Lendl Simmons and Darren Bravo ensured Trinbago Knight Riders completed the first perfect season in franchise T20 history with an unbroken partnership of 138 off 88 balls, the highest of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 and the highest ever in a final. The St Lucia Zouks put up what seemed a competitive total, but ultimately a loss of 7/39 off the last 32 balls of their innings cost them dearly against this history-making Knight Riders squad.

Rakheem Cornwall swept Akeal Hosein for four but was lucky to edge over DJ Bravo at slip. Knight Riders captain Kieron Pollard gave the second over to Ali Khan, and Ali responded by flattening Cornwall’s middle stump. Andre Fletcher clipped fine for four, the Zouks thus closing the second over at 16/1.

Mark Deyal slog-swept Hosein for two fours, and Fletcher was aggressive against Sikandar Raza, taking him over cover and long-on for Hero Maximums then cutting for four. Khary Pierre went for just five, but Fletcher twice smoked Ali through cover for four and the Zouks motored to 60/1 off the Powerplay.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-updated-squad-list-of-all-the-franchises-retained-and-bought-players-326654" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Updated squad list of all the franchises; retained and bought players</a>

Deyal lofted Pierre over cover for four and launched Pollard for six, but struggled to combat Fawad Ahmed’s googly and edged to DJ Bravo at slip. Hosein returned with a tight over, and at halfway the Knight Riders had slowed the Zouks to 79/2. 
 
Roston Chase clipped through midwicket for four early in Fawad’s second over, which went for 10, but Fletcher’s assault ended as he aimed Pollard down the ground but found only Darren Bravo at long-off. Najibullah Zadran slashed his first ball for four, and the over went for seven to leave the Zouks in need of a partnership at 79/3 off 12 overs. 
 
While Chase slog-swept the last ball of Pierre’s over for a Hero Maximum, he and Mohammad Nabi fell within four balls, the former chipping a Pollard cutter to deep-mid on and the latter clubbing Fawad to long-off. Zouks captain Daren Sammy smashed his second ball for a Hero Maximum, and after 15 overs the Zouks were 123/5. 
 
Despite a Najibullah four, Ali’s return over went for just six, and Sammy should have fallen to Hosein but Ali badly misjudged the catch. Najibullah flicked Hosein for a delightful Hero Maximum over cover, but Hosein recovered to dismiss Sammy LBW. After 17 overs, the Zouks were 138/6.

DJ Bravo was unable to bowl, and so Pollard had to step up at the death and did so admirably, picking up two wickets with his off-cutter. First Javelle Glenn looped to backward point, then Najibullah failed to clear Raza at deep backward square off another cutter. Kesrick Williams was run out, Ali Khan bowled Zahir Khan with a perfect yorker, and the Knight Riders had bowled the Zouks out for a decent rather than dominant total.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-from-raina-to-malinga-top-players-who-have-pulled-out-of-the-tournament-326040" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: From Raina to Malinga - Top players who have pulled out of the tournament</a>

Simmons pulled Scott Kuggeleijn for four first ball of the chase, becoming CPL’s all-time leading run-scorer in doing so. Webster swept Nabi for four but then top-edged off Chase, Williams taking a fine catch. After three overs, the Knight Riders were 14/1. 
 
Tim Seifert got off the mark with a four off Kuggeleijn, but fell edging behind next ball. Darren Bravo too got off the mark with a boundary, a glorious lofted Hero Maximum over long-on off Chase, and Simmons took fours straight, fine down the leg side and backward of point off Williams’ first over to close the Powerplay with the Knight Riders 40/2. 
 
Chase and Nabi put the pressure on, going for just five between them, and Simmons and Bravo both struggled against Zahir. When Simmons did take on the big shot though he nailed it over the fence, and at halfway the Knight Riders were 59/2 and needed 96 more to win. 
 
Sammy brought himself on and bowled five good deliveries, but Bravo smashed the sixth for a Hero Maximum, and Simmons pulled Williams for a six then cut him for four, becoming Hero CPL 2020’s leading run-scorer and bringing up his 50 off just 31 balls. Bravo though continued to struggle against Chase, who closed out a superb spell.

After 13 overs, Bravo was just 23 off 32 balls, and the Knight Riders needed almost 10 an over, but he eased both of those equations somewhat with two Hero Maximums off Glenn. Williams’s third over went for nine thanks to two wides and a loose short ball, and the Knight Riders entered the last five overs needing 45 with eight wickets still in hand. 
 
Kuggeleijn managed to go for just four off the 16th despite starting with a wide, but Simmons targeted Zahir, taking him for four off the first and six off the second. Bravo added two big Hero Maximums, the second bringing up his 50 off 45 balls. Suddenly, the Knight Riders needed just 18. 
 
Simmons was not going to hang around now, walloping Kuggeleijn for a Hero Maximum over midwicket then clubbing him over cover and slicing him through third man for two fours. The winning runs came off an inside edge, but there was now no denying the Knight Riders’ domination of Hero CPL 2020.

All season, the Knight Riders had absorbed the loss of key personnel - Colin Munro fractured his hand, Ali Khan missed games, Narine had kidney stones removed and was unable to play the final with a knee injury. But perhaps the 12th and final win is the greatest measure of how great a squad Pollard and Brendon McCullum have built - victory was achieved two wickets down, with 11 balls to spare, without DJ Bravo bowling or Pollard batting. The Knight Riders had come together in the bubble, and emerged from it to achieve something truly monumental.

Lendl Simmons and Darren Bravo ensured Trinbago Knight Riders completed the first perfect season in franchise T20 history with an unbroken partnership of 138 off 88 balls, the highest of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 and the highest ever in a final.

Lendl Simmons and Darren Bravo ensured Trinbago Knight Riders completed the first perfect season in franchise T20 history with an unbroken partnership of 138 off 88 balls, the highest of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 and the highest ever in a final. The St Lucia Zouks put up what seemed a competitive total, but ultimately a loss of 7/39 off the last 32 balls of their innings cost them dearly against this history-making Knight Riders squad. Rakheem Cornwall swept Akeal Hosein for four but was lucky to edge over DJ Bravo at slip. Knight Riders captain Kieron Pollard gave the second over to Ali Khan, and Ali responded by flattening Cornwall’s middle stump. Andre Fletcher clipped fine for four, the Zouks thus closing the second over at 16/1. Mark Deyal slog-swept Hosein for two fours, and Fletcher was aggressive against Sikandar Raza, taking him over cover and long-on for Hero Maximums then cutting for four. Khary Pierre went for just five, but Fletcher twice smoked Ali through cover for four and the Zouks motored to 60/1 off the Powerplay. IN PICS | IPL 2020: Updated squad list of all the franchises; retained and bought players Deyal lofted Pierre over cover for four and launched Pollard for six, but struggled to combat Fawad Ahmed’s googly and edged to DJ Bravo at slip. Hosein returned with a tight over, and at halfway the Knight Riders had slowed the Zouks to 79/2. Roston Chase clipped through midwicket for four early in Fawad’s second over, which went for 10, but Fletcher’s assault ended as he aimed Pollard down the ground but found only Darren Bravo at long-off. Najibullah Zadran slashed his first ball for four, and the over went for seven to leave the Zouks in need of a partnership at 79/3 off 12 overs. While Chase slog-swept the last ball of Pierre’s over for a Hero Maximum, he and Mohammad Nabi fell within four balls, the former chipping a Pollard cutter to deep-mid on and the latter clubbing Fawad to long-off. Zouks captain Daren Sammy smashed his second ball for a Hero Maximum, and after 15 overs the Zouks were 123/5. Despite a Najibullah four, Ali’s return over went for just six, and Sammy should have fallen to Hosein but Ali badly misjudged the catch. Najibullah flicked Hosein for a delightful Hero Maximum over cover, but Hosein recovered to dismiss Sammy LBW. After 17 overs, the Zouks were 138/6. DJ Bravo was unable to bowl, and so Pollard had to step up at the death and did so admirably, picking up two wickets with his off-cutter. First Javelle Glenn looped to backward point, then Najibullah failed to clear Raza at deep backward square off another cutter. Kesrick Williams was run out, Ali Khan bowled Zahir Khan with a perfect yorker, and the Knight Riders had bowled the Zouks out for a decent rather than dominant total. IN PICS | IPL 2020: From Raina to Malinga - Top players who have pulled out of the tournament Simmons pulled Scott Kuggeleijn for four first ball of the chase, becoming CPL’s all-time leading run-scorer in doing so. Webster swept Nabi for four but then top-edged off Chase, Williams taking a fine catch. After three overs, the Knight Riders were 14/1. Tim Seifert got off the mark with a four off Kuggeleijn, but fell edging behind next ball. Darren Bravo too got off the mark with a boundary, a glorious lofted Hero Maximum over long-on off Chase, and Simmons took fours straight, fine down the leg side and backward of point off Williams’ first over to close the Powerplay with the Knight Riders 40/2. Chase and Nabi put the pressure on, going for just five between them, and Simmons and Bravo both struggled against Zahir. When Simmons did take on the big shot though he nailed it over the fence, and at halfway the Knight Riders were 59/2 and needed 96 more to win. Sammy brought himself on and bowled five good deliveries, but Bravo smashed the sixth for a Hero Maximum, and Simmons pulled Williams for a six then cut him for four, becoming Hero CPL 2020’s leading run-scorer and bringing up his 50 off just 31 balls. Bravo though continued to struggle against Chase, who closed out a superb spell. After 13 overs, Bravo was just 23 off 32 balls, and the Knight Riders needed almost 10 an over, but he eased both of those equations somewhat with two Hero Maximums off Glenn. Williams’s third over went for nine thanks to two wides and a loose short ball, and the Knight Riders entered the last five overs needing 45 with eight wickets still in hand. Kuggeleijn managed to go for just four off the 16th despite starting with a wide, but Simmons targeted Zahir, taking him for four off the first and six off the second. Bravo added two big Hero Maximums, the second bringing up his 50 off 45 balls. Suddenly, the Knight Riders needed just 18. Simmons was not going to hang around now, walloping Kuggeleijn for a Hero Maximum over midwicket then clubbing him over cover and slicing him through third man for two fours. The winning runs came off an inside edge, but there was now no denying the Knight Riders’ domination of Hero CPL 2020. All season, the Knight Riders had absorbed the loss of key personnel - Colin Munro fractured his hand, Ali Khan missed games, Narine had kidney stones removed and was unable to play the final with a knee injury. But perhaps the 12th and final win is the greatest measure of how great a squad Pollard and Brendon McCullum have built - victory was achieved two wickets down, with 11 balls to spare, without DJ Bravo bowling or Pollard batting. The Knight Riders had come together in the bubble, and emerged from it to achieve something truly monumental.

Perfect Trinbago Knight Riders power to CPL 2020 title

Jose Mourinho is confident Tottenham will have a new striker before the end of the transfer window as he aims to build a squad capable of dealing with a brutal early-season schedule.

Spurs face having to play two midweek matches for two consecutive weeks later this month should they progress in the Europa League qualifying rounds and the League Cup.

"Yes I want, I need a striker but I want to make it clear, the club knows that I need a striker and they also want a striker," Mourinho said on Friday.

"Are we going to get one? I believe so. For the balance of the squad, the team needs it. Especially after the gift we had from the EFL (English Football League) and UEFA.&nbsp;

"We had an amazing gift that gives me after 20 years of football a unique experience of playing Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday-Sunday for two consecutive weeks."

Mourinho has already added Joe Hart, Matt Doherty and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to his squad but does not believe the presence of Harry Kane should discourage other strikers from joining Tottenham.

"I know we have one of the best strikers in the world, I know we have the best in England but I don't like the word 'back-up'," he added, speaking about problems in attracting a striker willing to be a reserve to the English captain.

<h2>- 'Best striker' Kane -</h2>

"A striker can play with Harry Kane -- a striker that comes here is not to be just feeling that he is in that back-up situation.&nbsp;

"So, yes we have the best striker in the country, but we want a striker who can give us more than we have and that is to play, and why not play with Harry?"

After hosting Everton to begin their Premier League campaign on Sunday, Spurs face the first of potentially three Europa League qualifiers with a trip to Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

Should Mourinho's men progress they will play Leyton Orient or Plymouth Argyle in the third round of the League Cup on September 22 and then have another long Europa League trip to Romania or Macedonia two days later.

Win both ties and Tottenham will have to do the same again a week later.

One of Mourinho's main aims when he was appointed was to end Tottenham's 12-year trophy drought and he blasted the scheduling that puts their chances in two cup competitions at risk.

"It's not human. It is a big risk in terms of our ambitions first of all," he said.

"If we decide that one of these competitions is not important for us we go against the nature of the club, we go against our own nature, we go against our own ambitions, our rights to try and fight for the competition.

"Which professionals, who are the people, who are the illuminated who make these decisions?

"I would like to know who makes a team play Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday-Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday-Sunday. Do they want us to play with the youth team in the Carabao (League) Cup? That's my question."

Jose Mourinho is confident Tottenham will have a new striker before the end of the transfer window as he aims to build a squad capable of dealing with a brutal early-season schedule.

Jose Mourinho is confident Tottenham will have a new striker before the end of the transfer window as he aims to build a squad capable of dealing with a brutal early-season schedule. Spurs face having to play two midweek matches for two consecutive weeks later this month should they progress in the Europa League qualifying rounds and the League Cup. "Yes I want, I need a striker but I want to make it clear, the club knows that I need a striker and they also want a striker," Mourinho said on Friday. "Are we going to get one? I believe so. For the balance of the squad, the team needs it. Especially after the gift we had from the EFL (English Football League) and UEFA. "We had an amazing gift that gives me after 20 years of football a unique experience of playing Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday-Sunday for two consecutive weeks." Mourinho has already added Joe Hart, Matt Doherty and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to his squad but does not believe the presence of Harry Kane should discourage other strikers from joining Tottenham. "I know we have one of the best strikers in the world, I know we have the best in England but I don't like the word 'back-up'," he added, speaking about problems in attracting a striker willing to be a reserve to the English captain. - 'Best striker' Kane - "A striker can play with Harry Kane -- a striker that comes here is not to be just feeling that he is in that back-up situation. "So, yes we have the best striker in the country, but we want a striker who can give us more than we have and that is to play, and why not play with Harry?" After hosting Everton to begin their Premier League campaign on Sunday, Spurs face the first of potentially three Europa League qualifiers with a trip to Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Plovdiv. Should Mourinho's men progress they will play Leyton Orient or Plymouth Argyle in the third round of the League Cup on September 22 and then have another long Europa League trip to Romania or Macedonia two days later. Win both ties and Tottenham will have to do the same again a week later. One of Mourinho's main aims when he was appointed was to end Tottenham's 12-year trophy drought and he blasted the scheduling that puts their chances in two cup competitions at risk. "It's not human. It is a big risk in terms of our ambitions first of all," he said. "If we decide that one of these competitions is not important for us we go against the nature of the club, we go against our own nature, we go against our own ambitions, our rights to try and fight for the competition. "Which professionals, who are the people, who are the illuminated who make these decisions? "I would like to know who makes a team play Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday-Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday-Sunday. Do they want us to play with the youth team in the Carabao (League) Cup? That's my question."

Mourinho confident of landing new Spurs striker for 'non-human' schedule

Australia star batsman Steve Smith is set to undergo a fresh concussion test before the second one-day international against England after being ruled out of Friday's opener at Old Trafford in bizarre fashion.

Smith was sidelined from the first of a three-match series after being hit on the head batting in the nets, from a delivery by one of Australia's fast bowlers, but rather a throw-down from a member of the coaching staff.

An Australia team spokesman said Smith was being rested as a precaution despite passing a concussion assessment and would have another such test on Saturday ahead of Sunday's second ODI.

"Steve Smith got a knock on the head yesterday (Thursday) in practice so it's a precautionary measure to leave him out," Australia captain Aaron Finch told Sky Sports at the toss. "(Marcus) Stoinis will bat at three."

Smith was dramatically felled by a 92 mph bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer during last year's drawn second Test at Lord's, paving the way for Marnus Labuschagne to become international cricket's first concussion substitute.

Despite missing the third Test at Headingley, Smith still scored 774 runs, including three hundreds, at an average of over 110 during a five-match series that ended all square at 2-2.

In the 31-year-old former captain Smith's absence, Australia slumped to 123-5 inside 24 overs on Friday after losing the toss.

Stoinis was well caught by diving wicketkeeper Jos Buttler off fast bowler Mark Wood for 43, featuring six fours. Then both Labuschagne (21) and Alex Carey (10) fell to leg-spinner Adil Rashid in what was Australia's first one-day international against England since an eight-wicket defeat by the eventual champions in last year's World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston.

Australia star batsman Steve Smith is set to undergo a fresh concussion test before the second one-day international against England after being ruled out of Friday's opener at Old Trafford in bizarre fashion.

Australia star batsman Steve Smith is set to undergo a fresh concussion test before the second one-day international against England after being ruled out of Friday's opener at Old Trafford in bizarre fashion. Smith was sidelined from the first of a three-match series after being hit on the head batting in the nets, from a delivery by one of Australia's fast bowlers, but rather a throw-down from a member of the coaching staff. An Australia team spokesman said Smith was being rested as a precaution despite passing a concussion assessment and would have another such test on Saturday ahead of Sunday's second ODI. "Steve Smith got a knock on the head yesterday (Thursday) in practice so it's a precautionary measure to leave him out," Australia captain Aaron Finch told Sky Sports at the toss. "(Marcus) Stoinis will bat at three." Smith was dramatically felled by a 92 mph bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer during last year's drawn second Test at Lord's, paving the way for Marnus Labuschagne to become international cricket's first concussion substitute. Despite missing the third Test at Headingley, Smith still scored 774 runs, including three hundreds, at an average of over 110 during a five-match series that ended all square at 2-2. In the 31-year-old former captain Smith's absence, Australia slumped to 123-5 inside 24 overs on Friday after losing the toss. Stoinis was well caught by diving wicketkeeper Jos Buttler off fast bowler Mark Wood for 43, featuring six fours. Then both Labuschagne (21) and Alex Carey (10) fell to leg-spinner Adil Rashid in what was Australia's first one-day international against England since an eight-wicket defeat by the eventual champions in last year's World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston.

Australia's Smith to have new concussion test ahead of 2nd England ODI

Suresh Raina opting out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has left a huge void in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as the three-time IPL winners will be without their leading run-scorer and second in tournament history. While there have been speculations over who would replace Raina or whether the southpaw would return back to the Super Kings back, former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris has said he would put Ambati Rayudu at number three spot in the CSK batting line-up.&nbsp;

Styris opined that CSK have a lot of options in their overseas players or even someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ravindra Jadeja but added he would personally put Rayudu at number three in the CSK batting line-up.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-from-raina-to-malinga-top-players-who-have-pulled-out-of-the-tournament-326040" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: From Raina to Malinga - Top players who have pulled out of the tournament</a>

“Yeah, tough one, isn’t it, a player of that class, a player who has been so good for so long. To suddenly finds those runs, even in the field and the odd over as well with the ball, is going to be a big task. I know that the CSK squad is deep, they’ve got a lot of options at the top, but I also believe that as much as the pressure is now on to find that No. 3, it’s just probably the most challenging time that I can look for any way for CSK,” said Styris on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected.

“Couple of options they could go with, the two overseas players at the top and bring in the youngster Gaikwad as well or they may decide to have a pitch-hitter. I know that Simon Doull, my fellow New Zealander is guesstimated that Mitchell Santner could go to the top. May be even someone like Jadeja too, who we have seen in Indian colours, has been so good, so they need to find that No. 3. Personally, I’d put Rayudu in there to take that spot,” added Styris.'

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-dawid-malan-to-replace-suresh-raina-csk-ceo-clears-the-air-326804" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Dawid Malan to replace Suresh Raina? CSK CEO clears the air</a>

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has dismissed the rumours of England batsman Dawid Malan replacing Raina as he said that CSK’s overseas quota is full.&nbsp;

CSK will open their campaign on match day one against defending champions Mumbai Indians on September 19.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Suresh Raina opting out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has left a huge void in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as the three-time IPL winners will be without their leading run-scorer and second in tournament history.

Suresh Raina opting out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has left a huge void in the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as the three-time IPL winners will be without their leading run-scorer and second in tournament history. While there have been speculations over who would replace Raina or whether the southpaw would return back to the Super Kings back, former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris has said he would put Ambati Rayudu at number three spot in the CSK batting line-up. Styris opined that CSK have a lot of options in their overseas players or even someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad or Ravindra Jadeja but added he would personally put Rayudu at number three in the CSK batting line-up. IN PICS | IPL 2020: From Raina to Malinga - Top players who have pulled out of the tournament “Yeah, tough one, isn’t it, a player of that class, a player who has been so good for so long. To suddenly finds those runs, even in the field and the odd over as well with the ball, is going to be a big task. I know that the CSK squad is deep, they’ve got a lot of options at the top, but I also believe that as much as the pressure is now on to find that No. 3, it’s just probably the most challenging time that I can look for any way for CSK,” said Styris on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected. “Couple of options they could go with, the two overseas players at the top and bring in the youngster Gaikwad as well or they may decide to have a pitch-hitter. I know that Simon Doull, my fellow New Zealander is guesstimated that Mitchell Santner could go to the top. May be even someone like Jadeja too, who we have seen in Indian colours, has been so good, so they need to find that No. 3. Personally, I’d put Rayudu in there to take that spot,” added Styris.' ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Dawid Malan to replace Suresh Raina? CSK CEO clears the air Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan has dismissed the rumours of England batsman Dawid Malan replacing Raina as he said that CSK’s overseas quota is full. CSK will open their campaign on match day one against defending champions Mumbai Indians on September 19.

IPL 13: Who should replace Suresh Raina in CSK playing XI? Scott Styris opines

With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> approaching fast, pundits and former cricketers have started predicting their favourites and what to expect from the lucrative T20 tournament. Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja has said that conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will make life tough for ‘big hitters’ such as Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Chris Lynn and others.

Raja is of the view that teams who have a strong spin department will do well, keeping the slowish pitches in the UAE while adding fast bowlers will depend a lot on their variations rather than express pace.&nbsp;

“I think the teams who have a good spin department will do well, that is the first thing,” Raja said on the YouTube show Cric Cast.

“The big-hitters will struggle. Like Lynn, Pollard or Pandya brothers, Hardik Pandya probably although he plays spin well. But I feel that the team selection in this IPL will be slightly different. Fast bowling will be difficult, you will see a lot of variations.”

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-predicting-mvps-from-each-franchise-326829" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Predicting MVPs from each franchise</a>

Interestingly, Kieron Pollard has been extremely successful in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 where he led from the front and helped Trinbago Knight Riders lift the trophy. He was terrific with both bat and ball. However, the former Pakistani captain seems unimpressed with the showing and has come to a verdict that big hitters will struggle during the course of IPL 2020.

Raja further opined that lack of fans in the stand and staying inside bio-bubble for nearly two months will take a toll on players’ performance in IPL 2020.&nbsp;

“And behind closed doors, what will be the impact, because you will have to almost remain like a prisoner in a bio-secure environment and put up your best performance. So it becomes a difficult task. Because IPL without the buzz of the crowd is incomplete,” Raja said.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-updated-squad-list-of-all-the-franchises-retained-and-bought-players-326654" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Updated squad list of all franchises; retained and bought players</a>

&nbsp;“So big teams will be playing away from their homes where they had a lot of advantage, for e.g. Kolkata Knight Riders had an advantage of playing at the Eden Gardens where the crowd support helps them in crunch moments. Similarly, RCB plays in Bangalore, who get an advantage there. So, it will be interesting to see how they adjust themselves in neutral territory.”

IPL 2020 starts from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10 in the UAE. 
&nbsp;

With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 approaching fast, pundits and former cricketers have started predicting their favourites and what to expect from the lucrative T20 tournament.

With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 approaching fast, pundits and former cricketers have started predicting their favourites and what to expect from the lucrative T20 tournament. Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja has said that conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will make life tough for ‘big hitters’ such as Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Chris Lynn and others. Raja is of the view that teams who have a strong spin department will do well, keeping the slowish pitches in the UAE while adding fast bowlers will depend a lot on their variations rather than express pace. “I think the teams who have a good spin department will do well, that is the first thing,” Raja said on the YouTube show Cric Cast. “The big-hitters will struggle. Like Lynn, Pollard or Pandya brothers, Hardik Pandya probably although he plays spin well. But I feel that the team selection in this IPL will be slightly different. Fast bowling will be difficult, you will see a lot of variations.” IN PICS | IPL 2020: Predicting MVPs from each franchise Interestingly, Kieron Pollard has been extremely successful in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 where he led from the front and helped Trinbago Knight Riders lift the trophy. He was terrific with both bat and ball. However, the former Pakistani captain seems unimpressed with the showing and has come to a verdict that big hitters will struggle during the course of IPL 2020. Raja further opined that lack of fans in the stand and staying inside bio-bubble for nearly two months will take a toll on players’ performance in IPL 2020. “And behind closed doors, what will be the impact, because you will have to almost remain like a prisoner in a bio-secure environment and put up your best performance. So it becomes a difficult task. Because IPL without the buzz of the crowd is incomplete,” Raja said. IN PICS | IPL 2020: Updated squad list of all franchises; retained and bought players “So big teams will be playing away from their homes where they had a lot of advantage, for e.g. Kolkata Knight Riders had an advantage of playing at the Eden Gardens where the crowd support helps them in crunch moments. Similarly, RCB plays in Bangalore, who get an advantage there. So, it will be interesting to see how they adjust themselves in neutral territory.” IPL 2020 starts from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10 in the UAE.

IPL 2020: Ramiz Raja feels Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard and other 'big-hitters' will struggle

Jofra Archer on Friday bowled an absolute cracker of a delivery to dismiss Australian opener David Warner as England and Australia locked horns in the first of the three-match ODI series at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.&nbsp;

Warner started his innings on a cautious note but it wasn’t long before Archer produced a jaffa! The length delivery by the English speedster moved late to catch Warner off the guard as the ball went onto hit the top of the off-stump.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-predicting-mvps-from-each-franchise-326829" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Predicting MVPs from each franchise</a>

<h2>Watch: Jofra Archer dismisses David Warner with an absolute jaffa!&nbsp;</h2>

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Oh, Jof 😍 
 
Scorecard &amp; Clips: <a href="https://t.co/FTTwAkwEXU">https://t.co/FTTwAkwEXU</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/i733oSWOrQ">pic.twitter.com/i733oSWOrQ</a>
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1304393758017032192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, England will be looking to continue their winning run and take forward the charge in the ODI series after defeating Australia 2-1 in the T20I series. Whereas Australia would be hoping for a much inspired performance after losing out in the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-england-australia-players-to-be-available-for-kkr-from-first-match-says-ceo-venky-mysore-326871" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: England, Australia players to be available for KKR from first match, says CEO Venky Mysore</a>

Steve Smith missed out from the Australian playing XI after copping a blow on his head during training. He was left out as a precautionary move. For England, Jason Roy and Chris Woakes came into the XI as exciting young talent Tom Banton missed out. Marnus Labuschagne also came into the Australian playing XI.

<h2>Here's what the captain said during the toss:</h2>

Aaron Finch - 'We might have actually batted first, looks like a good wicket. Steve Smith misses out, he got a knock on his head while practising yesterday. Marcus Stoinis will bat at three. These games are a chance to improve, a chance to keep winning, we have played some good ODI cricket over the last season. We're confident of moving in the right direction. Plenty of world-class players on show, should be a good series.'

Eoin Morgan - 'Looks like a good wicket, could be a bit tacky, hopefully, we will restrict them to a low score. Nice to have the senior players from the World Cup group back. The wind shouldn't be a factor, we just need to play our game. They are a difficult side to beat, we should be at our best to beat them.' 
&nbsp;

Jofra Archer on Friday bowled an absolute cracker of a delivery to dismiss Australian opener David Warner as England and Australia locked horns in the first of the three-match ODI series at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.

Jofra Archer on Friday bowled an absolute cracker of a delivery to dismiss Australian opener David Warner as England and Australia locked horns in the first of the three-match ODI series at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. Warner started his innings on a cautious note but it wasn’t long before Archer produced a jaffa! The length delivery by the English speedster moved late to catch Warner off the guard as the ball went onto hit the top of the off-stump. IN PICS | IPL 2020: Predicting MVPs from each franchise Watch: Jofra Archer dismisses David Warner with an absolute jaffa! Oh, Jof 😍 Scorecard & Clips: https://t.co/FTTwAkwEXU#ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/i733oSWOrQ — England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 11, 2020 × Meanwhile, England will be looking to continue their winning run and take forward the charge in the ODI series after defeating Australia 2-1 in the T20I series. Whereas Australia would be hoping for a much inspired performance after losing out in the shortest format of the game. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: England, Australia players to be available for KKR from first match, says CEO Venky Mysore Steve Smith missed out from the Australian playing XI after copping a blow on his head during training. He was left out as a precautionary move. For England, Jason Roy and Chris Woakes came into the XI as exciting young talent Tom Banton missed out. Marnus Labuschagne also came into the Australian playing XI. Here's what the captain said during the toss: Aaron Finch - 'We might have actually batted first, looks like a good wicket. Steve Smith misses out, he got a knock on his head while practising yesterday. Marcus Stoinis will bat at three. These games are a chance to improve, a chance to keep winning, we have played some good ODI cricket over the last season. We're confident of moving in the right direction. Plenty of world-class players on show, should be a good series.' Eoin Morgan - 'Looks like a good wicket, could be a bit tacky, hopefully, we will restrict them to a low score. Nice to have the senior players from the World Cup group back. The wind shouldn't be a factor, we just need to play our game. They are a difficult side to beat, we should be at our best to beat them.'

Watch: Jofra Archer dismisses David Warner with an absolute jaffa! 

England and Australian players will be available for selection for Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) first match in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, franchise CEO Venky Mysore has said.&nbsp;

KKR start their IPL 2020 campaign on September 23 and England and Australian players are set to arrive in the UAE on September 17 and even if they undergo six-day quarantine period as per BCCI SOP, they will be available to participate in KKR’s season opener.&nbsp;

The English and Australian players are set to be flown into the UAE on a chartered flight and as per many, it won’t be breach of the bio-secure bubble.&nbsp;

"While they are still negotiating with the authorities, we are reconciled to the fact that we may have to quarantine our three players," ESPNcricinfo quoted Mysore as saying.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-predicting-mvps-from-each-franchise-326829" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Predicting MVPs from each franchise</a>

"They arrive on September 17, but our first game is on September 23, by which time they would've finished their [concessional six-day] quarantine. So it's worked out well, and it's good for the tournament," he added.

KKR have three players in their squad who are participating in the ongoing England vs Australia limited-overs series – Eoin Morgan, Tom Banton and Pat Cummins.&nbsp;

"What we did was put a plan together and shared it with the medical team at the IPL. We told them, 'they're in a bio-secure bubble in the UK," Mysore said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-dawid-malan-to-replace-suresh-raina-csk-ceo-clears-the-air-326804" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Dawid Malan to replace Suresh Raina? CSK CEO clears the air</a>

"What if we brought them on a sanitised charter flight and we took care of all the elements of immigration, testing, contactless stuff and everything to allow them to come right into a bubble here?' To give credit to IPL, they took it very constructively and they have a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for that, which says if you're coming from a bubble to another bubble, you don't need the mandatory quarantine period," he added.

Indian Premier League 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled for November 10 in the UAE. 
&nbsp;

England and Australian players will be available for selection for Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) first match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, franchise CEO Venky Mysore has said.

England and Australian players will be available for selection for Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) first match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, franchise CEO Venky Mysore has said. KKR start their IPL 2020 campaign on September 23 and England and Australian players are set to arrive in the UAE on September 17 and even if they undergo six-day quarantine period as per BCCI SOP, they will be available to participate in KKR’s season opener. The English and Australian players are set to be flown into the UAE on a chartered flight and as per many, it won’t be breach of the bio-secure bubble. "While they are still negotiating with the authorities, we are reconciled to the fact that we may have to quarantine our three players," ESPNcricinfo quoted Mysore as saying. IN PICS | IPL 2020: Predicting MVPs from each franchise "They arrive on September 17, but our first game is on September 23, by which time they would've finished their [concessional six-day] quarantine. So it's worked out well, and it's good for the tournament," he added. KKR have three players in their squad who are participating in the ongoing England vs Australia limited-overs series – Eoin Morgan, Tom Banton and Pat Cummins. "What we did was put a plan together and shared it with the medical team at the IPL. We told them, 'they're in a bio-secure bubble in the UK," Mysore said. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Dawid Malan to replace Suresh Raina? CSK CEO clears the air "What if we brought them on a sanitised charter flight and we took care of all the elements of immigration, testing, contactless stuff and everything to allow them to come right into a bubble here?' To give credit to IPL, they took it very constructively and they have a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for that, which says if you're coming from a bubble to another bubble, you don't need the mandatory quarantine period," he added. Indian Premier League 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled for November 10 in the UAE.

IPL 2020: England, Australia players to be available for KKR from first match, says CEO Venky Mysore

IPL 2020: Predicting MVPs from each franchise

England and Australia are set to kickstart the three-match ODI series with the opener to be played on Friday at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. England won the T20I series 2-1 after winning the first two matches but it was Australia who claimed the top spot in ICC T20I Rankings after clinching the final match of the series.

Two best white-ball sides going against each other in the ODI series is expected to be nothing short of a feast for cricket fans. While Australian captain Aaron Finch was clear that England are the ‘benchmark’ when it comes to limited-overs cricket, the swashbuckling batsman would know how dangerous his side is when everyone is on song.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-updated-squad-list-of-all-the-franchises-retained-and-bought-players-326654" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Updated squad list of all the franchises; retained and bought players</a>

Not many changes are expected in both the playing XIs with Marnus Labuschagne likely to come into the Australian playing XI whereas the now fit Jason Roy is expected to take up a spot in England XI.&nbsp;

After constant cricket, the Manchester pitch is expected to be on the slower side but the team batting first would definitely look to post a target of more than 300 runs. Spinners are expected to dominate the proceedings.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-champions-england-still-the-benchmark-in-odis-australian-captain-aaron-finch-326679" hreflang="en">World champions England still the benchmark in ODIs: Australian captain Aaron Finch</a>

<h2>When will the England vs Australia 1st ODI begin?</h2>

The England vs Australia 1st ODI will begin at 05:30 PM IST on September 11. The toss will take place at 05:00 PM IST.

<h2>Where will the England vs Australia 1st ODI be played?</h2>

The England vs Australia 1st ODI match will be held at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.

<h2>Which channel will telecast the England vs Australia 1st ODI?</h2>

The England vs Australia 1st ODI will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of England vs Australia 1st ODI?</h2>

The live streaming of England vs Australia 1st ODI will be available on Sony’s streaming platform. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

England and Australia are set to kickstart the three-match ODI series with the opener to be played on Friday at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. England won the T20I series 2-1 after winning the first two matches but it was Australia who claimed the top spot in ICC T20I Rankings after clinching the final match of the series.

England and Australia are set to kickstart the three-match ODI series with the opener to be played on Friday at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. England won the T20I series 2-1 after winning the first two matches but it was Australia who claimed the top spot in ICC T20I Rankings after clinching the final match of the series. Two best white-ball sides going against each other in the ODI series is expected to be nothing short of a feast for cricket fans. While Australian captain Aaron Finch was clear that England are the ‘benchmark’ when it comes to limited-overs cricket, the swashbuckling batsman would know how dangerous his side is when everyone is on song. IN PICS | IPL 2020: Updated squad list of all the franchises; retained and bought players Not many changes are expected in both the playing XIs with Marnus Labuschagne likely to come into the Australian playing XI whereas the now fit Jason Roy is expected to take up a spot in England XI. After constant cricket, the Manchester pitch is expected to be on the slower side but the team batting first would definitely look to post a target of more than 300 runs. Spinners are expected to dominate the proceedings. ALSO READ: World champions England still the benchmark in ODIs: Australian captain Aaron Finch When will the England vs Australia 1st ODI begin? The England vs Australia 1st ODI will begin at 05:30 PM IST on September 11. The toss will take place at 05:00 PM IST. Where will the England vs Australia 1st ODI be played? The England vs Australia 1st ODI match will be held at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. Which channel will telecast the England vs Australia 1st ODI? The England vs Australia 1st ODI will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India How to watch the live streaming of England vs Australia 1st ODI? The live streaming of England vs Australia 1st ODI will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

ENG vs AUS, 1st ODI Live Streaming: When and where to watch England vs Australia match?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were dealt a huge blow when the highest run-scorer of the franchise, Suresh Raina opted out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> due to ‘personal reasons’. Since then Raina has hinted he wouldn’t mind coming back to the Super Kings camp and take part in IPL 2020 but latest reports suggest CSK are looking at world number one T20I batsman Dawid Malan as a replacement for Raina.&nbsp;

While Malan has witnessed a splendid rise in T20I cricket and has staggering statistics in the shortest format of the game, Super Kings are packed when it comes to foreign players. Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan on Friday dismissed all the reports of Malan being looked as Raina’s replacement as he said foreign quota is already full in the squad.

When asked if there is any injury issue with any foreign players which could make them opt out of the tournament, the CSK CEO said there aren’t such issues in the squad.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-updated-squad-list-of-all-the-franchises-retained-and-bought-players-326654" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Updated squad list of all the franchises; retained and bought players</a>

"This is news to me as well because our quota of foreign players is already full. So I don't know how we can have another foreigner in the squad," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told ANI.

Meanwhile, CSK seamer Deepak Chahar is set to start training from Friday after testing negative for twice and completing his self-isolation period. CSK and the BCCI have given all the clearance to Deepak and he is all set to start training from Friday.

"Deepak has all the necessary clearance from the CSK and BCCI side and will start training from today," he said

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2020-from-raina-to-malinga-top-players-who-have-pulled-out-of-the-tournament-326040" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: From Raina to Malinga - Top players who have pulled out of the tournament</a>

CSK were the last team to start training for IPL 2020 in the UAE as 13 members including two players tested positive for COVID-19. The entire contingent had to quarantine themselves in what was an extended period for them.&nbsp;

The 13th edition of the league will be played from September 19 to November 10, across three venues in the UAE -- Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai. 
<o:p></o:p>

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were dealt a huge blow when the highest run-scorer of the franchise, Suresh Raina opted out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were dealt a huge blow when the highest run-scorer of the franchise, Suresh Raina opted out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’. Since then Raina has hinted he wouldn’t mind coming back to the Super Kings camp and take part in IPL 2020 but latest reports suggest CSK are looking at world number one T20I batsman Dawid Malan as a replacement for Raina. While Malan has witnessed a splendid rise in T20I cricket and has staggering statistics in the shortest format of the game, Super Kings are packed when it comes to foreign players. Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan on Friday dismissed all the reports of Malan being looked as Raina’s replacement as he said foreign quota is already full in the squad. When asked if there is any injury issue with any foreign players which could make them opt out of the tournament, the CSK CEO said there aren’t such issues in the squad. IN PICS | IPL 2020: Updated squad list of all the franchises; retained and bought players "This is news to me as well because our quota of foreign players is already full. So I don't know how we can have another foreigner in the squad," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told ANI. Meanwhile, CSK seamer Deepak Chahar is set to start training from Friday after testing negative for twice and completing his self-isolation period. CSK and the BCCI have given all the clearance to Deepak and he is all set to start training from Friday. "Deepak has all the necessary clearance from the CSK and BCCI side and will start training from today," he said IN PICS | IPL 2020: From Raina to Malinga - Top players who have pulled out of the tournament CSK were the last team to start training for IPL 2020 in the UAE as 13 members including two players tested positive for COVID-19. The entire contingent had to quarantine themselves in what was an extended period for them. The 13th edition of the league will be played from September 19 to November 10, across three venues in the UAE -- Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai.

IPL 2020: Dawid Malan to replace Suresh Raina? CSK CEO clears the air

Newcastle United said on Wednesday a Saudi-backed bid to takeover the club has now been rejected by the Premier League.

The investment group, which included the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben, said they had withdrawn their bid for the club in July after waiting months for the English top-flight's approval.

A&nbsp;£300 million ($391 million) deal to buy the side from unpopular owner Mike Ashley had been agreed in April.

However, the bid had attracted scrutiny due to the piracy of sports broadcast rights, including Premier League matches, in Saudi and the state's human rights record.

Amanda Staveley of PCP Capital Partners said when the bid was withdrawn that the Premier League wanted the Saudi state to become a director of the club as the PIF was not deemed to be an arm of the government.

"Newcastle United can confirm that the Premier League has rejected a takeover bid made by PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) based on its Owners and Directors test," Newcastle said in a statement.

"This conclusion has been reached despite the club providing the Premier League with overwhelming evidence and legal opinions that PIF is independent and autonomous of the Saudi Arabian government.

"The club and its owners do not accept that Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and the Premier League have acted appropriately in relation to this matter and will be considering all relevant options available to them."

Masters said in a letter to Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah last month that Staveley's consortium had refused the opportunity to take the issue over the status of the PIF to independent arbitration.

Supporters have long campaigned for Ashley to sell the club as they have been disillusioned with his 13-year spell as owner, which has included two relegations from the Premier League.

"Mike Ashley understands fans' frustrations and would like to reassure them that he has been fully committed to ensuring this takeover process reached completion as he felt it was in the best interests of the club," added the Newcastle statement.

"Mike continues to be fully supportive to (manager) Steve Bruce, the players and all the staff and wishes them well for the upcoming season."

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said on Wednesday it will consider adapting its criteria for potential buyers after the failed takeover.

"We are going to look again at the owners' and directors' test and some of the issues and specifics of it," he told the BBC.

"It's time to have another look at it in light of recent events."

Newcastle begin the new Premier League season away to West Ham on Saturday.

Newcastle United said on Wednesday a Saudi-backed bid to takeover the club has now been rejected by the Premier League. The investment group, which included the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben, said they had withdrawn their bid for the club in July after waiting months for the English top-flight's approval.

Newcastle United said on Wednesday a Saudi-backed bid to takeover the club has now been rejected by the Premier League. The investment group, which included the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and billionaire brothers David and Simon Reuben, said they had withdrawn their bid for the club in July after waiting months for the English top-flight's approval. A £300 million ($391 million) deal to buy the side from unpopular owner Mike Ashley had been agreed in April. However, the bid had attracted scrutiny due to the piracy of sports broadcast rights, including Premier League matches, in Saudi and the state's human rights record. Amanda Staveley of PCP Capital Partners said when the bid was withdrawn that the Premier League wanted the Saudi state to become a director of the club as the PIF was not deemed to be an arm of the government. "Newcastle United can confirm that the Premier League has rejected a takeover bid made by PCP Capital Partners, the Reuben Brothers and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) based on its Owners and Directors test," Newcastle said in a statement. "This conclusion has been reached despite the club providing the Premier League with overwhelming evidence and legal opinions that PIF is independent and autonomous of the Saudi Arabian government. "The club and its owners do not accept that Premier League chief executive Richard Masters and the Premier League have acted appropriately in relation to this matter and will be considering all relevant options available to them." Masters said in a letter to Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah last month that Staveley's consortium had refused the opportunity to take the issue over the status of the PIF to independent arbitration. Supporters have long campaigned for Ashley to sell the club as they have been disillusioned with his 13-year spell as owner, which has included two relegations from the Premier League. "Mike Ashley understands fans' frustrations and would like to reassure them that he has been fully committed to ensuring this takeover process reached completion as he felt it was in the best interests of the club," added the Newcastle statement. "Mike continues to be fully supportive to (manager) Steve Bruce, the players and all the staff and wishes them well for the upcoming season." Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said on Wednesday it will consider adapting its criteria for potential buyers after the failed takeover. "We are going to look again at the owners' and directors' test and some of the issues and specifics of it," he told the BBC. "It's time to have another look at it in light of recent events." Newcastle begin the new Premier League season away to West Ham on Saturday.

Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle rejected by the Premier League

Just five months after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> clubs consulted their players about taking a 30 percent wage cut, the English top-flight is again blowing Europe's other top leagues out the water when it comes to splashing the cash.

A return to the routine spending of tens of millions of pounds on players jars with the bleak forecasts often presented by the clubs themselves as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

At the height of the pandemic, Liverpool and Tottenham planned to&nbsp;use government money to pay non-playing staff, only to back down in the face of public anger, while Arsenal announced proposals to cut 55 jobs just last month.

If Premier League clubs require a reminder that Covid-19 remains a threat, they need only look to the empty stands that will accompany the start of the new season from Saturday.

Gate receipts may only account for 13 percent of the Premier League's revenue, according to figures from UEFA's latest benchmarking report, but the other major streams of income such as television rights and commercial sponsorships are also not immune to the crisis.

A rebate worth a reported £330 million ($429 million, 363 million euros) was due to domestic and international broadcasters because the 2019/20 season was not completed on time after a three-month stoppage to the campaign.

Last week the Premier League announced its deal with Chinese streaming platform PPTV, understood to be worth about $700 million, had been cancelled, with political tensions between Britain and China potentially making a new contract difficult to negotiate.

European Club Association chairman Andrea Agnelli said on Tuesday that rebates owed to Champions League and Europa League broadcasters totalled 575 million euros, warning football was in "crisis-management" mode.

Agnelli, who is also the chairman of Italian champions Juventus, said the overall value of the transfer market could plummet by up to one third.

<h2>- Big-spending Chelsea -</h2>

Yet no such downturn has been noticeable among Premier League clubs.

Chelsea have led the way with a £200 million rebuild, signing Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell.

Manchester City have spent more than £60 million on two players in Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres who will struggle to start in Pep Guardiola's strongest XI, while Donny van de Beek could end up costing Manchester United&nbsp;around £40 million.&nbsp;

Even more striking are the sums spent by non-Champions League clubs.

Wolves broke their transfer record on a 40-million-euro capture, Portuguese teenager Fabio Silva, who had scored three goals and started one league match for Porto.

After spells together at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, James Rodriguez and Carlo Ancelotti have been reunited at Everton, who have also signed midfielders Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure. The outlay for the three players is around £64 million.&nbsp;

Leeds announced their return to the Premier League by signing Spanish international Rodrigo and Germany's Robin Koch.&nbsp;

Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Leicester are also among those to have spent around £20 million on a single signing.

By contrast, even giants across Europe such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are selling and seeking to cut wage costs.

The Premier League's lavish spending is due to a number of factors. Chelsea are making up for lost time after a transfer ban last summer, while they are also among the clubs seeking to make the most of a buyer's market.

For others such as Everton, the relaxation of financial fair play rules gives wealthy owners more opportunity to back their clubs.

The Premier League's TV deals worth around £3 billion a season are an even bigger economic advantage at a time when matchday and commercial revenue are shrinking.

But the rebates show how hundreds of millions can be wiped out, with the coronavirus threatening more disruption in the coming season.

Should a lack of caution in the transfer window come back to hurt Premier League clubs, there will be little sympathy shown from across the continent.

Just five months after Premier League clubs consulted their players about taking a 30 percent wage cut, the English top-flight is again blowing Europe's other top leagues out the water when it comes to splashing the cash.

Just five months after Premier League clubs consulted their players about taking a 30 percent wage cut, the English top-flight is again blowing Europe's other top leagues out the water when it comes to splashing the cash. A return to the routine spending of tens of millions of pounds on players jars with the bleak forecasts often presented by the clubs themselves as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. At the height of the pandemic, Liverpool and Tottenham planned to use government money to pay non-playing staff, only to back down in the face of public anger, while Arsenal announced proposals to cut 55 jobs just last month. If Premier League clubs require a reminder that Covid-19 remains a threat, they need only look to the empty stands that will accompany the start of the new season from Saturday. Gate receipts may only account for 13 percent of the Premier League's revenue, according to figures from UEFA's latest benchmarking report, but the other major streams of income such as television rights and commercial sponsorships are also not immune to the crisis. A rebate worth a reported £330 million ($429 million, 363 million euros) was due to domestic and international broadcasters because the 2019/20 season was not completed on time after a three-month stoppage to the campaign. Last week the Premier League announced its deal with Chinese streaming platform PPTV, understood to be worth about $700 million, had been cancelled, with political tensions between Britain and China potentially making a new contract difficult to negotiate. European Club Association chairman Andrea Agnelli said on Tuesday that rebates owed to Champions League and Europa League broadcasters totalled 575 million euros, warning football was in "crisis-management" mode. Agnelli, who is also the chairman of Italian champions Juventus, said the overall value of the transfer market could plummet by up to one third. - Big-spending Chelsea - Yet no such downturn has been noticeable among Premier League clubs. Chelsea have led the way with a £200 million rebuild, signing Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell. Manchester City have spent more than £60 million on two players in Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres who will struggle to start in Pep Guardiola's strongest XI, while Donny van de Beek could end up costing Manchester United around £40 million. Even more striking are the sums spent by non-Champions League clubs. Wolves broke their transfer record on a 40-million-euro capture, Portuguese teenager Fabio Silva, who had scored three goals and started one league match for Porto. After spells together at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, James Rodriguez and Carlo Ancelotti have been reunited at Everton, who have also signed midfielders Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure. The outlay for the three players is around £64 million. Leeds announced their return to the Premier League by signing Spanish international Rodrigo and Germany's Robin Koch. Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Leicester are also among those to have spent around £20 million on a single signing. By contrast, even giants across Europe such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are selling and seeking to cut wage costs. The Premier League's lavish spending is due to a number of factors. Chelsea are making up for lost time after a transfer ban last summer, while they are also among the clubs seeking to make the most of a buyer's market. For others such as Everton, the relaxation of financial fair play rules gives wealthy owners more opportunity to back their clubs. The Premier League's TV deals worth around £3 billion a season are an even bigger economic advantage at a time when matchday and commercial revenue are shrinking. But the rebates show how hundreds of millions can be wiped out, with the coronavirus threatening more disruption in the coming season. Should a lack of caution in the transfer window come back to hurt Premier League clubs, there will be little sympathy shown from across the continent.

Premier League clubs forget coronavirus crisis in transfer splurge

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