The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> is now days away and there is still no clarity on whether the England and Australian players arriving from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the lucrative T20 tournament will have to undergo quarantine before joining their respective teams.&nbsp;

Kings XI Punjab CEO Satish Menon on Monday said that there is no clarity on smooth transfer of players from one bio-secure bubble to another.&nbsp;

While KKR CEO Venky Mysore last week said that England and Australian players involved with the Kolkata outfit will be available from the first match, KXIP boss isn’t too sure about the quarantine phase.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-hope-to-carry-domestic-form-into-ipl-2020-says-kings-xi-punjabs-mandeep-singh-327464" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Hope to carry domestic form into IPL 2020, says Kings XI Punjab's Mandeep Singh</a>

"Nobody has any clarity on that yet. The BCCI is supposed to come back on whether the quarantine can be reduced as they are coming from a bubble to [another] bubble. We don't have any clarity as yet," Menon was quoted as saying.

Kings XI Punjab will have Glenn Maxwell and Chris Jordan, involved in the ongoing series between England and Australia, join the squad after completion of the ODI series on Wednesday. KXIP play the first match against Delhi Capitals in Dubai on September 20.&nbsp;

"From what I hear from the bubble, things are exactly as it was planned. We have been following the SoP that has been laid out by the BCCI and authorities," said the CEO.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brad-hogg-excludes-dhoni-de-villiers-and-gayle-from-his-ipl-2020-xi-explains-why-327459" hreflang="en">Brad Hogg excludes Dhoni, de Villiers and Gayle from his IPL 2020 XI; explains why</a>

Apart from Abu Dhabi, there is no mandatory quarantine period unless a person tests positive for COVID-19. KXIP will be vying to lift their first-ever IPL trophy and Menon is optimistic that they will break the drought this time.

"We are hopeful of winning the title this year. The format is one where anything can happen on a given day, so we will have to see how it goes." 
&nbsp;

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is now days away and there is still no clarity on whether the England and Australian players arriving from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the lucrative T20 tournament will have to undergo quarantine before joining their respective teams.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is now days away and there is still no clarity on whether the England and Australian players arriving from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the lucrative T20 tournament will have to undergo quarantine before joining their respective teams. Kings XI Punjab CEO Satish Menon on Monday said that there is no clarity on smooth transfer of players from one bio-secure bubble to another. While KKR CEO Venky Mysore last week said that England and Australian players involved with the Kolkata outfit will be available from the first match, KXIP boss isn’t too sure about the quarantine phase. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Hope to carry domestic form into IPL 2020, says Kings XI Punjab's Mandeep Singh "Nobody has any clarity on that yet. The BCCI is supposed to come back on whether the quarantine can be reduced as they are coming from a bubble to [another] bubble. We don't have any clarity as yet," Menon was quoted as saying. Kings XI Punjab will have Glenn Maxwell and Chris Jordan, involved in the ongoing series between England and Australia, join the squad after completion of the ODI series on Wednesday. KXIP play the first match against Delhi Capitals in Dubai on September 20. "From what I hear from the bubble, things are exactly as it was planned. We have been following the SoP that has been laid out by the BCCI and authorities," said the CEO. ALSO READ: Brad Hogg excludes Dhoni, de Villiers and Gayle from his IPL 2020 XI; explains why Apart from Abu Dhabi, there is no mandatory quarantine period unless a person tests positive for COVID-19. KXIP will be vying to lift their first-ever IPL trophy and Menon is optimistic that they will break the drought this time. "We are hopeful of winning the title this year. The format is one where anything can happen on a given day, so we will have to see how it goes."

No clarity on England, Australia players' quarantine period: KXIP CEO

A spinner who relishes challenges, Australia's Adam Zampa wants to forge a partnership with India's Yuzvendra Chahal during the upcoming IPL, where he hopes to master the art of death bowling while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Zampa and Chahal are both wrist spinners but the Australian is eager to pick the brain of his IPL teammate when it comes to death bowling.

Zampa is keen to learn the skill since he was part of skipper Aaron Finch's unsuccessful death bowling plan in the T20 series against England recently.

"I really enjoy bowling at the death, I love those pressure overs especially when the game is on the line," said Zampa, who played two seasons for the now-defunct IPL franchise Rising Pune Supergiants.

"They needed 18 to win off the last two overs (in the second T20) and I told Finchy I should bowl it. It obviously didn't go to plan but I'm not going to change my attitude after one game.

"I've got a really good opportunity in the IPL bowling with Chahal at RCB and I might get the opportunity to bowl those overs just because of the way the team is structured," he was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au website.

He might not have been successful in the recent matches, but Zampa enjoyed considerable success bowling at death in the Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars.

But his real challenge will be to find a place in the RCB playing eleven. He would face competition from Washington Sundar and Pawan Negi, besides England all-rounder Moeen Ali.

But he seems unpeturbed.

"I really enjoy bowling with another leg-spinner so it's going to be a really good opportunity to bowl with Chahal," said Zampa.

"We have similar traits but can learn a little bit from each other as well."

A spinner who relishes challenges, Australia's Adam Zampa wants to forge a partnership with India's Yuzvendra Chahal during the upcoming IPL, where he hopes to master the art of death bowling while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

A spinner who relishes challenges, Australia's Adam Zampa wants to forge a partnership with India's Yuzvendra Chahal during the upcoming IPL, where he hopes to master the art of death bowling while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Zampa and Chahal are both wrist spinners but the Australian is eager to pick the brain of his IPL teammate when it comes to death bowling. Zampa is keen to learn the skill since he was part of skipper Aaron Finch's unsuccessful death bowling plan in the T20 series against England recently. "I really enjoy bowling at the death, I love those pressure overs especially when the game is on the line," said Zampa, who played two seasons for the now-defunct IPL franchise Rising Pune Supergiants. "They needed 18 to win off the last two overs (in the second T20) and I told Finchy I should bowl it. It obviously didn't go to plan but I'm not going to change my attitude after one game. "I've got a really good opportunity in the IPL bowling with Chahal at RCB and I might get the opportunity to bowl those overs just because of the way the team is structured," he was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au website. He might not have been successful in the recent matches, but Zampa enjoyed considerable success bowling at death in the Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars. But his real challenge will be to find a place in the RCB playing eleven. He would face competition from Washington Sundar and Pawan Negi, besides England all-rounder Moeen Ali. But he seems unpeturbed. "I really enjoy bowling with another leg-spinner so it's going to be a really good opportunity to bowl with Chahal," said Zampa. "We have similar traits but can learn a little bit from each other as well."

Adam Zampa wants to master death bowling skill during IPL 2020

The list for the commentary panel has been announced for the impending Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, set to start from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Bishop, Harsha Bhogle are set to return in the commentary box for the lucrative T20 tournament but a big name will be missing from the action as Sanjay Manjrekar hasn’t been recalled for commentary duties for IPL 2020.&nbsp;

Host broadcasters Star Sports has named a separate panel for Hindi and other languages but Manjrekar’s name was missing from every list. The star-studded commentary panel for IPL 2020 also includes the likes of Mark Nicholas, JP Duminy, Lisa Sthalekar and Anjum Chopra.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-hope-to-carry-domestic-form-into-ipl-2020-says-kings-xi-punjabs-mandeep-singh-327464">Exclusive: Hope to carry domestic form into IPL 2020 - Mandeep Singh</a>

Whereas Brett Lee, Dean Jones, Brain Lara, Graeme Swann and Scott Styris will feature in the Dugout show for IPL 2020.&nbsp; 
Former Team India chief selectors Kris Srikkanth and MSK Prasad will be seen commentating in Tamil and Telugu languages respectively. Sanjay Bangar is part of the Hindi commentary list.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brad-hogg-excludes-dhoni-de-villiers-and-gayle-from-his-ipl-2020-xi-explains-why-327459" hreflang="en">Hogg excludes Dhoni, de Villiers and Gayle from his IPL 2020 XI; explains why</a>

Former India chief selectors Kris Srikkanth and MSK Prasad will be commentating in Tamil and Telugu, respectively. Former India assistant coach Sanjay Bangar is part of the Hindi commentary team.

English commentary panel for IPL 2020: English commentators for IPL 2020:&nbsp;Ian Bishop, Simon Doull, Sangakkara, Harsha Bhogle, Sunil Gavaskar, Rohan Gavaskar, Deep Dasgupta, L Sivaramakrishnan, Anjum Chopra, Murali Kartik, Mark Nicholas, Pietersen, Duminy, Lisa Sthalaker, Darren Ganga, Pommie Mbangwa, Micheal Slater,Danny Morrison

Commentators for Star Sports Select dugout for IPL 2020: Dean Jones, Scott Styris, Brain Lara, Brett Lee Graeme Swann

Telugu commentators for IPL 2020:&nbsp;M Anand Sri Krishna, Neha Matcha, Kaushik Nallan Chakravarthy, Ashish Reddy Ammana, Venkatapathi Raju, Venugopalarao Yalaka, MSK Prasad, and Kalyan Krishna Doddapaneni.

Tamil commentators for IPL 2020: Muthuraman R, Radhakrishnan Sreenivasan, Bhavna Balakrishnan, K V Sathyanarayanan, RJ Balaji, Abhinav Mukund, S Ramesh, S Badrinath, Hemang Badani, and Krishnamachari Srikkanth. 
&nbsp;

The list for the commentary panel has been announced for the impending Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, set to start from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The list for the commentary panel has been announced for the impending Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, set to start from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Bishop, Harsha Bhogle are set to return in the commentary box for the lucrative T20 tournament but a big name will be missing from the action as Sanjay Manjrekar hasn’t been recalled for commentary duties for IPL 2020. Host broadcasters Star Sports has named a separate panel for Hindi and other languages but Manjrekar’s name was missing from every list. The star-studded commentary panel for IPL 2020 also includes the likes of Mark Nicholas, JP Duminy, Lisa Sthalekar and Anjum Chopra. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Hope to carry domestic form into IPL 2020 - Mandeep Singh Whereas Brett Lee, Dean Jones, Brain Lara, Graeme Swann and Scott Styris will feature in the Dugout show for IPL 2020. Former Team India chief selectors Kris Srikkanth and MSK Prasad will be seen commentating in Tamil and Telugu languages respectively. Sanjay Bangar is part of the Hindi commentary list. ALSO READ: Hogg excludes Dhoni, de Villiers and Gayle from his IPL 2020 XI; explains why Former India chief selectors Kris Srikkanth and MSK Prasad will be commentating in Tamil and Telugu, respectively. Former India assistant coach Sanjay Bangar is part of the Hindi commentary team. English commentary panel for IPL 2020: English commentators for IPL 2020: Ian Bishop, Simon Doull, Sangakkara, Harsha Bhogle, Sunil Gavaskar, Rohan Gavaskar, Deep Dasgupta, L Sivaramakrishnan, Anjum Chopra, Murali Kartik, Mark Nicholas, Pietersen, Duminy, Lisa Sthalaker, Darren Ganga, Pommie Mbangwa, Micheal Slater,Danny Morrison Commentators for Star Sports Select dugout for IPL 2020: Dean Jones, Scott Styris, Brain Lara, Brett Lee Graeme Swann Telugu commentators for IPL 2020: M Anand Sri Krishna, Neha Matcha, Kaushik Nallan Chakravarthy, Ashish Reddy Ammana, Venkatapathi Raju, Venugopalarao Yalaka, MSK Prasad, and Kalyan Krishna Doddapaneni. Tamil commentators for IPL 2020: Muthuraman R, Radhakrishnan Sreenivasan, Bhavna Balakrishnan, K V Sathyanarayanan, RJ Balaji, Abhinav Mukund, S Ramesh, S Badrinath, Hemang Badani, and Krishnamachari Srikkanth.

Star-studded commentary panel for IPL 2020 announced, no place for Sanjay Manjrekar - here's full list

Kings XI Punjab did some shrewd business during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction and will look to end the title drought under the captaincy of KL Rahul and guidance of head coach Anil Kumble. While the overseas contingent of KXIP looks terrific, the Punjab outfit also have some terrific talent when it comes to domestic players.&nbsp;

Captain of Punjab in Ranji Trophy, Mandeep Singh will be hoping to make a solid mark in the 13th edition of IPL, which is set to commence from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;Mandeep is coming on the back of a tremendous domestic campaign with 696 runs in just 8 matches at a staggering average of 69.60 including the highest score of 204 not-out in Ranji Trophy 2019-20; and 270 runs in 11 matches at an average of 38.57 and strike-rate of 145.94 in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

The 28-year-old has the ability to play as a floater for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020 and help the team win their first-ever IPL trophy.&nbsp;

Mandeep Singh, who is also looking to break into the Indian team again, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty talked about IPL 2020, Anil Kumble-led Kings XI Punjab coaching staff, KL Rahul, his stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Virat Kohli, his ambitions to play Test cricket and much more.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a>

Subhayan Chakraborty: You are coming on the back of a great domestic season; how much are you looking forward to making a mark in this edition of IPL?

Mandeep Singh: I am really looking forward to it (IPL). In domestic cricket, the last couple of seasons have been good for me, especially in the last season. We played in some tough wickets and scoring in almost every match was really satisfying. I was thinking of playing for Rest of India and India A but that didn’t happen and honestly, it’s not under my control. Now I have only one focus, to do well in whichever tournament I am playing and score runs. Hopefully, I can get back in the scheme of things. IPL is a big tournament and if you do well in IPL, you do get recognized. So very much looking forward to it.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CE8tU3dBW_Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">The iconic Sharjah cricket stadium✨ @kxipofficial #ipl2020</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mandeeps12/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Mandeep Singh</a> (@mandeeps12) on <time datetime="2020-09-10T08:01:33+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Sep 10, 2020 at 1:01am PDT</time>
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Subhayan: How are you spending your time inside the bubble? Any activities you guys are doing to remain mentally fresh?

Mandeep: First six days were a bit different. We were confined to our rooms and didn’t meet each other. Everyone has their own gadgets. I am not a web-series guy but I did watch a few during quarantine. Now, we have a space, we have our own swimming pools, beach, we have a big team room where we have some games and can spend time with each other. A lot of time goes into practice so we are getting used to the routine. We have good chemistry in the team and I am really enjoying the vibe.&nbsp;

<img alt="Mandeep Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8663fffc-e133-4392-97bc-977e283e560d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/EASnnES0JA.jpg" />

Subhayan: Anil Kumble, Wasim Jaffer and Jonty Rhodes - how has been the experience so far training under them? Have you had a word with Wasim Jaffer in terms of your batting?

Mandeep: I am really enjoying the time here. We really have easy-going team and that goes with the coaching group as well. No one is really strict and there’s freedom to express yourself. Anil sir (Anil Kumble) told me in the start to not take much pressure and just try and get into the rhythm and acclimatize to the weather. So we slowly started to push after first six-seven days – the training sessions started to get longer, fielding sessions became intense.

Obviously, with Jonty Rhodes, it’s completely different. He improves a player with smaller details which we usually miss or didn’t know before. He’s 51 but his energy is terrific and the way he is conducting our fielding sessions, hopefully we will be the best team on the field. Wasim bhai (Wasim Jaffer) doesn’t speak much about technicalities unless he feels something is going really wrong. I have told him to interrupt me if he sees something wrong in my technique as my ultimate dream is to play Test cricket for India.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ipl-2020-excited-to-play-for-kings-xi-punjab-and-under-kl-rahul-ishan-porel-320231" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Excited to play for Kings XI Punjab and under KL Rahul: Ishan Porel</a>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Did you ‘catch’ that? 😮<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaddaPunjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaddaPunjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dream11IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dream11IPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JontyRhodes8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JontyRhodes8</a> <a href="https://t.co/VmrCnQtgBZ">pic.twitter.com/VmrCnQtgBZ</a>
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) <a href="https://twitter.com/lionsdenkxip/status/1305348042522943488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Subhayan: You are seen as someone who can bat at any given position, be it top order or lower-middle order (finisher), but what is your preferred position to bat especially in the T20 format?

Mandeep: My preferred position has always been in the top-order. But teams have tried me in the lower-middle order wherein I played a couple of good knocks. Ultimately, it depends on your preparation. I feel a good player can play in any given position. In my opinion, if there is clarity on the role and preparation is good then there shouldn’t be any trouble be it in the top order or lower down the order.

<img alt="Mandeep Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="75c7e82f-e4ca-4a3d-8abf-62a676c17eb2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RNW9g9b6oz.jpg" />

Subhayan: You and KL Rahul know each other for a long time now. How do you see Rahul as a captain and can you share some of his traits as skipper?

Mandeep: KL Rahul will be a great captain for sure. I remember our time in National Cricket Academy (NCA), he used to be the captain of one team with me leading the other side. I was a bit aggressive, obviously coming from Punjab, but Rahul was really calm even then. The way he has improved and matured his game have incredible. And I am sure that calmness will reflect in our journey in the IPL. Even now, he doesn’t speak much but he has been talking about roles and situations with almost everyone.&nbsp;

Even the credit behind our great team atmosphere has to go to Rahul and Anil sir. They all are relaxed and I feel a team’s best potential can only come out strongly if everyone is relaxed and calm about the matches.&nbsp;

Subhayan: How has your stint with RCB helped you in developing your game?

Mandeep: I was really lucky to have played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Obviously, I came to know about the role of top-class fitness during my stint with RCB. When I saw Virat Kohli train like he does, with proper intensity, I was like if the world’s no. one batsman can train like this then why can’t I. The way Team India players are looking after their body and fitness, the credit has to go to Virat for the way he transformed the culture. He is a leader and if a leader is like him then other automatically follow. And I have learned a lot about technicalities of batting from AB de Villiers. If you watch players like Virat and AB in the nets everyday, you learn a lot of things. But it was my fitness which improved leaps and bounds during my stay with RCB.

<img alt="Mandeep Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e06f3697-1fbf-41d0-8395-528936c9c14e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/eu4xq1sVL4.jpg" />

Subhayan: Do you feel a great IPL can bring your name back into the contention for the Indian team. What are your ambitions when it comes to international cricket?

Mandeep: Test cricket will obviously come after performances in domestic cricket. If you score runs in IPL, Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali or whatever tournament you are playing, if you are consistent then you will be back in the scheme of things. I had a good domestic campaign and I firmly feel if I do well in IPL this season and next season then I will be again looked at. But honestly, I don’t think much about selection and my complete focus is on to win matches for Kings XI Punjab now.&nbsp;

Subhayan: But don’t you feel this IPL can be on the low-scoring side given there are only three stadiums and under extreme heat…

Mandeep: Well, we haven’t seen any of the pitches so far. We are training in the ICC Academy. But in my opinion, we might see some big scores early in the tournament but gradually, as the pitches go slower, we will see more low-scoring matches. The issue here in UAE is, it is extremely hot and apart from Sharjah, the other two stadiums are pretty big, so players will also need optimum fitness to get past the entire tournament. If wickets are slow and grounds are bigger then we might see low-scoring matches, perhaps in the second half of the tournament.&nbsp;

<img alt="Mandeep Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd778353-47ba-4a1c-bdfe-4c79cc9f72e1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oSGLu4Ra77.jpg" />

&nbsp;

Subhayan: Do you think injuries can be a concern in this IPL?

Mandeep: Injuries can play a major role in this edition. I guess every team is suffering from minute niggles as players are coming after five, six months and it is hot here as well. But definitely, injuries can play a huge role because match intensity is on a different level. But yes, as we are going to take the field after so long, injury will be a factor on the back of every team’s mind.

Subhayan: What will be your message to the fans?

Mandeep: Keep supporting Kings XI Punjab like you always do. I feel we have a really balanced squad and on paper, it is looking really good. Hopefully, we will be able to produce that quality of cricket in matches and help Punjab win the IPL trophy. 
&nbsp;

Kings XI Punjab did some shrewd business during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction and will look to end the title drought under the captaincy of KL Rahul and guidance of head coach Anil Kumble.

Kings XI Punjab did some shrewd business during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction and will look to end the title drought under the captaincy of KL Rahul and guidance of head coach Anil Kumble. While the overseas contingent of KXIP looks terrific, the Punjab outfit also have some terrific talent when it comes to domestic players. Captain of Punjab in Ranji Trophy, Mandeep Singh will be hoping to make a solid mark in the 13th edition of IPL, which is set to commence from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates. Mandeep is coming on the back of a tremendous domestic campaign with 696 runs in just 8 matches at a staggering average of 69.60 including the highest score of 204 not-out in Ranji Trophy 2019-20; and 270 runs in 11 matches at an average of 38.57 and strike-rate of 145.94 in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The 28-year-old has the ability to play as a floater for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020 and help the team win their first-ever IPL trophy. Mandeep Singh, who is also looking to break into the Indian team again, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty talked about IPL 2020, Anil Kumble-led Kings XI Punjab coaching staff, KL Rahul, his stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Virat Kohli, his ambitions to play Test cricket and much more. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell Subhayan Chakraborty: You are coming on the back of a great domestic season; how much are you looking forward to making a mark in this edition of IPL? Mandeep Singh: I am really looking forward to it (IPL). In domestic cricket, the last couple of seasons have been good for me, especially in the last season. We played in some tough wickets and scoring in almost every match was really satisfying. I was thinking of playing for Rest of India and India A but that didn’t happen and honestly, it’s not under my control. Now I have only one focus, to do well in whichever tournament I am playing and score runs. Hopefully, I can get back in the scheme of things. IPL is a big tournament and if you do well in IPL, you do get recognized. So very much looking forward to it. View this post on Instagram The iconic Sharjah cricket stadium✨ @kxipofficial #ipl2020 A post shared by Mandeep Singh (@mandeeps12) on Sep 10, 2020 at 1:01am PDT × Subhayan: How are you spending your time inside the bubble? Any activities you guys are doing to remain mentally fresh? Mandeep: First six days were a bit different. We were confined to our rooms and didn’t meet each other. Everyone has their own gadgets. I am not a web-series guy but I did watch a few during quarantine. Now, we have a space, we have our own swimming pools, beach, we have a big team room where we have some games and can spend time with each other. A lot of time goes into practice so we are getting used to the routine. We have good chemistry in the team and I am really enjoying the vibe. Subhayan: Anil Kumble, Wasim Jaffer and Jonty Rhodes - how has been the experience so far training under them? Have you had a word with Wasim Jaffer in terms of your batting? Mandeep: I am really enjoying the time here. We really have easy-going team and that goes with the coaching group as well. No one is really strict and there’s freedom to express yourself. Anil sir (Anil Kumble) told me in the start to not take much pressure and just try and get into the rhythm and acclimatize to the weather. So we slowly started to push after first six-seven days – the training sessions started to get longer, fielding sessions became intense. Obviously, with Jonty Rhodes, it’s completely different. He improves a player with smaller details which we usually miss or didn’t know before. He’s 51 but his energy is terrific and the way he is conducting our fielding sessions, hopefully we will be the best team on the field. Wasim bhai (Wasim Jaffer) doesn’t speak much about technicalities unless he feels something is going really wrong. I have told him to interrupt me if he sees something wrong in my technique as my ultimate dream is to play Test cricket for India. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Excited to play for Kings XI Punjab and under KL Rahul: Ishan Porel Did you ‘catch’ that? 😮#SaddaPunjab #Dream11IPL @JontyRhodes8 pic.twitter.com/VmrCnQtgBZ — Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) September 14, 2020 × Subhayan: You are seen as someone who can bat at any given position, be it top order or lower-middle order (finisher), but what is your preferred position to bat especially in the T20 format? Mandeep: My preferred position has always been in the top-order. But teams have tried me in the lower-middle order wherein I played a couple of good knocks. Ultimately, it depends on your preparation. I feel a good player can play in any given position. In my opinion, if there is clarity on the role and preparation is good then there shouldn’t be any trouble be it in the top order or lower down the order. Subhayan: You and KL Rahul know each other for a long time now. How do you see Rahul as a captain and can you share some of his traits as skipper? Mandeep: KL Rahul will be a great captain for sure. I remember our time in National Cricket Academy (NCA), he used to be the captain of one team with me leading the other side. I was a bit aggressive, obviously coming from Punjab, but Rahul was really calm even then. The way he has improved and matured his game have incredible. And I am sure that calmness will reflect in our journey in the IPL. Even now, he doesn’t speak much but he has been talking about roles and situations with almost everyone. Even the credit behind our great team atmosphere has to go to Rahul and Anil sir. They all are relaxed and I feel a team’s best potential can only come out strongly if everyone is relaxed and calm about the matches. Subhayan: How has your stint with RCB helped you in developing your game? Mandeep: I was really lucky to have played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Obviously, I came to know about the role of top-class fitness during my stint with RCB. When I saw Virat Kohli train like he does, with proper intensity, I was like if the world’s no. one batsman can train like this then why can’t I. The way Team India players are looking after their body and fitness, the credit has to go to Virat for the way he transformed the culture. He is a leader and if a leader is like him then other automatically follow. And I have learned a lot about technicalities of batting from AB de Villiers. If you watch players like Virat and AB in the nets everyday, you learn a lot of things. But it was my fitness which improved leaps and bounds during my stay with RCB. Subhayan: Do you feel a great IPL can bring your name back into the contention for the Indian team. What are your ambitions when it comes to international cricket? Mandeep: Test cricket will obviously come after performances in domestic cricket. If you score runs in IPL, Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali or whatever tournament you are playing, if you are consistent then you will be back in the scheme of things. I had a good domestic campaign and I firmly feel if I do well in IPL this season and next season then I will be again looked at. But honestly, I don’t think much about selection and my complete focus is on to win matches for Kings XI Punjab now. Subhayan: But don’t you feel this IPL can be on the low-scoring side given there are only three stadiums and under extreme heat… Mandeep: Well, we haven’t seen any of the pitches so far. We are training in the ICC Academy. But in my opinion, we might see some big scores early in the tournament but gradually, as the pitches go slower, we will see more low-scoring matches. The issue here in UAE is, it is extremely hot and apart from Sharjah, the other two stadiums are pretty big, so players will also need optimum fitness to get past the entire tournament. If wickets are slow and grounds are bigger then we might see low-scoring matches, perhaps in the second half of the tournament. Subhayan: Do you think injuries can be a concern in this IPL? Mandeep: Injuries can play a major role in this edition. I guess every team is suffering from minute niggles as players are coming after five, six months and it is hot here as well. But definitely, injuries can play a huge role because match intensity is on a different level. But yes, as we are going to take the field after so long, injury will be a factor on the back of every team’s mind. Subhayan: What will be your message to the fans? Mandeep: Keep supporting Kings XI Punjab like you always do. I feel we have a really balanced squad and on paper, it is looking really good. Hopefully, we will be able to produce that quality of cricket in matches and help Punjab win the IPL trophy.

Exclusive: Hope to carry domestic form into IPL 2020, says Kings XI Punjab's Mandeep Singh

From 2 sets down to Grand Slam winner: Dominic Thiem's insane comeback in US Open 2020 men's final

United Arab Emirates (UAE) players Amir Hayat and Ashfaq Ahmed have been charged with five counts of breaching cricket’s anti-corruption rules and provisionally suspended with immediate effect.

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) had suspended Ashfaq during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in October last year but no formal charges had been laid so far.

Both Amir and Ashfaq have been charged with the following breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code:

Article 2.1.3&nbsp;– Seeking, accepting, offering or agreeing to accept any bribe or other Reward to: (a) fix or to contrive in any way or otherwise to influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any International Match; or (b) ensure for Betting or other corrupt purposes the occurrence of a particular incident in an International Match.

Article 2.4.2&nbsp;– failing to disclose to the ACU (without unnecessary delay) the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit, (a) that the Participant knew or should have known was given to him/her to procure (directly or indirectly) any breach of the Anti-Corruption Code, or (b) that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute.

Article 2.4.3&nbsp;– failing to disclose to the ACU (without unnecessary delay) all gifts (whether monetary or otherwise), hospitality and/or other non-contractual benefits offered to a Participant that have a value of US$750 or more, whether or not the circumstances set out in Article 2.4.2 are present, save that there shall be no obligation to disclose any (i) personal gifts, hospitality and/or other non-contractual benefits offered by or on behalf of any close friend or relative of the Participant, (ii) any food or beverage gifts or (iii) cricket hospitality gifts in connection with Matches the Participant is participating in.

Article 2.4.4&nbsp;– failing to disclose to the ACU (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code.

Article 2.4.5&nbsp;– failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any facts or matters that came to his attention that may evidence Corrupt Conduct under the Code by another Participant.

The players have 14 days from 13 September to respond to the charges. The ICC will not make any further comment in respect of these charges at this stage.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) players Amir Hayat and Ashfaq Ahmed have been charged with five counts of breaching cricket’s anti-corruption rules and provisionally suspended with immediate effect.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) players Amir Hayat and Ashfaq Ahmed have been charged with five counts of breaching cricket’s anti-corruption rules and provisionally suspended with immediate effect. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) had suspended Ashfaq during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in October last year but no formal charges had been laid so far. Both Amir and Ashfaq have been charged with the following breaches of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code: Article 2.1.3 – Seeking, accepting, offering or agreeing to accept any bribe or other Reward to: (a) fix or to contrive in any way or otherwise to influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any International Match; or (b) ensure for Betting or other corrupt purposes the occurrence of a particular incident in an International Match. Article 2.4.2 – failing to disclose to the ACU (without unnecessary delay) the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit, (a) that the Participant knew or should have known was given to him/her to procure (directly or indirectly) any breach of the Anti-Corruption Code, or (b) that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute. Article 2.4.3 – failing to disclose to the ACU (without unnecessary delay) all gifts (whether monetary or otherwise), hospitality and/or other non-contractual benefits offered to a Participant that have a value of US$750 or more, whether or not the circumstances set out in Article 2.4.2 are present, save that there shall be no obligation to disclose any (i) personal gifts, hospitality and/or other non-contractual benefits offered by or on behalf of any close friend or relative of the Participant, (ii) any food or beverage gifts or (iii) cricket hospitality gifts in connection with Matches the Participant is participating in. Article 2.4.4 – failing to disclose to the ACU (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code. Article 2.4.5 – failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any facts or matters that came to his attention that may evidence Corrupt Conduct under the Code by another Participant. The players have 14 days from 13 September to respond to the charges. The ICC will not make any further comment in respect of these charges at this stage.

Two UAE players Amir Hayat, Ashfaq Ahmed charged under ICC anti-corruption code

With as many as five players sent off following a mass brawl in Ligue 1 match between arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain and Olymique Marseille, Brazilian megastar Neymar claimed that he had been victim of racism on Sunday.&nbsp;

Neymar, who was one of the players to be sent off, took to social media platform Twitter to post a series of furious tweets as the PSG forward appeared to accuse Alvaro Gonzales of calling him a “monkey” after he was shown a red card in injury time for slapping Marseille defender on the back of the head.&nbsp;

"Look at the racism. That's why I hit him," Neymar, who was returning from coronavirus quarantine, said as he left the pitch. Gonzalez went on to deny making a racist comment.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-will-be-a-grand-slam-champion-says-zverev-after-us-open-loss-327374" hreflang="en">'I will be a Grand Slam champion,' says Zverev after US Open loss</a>

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Neymar was talking about racism ‼️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSGOM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSGOM</a> 
 
<a href="https://t.co/AJnzuoSB9F">pic.twitter.com/AJnzuoSB9F</a>
— SnapGoal (@SnapGoal) <a href="https://twitter.com/SnapGoal/status/1305254831079251972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The only regret I have is not hitting this idiot in the face," Neymar, the world's most expensive player, tweeted after the game.

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Único arrependimento que tenho é por não ter dado na cara desse babaca
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/neymarjr/status/1305262756459876358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Neymar was dismissed by the referee after a VAR check whereas his teammates Layvin Kurzawa and Leando Pareder were also sent off. For Marseille, Dario Benedetto and defender Jorfan Amavi were given the marching orders by the referee.

Neymar, on Twitter, questioned the referees that if they can see his aggression then why can’t they pull up the guy who called him monkey.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pride-pain-and-a-schumacher-ferrari-celebrate-1000th-grand-prix-race-327266" hreflang="en">Pride, pain and a Schumacher: Ferrari celebrate 1,000th Grand Prix race</a>

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We stand by you Neymar ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/FWdDB9dAEh">pic.twitter.com/FWdDB9dAEh</a>
— Sakanelli🐐|Free Aouar💉 (@AFC_Sakanelli) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFC_Sakanelli/status/1305282918806294528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"It's easy for VAR to show my 'aggression'. 'Now I'd like to them to show the image of the racist who called me a 'MONKEY SON OF A B***H. I'd really like that!" Neymar tweeted.

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VAR pegar a minha “agressão” é mole ... agora eu quero ver pegar a imagem do racista me chamando de “MONO HIJO DE PUTA” (macaco filha da puta)... isso eu quero ver! 
E aí? CARRETILHA vc me pune.. CASCUDO sou expulso... e eles? E aí ?
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/neymarjr/status/1305275338390466561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ancelotti-confident-new-look-everton-can-shake-up-top-six-after-spurs-win-327379" hreflang="en">Ancelotti confident new-look Everton can shake up top six after Spurs win</a>

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said that Neymar told him about the racist insult but added that he didn’t hear anything on the pitch. While Marseille coach Andre-Villas Boas said there’s no place for racism and they will have another look at the incident.&nbsp;

Neymar "told me it was a racist insult, but I didn't hear anything on the pitch", PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said.

"There is no place for racism in football but I don't think that was the case," Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas told Telefoot. "We'll have to look at it."

According to Telefoot, Gonzalez responded “what racism?” when asked about the incident.&nbsp;

"There's no place for racism," the Spaniard wrote, adding: "Sometimes you have to learn to lose and take it on the field."

PSG lost the match by 1-0 after a goal from Florian Thauvin in the 31st minute of the match.

With as many as five players sent off following a mass brawl in Ligue 1 match between arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain and Olymique Marseille, Brazilian megastar Neymar claimed that he had been victim of racism on Sunday.

With as many as five players sent off following a mass brawl in Ligue 1 match between arch-rivals Paris Saint-Germain and Olymique Marseille, Brazilian megastar Neymar claimed that he had been victim of racism on Sunday. Neymar, who was one of the players to be sent off, took to social media platform Twitter to post a series of furious tweets as the PSG forward appeared to accuse Alvaro Gonzales of calling him a “monkey” after he was shown a red card in injury time for slapping Marseille defender on the back of the head. "Look at the racism. That's why I hit him," Neymar, who was returning from coronavirus quarantine, said as he left the pitch. Gonzalez went on to deny making a racist comment. ALSO READ: 'I will be a Grand Slam champion,' says Zverev after US Open loss Neymar was talking about racism ‼️#PSGOM pic.twitter.com/AJnzuoSB9F — SnapGoal (@SnapGoal) September 13, 2020 × "The only regret I have is not hitting this idiot in the face," Neymar, the world's most expensive player, tweeted after the game. Único arrependimento que tenho é por não ter dado na cara desse babaca — Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) September 13, 2020 × Neymar was dismissed by the referee after a VAR check whereas his teammates Layvin Kurzawa and Leando Pareder were also sent off. For Marseille, Dario Benedetto and defender Jorfan Amavi were given the marching orders by the referee. Neymar, on Twitter, questioned the referees that if they can see his aggression then why can’t they pull up the guy who called him monkey. IN PICS | Pride, pain and a Schumacher: Ferrari celebrate 1,000th Grand Prix race We stand by you Neymar ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FWdDB9dAEh — Sakanelli🐐|Free Aouar💉 (@AFC_Sakanelli) September 13, 2020 × "It's easy for VAR to show my 'aggression'. 'Now I'd like to them to show the image of the racist who called me a 'MONKEY SON OF A B***H. I'd really like that!" Neymar tweeted. VAR pegar a minha “agressão” é mole ... agora eu quero ver pegar a imagem do racista me chamando de “MONO HIJO DE PUTA” (macaco filha da puta)... isso eu quero ver! E aí? CARRETILHA vc me pune.. CASCUDO sou expulso... e eles? E aí ? — Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) September 13, 2020 × ALSO READ: Ancelotti confident new-look Everton can shake up top six after Spurs win PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said that Neymar told him about the racist insult but added that he didn’t hear anything on the pitch. While Marseille coach Andre-Villas Boas said there’s no place for racism and they will have another look at the incident. Neymar "told me it was a racist insult, but I didn't hear anything on the pitch", PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said. "There is no place for racism in football but I don't think that was the case," Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas told Telefoot. "We'll have to look at it." According to Telefoot, Gonzalez responded “what racism?” when asked about the incident. "There's no place for racism," the Spaniard wrote, adding: "Sometimes you have to learn to lose and take it on the field." PSG lost the match by 1-0 after a goal from Florian Thauvin in the 31st minute of the match.

'The only regret I have...' - Neymar alleges racism after Alvaro Gonzalez bust-up in PSG vs Marseille

Mate Pavic of Croatia and Brazilian veteran Bruno Soares won the US Open men's doubles final in straight sets on Thursday.

The unseeded pair defeated eighth seeds Croatian Nikola Mektic and the Netherlands' Wesley Koolhof 7-5, 6-3, in 1 hr 31 min inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

It marked a third Grand Slam men's doubles title for the 38-year-old Soares and a second at Flushing Meadows after his victory with Britain's Jamie Murray in 2016.

"It means a lot," said Soares. "I'm extremely happy. It's been a tough year for everyone.

"I'm really glad for the work that everyone put into this event to give us the opportunity to get back on the court.

"It's a very positive way to come back for us - happy days. Hopefully we get back to normal soon but very grateful for everything," he added.

For the 27-year-old Pavic, it is a second Grand Slam men's doubles title after victory at the Australian Open in 2018.

"We had tough matches," said Pavic.

"We were a break down serving for the match after the opening set of the second round," he added, referring to their hard-fought 6-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory over Americans Jack Sock and Jackson Withrow.

"So we got through tough moments throughout the week. Very happy to be here lifting the title," he added.

Soares and Pavic have also enjoyed success in mixed doubles in recent years.

Soares won the US Open mixed doubles in 2012 and 2014. He also triumphed at the Australian Open mixed in 2016.

Pavic lifted the mixed at Flushing Meadows in 2016 and at the Australian Open in 2018.

The mixed&nbsp;doubles event was canceled at this year's US Open due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mate Pavic of Croatia and Brazilian veteran Bruno Soares won the US Open men's doubles final in straight sets on Thursday. The unseeded pair defeated eighth seeds Croatian Nikola Mektic and the Netherlands' Wesley Koolhof 7-5, 6-3, in 1 hr 31 min inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Mate Pavic of Croatia and Brazilian veteran Bruno Soares won the US Open men's doubles final in straight sets on Thursday. The unseeded pair defeated eighth seeds Croatian Nikola Mektic and the Netherlands' Wesley Koolhof 7-5, 6-3, in 1 hr 31 min inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. It marked a third Grand Slam men's doubles title for the 38-year-old Soares and a second at Flushing Meadows after his victory with Britain's Jamie Murray in 2016. "It means a lot," said Soares. "I'm extremely happy. It's been a tough year for everyone. "I'm really glad for the work that everyone put into this event to give us the opportunity to get back on the court. "It's a very positive way to come back for us - happy days. Hopefully we get back to normal soon but very grateful for everything," he added. For the 27-year-old Pavic, it is a second Grand Slam men's doubles title after victory at the Australian Open in 2018. "We had tough matches," said Pavic. "We were a break down serving for the match after the opening set of the second round," he added, referring to their hard-fought 6-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory over Americans Jack Sock and Jackson Withrow. "So we got through tough moments throughout the week. Very happy to be here lifting the title," he added. Soares and Pavic have also enjoyed success in mixed doubles in recent years. Soares won the US Open mixed doubles in 2012 and 2014. He also triumphed at the Australian Open mixed in 2016. Pavic lifted the mixed at Flushing Meadows in 2016 and at the Australian Open in 2018. The mixed doubles event was canceled at this year's US Open due to the coronavirus pandemic.

'Happy days' - Pavic, Soares lift US Open men's doubles trophy

Jurgen Klopp has warned Liverpool's title rivals that splashing out on new signings is no guarantee of success as the Premier League champions start their new campaign against Leeds on Saturday.

Klopp's side are back in action just seven weeks after Jordan Henderson lifted the trophy to mark the culmination of Liverpool's first title-winning campaign for 30 years.

As they powered to the title in record-setting style, Liverpool looked so untouchable that an era of sustained dominance seems eminently possible.

They won 32 of their 38 games to finish 18 points clear of second-placed Manchester City and 33 ahead of both third-placed Manchester United and fourth-placed Chelsea.

But for City, United and Chelsea, the brief break since last season has given Liverpool's title challengers a much-needed chance to improve their firepower by splashing out in the transfer window.

Chelsea have been the biggest spenders as Frank Lampard invested around £200 million ($257 million) on Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell, with Thiago Silva arriving on a free transfer and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy reportedly set to join from Rennes as well.

Forced to surrender the title he had won for the previous two seasons, City boss Pep Guardiola has responded by signing Dutch international Nathan Ake from Bournemouth to finally plug the hole in the heart of his defence left by Vincent Kompany's departure in 2019.

City have also signed promising Spanish winger Ferran Torres from Valencia as Guardiola looks to revitalise a team that seemed weary towards the end of a frustrating season that petered out with their limp Champions League quarter-final defeat against Lyon.

Across Manchester at Old Trafford, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a vibrant young team that finished strongly after the January arrival of Bruno Fernandes.

A full season for Portugal playmaker Fernandes, combined with Solskjaer's swoop for Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek, should allow United to narrow the gap to Liverpool.

<h2>- 'Different kind of club' -</h2>

In contrast, Liverpool have adopted a cautious approach given the financial fall-out from the coronavirus -- stadiums will remain shuttered until at least October and probably longer.

Promoted Leeds, led by enigmatic boss Marcelo Bielsa on their return to the top-flight after a 16-year absence, provide intriguing opponents to measure if Liverpool's thirst for silverware has been quenched by their recent success.

Klopp's only addition to date is Greece left-back Kostas Tsimikas, but the Reds boss believes the continuity in Liverpool's squad will serve them well while their overhauled rivals try to gel.

"For some clubs it seems less important how uncertain the future is: those owned by countries, owned by oligarchs, that's the truth. We're a different kind of club," Klopp told the BBC.

"We cannot just change it overnight and say, 'so now we want to behave like Chelsea'.&nbsp;

"Now they are signing a lot of players. That can be an advantage of course but that means they have to fit together pretty quickly as well.

"It's about working together on the training ground. That will probably be an advantage for us."

Having exchanged angry words with Klopp and his coaching staff during Chelsea's defeat at Liverpool late last season, Lampard will have taken note of the latest jibe from Anfield.

But Lampard acknowledges Chelsea's lavish spending has put him under pressure to deliver a sustained title challenge after his promising first season in charge ended with an FA Cup final defeat against Arsenal.

"I know expectations will be there. I won't hide away from that," Lampard said. "I'm not going to lie, we have brought in a high level of player that we feel will improve our squad.&nbsp;

"At the same time, I also know what it takes to win the Premier League. We won't jump too far ahead of ourselves."

City and United will have to wait a week longer to play their first games of the season after being granted extra rest due to their involvement in the latter stages of European competitions last season.

Fixtures (1400 GMT unless stated):

Saturday

Fulham v Arsenal (1130), Crystal Palace v Southampton, Liverpool v Leeds (1630), West Ham v Newcastle (1900)

Sunday

West Brom v Leicester (1300), Tottenham v Everton (1530)

Monday

Sheffield United v Wolves (1700), Brighton v Chelsea (1915)

Jurgen Klopp has warned Liverpool's title rivals that splashing out on new signings is no guarantee of success as the Premier League champions start their new campaign against Leeds on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp has warned Liverpool's title rivals that splashing out on new signings is no guarantee of success as the Premier League champions start their new campaign against Leeds on Saturday. Klopp's side are back in action just seven weeks after Jordan Henderson lifted the trophy to mark the culmination of Liverpool's first title-winning campaign for 30 years. As they powered to the title in record-setting style, Liverpool looked so untouchable that an era of sustained dominance seems eminently possible. They won 32 of their 38 games to finish 18 points clear of second-placed Manchester City and 33 ahead of both third-placed Manchester United and fourth-placed Chelsea. But for City, United and Chelsea, the brief break since last season has given Liverpool's title challengers a much-needed chance to improve their firepower by splashing out in the transfer window. Chelsea have been the biggest spenders as Frank Lampard invested around £200 million ($257 million) on Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell, with Thiago Silva arriving on a free transfer and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy reportedly set to join from Rennes as well. Forced to surrender the title he had won for the previous two seasons, City boss Pep Guardiola has responded by signing Dutch international Nathan Ake from Bournemouth to finally plug the hole in the heart of his defence left by Vincent Kompany's departure in 2019. City have also signed promising Spanish winger Ferran Torres from Valencia as Guardiola looks to revitalise a team that seemed weary towards the end of a frustrating season that petered out with their limp Champions League quarter-final defeat against Lyon. Across Manchester at Old Trafford, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a vibrant young team that finished strongly after the January arrival of Bruno Fernandes. A full season for Portugal playmaker Fernandes, combined with Solskjaer's swoop for Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek, should allow United to narrow the gap to Liverpool. - 'Different kind of club' - In contrast, Liverpool have adopted a cautious approach given the financial fall-out from the coronavirus -- stadiums will remain shuttered until at least October and probably longer. Promoted Leeds, led by enigmatic boss Marcelo Bielsa on their return to the top-flight after a 16-year absence, provide intriguing opponents to measure if Liverpool's thirst for silverware has been quenched by their recent success. Klopp's only addition to date is Greece left-back Kostas Tsimikas, but the Reds boss believes the continuity in Liverpool's squad will serve them well while their overhauled rivals try to gel. "For some clubs it seems less important how uncertain the future is: those owned by countries, owned by oligarchs, that's the truth. We're a different kind of club," Klopp told the BBC. "We cannot just change it overnight and say, 'so now we want to behave like Chelsea'. "Now they are signing a lot of players. That can be an advantage of course but that means they have to fit together pretty quickly as well. "It's about working together on the training ground. That will probably be an advantage for us." Having exchanged angry words with Klopp and his coaching staff during Chelsea's defeat at Liverpool late last season, Lampard will have taken note of the latest jibe from Anfield. But Lampard acknowledges Chelsea's lavish spending has put him under pressure to deliver a sustained title challenge after his promising first season in charge ended with an FA Cup final defeat against Arsenal. "I know expectations will be there. I won't hide away from that," Lampard said. "I'm not going to lie, we have brought in a high level of player that we feel will improve our squad. "At the same time, I also know what it takes to win the Premier League. We won't jump too far ahead of ourselves." City and United will have to wait a week longer to play their first games of the season after being granted extra rest due to their involvement in the latter stages of European competitions last season. Fixtures (1400 GMT unless stated): Saturday Fulham v Arsenal (1130), Crystal Palace v Southampton, Liverpool v Leeds (1630), West Ham v Newcastle (1900) Sunday West Brom v Leicester (1300), Tottenham v Everton (1530) Monday Sheffield United v Wolves (1700), Brighton v Chelsea (1915)

Klopp shrugs off rivals' spending as Premier League kicks off

After 16 years in exile, Leeds United are counting down the hours until their return to Premier League action, with their enigmatic manager Marcelo Bielsa guaranteed to steal the limelight.

Leeds face a baptism of fire when they visit Premier League champions Liverpool on Saturday for their first top-flight match since 2004.

But the prospect of pitting his wits against Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to fluster Bielsa, who has cult hero status at Elland Road after masterminding Leeds' return to the Premier League in his second season in charge.

The 65-year-old Argentine, nicknamed 'El Loco' for his madcap antics, has awoken the sleeping giants with a unique style of management that defies convention.

Ignoring the perks of his lucrative profession, Bielsa lives in a small flat above a sweet shop, holds his staff meetings in a coffee shop and is often seen in his local supermarket.

Bielsa, who sits on an upturned bucket while watching matches, announced his arrival at Leeds' training ground by ordering his squad to pick up their litter.

He once told them to deliberately concede a goal after they scored when an Aston Villa player was injured, and became embroiled in an infamous spying scandal after dispatching an assistant to secretly watch Derby training.

But alongside his eccentricities, the former Marseille and Athletic Bilbao coach has charisma and focus that inspire devotion from his players and staff.

Bielsa's belief in using video analysis of games was ground-breaking at the time he introduced it and is now standard at all top clubs, while his ability to develop young players is also admired by his peers.

Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips is the perfect example of how Bielsa's alchemy can work wonders.

Phillips was miscast as a box-to-box workhorse before Bielsa's arrival.

Bielsa felt Phillips' skill-set was better suited to a holding role and the 24-year-old -- dubbed the "Yorkshire Pirlo" by Leeds fans -- has improved so quickly that he won his first England cap on Tuesday after playing a key role in his club's promotion.

"He videos every minute of every training session, the warm-ups, the tactical stuff, and will just tell us what we need to do in specific moments," said Phillips, who is the first Leeds player to be picked by England since 2004.

"He's just amazing and relentless at what he does. He's obsessed with making the players the best that he can. I think he's done that with me in the two years."

Yet for a manager hailed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as the best coach in the world, Bielsa has found major trophies hard to come by.

Just three Argentine league titles and an Olympic gold medal, while in charge of Argentina in 2004, were all he had amassed before Leeds won the second-tier Championship.

Leeds' collapse when promotion was within reach in 2019 raised renewed questions about his notoriously demanding training regime, but the critics have been silenced by last season's masterful ascent to the top tier.

While Bielsa claims he does not want to be judged by the "tyranny of trophies", his time in the Premier League could serve as a rebuttal to those who say he does not deserve to be ranked alongside Klopp, Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.

After the dark days of administration and a spell in the third tier since they were last in the Premier League, Leeds are desperate to make a big impact on their return to the top-flight.

Leeds fans last celebrated the English title in 1992, two decades after the trophy-laden Don Revie era, and Bielsa's next challenge is to make his side a force to be reckoned with again.

"People have been intrigued by Bielsa, they want him in the Premier League," former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told the Daily Mail.

"There's the mystique, everything about him is quirky. Even the spying stuff, I loved it. The fact he'd go to that extreme to win a game.&nbsp;

"You want different characters in the Premier League and he's certainly that."

After 16 years in exile, Leeds United are counting down the hours until their return to Premier League action, with their enigmatic manager Marcelo Bielsa guaranteed to steal the limelight.

After 16 years in exile, Leeds United are counting down the hours until their return to Premier League action, with their enigmatic manager Marcelo Bielsa guaranteed to steal the limelight. Leeds face a baptism of fire when they visit Premier League champions Liverpool on Saturday for their first top-flight match since 2004. But the prospect of pitting his wits against Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to fluster Bielsa, who has cult hero status at Elland Road after masterminding Leeds' return to the Premier League in his second season in charge. The 65-year-old Argentine, nicknamed 'El Loco' for his madcap antics, has awoken the sleeping giants with a unique style of management that defies convention. Ignoring the perks of his lucrative profession, Bielsa lives in a small flat above a sweet shop, holds his staff meetings in a coffee shop and is often seen in his local supermarket. Bielsa, who sits on an upturned bucket while watching matches, announced his arrival at Leeds' training ground by ordering his squad to pick up their litter. He once told them to deliberately concede a goal after they scored when an Aston Villa player was injured, and became embroiled in an infamous spying scandal after dispatching an assistant to secretly watch Derby training. But alongside his eccentricities, the former Marseille and Athletic Bilbao coach has charisma and focus that inspire devotion from his players and staff. Bielsa's belief in using video analysis of games was ground-breaking at the time he introduced it and is now standard at all top clubs, while his ability to develop young players is also admired by his peers. Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips is the perfect example of how Bielsa's alchemy can work wonders. Phillips was miscast as a box-to-box workhorse before Bielsa's arrival. Bielsa felt Phillips' skill-set was better suited to a holding role and the 24-year-old -- dubbed the "Yorkshire Pirlo" by Leeds fans -- has improved so quickly that he won his first England cap on Tuesday after playing a key role in his club's promotion. "He videos every minute of every training session, the warm-ups, the tactical stuff, and will just tell us what we need to do in specific moments," said Phillips, who is the first Leeds player to be picked by England since 2004. "He's just amazing and relentless at what he does. He's obsessed with making the players the best that he can. I think he's done that with me in the two years." Yet for a manager hailed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as the best coach in the world, Bielsa has found major trophies hard to come by. Just three Argentine league titles and an Olympic gold medal, while in charge of Argentina in 2004, were all he had amassed before Leeds won the second-tier Championship. Leeds' collapse when promotion was within reach in 2019 raised renewed questions about his notoriously demanding training regime, but the critics have been silenced by last season's masterful ascent to the top tier. While Bielsa claims he does not want to be judged by the "tyranny of trophies", his time in the Premier League could serve as a rebuttal to those who say he does not deserve to be ranked alongside Klopp, Guardiola and Jose Mourinho. After the dark days of administration and a spell in the third tier since they were last in the Premier League, Leeds are desperate to make a big impact on their return to the top-flight. Leeds fans last celebrated the English title in 1992, two decades after the trophy-laden Don Revie era, and Bielsa's next challenge is to make his side a force to be reckoned with again. "People have been intrigued by Bielsa, they want him in the Premier League," former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told the Daily Mail. "There's the mystique, everything about him is quirky. Even the spying stuff, I loved it. The fact he'd go to that extreme to win a game. "You want different characters in the Premier League and he's certainly that."

Bielsa in spotlight as Leeds return to Premier League

South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has asked Cricket South Africa's board to step aside as it investigates "many instances of maladministration and malpractice" in the crisis-ridden organisation.

SASCOC's action, which means that there is no one to run daily affairs of CSA, is another setback to the board which is in the middle of administrative chaos and facing allegations of corruption and racial discrimination.

ESPNcricinfo reported that SASCOC took the decision unanimously at a board meeting on Tuesday alleging "many instances of maladministration and malpractice at CSA which "has brought cricket into disrepute".

CSA' former CEO Thabang Monroe was fired last month following the findings of a forensic report that revealed "acts of serious misconduct".

Acting CEO Jacques Faul and president Chris Nenzani resigned last month with Kugandrie Govender replacing Faul. 
Country's elite players have also criticised CSA for postponing its AGM scheduled for September 5.

CSA also faces action from the International Cricket Council as SASCOC's action could also be seen as government interference.

In a statement, CSA objected to SASCOC's decision to suspend the board.

"CSA, including its Members' Council, does not agree with the resolution taken by SASCOC and has not had the opportunity to engage with SASCOC on various issues raised in the communication.

"In addition, CSA is taking legal advice regarding the basis on which SASCOC has sought to intervene in the business affairs of CSA. CSA does, however, commit to engaging further with SASCOC to understand its position and to find common ground with it in the best interests of cricket," said CSA.

South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has asked Cricket South Africa's board to step aside as it investigates "many instances of maladministration and malpractice" in the crisis-ridden organisation.

South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has asked Cricket South Africa's board to step aside as it investigates "many instances of maladministration and malpractice" in the crisis-ridden organisation. SASCOC's action, which means that there is no one to run daily affairs of CSA, is another setback to the board which is in the middle of administrative chaos and facing allegations of corruption and racial discrimination. ESPNcricinfo reported that SASCOC took the decision unanimously at a board meeting on Tuesday alleging "many instances of maladministration and malpractice at CSA which "has brought cricket into disrepute". CSA' former CEO Thabang Monroe was fired last month following the findings of a forensic report that revealed "acts of serious misconduct". Acting CEO Jacques Faul and president Chris Nenzani resigned last month with Kugandrie Govender replacing Faul. Country's elite players have also criticised CSA for postponing its AGM scheduled for September 5. CSA also faces action from the International Cricket Council as SASCOC's action could also be seen as government interference. In a statement, CSA objected to SASCOC's decision to suspend the board. "CSA, including its Members' Council, does not agree with the resolution taken by SASCOC and has not had the opportunity to engage with SASCOC on various issues raised in the communication. "In addition, CSA is taking legal advice regarding the basis on which SASCOC has sought to intervene in the business affairs of CSA. CSA does, however, commit to engaging further with SASCOC to understand its position and to find common ground with it in the best interests of cricket," said CSA.

South Africa's Olympic body takes control of CSA, asks its board to step aside pending investigation

Fourth seed Naomi Osaka defeated 28th seed Jennifer Brady in a high quality three-setter to reach the US Open final on Thursday, crediting her run to a carefree attitude post-lockdown.&nbsp;

The Japanese 2018 US Open champion overcame the 25-year-old American 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 6-3 in 2hr 8min under the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Osaka, 22, will play either Serena Williams or Victoria Azarenka in Saturday's final.&nbsp;

"I just felt like I was sticking it out, it felt like we were trading serves," Osaka said of the semi-final tussle.

"I think I tried to adjust a little bit on her serve in the third set so maybe that helped," she added.

Brady, 25, had not dropped a set during her run to her first Grand Slam semi-final.&nbsp;

And the world number 41 went toe-to-toe with Osaka until the first set tie-break.&nbsp;

The players traded six held service games each before Osaka the world number nine took control of the tie-break.&nbsp;

At 2-1, Osaka won five points in a row, which included two unforced errors by Brady.

In set two the first seven games were held before Brady broke Osaka's serve to take a 5-3 lead.&nbsp;

She then successfully held to take the match to a deciding third set as the duo traded big serves with powerful forehand groundstrokes.

The breakthrough in the deciding set came game when Osaka broke Brady's serve in a fourth game that included a lucky net cord point for the Japanese.

Osaka then held her own to go 4-1 in front with the help of another net cord point.

Brady refused to go quietly though, forcing Osaka to hold twice to ensure the win and a second US Open final in three years.

"I kind of consider New York my second home. I really love the atmosphere," Osaka said.

"Even though sadly there's no people here, I really feel like this court really suits me well," she added.

Osaka has now won her last ten matches.

"I just felt like I wanted to come out of quarantine being positive and not really caring if I win or lose," she said.

Osaka, of Haitian and Japanese heritage, walked onto the court wearing a facemask emblazoned with the name of Philando Castile, a black man who was shot dead by a police officer during a traffic stop in Minnesota in 2016.&nbsp;

The 2019 Australian Open champion is wearing different masks honoring victims of racial injustice and police brutality throughout the tournament.&nbsp;

She has already donned face coverings bearing the names of Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin and George Floyd.

Fourth seed Naomi Osaka defeated 28th seed Jennifer Brady in a high quality three-setter to reach the US Open final on Thursday, crediting her run to a carefree attitude post-lockdown.

Fourth seed Naomi Osaka defeated 28th seed Jennifer Brady in a high quality three-setter to reach the US Open final on Thursday, crediting her run to a carefree attitude post-lockdown. The Japanese 2018 US Open champion overcame the 25-year-old American 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 6-3 in 2hr 8min under the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Osaka, 22, will play either Serena Williams or Victoria Azarenka in Saturday's final. "I just felt like I was sticking it out, it felt like we were trading serves," Osaka said of the semi-final tussle. "I think I tried to adjust a little bit on her serve in the third set so maybe that helped," she added. Brady, 25, had not dropped a set during her run to her first Grand Slam semi-final. And the world number 41 went toe-to-toe with Osaka until the first set tie-break. The players traded six held service games each before Osaka the world number nine took control of the tie-break. At 2-1, Osaka won five points in a row, which included two unforced errors by Brady. In set two the first seven games were held before Brady broke Osaka's serve to take a 5-3 lead. She then successfully held to take the match to a deciding third set as the duo traded big serves with powerful forehand groundstrokes. The breakthrough in the deciding set came game when Osaka broke Brady's serve in a fourth game that included a lucky net cord point for the Japanese. Osaka then held her own to go 4-1 in front with the help of another net cord point. Brady refused to go quietly though, forcing Osaka to hold twice to ensure the win and a second US Open final in three years. "I kind of consider New York my second home. I really love the atmosphere," Osaka said. "Even though sadly there's no people here, I really feel like this court really suits me well," she added. Osaka has now won her last ten matches. "I just felt like I wanted to come out of quarantine being positive and not really caring if I win or lose," she said. Osaka, of Haitian and Japanese heritage, walked onto the court wearing a facemask emblazoned with the name of Philando Castile, a black man who was shot dead by a police officer during a traffic stop in Minnesota in 2016. The 2019 Australian Open champion is wearing different masks honoring victims of racial injustice and police brutality throughout the tournament. She has already donned face coverings bearing the names of Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin and George Floyd.

'Positive' Osaka beats Brady to reach US Open final

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