Archive July 16, 2025

Durham offer support to county cricket shake-up

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Durham have announced their support for a shake-up of English domestic cricket, including a rugby-style Grand Final to decide the County Championship.

The county has addressed members with a change to the domestic structure and schedule in a bid to reduce player fatigue.

The proposal, which Durham said has been developed along with other counties and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), suggests the current two-division championship should be scrapped.

It would be replaced by two upper divisions of six teams each, and a lower division of six teams.

The Grand Final format is already in use in Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa.

The lower conference sides would be competing for two promotion places, with one county from each upper conference being relegated to accommodate them.

The format would provide 12 games for each county, meeting the other five teams in their group home and away, and then two inter-group games, one home and one away.

Durham are the latest county to announce publicly their preference for the future of the County Championship.

Lancashire have also expressed their preference for two divisions of six, while Surrey and Somerset have supported an eight-team top flight and 10-team second tier, retaining 14 games per season.

‘More compelling cricket’

Durham chairman Phil Collins said in a statement on the club website: “We support the 18-county model but, believe the current 10/8 division structure lacks meaningful fixtures as the season progresses.

“The current structure produces a plethora of games in both divisions that do not have any meaning; teams involved in mid table games in the last third of the season onwards do not have any jeopardy… the teams involved cannot get into a title or promotion race and are safe from relegation.

“We don’t believe this produces the intensity of cricket that our great game needs and is something that both players and fans constantly comment on to us.”

The proposal also suggests the T20 Blast should be reduced in size and comprise three groups of six teams each, with the entire competition played before The Hundred begins.

The county said the plans have been drawn up following a Professional Cricketers’ Association survey, which found that 83% of players think the current schedule “harms physical wellbeing”, 72% saying it “hinders high performance”, and over two-thirds claiming mental health is affected by the intensity.

The statement added that other counties have proposed alternative structures, including an 8/10 and a 10/8 division split.

Collins said the idea will be discussed at a members forum on 30 July.

“These proposals aim to reduce workload, enhance performance, and offer more compelling cricket. We believe they represent the best way forward,” he added.

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Gregg Wallace ‘planning bold new career move’ after MasterChef axe

By in Entertainment News, News

Former MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace, who fronted the show for two decades, was axed from the BBC programme following an investigation into his behaviour

Ex-MasterChef star Gregg Wallace ‘planning bold new career move’ after axe(Image: BBC)

Gregg Wallace is reportedly looking for a way to ‘get straight back into work’ after he was axed from his role at MasterChef over his behaviour. The report, conducted by legal firm Lewis Silkin, shared that 45 out of 83 accusations against the father-of-three were corroborated – mostly involving inappropriate sexual language and humour.

The report divided the complaints into seven categories. Of the 45 upheld, 12 were for inappropriate comments (jokes and innuendo), 16 were sexually explicit comments, three were for being in a state of undress, two were for sexualised comments made to or about someone, four were over being culturally insensitive or racist, seven were over bullying and one was for unwanted physical contact.

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Gregg Wallace
Gregg is reportedly searching for a new career move(Image: BBC)

The former judge, who fronted the show with fellow axed star John Torode for two decades, said he was “deeply sorry for any distress caused” and added “it was never intended.”

Following the results of the investigation, a source claimed Gregg is thinking “he can follow in the footsteps of other people who have lost prominent jobs in mainstream TV” by ‘going at it alone’ as he searches for a new career path.

“His biggest fear is losing everything he has worked so hard for and going bust,” the insider told MailOnline.

Gregg Wallace
He is also hoping to ‘get a new agent’(Image: BBC)

“He also wants to get himself a new agent pretty quickly to land some commercial deals – he’s had big endorsement arrangements in the past which have paid a fortune, but it’s hard to imagine any big brand wanting to snap him up at the moment.” The Mirror have reached out to this representatives for comment.

In Gregg’s statement, he said: “For eight months, my family and I have lived under a cloud. Trial by media, fuelled by rumour and clickbait. None of the serious allegations against me were upheld.

“I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended.

“I’m relieved that the Banijay report fully recognises that my behaviour changed profoundly in 2018. Some of my humour and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate. I always tried to bring warmth and support to MasterChef, on screen and off.

“After nearly 20 years on the show, I now see that certain patterns, shaped by traits I’ve only recently begun to understand, may have been misread. I also accept that more could have been done, by others and by myself, to address concerns earlier. A late autism diagnosis has helped me understand how I communicate and how I’m perceived. I’m still learning.”

He went on to thank Banijay and fans for their support before slamming the BBC for ‘leaving his exposed to trial by media’. He then claimed there would ‘be more casualties’.

Wallace said: “This has been brutal. For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won’t be the last.

“There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.”

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MPs ask Nandy to intervene over Palace demotion

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Dan Roan
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A group of Liberal Democrat MPs have asked the culture secretary Lisa Nandy to intervene over Uefa’s “disgraceful” decision to demote Crystal Palace from the Europa League for breaching its multi-club ownership rules.

The seven politicians from London – including party leader Sir Ed Davey – wrote to express “deep concern” over what they called “a highly unusual and severe punishment on the club that raises serious questions about fairness and transparency in the governance of English football”.

The Eagles, who qualified for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup – their first major trophy – in May, were demoted to the lower tier Conference League on Friday.

The rules of European football’s governing body state that clubs owned, to a certain threshold of influence, by the same person or entity cannot compete in the same European competition.

American businessman John Textor owns a stake in Palace and is the majority owner of French club Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League.

Uefa’s rules set a deadline of 1 March 2025 to show proof of multi-club ownership restructuring – a deadline which Palace missed.

In a letter seen by BBC Sport, the group of Lib Dems described the saga as “heart-breaking for fans”.

“Other clubs seem to go through much more protracted disputes with less severe outcomes,” they said.

Nandy was urged to ensure “the decision-making process is reviewed for transparency and fairness” and that “the club is given a fair opportunity to appeal or respond to any allegations”.

Nottingham Forest, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, are set to replace Palace in the Europa League.

On Tuesday, Palace supporters staged a protest against Uefa’s decision with hundreds marching to Selhurst Park carrying banners and chanting against European football’s governing body.

Meanwhile, Palace chairman Steve Parish has confirmed the club will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) over Uefa’s decision.

“We are still fighting,” Parish told the The Rest is Football podcast.

“There’s an appeal process, so we go to Cas, and we’re very hopeful. We think we’ve got great legal arguments.

“We don’t think this is the right decision by any means. We know unequivocally that John didn’t have decisive influence over the club.

“We know we proved that beyond all reasonable doubt because it’s a fact.”

Textor is currently in the process of selling his stake in Crystal Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.

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Keyamo Tackles Atiku Over Defection Timing

By in News, Nigeria News

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over the timing of his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing him of attempting to divert national attention during a period of mourning.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Keyamo condemned Atiku’s decision to resign barely a day after the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Dikko Radda, and other dignitaries at former President Muhammadu Buhari’s funeral in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

“Your Excellency, whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political parties at any time you may wish, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself.

“With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial Presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy,” Keyamo wrote.

Keyamo
File: Festus Keyamo

READ ALSO: Atiku Resigns From PDP, Cites ‘Irreconcilable Differences’

The senior lawyer also raised legal and ethical concerns about Atiku’s continued use of the Nigerian Coat of Arms in his private communications.

“It is both morally and legally wrong to continue to use the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government in your private or political communications when you stopped being a functionary of the Federal Government more than 18 years ago,” he stated, citing Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He warned that such usage “borders on impersonation,” stressing his duty “as a cabinet member and a member of the Inner Bar to protect our laws and constitution.”

Atiku’s Resignation

Atiku
FILE: Atiku Abubakar addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Channels TV/Sodiq Adelakun

Atiku, in a letter dated 14 July 2025 and addressed to the PDP chairman in Jada 1 Ward, Adamawa State, formally announced his resignation from the party he helped to found.

“It is with a heavy heart that I resign, recognising the irreconcilable differences that have emerged. I find it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the Party has taken, which I believe diverges from the foundational principles we stood for,” Atiku wrote.

The 78-year-old politician expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded him.

He said, “Serving two full terms as Vice President of Nigeria and being a Presidential candidate twice has been one of the most significant chapters of my life.”

Atiku was Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, both of which he lost.

The coalition has several top politicians as members. X@ADCNig.

His latest resignation is believed to be part of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Alongside other key opposition figures—including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai—Atiku has joined a coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu.

The coalition has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform, appointing former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman and ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola as interim national secretary.

In Wyoming’s mining industry, advocates see profit and peril under Trump

By in News, World News

Already, miners have successfully protested a proposal by the Trump administration to close more than 30 field offices run by the Mining Safety and Health Administration, a branch of the Labor Department that enforces safety standards.

Another government bureau, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), faced staffing cuts of nearly 90 percent under Trump. Miners pushed back, arguing that NIOSH’s research is necessary for their protection.

“For generations, the United Mine Workers of America has fought to protect the health and safety of coal miners and all working people,” union president Cecil Roberts said in a statement announcing a lawsuit against the cuts in May.

“The dismantling of NIOSH and the elimination of its critical programs — like black lung screenings — puts miners’ lives at risk and turns back decades of progress.”

Some of NIOSH’s workers were reinstated. Others were not. The upheaval left some investigations in states like Wyoming in limbo.

Marshal Cummings, a United Steelworkers union representative in southwest Wyoming, was among those seeking NIOSH’s help. He had grown concerned about the potential for trona miners like himself to be exposed to high levels of silica dust, a known carcinogen.

“We know what silica does to people,” Cummings told Al Jazeera. “We know that it causes people to get their lungs cut up by jagged edges of a silica particle, and then they slowly die. They lose that same quality of life that people who work on the surface have.”

Cummings believes there is too little research to fully understand the toll silica exposure is taking on trona miners.

Already, trona miners work in extreme conditions. Their mines cut deep into the earth. One of Wyoming’s biggest trona pits plunges to a depth of 1,600 feet or 488 metres: deep enough to swallow three full-sized copies of the Great Pyramid of Giza, stacked on top of each other.

Cummings was also dismayed to learn that a new rule slated to take effect in April had been pushed back until at least mid-August.

The rule would have lowered the acceptable levels of silica dust in mines. Heavy exposure has been tied to respiratory diseases. Black lung — a potentially fatal condition caused by dust scarring the lungs — has been on the rise in Wyoming, as it is throughout the US.

To Cummings, blame rests squarely on the shoulders of mining executives whom he sees as more interested in their wallets than their employees’ health. He believes the silica rule’s delay is part of their political manoeuvring.

“The pause is not just the pause,” Cummings said. “It’s giving people who care more about a favourable quarterly report than they do their employees an opportunity to get this rule completely thrown out. And that’s unacceptable.”

Travis Deti, the executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association, represents some of the industry leaders who opposed the new rule. They felt the silica rule was “a little bit of overreach”, he explained.

“I know that a lot of our folks have a little heartburn over it, that it might go a little too far,” Deti said.

He pointed out that coal mining, for instance, is different in Wyoming than it is in the Appalachia region. While Appalachian miners have to tunnel to harvest the fossil fuel, Wyoming has surface mines that require less digging.