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Luke Ronchi, the New Zealand wicketkeeper, has announced his retirement from international cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-20171:17

Luke Ronchi retires from International cricket

Luke Ronchi, the New Zealand wicketkeeper, has announced his retirement from international cricket.Ronchi, 36, played in four ODIs and three T20Is for Australia in 2008 and 2009, but came into his own after transferring his allegiance back to his native New Zealand in 2013.He added four Tests, 85 ODIs and 32 T20Is for the Black Caps, and was an integral member of the 2015 World Cup side that captured their country’s imagination in a memorable run to the final.Ronchi averaged 23.67 in ODIs at a strike-rate of 114.50, and 18.89 in T20Is at 141.33, but was trusted for his ball-striking skills, not least in his final international campaign, the Champions Trophy in England earlier this month, when a brisk 65 from 43 balls as opener put New Zealand into a winning position against Australia, only for rain to have the final say.His finest hour with the bat was an unbeaten 170 from 99 balls in an ODI against Sri Lanka at Dunedin in 2014-15. He then followed that up with scores of 88 and 31 on his Test debut against England at Headingley, as New Zealand secured only their fifth win in 54 attempts on English soil.Ronchi will continue to be available to play for Wellington, as well as on the domestic T20 circuit around the world – with his next assignment coming in the NatWest T20 Blast for Leicestershire.”It was a dream come true,” Ronchi said of his time as a New Zealand cricketer.”I can’t think of a better time to have been involved with New Zealand cricket. From the 2015 World Cup campaign, through to the overseas tours of that time and some amazing games and series, it’s been a genuine highlight for me.”It would also be remiss of me to not acknowledge the incredible support provided by my wife Shaan and our children Brody and Indi. Cricket takes you away from home for long periods of time, and my family have been very understanding,” he said.Mike Hesson, New Zealand’s coach, described Ronchi as the ultimate team man and the epitome of a professional athlete.”We’ll remember Luke fondly for the energy he created in the field and his selfless attitude towards the team,” said Hesson.”He was always prepared to play a role for the greater good of the team; to do what was required even if that risked sacrificing his wicket.”Luke was one of the best glovemen going around and I think that’s often overlooked in a game increasingly dominated by batting and run-scoring,” added Hesson. “He was a very skilful wicketkeeper, and a very destructive batsman.”We’ll miss having him around the group and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Mignon du Preez was signed by the Southern Vipers after Dane van Niekerk was forced to withdraw from the Kia Super League due to injury

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Aug-2017

South Africa batsman Mignon du Preez has replaced Dane van Niekerk in the Southern Vipers squad for the upcoming Kia Super League. Van Niekerk had earlier pulled out of the tournament with an injury after the conclusion of the Women’s World Cup. India’s Harmanpreet Kaur, who pulled out of the tournament because of a shoulder injury, will be replaced by South Africa opener Lizelle Lee for Surrey Stars.Du Preez finished the World Cup as South Africa’s third-highest run-scorer with 229 runs in seven games at an average of 57.25, including an unbeaten 76 in the semi-final against England.”I consider ourselves fortunate in that we have found such a talented and experienced player to replace Dane van Niekerk,” Bob Parks, Southern Vipers general manager, said. “She will certainly add value to our batting unit and comes with a high reputation as an excellent fielder.”The Vipers, though, will miss the all-round services of van Niekerk, who finished the Women’s World Cup as the leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets at an average of 10. She also contributed with 99 runs in seven games.The Southern Vipers open the tournament against Western Storm on August 10.

Journalist Sam Tighe wouldn't be surprised if Liverpool went into the market for a fourth midfielder this summer after finalising a deal for Southampton's Romeo Lavia.

Is Lavia joining Liverpool?

It always promised to be a summer of transition for Liverpool in midfield, but the extent of the club's transformation in the centre of the park has probably even surprised Jurgen Klopp.

Having lost Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner on free transfers, Liverpool were always going to reinforce their midfield this summer. Even had those three stayed put, the Reds were in need of reinvigoration in the centre of the park following a disappointing season.

Klopp moved quickly to remedy this problem, signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig relatively early in the window.

Liverpool were always expected to make a move for a third midfielder, but such a transfer has ended up being forced by the exit of Jordan Henderson to Al Ettifaq, with Fabinho likely to move to Saudi Arabia as well.

A deal for Southampton holding midfielder Lavia appears to be edging closer with the Reds set make a second bid after their first proposal was rejected, but journalist Tighe believes Liverpool could still enter the midfield market yet again this summer as they overhaul the centre of the pitch.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Transfer Talk podcast about Lavia and Liverpool's departing midfielders, Tighe said: "There is a humungous gap here in terms of a wealth of experience [between Lavia and Henderson and Fabinho].

"And then you take a look at the other midfielders Liverpool have signed. You've got Dominik Szoboszlai, you've got Alexis Mac Allister. All of a sudden, Alexis Mac Allister and Trent [Alexander-Arnold], when he sort of kicks into the midfield box, at 24 years of age, they are the elder statesmen of the midfield because Curtis Jones is younger, Harvey Elliott is younger, Romeo Lavia is not yet 20.

"My concern here is the age balance of the midfield. Like, it's skewed so heavily one way, and I know that's what we were asking for, but to this degree? It has to be questioned, and what I would say, if they buy Romeo Lavia, they should buy another one [midfielder] because he will have his peaks and troughs. He will be naturally a little inconsistent given he is so inexperienced. Is four midfielders too much to ask?"

Tighe added: "It's just something I would implore Liverpool to look at, and it's why I wouldn't be surprised that, even after Lavia which would make it three signings, they go back into the market for a fourth player."

While Tighe, who covers Southampton as a journalist, was effusive in his praise of the "absolutely awesome" Lavia, he has understandable concerns over the relative inexperience of Liverpool's midfield next season should the Belgian sign.

Liverpool look likely to receive a combined £52m for Henderson and Fabinho which will cover the fee for Lavia, however how much the club are able to spend on yet another midfielder is unclear.

The Reds are often reluctant to splash the cash when they don't need to, and are still eager to sign a new centre-back, meaning funds may have to be distributed smartly in the remainder of the window.

How have Liverpool done in pre-season?

Liverpool's work to put last season's underwhelming performances behind them is already under way. The Reds travelled to Germany for the opening two matches of pre-season, taking on second division sides Karlsruher and Greuther Furth.

The Reds have scored four in both friendlies so far and started with a 4-2 victory over Karlsruher. A late brace from Diogo Jota earned Klopp's side a win, adding to goals from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo.

An enthralling 4-4 draw with Greuther Furth was similarly entertaining. This time it was Nunez with a brace, with Mohamed Salah and Luis

Diaz also on target.

The Reds face Leicester City and Bayern Munich in Singapore, before playing Darmstadt back on British soil in their final pre-season match.

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، أن الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم، رفض طلب برشلونة بشأن الصور التي يطلبها من مباراة الكلاسيكو أمام ريال مدريد أمس الأحد.

وفاز ريال مدريد بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين، وحسم لقب الدوري الإسباني بنسبة كبيرة، بعدما وسع الفارق مع برشلونة إلى 11 نقطة.

طالع أيضًا.. الاتحاد الإسباني ينشر ماذا دار بين الحكم وغرفة الفار بشأن هدف لامين يامال في الكلاسيكو

سجل لامين يامال هدفًا في مرمى ريال مدريد ولكن لم يحتسبه الحكم مع استمرار اللعب، وبعد انتظار قرار تقنية الفار، أكد الحكم على صحة قراره.

خوان لابورتا رئيس نادي برشلونة، أعلن صباح اليوم أنه طالب بالحصول على التسجيلات والصور التي كانت بين حكم المباراة سيزار سوتو جارادو، وغرفة الفار.

صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، أكدت أن ظهور خوان لابورتا والحديث علنًا، لم يكن جيدًا بالنسبة للاتحاد الإسباني، وأكد مصدر من داخل الاتحاد، إنهم لن يقدموا مطلقًا جميع مقاطع الفيديو المسجلة بالكاميرات المختلفة للمباراة، حيث إن بعض الأندية من قبل طلبتها أيضًا من قبل ولم يحصلوا عليها.

ولن يحدث أي استثناء مع برشلونة، رغم طلب رئيس النادي بشكل علني عبر وسائل الإعلام، ولن يوافقوا على ذلك حتى لو ذهب النادي الكتالوني إلى مدينة لاس روزاس لكرة القدم لمراجعة الصور هناك.

There has been an update in Arsenal's pursuit of Brentford goalkeeper, David Raya, with the Gunners seemingly closing in on the signing of the contract rebel…

How much is David Raya worth?

As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the north London outfit having seemingly moved a step closer to sealing a move after agreeing personal terms with the 27-year-old, with the Spaniard seemingly destined for an exit with just a year left on his existing deal in west London.

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider stated: "Understand David Raya has reached an agreement in principle with Arsenal on personal terms. Brentford have been informed by player side that he wants to join Arsenal — and talks between clubs over formula/price are now expected to accelerate."

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

This claim has also been supported by the Evening Standard's Nizaar Kinsella, who revealed that the ex-Blackburn Rovers stopper – who is valued at around €20m (£17m), according to CIES Football Observatory – is set to command a fee of £40m.

Is Raya better than Ramsdale?

While that figure may appear rather steep for a player who is approaching the end of his current contract, there is an argument to be made that the Barcelona-born ace could represent a big upgrade on Aaron Ramsdale at the Emirates, with Raya having been branded a "better keeper" by talkSPORT pundit, Gabby Agbonlahor.

Although Ramsdale was crucial in the Gunners' attempted push for the Premier League title last season – having been branded "phenomenal" by club legend David Seaman – the England international did endure something of a rough patch in the latter stages of the campaign.

Despite his heroics away at Anfield in April – in which he was "fantastic" according to Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville – the 24-year-old was culpable after conceding a goal inside 27 seconds in the 3-3 draw to bottom side Southampton, having been punished amid his attempt to play out from the back.

That had come after the former Sheffield United man had also failed to keep out Jarrod Bowen's equaliser in the 2-2 draw with West Ham United, with Jamie Carragher stating on commentary at the time that Ramsdale would be "disappointed" not to have kept the attempt out.

Those woes have continued on pre-season as the one-time Bournemouth 'keeper also failed to save Bruno Fernandes' long-range effort against rivals Manchester United, while he 'could arguably have done better' for Jadon Sancho's subsequent strike, according to football.london's Kaya Kaynak.

To then oust Ramsdale from his starting berth with a player who made the most saves in the division last season in the form of Raya could be a wise move, with the Bees ace having also been hailed as "top class" and "one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League" by pundit, Michael Owen (Premier League Productions, 06/03/2023, 19:35).

Raya's notable strength appears to be his ease at playing out from the back as he ranks in the top 6% among his European peers for touches made, while the current Arsenal man, by contrast, ranks in just the bottom 12% in that regard.

Crucially, however, the Gunners target is also adept at keeping the ball out of the net as he ranks in the top 8% with regard to save percentage and in the top 7% for crosses stopped as a sign of his ability to dominate his area, while Ramsdale ranks in just the top 23% and the top 50% for those same two metrics, respectively.

With Raya also a master at racing off his line to sniff out danger, as he ranks in the top 20% for defensive actions outside of the penalty area – in contrast to Ramsdale (top 40%) – it may be that the one-time Southport loanee is set to be more than just a quality backup option next season.

بدا الألماني يورجن كلوب مدرب ليفربول محبطًا، بعد تعرض فريقه للهزيمة أمام إيفرتون، وتراجع فرصه في السباق على لقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتعرض ليفربول للهزيمة بهدفين دون رد من إيفرتون على ملعب “جوديسون بارك” في مباراة مؤجلة من الجولة التاسعة والعشرين للدوري الإنجليزي “البريميرليج”.

وقال كلوب عندما سئل عما إذا كان لا يزال بإمكان ليفربول الفوز باللقب في تصريحات نشرها موقع ليفربول الرسمي: “يجب أن يمر آرسنال ومانشستر سيتي بلحظة سيئة للغاية، ونحتاج إلى الفوز بمبارياتنا”.

وأكمل: “لأنه إذا بدآ الآن بخسارة جميع المباريات وقمنا بما فعلناه الليلة، فلن يتغير شيء، ونحن لسنا آمنين في دوري أبطال أوروبا أيضًا، لذا يجب أن نلعب كرة قدم أفضل”.

وأضاف: “لا أعرف، أشعر حقًا بالجمهور، أنا آسف حقًا، لا يسعني إلا أن أعتذر للناس اليوم، كان ينبغي علينا أن نفعل ما هو أفضل لكننا لم نفعل”.

وتابع كلوب: “أشعر بخيبة أمل كبيرة، حول الكثير من الأشياء، لقد تركنا الأمر يحدث حتى أصبحت اللعبة التي أرادها إيفرتون، هدفين من الكرات الثابتة، إيفرتون قوي حقًا في الركلات الثابتة”.

وواصل: “لقد سجلوا الهدف الثاني بالأسلوب الذي قاموا به طوال الموسم، كنا نعرف بالضبط أين تتجه الكرة لكننا لم ندافع”.

اقرأ أيضًا | فان دايك ينتقد أداء لاعبي ليفربول أمام إيفرتون: لن تكون لدينا فرصة للفوز باللقب

وأردف: “لقد حصلوا على ركلة حرة بعد ركلة حرة، كانت لدينا الكرة لكنهم حصلوا على الركلة الحرة، هذا جزء من القصة التي كنا عليها لكننا لم نكن جيدين بما فيه الكفاية”.

وأصر كلوب: “لقد صنعنا الكثير ولم نسجل، كنا في عجلة من أمرنا، ولم نكن واضحين بما فيه الكفاية، ولم نكن جيدين بما يكفي”.

وأكمل: “كان لدينا القليل من الزخم بعد مباراة فولهام، المهاجمان، أحدهما مصاب (جوتا)، والآخر نأمل أن يكون أبًا الآن (جاكبو)”.

وأكد كلوب: “حاولنا، في النهاية ليست محاولة جيدة بما فيه الكفاية، إذا فزت فلديك 500 سبب، وإذا خسرت، فهذا ليس جيدًا بما فيه الكفاية، هذا هو الحال”.

وعن المستوى السيئ، أوضح: “لم أتوقع ذلك اليوم لكنه حدث، إنها ليست اللحظة الأعظم التي نعيشها ولكن علينا أن نلعب لذا علينا أن نقاتل من أجل ذلك، وتوقفت المباراة دائمًا بسبب الركلات الحرة، وكان من الصعب الدفاع”.

وعن الخسارة، أشار: “هذه ليست المرة الأولى التي يحدث فيها ذلك في مباراة كرة قدم ضد خصوم متحمسين ومقاتلين، لقد شارك هارفي إليوت وكان له تأثير مباشر، وفي النهاية، لم يكن الأمر جيدًا بما فيه الكفاية”.

وتابع: “نعلم جميعًا أن المواقف كانت سيئة، لقد سددنا الكرة على بيكفورد أو سددنا فوق المرمى، وأتيحت لنا لحظات لقلب الطاولة لكننا لم نستغلها، لذا كان الأمر صعبًا حقًا”.

وأتم: “وربما ينتظر وست هام (المباراة القادمة لليفربول) ويفرك أيديهم ويأمل أن نأتي إليهم بساق واحدة، لكنني سأبذل قصارى جهدي للتأكد من أننا نكون أنفسنا أكثر بكثير مما كنا عليه الليلة”.

The left-arm quick, who was once the No. 1-ranked ODI bowler, becomes the seventh player banned after the 2015 Ram Slam match-fixing case

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Jul-20171:57

Moonda: Tsotsobe ban hopefully the end of ugly saga

Lonwabo Tsotsobe, once ranked the No.1 ODI bowler in the world, has been banned for eight years for his role in the 2015 corruption case during the Ram Slam, South Africa’s domestic T20 competition.He is the seventh player to be sanctioned under the CSA’s anti-corruption code after Gulam Bodi, Alviro Petersen, Thami Tsolekile, Jean Symes, Pumelela Matshikwe and Ethy Mbhalati received bans ranging from two to 20 years.Tsotsobe is thought to be the last guilty player after the independent chairperson of CSA’s anti-corruption unit, Judge Bernard Ngoepe, declared the probe closed in a statement. In its entirety the investigation, which started in November 2015, lasted 20 months.”The investigative team have completed a thorough and far-reaching investigation. I am satisfied that all the culprits have been duly prosecuted under the Code and, unless we receive or uncover any new or previously undisclosed information, we believe we can now bring this matter to a close,” Ngoepe said.Tsotsobe admitted to 10 charges in total: one charge of attempting to fix a match, two charges of failing to disclose details of an approach to engage in corrupt conduct, two charges of failing to disclose a breach of the code by another person, three charges of failing to or refusing to co-operate with the investigation and two charges of obstructing or delaying the investigation by destroying or concealing evidence.None of the players were found to have actually fixed a match in the tournament, something CSA has maintained throughout the investigation. There were, however, attempts to spot fix, including by Tsotsobe.”Mr Tsotsobe has ultimately admitted his mistakes in contravening the CSA Anti-Corruption Code and, whilst no fix actually took place, it is clear that he was active in plans to participate in spot fixing and hence the sanction imposed on him,” Haroon Lorgat, CSA’s CEO said.Tsotsobe offered an apology and cited financial difficulty. “I wish to apologise to cricket lovers all over the world. I was, at the time, in a very vulnerable financial state and this dilemma too easily persuaded me to participate in spot fixing. There are no words to describe the regret I have in relation to my actions and I hope that the cricket world could consider my apology and understand my deepest feeling of remorse.”Tsotsobe last played for Lions in December 2015 but was only provisionally suspended on April 24, 2017. He will not be allowed to participate in cricket activities which take place under the auspicious of any national cricket board in any capacity.The conclusion of the investigation comes at a particularly important time for CSA because this season they will launch the inaugural Global T20 league, a privately-owned franchise tournament which mirrors the IPL, Big Bash and CPL.The domestic franchise T20 competition, which was played without a sponsor last summer, is also expected to be take place but without the same high profile. In the 2014-15 season, when the attempted match-fixing took place, CSA sold the television rights for the domestic T20 to India for the first time, having had them bought in other territories the summer before. That significantly increased the interest and exposure of the tournament and also opened up the potential of corruption.Bodi admitted to being the go-between who approached players to manipulate the outcome of games. One of those players, Mbhalati, said in a radio interview on in May that he “didn’t take Bodi very seriously” and both “declined and laughed at him”, but admitted he “didn’t disclose anything” at the time. Symes and Matshikwe are understood to be in the same boat.Petersen, one of two former Test players to have been involved, initially said “he had been mandated to go undercover to try and expose Bodi” but later admitted to “not immediately reporting to authorities” the meeting he had had with Bodi and the alleged fixers.

Southampton boss Russell Martin is likely to get backed in the transfer market and could pursue Swansea City striker Joel Piroe amid interest from the Premier League in Che Adams, according to journalist Alex Crook.

Could Joel Piroe move to Southampton this summer?

As per Football Insider, Southampton and Leeds United are keen on Piroe this summer and a fee of £15-20 million may be enough to secure his services this summer.

The report states that Leicester City are also interested in taking the 23-year-old to the King Power Stadium; however, his current employers are in no rush to part ways with their prize asset despite his £11k-a-week deal at the Welsh outfit being set to expire in 2024.

Last season, Piroe, who has been hailed as "outstanding", was in fine form for Swansea City and it is easy to see why he is garnering attention, given that he notched 20 goals and two assists in 45 appearances across all competitions in 2022/23, as per Transfermarkt.

Southampton striker Adams is also attracting a wealth of suitors from the English top-flight and could move on this window, with Everton, Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers mooted to be among his many admirers, according to Football Insider.

Scotland international Adams will be allowed to leave St Mary's Stadium for a suitable fee and could be joined by James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia, who are being heavily linked with West Ham United and Liverpool, respectively.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Crook thinks that Southampton's hierarchy will back Martin this window and Piroe could be an individual who the former Milton Keynes Dons manager could choose to invest in.

Martin stated: "I think he'll be backed, Russell Martin, because the owners have got deep pockets. They're willing to invest. I still think, even though James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia will be a big miss, their priority will be a new number nine.

"He's only got a year left on his contract and he's made it pretty clear that he's not going to sign a new deal."

Who else could Southampton bring in this summer and who could leave?

Gazzetta dello Sport via Hampshire Live report that West Ham United striker Danny Ings could be set for a sensational return to the South Coast this summer after only six months at his current employers.

Southampton are believed to be frontrunners to sign Norwich City right-back Max Aarons and it is said that he could be a potential replacement for Tino Livramento, as per talkSPORT, who is being linked with a move to Newcastle United.

In other news, Saints may be set to let Kamaldeen Sulemana move to Everton and the Toffees are reportedly 'exploring' a deal to bring the Ghana international to Goodison Park, according to The Daily Mail.

Aston Villa midfielder Lamar Bogarde has been earmarked as an alternative in the event Belgium international Lavia leaves St Mary's to join Liverpool between now and the close of play in the market, as per FootballTransfers.

أكد سون هيونج مين، قائد فريق توتنهام، أنهم مستعدون لخوض حرب ضد خصمهم آرسنال في مباراة الغد في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويستضيف ملعب “توتنهام هوتسبير” مباراة الفريقين في خضم منافسات الجولة الخامسة والثلاثين من الدوري الإنجليزي.

ويسعى آرسنال إلى تحقيق الفوز من أجل تعزيز صدارته لجدول الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث يتواجد في المركز الأول برصيد 77 نقطة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ماديسون يعتذر لجماهير توتنهام بعد رباعية نيوكاسل: علينا التحدث بصرامة مع أنفسنا

ويحتل مانشستر سيتي المركز الثاني برصيد 76 نقطة، ويمتلك مباراة مؤجلة ضد توتنهام، وسيخوض لقائه في الجولة الخامسة والثلاثين غدًا ضد نوتينجهام فورست.

في حين أن ليفربول يمتلك 75 نقطة في المركز الثالث، وتعادل اليوم بشكل مخيب مع وست هام بهدفين لمثليهما في الجولة نفسها.

وقال سون هيونج، في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ميرور” الإنجليزية: “إنها مباراة خاصة جدًا، إنها تعني الكثير للنادي وللجماهير، خاصة في ملعبنا”.

وأضاف: “نحن لا نريد أن نخذل أحدًا، نريد أن نجعله يومًا مثاليًا للجماهير حتى يتمكنوا من العودة إلى منازلهم وهم سعداء، وبابتسامة على وجوههم، لجعلهم سعداء قدر الإمكان”.

وواصل: “لا ينبغي لنا أن نعتقد أنها مباراتنا فقط، إنها أيضًا للنادي والجماهير التي قطعت كل هذا الطريق لجعلها مباراة مذهلة، عليك احترام ذلك كنادٍ وتحمل مسؤولية تحقيق ذلك، لأنه موطننا”.

واختتم: “ستكون الحرب، بالنسبة لهم، آرسنال، هذا وقت مهم جدًا ومباراة مهمة جدًا، وبالنسبة لنا أيضًا، نريد أن نجعل النادي والمشجعين وأنفسنا فخورين”.

With the state association offering its disbarred former secretary Niranjan Shah a way back in as CEO, Karsan Ghavri has written to the Committee of Administrators seeking direction

Sidharth Monga01-Sep-2017

Former India player Karsan Ghavri has written to the Committee of Administrators [CoA] to block what can be seen as Niranjan Shah’s attempt to keep controlling Saurashtra Cricket Association [SCA]. Shah stands disqualified as an office bearer both on account of his age, 73, and his tenure of over four decades. He has given up his position as the SCA secretary, but in a May 27 meeting the SCA offered him a position as CEO, which he says he has not yet accepted.Shah hasn’t ruled out accepting the offer, though. “If you see the FAQs in the Lodha Committee recommendations, they don’t bar anybody from being employed at the association,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “I haven’t yet decided on the offer, but it is not something I rule out. If the association needs my guidance, I will consider it.”Ghavri sees this as a “brazen violation of the Supreme Court order”. In his letter to the CoA, which ESPNcricinfo has seen, Ghavri wrote: “This is not just a case of SCA finding a loophole in the new change order but it is an act that makes a mockery of the Supreme Court order.”Shah stands barred from attending any BCCI meetings even as a representative of the SCA. The Supreme Court made that clear on July 24 after the CoA had pointed out the disqualified office bearers’ resistance to implementing the Lodha Committee’s reforms.The other issue that Ghavri has sought to bring to the CoA’s notice is the recognition of a players’ association. In the May 27 meeting, the SCA ratified the union led by Mahendra Rajdev, who is a long-time member of the board’s governing body and a selector. Rajdev played 42 first-class matches.SCA maintains it is the prerogative of the association to recognise a players’ body, but Ghavri sees a conflict in a governing body member chairing the players’ body too. “If the SC order had intended to give the players a voice in administration, this SCA move has promptly managed to stifle it,” he wrote to the CoA.Ghavri has been a part of a players’ body registered with the Charity Commissioner but not recognised by the SCA. Other veterans, too, have been a part of this union.”I plead to the CoA to put in place a robust and fair process by which independent and proactive players’ bodies be formed around the country,” Ghavri wrote. “If it is left to the state unit to recognise the players’ body of their choice, the SC order’s purpose of giving cricketers a say in administration will be defeated.”Giving players a say in the administration was one of the key recommendations of the Lodha Committee. Accordingly it called for setting up an “independent” players’ association at the national level and replicate the structure at state level. The players’ association will have representation in governing bodies and the apex council.The players’ body that Ghavri belongs to is concerned by the SCA calling for an Annual General Meeting on September 2, where one of the agendas is to elect members of the governing body. The CoA’s response to Ghavri is not yet known, but in the past the CoA has looked to the court for instructions in such cases. It is usually done in the status reports filed just before a hearing.The next Supreme Court hearing is on September 19.