After Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-final of UEFA Champions League 2019-20, the impossible looked reality. Will Lionel Messi leave Barcelona after this shambolic performance by the Spanish giants? Since then, Barcelona have appointed a new head coach in Ronald Koeman, a club legend as a player but media reports have hinted that Messi is done with his time in Barca.&nbsp;

While Koeman has said he would like to keep the Argentine maestro in the club, latest reports suggest that English club Manchester City are ‘crunching numbers’ to see the possibility of bringing Messi to the Etihad Stadium. Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel also welcomed the idea of signing the six-time Ballon d’Or winner.&nbsp;

With Man City escaping a ban after winning their FFP case against UEFA in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the English club would be really careful about their financial spending and hence, are looking at the numbers closely so that they don’t find themselves in trouble, should the dream transfer go ahead.&nbsp;

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Furthermore, Pep Guardiola, who nurtured Messi to become the best in the world in Barcelona, has the opportunity to work with the little magician once again after their splendid success with the Catalan club in the past. However, a EUR 700 millon release clause makes thing pretty difficult not only for Man City but other clubs who aspire to sign Messi. While Messi is 33-year-old now with only a year left on his contract, Barcelona, in all probability, will play a hard ball.&nbsp;

Interestingly, Koeman is also believed to have had a chat with Guardiola over the Messi saga.&nbsp;

“I am very close with Pep Guardiola and I am still in contact with him now. Pep told me that Messi wants to win, he wants to win everything. And if he doesn’t win, he can get very annoyed. I am looking so much forward to work with him. I have to make sure that Messi will be able to function well in this team, and that he feels important. He is the captain of this club!”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldinho-released-from-paraguay-after-five-months-of-detention-322946" hreflang="en">Ronaldinho released from Paraguay after five months of detention</a>

“He has to finish his career here. Messi is Barcelona and Barcelona is Messi”, Koeman added. “Of course he is disappointed, I would be too if I lost 8-2. If he wouldn’t be in this emotional state, then it would be worrying.”

It remains to be seen if Messi leaves Barcelona in the ongoing summer transfer window or not. 
&nbsp;

After Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-final of UEFA Champions League 2019-20, the impossible looked reality. Will Lionel Messi leave Barcelona after this shambolic performance by the Spanish giants?

After Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarter-final of UEFA Champions League 2019-20, the impossible looked reality. Will Lionel Messi leave Barcelona after this shambolic performance by the Spanish giants? Since then, Barcelona have appointed a new head coach in Ronald Koeman, a club legend as a player but media reports have hinted that Messi is done with his time in Barca. While Koeman has said he would like to keep the Argentine maestro in the club, latest reports suggest that English club Manchester City are ‘crunching numbers’ to see the possibility of bringing Messi to the Etihad Stadium. Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel also welcomed the idea of signing the six-time Ballon d’Or winner. With Man City escaping a ban after winning their FFP case against UEFA in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the English club would be really careful about their financial spending and hence, are looking at the numbers closely so that they don’t find themselves in trouble, should the dream transfer go ahead. IN PICS | Bayern Munich 1:0 PSG, UEFA Champions League Final: All the action in pictures Furthermore, Pep Guardiola, who nurtured Messi to become the best in the world in Barcelona, has the opportunity to work with the little magician once again after their splendid success with the Catalan club in the past. However, a EUR 700 millon release clause makes thing pretty difficult not only for Man City but other clubs who aspire to sign Messi. While Messi is 33-year-old now with only a year left on his contract, Barcelona, in all probability, will play a hard ball. Interestingly, Koeman is also believed to have had a chat with Guardiola over the Messi saga. “I am very close with Pep Guardiola and I am still in contact with him now. Pep told me that Messi wants to win, he wants to win everything. And if he doesn’t win, he can get very annoyed. I am looking so much forward to work with him. I have to make sure that Messi will be able to function well in this team, and that he feels important. He is the captain of this club!” ALSO READ: Ronaldinho released from Paraguay after five months of detention “He has to finish his career here. Messi is Barcelona and Barcelona is Messi”, Koeman added. “Of course he is disappointed, I would be too if I lost 8-2. If he wouldn’t be in this emotional state, then it would be worrying.” It remains to be seen if Messi leaves Barcelona in the ongoing summer transfer window or not.

Will Lionel Messi leave Barcelona? Man City 'crunching numbers' for Argentine maestro

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 bound West Indies opener Chris Gayle on Monday tested negative for COVID-19 twice after reportedly attending Usain Bolt’s birthday party in Jamaica. Gayle had to take precautionary steps after Usain Bolt reportedly tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus after celebrating his 34th birthday in what was a mask-free event in Jamaica.

Gayle took to social media platform Instagram to announce that he has been tested negative twice for COVID-19 and now will be gearing up to travel for the much awaited IPL 2020 starting September 19 in the UAE.&nbsp;

"Couple days ago. 1st Covid-19 test.. Before travel I need 2 negative test," Gayle's Instagram story said. In another post, Gayle wrote, "The last one went a bit too far in my nose. Phew. Result was negative."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-will-ipl-2020-schedule-release-brijesh-patel-spills-the-beans-322827" hreflang="en">When will IPL 2020 schedule release? Brijesh Patel spills the beans</a>

"I'm going to stay home for 2020 not gonna travel again nah sah! Tan a mi yard!! Keep the change! Excuse me!," Gayle added.

Gayle is set to feature for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020 and will be looking to help the KL Rahul-led outfit in breaking their trophy drought in the cash-rich tournament. In IPL 2019, the West Indies icon had amassed 368 runs.&nbsp;

Apart from Gayle, Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling and Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey were other sporting superstars to have reportedly attended the multiple-time Olympic gold medallist and world-record holder.&nbsp;

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Stay Safe my ppl 🙏🏿 <a href="https://t.co/ebwJFF5Ka9">pic.twitter.com/ebwJFF5Ka9</a>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldinho-released-from-paraguay-after-five-months-of-detention-322946" hreflang="en">Ronaldinho released from Paraguay after five months of detention</a>

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Jamaica have spiked to more than 60 per day over the last four days and the country now has 1,612 cases with 622 active cases and 16 deaths from the deadly virus.

Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled to be held on November 10. The schedule for IPL 2020 is also expected to be released by the end of this week.&nbsp;

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 bound West Indies opener Chris Gayle on Monday tested negative for COVID-19 twice after reportedly attending Usain Bolt’s birthday party in Jamaica.

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 bound West Indies opener Chris Gayle on Monday tested negative for COVID-19 twice after reportedly attending Usain Bolt’s birthday party in Jamaica. Gayle had to take precautionary steps after Usain Bolt reportedly tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus after celebrating his 34th birthday in what was a mask-free event in Jamaica. Gayle took to social media platform Instagram to announce that he has been tested negative twice for COVID-19 and now will be gearing up to travel for the much awaited IPL 2020 starting September 19 in the UAE. "Couple days ago. 1st Covid-19 test.. Before travel I need 2 negative test," Gayle's Instagram story said. In another post, Gayle wrote, "The last one went a bit too far in my nose. Phew. Result was negative." ALSO READ: When will IPL 2020 schedule release? Brijesh Patel spills the beans "I'm going to stay home for 2020 not gonna travel again nah sah! Tan a mi yard!! Keep the change! Excuse me!," Gayle added. Gayle is set to feature for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020 and will be looking to help the KL Rahul-led outfit in breaking their trophy drought in the cash-rich tournament. In IPL 2019, the West Indies icon had amassed 368 runs. Apart from Gayle, Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling and Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey were other sporting superstars to have reportedly attended the multiple-time Olympic gold medallist and world-record holder. Stay Safe my ppl 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/ebwJFF5Ka9 — Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) August 24, 2020 × ALSO READ: Ronaldinho released from Paraguay after five months of detention Confirmed coronavirus cases in Jamaica have spiked to more than 60 per day over the last four days and the country now has 1,612 cases with 622 active cases and 16 deaths from the deadly virus. Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled to be held on November 10. The schedule for IPL 2020 is also expected to be released by the end of this week.

IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash

Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho was released Monday by a Paraguayan judge after being in detention for five months over a forged passport. Judge Gustavo Amarilla further released Ronaldinho’s brother Roberto de Assis Moreira, who also was detailed for a month in jail and another four months under house arrest in a hotel in Asuncion, for the same charge.

The judge declared that the World Cup winner “is free to travel to whatever country in the world he wants but he must inform us if he changes his permanent residence" for a period of one year.

"He has no restrictions except for the fulfilment of reparations for damage to society."

Ronaldinho, 40, accepted all the terms of his release after being detained for five months. The terms include a payment of $90,000 damages. Whereas his brother, who is also Ronaldinho's business manager, must pay $110,000.

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Both Ronaldinho and his brother are expected to appear before a judge in Brazil every three months. Ronaldinho for a year, his brother for two.&nbsp;

"There is no indication that he has any personal characteristics or criminal behaviour that ... would put society at risk," the prosecutor said prior to Monday's trial.

Prosecutors were of the general view that Ronaldinho didn’t plan to manufacture the fake Paraguayan passports but believed de Assis Moreira knew the passports were forged.

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Ronaldinho and his brother arrived in Paraguay on March 4 with the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner due to take part in an event in support of disadvantaged children. Two days later, the pair were taken into police custody after it was found that the duo had fake documents.

After being detained in an Asuncion police station, where the iconic Brazilian footballer celebrated his 40th birthday on March 21, the duo was put under house arrest for more than four months inside a luxury hotel on a bail of $1.6 million.

Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho was released Monday by a Paraguayan judge after being in detention for five months over a forged passport. Judge Gustavo Amarilla further released Ronaldinho’s brother Roberto de Assis Moreira, who also was detailed for a month in jail and another four months under house arrest in a hotel in Asuncion, for the same charge.

Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho was released Monday by a Paraguayan judge after being in detention for five months over a forged passport. Judge Gustavo Amarilla further released Ronaldinho’s brother Roberto de Assis Moreira, who also was detailed for a month in jail and another four months under house arrest in a hotel in Asuncion, for the same charge. The judge declared that the World Cup winner “is free to travel to whatever country in the world he wants but he must inform us if he changes his permanent residence" for a period of one year. "He has no restrictions except for the fulfilment of reparations for damage to society." Ronaldinho, 40, accepted all the terms of his release after being detained for five months. The terms include a payment of $90,000 damages. Whereas his brother, who is also Ronaldinho's business manager, must pay $110,000. IN PICS | Bayern Munich 1:0 PSG, UEFA Champions League Final: All the action in pictures Both Ronaldinho and his brother are expected to appear before a judge in Brazil every three months. Ronaldinho for a year, his brother for two. "There is no indication that he has any personal characteristics or criminal behaviour that ... would put society at risk," the prosecutor said prior to Monday's trial. Prosecutors were of the general view that Ronaldinho didn’t plan to manufacture the fake Paraguayan passports but believed de Assis Moreira knew the passports were forged. ALSO READ: FIFA relaxes rules on release of players for internationals Ronaldinho and his brother arrived in Paraguay on March 4 with the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner due to take part in an event in support of disadvantaged children. Two days later, the pair were taken into police custody after it was found that the duo had fake documents. After being detained in an Asuncion police station, where the iconic Brazilian footballer celebrated his 40th birthday on March 21, the duo was put under house arrest for more than four months inside a luxury hotel on a bail of $1.6 million.

Ronaldinho released from Paraguay after five months of detention

Another excellent St Lucia Zouks bowling performance ensured Roston Chase’s backs-to-the-wall fifty was not in vain, as Chemar Holder bowled a brilliant last over to deny the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who looked to have recovered from a rocky start through the flashing blade of Nicholas Pooran.

With all three previous games on this track won by the team batting first, Daren Sammy chose to set a target. Kimani Melius announced himself on Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) debut with a glorious Hero Maximum off Chandrapaul Hemraj but was caught at mid-off trying to repeat the trick off Imran Tahir. 
 
Tahir didn’t stop there, as he had Mark Deyal dropped first ball and caught second, both by Ashmead Nedd. Nedd started solidly with the ball, but Chase clubbed Keemo Paul for six to add some gloss to the Zouks’ Powerplay score of 37/2. 
 
Amazon Warriors captain Chris Green used five bowlers in the first seven overs including two overs from himself, culminating in him yorking Andre Fletcher. Nedd got the deserved wicket of Najibullah Zadran, whose mishit saw him caught on the boundary for a duck. 
 
A lot now rested on Chase and Mohammad Nabi, and the Bajan took three boundaries off Odean Smith’s first over. The two were cautious initially against the spinners, and the Zouks were a middling 67/4 at halfway. 
 
Paul and Smith conceded just one boundary each, and Nedd finished his spell beautifully. Nabi briefly broke free with an enormous Hero Maximum and a powerful four off Green, but he was beaten in the flight by Tahir and gave the skipper a straightforward catch. 
 
Chase brought up his second T20 fifty off 40 balls, and in his first game for the Zouks, Javelle Glenn got off the mark with a lovely cover-drive. But Paul was dismissed for just two, and with four overs to go, the Zouks needed an acceleration. Chase provided it, launching Tahir straight and swinging Paul through square leg, and Glenn settled himself with a boundary of his own. 
 
Green gave Smith the last over, and his pace proved effective as Glenn and Chase fell in consecutive balls. There was to be no hat-trick, but the over was reward for the bowler and captain’s persistence, and the Zouks’ total seemed below-par. 
 
Their bowling however was anything but. Nabi bowled a superb first over, and two Scott Kuggeleijn short balls saw King caught behind for 1 and Shimron Hetmyer top-edging to square leg for 4 to leave the Amazon Warriors two down in the second over.

The Amazon Warriors predicament got even worse when Ross Taylor top-edged a reverse paddle-sweep off the back of the bat into his own helmet and was caught, giving Nabi a first wicket. Even a Hemraj six off Chase couldn’t put much gloss on a Powerplay of 19/3. 
 
Pooran was lucky to pick up four off a Kesrick Williams short ball, but there was nothing lucky about the authoritative pull for six that followed. Holder was wayward, with wides, a no-ball and a deft steer through third man, and a 15 run over took the Amazon Warriors to 59/3 at halfway. 
 
Hemraj struggled for timing throughout, and eventually spooned a leading edge off Williams which was well caught by Chase. Sammy showed faith in Holder, who recovered after being crashed for four by the promoted Paul, but two boundaries in a 12 run over from Pooran put a slight dent in Nabi’s still excellent figures. 
 
The Zouks got sloppy in the next over, as an overthrow brought up Pooran’s 50 off 32 balls&nbsp;&nbsp;and Sammy dropped a very simple catch. Pooran then top-edged over the keeper’s head for four to bring the required rate under 9. 
 
Chase ensured Pooran couldn’t find a boundary, but the Amazon Warriors’ number five made up for that off Williams to take his team into the last four overs needing 39. Paul clobbered a Hero Maximum off Chase’s last ball and brought up the 50 partnership, but he picked out Nabi at deep midwicket in the next over. 
 
Sherfane Rutherford blasted his second ball for six to dent Kuggeleijn’s figures. The equation seemed to have swung dramatically in the Zouks favour when Pooran bottom-edged a Williams slower ball onto his stumps, but the Warriors burgled 8 off the last four balls of the 19th including a botched run-out to leave Rutherford on strike and 13 to win off the last over, to be bowled by Holder. 
 
Holder responded magnificently. He flattened Rutherford’s off-stump with a pinpoint yorker, then he had captain Green caught behind, and a bowler who’d gone for 30 off his first 3 overs sealed the win with 2/2, showing the world why West Indian cricket is so excited about him and giving the Zouks a third straight win ahead of the move to Port-of-Spain.

Another excellent St Lucia Zouks bowling performance ensured Roston Chase’s backs-to-the-wall fifty was not in vain, as Chemar Holder bowled a brilliant last over to deny the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who looked to have recovered from a rocky start through the flashing blade of Nicholas Pooran.

Another excellent St Lucia Zouks bowling performance ensured Roston Chase’s backs-to-the-wall fifty was not in vain, as Chemar Holder bowled a brilliant last over to deny the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who looked to have recovered from a rocky start through the flashing blade of Nicholas Pooran. With all three previous games on this track won by the team batting first, Daren Sammy chose to set a target. Kimani Melius announced himself on Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) debut with a glorious Hero Maximum off Chandrapaul Hemraj but was caught at mid-off trying to repeat the trick off Imran Tahir. Tahir didn’t stop there, as he had Mark Deyal dropped first ball and caught second, both by Ashmead Nedd. Nedd started solidly with the ball, but Chase clubbed Keemo Paul for six to add some gloss to the Zouks’ Powerplay score of 37/2. Amazon Warriors captain Chris Green used five bowlers in the first seven overs including two overs from himself, culminating in him yorking Andre Fletcher. Nedd got the deserved wicket of Najibullah Zadran, whose mishit saw him caught on the boundary for a duck. A lot now rested on Chase and Mohammad Nabi, and the Bajan took three boundaries off Odean Smith’s first over. The two were cautious initially against the spinners, and the Zouks were a middling 67/4 at halfway. Paul and Smith conceded just one boundary each, and Nedd finished his spell beautifully. Nabi briefly broke free with an enormous Hero Maximum and a powerful four off Green, but he was beaten in the flight by Tahir and gave the skipper a straightforward catch. Chase brought up his second T20 fifty off 40 balls, and in his first game for the Zouks, Javelle Glenn got off the mark with a lovely cover-drive. But Paul was dismissed for just two, and with four overs to go, the Zouks needed an acceleration. Chase provided it, launching Tahir straight and swinging Paul through square leg, and Glenn settled himself with a boundary of his own. Green gave Smith the last over, and his pace proved effective as Glenn and Chase fell in consecutive balls. There was to be no hat-trick, but the over was reward for the bowler and captain’s persistence, and the Zouks’ total seemed below-par. Their bowling however was anything but. Nabi bowled a superb first over, and two Scott Kuggeleijn short balls saw King caught behind for 1 and Shimron Hetmyer top-edging to square leg for 4 to leave the Amazon Warriors two down in the second over. The Amazon Warriors predicament got even worse when Ross Taylor top-edged a reverse paddle-sweep off the back of the bat into his own helmet and was caught, giving Nabi a first wicket. Even a Hemraj six off Chase couldn’t put much gloss on a Powerplay of 19/3. Pooran was lucky to pick up four off a Kesrick Williams short ball, but there was nothing lucky about the authoritative pull for six that followed. Holder was wayward, with wides, a no-ball and a deft steer through third man, and a 15 run over took the Amazon Warriors to 59/3 at halfway. Hemraj struggled for timing throughout, and eventually spooned a leading edge off Williams which was well caught by Chase. Sammy showed faith in Holder, who recovered after being crashed for four by the promoted Paul, but two boundaries in a 12 run over from Pooran put a slight dent in Nabi’s still excellent figures. The Zouks got sloppy in the next over, as an overthrow brought up Pooran’s 50 off 32 balls and Sammy dropped a very simple catch. Pooran then top-edged over the keeper’s head for four to bring the required rate under 9. Chase ensured Pooran couldn’t find a boundary, but the Amazon Warriors’ number five made up for that off Williams to take his team into the last four overs needing 39. Paul clobbered a Hero Maximum off Chase’s last ball and brought up the 50 partnership, but he picked out Nabi at deep midwicket in the next over. Sherfane Rutherford blasted his second ball for six to dent Kuggeleijn’s figures. The equation seemed to have swung dramatically in the Zouks favour when Pooran bottom-edged a Williams slower ball onto his stumps, but the Warriors burgled 8 off the last four balls of the 19th including a botched run-out to leave Rutherford on strike and 13 to win off the last over, to be bowled by Holder. Holder responded magnificently. He flattened Rutherford’s off-stump with a pinpoint yorker, then he had captain Green caught behind, and a bowler who’d gone for 30 off his first 3 overs sealed the win with 2/2, showing the world why West Indian cricket is so excited about him and giving the Zouks a third straight win ahead of the move to Port-of-Spain.

CPL 2020: Chemar holds his nerve as Chase is too much for Guyana

Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who joined from Italian champions Juventus this summer, said on Sunday that he is "fine" after his new club revealed he had tested positive for coronavirus.

"Fortunately, I am fine and asymptomatic," Pjanic wrote on Instagram.

"But if there's something I've learned, it's that we must never take anything for granted, not even the things we think of as being the most normal.

"The lives we are living now teach us that."

Barca had announced earlier on Sunday that Pjanic had tested positive after feeling "a little unwell", adding that he was in "good health" and self-isolating at home.

Pjanic will "not be travelling to Barcelona for 15 days, when he will be expected to report for duty with the FC Barcelona team," Barca's statement said.

The Bosnia international, who is reported to be on holiday in Italy, will therefore miss the start of pre-season training on August 31 under new coach Ronald Koeman.&nbsp;

The 2020-21 La Liga campaign is due to begin September 12.

Pjanic, 30, was signed in June by Barca for 60 million euros ($70.7 million) as part of an arrangement which saw Brazilian midfielder Arthur move in the opposite direction for 72 million euros.&nbsp;

He is the third Barca player to test positive for COVID-19 following French defensive pair Samuel Umtiti and Jean-Clair Todibo.

Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who joined from Italian champions Juventus this summer, said on Sunday that he is "fine" after his new club revealed he had tested positive for coronavirus.

Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic, who joined from Italian champions Juventus this summer, said on Sunday that he is "fine" after his new club revealed he had tested positive for coronavirus. "Fortunately, I am fine and asymptomatic," Pjanic wrote on Instagram. "But if there's something I've learned, it's that we must never take anything for granted, not even the things we think of as being the most normal. "The lives we are living now teach us that." Barca had announced earlier on Sunday that Pjanic had tested positive after feeling "a little unwell", adding that he was in "good health" and self-isolating at home. Pjanic will "not be travelling to Barcelona for 15 days, when he will be expected to report for duty with the FC Barcelona team," Barca's statement said. The Bosnia international, who is reported to be on holiday in Italy, will therefore miss the start of pre-season training on August 31 under new coach Ronald Koeman. The 2020-21 La Liga campaign is due to begin September 12. Pjanic, 30, was signed in June by Barca for 60 million euros ($70.7 million) as part of an arrangement which saw Brazilian midfielder Arthur move in the opposite direction for 72 million euros. He is the third Barca player to test positive for COVID-19 following French defensive pair Samuel Umtiti and Jean-Clair Todibo.

Barca newcomer Pjanic 'fine' after positive coronavirus test

Mohammad Rizwan insisted all was far from lost for Pakistan after they were made to follow-on 310 runs behind in the third Test against England despite a superb unbeaten century from captain Azhar Ali.

Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday's third day before Azhar's 141 not out guided them to a total of 273.

Rizwan played his part with a defiant 53 during a sixth-wicket partnership of 138 with Azhar that kept England at bay.

Nevertheless, Pakistan were still left a huge 310 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared that saw Zak Crawley, whose 267 was his maiden Test century, and Jos Buttler (152) put on 359 for the fifth wicket. &nbsp;

It was no surprise when, amid an uncertain forecast, England captain Joe Root enforced the follow-on.

But the umpires then decided the light was too dark for Pakistan to begin their second innings even though the Ageas Bowl floodlights were on, a move that ended the day's play.

England great James Anderson took 5-56 as he moved on to 598 Test wickets and the 38-year-old would have become the first paceman to 600 had not three catches been dropped off him after he had taken the new ball. &nbsp;

Pakistan, 1-0 down in a three-match contest and facing a first series defeat by England in a decade, will now do well to escape with a draw.

But wicketkeeper Rizwan, demonstrating the same defiance he'd shown at the crease, told reporters: "We have a few batsmen who can score big, if we can take a 150-run lead then it will be tough for England."

England's Dom Bess, however, said: "We're in a great position. There's a little bit of weather around, but you'd like to think with the bowling attack we have, that we can produce the goods."

<h2>- 'Fighting innings' -</h2>

Under-pressure skipper Azhar had managed just 38 runs in three previous innings this series yet on Sunday he became just the fifth Pakistan batsman to score 6,000 Test runs.

Azhar, an lbw candidate for much of this series, generally kept his head still as he tried to avoid playing round his front pad.

He batted for nearly seven hours, facing 272 balls, with 21 fours in what was his 17th century in 81 Tests.

"If you watched this innings closely, it was a superb innings," said Rizwan. "He worked on his head position...This was a fighting innings."

Anderson, who'd reduced Pakistan to 24-3 overnight, needed just six balls Sunday to have the struggling Asad Shafiq edging limply to Root at first slip.

That took Anderson to 597 Test wickets, with the only bowlers to have taken 600 a trio of retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619).

<h2>- 'Anderson's the GOAT' -</h2>

"He's the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) isn't he?," said Bess of Anderson. "The GOAT of bowling and England's greatest.

"I guess there was chat about potential retirement and then he comes back and absolutely tears it up. That just shows how good he is."

Bess himself had Fawad Alam well caught by wicketkeeper Buttler who, by his own admission, had under-performed behind the stumps this season.

Rizwan, impressive with both gloves and bat this series, went to a second successive fifty by lofting Bess for six before he was well caught down the legside by Buttler.

"I work hard and I have belief that I carry to the crease," said Rizwan.&nbsp;

"I don't care what the score is and who is bowling because I know I have done the hard work and the Almighty will reward me for my hard work."

Mohammad Rizwan insisted all was far from lost for Pakistan after they were made to follow-on 310 runs behind in the third Test against England despite a superb unbeaten century from captain Azhar Ali.

Mohammad Rizwan insisted all was far from lost for Pakistan after they were made to follow-on 310 runs behind in the third Test against England despite a superb unbeaten century from captain Azhar Ali. Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday's third day before Azhar's 141 not out guided them to a total of 273. Rizwan played his part with a defiant 53 during a sixth-wicket partnership of 138 with Azhar that kept England at bay. Nevertheless, Pakistan were still left a huge 310 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared that saw Zak Crawley, whose 267 was his maiden Test century, and Jos Buttler (152) put on 359 for the fifth wicket. It was no surprise when, amid an uncertain forecast, England captain Joe Root enforced the follow-on. But the umpires then decided the light was too dark for Pakistan to begin their second innings even though the Ageas Bowl floodlights were on, a move that ended the day's play. England great James Anderson took 5-56 as he moved on to 598 Test wickets and the 38-year-old would have become the first paceman to 600 had not three catches been dropped off him after he had taken the new ball. Pakistan, 1-0 down in a three-match contest and facing a first series defeat by England in a decade, will now do well to escape with a draw. But wicketkeeper Rizwan, demonstrating the same defiance he'd shown at the crease, told reporters: "We have a few batsmen who can score big, if we can take a 150-run lead then it will be tough for England." England's Dom Bess, however, said: "We're in a great position. There's a little bit of weather around, but you'd like to think with the bowling attack we have, that we can produce the goods." - 'Fighting innings' - Under-pressure skipper Azhar had managed just 38 runs in three previous innings this series yet on Sunday he became just the fifth Pakistan batsman to score 6,000 Test runs. Azhar, an lbw candidate for much of this series, generally kept his head still as he tried to avoid playing round his front pad. He batted for nearly seven hours, facing 272 balls, with 21 fours in what was his 17th century in 81 Tests. "If you watched this innings closely, it was a superb innings," said Rizwan. "He worked on his head position...This was a fighting innings." Anderson, who'd reduced Pakistan to 24-3 overnight, needed just six balls Sunday to have the struggling Asad Shafiq edging limply to Root at first slip. That took Anderson to 597 Test wickets, with the only bowlers to have taken 600 a trio of retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619). - 'Anderson's the GOAT' - "He's the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) isn't he?," said Bess of Anderson. "The GOAT of bowling and England's greatest. "I guess there was chat about potential retirement and then he comes back and absolutely tears it up. That just shows how good he is." Bess himself had Fawad Alam well caught by wicketkeeper Buttler who, by his own admission, had under-performed behind the stumps this season. Rizwan, impressive with both gloves and bat this series, went to a second successive fifty by lofting Bess for six before he was well caught down the legside by Buttler. "I work hard and I have belief that I carry to the crease," said Rizwan. "I don't care what the score is and who is bowling because I know I have done the hard work and the Almighty will reward me for my hard work."

Rizwan adamant Pakistan can save Test despite following-on 310 runs behind England

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel defended his 400 million euro strike force of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe after they were unable to find a way past Bayern Munich in their 1-0 Champions League final loss on Sunday.

PSG's Qatari owners spent a combined 402 million euros ($474m) on the pair in 2017 to win this competition.

However, they struggled to impose themselves on the German giants who have now won Europe's top prize on six occasions.

Neymar, the world's most expensive footballer, ended the night with a yellow card and in floods of tears.

"We want Neymar and Kylian to score but we can't ask for it all the time," said Tuchel.

"I am proud because 'Ney' still had a match with an incredible capacity, he showed his mentality.&nbsp;

"For Kylian it was difficult, he suffered a serious injury, missed a lot of training. It was a miracle that he was with us at all."

Mbappe had a great chance to score but shot straight at goalkeeper Manuel Neuer just before half-time.

As it was, Kingsley Coman, for whom PSG was his boyhood club, grabbed the only goal in the second half.

"I am convinced that if we had scored the first goal, we'd win the game 1-0," added Tuchel.

"I had the impression that the first goal would decide the fate of this final."

He added: "We have to keep this quality to continue on this road."

But will he still be in charge when PSG open their new season in the coming week?

"I have a contract, I don't know anything else."

<h2>- 'Proud' PSG -</h2>

PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi insisted the Champions League remains within their grasp.

"I am very proud of my players," said the Qatari.

"We had a great season, a great tournament here. Nobody thought we would go to the final.&nbsp;

We were very close to winning, we did everything to win, but that's football. We will work next season to win the Champions League because that is our goal."

PSG midfielder Ander Herrera admitted losing the final was tough to take but insisted the mega-rich French club cannot put their achievements "in the trash".

"We have built something important. We have to stay together and start the next dream next week," said Spanish international Herrera of a team who have won seven of the last eight Ligue 1 titles.

"At the moment, it feels like crap, honestly. But we have to think about it, we have done something important, something important for the club, for our supporters.

"There are no words. Tomorrow we'll think about what we did, the squad we built, the things we did together."

Herrera, signed from Manchester United in 2019, said he was encouraged by what he saw in the final as PSG "created lots of chances, more than them."&nbsp;

He also hoped that the club's cash-rich but potentially impatient owners from Qatar won't press the panic button now that their European dream has been shattered.

"We are not going to put this in the trash," said the 31-year-old.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel defended his 400 million euro strike force of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe after they were unable to find a way past Bayern Munich in their 1-0 Champions League final loss on Sunday.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel defended his 400 million euro strike force of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe after they were unable to find a way past Bayern Munich in their 1-0 Champions League final loss on Sunday. PSG's Qatari owners spent a combined 402 million euros ($474m) on the pair in 2017 to win this competition. However, they struggled to impose themselves on the German giants who have now won Europe's top prize on six occasions. Neymar, the world's most expensive footballer, ended the night with a yellow card and in floods of tears. "We want Neymar and Kylian to score but we can't ask for it all the time," said Tuchel. "I am proud because 'Ney' still had a match with an incredible capacity, he showed his mentality. "For Kylian it was difficult, he suffered a serious injury, missed a lot of training. It was a miracle that he was with us at all." Mbappe had a great chance to score but shot straight at goalkeeper Manuel Neuer just before half-time. As it was, Kingsley Coman, for whom PSG was his boyhood club, grabbed the only goal in the second half. "I am convinced that if we had scored the first goal, we'd win the game 1-0," added Tuchel. "I had the impression that the first goal would decide the fate of this final." He added: "We have to keep this quality to continue on this road." But will he still be in charge when PSG open their new season in the coming week? "I have a contract, I don't know anything else." - 'Proud' PSG - PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi insisted the Champions League remains within their grasp. "I am very proud of my players," said the Qatari. "We had a great season, a great tournament here. Nobody thought we would go to the final. We were very close to winning, we did everything to win, but that's football. We will work next season to win the Champions League because that is our goal." PSG midfielder Ander Herrera admitted losing the final was tough to take but insisted the mega-rich French club cannot put their achievements "in the trash". "We have built something important. We have to stay together and start the next dream next week," said Spanish international Herrera of a team who have won seven of the last eight Ligue 1 titles. "At the moment, it feels like crap, honestly. But we have to think about it, we have done something important, something important for the club, for our supporters. "There are no words. Tomorrow we'll think about what we did, the squad we built, the things we did together." Herrera, signed from Manchester United in 2019, said he was encouraged by what he saw in the final as PSG "created lots of chances, more than them." He also hoped that the club's cash-rich but potentially impatient owners from Qatar won't press the panic button now that their European dream has been shattered. "We are not going to put this in the trash," said the 31-year-old.

PSG boss Tuchel backs Neymar and Mbappe after final loss

It will be remembered as the strangest of Champions League seasons but it has ended with a familiar name on the trophy after Bayern Munich got the better of Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final in Lisbon, with their deserved success the result of the remarkable job done by coach Hansi Flick.

There was tickertape at the trophy ceremony and the usual celebratory songs playing over the loudspeakers at the Estadio da Luz as the Bayern players savoured the moment after Kingsley Coman's goal saw them defeat PSG 1-0.

But it was a bizarre spectacle with the 65,000-seat stadium empty, supporters having been barred from attending the biggest match in club football.

The coronavirus pandemic killed the Champions League as we know it, at least temporarily, and UEFA was forced to come up with a new 'Final Eight' format in order to make sure its flagship competition was completed.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin told AFP in an interview in Lisbon that the format was likely to be a one-off, and some will be tempted to say that this Champions League should always have an asterisk next to it.

But, against first-time finalists PSG, Bayern were worthy winners of their sixth European Cup, their third in the Champions League era.

They won all their 11 Champions League matches this season, an unprecedented feat.&nbsp;

They scored 43 goals in that time on a run that included a 7-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur and the stunning 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the quarter-finals in Lisbon.

They just had the better of the final, even if they were fortunate at times up against the French side's formidable attack of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria.

In Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Thomas Mueller, Bayern's line-up featured four survivors from their last final victory, against Borussia Dortmund in 2013.

But this was also about the new faces, such as 19-year-old left-back Alphonso Davies, the Canadian international.

"Moments like these you dream of as a kid," he told DAZN. "I honestly can't believe it, winning the Champions League is the top level."

<h2>- Winning formula -</h2>

Flick deserves great credit.

A year ago Bayern were dumped out by Liverpool, the eventual winners, in the last 16, and under Niko Kovac looked a long way off being contenders to win the trophy again.

But Flick replaced Kovac in November, initially as caretaker, and has gone on to win a treble.

"It's such a huge joy, it feels like we have come a long way since November," said Mueller, a player reborn under Flick.

"I don't know how it looked from outside, but it felt like we deserved it in the way we played."

As for changing coach mid-season, it is a formula that has worked for clubs at this level in the recent past.

Flick is the third coach in the last decade to win the Champions League having being appointed during a campaign, after Roberto di Matteo with Chelsea in 2011/12 and Zinedine Zidane with Real Madrid in 2015/16.

Zidane went on to win the next two as well.

<h2>- 'Not the football we know' -</h2>

It remains to be seen how Bayern will fare next season, which is just around the corner, with the Bundesliga starting on September 18 and the Champions League group stage in October.

They will be a formidable force again, but so will their rivals, including PSG, who need not be too downbeat in defeat.

"Over the last few weeks we have shown everything you need to win every title going," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel.

"We lost 1-0 in the final against one of the strongest sides in Europe. We must maintain the same quality to carry on this road."

The format of one-off matches in the quarter-finals and semi-finals maybe helped PSG more than anybody else, given their struggles in knockout ties in recent years.

But, as long as the health crisis does not worsen again, the Champions League will return to normal in the new campaign, and that includes seeing at least some fans return to stadiums.

Istanbul is in line to host the 2021 final, having had this season's showpiece taken away, and hopefully the winning team will be able to celebrate with their supporters.

As Flick said: "It's a pity that the fans couldn't be here with us today. Perhaps they can be back again in the future. A game like this without supporters is not the football that we know."

It will be remembered as the strangest of Champions League seasons but it has ended with a familiar name on the trophy after Bayern Munich got the better of Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final in Lisbon, with their deserved success the result of the remarkable job done by coach Hansi Flick.

It will be remembered as the strangest of Champions League seasons but it has ended with a familiar name on the trophy after Bayern Munich got the better of Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final in Lisbon, with their deserved success the result of the remarkable job done by coach Hansi Flick. There was tickertape at the trophy ceremony and the usual celebratory songs playing over the loudspeakers at the Estadio da Luz as the Bayern players savoured the moment after Kingsley Coman's goal saw them defeat PSG 1-0. But it was a bizarre spectacle with the 65,000-seat stadium empty, supporters having been barred from attending the biggest match in club football. The coronavirus pandemic killed the Champions League as we know it, at least temporarily, and UEFA was forced to come up with a new 'Final Eight' format in order to make sure its flagship competition was completed. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin told AFP in an interview in Lisbon that the format was likely to be a one-off, and some will be tempted to say that this Champions League should always have an asterisk next to it. But, against first-time finalists PSG, Bayern were worthy winners of their sixth European Cup, their third in the Champions League era. They won all their 11 Champions League matches this season, an unprecedented feat. They scored 43 goals in that time on a run that included a 7-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur and the stunning 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the quarter-finals in Lisbon. They just had the better of the final, even if they were fortunate at times up against the French side's formidable attack of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria. In Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Thomas Mueller, Bayern's line-up featured four survivors from their last final victory, against Borussia Dortmund in 2013. But this was also about the new faces, such as 19-year-old left-back Alphonso Davies, the Canadian international. "Moments like these you dream of as a kid," he told DAZN. "I honestly can't believe it, winning the Champions League is the top level." - Winning formula - Flick deserves great credit. A year ago Bayern were dumped out by Liverpool, the eventual winners, in the last 16, and under Niko Kovac looked a long way off being contenders to win the trophy again. But Flick replaced Kovac in November, initially as caretaker, and has gone on to win a treble. "It's such a huge joy, it feels like we have come a long way since November," said Mueller, a player reborn under Flick. "I don't know how it looked from outside, but it felt like we deserved it in the way we played." As for changing coach mid-season, it is a formula that has worked for clubs at this level in the recent past. Flick is the third coach in the last decade to win the Champions League having being appointed during a campaign, after Roberto di Matteo with Chelsea in 2011/12 and Zinedine Zidane with Real Madrid in 2015/16. Zidane went on to win the next two as well. - 'Not the football we know' - It remains to be seen how Bayern will fare next season, which is just around the corner, with the Bundesliga starting on September 18 and the Champions League group stage in October. They will be a formidable force again, but so will their rivals, including PSG, who need not be too downbeat in defeat. "Over the last few weeks we have shown everything you need to win every title going," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. "We lost 1-0 in the final against one of the strongest sides in Europe. We must maintain the same quality to carry on this road." The format of one-off matches in the quarter-finals and semi-finals maybe helped PSG more than anybody else, given their struggles in knockout ties in recent years. But, as long as the health crisis does not worsen again, the Champions League will return to normal in the new campaign, and that includes seeing at least some fans return to stadiums. Istanbul is in line to host the 2021 final, having had this season's showpiece taken away, and hopefully the winning team will be able to celebrate with their supporters. As Flick said: "It's a pity that the fans couldn't be here with us today. Perhaps they can be back again in the future. A game like this without supporters is not the football that we know."

Bayern worthy winners in strangest Champions League season

Paris police were attacked and shops in the French capital were vandalised overnight following Paris Saint Germain’s (PSG) defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday.

“The savagery of certain delinquents from last night: 16 members of the police forces injured, 12 shops attacked, around 15 cars vandalised,” wrote Darmanin on Twitter.

Bayern Munich beat PSG 1-0 in the final in Lisbon, Portugal.

PSG fans had already been involved in clashes in Paris with the police earlier on Sunday. Some supporters threw projectiles at police vehicles outside PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium and had to be dispersed with tear gas, video footage on social media showed.

Paris police were attacked and shops in the French capital were vandalised overnight following Paris Saint Germain’s (PSG) defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday.

Paris police were attacked and shops in the French capital were vandalised overnight following Paris Saint Germain’s (PSG) defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Monday. “The savagery of certain delinquents from last night: 16 members of the police forces injured, 12 shops attacked, around 15 cars vandalised,” wrote Darmanin on Twitter. Bayern Munich beat PSG 1-0 in the final in Lisbon, Portugal. PSG fans had already been involved in clashes in Paris with the police earlier on Sunday. Some supporters threw projectiles at police vehicles outside PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium and had to be dispersed with tear gas, video footage on social media showed.

Paris police attacked and shops vandalised after PSG defeat

Former Japanese world number four Kei Nishikori has revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time which casts doubts over his participation in the impending US Open 2020. Nishikori earlier withdrew from the Western &amp; Southern Open warm-up after his first positive coronavirus test last week.

In his latest update, Nishikori said he has very minimal symptoms of the virus and is under complete isolation in Florida. &nbsp;

“Just a little update, I just took another COVID test and am still positive. I have very minimal symptoms and am staying in full isolation in Florida,” Nishikori posted on social media.&nbsp;

“The next test will be early next week at which time we will update you with more information.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-pulls-out-of-doubles-event-in-new-york-citing-neck-pain-322716" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic pulls out of doubles event in New York citing neck pain</a>

Nishokori, who has been staying at the IMG Academy in Florida, has been a Grand Slam success at the US Open, reaching the semi-finals in 2016 and 2018 while finishing runners-up to Marin Cilic in the 2014 final.

Many top players including the likes of Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios, women’s world number one Ash Barty, have pulled out of the US Open citing health concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus, which has infected over 5.6 million while killing over 175,000 people in the United States. Whereas Roger Federer will not participate as he is recovering from the knee surgery that took place earlier in 2020.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-comes-to-new-york-chasing-federers-slam-mark-322105" hreflang="en">Djokovic comes to New York chasing Federer's Slam mark</a>

However, the likes of Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams. Andy Murray are among the participants in the US Open 2020, which is set to commence from August 31 at the Flushing Meadows in New York.

Former Japanese world number four Kei Nishikori has revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time which casts doubts over his participation in the impending US Open 2020.

Former Japanese world number four Kei Nishikori has revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time which casts doubts over his participation in the impending US Open 2020. Nishikori earlier withdrew from the Western & Southern Open warm-up after his first positive coronavirus test last week. In his latest update, Nishikori said he has very minimal symptoms of the virus and is under complete isolation in Florida. “Just a little update, I just took another COVID test and am still positive. I have very minimal symptoms and am staying in full isolation in Florida,” Nishikori posted on social media. “The next test will be early next week at which time we will update you with more information.” ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic pulls out of doubles event in New York citing neck pain Nishokori, who has been staying at the IMG Academy in Florida, has been a Grand Slam success at the US Open, reaching the semi-finals in 2016 and 2018 while finishing runners-up to Marin Cilic in the 2014 final. Many top players including the likes of Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios, women’s world number one Ash Barty, have pulled out of the US Open citing health concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus, which has infected over 5.6 million while killing over 175,000 people in the United States. Whereas Roger Federer will not participate as he is recovering from the knee surgery that took place earlier in 2020. ALSO READ: Djokovic comes to New York chasing Federer's Slam mark However, the likes of Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams. Andy Murray are among the participants in the US Open 2020, which is set to commence from August 31 at the Flushing Meadows in New York.

Kei Nishikori again tests positive for COVID-19, likely to miss US Open 2020

With just three weeks to go for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the schedule of the T20 tournament, which is set to take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. While fans are eagerly waiting for the schedule to release, IPL Governing Council Chairman has spilled beans on when they can expect the fixture list to be out.&nbsp;

Franchises have reached the UAE and are observing the seven-day self-isolation procedure in line with the UAE government’s COVID-19 protocols and will soon start practicing for the much-awaited IPL 2020.&nbsp;

Currently, the IPL GC members along with the IMG team of event managers are in the UAE to finalise the remaining details for the cash-rich tournament. The BCCI wants everything to be checked thoroughly before taking a final call in regards to the IPL 2020 schedule.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/covid-19-impact-future-group-no-longer-part-of-ipls-central-pool-of-sponsorship-322786" hreflang="en">COVID-19 Impact: Future Group no longer part of IPL's central pool of sponsorship</a>

IPL GC Chairman Brijesh Patel said that the franchises are looking at every details including recee of the venues while adding that schedule can be expected before the end of this week.&nbsp;

“We know it is getting delayed but teams are taking stock of everything including recee of the venues. Stay assured schedules will be released before the end of this week”, Brijesh Patel told InsideSport.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday gave a glimpse of how the virtual team meetings will take place in IPL 2020 as every team member including the likes of Mike Hesson, Simon Katich, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers among others, attended the meeting via video-conference.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dinesh-karthik-opines-on-mankading-says-giving-warning-is-accepted-as-spirit-of-cricket-322738" hreflang="en">Dinesh Karthik opines on 'Mankading', says 'giving warning is accepted as spirit of cricket'</a>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sneak peek into RCB’s first virtual team meeting of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> after landing in the UAE, with <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachHesson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachHesson</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> and Simon Katich welcoming the team and addressing them on an exciting season that’s right around the corner! 💻🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoldDiaries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoldDiaries</a> <a href="https://t.co/VA4jY7HylN">pic.twitter.com/VA4jY7HylN</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1297843786140094465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The IPL 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10 in the UAE.

With just three weeks to go for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the schedule of the T20 tournament, which is set to take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.

With just three weeks to go for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the schedule of the T20 tournament, which is set to take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. While fans are eagerly waiting for the schedule to release, IPL Governing Council Chairman has spilled beans on when they can expect the fixture list to be out. Franchises have reached the UAE and are observing the seven-day self-isolation procedure in line with the UAE government’s COVID-19 protocols and will soon start practicing for the much-awaited IPL 2020. Currently, the IPL GC members along with the IMG team of event managers are in the UAE to finalise the remaining details for the cash-rich tournament. The BCCI wants everything to be checked thoroughly before taking a final call in regards to the IPL 2020 schedule. ALSO READ: COVID-19 Impact: Future Group no longer part of IPL's central pool of sponsorship IPL GC Chairman Brijesh Patel said that the franchises are looking at every details including recee of the venues while adding that schedule can be expected before the end of this week. “We know it is getting delayed but teams are taking stock of everything including recee of the venues. Stay assured schedules will be released before the end of this week”, Brijesh Patel told InsideSport. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday gave a glimpse of how the virtual team meetings will take place in IPL 2020 as every team member including the likes of Mike Hesson, Simon Katich, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers among others, attended the meeting via video-conference. ALSO READ: Dinesh Karthik opines on 'Mankading', says 'giving warning is accepted as spirit of cricket' Sneak peek into RCB’s first virtual team meeting of #IPL2020 after landing in the UAE, with @CoachHesson, @imVkohli and Simon Katich welcoming the team and addressing them on an exciting season that’s right around the corner! 💻🤩#PlayBold #BoldDiaries pic.twitter.com/VA4jY7HylN — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 24, 2020 × The IPL 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10 in the UAE.

When will IPL 2020 schedule release? Brijesh Patel spills the beans

Bayern Munich 1:0 PSG, UEFA Champions League Final: All the action in pictures

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