Latest news with #inGreen
Mint
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Asia Cup cricket's fate hangs on ACC meeting in Dhaka; BCCI's request to Asian Cricket Council under review
The fate of the men's cricket Asia Cup 2025 will be decided in an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, scheduled to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on June 25-26, according to a Times Now report. India are originally the hosts of the Asia Cup 2025, with the tournament starting from September 5. The final will be played on September 21. However, the recent India-Pakistan border tensions have put the Asia Cup 2025 in jeopardy. India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral cricket since 2012 owing to border tensions and only face each other during International Cricket Council (ICC) and ACC events. While India haven't travelled to Pakistan in more than a decade, Pakistan crossed the border two years ago during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Men in Green could have done the same but the India-Pakistan recent border conflict has aggravated the situation. In case, India do not host the Asia Cup 2025, there's high chances that the tournament might be shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as it is being considered as the preparatory competition ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Based on a Sports Tak report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has written to the ACC that they aren't ready to take part in the meeting in Dhaka due to the disturbed political relation with Bangladesh. "A request to change the venue of the meeting has been sent to ACC and it is being reviewed," the report stated. Earlier in the month, the BCCI confirmed that India's white-ball tour of Bangladesh in August had to be postponed to 2026. However, the Indian board didn't specify the reason for rescheduling of the series. 'The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have mutually agreed to defer the white-ball series, three ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals, between Bangladesh and India in August 2025 to September 2026,' it said.
RTÉ News
30-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Carla Ward talks up merits of USA trip after punishing week
Republic of Ireland boss Carla Ward talked up the positives of her side's trip to the USA despite her players feeling the impact of what she described as "dangerously hot" conditions in Cincinnati on Sunday. The Girls in Green were missing a number of key figures for the two Stateside friendlies against the world's No 1-ranked team. Last Thursday they wilted in the high altitude of Denver, with the hosts easing to a 4-0 win. On Sunday in Ohio, it was a similar story, as Emma Hayes' youthful outfit powered to another 4-0 victory in hgh temperatures and unforgiving humidity. Katie McCabe, Denise O'Sullivan, Megan Campbell, Aoife Mannion, Leanne Kiernan and Heather Payne were among those who did not feature for Ireland. On Friday, Erin McLaughlin and the uncapped Dee Bradley flew out to bolster the ranks as the Irish players, most of whom are currently out of season, felt the strain. Regardless, Ward was adamant the double-header had been worthwhile with an eye on October's Nations League promotion/relegation play-off against Belgium. "We knew from last week that it was going to be tough," she told RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue. "I think, overall as a camp, it's been a powerful one in terms of learning and educating in various ways. "They've left everything out there. You can see, there's some really, how do I put it politically correct on TV... some tired bodies, let's say. "On 22 minutes, there were a couple of players asking to come off. We couldn't make those changes. "Then, at half-time, we unfortunately had three enforced changes physically, due to fatigue, and a couple of them were unwell at half-time. "Even through the second half, players (were) almost begging to come off and we couldn't do anything about it. "Look, they left everything out there and been sensational." Ireland manager Carla Ward, while hurting after consecutive losses to the USA, still believes the side got something positive out of the camp, adding that they have "added a couple of layers" to what they are trying to do #rtesport @FAIWomen — RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 29, 2025 When pressed on the merits of playing these games in such challenging circumstances, Ward added: "I think the camp itself, we've learned an awful lot. There's been a lot to take away. "We can't do anything about the heat but I think you know, you're here, it's been quite dangerously hot out there today. With humidity at 94, I don't think I've even felt anything like it. "We have to take the positives and the positives from the overall camp. Our goal now is to get these girls safely home." The USA started with a completely different XI on Sunday as Hayes dipped into her incredible reserves of talent. They peppered Ireland all afternoon, bringing on more experienced operators later in the contest to further stretch weary Irish limbs. "Their pool of players is absolutely massive," Ward said. "They're the best in the world for a reason. They've probably got 100, 200 players that could all be selected. That's the reality. "They selected 11 and then all of a sudden, last 20 minutes, they're bringing on people like Sam Coffey and Rose Lavelle and you're sat there scratching your head. When I saw Alyssa Thompson (coming on), I thought, 'what can you do here?'. "Players were on their backsides. It was tough. "We've looked at two different systems, we've looked at two different ways of playing. We've added a couple of other layers to what we want to try and do. I think it's been such a positive camp overall. "I said to them at the end, I'm unbelivably proud of them and everyone else should be too."
RTÉ News
27-06-2025
- Climate
- RTÉ News
'I didn't know whether I'd get back playing football' - Chloe Mustaki grateful for first Ireland start in three years
Republic of Ireland international Chloe Mustaki admitted that there was a time when she did not know whether she would be back playing football, let alone representing her country again, after featuring in the first of this week's two friendly games against the USA. The Girls in Green lost 4-0 to the world number one side in Denver, Colorado in the early hours of Friday morning Irish time. But beyond the result, it was a significant night for Mustaki as the 29-year-old bridged a three-year gap since her last start which had come all the way back in April 2022. After the match, when asked by RTÉ soccer correspondent Tony O'Donoghue if she had believed that she would ever start in the green jersey again, Mustaki said: "Honestly, not really. About 15 months ago, I didn't know whether I'd get back playing football. "So it's been a big year for me personally to be honest. I have a lot of people to thank as well. But I'm just really, really grateful and hopefully there will be more to come." Mustaki, who overcame cancer earlier in her career, suffered a hip injury last year that kept her out for a number of months. Starting at left back in the absence of the rested captain Katie McCabe, Mustaki played almost the entire match before being subbed off for Izzy Atkinson in stoppage time. "First start in three years or just over three years, and first game in eight weeks so a pretty big shock to the system to be honest," said the Bristol City player. "But a great opportunity for us to learn. These are the best in the world and you can see that. Obviously (the USA) are mid-season, so they're fit, they're sharp, they're ready to go. "We've learned so much tonight and hopefully we'll learn more on Sunday as well." The game was staged at high altitude which, along with the 30 degree Celsius temperature, added to the challenge for Carla Ward's team. "It was pretty tough conditions especially in the first half but I thought we adapted pretty well," she said. "Obviously, we've been here for the guts of a week so we've been training, trying to get used to it but you can't really prepare for those conditions, so all you can do is be your best, communicate, stay tight as a unit and we did our best tonight and hopefully we can improve for Sunday as well." Ireland will have to absorb the lessons quickly with the second friendly against the USWNT to come on Sunday evening in Cincinatti, Ohio and goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, who wore the captain's armband for the first time on her 50th Girls in Green cap, had mixed emotions given the result. "Obviously, not the result I or the team wanted so that's frustrating. But a really proud moment for myself to get my 50th cap and to lead the team out, it's a huge honour, so I'm very proud," said the New Jersey-born shot-stopper. "We knew what the game was going to be. Best team in the world, you're going to be under the cosh sometimes so I tried to step up, wish I could have saved a few more. "But it was a good effort, defensively at times from us. We switched off at times which is frustrating and disappointing for our standards and what we want but obviously we're learning from it and move onto the next one." The Everton player added: "They're the best team in the world for a reason so we know the quality that they possess but I think we know the quality we have too and we showed that at moments tonight but maybe not enough, so we have to show them respect but we also need to do what we know we're capable of on the ball and defensively as well." Caitlin Hayes also started and having had a bit-part role earlier in Ward's tenure, she relished greater involvement. "Of course, it's just good to play football. I've obviously not played that much since my move to Brighton and obviously back in international," said the Brighton & Hove Albion defender. "But I'm just grateful to play football, grateful to have an opportunity and long may it continue, fingers crossed." On the task awaiting the Irish on Sunday in Ohio after the defeat in Colorado, Hayes added: "We know we can be better. We know we can turn up and get rid of those little mistakes and hopefully we can do better with the 4-0 and take our chances maybe a little bit better. But we're a team that's ready to go, we'll work on our chances and we'll hopefully take our opportunities in the next game."
Irish Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Caoimhin Kelleher's 25-word remark that highlights why Frank exit is bad news
You just need to look at the first few paragraphs of Caoimhin Kelleher's maiden interview with the Brentford website to see how big a role Thomas Frank played in the Corkman's decision to join. Kelleher was in no hurry to decide on his future. What was clear from a long way off was that he would end his 10-year spell at Liverpool this summer. But with so many clubs linked with the 26-year-old, he could have taken his time and made his mind up closer to the start of pre-season. Kelleher's performances across his 20 appearances last season only served to embellish a reputation that had already earned him plenty of admirers and plaudits, and the unwanted tag as the 'best number two' around. We will never know whether interest from clubs such as Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa would have led to concrete moves. But as Nottingham Forest's multiple bids last summer for the Boys in Green star show, the summer transfer market can spring plenty of surprises - and the clamour for Kelleher would only have grown the longer the wait for a decision. But when he spoke for the first time about the move, he revealed how his meeting with Frank and the Brentford coaching staff turned his head. And one comment in particular points to why the sudden upheaval is an unwanted headache for the 23-time capped star. 'It was interesting to see their point of view on why they wanted to sign me and how they think they can develop my game," said Kelleher, speaking to the club's official website. He added: 'I came down to meet the manager and some of the coaches. They spoke to me about why they wanted me to be here and showed me around the training ground... It was impressive and I think the club's a really good fit for me. 'I like the way the manager and the coaching staff go about their ways. It seems like a really close, tight knit, family club. They've got a really good track record of improving and developing players which is really what's drawn me to the club.' Kelleher won't get the chance to work with Frank. Just days after he signed his contract, speculation flooded the media that the highly-regarded coach was on his way to Tottenham. This week, the Dane made the switch. Kelleher's head must be spinning with the news - but this blow can be softened on the double. First, the news that Keith Andrews has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to take over from Frank. Andrews was brought into the club by Frank last summer as the set-piece coach. Andrews had no playing history at the club, but his reputation as a coach - he worked with MK Dons, Sheffield United and, under Stephen Kenny, Ireland - had director of football Phil Giles pursuing him for a while before his arrival. 'He is someone we have known for a while and always had in mind for a role at some point in the future,' said Giles on Andrews' appointment. Although yet to hold down a number one job, Andrews has done enough over the past year to put himself in the frame to replace Frank - and at least that would give Kelleher the opportunity to work with a familiar face. Secondly, Brentford can do everything in their power to stop their former boss from returning to his old club on a recruitment drive. Nathan Collins is one name that has already been linked with a reunion with Frank, but Kelleher, Ireland and Brentford can all benefit from the Leixlip native staying put. It would be a huge boost to Heimir Hallgrímsson if Kelleher and Collins built on their growing international relationship on a daily basis at club level. The news of Frank's departure has no doubt tempered some of Kelleher's excitement about his big move. However, his new club can pursue an aggressive course of damage control by taking some firm steps over the coming weeks.
The Irish Sun
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Carla Ward confirms major Katie McCabe decision after Champions League celebrations ahead of Ireland clash vs Turkey
CARLA WARD confirmed Katie McCabe is ready to go after her Champions League celebrations. But so is the Plan B of record holder Megan Campbell. Advertisement 2 Katie McCabe joined Ireland camp late after the Champions League final Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 Carla Ward confirmed she will play against Turkey Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile The Girls in Green are in Istanbul today to face Cork on Tuesday. And the side is at full strength as skipper Ward told RTÉ: 'Katie's a pro. You never want anyone to not celebrate such a massive, massive win and important moment in her career. 'It was about her enjoying those celebrations but she's a professional, she's fit, she's ready . . . maybe a question mark on her calf at the moment. Advertisement Read More on Katie McCabe 'But she's said to me straight away, 'I'm ready, I want to play', so of course she's available for selection. 'Katie's Katie, you know what you're going to get. She's wholehearted, she gives you everything.' McCabe will start at left-back against a Turkey team who Ireland beat 1-0 in Tallaght last February in Ward's first game in charge. Ward has been keen to change Ireland's style from a dogged defensive side to a more creative force. Advertisement Most read in Football Breaking Live Blog But she stressed that the team cannot lose what they were good at doing while adding more strings to their bow. And Ward highlighted the threat of Campbell from long throws. Arsenal star Katie McCabe leads anti-Tottenham chants and has 'Jack Wilshere moment' in Champions League parade Campbell, who was this month released by London City Lionesses, recently set a Ward said: 'We know that if we need goals we've got a Guinness world record holder and also Louise Quinn that we can turn to. Advertisement 'We've got different qualities for different situations for sure.' 'That first game against Turkey, we've looked at it and whilst we had a lot of the ball, we didn't do enough with it. Since then we have. We've increased a lot of the numbers we wanted to. The team is starting to grow.' But this evening's game will be difficult in the Istanbul heat as Ireland go for the victory they need to secure at least a top-two spot in the Nations League. Top spot looks tricky as Slovenia are currently three points clear and face bottom side Advertisement PLAY-OFF PERMUTATIONS Should Slovenia win that, their 4-0 triumph over Ireland in February will mean Ward's side will need to win 5-0 in Cork on Tuesday to match their points total and beat them on the head-to-head rule. And that is crucial as winning the group not only earns automatic promotion to League A ahead of the 2027 qualifiers , but a guaranteed play-off for the World Cup. If Ireland remain in League B for the qualifiers, they would need to finish in the top three just to secure that same play-off that League A teams are guaranteed in advance. But second place in this Nations League means another play-off in October and chance to make League A. Ward stressed that talk of a shootout with Slovenia is off the agenda for now as Ireland must beat Turkey first. Advertisement She added: 'Turkey are a good side and they know if they beat us and beat Greece they can finish second. 'Let's be really clear, this is a must-win game. We have to go and get three points. 'We have to make sure we're switched on, we're focused and we get the job done.'
