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Legendary Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan has died at the age of 76.
Jordan, a native of Dublin, Ireland, started his racing career as a driver before eventually turning his attention to team ownership.
As a driver, Jordan competed in Formula Ford, Formula 3, Formula 2 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
He secured an entry in the Formula 1 series in 1991, giving seven-time champion Michael Schumacher his first world championship drive.
Other drivers to wheel entries fielded by Jordan included Rubens Barrichello, Martin Brundle, Damon Hill and Jean Alesi.
Hill scored Jordans first Grand Prix victory during a dramatic, rain-hit 1998 Belgian Grand Prix. Jordan won additional races with Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Giancarlo Fisichella.
Jordan sold his team in 2005.
Beginning in 2009, he spent several seasons as part of BBCs coverage of Formula 1 races.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Sibling rivalries rarely fail to disappoint in competition. One pair of siblings has made an immediate impact on the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and its not the brothers youd likely think of first.
The Taylor and Farnbacher brothers have been part of the IMSA fabric for more than a decade, and the van der Linde brothers shared the track in Daytona this year. Yet its the Vanthoor brothers, Laurens and Dries, who have started the new year off strongest. At least on track.
What they havent achieved in Ultraman Florida competition as Jordan Taylor did in between the Rolex 24 At Daytona and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring with a great support team including brother Ricky the two Belgians have achieved at both IMSA venues.
Laurens Vanthoor is two-for-two winning races overall and in Grand Touring Prototype with Porsche Penske Motorsport.
Younger brother Dries Vanthoor is two-for-two winning overall Motul Pole Awards for BMW M Team RLL.
Dries pace in qualifying nailing fast laps in limited green flag running has stood out prior to the races. But both races have seen damage to the No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V8 eliminate potential podium finishes.
Meanwhile Laurens role as third driver in the No. 7 Porsche 963 has somewhat flown under the radar due to his teammates. Defending, and three-time IMSA prototype class champion Felipe Nasr has closed both races to start the year while Nick Tandys efforts have secured him two more overall wins at Daytona and Sebring, adding to his personal rolodex of marquee overall endurance race victories.
Thats left the Vanthoors as an intriguing chapter of the early season IMSA story, but perhaps not the overriding one.
Dries, for his part, has excelled early as he starts his full-time IMSA career. Hed made only three WeatherTech Championship starts prior to 2025. At both Daytona and Sebring, hes excelled in qualifying in two different types of sessions.
The cold in Daytona contrasted with the heat in Sebring. In both cases, he had to switch the Michelin tires on quickly.
(The cold) made tire warming a bit more difficult for everyone, I guess, Dries said after Daytona qualifying. I think weve been improving on that quite a lot, especially over the last year, which has been a big struggle point for us last year. But it seemed it worked out today, and then it was just all about getting the lap together and trying to do the best that I could, and that worked out luckily.
After scoring the first pole for the BMW GTP car in Daytona, he added an encore in Sebring, again with a red flag interrupting the session.
The lap that should have been my lap was a pretty sloppy lap, I must say, Dries laughed. The last push lap was enough to get it in. The red flag didnt cause any issues. We just needed to get the tires on as soon as possible and get the laps in, so I just sent it as fast as I could.
Where Dries success has come on Thursday in Daytona and Friday in Sebring, Laurens or Larry as he is often called on North American soil has had his Sunday in Daytona and Saturday in Sebring.
His wins have ticked off career boxes previously unchecked. Laurens had never won at Daytona, and while hed won twice at Sebring in class (GTD in 2021, GTD PRO in 2023), hed not won overall.
Its always very difficult to describe your feelings a couple moments after it happened. But Ive been wanting this very badly for a long time and came close a couple times, Laurens said at Daytona.
As third driver in the No. 7 Porsche 963, Laurens is only racing at Daytona, Sebring and Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Porsche traditionally only runs two drivers in the six-hour IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup races. The longtime GT driver and two-time IMSA champion (GTLM 2019, GTD 2021) relishes racing in IMSAs top class at the same time as hes trying to defend his FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar world title.
If you go back 10 years ago, I would have dreamed to drive in back then it was P1 then hypercars, GTP, whatever you want to call it, to drive in that category, he explained.
Theres not a better brand to do so than Porsche. When I was in IMSA I always dreamed of being in those chrome trailers with Penske on it, to be part of that team. Now its all in one, and then three months we became world champions and today win the Rolex 24. I couldnt dream of it. I dont know how to describe it.
Its dreams coming true, and extremely grateful to be sitting here and to be part of this team and these boys. Maybe tomorrow I have some more detailed emotions, but thats it for today.
At Sebring, Laurens took even more time to extoll his teammates. Hell be in a unique spot for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, though, where hell be in a separate Porsche 963 racing against Nasr and Tandy, as either car will try to complete a Daytona-Sebring-Le Mans-same year sweep. And, for that matter, also against Dries WEC-entered BMW, run by a different team.
Its great when you know youre working and you know you can rely 100 percent on your two teammates, he explained. I know whether its Nick or Felipe, at the end its two pit bulls which will go for every gap and do anything in the restart, whatever, to go for the victory.
Thats always a pleasant feeling to have that trust in your teammates. Its been a pretty smooth and easy collaboration. Yeah, feel a bit sorry for them for Le Mans. But thats what it is, he laughed.
Dries has a busier schedule the rest of 2025 to look ahead to. Hell race full-time in both IMSA and the WEC, although hell prioritize IMSA races on conflict weekends.
So far its going very well, he said. Its the first time for me at Sebring, so Im really enjoying the track. Its something different to what Ive been used to, especially with all the bumps. Its nice. Im enjoying it a lot so far.
DEARBORN, Mich. Wood Brothers Racing and driver Josh Berry are set to honor a landmark moment in the teams history with a special throwback paint scheme for the April 6 Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.
The No. 21 Motorcraft Ford Mustang will don a design inspired by Jim Clarks iconic Ford-powered Lotus, which clinched victory at the 1965 Indianapolis 500 a win significantly bolstered by the Wood Brothers innovative pit stop strategies.
The tribute livery was unveiled Thursday with a commemorative event at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Mich., where Clarks original race-winning car is exhibited.
This was a really fun project to work on with the team, from sorting all the details to making sure it properly reflected such an important moment in history, said Jon Wood, president of Wood Brothers Racing. Its always special to run a throwback, but this one carries extra meaning because of the connection our family had to that Indy 500 win. Unveiling it at The Henry Ford, right next to the original car, made it even more special. Seeing the No. 21 in those colors is a great way to honor that history, and I think its something fans will really appreciate.
That connection dates back to an unexpected conversation at Darlington Raceway, the very track where this tribute will take center stage.
During a NASCAR race in the mid-1960s, Ford Motor Company racing official John Cowley approached Glenn Wood with a proposition that took him by surprise assisting with pit stops for Clark and Team Lotus in the 1965 Indianapolis 500.
When we were asked by Ford Motor Co. to pit Jim Clarks car for the Indy 500, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our family, said Leonard Wood. We were just a group of guys from Stuart, Virginia, working on stock cars, and suddenly, we were part of something that would become a unique part of our history. To see that same scheme now on our No. 21 Ford Mustang for Throwback Weekend at Darlington is really special. It brings back a lot of memories, and its a great way to honor that moment.
Berry, in his first season driving for the Wood Brothers, has already added to the teams storied legacy by recently capturing his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which also marked the Wood Brothers 101st win.
The Wood Brothers have such a rich history in racing, and their role in the 1965 Indy 500 is one of those stories that really stands out, said Berry. Getting to drive a throwback that represents such a unique moment for the team is really special. The scheme looks amazing, and I cant wait to hit the track at Darlington with it.
NHL playoff watch: How the West's second wild-card spot will be won
The race for the Western Conference's second wild-card spot is by no means a two-team showdown -- but the two teams tied in standings points for that position are squaring off on Thursday.
The Vancouver Canucks -- who currently hold the coveted playoff spot, with 75 points and 25 regulation wins in 68 games -- will be visiting the St. Louis Blues (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+), who also have 75 points and 25 regulation wins but in 69 games.
So, with apologies to the Calgary Flames and Utah Hockey Club, Thursday night's clash has become extra pivotal, after the clubs split the first two games of the season series and will not play again.
Looking beyond this game, the Blues play five of their remaining 12 games against current playoff teams; the Canucks have an extra game down the stretch, but they play seven of their final 13 against playoff teams, including five of their final six.
Stathletes likes the Blues' postseason future a bit more, putting their playoff chances at 56.8%, with the Canucks at 26.3%.
There is a lot of runway left until April 17, the final day of the regular season, and we'll help you track it all with the NHL playoff watch. As we traverse the final stretch, we'll provide details on all the playoff races, along with the teams jockeying for position in the 2025 NHL draft lottery.
Note: Playoff chances are via Stathletes.
Jump ahead:
Current playoff matchups
Today's schedule
Yesterday's scores
Expanded standings
Race for No. 1 pick
Current playoff matchups
Eastern Conference
A1 Florida Panthers vs. WC1 Ottawa Senators
A2 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. A3 Tampa Bay Lightning
M1 Washington Capitals vs. WC2 Montreal Canadiens
M2 Carolina Hurricanes vs. M3 New Jersey Devils
Western Conference
C1 Winnipeg Jets vs. WC2 Vancouver Canucks
C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Colorado Avalanche
P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Minnesota Wild
P2 Edmonton Oilers vs. P3 Los Angeles Kings
Thursday's games
Note: All times ET. All games not on TNT or NHL Network are available to stream on ESPN+ (local blackout restrictions apply).
Colorado Avalanche at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.
Calgary Flames at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m.
Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Rangers, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals, 7 p.m.
Florida Panthers at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.
Montreal Canadiens at New York Islanders, 7:30 p.m.
Vancouver Canucks at St. Louis Blues, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+/Hulu/Disney+)
Anaheim Ducks at Nashville Predators, 8 p.m.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars, 8 p.m.
Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m.
Winnipeg Jets at Edmonton Oilers, 9 p.m.
Buffalo Sabres at Utah Hockey Club, 9 p.m.
Boston Bruins at Vegas Golden Knights, 10 p.m.
Carolina Hurricanes at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m.
Wednesday's scoreboard
Toronto Maple Leafs 2, Colorado Avalanche 1
Minnesota Wild 4, Seattle Kraken 0
Expanded standings
Atlantic Division
Florida Panthers
Points: 85
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: A1
Games left: 14
Points pace: 102.5
Next game: @ CBJ (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Toronto Maple Leafs
Points: 85
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: A2
Games left: 14
Points pace: 102.5
Next game: @ NYR (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Tampa Bay Lightning
Points: 83
Regulation wins: 34
Playoff position: A3
Games left: 15
Points pace: 101.6
Next game: @ DAL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Ottawa Senators
Points: 77
Regulation wins: 27
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 15
Points pace: 94.2
Next game: vs. COL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 97.3%
Tragic number: N/A
Montreal Canadiens
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 15
Points pace: 89.3
Next game: @ NYI (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 36.5%
Tragic number: N/A
Detroit Red Wings
Points: 70
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 84.4
Next game: @ VGK (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 5.1%
Tragic number: 26
Boston Bruins
Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 13
Points pace: 82.0
Next game: @ VGK (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 2.4%
Tragic number: 23
Buffalo Sabres
Points: 60
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 16
Points pace: 74.6
Next game: @ UTA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 20
Metro Division
Washington Capitals
Points: 98
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: M1
Games left: 14
Points pace: 118.2
Next game: vs. PHI (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Carolina Hurricanes
Points: 86
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: M2
Games left: 15
Points pace: 105.3
Next game: @ SJ (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
New Jersey Devils
Points: 80
Regulation wins: 33
Playoff position: M3
Games left: 13
Points pace: 95.1
Next game: vs. CGY (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 96.9%
Tragic number: N/A
New York Rangers
Points: 72
Regulation wins: 30
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 13
Points pace: 85.6
Next game: vs. TOR (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 25.5%
Tragic number: 26
New York Islanders
Points: 70
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 85.7
Next game: vs. MTL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 23.8%
Tragic number: 28
Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 70
Regulation wins: 23
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 85.7
Next game: vs. FLA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 12.4%
Tragic number: 28
Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 19
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 12
Points pace: 77.3
Next game: vs. CBJ (Friday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 18
Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 64
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 13
Points pace: 76.1
Next game: @ WSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 18
Central Division
Winnipeg Jets
Points: 98
Regulation wins: 38
Playoff position: C1
Games left: 13
Points pace: 116.5
Next game: @ EDM (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Dallas Stars
Points: 89
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: C2
Games left: 15
Points pace: 108.9
Next game: vs. TB (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Colorado Avalanche
Points: 85
Regulation wins: 35
Playoff position: C3
Games left: 13
Points pace: 101.0
Next game: @ OTT (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Minnesota Wild
Points: 83
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: WC1
Games left: 13
Points pace: 98.6
Next game: vs. BUF (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 92.6%
Tragic number: N/A
St. Louis Blues
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 13
Points pace: 89.1
Next game: vs. VAN (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 56.8%
Tragic number: 27
Utah Hockey Club
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 22
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 85.6
Next game: vs. BUF (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 8.6%
Tragic number: 25
Nashville Predators
Points: 58
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 71.0
Next game: vs. ANA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 14
Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 49
Regulation wins: 17
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 59.1
Next game: vs. LA (Thursday)
Playoff chances: ~0%
Tragic number: 3
Pacific Division
Vegas Golden Knights
Points: 86
Regulation wins: 36
Playoff position: P1
Games left: 15
Points pace: 105.3
Next game: vs. BOS (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Edmonton Oilers
Points: 84
Regulation wins: 29
Playoff position: P2
Games left: 14
Points pace: 101.3
Next game: vs. WPG (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.9%
Tragic number: N/A
Los Angeles Kings
Points: 81
Regulation wins: 31
Playoff position: P3
Games left: 16
Points pace: 100.6
Next game: @ CHI (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 99.3%
Tragic number: N/A
Vancouver Canucks
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: WC2
Games left: 14
Points pace: 90.4
Next game: @ STL (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 26.3%
Tragic number: N/A
Calgary Flames
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 25
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 15
Points pace: 89.3
Next game: @ NJ (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 16.5%
Tragic number: 29
Anaheim Ducks
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 21
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 79.6
Next game: @ NSH (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 20
Seattle Kraken
Points: 65
Regulation wins: 24
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 12
Points pace: 76.1
Next game: @ EDM (Saturday)
Playoff chances: 0.1%
Tragic number: 15
e - San Jose Sharks
Points: 45
Regulation wins: 13
Playoff position: N/A
Games left: 14
Points pace: 54.3
Next game: vs. CAR (Thursday)
Playoff chances: 0%
Tragic number: E
Note: An "e" means that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention.
Race for the No. 1 pick
The NHL uses a draft lottery to determine the order of the first round, so the team that finishes in last place is not guaranteed the No. 1 selection. As of 2021, a team can move up a maximum of 10 spots if it wins the lottery, so only 11 teams are eligible for the No. 1 pick. Full details on the process are here. Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the OHL's Erie Otters, is No. 1 on the draft board.
1. San Jose Sharks
Points: 45
Regulation wins: 13
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Points: 49
Regulation wins: 17
3. Nashville Predators
Points: 58
Regulation wins: 21
4. Buffalo Sabres
Points: 60
Regulation wins: 21
5. Philadelphia Flyers
Points: 64
Regulation wins: 17
6. Seattle Kraken
Points: 65
Regulation wins: 24
7. Pittsburgh Penguins
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 19
8. Anaheim Ducks
Points: 66
Regulation wins: 21
9. Boston Bruins
Points: 69
Regulation wins: 23
10. Columbus Blue Jackets
Points: 70
Regulation wins: 23
11. Detroit Red Wings
Points: 70
Regulation wins: 24
12. New York Islanders
Points: 70
Regulation wins: 25
13. Utah Hockey Club
Points: 71
Regulation wins: 22
14. New York Rangers
Points: 72
Regulation wins: 30
15. Calgary Flames
Points: 73
Regulation wins: 25
16. St. Louis Blues
Points: 75
Regulation wins: 25
Andy Robertson has brushed off criticism of his Liverpool performances this season and insisted that his time at Anfield is not coming to an end, despite the club being "linked with pretty much every left-back in the world."
Robertson struggled to reach the consistently high levels he managed under Jürgen Klopp on Merseyside during the fist half of this season as he played catch-up after sustaining an ankle ligament injury which disrupted his preseason.
The 31-year-old admitted he felt "written off" following a disappointing individual display in Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Arsenal in October, in which he was at fault for Bukayo Saka's opening goal. Robertson was withdrawn shortly after the hour mark at the Emirates and was named on the bench for subsequent wins over Brighton & Hove Albion and Bayer Leverkusen.
He has since regained his regular place in Arne Slot's starting XI and has been a near ever-present since November.
"I think we've been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world," Scotland captain Robertson told a news conference on Wednesday ahead of the country's Nations League playoff against Greece.
"That comes with playing with one of the greatest clubs in the world. I look back on these eight years I've had as the starting left-back at that club and I feel a lot of pride.
"Your time comes and I don't think it's my time yet but even if we do bring someone in, then so be it. I'll always back myself.
"Sure, this season there have been a couple of moments when I haven't covered myself in glory but some things have been taken way out of proportion.
"I think the performance levels have been there for me. I think I've had a relatively good season but one thing people will say about me is that I've been pretty consistent, so when you make a couple of mistakes, then people can talk.
"That's the world we live in, that's the Premier League. Everyone has eyes on you, everyone has an opinion.
"It is what it is but I'm always confident in my ability. I've shown that right throughout my career but especially during my time at Liverpool."
The international break has arrived after a two-week spell in which Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and were beaten by Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, but Robertson said meeting up with the national team has helped him get over his club's recent struggles.
"It's part and parcel of football. It probably wasn't one of our best weeks in football, though thankfully we've had plenty of good weeks this season," Robertson said.
"For many reasons, last week wasn't meant to be. But it's always great to meet up with the Scotland lads, always an honour, always good to see fresh faces and take a break from a really intense time at Liverpool.
"It's been nice, it's made it easier to get over the disappointment."
Barcelona on Thursday informed its fans that the club will finish the season at Olympic Stadium where they will play all remaining LaLiga and Champions League matches as construction at Spotify Camp Nou continues to be delayed.
Barcelona had been hopeful of a return to Spotify Camp Nou with progress in redeveloping and modernising the ground slowed due to the fact more work was required on the second tier than initially planned.
Barcelona made the announcement on Thursday via an email sent to all the club's socios.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta had said several months ago that the club would be back in the stadium by March, coinciding with the knockout phase of the Champions League, targeting that March date because once Barça have played a home knockout game in the Champions League, they cannot change the venue where their home matches are played in Europe.
However, Thursday's announcements mean that all remaining first-team matches will be destined for Olympic Stadium at Montjuïc.
Barça left Camp Nou in 2023 and the stadium renovations will increase the capacity to around 105,000, the highest in Europe.
In January, Barcelona requested an extension to the lease at the Olympic Stadium until the end of May to cover the Clásico against Real Madrid scheduled for that month.
Barça face a hectic schedule of four games in nine days when club football returns next week.
After hosting Osasuna on Thursday, they welcome Girona on the Sunday, travel to Atlético Madrid for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal on the Wednesday and then return home for a league game against Real Betis on the Saturday.
They then host Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, go to Leganés in LaLiga and then fly to Dortmund for the second leg of their quarterfinal tie.
Information from Sam Marsden was used in this report.
Thomas Tuchel has said he believes England struggled live up to expectations at Euro 2024 because the team played with a "fear" of losing and did not have the "hunger" to win.
Despite reaching the final in Berlin where they lost to Spain, Gareth Southgate's England team were criticised for their uninspiring displays and lack of attacking threat in a competition they were favourites to win.
Asked in a news conference on Thursday about an interview he had given to ITV in which he indicated that he felt the team struggled with the pressure at the Euros and their performances suffered as a result, Tuchel doubled down on his opinion.
"It was just my feeling. It was my feedback and first of all it was my feeling in front of TV just way long, long before I even know that I may be in charge," Tuchel told a news conference on Thursday.
"That was my feeling. I think it's pretty clear statement and don't know how to put it in other words, and I think it has to be the other way around.
"I want us to play with the excitement and the hunger and the desire to win and the joy to win. And the chance of failure is a part of it, especially in football, but we want to implement this togetherness and the joy that everyone feels safe to express themselves and give their very best. And we play that. It's recognisable.
"We play with the hunger and the joy to win and not with the fear to lose. Anything can happen in football, we know this, but the focus is on winning is on a higher number of touches in the opponent's box, a higher amount of attacks, a higher amount of high ball recoveries. This is where the focus is."
Tuchel will take charge of his first England match on Friday when the Three Lions host Albania at Wembley Stadium to begin their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup and the German coach admitted he is feeling some nerves ahead of the game.
"I just hope so much that they can see what I see on a daily basis and they can transform it into the stadium because what I saw in the last days was amazing and was just a joy to watch and to be part of it," he said.
"So hopefully we can transport this energy and this fire and in this hunger into the game tomorrow. And then, I mean it's amazing. We will have a full Wembley [it will] be very exciting. I will be a bit nervous I guess, but that's part of it. I'm always a bit nervous before matches so this will not be different and yeah, excited and hopefully we can prove the point and then take the first step."
Hawk-Eye tech to judge off side and head-high wides in IPL 2025
The head heights of each player would be stored in the database and there will be no subjective call involved in the decision making with an automated system carrying out the measurement.
Wide guideline to move with batter
The subjective element involved in deciding wides will also be removed from this season as the IPL has decided that the wide guideline - usually in blue - will move with the batter. For example, if a right-hand batter moves one feet to his right outside off stump, the wide guideline will accordingly shift the same distance and will be used to adjudicate a wide.
The Hawk-Eye technology will carry out the measurement automatically - both how much the batter has moved and how much the guideline moves. The TV umpire can see the movement on his screen and can adjudicate whether it is a wide or not based on whether ball pitched within or outside the revised wide guideline. The measurements will not be shown on TV screen and will only be visible to the TV umpire. The return crease, marked white, will not move. Also, the new system will not be applicable to adjudicate leg-side wides.
The IPL has been at the forefront of adopting technology in decision-making for the past few years. In 2023, having trialled the system in the WPL, which was also the first instance in T20 cricket, teams were allowed to refer wides and no-balls as part of the two DRS reviews in IPL. Last year the IPL became the first league to use ball-tracking technology to judge over-the-waist no-balls.
DPL week 2: Taskin records most expensive figures in Bangladesh's List-A history
With just over halfway through the first phase, eight teams are in contention for six Super League spots. Dhanmondi Sports Club and Prime Bank Cricket Club seem to be having a hot and cold season so far. The battle for avoiding relegation is also going to be tight, with four teams - Rupganj Tigers, Partex, Brothers Union and Shinepukur Cricket Club - on two points each.
Propelled onto the international scene for the Test tour of India despite just six first-class appearances to his name, Bashir impressed with 17 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, in his first three caps. He soon usurped Leach as England's primary slow-bowling option for the home summer and marked that ascension with career-best red-ball figures of 5 for 41 in the second Test against West Indies, bowling England to victory at Trent Bridge.
Challenging series followed against Sri Lanka (six dismissals at 49.33) and in the winter against Pakistan (nine at 49.55) and New Zealand (eight at 51.75). And after taking just four wickets in three matches on England Lions' tour of Australia, including 1 for 74 in the unofficial Test against Australia A, the chance to start the summer with first-team cricket at Glamorgan will be vital given the high-profile engagements that lie ahead.
Bashir will hope to lock horns once more with India in this summer's five-match Test series, leading into the Ashes at the end of the year. At six-foot-four, his high release point, and a natural ability to impart overspin on the ball are regarded as vital characteristics for success on Australian pitches, something he was able to work on as part of Andrew Flintoff's Lions squad at the start of the year, with assistance from Lions spin-bowling coach Graeme Swann.
To date, just 11 of Bashir's 27 first-class appearances have come in the County Championship, and his current deal at Somerset is set to expire at the end of the summer, along with his central contract.
Even in the short-term, a move to Glamorgan will aid that development given their propensity to operate with an out-and-out spinner. Last year, Crane played 11 of a possible 14 matches in Division Two, bowling 304.2 overs, the second most in the squad after James Harris' 309.5, with 29 dismissals. Bashir can also call on the expertise of ex-England spinner Richard Dawson, who was appointed interim-head coach at Glamorgan in January.
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