Para o técnico Vagner Mancini, o que o Corinthians encontrou no confronto com o São Caetano foi uma “prévia” da partida contra o Salgueiro, na quarta-feira, pela Copa do Brasil. No duelo diante do Azulão, o Timão venceu por 1 a 0 no Anacleto Campanella, pela quarta rodada do Campeonato Paulista.
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– Foi uma prévia do que vamos encontrar em Salgueiro. Eu já tive oportunidade de jogar no estádio, contra o Salgueiro, há alguns anos. O estádio é acanhado, o campo não é como estamos acostumados, então espero dificuldades. O Salgueiro sempre forma bons times, é o atual campeão do Pernambucano, por isso temos que respeitar. E acima de tudo levar para lá a concentração de uma equipe que vai para competir, que sabe o risco da Copa do Brasil. A única vantagem que temos é o empate – afirmou Mancini.
O Corinthians viaja nesta segunda-feira. Serão cerca de três horas em um voo fretado até Juazeiro do Norte e depois mais duas horas de ônibus até a cidade de Salgueiro. A partida será realizada na quarta, às 21h30, no Estádio Cornélio de Barros, conhecido como Salgueirão.
– A gente tem que fazer uma viagem longa, vamos jogar num campo diferente do que estamos acostumados, estádio acanhado, viagem de ônibus… Mas o Corinthians consegue nestes momentos se superar, a história do Corinthians fala muito forte nesses momentos, é nisso que estou tentando mobilizar todos os atletas, para que a gente possa ir lá fazer um grande jogo, buscar a vitória. Até para que a gente não sofra, mas sabendo que é um cenário que pode ser de uma equipe que pode lutar o jogo inteiro pelo resultado. Mas estou muito entusiasmado e confiante de que, na quarta-feira, a gente vai buscar a vaga num grande jogo. É muito do que foi visto no jogo contra o São Caetano, acho que foi uma prévia do que vamos encontrar lá – acrescentou Mancini.
Para a partida contra o Salgueiro, o treinador poderá contar novamente com o volante Cantillo, que cumpriu suspensão diante do São Caetano. Ainda há a expectativa de retorno de jogadores que contraíram coronavírus, como Fábio Santos, Camacho, Ramiro, Guilherme Castellani, Cauê e Raul Gustavo, que voltaram a treinar na última quinta-feira.
Glasgow Rangers have already signed a striker and midfielder during the current January transfer window, but could they be close to adding another two players to their squad?
Moves for Brazilian left-back Jefte and Colombian winger Oscar Cortes look like they could come to fruition in the coming days and this will give Philippe Clement a major boost ahead of a crucial few months.
Glasgow Rangers managerPhilippe Clement.
Adding some fresh faces could be the difference between claiming league title number 56 or trailing behind Celtic for the third season in a row.
One thing is clear, the Light Blues need to sign another forward between now and Thursday, especially due to their injury issues.
Rangers search for a new striker
Danilo and Abdallah Sima are currently out for the foreseeable future due to suffering serious injuries recently, while Kemar Roofe is never far away from the treatment table, leaving Clement to rely on Cyriel Dessers and Fabio Silva.
Not the most fear-inducing frontline in the country, it must be said, and this is why Clement must strengthen his side.
Rangers winger Abdallah Sima.
Lawrence Shankland is the player who has been perennially linked with a move to Ibrox of late and, according to Football Insider last week, the Gers are reportedly plotting a swoop to bring the striker to Ibrox before the window closes.
He has just 18 months left on his contract, and it is no secret that Hearts are looking at extending his deal, especially considering the 28-year-old is their most sellable asset.
Shankland has allegedly been offered a new deal, but has yet to sign it according to Pete O’Rourke, so this may tempt Clement into launching his own move.
The Scot could potentially cost around £3m should a move be made and this might be out with Clement’s budget, especially considering he has already signed Mohammed Diomande.
Lawrence Shankland for Scotland.
Not only that, but £3m on a player who will be 29 shortly might not be the best value for money, regardless of his current strike rate.
Could the Belgian be tempted by a younger, more promising forward who has yet to hit his peak? Tommy Conway is another player who has been linked with a move to Scotland.
Tommy Conway could be an ideal Shankland alternative
According to Football Insider, the Light Blues are plotting a move for the Bristol City striker following his FA Cup heroics a couple of weeks ago.
The 6 foot 1 machine has firmly established himself as a keen member of the City squad, and he is attracting interest not only from Rangers, but also from Celtic, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest, and Brentford as a move to the elite could be close.
Tommy Conway for Bristol City.
Aged just 21, Conway is still in the embryonic stages of his career and thus could be a more attractive option for Clement, especially as he could have a wonderful resale value should he hit the ground running in Scotland.
Shankland would likely settle in fairly easily and be an instant hit if he can carry on his form for Hearts, yet his age plus the Gorgie side’s valuation of the striker may put the former Club Brugge manager off for the time being.
Conway, on the other hand, is seven years younger and while the price tag is uncertain, he certainly offers a better long-term potential than Shankland.
Why Tommy Conway would be a good signing for Rangers
The English-born Scottish U21 international has enjoyed a productive January. He scored against West Ham United in the FA Cup third round, which earned City a well-deserved draw.
Conway then went and scored the only goal of said replay to secure their passage into the fourth round and put Premier League opposition to the sword in a stunning victory, with Statman Dave dubbing the striker as “clinical” following his first-half display against the Hammers.
Add to that a further six goals in the Championship this term, and it is evident that he is enjoying himself in the second tier.
The youngster made his debut for City during the 2020/21 campaign and has since gone on to net 21 goals across 73 matches.
His breakthrough season was 2022/23 and following a positive start to life in the Robins' first team, the Sky Sports commentary team lauded him for being on “absolute flames” and he has not looked back since.
Last 10 January signings @ Rangers
Year signed
Mohammed Diomande
2024
Fabio Silva
2024
Todd Cantwell
2023
Nico Raskin
2023
Aaron Ramsey
2022
Amad Diallo
2022
James Sands
2022
Mutesz Zukowski
2022
Jack Simpson
2021
Scott Wright
2021
Via Transfermarkt
His former manager Nigel Pearson even compared Conway to Jamie Vardy, one of his former players, claiming that the youngster had the potential to become a hit in the Premier League at some stage in his career. High praise indeed for the 21-year-old.
What Rangers lack is a striker who is able to go toe to toe with opposition defenders in the final third and combine a pure clinical nature with a raw physical presence which could help bring others into play.
Conway could be an ideal signing. He excels at holding onto the ball, headed attempts, and finishing, according to WhoScored, while he likes to play short passes and these attributes could allow him to fit in well at Ibrox.
Rangers have arguably not had a striker capable of providing all of these traits since Alfredo Morelos was at his peak, and they clearly miss this presence in and around the penalty area.
Tommy Conway celebrates for Bristol City.
Dessers has improved in recent weeks, scoring three goals in as many games since the domestic calendar resumed, yet he is not the long-term solution for Clement.
Shankland certainly has what it takes to find the back of the net on a regular basis in Scotland and at this current moment in time, he fits the bill.
The Jambos forward would perhaps only be a short-term option for a long-standing problem, however, and this is why a move for Conway would work out best for the future, especially as he still has plenty of development to do.
Clement appears to be keen on establishing a player trading model which will allow him to rake in plenty of profit for the club by signing talented youngsters, improving them before selling on to bigger teams.
Conway is a player who fits that current profile, and he could be a wonderful option to have in the first-team squad.
تحدث النجم الإيطالي فرانشيسكو توتي عن الفترة التي قضاها اللاعب المصري محمد صلاح ضمن صفوف فريق روما، مؤكدًا أنه تجمعه به علاقة صداقة.
وكان صلاح قد خاض تجربة إحترافية في روما عندما انضم للفريق الإيطالي في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية لموسم 2015-2016، ليقدم مستوى لافت للأنظار جعله ينضم لفريق ليفربول مطلع موسم 2017-2018.
ويتواجد فرانشيسكو توتي في مصر من أجل افتتاح مدرسة لرعاية الموهوبين بـ كرة القدم في مصر والشرق الأوسط.
وأعرب توتي عن سعادته بفتح المدارس الرياضية فى مصر والشرق الأوسط باسمه لاكتشاف مواهب جديدة تكمل المسيرة -حسبما عبر-.
وأكد توتي خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الذي عقد اليوم لافتتاح أكاديميته فخره واعتزازه بالتواجد فى مصر، موجهًا الشكر إلى أشرف صبحى وزير الشباب والرياضة على منحه الفرصة للتواجد هنا.
وأتم فرانشيكسو توتى: “كنت فخور باللعب بجوار أفضل لاعبى العالم وهو محمد صلاح، والذي تربطني به علاقة صداقة قوية وهو شخص رائع ومميز ومتواضع ويساعد الجميع وهو من أفضل النجوم على مستوى العالم الآن”.
وفي المؤتمر ذاته أضاف أشرف صبحي وزير الشباب والرياضة: “نجتمع اليوم لنتحدث عن العلاقات التاريخية بين مصر وإيطاليا، والتي تمتد لعدة عقود من التعاون المثمر في مجالات متعددة، إن القوة الناعمة تمثل أحد أهم عناصر العلاقات الدولية، حيث تسهم في تعزيز التفاهم والتعاون بين الشعوب، ومن خلال الثقافة والفنون والرياضة، نتمكن من بناء جسور قوية تجمع بين الشباب في بلدينا”.
ألدريدج يلوم ليفربول على تصرفه مع محمد صلاح
وتابع الوزير: “نحن فخورون بإطلاق أول أكاديمية فرانشيسكو توتي في مصر والشرق الأوسط، وهذا يعكس مكانة مصر وثقة الأوساط الرياضية الدولية في مصر، واستكمالاً للمساعي المستمرة من الدولة المصرية لدعم المواهب الشابة وتوفير البيئة المناسبة لتطويرها، ونثق في قيام الأكاديمية بدور كبير في تحقيق هذا الهدف النبيل، وأتطلع لرؤية هذه الأكاديمية لتكون بيئة ملهمة للمواهب الشابه، حيث يمكنهم تطوير مهاراتهم وتحقيق أحلامهم في عالم كرة القدم”.
وواصل: “الرياضة تعتبر أداة فاعلة للتواصل، وتلعب دوراً حيوياً في بناء شخصيات الشباب وتعزيز قيم التفاني والعمل الجماعي، حيث تساهم في تعزيز القيم الإنسانية مثل الصداقة والاحترام، نحن فخورون بالشراكات الرياضية التي تجمعنا مع إيطاليا، والتي تعكس روح المنافسة الشريفة وتعزز من التفاهم بين شبابنا، كل التوفيق لتصبح هذه الأكاديمية خطوة مهمة نحو تحقيق هذه الأهداف، لدعم المواهب الشابة وتوفير الفرص المناسبة لتطويرها، وهذه الأكاديمية هي جزء من استراتيجيتنا لتعزيز الرياضة وتحقيق النجاح في ميدان كرة القدم”.
The news that Jürgen Klopp is set to leave his position as Liverpool manager at the end of the season shook the Premier League,
However, he still has a job on his hands to end his time at Anfield on a high, with the Europa League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Premier League trophy still up for grabs in a potential quadruple.
One thing that stands in Liverpool's way of extending their lead at the top of the table is a clash with Arsenal this weekend, as the Reds are set to travel to the Emirates Stadium for a 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday.
With that in mind, Football FanCast has outlined everything you need to know about what has gone on in the past when Jürgen Klopp and Arsenal have come head-to-head.
Jurgen Klopp vs Arsenal – head-to-head
Jürgen Klopp Wins
14
Arsenal wins
7
Draws
7
Interestingly, Arsenal are a team that Jürgen Klopp has seen plenty of. In fact, he's faced them the second-most times of any team in his managerial career – just behind Bayern Munich – having also come up against the Gunners during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
The German has come out on top 14 times, with seven draws and seven losses to go with it (as per Transfermarkt), handing Klopp a 50% win rate. Interestingly, he only won two out of six clashes when facing Arsene Wenger's Arsenal in the Champions League, with Klopp not tasting defeat to the north Londoners at Liverpool until July 2020.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool record vs Arsenal
Jurgen-Klopp of Liverpool
Matches
22
Wins
12
Draws
6
Losses
4
Goals For
54
Goals Against
28
Since being appointed back in 2015, Klopp has enjoyed a rather dominant time of things when it comes to Arsenal.
The Reds have been free-scoring in the final third, with a whopping 54 goals and just 28 goals conceded in 22 matches. That's almost three goals scored per game against Arsenal.
In fact, Liverpool scored at least three in eight of his first nine clashes against Arsenal as the Reds boss, which include a seven-goal thriller at the Emirates back in 2016 and a 5-5 EFL Cup draw at Anfield in 2019.
Jürgen Klopp's Premier League record vs Arsenal
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
Matches
16
Wins
9
Draws
5
Losses
2
Goals For
44
Goals Against
22
The German has managed against Arsenal 16 times in the Premier League at Liverpool, and the record looks very good once again, with just two losses, five draws and nine wins.
One of those losses, however, was the Reds' 3-2 defeat in October 2022, when Mikel Arteta's side recorded their first victory over Liverpool in front of their supporters for the first time since the 2014/15 campaign, while the Spaniard was still playing for the Gunners.
Liverpool have now gone three league games without victory against Arsenal – so is the tide turning just as Klopp says goodbye?
Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool cup record vs Arsenal
Liverpool manager JuergenKloppcelebrates after the match
Matches
6
Wins
3
Draws
1
Losses
2
Goals for
10
Goals against
6
Klopp's record in cup competitions is slightly more mixed but positive nonetheless.
The match that really stands out is the 5-5 clash that took place at Anfield in the EFL Cup back in 2019, as Divock Origi scored a 94th-minute equaliser which led to Liverpool securing a 5-4 penalty win in the round of 16.
Arsenal had got their own back of sorts with shootout victories in the 2020/21 Community Shield and EFL Cup, but January's FA Cup success sees Klopp and Liverpool have the upper hand in knockout scenarios.
Jürgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund record vs Arsenal
Matches
6
Wins
2
Draws
1
Losses
3
Goals For
6
Goals Against
7
Of course, Jürgen Klopp's time at Borussia Dortmund was what really threw him into the limelight, with his passion and celebrations after games, as well as the exciting attacking football the men in yellow were playing on the field.
And, believe it or not, the German encountered Arsenal on six occasions during his seven years in Germany, with Dortmund drawn in the same group as the Gunners on three occasions between 2011/12 and 2014/15.
It was Arsenal who had the upper hand in Europe, though, with three victories in six. However, Klopp's men finished above Wenger's side in two of those three seasons, with the north Londoners still making it through the groups each time.
Jürgen Klopp's biggest win vs Arsenal
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
We have to go all the way back to 29th December 2018 for Jürgen Klopp's biggest win over Arsenal.
The Reds embarrassed the Gunners 5-1 at Anfield in the Premier League, with a goal from Mohamed Salah and a hat-trick from Roberto Firmino all in the first half, condemning Unai Emery's men – who had taken the lead through Ainsley Maitland-Niles – to an embarrassing defeat.
Jürgen Klopp's biggest loss vs Arsenal
In the 27 games Klopp has faced Arsenal, his biggest loss is certainly nothing to be embarrassed about. Indeed, it's the only time he's been beaten by two clear goals against the Gunners.
It came towards the end of his time at Borussia Dortmund in the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League as Arsenal snapped the German club's unbeaten streak in the group stages, with a superb Alexis Sanchez strike sealing the victory after Yaya Sanogo scored his only goal for the club.
Dortmund would win this particular Champions League group on goal difference, having beaten the Gunners 2-0 in Germany on matchday one.
Memorable Jürgen Klopp incidents vs Arsenal
One of the most iconic incidents came recently in a clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at Anfield, as Bukayo Saka collided with Kostas Tsimikas by the dugouts, which led to the Greece international having his manager fall on top of him.
This wasn't taken lightly by Klopp, who was left seething after the incident, with the defender having to be taken off with a broken collarbone.
There seems to be a bit of extra tension in the air whenever Liverpool and Arsenal collide, as back in November 2021, Mikel Arteta and Klopp had to be separated by several members of staff after an altercation broke out, with verbal blows being exchanged.
Em São Januário, o Vasco conquistou a sua primeira vitória no Campeonato Carioca 2021 ao derrotar o Macaé por 3 a 1.O Gigante da Colina dominou a partida, mas teve dificuldade para definir o resultado. Na saída de campo, o jovem paraguaio Matías Galarza comemorou o seu primeiro gol como profissional e destacou que o resultado irá ajudar na sequência da equipe na temporada.
> Confira a classificação do Campeonato Carioca
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– Foi o meu primeiro gol pelo profissional, estou feliz. Merecíamos, dominamos o jogo. Entrei com o pensamento de decidir o jogo, e assim foi. O clima sempre foi bom, o grupo é unido. A vitória vai nos ajudar na sequência do ano. A gente já merecia nos jogos anteriores. Minha família deve estar comemorando, quero dedicar o gol à minha mãe e ao meu pai. E também os meus colegas de Vasco – disse o paraguaio.
O jovem paraguaio tem sido um dos destaques da equipe sub-20 do Vasco, que conquistou os títulos da Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Carioca e Supercopa da categoria. Nas primeira rodadas do Estadual, ele já havia chamado atenção ao entrar bem no time diante da Portuguesa-RJ, na estreia, e dessa vez marcou o seu primeiro gol, com um bonito chute de fora da área.
> Confira mais notícias sobre o Vasco da Gama
Na próxima rodada, o Vasco encara o Madureira, no sábado, às 15h30 (de Brasília), no EstádioLos Larios, em Xerém. Vale lembrar que esta será a primeira partida do Gigante da Colina após a proibição da prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro. O prefeito Eduardo Paes (DEM) anunciou que do dia 26 de março a 4 de abril está proibido jogos de futebol na cidade.
The series also features three T20Is and three ODIs and will run from November 5 to December 1
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jul-2019
The Afghanistan players, including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi don their maiden Test caps•BCCI
Afghanistan are set to play their maiden Test against West Indies on November 27 in their adopted home country India. This game is part of a full tour that also includes three T20Is and three ODIs.Afghanistan v West Indies
Nov 5 – First T20I Nov 7 – Second T20I Nov 9 – Third T20I Nov 13 – First ODI Nov 16 – Second ODI Nov 18 – Third ODI Nov 27 – Only Test
The two sides have only ever played in 10 internationals, eight of those held in the Caribbean. West Indies lead Afghanistan 5-4 in the head-to-head, their most recent victory coming in the World Cup.The one-off Test would mark Afghanistan’s third appearance in the longest format. They were beaten on debut by India in 2018 but came up trumps against Ireland in 2019.According to the FTP, West Indies are scheduled to stay in India even after their series against Afghanistan so they can play the hosts in a series that includes three T20Is and three ODIs.Afghanistan, meanwhile, would be coming into their series against West Indies having played Bangladesh in a one-off Test and a T20I tri-series that also features Zimbabwe.
Since the arrival of Unai Emery, Aston Villa’s recruitment has been solely tailored towards the Spaniard's philosophy and style of play.
This isn’t always the case for some clubs, but at Villa, performance on the field is of the utmost priority.
Unai Emery
Recent signing Morgan Rogers is a prime example of that, due to his ability to play in the second striker role and cover multiple other positions in a fluid system.
However, there are also players before Emery’s time that fit his style like a glove, with a signing by Dean Smith now seeing his value soar – thanks to the influence of the former Arsenal boss.
Douglas Luiz’s early Villa career
Douglas Luiz's Villa career could have looked extremely different from what it is today if luck wasn’t on their side during the 2019/20 season.
During the Brazilian’s first season at Villa Park after moving from Manchester City for £15m, Smith’s side narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship by just one point in dramatic fashion.
joao-palhinha-douglas-luiz-liverpool-opinion
Throughout that campaign, the young midfielder featured in 36 Premier League matches, often playing alongside John McGinn and Marvelous Nakamba in a 4-3-3 system.
Since then, Luiz has started at least 30 Premier League matches in every season, becoming a key player for every Villa manager in charge over his time at the club.
Douglas Luiz’s value in 2024
Fast forward to today, and Luiz is one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League, if not Europe. The former Vasco de Gama prospect already had quality in abundance, but since playing alongside Boubacar Kamara he has really flourished.
The number six can do it all on the field, bringing intensity, tenacity, and technical class every time he steps foot on the grass, with his consistency adding the cherry on top.
Douglas Luiz in action for Aston Villa.
The former Girona man has started all but one league game this season, with his only absence being due to suspension. Luiz has been one of the catalysts for Villa’s incredible development this season, which has put them in a position to challenge for the Champions League.
Over the first half of the campaign, Luiz has netted seven goals and provided four assists from a defensive midfield role, which makes him an extremely unique profile.
Luiz's PL Stat Villa Ranking
Stats
Luiz
Rank
Average rating
7.45
1st
Goals
7
2nd
Assists
4
3rd
Shots (P90)
1.8
2nd
Big chances created
8
1st
Key Passes (P90)
1.6
1st
Tackles (P90)
2.0
2nd
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see, Luiz is instrumental to the way Emery’s side plays, both going forward and when defending, and this season he has been absolutely “outstanding,” as per journalist Jacob Tanswell.
He’s priceless to the club, and with plenty of big clubs, including Arsenal, reportedly interested in signing the star, Villa have reportedly valued the 25-year-old at £100m – an increase of 566% in relation to his initial £15m cost.
Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz
Overall, it’s obvious that the signing of Luiz has been one of the best transfer moves in the club’s history, and if they were to sell the former Man City ace, they would pocket a significant sum.
O meia equatoriano Junior Cazares não é mais jogador do Corinthians.A diretoria corintiana optou por não renovar o contrato do atleta, que se encerra em junho, e aceitou o pedido do jogador para ser liberado e resolver o seu futuro, que deve ser o Fluminense. O ex-camisa 10 corintiano, inclusive, já se despediu dos seus companheiros.
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Nesta segunda-feira (12), o estafe de Cazares se reuniu com a diretoria do Tricolor para discutir a parte financeira e o tempo de contrato, que tende a ser de um ano e seis meses, quando termina o mandato do atual presidente do Flu, Mário Bittencourt. A informação do encontro entre as partes foi publicada inicialmente pelo portal “Saudações Tricolores” e confirmada pelo L!.
O meia chegará de graça ao Fluminense, que arcará apenas com o salário, que será menor em relação ao que o jogador recebia no Timão.
Desde setembro do ano passado no Corinthians, Cazares fez 27 partidas e marcou dois gols no período em que vestiu a camisa do clube do Parque São Jorge.
>> Confira a tabela do Paulistão e simule os próximos jogos
The October matches will be the first Test series for both teams under the World Test championship
Umar Farooq22-Jul-2019
Players pose against the backdrop of packed stands in hazy Lahore•Getty Images
The Pakistan Cricket Board has invited Sri Lanka to play their upcoming two-match Test series in Pakistan. Pakistan are due to host Sri Lanka for two Tests later this year, and by default, the matches were scheduled in the UAE, where Pakistan have played almost all “home” Test matches since the terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in March 2009. Sri Lanka Cricket, ESPNcricinfo understands, has not dismissed the proposal out of hand, and appear to have consented to a security assessment.This is the first Test series for both sides in the upcoming Test Championship, with the result of each Test netting points towards the rankings.PCB confirmed the boards had engaged on the sidelines of the recently concluded ICC annual conference in London. Though both boards have been in discussion since the Asia Cup meeting in Singapore, the invitation was only formally extended last week. The series is slotted for October, and while it is still most likely to be played in the UAE, Sri Lanka will only take a decision after they send a security delegation to inspect security plans in Lahore and Karachi.If the series is played in Pakistan, it will mark the first Test played in the country since the attack in Lahore in 2009, where gunmen ambushed the Sri Lankan team bus in a deadly terrorist strike. Eight people were killed and a few Sri Lanka players were injured. The incident effectively isolated Pakistan as a cricketing destination, with no international cricket held in the country for six years. Over the past four years, some cricket has trickled back, though the prospect of holding a Test match has always appeared very distant.With teams refusing to tour Pakistan in the aftermath of the attack, the board was forced to adopt UAE as its home venue for international cricket, as well as for the Pakistan Super League. Besides two Tests held in England against Australia in 2010, every Pakistan home Test has been played in the UAE, invariably to nearly empty stadiums.In 2015, Zimbabwe became the first Full Member to tour Pakistan since 2009, with a limited-overs series held in Lahore. Despite extensive security measures, a bomb blast occurred 800m away from the Gaddafi Stadium during the second ODI, killing two people. Zimbabwe stayed on and finished the series two days later, but the tour did not lead to a change in the perceptions about security in Pakistan.ALSO READ: PCB hoping to convince England, Australia to tour PakistanIt was two years before a similarly high-profile match would occur in Pakistan. That was the Pakistan Super League final in March 2017 at the Gaddafi Stadium. This was followed by a successful tour of the World XI for three T20Is in September, which saw a number of high-profile cricketers turn up. The World XI side was coached by Andy Flower and included five players from South Africa – including Faf du Plessis and Hashim Amla – three from Australia, two from West Indies and one player each from England, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The matches received official T20I status from the ICC, who also hired independent experts to oversee security arrangements. Players were offered USD100,000 to play the series, which spanned five days.Sri Lanka’s T20I squad then toured Pakistan for one match in 2017, though several regular players stayed away. Sri Lanka’s then T20I captain, Upul Tharanga, pulled out, along with Lasith Malinga, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal and Akila Dananjaya. The team was captained by Thisara Perera while SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala and sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekara accompanied the side to Lahore. The brief tour became a major stepping stone and paved the way for PCB to convince teams to play more international cricket in Pakistan.