But we brought him in early and he’s shown what he can do. He is very humble, grounded and a real human being who wants to improve. He’s worth more than four million now. I like working with young, attacking explosive talent.”

Chelsea once again spent big in the summer to rebuild their squad and hand Mauricio Pochettino the chance to take them back into the Premier League's top four after a campaign to forget. They parted ways with the likes of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic in favour of Christopher Nkunku, Moises Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson and many more. Yet, on the verge of the busy festive period, the Blues haven't shown any signs that they're on their way back to the top of English football.

With January approaching, their transfer tactic looks unlikely to change, however, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly demanding his new side to beat Tottenham Hotspur to the signature of one particular target.

Chelsea transfer news

Despite making so many changes throughout the summer, Chelsea's goalscoring problem has remained. Eight goals against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in a 4-4 draw and a 4-1 victory may have been somewhat of a false dawn, as the Blues returned to their blunt selves in a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United. Nicolas Jackson's stats, scoring six goals in 12 Premier League games – three of which came against Spurs – prove that he's not ready to solve Chelsea's problem, either. And now, the London club could turn elsewhere in January.

According to The Sun, Mauricio Pochettino has demanded that Chelsea hijack Spurs' pursuit of Santiago Gimenez, who Feyenoord reportedly value at just £35m. The Argentine seemingly wants to beat his former club to the forward in an attempt to solve his side's problem in front of goal once and for all. As Pochettino's top target, according to TeamTalk, Gimenez is certainly one to keep an eye on when the winter window swings open. West Ham United could also have a say in any deal, though, given their reported interest to give Chelsea plenty to think about.

"Sensational" Gimenez could end Chelsea's goalscoring woes

When it comes to Premier League goals, only Manchester United have scored less than Chelsea's 22 in the top half, which doesn't exactly leave them in good stead to qualify for next season's Champions League. Gimenez's stats show that he is more than capable of solving that issue, however.

Player

Goals

Assists

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Santiago Gimenez

16

3

24

20

Nicolas Jackson

6

0

23

16

With 16 goals so far this season, it's no surprise that Spurs, Chelsea and West Ham are all reportedly chasing Gimenez's signature. The Mexican, as a result of his performances, has attracted plenty of praise, including from journalist Graeme Bailey, who said on the Talking Transfers Podcast: "Santiago Gimenez looks sensational by the way, he looks so good. He looks amazing to me. Teams have been watching Feyenoord, of which there is a few, they are the best team in Holland, we know Arsenal and Tottenham have been watching Gimenez as of late.”

Gimenez has deservedly caught the attention of Premier League sides this season and looks set to have a decision to make in the January transfer window, in a choice that could change his career.

The UAE T10 franchise Karchians is working out a new team name after a court in Pakistan ordered against using the word “Karachians” or anything “phonetically deceptive or resembling name”.The Karachians is one of the eight franchises in the tournament, which is due to begin on November 21 and apparently draws its team names from various parts of the subcontinent, for example Kerala Kings, Bengal Tigers and Punjabi Legends. However, last week, its organisers had to suspend their promotional activities after Sindh High Court’s order barred TV and radio organisations in Pakistan from broadcasting or advertising anything from the T10 league related to the Karachians – or any other team using Karachi in their name in Pakistan or abroad.The directive came after Karachi Kings, the Pakistan Super League franchise, sought a stay order from the court against the UAE T10 league’s usage of the name Karachi. Team owner Salman Iqbal, who was also the president of the T10 league until he stepped down in September, filed the writ petition. And in response to it, the court issued its order to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). The Karachians – which is owned by a Pakistani based in the UAE – had been actively involved in the promotion of the league and their team in Karachi and Lahore.Hearing the counter argument, the court observed that the major cause of disagreement was about the use of city’s name or anything related. “Learned counsel for the defendants No 1 and 2 (T10 stakeholders) files a statement and states that the said defendants are the organisers and promoters of second edition of T-10 league and one of the team name in the said league is “Karachians”. However, the said defendants will not use the name “Karachians” or “Karachi” or any name with suffix of “King” nor shall they use any logo etc in the said T-10 league or with any other phonetically deceptive or resembling name. The statement is taken on record,” the court order read.While it is to be noted that a court in Pakistan holds no legal jurisdiction over a business in the UAE, Nawab Shajiul Mulk, the league chairman, said that the franchise would comply with the court order.”We got the high court stay to be fully vacated and we are back to promotions and broadcasting of T10 in Pakistan,” he told ESPNcricinfo.”Due to shortage of time and to avoid the risk of stay being extended for further arguments we agreed to not use the name “Karachians “in the league and will now be changing the name. We are happy that we were able to quickly dispose of the stay order and get back to promotions of the T10 league in Pakistan.”A lawyer representing the T10 league said it still retains the right to use the word “Karachi” and its variations in the future.

Bayer Leverkusen completed one of the biggest fairytales in football history winning their first-ever Bundesliga title, and Xabi Alosno explains how.

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Bayer Leverkusen win Bundesliga titleAlonso talks about how he handled pressureLeverkusen in the hunt for a treble this seasonGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

When the season started, not even Bayer Leverkusen fans would have thought that they would be celebrating winning the Bundesliga, that too with five games to go until the end of the season. However, that is now a reality for Die Werkself, and Alonso has explained how he handled the pressures of having to lead a club that was chasing down their first league title while being hounded down by the most successful club in Germany, Bayern Munich. He also talked about getting rid of the 'Neverkusen Curse' that has seen the club drop titles despite being in commanding positions.

AdvertisementWHAT ALONSO SAID

Speaking to ESPN after the title win, Alonso said: "Well, it feels great because I have this feeling that this is not just for us, this is for so many people that have been chasing this dream for so many years. I have in mind the old coaches, Christoph Daum, Klaus Augenthaler, and Roger Schmidt. They were here and they are a part of it as well and for me, it's so great to bring success and to be part of this success with this team.

"It is always special when it's the time of everything and when it's the first time of a Bundesliga title, that is the most difficult title probably. And I'm so happy to enjoy it with the players, with the fans, with the club and so many people that deserved to really, really enjoy that moment.

"The mentality of losing key matches? Because I was not here for so long, that was not in my veins so deep, so probably I was lighter. The weight of history wasn't that heavy inside me. So I was hearing that, but I said, okay, let's see what happens. And I had a feeling that this year we started from scratch, taking many right decisions, and building a great team, the club, Simon, Fernando, and Mister Menning, were really supportive. We had from the beginning of the season that it could be a good season, that we had a good team to play a good season.

"For sure the expectations, we have overcome the expectations and to play and to win Bundesliga, five games to go with our numbers, with the way we have played, with the way we have totally deserved most of the results, it's unbelievable. It's difficult to put in words, but all the credit to so many people and I'm really happy to be part of it."

(C)Getty imagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Leverkusen hired Alonso partway through the start of the 2022-23 season after having parted ways with Gerardo Seoane, who left them fighting relegation eight games into the season. Alonso eventually turned around the club's fortune as he led them to the Europa League spots. After a bit of recruitment and signings, Leverkusen turned up to the title fight and amidst Bayern Munich's inconsistent form they ran away with the league title with their 5-0 win over Werder Bremen.

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WHAT NEXT FOR LEVERKUSEN?

Die Werkself may have won the league title but they still have their work cut out for them as they look to win the Europa League and the DFB Pokal to complete a treble. They will be in action up next against West Ham on Thursday, April 18 in the Europa League.

Bayer Leverkusen were dominant in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against West Ham, winning thanks to two late goals.

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• Substitutes Hofmann and Boniface scored
• West Ham have huge mountain to climb
• Xabi Alonso's side still on for treble

• Getty
  

  TELL ME MORE

  Leverkusen – who can still win a treble of the Bundesliga, Europa League and DFB-Pokal – were dominant throughout the 90 minutes against the Hammers in the Europa League quarter-final, although they needed two late goals, both from substitutes, to get over the line.

  Alejandro Grimaldo unleashed a fierce effort from range 20 minutes in, but he was denied by an exceptional save from Lukasz Fabianski.

  Soon after, West Ham were dealt a bitter blow as Lucas Paqueta was shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge, meaning he will be suspended from the second leg.

  Fabianski made another excellent save on the half-hour mark, denying Patrik Schick, and the two teams subsequently went in level.

  In a second half short on gilt-edged chances, Fabianski was called on again in the 70th minute, and he pulled out a superb save to divert a Schick header over the bar.

  But his resistance was broken eventually, as from a corner, a shot was blocked and dropped to substitute Jonas Hofmann, who volleyed home through a clutch of bodies, with Fabianski unsighted.

  And another sub, Victor Boniface, added a second late on with a header from a corner, meaning Leverkusen remain firmly on course for a historic treble. The Hammers have a mountain to climb.

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• THE MVP

  Xabi Alonso transformed the game with his substitutions. Both Hofmann and Boniface came off the bench and both hit the back of the net. His team were dominant throughout and fully merited their 2-0 victory; were it not for Fabianski, they would have won by four or five.

• Getty
  

  THE BIG LOSER

  Paqueta is a brilliant orchestrator at times but his decision to fly into a tackle in the first half that saw him booked was a hugely rash one and it has left him suspended for next week's return leg as a result of his yellow card. He was lucky not to be sent off, such was the aggression in the challenge, and David Moyes now faces a real headache as he looks to replace his creative impetus.

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• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  West Ham play Fulham on Sunday in a London derby before next week's return leg, while Leverkusen play Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on the same day.

Manchester City have deployed chiefs to watch a new forward live in action as they consider bringing him to the Premier League, according to a reliable journalist.

Man City's season so far

The Sky Blues have made a fantastic start to the new campaign having won nine, drawn one and lost just two of their opening 12 games, meaning that they currently find themselves at the top of the table during the international break.

Whilst Pep Guardiola will be happy with his side’s form and confident that they can go on to achieve big things this term like last season, that may not stop him from assessing his options in the market to see if he could bolster his ranks with players who will improve the squad.

Ahead of January, Napoli’s left-winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been identified as a potential target having established himself as Walter Mazzarri’s overall best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.50 (WhoScored – Napoli statistics).

The Georgia international still has another four years remaining on his deal at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium (Napoli contracts), but regardless of his situation, the 22-year-old has been brought onto the radar of the hierarchy at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City send scouts to assess Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Taking to X, reporter Graeme Bailey confirmed that Man City deployed representatives to watch Kvaratskhelia during Georgia's 3-1 defeat to Spain on Sunday, with the forward scoring in a 3-1 defeat.

He wrote: "Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and Newcastle make Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scouting trip. Kvaratskhelia is one of Europe's most intriguing and in-demand talents. Napoli are hopeful of finalising new deal with the Georgian."

However, expanding in his column for 90min, the reporter revealed that the forward is in talks to extend his contract with his current club by a further 12 months which will include a significant pay rise, so any potential suitors may have to act fast should they want to tempt him into starting a new adventure elsewhere in January.

Kvaratskhelia is a real "magician" in the final third

Since putting pen to paper at Napoli, Kvaratskhelia has posted 39 contributions, 22 assists and 17 goals, in 58 appearances which shows just how extremely prolific he can be in the opposition’s penalty area (Transfermarkt – Kvaratskhelia stats).

Sponsored by Nike, the two-footed talent has also recorded 41 shots over the course of the current campaign which is more than any other of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Napoli stats), representing his constant desire to hit the back of the net.

Key passes

Likes to cut inside

Finishing

Likes to dribble

Dribbling

Likes to do layoffs

Through balls

Passing

The Serie A “magician”, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, even has the versatility to operate in five different positions over the grass, including everywhere across the frontline alongside as an attacking midfielder, so it could be a deal to watch ahead of 2024.

أعلن نادي ليفربول، في بيان رسمي منذ قليل، خوض مباراة ودية جديدة في إطار الاستعدادات للموسم الجديد 2024/25.

وخاض ليفربول حتى الآن 3 مباريات ودية، الأولى خلف الأبواب المغلقة والتي خسرها أمام بريستون بهدف دون رد.

في حين فاز ليفربول في الثانية ضد ريال بيتيس بهدف دون رد، وانتصر في الثالثة بصعوبة أمام آرسنال بهدفين لهدف.

ويخوض ليفربول ودية جديدة، فجر يوم الأحد المقبل، ضد مانشستر يونايتد، قبل مواجهة إشبيلية يوم الأحد 11 أغسطس.

اقرأ أيضًا | باللون الأسود .. ليفربول يعلن قميصه الاحتياطي لموسم 2024/25

وحسبما جاء في بيان ليفربول، فإن الفريق سيخوض مباراة ودية جديدة، في نفس يوم مواجهة إشبيلية، وستكون على ملعب “الأنفيلد”.

وسيلتقي ليفربول، في مباراته الودية الجديدة، مع نظيره لاس بالماس خلف الأبواب المغلقة، بعد خوض مباراة إشبيلية.

وستنطلق مباراة ليفربول وإشبيلية في ذلك اليوم، في تمام الساعة الثانية والنصف ظهرًا بتوقيت القاهرة، في حين أن مباراة لاس بالماس ستكون في تمام الساعة السابعة مساءً.

وستكون كلتا المباراتين آخر بروفة لـ ليفربول تحت قيادة المدرب آرني سلوت قبل بدء مشوار الدوري الإنجليزي.

ويبدأ ليفربول مشواره في الموسم الجديد من الدوري الإنجليزي بمواجهة إبسويتش تاون، يوم 17 أغسطس الجاري.

The head of the PCB’s new cricket committee said he felt sorry for Sarfraz Ahmed for having to be the wicketkeeper, batsman and captain

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2018

Sarfraz Ahmed plays a late cut•Getty Images

Mohsin Khan, freshly installed as the head of the PCB’s new cricket committee, wants Sarfraz Ahmed to be relieved of the Test captaincy, a suggestion that will do little to calm an already turbulent start to the committee’s existence. It is also a suggestion that the board chairman Ehsan Mani has shot down.Announced publicly only on Friday, Mohsin’s appointment had the PCB apparently distancing itself from the Justice Qayyum report on match-fixing, in a bid to convince him to work with Wasim Akram. Misbah-ul-Haq and former women’s captain Urooj Mumtaz are the other members of the committee.It then emerged that only a week before the committee was formed, Mohsin had called Mickey Arthur a “stupid donkey” on a show on TV, an assessment that could presumably make the three meetings in a year the committee will have with the coach a little awkward.On that same show, Mohsin had first aired the opinion that Sarfraz should not be Test captain, an opinion he remained true to when talking to on Tuesday evening.”I have said it before and I will say it now too,” Mohsin, who is associated with the channel as an expert, said “with Sarfraz I was saying you got a new guy in, don’t put the burden of three formats on him. It will take such a physical load on him, T20s, ODIs and then Tests if he is captain he will not get any mental relaxation.”I had said make him T20 and ODI captain and in Tests, put in a senior player for a year, year-and-a-half which will give him [Sarfraz] time, allow him to relax and groom himself as a leader, to get some confidence.”Mohsin pointed to Pakistan’s haggard performances in the Asia Cup, which appeared to have taken a toll on Sarfraz.”Sarfraz’s body language was so down. I felt sorry for him that he’s had so much pressure put on him, with T20s, ODIs and Tests. There’s no doubt he is so talented and it’s not as if he is 35-36. He is young, he has a lot of time. That was my view before and it is now as well.”It is a more sympathetic take than it may come across as; the burdens of captaincy in every format have weighed heavily on Sarfraz, who until recently was in the midst of a poor run with the bat as well as in uncertain form with the gloves.But the timing of his remarks will raise eyebrows. Sarfraz has just led Pakistan to a Test series win against Australia – where he finally managed some big scores – and then oversaw a resounding 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series. That result, incidentally, has been sidelined by the news the cricket committee has been making.Mohsin and the committee do not have the power to remove Sarfraz from the Test captaincy, only to make a recommendation to Mani, the chairman. And that is something Mohsin will be doing.”Yes, absolutely,” he said. “I have spoken to Ehsan Mani, the final decision will of course be his but I will give him the suggestion. Whatever suggestions I give, it will not be out of personal interest. I will only suggest those things that will help make Pakistan better on or off the field.”This New Zealand series, it has Tests, ODIs and T20s, it will give us a better picture of how much mentally stronger Sarfraz has become. I will repeat – I only say this because he is still young and he doesn’t need this much pressure on him. He needs some relief time because wicketkeeping itself is such a difficult job.”Mani will not be taking that suggestion on.”I have full faith in Sarfraz as Pakistan captain,” Mani told ESPNcricinfo. “He is the Pakistan captain, that is completely unambiguous. He is the Pakistan captain today, there is no other consideration or thought in anyone’s mind. He has the absolute support of the board.”Mohsin’s comments, no matter the nuance, are unlikely to enamour him to Sarfraz, which means he will have managed to annoy both coach and captain less than a week into his job. Arthur has been understandably unimpressed by Mohsin’s remarks about him, and is believed to have asked for an apology. That has left the PCB scrambling to find a way for the pair to move on from this, with a first meeting between the two likely to be in front of Mani.On Tuesday, the board was forced to clarify their stance on the Qayyum report, insisting that the “work of Justice Qayyum is acknowledged and appreciated by PCB and there is no truth in the perception… that the report has been dismissed by the PCB.”In the same statement, the board added that it “maintains a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.”