Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes a change of competition will give his side a break from their wretched Premier League form that has put their chances of a top-four finish in jeopardy.

A sixth successive home league defeat, the latest to struggling Fulham on Sunday, left the Reds well adrift of Champions League qualification, having played more matches than the teams immediately above them.

On Wednesday they will play in Budapest again -- the "home" second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig, holding a 2-0 lead.

Not playing at Anfield, due to coronavirus travel restrictions, could be a relief to Klopp following his team's dismal run.

"If we can go through, which is not guaranteed, then that could give confidence," said the German manager. &nbsp;

"Then we have Wolves, which is a tough one, and then we have a couple of weeks off because of the international break and all these kind of things.

"We have to use that time, we have to hope all the boys who go to their national teams come back healthy, like always.

"Then I think there are another nine or 10 games to go, sounds like 27 or 30 points, so a lot to go for and we will try."

Diogo Jota and Fabinho are both likely to start against Leipzig after returning from lengthy injury spells but Klopp does not believe his side will be able to recover the swagger they had over the past two seasons until everyone is fit again.

Captain Jordan Henderson should play again this season after groin surgery but centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have been ruled out of the remainder of the current campaign.

"For being the successful team again, for being the team we can be in the best possible way, of course we have to be complete," said Klopp, who led Liverpool to their first English top-flight title for 30 years last season.

James Milner, captaining the side in the absence of Henderson, said Liverpool, who were top of the table at Christmas, were letting their fans down.

"It definitely hurts," he told Sky Sports. "When you're playing for a club with the history of Liverpool, the history we've created as a group of players, the standards we've set, we're not hitting them at this moment in time and it's not good enough.

"It's disappointing and hard when you're letting the club down and letting the fans down.

"It's for us to keep pushing and dig ourselves out of the mess."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes a change of competition will give his side a break from their wretched Premier League form that has put their chances of a top-four finish in jeopardy.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hopes a change of competition will give his side a break from their wretched Premier League form that has put their chances of a top-four finish in jeopardy. A sixth successive home league defeat, the latest to struggling Fulham on Sunday, left the Reds well adrift of Champions League qualification, having played more matches than the teams immediately above them. On Wednesday they will play in Budapest again -- the "home" second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig, holding a 2-0 lead. Not playing at Anfield, due to coronavirus travel restrictions, could be a relief to Klopp following his team's dismal run. "If we can go through, which is not guaranteed, then that could give confidence," said the German manager. "Then we have Wolves, which is a tough one, and then we have a couple of weeks off because of the international break and all these kind of things. "We have to use that time, we have to hope all the boys who go to their national teams come back healthy, like always. "Then I think there are another nine or 10 games to go, sounds like 27 or 30 points, so a lot to go for and we will try." Diogo Jota and Fabinho are both likely to start against Leipzig after returning from lengthy injury spells but Klopp does not believe his side will be able to recover the swagger they had over the past two seasons until everyone is fit again. Captain Jordan Henderson should play again this season after groin surgery but centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have been ruled out of the remainder of the current campaign. "For being the successful team again, for being the team we can be in the best possible way, of course we have to be complete," said Klopp, who led Liverpool to their first English top-flight title for 30 years last season. James Milner, captaining the side in the absence of Henderson, said Liverpool, who were top of the table at Christmas, were letting their fans down. "It definitely hurts," he told Sky Sports. "When you're playing for a club with the history of Liverpool, the history we've created as a group of players, the standards we've set, we're not hitting them at this moment in time and it's not good enough. "It's disappointing and hard when you're letting the club down and letting the fans down. "It's for us to keep pushing and dig ourselves out of the mess."

Klopp hopes for Champions League respite for struggling Liverpool

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president on Monday heaped praise on Rahul Dravid for nurturing young talents and looking after second-string players who have performed brilliantly for Team India&nbsp;after coming through the ranks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After leading Team India during their respective playing careers, both Ganguly and Dravid have now become the face of Indian cricket but in different roles. While Ganguly is the president of the Indian cricket board, Dravid is in charge of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.&nbsp;Dravid has taken the role of grooming young talents with the likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Prithvi Shaw among many others representing Team India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Talking about Dravid's contribution to Indian cricket, the BCCI chief lauded ‘the wall’ for nurturing young talents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-how-do-india-and-new-zealand-fare-at-ageas-bowl-in-southampton-a-look-at-key-stats-368918" hreflang="en">WTC Final: How do India and New Zealand fare at Ageas Bowl in Southampton? A look at key stats</a>

“I always say that Rahul Dravid has done a great job at the NCA (in Bangalore) as he looks after the&nbsp;second-string&nbsp;players. Mohammed Siraj, you know I see a lot of talent in him, Shardul Thakur every time they have got opportunities they have just stood up," Ganguly told India Today.&nbsp;

India's bench strength was tested during their Test series against Australia and England when many of the key players picked up injuries. While senior players were down and out due to injuries,&nbsp;players&nbsp;like Siraj, Washington, Pant, Natarajan and&nbsp;Shardul Thakur stood up in their absence. India won the four-Test series against Australia 2-1, the Virat Kohli-led side dominated England to bag the series 3-1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-southampton-to-host-icc-world-test-championship-final-confirms-sourav-ganguly-368899" hreflang="en">IND vs NZ: Southampton to host ICC World Test Championship final, confirms Sourav Ganguly</a>

“We spoke about&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;for all of last year, but India wins without him as well. In Australia, the last Test match, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, no Ishant Sharma in the squad, and you beat Australia in Australia. That's remarkable,” Ganguly added.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president on Monday heaped praise on Rahul Dravid for nurturing young talents and looking after second-string players who have performed brilliantly for Team India after coming through the ranks.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president on Monday heaped praise on Rahul Dravid for nurturing young talents and looking after second-string players who have performed brilliantly for Team India after coming through the ranks. After leading Team India during their respective playing careers, both Ganguly and Dravid have now become the face of Indian cricket but in different roles. While Ganguly is the president of the Indian cricket board, Dravid is in charge of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Dravid has taken the role of grooming young talents with the likes of Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Prithvi Shaw among many others representing Team India. Talking about Dravid's contribution to Indian cricket, the BCCI chief lauded ‘the wall’ for nurturing young talents. ALSO READ: WTC Final: How do India and New Zealand fare at Ageas Bowl in Southampton? A look at key stats “I always say that Rahul Dravid has done a great job at the NCA (in Bangalore) as he looks after the second-string players. Mohammed Siraj, you know I see a lot of talent in him, Shardul Thakur every time they have got opportunities they have just stood up," Ganguly told India Today. India's bench strength was tested during their Test series against Australia and England when many of the key players picked up injuries. While senior players were down and out due to injuries, players like Siraj, Washington, Pant, Natarajan and Shardul Thakur stood up in their absence. India won the four-Test series against Australia 2-1, the Virat Kohli-led side dominated England to bag the series 3-1. ALSO READ: IND vs NZ: Southampton to host ICC World Test Championship final, confirms Sourav Ganguly “We spoke about Bumrah for all of last year, but India wins without him as well. In Australia, the last Test match, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, no Ishant Sharma in the squad, and you beat Australia in Australia. That's remarkable,” Ganguly added.

'I always say...': Sourav Ganguly lauds Rahul Dravid for doing 'great job' at National Cricket Academy

The BCCI president on Monday confirmed that the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand will be hosted by the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The summit clash is scheduled to be held between June 18-22.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I'm looking forward to attending the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton," Ganguly said on India Today.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Yeah, it is in Southampton. It was decided long time ago. Due to COVID and they [in Southampton] have the hotel absolutely close. When England resumed play after COVID, they had a lot of matches in Southampton due to the same reason."&nbsp;

The Ageas Bowl in Southampton boasts a five-star hotel attached to the stadium and provides plenty of logistical and operational convenience in times of bio-secure bubbles. Southampton had hosted matches between England and West Indies, and Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1d9237ff-db60-45cd-a64d-d45b7e8af72b}{99}" paraid="1731037771" >How do India and New Zealand fare at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton: A look at key stats</h2>

So how do India and New Zealand fare at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton? With the venue of the ICC World Test Championship all but officially confirmed, let us take a look at some of the key stats from both India and New Zealand at the&nbsp;Ageas&nbsp;Bowl.&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{c3a5f360-ebf4-450f-b4a0-7a53adf28872}{144}" paraid="91912517" >Only 6 Tests hosted by Ageas Bowl</h2>

The Ageas Bowl has hosted just six Test matches thus far with India playing two of them. However, India don't have a great record at the venue with MS-Dhoni led India suffering a 266-run hammering back in 2014. The match was dominated by the likes of Gary Ballance and Ian Bell who registered centuries. whereas James Anderson ended with seven wickets in the match including a five-for.&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1d9237ff-db60-45cd-a64d-d45b7e8af72b}{153}" paraid="1862149208" >Virat Kohli leads run-scoring charts for India at the Ageas Bowl</h2>

In 2018, when Virat Kohli-led India played in Southampton, the visitors suffered a 60-run defeat. While India started the match on the front foot, even taking a first-innings lead, poor performance with the bat in the second innings helped England win the Test match. Cheteshwar Pujara had registered a gritty century in the first innings but no one apart from Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane managed to tackle the English bowlers in the second innings. Moeen Ali was the standout bowler for England as he ended up with a total of nine wickets in the match.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-southampton-to-host-icc-world-test-championship-final-confirms-sourav-ganguly-368899" hreflang="en">IND vs NZ: Southampton to host ICC World Test Championship final, confirms Sourav Ganguly</a>

Talking about individual performances,&nbsp;the matches at Ageas Bowl have been dominated by both batsmen and bowlers. While pacers enjoy early assistance, spinners have come into play in the third and fourth innings of the matches played in Southampton.&nbsp;

England's Zak Crawley has scored the most&nbsp;number of runs at the Ageas Bowl with 406 runs (in 4 innings) under his belt. For India, Virat Kohli has registered&nbsp;most&nbsp;number of runs at the venue with 171 runs in 4 innings at an average of 42.75. Ajinkya Rahane is next on the list with 168 runs in 4 innings at an average of 56 followed by Cheteshwar Pujara with 163 runs at an average of 54.33.&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{835b1c6d-31dd-4c84-8710-1f8f13dfa93c}{83}" paraid="730857699" >Mohammed Shami leads wicket-taking charts for India at the Ageas Bowl</h2>

In terms of bowling performances, James Anderson is the leading wicket-taker at the&nbsp;venue&nbsp;with 26 scalps in just six matches. For India, Mohammed Shami leads the list with 7 wickets in 2 matches followed by Ravindra Jadeja (5), Ishant Sharma (4), Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;(4) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4).&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-likely-to-send-second-string-india-squad-for-asia-cup-2021-report-368887" hreflang="en">BCCI likely to send second-string India squad for Asia Cup 2021: Report</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{835b1c6d-31dd-4c84-8710-1f8f13dfa93c}{95}" paraid="1047667743" >New Zealand yet to play a Test in Southampton</h2>

New Zealand haven't played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton when it comes to the longest format of the game but the Black Caps have been in action in limited-overs cricket.&nbsp;

In ODIs, New Zealand have played three matches at the venue with two wins and a no-result. In 2013, New Zealand defeated England by 86 runs and three wickets respectively to bag their twin wins in Southampton.&nbsp;

The ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on June 18-22 promises to be a cracker of a contest.&nbsp;

The BCCI president on Monday confirmed that the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand will be hosted by the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

The BCCI president on Monday confirmed that the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand will be hosted by the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The summit clash is scheduled to be held between June 18-22. "I'm looking forward to attending the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton," Ganguly said on India Today. "Yeah, it is in Southampton. It was decided long time ago. Due to COVID and they [in Southampton] have the hotel absolutely close. When England resumed play after COVID, they had a lot of matches in Southampton due to the same reason." The Ageas Bowl in Southampton boasts a five-star hotel attached to the stadium and provides plenty of logistical and operational convenience in times of bio-secure bubbles. Southampton had hosted matches between England and West Indies, and Pakistan. How do India and New Zealand fare at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton: A look at key stats So how do India and New Zealand fare at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton? With the venue of the ICC World Test Championship all but officially confirmed, let us take a look at some of the key stats from both India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl. Only 6 Tests hosted by Ageas Bowl The Ageas Bowl has hosted just six Test matches thus far with India playing two of them. However, India don't have a great record at the venue with MS-Dhoni led India suffering a 266-run hammering back in 2014. The match was dominated by the likes of Gary Ballance and Ian Bell who registered centuries. whereas James Anderson ended with seven wickets in the match including a five-for. Virat Kohli leads run-scoring charts for India at the Ageas Bowl In 2018, when Virat Kohli-led India played in Southampton, the visitors suffered a 60-run defeat. While India started the match on the front foot, even taking a first-innings lead, poor performance with the bat in the second innings helped England win the Test match. Cheteshwar Pujara had registered a gritty century in the first innings but no one apart from Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane managed to tackle the English bowlers in the second innings. Moeen Ali was the standout bowler for England as he ended up with a total of nine wickets in the match. ALSO READ: IND vs NZ: Southampton to host ICC World Test Championship final, confirms Sourav Ganguly Talking about individual performances, the matches at Ageas Bowl have been dominated by both batsmen and bowlers. While pacers enjoy early assistance, spinners have come into play in the third and fourth innings of the matches played in Southampton. England's Zak Crawley has scored the most number of runs at the Ageas Bowl with 406 runs (in 4 innings) under his belt. For India, Virat Kohli has registered most number of runs at the venue with 171 runs in 4 innings at an average of 42.75. Ajinkya Rahane is next on the list with 168 runs in 4 innings at an average of 56 followed by Cheteshwar Pujara with 163 runs at an average of 54.33. Mohammed Shami leads wicket-taking charts for India at the Ageas Bowl In terms of bowling performances, James Anderson is the leading wicket-taker at the venue with 26 scalps in just six matches. For India, Mohammed Shami leads the list with 7 wickets in 2 matches followed by Ravindra Jadeja (5), Ishant Sharma (4), Jasprit Bumrah (4) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4). ALSO READ: BCCI likely to send second-string India squad for Asia Cup 2021: Report New Zealand yet to play a Test in Southampton New Zealand haven't played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton when it comes to the longest format of the game but the Black Caps have been in action in limited-overs cricket. In ODIs, New Zealand have played three matches at the venue with two wins and a no-result. In 2013, New Zealand defeated England by 86 runs and three wickets respectively to bag their twin wins in Southampton. The ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on June 18-22 promises to be a cracker of a contest.

WTC Final: How do India and New Zealand fare at Ageas Bowl in Southampton? A look at key stats

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand is all set to be hosted by the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18-22, confirmed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly.&nbsp;

There were reports that the final of the World Test Championship was shifted from the iconic Lord's as originally planned with Ganguly now revealing Southampton will be hosting the inaugural final of WTC between India and New Zealand. However, there has been no confirmation in regards to the venue by the ICC.&nbsp;

"I'm looking forward to attending the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton," Ganguly said on India Today.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Yeah, it is in Southampton. It was decided a long time ago. Due to COVID and they [in Southampton] have the hotel absolutely close. When England resumed play after COVID, they had a lot of matches in Southampton due to the same reason."&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-likely-to-send-second-string-india-squad-for-asia-cup-2021-report-368887" hreflang="en">BCCI likely to send second-string India squad for Asia Cup 2021: Report</a>

India and New Zealand qualified for the summit clash after coming first and second in the WTC standings respectively. While India ended with the maximum percentage points, New Zealand came second to set-up the mouth-watering clash.&nbsp;The Ageas Bowl in Southampton boasts a five-star hotel attached to the stadium and provides plenty of logistical and operational convenience in times of bio-secure bubbles. Southampton had hosted matches between England and West Indies, and Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ganguly lauded the players for their mental strength given they had to spend around six months in bio-secure bubbles starting from the IPL 2020. The former Indian skipper hoped that India defeat New Zealand in the final while congratulating Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and everyone involved in the squad.&nbsp;

Ganguly was asked about whether the World Test Championship comes together with the 50-over World Cup to which the BCCI president said:&nbsp;“Every trophy has its own value. The 50-over World Cup is an amazing spectacle. It (WTC) was a bit complicated this time because of the pandemic. We will see when every team has played an equal number of games.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/on-international-womens-day-icc-announces-expansion-of-womens-game-368867" hreflang="en">On International Women's Day, ICC announces expansion of women's game</a>

“Massive achievements given what the players have gone through. Right from the IPL in September to early March and they are not finished yet. A good 6 months in bio-bubbles and what they have achieved is fantastic,” Ganguly said.&nbsp;

“Looking forward to the WTC final and I hope we get past New Zealand. Congratulate Rahane, Kohli, everyone involved. The way Pant won India the Brisbane game was excellent,” he added.&nbsp;

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand is all set to be hosted by the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18-22, confirmed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly.

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand is all set to be hosted by the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18-22, confirmed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly. There were reports that the final of the World Test Championship was shifted from the iconic Lord's as originally planned with Ganguly now revealing Southampton will be hosting the inaugural final of WTC between India and New Zealand. However, there has been no confirmation in regards to the venue by the ICC. "I'm looking forward to attending the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand in Southampton," Ganguly said on India Today. "Yeah, it is in Southampton. It was decided a long time ago. Due to COVID and they [in Southampton] have the hotel absolutely close. When England resumed play after COVID, they had a lot of matches in Southampton due to the same reason." ALSO READ: BCCI likely to send second-string India squad for Asia Cup 2021: Report India and New Zealand qualified for the summit clash after coming first and second in the WTC standings respectively. While India ended with the maximum percentage points, New Zealand came second to set-up the mouth-watering clash. The Ageas Bowl in Southampton boasts a five-star hotel attached to the stadium and provides plenty of logistical and operational convenience in times of bio-secure bubbles. Southampton had hosted matches between England and West Indies, and Pakistan. Ganguly lauded the players for their mental strength given they had to spend around six months in bio-secure bubbles starting from the IPL 2020. The former Indian skipper hoped that India defeat New Zealand in the final while congratulating Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and everyone involved in the squad. Ganguly was asked about whether the World Test Championship comes together with the 50-over World Cup to which the BCCI president said: “Every trophy has its own value. The 50-over World Cup is an amazing spectacle. It (WTC) was a bit complicated this time because of the pandemic. We will see when every team has played an equal number of games.” ALSO READ: On International Women's Day, ICC announces expansion of women's game “Massive achievements given what the players have gone through. Right from the IPL in September to early March and they are not finished yet. A good 6 months in bio-bubbles and what they have achieved is fantastic,” Ganguly said. “Looking forward to the WTC final and I hope we get past New Zealand. Congratulate Rahane, Kohli, everyone involved. The way Pant won India the Brisbane game was excellent,” he added.

IND vs NZ: Southampton to host ICC World Test Championship final, confirms Sourav Ganguly

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to send a second-string team to Sri Lanka if Asia Cup 2021 takes place as per the schedule. With India participating in the final of the ICC World Test Championship scheduled for June 18-22, the first-team players will be engaged&nbsp;in preparations for the summit clash against New Zealand.

According to a report in TOI,&nbsp;the Indian team is set to send a second-string side to participate in the Asia Cup 2021 due to the hectic schedule.&nbsp;Furthermore, India&nbsp;are&nbsp;scheduled to tour England for a five-match Test series and the players are likely to stay back in the United Kingdom to continue their preparations for the much-awaited series after the WTC final.&nbsp;

India and New Zealand&nbsp;are set to lock horns in&nbsp;the final from June 18 to 22 while Asia Cup&nbsp;2021&nbsp;is likely to begin in the last week of the same month.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“There’s no other choice. We can’t risk the preparation for the series in England. And cricketers can’t twice undergo quarantine. If the Asia Cup happens, India will have no option but to send a second-string squad,” sources told&nbsp;TOI.&nbsp;

A second-string Indian side suggests that the Men in Blue will be without the likes of Virat Kohli, Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psl-6-botch-franchise-owners-set-to-submit-list-of-grievances-to-pcb-chairman-368856" hreflang="en">PSL 6 botch: Franchise owners set to submit list of grievances to PCB chairman</a>

India would be eyeing a hat-trick of Asia Cup wins having won the last two editions of the tournament.&nbsp;Also,&nbsp;India&nbsp;are the most successful team in the history of&nbsp;Asia Cup&nbsp;with seven titles to their name.&nbsp;

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to send a second-string team to Sri Lanka if Asia Cup 2021 takes place as per the schedule. With India participating in the final of the ICC World Test Championship scheduled for June 18-22, the first-team players will be engaged in preparations for the summit clash against New Zealand.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to send a second-string team to Sri Lanka if Asia Cup 2021 takes place as per the schedule. With India participating in the final of the ICC World Test Championship scheduled for June 18-22, the first-team players will be engaged in preparations for the summit clash against New Zealand. According to a report in TOI, the Indian team is set to send a second-string side to participate in the Asia Cup 2021 due to the hectic schedule. Furthermore, India are scheduled to tour England for a five-match Test series and the players are likely to stay back in the United Kingdom to continue their preparations for the much-awaited series after the WTC final. India and New Zealand are set to lock horns in the final from June 18 to 22 while Asia Cup 2021 is likely to begin in the last week of the same month. ALSO READ: On International Women's Day, ICC announces expansion of women's game “There’s no other choice. We can’t risk the preparation for the series in England. And cricketers can’t twice undergo quarantine. If the Asia Cup happens, India will have no option but to send a second-string squad,” sources told TOI. A second-string Indian side suggests that the Men in Blue will be without the likes of Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant among others. ALSO READ: PSL 6 botch: Franchise owners set to submit list of grievances to PCB chairman India would be eyeing a hat-trick of Asia Cup wins having won the last two editions of the tournament. Also, India are the most successful team in the history of Asia Cup with seven titles to their name.

BCCI likely to send second-string India squad for Asia Cup 2021: Report

A South Korean Olympic short-track speed skating champion banned from the national team for sexual harassment has taken Chinese citizenship and will skate for the hosts at next year's Beijing Winter Games, reports said.

It will be the second consecutive home Winter Olympics for Lim Hyo-jun, after he won 1500m gold and 500m bronze at the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

But last year the 24-year-old was convicted of sexual harassment after he pulled down another male athlete's trousers in front of teammates at the national training centre.

The verdict was overturned on appeal, but the case is now before the South's Supreme Court for a final decision.

The Korea Skating Union suspended Lim for a year in August 2019, and while the penalty has been put on hold during the legal process, if the court finds against him it would rule him out of the Beijing Games.

Lim decided instead to become a naturalised Chinese citizen and skate for China, according to South Korean media reports.

He left for China on Friday after receiving his new passport, South Korean broadcaster MBC said, and was expected to join Beijing's national team after fulfilling his coronavirus quarantine requirements.

Lim made his decision on the basis of what was best for his career, according to his agency Brion.

"As the legal battle dragged on, it has become difficult for Lim to represent South Korea and try to win his second straight Olympic gold medal in Beijing," Yonhap reported, citing a statement from the agency.

He had not been able to train in the South for the past two years, it said, adding: "He just wanted to find ways to put his skates back on."

Lim is not the first South Korean skating star to change his allegiance.

In 2011, Ahn Hyun-soo -- who won three golds at the 2006 Winter Games -- was fast-tracked to Russian citizenship and competed at Sochi as Russian athlete Victor Ahn, after he suffered injury problems and fell out with South Korean skating officials.

South Korea is a regional sporting power and regularly finishes in the top 10 in the medals tables at the summer and winter Olympics.

But in an already intensely competitive society, winning is virtually everything in its sports community -- and physical and verbal abuse are rife.

The nation's short-track speed skating community in particular has faced several serious abuse scandals in recent years.

In January, a former national speed skating coach was sentenced to over a decade in prison for sexually assaulting double Olympic gold medallist Shim Suk-hee.&nbsp;

A South Korean Olympic short-track speed skating champion banned from the national team for sexual harassment has taken Chinese citizenship and will skate for the hosts at next year's Beijing Winter Games, reports said.

A South Korean Olympic short-track speed skating champion banned from the national team for sexual harassment has taken Chinese citizenship and will skate for the hosts at next year's Beijing Winter Games, reports said. It will be the second consecutive home Winter Olympics for Lim Hyo-jun, after he won 1500m gold and 500m bronze at the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. But last year the 24-year-old was convicted of sexual harassment after he pulled down another male athlete's trousers in front of teammates at the national training centre. The verdict was overturned on appeal, but the case is now before the South's Supreme Court for a final decision. The Korea Skating Union suspended Lim for a year in August 2019, and while the penalty has been put on hold during the legal process, if the court finds against him it would rule him out of the Beijing Games. Lim decided instead to become a naturalised Chinese citizen and skate for China, according to South Korean media reports. He left for China on Friday after receiving his new passport, South Korean broadcaster MBC said, and was expected to join Beijing's national team after fulfilling his coronavirus quarantine requirements. Lim made his decision on the basis of what was best for his career, according to his agency Brion. "As the legal battle dragged on, it has become difficult for Lim to represent South Korea and try to win his second straight Olympic gold medal in Beijing," Yonhap reported, citing a statement from the agency. He had not been able to train in the South for the past two years, it said, adding: "He just wanted to find ways to put his skates back on." Lim is not the first South Korean skating star to change his allegiance. In 2011, Ahn Hyun-soo -- who won three golds at the 2006 Winter Games -- was fast-tracked to Russian citizenship and competed at Sochi as Russian athlete Victor Ahn, after he suffered injury problems and fell out with South Korean skating officials. South Korea is a regional sporting power and regularly finishes in the top 10 in the medals tables at the summer and winter Olympics. But in an already intensely competitive society, winning is virtually everything in its sports community -- and physical and verbal abuse are rife. The nation's short-track speed skating community in particular has faced several serious abuse scandals in recent years. In January, a former national speed skating coach was sentenced to over a decade in prison for sexually assaulting double Olympic gold medallist Shim Suk-hee.

S. Korean Olympic champ banned for harassment to skate for China: reports

On International Women’s Day, a year after the resounding success of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the expansion of women’s cricket events post the 2023 cycle.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

More teams will compete in both the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from 2026 onwards as part of the ICC’s long-term commitment to growing the game globally and in a sustainable fashion.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The revised formats will give more teams the chance to compete on the global stage and importantly provides Members with a window to grow the game domestically and to challenge internationally as the changes take place.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/denying-ms-dhoni-to-play-his-potential-last-ipl-in-chennai-franchises-left-unhappy-over-scheduling-368834" hreflang="en">Denying MS Dhoni to play his potential last IPL in Chennai: Franchises left unhappy over scheduling</a>

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6611ecf-52c7-4386-aed1-8c0cef1db2b3}{34}" paraid="312895998" >The revised structure will be as follows:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<ul>
	<li>ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - 8 teams, 31 matches</li>
	<li>ICC Women's World Cup 2029 - 10 teams, 48 matches</li>
	<li>ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 - 10 teams, 23 matches</li>
	<li>ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 - 12 teams, 33 matches</li>
	<li>ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2028 - 12 teams, 33 matches</li>
	<li>ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2030 - 12 teams, 33 matches</li>
	<li>ICC Women's T20 Champions Cup 2027 - 6 teams, 16 matches</li>
	<li>ICC Women's T20 Champions Cup 2031 - 6 teams, 16 matches</li>
</ul>

Manu Sawhney, ICC Chief Executive said, “We have a clear focus and commitment to an ambitious long-term growth plan for the women’s game. We have been building momentum around the women’s game for the last four years investing in global broadcast coverage and marketing to drive fan engagement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/havent-come-across-player-like-him-in-cricket-inzamam-ul-haq-lauds-rishabh-pant-368744" hreflang="en">'Haven't come across player like him in cricket': Inzamam-Ul-Haq lauds Rishabh Pant</a>

“The results speak for themselves with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 attracting record numbers, 1.1 billion video views, making it the most watched women’s cricket event of all time and having 86,174 fans attending the final at the MCG, a record attendance for a women’s cricket event.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“This decision to expand our women’s events builds on these foundations and allows us to give more member countries greater opportunities to compete on a global stage. This means that more teams will also get the opportunity to compete in the qualification pathways for the respective ICC events over the coming years. I am sure these initiatives will go a long way in helping us achieve our strategic goal of continuing to build strength and depth in the women’s game.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On International Women’s Day, a year after the resounding success of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the expansion of women’s cricket events post the 2023 cycle.

On International Women’s Day, a year after the resounding success of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the expansion of women’s cricket events post the 2023 cycle. More teams will compete in both the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from 2026 onwards as part of the ICC’s long-term commitment to growing the game globally and in a sustainable fashion. The revised formats will give more teams the chance to compete on the global stage and importantly provides Members with a window to grow the game domestically and to challenge internationally as the changes take place. ALSO READ: Denying MS Dhoni to play his potential last IPL in Chennai: Franchises left unhappy over scheduling The revised structure will be as follows: ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - 8 teams, 31 matches ICC Women's World Cup 2029 - 10 teams, 48 matches ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 - 10 teams, 23 matches ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 - 12 teams, 33 matches ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2028 - 12 teams, 33 matches ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2030 - 12 teams, 33 matches ICC Women's T20 Champions Cup 2027 - 6 teams, 16 matches ICC Women's T20 Champions Cup 2031 - 6 teams, 16 matches Manu Sawhney, ICC Chief Executive said, “We have a clear focus and commitment to an ambitious long-term growth plan for the women’s game. We have been building momentum around the women’s game for the last four years investing in global broadcast coverage and marketing to drive fan engagement. ALSO READ: 'Haven't come across player like him in cricket': Inzamam-Ul-Haq lauds Rishabh Pant “The results speak for themselves with the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 attracting record numbers, 1.1 billion video views, making it the most watched women’s cricket event of all time and having 86,174 fans attending the final at the MCG, a record attendance for a women’s cricket event. “This decision to expand our women’s events builds on these foundations and allows us to give more member countries greater opportunities to compete on a global stage. This means that more teams will also get the opportunity to compete in the qualification pathways for the respective ICC events over the coming years. I am sure these initiatives will go a long way in helping us achieve our strategic goal of continuing to build strength and depth in the women’s game.”

On International Women's Day, ICC announces expansion of women's game

After the postponement of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6, franchise owners are set to present a list of&nbsp;grievances to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani on Monday during a virtual meeting.&nbsp;

According to reports, PSL 6 franchise owners are expected to seek a refund&nbsp;of their submitted fees if the tournament cannot be completed in future. While PCB has assured that they will look to find&nbsp;time to complete the postponed PSL 6, the packed calendar makes things tricky for the&nbsp;organisers.&nbsp;

The PSL franchise owners have been left upset and disappointed by the approach of PCB CEO Wasim Khan, who reportedly was pushed on the back foot during a meeting as he shared the responsibility of mismanagement&nbsp;with a wide range of shareholders during the tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/denying-ms-dhoni-to-play-his-potential-last-ipl-in-chennai-franchises-left-unhappy-over-scheduling-368834" hreflang="en">Denying MS Dhoni to play his potential last IPL in Chennai: Franchises left unhappy over scheduling</a>

Whereas, the PCB has also formed a two-member fact-finding committee panel that has also left the owners unhappy. While the panel has been asked to&nbsp;investigate&nbsp;the breaches in the Standard Operating&nbsp;Protocol&nbsp;(SOPs)&nbsp;following the postponement of PSL 6, the owners have been left fuming as they were not taken into consideration while&nbsp;finalising&nbsp;the move.&nbsp;

The franchise owners are also&nbsp;extremely&nbsp;concerned about financial losses. Notably, most foreign players have been paid 70 per cent of their fees despite featuring in four or five matches. Meanwhile, it is not yet clear whether any amount will be&nbsp;retrieved&nbsp;from the&nbsp;players who are not willing to participate in the tournament further.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shahid-afridis-daughter-to-get-engaged-with-this-pakistan-pacer-reports-368765" hreflang="en">Shahid Afridi's daughter to get engaged with this Pakistan pacer: Reports</a>

Earlier, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar had slammed the PCB for its “incompetence” as he said the latest incident has destroyed the PSL brand.&nbsp;

"PSL brand got destroyed again just because of the incompetence. And the&nbsp;one's&nbsp;who do not even know how to write a prescription or see X-rays are PCB's doctors. I have witnessed this when I used to play, they (PCB doctors) did not know how to see X-rays. Nothing has changed so far," Akhtar said in his YouTube channel.

After the postponement of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6, franchise owners are set to present a list of grievances to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani on Monday during a virtual meeting.

After the postponement of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6, franchise owners are set to present a list of grievances to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani on Monday during a virtual meeting. According to reports, PSL 6 franchise owners are expected to seek a refund of their submitted fees if the tournament cannot be completed in future. While PCB has assured that they will look to find time to complete the postponed PSL 6, the packed calendar makes things tricky for the organisers. The PSL franchise owners have been left upset and disappointed by the approach of PCB CEO Wasim Khan, who reportedly was pushed on the back foot during a meeting as he shared the responsibility of mismanagement with a wide range of shareholders during the tournament. ALSO READ: Denying MS Dhoni to play his potential last IPL in Chennai: Franchises left unhappy over scheduling Whereas, the PCB has also formed a two-member fact-finding committee panel that has also left the owners unhappy. While the panel has been asked to investigate the breaches in the Standard Operating Protocol (SOPs) following the postponement of PSL 6, the owners have been left fuming as they were not taken into consideration while finalising the move. The franchise owners are also extremely concerned about financial losses. Notably, most foreign players have been paid 70 per cent of their fees despite featuring in four or five matches. Meanwhile, it is not yet clear whether any amount will be retrieved from the players who are not willing to participate in the tournament further. ALSO READ: Shahid Afridi's daughter to get engaged with this Pakistan pacer: Reports Earlier, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar had slammed the PCB for its “incompetence” as he said the latest incident has destroyed the PSL brand. "PSL brand got destroyed again just because of the incompetence. And the one's who do not even know how to write a prescription or see X-rays are PCB's doctors. I have witnessed this when I used to play, they (PCB doctors) did not know how to see X-rays. Nothing has changed so far," Akhtar said in his YouTube channel.

PSL 6 botch: Franchise owners set to submit list of grievances to PCB chairman

The schedule and fixture list of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 was released on Sunday. Spread over six cities, IPL 2021 is set to commence from April 9. However, no franchise will have home advantage this term with matches to be held&nbsp;in neutral venues only. The schedule of IPL 2021 and the introduction of neutral venue have left a few franchises unhappy with some of them raising question on why they are being barred from playing in their home venues.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata&nbsp;will host&nbsp;IPL 2021 matches. The reason behind keeping neutral venues was to ensure parity on the field for every franchise while also ensuring no one gets added advantage of brand activation.&nbsp;

It was reported that three franchises were discontent when&nbsp;their&nbsp;venues weren't considered for IPL 2021 and according to a report in&nbsp;Cricbuzz, by addressing the concerns of three teams, who had earlier opposed the six-venue proposal,&nbsp;five other franchises could be less than satisfied with the final&nbsp;schedule.&nbsp;

"You are denying MS Dhoni to play his potential last IPL in Chennai. If there are to be no crowds, what stops CSK to play in Chennai and Mumbai Indians to play in Mumbai," asks one of the franchise officials&nbsp;as quoted by&nbsp;Cricbuzz.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-schedule-team-wise-full-fixture-list-date-time-and-venues-368637" hreflang="en">IPL 2021 Schedule: Team-wise full fixture list, date, time and venues</a>

"Delhi have players like Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane and skipper Shreyas Iyer who are from Mumbai and the team plays its first three games at the Wankhede. They will have advantage just as Punjab Kings who have players like KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, and coach Anil Kumble, and they play five games in Bangalore? Don't they have the advantage of being familiar with the conditions at the&nbsp;Chinnaswamy&nbsp;Stadium? The plan can be counter-productive."&nbsp;

The other&nbsp;concerns&nbsp;raised over the schedule have been on safety standards and logistical hazards. A team will have to fly out at least four times and according to some franchises, that could expose those participating&nbsp;to outsiders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-banter-ravi-shastri-reacts-to-viral-memes-around-him-on-social-media-368581" hreflang="en">It's banter!: Ravi Shastri reacts to viral memes around him on social media</a>

"Those inside the team bubble are not allowed to meet the owners of their franchise and here by having to fly four times, change hotels and buses, the players will get exposed to outsiders," cautioned a franchise official, adding, "No doubt, we will engage charter flights and private airports but there will always be questions over the sanctity of the bio bubbles."&nbsp;

The report adds that the reason for&nbsp;finalising&nbsp;six venues was to spread out the risk factor amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

"It is a safer approach. What if the pandemic situation worsens in Maharashtra? Where do we go then? If now the situation worsens in Mumbai, or any of the other cities, we're prepared to host the tournament elsewhere," says one of those involved with the scheduling of the tournament.&nbsp;

The schedule and fixture list of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 was released on Sunday. Spread over six cities, IPL 2021 is set to commence from April 9.

The schedule and fixture list of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 was released on Sunday. Spread over six cities, IPL 2021 is set to commence from April 9. However, no franchise will have home advantage this term with matches to be held in neutral venues only. The schedule of IPL 2021 and the introduction of neutral venue have left a few franchises unhappy with some of them raising question on why they are being barred from playing in their home venues. The cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata will host IPL 2021 matches. The reason behind keeping neutral venues was to ensure parity on the field for every franchise while also ensuring no one gets added advantage of brand activation. It was reported that three franchises were discontent when their venues weren't considered for IPL 2021 and according to a report in Cricbuzz, by addressing the concerns of three teams, who had earlier opposed the six-venue proposal, five other franchises could be less than satisfied with the final schedule. "You are denying MS Dhoni to play his potential last IPL in Chennai. If there are to be no crowds, what stops CSK to play in Chennai and Mumbai Indians to play in Mumbai," asks one of the franchise officials as quoted by Cricbuzz. ALSO READ: IPL 2021 Schedule: Team-wise full fixture list, date, time and venues "Delhi have players like Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane and skipper Shreyas Iyer who are from Mumbai and the team plays its first three games at the Wankhede. They will have advantage just as Punjab Kings who have players like KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, and coach Anil Kumble, and they play five games in Bangalore? Don't they have the advantage of being familiar with the conditions at the Chinnaswamy Stadium? The plan can be counter-productive." The other concerns raised over the schedule have been on safety standards and logistical hazards. A team will have to fly out at least four times and according to some franchises, that could expose those participating to outsiders. ALSO READ: It's banter!: Ravi Shastri reacts to viral memes around him on social media "Those inside the team bubble are not allowed to meet the owners of their franchise and here by having to fly four times, change hotels and buses, the players will get exposed to outsiders," cautioned a franchise official, adding, "No doubt, we will engage charter flights and private airports but there will always be questions over the sanctity of the bio bubbles." The report adds that the reason for finalising six venues was to spread out the risk factor amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "It is a safer approach. What if the pandemic situation worsens in Maharashtra? Where do we go then? If now the situation worsens in Mumbai, or any of the other cities, we're prepared to host the tournament elsewhere," says one of those involved with the scheduling of the tournament.

Denying MS Dhoni to play his potential last IPL in Chennai: Franchises left unhappy over scheduling

Joan Laporta returned as Barcelona president on Sunday after winning the club's elections by a landslide, with his central pledge to try to persuade Lionel Messi to stay.&nbsp;

Laporta was last president at Barca between 2003 and 2010, which included overseeing the hugely successful appointment of Pep Guardiola as coach and the iconic treble-winning team of 2008/9.&nbsp;

In total, the club won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues during Laporta's seven-year spell in charge.

The 58-year-old will return after holding off competition from Victor Font and Toni Freixa, the other two candidates to gain enough support to make the final stage.&nbsp;

Laporta won 30,184 votes, Font 16,679 and Freixa 4,769 from a total of 55,611 lodged by the club's members.

Amid champagne celebrations shared with his team on Sunday night, Laporta shouted with a grin on his face: "Now let's go to Paris and see if we can make another 'remontada' happen!"&nbsp;

Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in the Champions League last 16, with a 4-1 deficit to make up from the opening leg.&nbsp;

Longer-term, Laporta's task will be to rebuild a club in crisis, with crippling debts exacerbated by the pandemic, its reputation damaged and Messi considering leaving for free when his contract expires this summer.&nbsp;

He has said he will do everything possible to keep Messi at Camp Nou and campaigned heavily on the idea he was the best-placed candidate to convince the Argentinian, owing to their relationship during his previous time in charge.&nbsp;

In his victory speech, Laporta picked up on Messi showing up to vote earlier in the day. "Seeing Leo, the best player in the world, come to vote with his son is for me a sign of what we have said all along," Laporta said.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Leo loves Barca' -</h2>

"Leo loves Barca and knows that we are a big family. Hopefully that can help us encourage him to stay."

A change of regime also leaves coach Ronald Koeman's position uncertain, with Laporta insisting the Dutchman "deserves respect" for his work this season while maintaining his future will depend on results.

Koeman's contract runs until 2022.&nbsp;

"I am not worried because I have a contract and when we know who is going to be the president of course we will talk and I want him to show me his way," Koeman said on Friday.&nbsp;

Laporta's main rival for the presidency was Font, who was the early favourite after claiming he would bring former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez in as coach.&nbsp;

But the team's progress under Koeman and Laporta's superior campaign cast doubt over the promise, with Laporta questioning last week why Xavi had not come out in support of Font publicly.&nbsp;

Xavi may have been keen to keep his options open and the Spaniard caused a stir on Sunday by liking, and then unliking, an Instagram post of Laporta casting his ballot.&nbsp;

Laporta will also have to make decisions on Xavi's other former team-mates still at the club like Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who have contributed so much but whose peak years are now behind them.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Great family' -</h2>

Perhaps most importantly, his job will be to heal the deep mistrust that has developed between the board of directors and the dressing room, led by Messi and Pique.&nbsp;

"We are a great family," Laporta said. "We have a feeling of belonging to this club and that feeling will make us all go together to face the challenges that lie ahead."

The last president Josep Maria Bartomeu was forced to resign in October after the club's members succeeded in achieving a vote of no confidence against him.&nbsp;

But Bartomeu quit before facing the vote after overseeing a disastrous final year that included Messi attempting to leave, the team being humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the club posting gross debts of 1.2 billion euros.&nbsp;

Bartomeu spent the night in prison last Monday after being arrested as part of a police investigation into alleged corruption.&nbsp;

Voters had been due to go to the polls on January 24 but were prevented due to restrictions in relating to the pandemic, meaning the election was postponed.

Ballots on Sunday were held at six different polling stations in Catalonia and Andorra between 9am and 9pm, while just over 22,000 voters were able to vote by post for the first time.&nbsp;

Laporta's victory was confirmed officially by the club at just before midnight.&nbsp;

Joan Laporta returned as Barcelona president on Sunday after winning the club's elections by a landslide, with his central pledge to try to persuade Lionel Messi to stay.

Joan Laporta returned as Barcelona president on Sunday after winning the club's elections by a landslide, with his central pledge to try to persuade Lionel Messi to stay. Laporta was last president at Barca between 2003 and 2010, which included overseeing the hugely successful appointment of Pep Guardiola as coach and the iconic treble-winning team of 2008/9. In total, the club won four La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues during Laporta's seven-year spell in charge. The 58-year-old will return after holding off competition from Victor Font and Toni Freixa, the other two candidates to gain enough support to make the final stage. Laporta won 30,184 votes, Font 16,679 and Freixa 4,769 from a total of 55,611 lodged by the club's members. Amid champagne celebrations shared with his team on Sunday night, Laporta shouted with a grin on his face: "Now let's go to Paris and see if we can make another 'remontada' happen!" Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in the Champions League last 16, with a 4-1 deficit to make up from the opening leg. Longer-term, Laporta's task will be to rebuild a club in crisis, with crippling debts exacerbated by the pandemic, its reputation damaged and Messi considering leaving for free when his contract expires this summer. He has said he will do everything possible to keep Messi at Camp Nou and campaigned heavily on the idea he was the best-placed candidate to convince the Argentinian, owing to their relationship during his previous time in charge. In his victory speech, Laporta picked up on Messi showing up to vote earlier in the day. "Seeing Leo, the best player in the world, come to vote with his son is for me a sign of what we have said all along," Laporta said. - 'Leo loves Barca' - "Leo loves Barca and knows that we are a big family. Hopefully that can help us encourage him to stay." A change of regime also leaves coach Ronald Koeman's position uncertain, with Laporta insisting the Dutchman "deserves respect" for his work this season while maintaining his future will depend on results. Koeman's contract runs until 2022. "I am not worried because I have a contract and when we know who is going to be the president of course we will talk and I want him to show me his way," Koeman said on Friday. Laporta's main rival for the presidency was Font, who was the early favourite after claiming he would bring former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez in as coach. But the team's progress under Koeman and Laporta's superior campaign cast doubt over the promise, with Laporta questioning last week why Xavi had not come out in support of Font publicly. Xavi may have been keen to keep his options open and the Spaniard caused a stir on Sunday by liking, and then unliking, an Instagram post of Laporta casting his ballot. Laporta will also have to make decisions on Xavi's other former team-mates still at the club like Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who have contributed so much but whose peak years are now behind them. - 'Great family' - Perhaps most importantly, his job will be to heal the deep mistrust that has developed between the board of directors and the dressing room, led by Messi and Pique. "We are a great family," Laporta said. "We have a feeling of belonging to this club and that feeling will make us all go together to face the challenges that lie ahead." The last president Josep Maria Bartomeu was forced to resign in October after the club's members succeeded in achieving a vote of no confidence against him. But Bartomeu quit before facing the vote after overseeing a disastrous final year that included Messi attempting to leave, the team being humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the club posting gross debts of 1.2 billion euros. Bartomeu spent the night in prison last Monday after being arrested as part of a police investigation into alleged corruption. Voters had been due to go to the polls on January 24 but were prevented due to restrictions in relating to the pandemic, meaning the election was postponed. Ballots on Sunday were held at six different polling stations in Catalonia and Andorra between 9am and 9pm, while just over 22,000 voters were able to vote by post for the first time. Laporta's victory was confirmed officially by the club at just before midnight.

Barca given fresh start as Laporta elected new club president

Borussia Dortmund do not expect "crazy things to happen" this summer despite a host of Europe's biggest clubs reported to be queueing up to try and sign striker Erling Braut Haaland.

The Norwegian became the first player to reach 10 Champions League goals in just seven games for a single club when he netted twice in Dortmund's 3-2 win at Sevilla in the last 16, first leg.

The German side, who host Sevilla on Tuesday in the return game, have often relied this season on the 20-year-old Haaland.

There is reportedly a release clause in his contract which applies from the summer of 2022 for around 105 million euros ($125 million).

But Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told Sky this weekend he does not expect "crazy things to happen" in the transfer market after this season.

But if and when Haaland leaves, Dortmund stand to make at least five times the 20 million euros they paid Salzburg for his services in January 2020.

And Watzke did not rule out losing either Haaland or England winger Jadon Sancho if "extraordinary things happen".

Haaland has scored eight goals in just five Champions League appearances this season to take his career tally in the competition to 18 in 13 games for Dortmund and Salzburg.

He netted two early goals at Bayern Munich on Saturday before the club world champions fought back to claim a 4-2 win as Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick.

Despite coming off with a cut ankle at the Allianz Arena, Haaland is expected to be fit to face Sevilla.

His record of 29 goals in 28 games this season has unsurprisingly attracted the attention of Europe's top teams.

"Only a maximum of 10 clubs can afford to buy him and give him the platform he wants after his time in Dortmund," Haaland's agent Mino Raiola said recently.

Real Madrid and Chelsea are reportedly at the head of the queue, eager to buy Haaland out of his contract, which expires in June 2024.

<h2>- Benzema replacement? -</h2>

According to German magazine Sport Bild, Haaland admires Real, who are seeking a replacement for Karim Benzema, 33, whose contract expires next year, although the La Liga champions have long been linked with France star Kylian Mbappe.

Manchester City, owned by Sheikh Mansour, have the financial clout to sign Haaland, with their first-choice striker Sergio Aguero out of contract in June, and plagued by injuries this season.

A move to the Etihad Stadium would see the Leeds-born striker follow in the footsteps of his father Alf-Inge Haaland, who played for City from 2000-03.

Even Bayern have expressed interest in Haaland as a potential replacement for Lewandowski.

"Lots and lots of things are possible, you can't rule anything out," Bayern coach Hansi Flick said Saturday when asked about signing Haaland.

"But that is something for the future. He has a long-term contract at Dortmund and a lot of clubs come into play."

German daily Bild echoed Dortmund fans on Sunday by insisting: "Under no circumstances should Haaland be sold this summer, even if a sheikh is waving 100 or 200 million euros.

"Haaland is Dortmund's life insurance policy."

It could be that Haaland is not the only star to leave Dortmund this year, as Sancho has been targeted by Manchester United in previous transfer windows.

Like Haaland, fleet-footed Sancho has a market value of around 100 million euros.

According to Sport1, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel wants to buy both Haaland and Sancho, having been given a transfer budget of 260 million euros by Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

Clubs are counting the cost of the coronavirus pandemic, but as Watzke points out, the biggest teams have wealthy owners who "find ways and means to pump money into them".

Borussia Dortmund do not expect "crazy things to happen" this summer despite a host of Europe's biggest clubs reported to be queueing up to try and sign striker Erling Braut Haaland.

Borussia Dortmund do not expect "crazy things to happen" this summer despite a host of Europe's biggest clubs reported to be queueing up to try and sign striker Erling Braut Haaland. The Norwegian became the first player to reach 10 Champions League goals in just seven games for a single club when he netted twice in Dortmund's 3-2 win at Sevilla in the last 16, first leg. The German side, who host Sevilla on Tuesday in the return game, have often relied this season on the 20-year-old Haaland. There is reportedly a release clause in his contract which applies from the summer of 2022 for around 105 million euros ($125 million). But Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told Sky this weekend he does not expect "crazy things to happen" in the transfer market after this season. But if and when Haaland leaves, Dortmund stand to make at least five times the 20 million euros they paid Salzburg for his services in January 2020. And Watzke did not rule out losing either Haaland or England winger Jadon Sancho if "extraordinary things happen". Haaland has scored eight goals in just five Champions League appearances this season to take his career tally in the competition to 18 in 13 games for Dortmund and Salzburg. He netted two early goals at Bayern Munich on Saturday before the club world champions fought back to claim a 4-2 win as Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick. Despite coming off with a cut ankle at the Allianz Arena, Haaland is expected to be fit to face Sevilla. His record of 29 goals in 28 games this season has unsurprisingly attracted the attention of Europe's top teams. "Only a maximum of 10 clubs can afford to buy him and give him the platform he wants after his time in Dortmund," Haaland's agent Mino Raiola said recently. Real Madrid and Chelsea are reportedly at the head of the queue, eager to buy Haaland out of his contract, which expires in June 2024. - Benzema replacement? - According to German magazine Sport Bild, Haaland admires Real, who are seeking a replacement for Karim Benzema, 33, whose contract expires next year, although the La Liga champions have long been linked with France star Kylian Mbappe. Manchester City, owned by Sheikh Mansour, have the financial clout to sign Haaland, with their first-choice striker Sergio Aguero out of contract in June, and plagued by injuries this season. A move to the Etihad Stadium would see the Leeds-born striker follow in the footsteps of his father Alf-Inge Haaland, who played for City from 2000-03. Even Bayern have expressed interest in Haaland as a potential replacement for Lewandowski. "Lots and lots of things are possible, you can't rule anything out," Bayern coach Hansi Flick said Saturday when asked about signing Haaland. "But that is something for the future. He has a long-term contract at Dortmund and a lot of clubs come into play." German daily Bild echoed Dortmund fans on Sunday by insisting: "Under no circumstances should Haaland be sold this summer, even if a sheikh is waving 100 or 200 million euros. "Haaland is Dortmund's life insurance policy." It could be that Haaland is not the only star to leave Dortmund this year, as Sancho has been targeted by Manchester United in previous transfer windows. Like Haaland, fleet-footed Sancho has a market value of around 100 million euros. According to Sport1, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel wants to buy both Haaland and Sancho, having been given a transfer budget of 260 million euros by Blues owner Roman Abramovich. Clubs are counting the cost of the coronavirus pandemic, but as Watzke points out, the biggest teams have wealthy owners who "find ways and means to pump money into them".

Can Borussia Dortmund keep hold of Erling Braut Haaland?

Damian Lillard nailed a game-ending three pointer from just inside half court as LeBron James improved to 4-0 as an NBA All-Star Game captain with a 170-150 win over Team Durant on Sunday night.

Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo captured the Kobe Bryant MVP Award going a perfect 16-of-16 from the field for a game high 35 points in Atlanta.

"It's fun. I was happy," said Antetokounmpo. "I just love being around great players. It makes it easier to play with them."

Antetokounmpo's 16-for-16 game easily eclipsed the previous All-Star record of the Philadelphia 76ers' Hal Greer, who went eight-of-eight in 1968. Antetokounmpo also made all three of his three point attempts.

James improved to 4-0 in All-Star games he has served as a team captain. He finished with four points in just 13 minutes of playing time.

"I always try to pick the right team, and I've been lucky enough for four years to pick the right team," James said. "Guys go out and compete and play to win. I've been on the winning side of all four."

James' participation in the annual showcase was at one time in doubt. Last month James slammed the NBA for holding the contest during the global pandemic calling it a "slap in the face."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver responded to the criticism from James and others at a weekend news conference, saying the players he spoke to this week were in favor of holding the contest.

"It would have been a bigger deal not to have it," Silver said. "I know that some players have made public comments suggesting they'd rather not be at All-Star.&nbsp;Many have told me directly they're thrilled to be All-Stars.

"It should be judged, when people are looking back, as to what this meant to them as opposed to what some of the initial reactions were from the players."

Antetokounmpo becomes just the second winner of the MVP award named in honour of Bryant who died in a helicopter crash just outside of Los Angeles in January 2020. Kawhi Leonard was the first recipient at last year's All-Star Game in Chicago.

"To have the trophy with the name of Kobe Bryant, it's amazing, and I know he would be happy. Yeah, I know he'd be happy," said Antetokounmpo.

"I wanted to win the one last year really bad and I had a chance to win."

The 70th All-Star Game had a different feel to it because there were no fans in the arena due to the global pandemic.

But that didn't stop the players from putting on a show at the State Farm Arena including a healthy dose of dunks, alley-oops, behind the back passes and long-range threes like the one by Lillard, who finished with 32 points.

<h2>- Plenty of dunks -</h2>

Stephen Curry, who won the three-point shooting contest earlier in the day, hit six threes in the first half en route to a 28 point night for Team LeBron. Jaylen Brown tallied 22 points and Chris Paul dished out 16 assists. Both Curry and Lillard finished with eight baskets from beyond the arc.

Bradley Beal scored a team high 26 points and Kyrie Irving delivered 24 points and 12 assists for Team Durant. In a sign that defense took the night off no player from either team grabbed more than nine rebounds.

"When you've got Steph, Dame, those guys shooting half-court threes, threes from the timeline, there's not much you can do. So give credit to them," said Irving.

The NBA and the players union agreed to hold Sunday's modified All-Star Game weekend, salvaging a scaled-down showcase after the pandemic scuttled plans to hold the event earlier in Indianapolis.

This is the second straight year using the new scoring format which calls for an “Elam Ending,” which provides a target score during an untimed fourth quarter. Team LeBron dominated the first three quarters to take a 146-125 lead into the final quarter.&nbsp;

That set a winning target score of 170 which Team LeBron easily achieved despite being outscored 25-24 in the fourth by Team Durant.

Damian Lillard nailed a game-ending three pointer from just inside half court as LeBron James improved to 4-0 as an NBA All-Star Game captain with a 170-150 win over Team Durant on Sunday night.

Damian Lillard nailed a game-ending three pointer from just inside half court as LeBron James improved to 4-0 as an NBA All-Star Game captain with a 170-150 win over Team Durant on Sunday night. Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo captured the Kobe Bryant MVP Award going a perfect 16-of-16 from the field for a game high 35 points in Atlanta. "It's fun. I was happy," said Antetokounmpo. "I just love being around great players. It makes it easier to play with them." Antetokounmpo's 16-for-16 game easily eclipsed the previous All-Star record of the Philadelphia 76ers' Hal Greer, who went eight-of-eight in 1968. Antetokounmpo also made all three of his three point attempts. James improved to 4-0 in All-Star games he has served as a team captain. He finished with four points in just 13 minutes of playing time. "I always try to pick the right team, and I've been lucky enough for four years to pick the right team," James said. "Guys go out and compete and play to win. I've been on the winning side of all four." James' participation in the annual showcase was at one time in doubt. Last month James slammed the NBA for holding the contest during the global pandemic calling it a "slap in the face." NBA commissioner Adam Silver responded to the criticism from James and others at a weekend news conference, saying the players he spoke to this week were in favor of holding the contest. "It would have been a bigger deal not to have it," Silver said. "I know that some players have made public comments suggesting they'd rather not be at All-Star. Many have told me directly they're thrilled to be All-Stars. "It should be judged, when people are looking back, as to what this meant to them as opposed to what some of the initial reactions were from the players." Antetokounmpo becomes just the second winner of the MVP award named in honour of Bryant who died in a helicopter crash just outside of Los Angeles in January 2020. Kawhi Leonard was the first recipient at last year's All-Star Game in Chicago. "To have the trophy with the name of Kobe Bryant, it's amazing, and I know he would be happy. Yeah, I know he'd be happy," said Antetokounmpo. "I wanted to win the one last year really bad and I had a chance to win." The 70th All-Star Game had a different feel to it because there were no fans in the arena due to the global pandemic. But that didn't stop the players from putting on a show at the State Farm Arena including a healthy dose of dunks, alley-oops, behind the back passes and long-range threes like the one by Lillard, who finished with 32 points. - Plenty of dunks - Stephen Curry, who won the three-point shooting contest earlier in the day, hit six threes in the first half en route to a 28 point night for Team LeBron. Jaylen Brown tallied 22 points and Chris Paul dished out 16 assists. Both Curry and Lillard finished with eight baskets from beyond the arc. Bradley Beal scored a team high 26 points and Kyrie Irving delivered 24 points and 12 assists for Team Durant. In a sign that defense took the night off no player from either team grabbed more than nine rebounds. "When you've got Steph, Dame, those guys shooting half-court threes, threes from the timeline, there's not much you can do. So give credit to them," said Irving. The NBA and the players union agreed to hold Sunday's modified All-Star Game weekend, salvaging a scaled-down showcase after the pandemic scuttled plans to hold the event earlier in Indianapolis. This is the second straight year using the new scoring format which calls for an “Elam Ending,” which provides a target score during an untimed fourth quarter. Team LeBron dominated the first three quarters to take a 146-125 lead into the final quarter. That set a winning target score of 170 which Team LeBron easily achieved despite being outscored 25-24 in the fourth by Team Durant.

Giannis wins MVP as Team LeBron dominates 2021 NBA All-Star Game

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Subhayan Chakraborty

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