As negociações do Fluminense com Clayson tomaram novo rumo. De acordo com o “GE”, após o acordo estar bem encaminhado, o vazamento da notícia fez com que o Tricolor das Laranjeiras paralisasse as tratativas. O motivo foi a repercussão negativa da torcida tricolor diante da possibilidade do atacante poder desembarcar no clube.
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Clayson foi acusado de ter agredido uma mulher em dezembro de 2021. O caso foi parar na Justiça, mas o jogador foi absolvido por falta de provas. Como torcedores reagiram com maus olhos, o caso preocupa o clube das Laranjeiras, que pode desistir do acordo.
Clayson tinha sido escolhido por Fernando Diniz como ponta para ser alternativa a Keno. O jogador está prestes a encerrar seu contrato com o V-Varen Nagasaki, da Segunda Divisão do Japão, e acena com um retorno ao futebol brasileiro.
A notícia da negociação causou mobilização nas redes sociais para que o Fluminense não contratasse o atacante. De acordo com o “Canal do Lessa”, houve divisão entre a cúpula tricolor.
No fim de 2021, Clayson foi acusado por Danielle Sarti, jovem de 22 anos, de ter sido agredida em um motel em Cuiabá, onde estavam com outros dois homens e duas mulheres. O Cuiabá rescindiu o contrato do atacante, que estava emprestado pelo Bahia. O Tricolor baiano também o dispensou em janeiro de 2022.
O jogador de 28 anos foi atuar fora do país, mas o processo continuou na Justiça. A sentença absolvendo o jogador e os outros dois homens em setembro do ano passado por falta de provas. Segundo a juíza Maria Rosi de Meira Borba, “as partes envolvidas deram versões diferentes e contraditórias sobre a ocorrência”.
The 29-year-old quick took 10 wickets in the match as the home side overcame being a bowler down
AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff11-Feb-2025
Kieran Elliott’s six wickets bowled Tasmania to a thrilling victory•Getty Images
Peter Handscomb’s rearguard fell short as Kieran Elliott powered Tasmania home against Victoria for a thrilling 20-run Sheffield Shield victory.Elliott followed his first innings, four-wicket haul with 6 for 84 in 28.1 overs on Tuesday as the hosts defied early rain and several Victorian stands to notch a crucial, second victory this season. They were comfortably career-best innings and match figures for 29-year-old Elliott.Related
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Tasmania were down a bowler with Lawrence Neil-Smith have gone off injured on the third day which made their success even more noteable.Set 270 for victory after Jake Weatherald’s blazing day-three century, Victoria resumed on 55 for 2 and inched towards the total in between morning rain delays.Handscomb had support from nightwatchman Sam Elliott before Sam Harper joined and put the visitors within reach. But Kieran Elliott ended both of those partnerships and then nabbed Will Sutherland to again stunt their march before the second new ball was due.Gabe Bell then found Fergus O’Neill’s edge and left Victoria needing 21 from their final partnership.Handscomb tried to do it himself, but could only sky an attempted flick over midwicket, Nivethan Radhakrishnan running in from the boundary to take the catch and spark wild scenes.The only wicket not taken by Elliott of Bell fell to debutant Aidan O’Connor who had Jonathan Merlo top-edging to fine leg early in the day. O’Connor had contributed a vital half-century on the opening day.Tasmania lifted off the bottom of a crowded ladder while second-placed Victoria missed a chance to push clear of the pack with three matches to play.
There has been a real focus from Leeds United to strengthen in attack this summer. The Whites have signed three new forwards, with Noah Okafor the only one they paid for, joining from Milan for £18m. Lukas Nmecha was one of the free signings, and he scored on his debut against Everton from the spot.
The other centre-forward who didn’t cost a penny was Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The England international switched to Elland Road after his Everton contract expired. However, his debut for the club, a Carabao Cup tie defeat away to Sheffield Wednesday, saw him miss a couple of chances and a penalty in the shootout.
Daniel Farke seems to think there is still work to be done in attack, with Leeds looking at signing another forward.
Leeds' new attacking targets
Even though they scored more goals than any side in the Championship last season, the Whites have still focused on bolstering their attack.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
One name who has cropped up recently is Nottingham Forest winger Jota Silva, with the forward emerging as a target for Leeds.
However, it seems that they could jump ahead of Premier League rivals in the race for another striker. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Farke’s side have ‘swooped in’ to sign Christantus Uche from Spanish side Getafe.
He looked destined to join Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, but an issue agreeing on personal terms has opened the door for Leeds to hijack the move.
West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, as well as Serie A giants Milan, have also shown interest in the £17.5m-rated star, but Leeds are now ‘pushing hard’ to get a deal done.
Why Uche would be a good signing
With Leeds looking to add further depth to their attack, it is no surprise that they have rejoined the race to sign Uche.
The Nigeria international has a unique profile, standing at 6 foot 3, and can play as a striker and a number 10.
Described as a “defender’s nightmare” by football scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old certainly showed his threat in the final third last season. In 33 games for Getafe, he bagged four goals and assisted a further six. Not mindblowing numbers by any stretch of the imagination but he caught the eye.
The 2025/26 campaign has begun superbly for Uche. Getafe’s number 10 is already on the board this term and grabbed an assist, with both contributions coming in their season opener against Celta Vigo. The La Liga side won 2-0, with Uche playing a key role in both goals.
The same cannot be said for Calvert-Lewin, who struggled on his debut for the Whites.
His final season as an Everton player saw the 28-year-old find the back of the net just three times in 26 appearances.
Unfortunately, that tough form continued in his first game as a Leeds player. Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Lee Sobot gave him a 5/10 post-match rating and described his night as a “debut to forget”, with WhoScored explaining his missed chances had an expected goals tally of 2.14 xG.
It is easy to see how Uche could be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin already in Farke’s squad. He has been quick out of the blocks this season, whereas the new Leeds star struggled on debut. On top of that, Getafe’s number 10 outscored him last term.
The stats from the 2024/25 season back up the sentiment. For example, the Nigerian star averaged 0.36 goals and assists and 2.82 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes. In comparison, Leeds’ new number nine averaged 0.22 goals and assists and 1.46 shot-creating actions each game.
Uche & Calvert-Lewin 24/25 key stats
Stat (per 90)
Uche
Calvert-Lewin
Goals and assists
0.36
0.22
Goals per shot on target
0.29
0.16
Key passes
1.05
0.39
Shot-creating actions
2.82
1.46
Ball recoveries
3.99
1.96
Stats from FBref
With his effectiveness in front of goal, the unique profile and the versatility that he offers, it is easy to see how Uche would be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.
Ultimately, Leeds need goals to stay in the Premier League, and will be relying on both to find the back of the net often.
Getafe's ChristantusUcheandGetafe's Omar Alderete in action with FC Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski
Hijacking this deal for the cheap price of £17.5m would surely be a smart move for the Yorkshire side as they look to beat the drop this season.
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كشفت تقارير صحفية إنجليزية عن تغيير كبير مرتقب في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، بدءًا من الموسم بعد المقبل، أي نسخة 2027/28.
كان الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم قد أجرى تغييرات جذرية في نظام دوري أبطال أوروبا، الموسم الماضي، في دور المجموعات والذي تحول إلى مرحلة الدوري.
ولكن يبدو أن يويفا لا يزال يرغب في مزيد من التغييرات، حيث ذكرت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية أنه بدءًا من موسم 2027/28، سيبدأ دوري أبطال أوروبا بمباراة واحدة فقط، كافتتاحية للبطولة.
وأوضحت أن تلك المباراة ستكون لحامل اللقب على أرضه ضد خصمه، في مباراة وحيدة يوم الثلاثاء، وسيشهد ذلك حفل افتتاح، كجزء من استراتيجية تجارية جديدة من إعداد وكالة ريليفنت الأمريكية لزيادة الإيرادات.
اقرأ أيضًا | ثورة جديدة مرتقبة في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. مباريات نارية ومنصة مجانية
وأوضحت أن اقتصار يوم الثلاثاء على مباراة واحدة فقط يُعد جزءًا من استراتيجية مخطط لها لزيادة الإيرادات، وربما يشهد الافتتاح مشاركة بعض من أشهر الأسماء في عالم الموسيقى، بينما ستُقام باقي مباريات الجولة الأولى يومي الأربعاء والخميس.
وأشارت إلى أن الهدف يتمثل في تحقيق حوالي 4.3 مليار جنيه إسترليني سنويًا من الإيرادات الإعلامية والتجارية، وهو ما يمثل زيادة عن الرقم الحالي البالغ 3.84 مليار جنيه إسترليني.
Jensen picked up the injury in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final
ESPNcricinfo staff03-Mar-2025
Hayley Jensen missed the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final for Otago after getting injured during the warm-up•ICC/Getty Images
New Zealand will be without seamer Hayley Jensen for the ODIs against Sri Lanka after she picked up an injury while warming up in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final. She has been replaced by left-arm spinner Fran Jonas, head coach Ben Sawyer said on Monday.”Jensen will be reassessed before the T20I series,” Sawyer said. “Hopefully she can get back in time but it will be up to the physios how she goes. Jonas will fly in tonight and join the team in the morning.”Related
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Jensen – who was set to make her comeback to the national side after a two-year absence – becomes the second Otago player to be ruled out of the ODIs against Sri Lanka. Bella James also picked up a hamstring injury during the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield competition, and was subsequently replaced in the ODI squad by Lauren Down.New Zealand are also without Sophie Devine – who has “prioritised her well-being” and taken a break from the game – while Amelia Kerr is set to miss the series due to her Women’s Premier League (WPL) commitment with Mumbai Indians. Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair and Molly Penfold were not available for the ODI series either due to injuries. Suzie Bates is the stand-in captain in Devine’s absence.The three-match ODI series kicks off on March 4 in Napier before the teams move to Nelson for the next two encounters on March 7 and 9. New Zealand are trying to snap a three-game losing streak in ODIs while Sri Lanka want to bounce back after losing their last ODI series against Ireland in Belfast 2-1.
O zagueiro paraguaio Fabián Balbuena não quer retornar à Rússia. Ele pertence ao Dínamo de Moscou, mas tentará usar um dispositivo da Fifa referente aos países que estão em guerra no leste europeu para suspender o seu vínculo com a equipe russa que vai até junho de 2025. O defensor tem contrato de empréstimo com o Corinthians até o fim deste mês, mas desde o dia 12 de maio treina separadamente ao elenco principal, já que o clube alvinegro não vai realizar a compra em definitivo.
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O estafe do atleta tem procurado encaixá-lo em clubes da primeira divisão do Campeonato Brasileiro, já que o desejo do jogador é permanecer no país. Ele foi oferecido para Fluminense e Vasco, mas até aqui não houve abertura de conversas com essas equipes.
O principal motivo para Balbuena não querer voltar para a Rússia e deseje permanecer no Brasil é familiar. A esposa do jogador está decidida a não voltar mais para Moscou e a família dele sempre gostou bastante de residir em território brasileiro.
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Quando conseguiu um contrato provisório com o Balbuena, se usando de um mecanismo da Fifa, que autorizou que jogadores que atuassem na zona da guerra entre Rússia e Ucrânia suspendesse os seus contratos e aceitassem por um ano com outros times, o Timão cogitava a manutenção em definitivo do zagueiro, campeão brasileiro pelo clube alvinegro em 2017, na primeira passagem do clube alvinegra. Porém, as más atuações do paraguaio fizeram com que a direção corintiana recuasse. De toda forma, os representantes do atleta ainda acreditam que ele tenha mercado na primeira prateleira do futebol brasileiro.
It would be fair to say that Daniel Levy made some questionable and unpopular decisions during his mixed tenure as Tottenham Hotspur chairman.
Across the 25 years Levy was at the helm, Tottenham won just two major trophies, in part due to some strange appointments from Levy, who worked with 14 permanent managers during his time as chairman.
Of course, the 63-year-old does deserve credit for overseeing the move to an impressive new stadium, but football is ultimately a results business, and the former chairman was unable to achieve the expected level of success.
Here at Football FanCast, we have now ranked the five worst appointments Levy made during his time at the helm.
5 Andre Villas-Boas
TottenhammanagerAndreVillasBoaslooks dejected
Villas-Boas made his name as an exciting young manager during a very impressive spell with FC Porto, leading the Portuguese side to the title in an undefeated season, but he was unable to make his mark at Chelsea, lasting just over eight months.
As such, it was always going to be a gamble to appoint the at-the-time young coach, and some blunders in the transfer market meant he didn’t last particularly long at the helm.
Following the sale of Gareth Bale, the likes of Roberto Soldado, Paulinho and Vlad Chiriches failed to make the desired impact, and the trio did not last long in north London.
Andre Villas-Boas’ Tottenham record
Games
80
Wins
45
Draws
18
Losses
17
Players used
43
While the Villas-Boas era wasn’t all bad on the whole, having only narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification in his first season, the humiliating 5-0 defeat to Liverpool and 6-0 loss against Manchester City in his second campaign means he enters this list in fifth.
4 Jacques Santini
Tottenham ManagerJacquesSantini
In fairness, the appointment of Santini made perfect sense at the time. The Frenchman arrived at White Hart Lane off the back of a very impressive spell with Lyon, during which time he was awarded the “best French coach” award in 2002.
The former Lyon boss got off to a promising start at Spurs too, making an unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign. However, Santini had to make this list simply because of the length of his tenure.
Santini lasted just 13 games before handing in his resignation, citing personal problems as the reason for his exit, although it has since emerged that broken promises behind-the-scenes may have played a part, with the ex-Tottenham boss saying: “They promised me a big apartment on the beach and I found myself 200m from the sea with a view of my neighbours.”
Jacques Santini’s Tottenham record
Games
13
Wins
5
Draws
4
Losses
4
Players used
24
3 Juande Ramos
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk managerJuandeRamosbefore the game
It may seem strange to name one of only two Spurs managers to win a trophy during the Levy era on this list, but the terrible start Ramos made to the 2008-09 season meant there was no way he couldn’t be included.
After winning the League Cup in 2008, the Spanish manager failed to kick on in the following campaign, picking up just two points from the opening eight games, which left Tottenham rock bottom of the Premier League table.
Consequently, Ramos’ reign is probably remembered more for that disastrous start than the success in the previous campaign, and his managerial career slowly went downhill following his departure from N17.
The Spaniard returned to his native country after leaving Tottenham, landing the Real Madrid job, but his stint at the Bernabeu was short-lived, being sacked after around seven months in charge, before going on to have another unsuccessful spell with CSKA Moscow.
Juande Ramos’ Tottenham record
Games
54
Wins
19
Draws
16
Losses
19
Players used
34
2 Jose Mourinho
Fenerbahce coach JoseMourinhoreacts
Jose Mourinho is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time for good reason, having been extremely successful during his time at Chelsea, Inter Milan, FC Porto and Real Madrid.
However, the iconic manager was clearly on the decline before Levy appointed him, having been dismissed by Manchester United after winning just seven of the first 17 games in the 2018-19 Premier League season.
Having won 26 trophies throughout his career as a manager, it is clear Levy viewed Mourinho as a born-winner, who could end Tottenham’s trophy drought, but the timing of the decision to sack him is the main reason he is included on the list.
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With the former FC Porto boss, there is almost an expectation that the football won’t be great to watch, but he will win silverware. However, Levy made the bizarre call to pull the trigger just days before Spurs were set to play Manchester City in the EFL Cup final.
Tottenham were left to rue the decision, going on to lose the game 1-0 under the helm of Ryan Mason, with Levy later going on to admit it was an error to appoint Mourinho in the first place, saying: “The strategy was to bring in a trophy manager and we did it twice. You have to learn from the mistakes.”
Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham record
Games
86
Wins
45
Draws
17
Losses
24
Players used
44
1 Nuno Espirito Santo
Nottingham Forest managerNunoEspirito Santo
Like the majority of the names on this list, Nuno is by no means a bad manager, having gone on to prove himself at Nottingham Forest, leading the Tricky Trees to the Europa League after finishing 7th in the Premier League last season.
However, the 51-year-old felt doomed from the start, with Spurs well-known to have made approaches for a number of other managers before having to ‘settle’ for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss.
The Portuguese manager actually went on to start the season very well, winning his first three matches, but results soon went downhill, and he didn’t last long, with Levy ultimately dismissing the now Forest boss at the beginning of November.
Jamie Carragher went on to suggest that Nuno’s style of play meant the appointment was simply never going to work out, saying:
“I can never justify a manager losing his job after 10 Premier League games, it doesn’t feel right, but I don’t think Nuno at Spurs ever felt right either.
“I don’t feel this is a bad sacking, I think it was a bad appointment initially. Nuno’s style of football was at odds not only with the ‘Tottenham way’ but also the ‘top-club way”.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Tottenham record
Games
17
Wins
9
Draws
1
Losses
7
Players used
30
With Levy now gone, Tottenham fans will be hoping that this is the beginning of an exciting new era for the club.
Clube mais rico do país atualmente, o Flamengo é um dos times da América do Sul que mais atraem interesse entre as grandes estrelas do futebol mundial. Uma delas é Neymar, que mesmo tendo contrato com o PSG até 2027, continua como sonho da torcida. Além disso, o camisa 10 já se declarou ao Rubro-Negro em diversas oportunidades.
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CALDEIRÃO DO HUCK
Em 2017, durante o programa ‘Caldeirão do Huck’, da TV Globo, Neymar revelou o desejo de vestir a camisa do Flamengo.
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TORCEDOR FANÁTICO
Neymar admitiu que torceu para a equipe carioca na decisão da Libertadores diante do River Plate (2019) e comemorou o título. O atleta revelou enorme felicidade por Gabriel Barbosa, com quem atuou no Santos em 2013 e conquistou a inédita medalha de ouro nas olimpíadas do Rio 2016.
– A maioria que está no Flamengo é meu amigo ou conhecido de Seleção. A gente torce pelos nossos amigos, e ver a felicidade de vocês foi incrível. Foi como se eu tivesse participado do título, tanto que eu liguei para o Gabriel. Fizeram história, e eu e meu pai pulamos abraçados aqui – disse o atleta à época.
FOTOS COM O MANTO
O ex-jogador do Santos e Barcelona já publicou algumas fotos com a camisa rubro-negra. Inclusive, respondeu no Instagram sobre a possibilidade de jogar no Flamengo com um enigmático: “Talvez”.
AMIGO DAS CRIANÇAS
Recentemente, Neymar foi filmado autografando a camisa do Mais Querido de uma criança e brincou dizendo “Eu sou Mengão também, tá?”.
TARDEZINHA COM REVELAÇÃO
No último domingo (2), o jogador do PSG compareceu ao show Tardezinha, do cantor Thiaguinho, e foi filmando gritando “eu sou Mengão”. Na sequência, o atleta cantou a música “Vamos, Flamengo”.
Neymar para uma pequena torcedora do Flamengo: "Eu sou Mengão também, tá?"
Torcedor do Vasco: "Ele vem para o Vasco quando sair da Europa."
???? Reprodução pic.twitter.com/QJm035SxXy
— Planeta do Futebol ???? (@futebol_info) July 3, 2023
شهد الجهاز الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك استقالة أحد أعضاء الطاقم المعاون للمدير الفني البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا خلال الساعات الماضية، في خطوة مفاجئة جاءت بالتزامن مع استعداد الفريق للمرحلة المقبلة من الموسم.
وقدّم حازم إمام، مدرب الفريق، استقالته رسميًا إلى الكابتن عبد الناصر محمد مدير الكرة بالنادي، قبل أن يتم مناقشة الأمر بين المدير الرياضي جون إدوارد والمدير الفني يانيك فيريرا، حيث تم قبول الاستقالة بشكل رسمي.
ووجّهت إدارة الكرة في نادي الزمالك الشكر للمدرب على جهوده خلال الفترة الماضية ودوره مع الجهاز الفني، مؤكدة تقديرها لما قدّمه للفريق.
طالع أيضًا | وكيل بنتايج: أهدرت وقتي مع الزمالك.. وسأتقدم بشكوى جديدة لـ فيفا وكاس
ومن المنتظر أن يعقد رئيس النادي الكابتن حسين لبيب جلسة مع جون إدوارد خلال الأيام القليلة المقبلة لحسم هوية المدرب الجديد الذي سينضم للجهاز المعاون لفيريرا بعد التشاور مع المدير الفني البلجيكي.
يذكر، أن الزمالك سيواجه نظيره فريق ديكاداها في إياب دور الـ32 من بطولة الكونفدرالية، يوم الجمعة الموافق 24 من شهر أكتوبر الجاري، بعد أن حسم لقاء الذهاب بسداسية نظيفة.
The former New Zealand captain sees the current WTC structure as “not ideal”
Matt Roller31-Mar-20253:42
Williamson: Current WTC structure ‘not ideal’
Kane Williamson has backed calls to introduce designated windows for international cricket, which he believes could help to turn the World Test Championship (WTC) into a “more level competition”.The ICC’s cricket committee will consider proposals to tweak the WTC’s format when it meets in Zimbabwe later this month ahead of the start of the 2025-27 cycle. ECB chair Richard Thompson is among those calling for “a fairer, better competition” after criticism around uneven schedules and a points system that Ben Stokes has described as “utterly confusing”.Williamson, who captained New Zealand to the inaugural WTC title in 2021, described the current structure – which sees Australia, England and India play far more fixtures in a cycle than anyone else – as “not ideal”. He also backed the concept of four protected 21-day international windows per year, an idea proposed by the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) last week.Related
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“It comes back to scheduling,” Williamson told ESPNcricinfo. “I love Test cricket and I’d love to see it stay and I’d love to see it be a pathway for young cricketers still, alongside the T20 format… If you can prioritise windows where teams are playing each other consistently and somewhat evenly, then I think it just makes it [the WTC] a slightly more level competition.”The context now in Test cricket has certainly increased the effort and results. We don’t see draws any more, basically, in Test cricket, so every team’s pushing for a result when there’s something on it. For us as a country, winning the inaugural Test Championship final, it was really special and a great moment in our history.6:00
Williamson on how T20 leagues have changed cricket
“You put a tournament in front of somebody or a team, and they’re always quite keen to win it… Context is something that’s been spoken about for a while now, and it is great to see that there’s an effort to do that. It’s just how you keep tinkering it because there’s so many different opinions with teams, who they play and how you sort of continue to make it level.”South Africa reached June’s WTC final against Australia at Lord’s after playing only 12 Tests in the 2023-25 cycle, the joint-fewest of any team, and their route to the final has prompted some criticism over the WTC’s unequal schedule.”[Teams] get the cards that they are dealt and they try to make use of what’s in front of them, and take those opportunities,” Williamson said.”Naturally, the fact that it’s different for each team is not ideal. Any time you get the opportunity to review after a two-year Test Championship window, to try and tweak it a little bit, that’s fine. It’s still in its infancy, really, as a competition, so you’re always going to look at those things… It’s tricky though: there’s 12 months in a year, right? That’s difficult.”Williamson believes that 50-over cricket has already “given way” as a format. “I still think the ODI World Cup is at the top of the list in terms of an international event to win. When I first started, you’d have a tour for six weeks… Now, you tend to go from one thing to the next, and so it [50-over cricket] may well be the thing that gives way.”He also believes that the rapid and continued growth of franchise cricket poses significant challenges for national boards outside of the ‘big three’ of Australia, England and India, with financial incentives often drawing young players away from Test cricket.”We’re a small country and a smallish economy, certainly relative to some of the big, big nations,” Williamson said.”You mentioned the big three, and the focus on the five Test-match series that they have, and I’m a fan of watching those too. But [the question is] where that leaves everybody else, not just in terms of how they fit in their international cricket, but how we end up playing each other, or how you can still get that even competition across the board. And not just that, but [how you] still create that pathway for young players to see their heroes perhaps playing for their country.Despite giving up a central contract, Kane Williamson is eager to play for New Zealand•Getty Images
“There’s so much cricket happening in the world, and so many different opportunities for players… The interesting part is what messages that sends to your young players, and what they aspire to be now. You can only say that’s gone from […] a pure Test focus, where that was the start of my career as a youngster, to maybe looking at playing in the IPL, or playing in some of these other big leagues, and country vs franchises and all that sort of discussion.”Williamson has played more than 350 times for New Zealand across a 15-year international career but his priorities are slowly shifting aged 34. He is still active across international formats but turned down a central contract for the 2024/25 season in order to play in the SA20, and is due to feature in the PSL, the T20 Blast and the Hundred later this year.”At the moment, there’s no clear windows that meet everybody’s needs, and that’s the tough part,” Williamson said of the global calendar. “If you do have clear windows, and you do allow that full focus… then you can just take your attention there. What we’re seeing a lot is players having to make decisions [themselves] and that takes away a little bit from one part, whether it’s the international or the franchise space.”Things are moving quickly… It’s quite interesting, but I still absolutely love playing for New Zealand and I’m looking forward to doing that again in the future. But it is nice: there are some other options you can have, and with a young family as well, it’s nice that they can have me around a little bit.”