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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is facing criticism from parents of learning‑disability cricketers who say the board has permitted non‑disabled players to compete in the Disability Premier League (DPL), jeopardising the league’s role as the top feeder for England’s mixed‑disability side.Parents of former England internationals Jai Charan and Alex Jervis claim their sons were replaced by players who do not meet the ECB’s learning‑disability (LD) criteria. An anonymous parent estimates that 12 of the 64 players drafted in December were not disabled, a figure that, if accurate, would represent a significant breach of the league’s purpose.The DPL is intended to be the pinnacle of the pathway to the England Mixed‑Disability team. Under the ECB’s affiliation with Virtus – the global federation for athletes with intellectual impairments – any cricketer seeking an LD spot must demonstrate an IQ of 75 or below, as assessed by an educational psychologist.Owen Jervis, volunteer manager of Yorkshire’s disability team, alleges that several neurodiverse athletes have been fielded despite failing the LD assessment. He notes that most neurodiverse players would not satisfy the eligibility thresholds, citing professional bowler Em Arlott, diagnosed with ADHD and autism in 2023, as an example of a mainstream player with a neurodiverse profile.While the ECB is not legally bound to apply Virtus rules to a domestic competition, critics argue that the inclusion of non‑disabled players undermines the league’s integrity. “You can’t call it a Disability Premier League if the players aren’t disabled,” said Tracey Jervis.Another parent highlighted that his son, a learning‑disability cricketer, is now confined to county disability cricket rather than mainstream county cricket, where many England‑qualified players develop. He warned that the DPL has become an “old‑boys’ club” where selection is driven by personal connections rather than merit.The shift to a mixed‑disability format – combining learning, physical and deaf impairments in the same squads – has further reduced available spots. Parents claim that players without a qualifying LD are occupying key batting and bowling positions, relegating genuine LD athletes to peripheral roles such as fielding or carrying equipment.Owen Jervis raised these concerns with Richard Hill, the ECB’s events and competition manager for disability cricket, in September 2024. Hill acknowledged “several challenges” linked to high‑functioning conditions and said the ECB was drafting an action plan, though Jervis says the situation has worsened.Jai Charan, who debuted for the England LD team in 2023 and holds the DPL’s best bowling average and strike‑rate, and Alex Jervis, a decade‑long LD representative and three‑time LD Ashes winner, were reduced to non‑playing roles in the 2025 season. Charan’s father, Shanial Charan, expressed his disappointment: “My son has the best stats in the league yet he isn’t selected – it feels like discrimination within disability cricket.”The ECB responded that the DPL offers top‑level competition for 60 mixed‑disability players annually, with a strict quota for physical, learning and deaf impairments, making selection highly competitive. It acknowledged ongoing debates about eligibility and indicated a review slated for 2027 to potentially adjust criteria.

Manchester United's financial accounts have revealed that their wage bill for the last season was significantly lower than that of their Women's Super League rivals, Arsenal. The £5.88m total wage bill, including social security and pensions costs, was far closer to that of fifth-placed Brighton, whose total was £5m.In contrast, Arsenal, the only other club among the WSL's big four to have published their accounts, paid their players and staff £9.9m and their wage bill, including social security and pensions costs, reached £11.3m. This disparity in spending highlights the challenges faced by Manchester United as they prepare for a crucial Champions League quarter-final match against Bayern Munich.Despite the lower wage bill, Manchester United recorded a profit before tax of £510,000 and total revenue rose by 16% to £10.74m, thanks largely to a big increase in what the accounts labelled “services recharged to other group undertakings”. The club's matchday revenue fell sharply, from £1.87m in 2023-24 to £1.22m, while broadcasting revenue and commercial revenue also dropped.Manchester United's manager, Marc Skinner, will be looking to overcome a 3-2 deficit against Bayern Munich, a team that has been in impressive form. Skinner emphasized that if his team were to progress to the semi-finals, it would rank as highly as their FA Cup triumph at Wembley in 2024.

Tiger Woods announced he is pausing his golf career to focus on health and treatment after a police stop near his Jupiter Island, Florida home that led to a DUI suspicion charge.In a statement posted on X, Woods said, "I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well‑being and work toward lasting recovery." He added that he hopes to return "healthier, stronger, and more focused" and asked for privacy for his family.According to court records released Tuesday, Woods entered a plea of not guilty and has asked for a jury trial. The incident occurred on a residential road when his Land Rover clipped a truck, crossed a double yellow line, and rolled onto its driver’s side, causing roughly $5,000 in property damage to the other vehicle.Deputies observed several signs of impairment, including profuse sweating, bloodshot and glassy eyes, and lethargic speech and movements. Woods told investigators he had not consumed alcohol but had taken "a few" prescription medications, including Vicodin, blood‑pressure medication, and cholesterol medication. A search of his pocket uncovered two hydrocodone pills, a prescription opioid.While Woods refused a urine test for drugs, a breathalyzer showed no alcohol in his system. He was charged with misdemeanor DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to testing. After a brief hospital clearance, he was held for the mandatory eight‑hour Florida detention period before posting $1,150 bail.Former President Donald Trump commented on the situation, noting Woods’ extensive injury history and stating, "He tested negative for alcohol... He lives a life of pain. He doesn’t have an alcohol problem, but he does have pain." Trump also mentioned Woods’ relationship with his former daughter‑in‑law, Vanessa Trump.Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, filed a waiver of arraignment and a demand for a jury trial, moving his initial court appearance to a docket‑sounding hearing scheduled for May 5. The golfer has not competed in a PGA Tour event since July 2024, though he appeared in the TGL indoor league last week.Prior to the crash, Woods was listed for the US Senior Open and was undecided about playing in the upcoming Masters at Augusta National, leaving his future tournament schedule uncertain.

Naseem Shah, a Pakistani pace bowler, has been fined $71,488 by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for a social media post critical of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The fine, equivalent to eight months of Shah's central contract salary, is reportedly the largest financial penalty in Pakistan cricket history.Shah was punished for a now-deleted post on X, where he questioned Nawaz's presence at the opening match of the Pakistan Super League. The post was made during a time when the country is grappling with a fuel crisis, leading to the league being played behind closed doors.The PCB issued a show-cause notice to Shah before imposing the fine. Shah apologized and appeared before a disciplinary committee, offering an unconditional apology. The PCB also announced that Shah's social media adviser has been terminated and will be blacklisted from associating with any player under the PCB's jurisdiction.Shah, who was the most expensive player at the league's auction, has taken 152 wickets while representing Pakistan in 20 Test matches, 34 one-day internationals, and 37 T20s. This incident follows a similar case last year where Pakistan all-rounder Aamer Jamal was fined $4,000 for displaying a slogan in favor of cricket great Imran Khan.

Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman has been handed a two-match ban for ball tampering during the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the suspension after finding Zaman guilty of a Level 3 offence.The incident took place during Lahore Qalandars' match against Karachi Kings in Lahore on Sunday night. Video footage showed Zaman altering the condition of the ball, leading to a disciplinary hearing with match referee Roshan Mahanama of Sri Lanka.Zaman denied ball tampering, but Mahanama viewed television footage that implicated Zaman, along with teammates Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, and umpire Faisal Afridi. The umpire awarded five penalty runs against Qalandars, who lost the match by four wickets.In addition to Zaman's ban, Shaheen Shah Afridi was fined $3,500 for breaching the tournament's security protocols. The PSL is taking place behind closed doors due to fuel supply concerns caused by the Iran war.This is not the first disciplinary action in the PSL; fast bowler Naseem Shah recently faced a hefty fine for criticising a politician on social media.

Tottenham Hotspur has officially announced the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach, signing him to a five-year contract. The Italian manager, renowned for his daring and aggressive possession-based approach, faces a significant challenge as he takes over with the club precariously positioned just above the relegation zone.Spurs are set to play seven matches to end the season, with their next fixture scheduled against Sunderland on the upcoming Sunday. Notably, De Zerbi's contract does not include any break clause in the event of Tottenham being relegated.De Zerbi expressed his delight in joining the club, stating, “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world. In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters.”The appointment of De Zerbi comes after Igor Tudor, the interim manager, parted ways with the club by mutual consent. Tudor had taken over temporarily following the departure of Thomas Frank on February 14.De Zerbi previously managed Brighton & Hove Albion, where he achieved significant success, leading the club to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and qualification for the Europa League. His tenure at Marseille also yielded impressive results, with a second-place finish in Ligue 1 and Champions League qualification.Despite his successes, De Zerbi is also known for his volatile personality and has had public disagreements with players and clubs in the past. The immediate concern for Spurs will be whether De Zerbi can adapt quickly and lead the team to avoid relegation.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust has issued a scathing statement on the club’s recent appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as head coach on a five‑year contract. The Trust says the move places a heavy strain on unity while the team fights to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Central to the criticism is De Zerbi’s public endorsement of Mason Greenwood during his tenure at Marseille. Greenwood, a former England forward, faced serious criminal allegations in 2022—including attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the case in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew and new material emerged, though Greenwood has consistently denied the charges. De Zerbi described Greenwood as a “good person” and expressed sympathy for the player, remarks that were swiftly condemned by supporter groups such as Proud Lilywhites (the club’s LGBTQI+ association) and Women of the Lane. The Trust noted it had reached out to Tottenham before the appointment to voice its opposition. “While we recognise the limited pool of managers with recent Premier League experience, this appointment raises serious and far‑reaching concerns,” the Trust said. “De Zerbi’s comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill‑judged, and deeply offensive to many supporters, and will alarm victims of male violence.” The Trust warned that unchecked statements could create a divide among supporters at a time when the club’s “All Together, Always” initiative is meant to rally fans behind the team. It called on Tottenham and De Zerbi to publicly reaffirm their commitment to equality, respect and integrity, and to back those words with concrete actions, including sustained support for women’s charities fighting violence. Tottenham have been contacted for comment.

Sweden has secured a spot in the World Cup after a thrilling match against Poland, culminating in a late winner by Viktor Gyökeres in the 89th minute.The match was marked by dramatic twists and turns, with Poland equalizing twice. However, Sweden's determination paid off when Gyökeres scored the winning goal, securing a 1-2 victory.Under the management of Graham Potter, Sweden displayed significant improvement from their earlier performances. Despite a rocky start to the qualifying campaign, they managed to turn their fortunes around, leveraging the Nations League repechage to gain a second chance.The turning point came when Sweden took the lead with a well-worked goal by Anthony Elanga, only for Poland to equalize. Sweden regained the lead with a header by Gustaf Lagerbielke just before halftime.Poland leveled again in the second half, but Sweden's strategy ultimately paid off with Gyökeres's late winner, sending the team to the World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur has confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach on a five-year contract. The Italian manager, described by Pep Guardiola as “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years,” joins Spurs after a successful stint at Brighton & Hove Albion.De Zerbi's appointment comes at a crucial time for Tottenham, who have struggled in recent seasons. His predecessor, Igor Tudor, had a disastrous interim spell, and the team is in need of a new direction. De Zerbi's managerial style, characterized by energetic pressing and fast transitions, has drawn praise from fans and pundits alike.During his time at Brighton, De Zerbi led the club to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and secured European football for the first time. His success at Brighton has created high expectations, and Tottenham fans will be hoping he can replicate this success at Spurs.However, De Zerbi's departure from Brighton was marked by controversy, as he fell out with the club's owner, Tony Bloom, over squad recruitment. This has raised concerns about his ability to work with the Spurs hierarchy.De Zerbi's appointment is seen as a gamble by the Spurs hierarchy, given his tendency to shoot from the hip and his history of disagreements with Brighton’s owner. Nevertheless, his ambitious and influential managerial style has generated excitement among Tottenham fans.The 46-year-old Italian manager will have no time to implement his favoured 4-2-3-1 system with only seven games remaining to ensure Premier League survival. Assurances of major summer investment to reshape the squad to his vision will be a prerequisite for success.At a club that has been drifting for some time, perhaps De Zerbi can give Tottenham some desperately needed new direction. His ability to adapt to a new country and team was evident during his time at Marseille, where he led the team to second place in Ligue 1.