In charge of dope control at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> for the very first time, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) might have to outsource the task of sample collection given the high cost of handling the exercise when the event is held in the UAE.

The next best option for NADA will be using the services of UAE's National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) or contact Sweden's International Dope Test and Management (IDTM) which has done sample collection and testing for the last 12 seasons of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a>.

The BCCI came under NADA's ambit from the third quarter of 2019, making this year the first time that the agency will handle sample collection during the IPL, to be held from September 19 to November 8.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the BCCI to shift the tournament to the UAE, provided it gets the final approval from the Home Ministry.

"It is expected that the approved schedule will be out next week and once we send it to NADA, they can take a call. It's completely their call as they will have to bear the cost of sample collection and transportation," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

When PTI approached NADA DG Navin Agarwal on the issue, he didn't divulge much apart from "we will let you know once we decide on the issue".

Till the 2019 IPL, BCCI bore the cost of sample collection and testing with the World Anti-Doping Agency-approved IDTM in charge.

There are a few options that NADA has according to those who are well abreast with the workings of the agency.

<h2>Outsourcing sample collection to UAE NADO</h2>

This is the most cost-effective measure where NADO will collect the sample and transport it to the WADA-accredited laboratory in Doha. NADA has been sending collected samples to this lab ever since the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) was suspended by WADA.

"This is the most convenient option in terms of checking the cost and sample transportation. NADA foots the bill which will be much lower," a source privy to the developments said.

In any case, the Dope Control Officers (DCOs) employed by NADA are not organisation's staff and are hired on a contractual basis.

<h2>NADA sends DCOs to UAE</h2>

Another option is that NADA sends at least 3 to 4 DCOs to the UAE at its own cost for sample collection. It is expected that these DCOs will stay at the bio-secure facility created by the BCCI, which will be different from the ones created by the franchises for their players. The tab has to be picked by NADA as cost will run into lakhs.

With the agency already short of target-testing during an Olympic year due to the pandemic-forced lockdown and working on a specific budget, spending a huge amount on testing players at the IPL may not be a wise idea, according to experts.

"When Indian athletes train in Europe or the USA, does NADA send DCOs for sample collection in those countries?" asked one of them.

In charge of dope control at the IPL for the very first time, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) might have to outsource the task of sample collection given the high cost of handling the exercise when the event is held in the UAE.

In charge of dope control at the IPL for the very first time, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) might have to outsource the task of sample collection given the high cost of handling the exercise when the event is held in the UAE. The next best option for NADA will be using the services of UAE's National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) or contact Sweden's International Dope Test and Management (IDTM) which has done sample collection and testing for the last 12 seasons of the IPL. The BCCI came under NADA's ambit from the third quarter of 2019, making this year the first time that the agency will handle sample collection during the IPL, to be held from September 19 to November 8. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the BCCI to shift the tournament to the UAE, provided it gets the final approval from the Home Ministry. "It is expected that the approved schedule will be out next week and once we send it to NADA, they can take a call. It's completely their call as they will have to bear the cost of sample collection and transportation," a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. When PTI approached NADA DG Navin Agarwal on the issue, he didn't divulge much apart from "we will let you know once we decide on the issue". Till the 2019 IPL, BCCI bore the cost of sample collection and testing with the World Anti-Doping Agency-approved IDTM in charge. There are a few options that NADA has according to those who are well abreast with the workings of the agency. Outsourcing sample collection to UAE NADO This is the most cost-effective measure where NADO will collect the sample and transport it to the WADA-accredited laboratory in Doha. NADA has been sending collected samples to this lab ever since the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) was suspended by WADA. "This is the most convenient option in terms of checking the cost and sample transportation. NADA foots the bill which will be much lower," a source privy to the developments said. In any case, the Dope Control Officers (DCOs) employed by NADA are not organisation's staff and are hired on a contractual basis. NADA sends DCOs to UAE Another option is that NADA sends at least 3 to 4 DCOs to the UAE at its own cost for sample collection. It is expected that these DCOs will stay at the bio-secure facility created by the BCCI, which will be different from the ones created by the franchises for their players. The tab has to be picked by NADA as cost will run into lakhs. With the agency already short of target-testing during an Olympic year due to the pandemic-forced lockdown and working on a specific budget, spending a huge amount on testing players at the IPL may not be a wise idea, according to experts. "When Indian athletes train in Europe or the USA, does NADA send DCOs for sample collection in those countries?" asked one of them.

Anti-Doping measures at IPL: NADA might outsource sample collection

Historic Indian football club Mohun Bagan on Wednesday went global as it became country’s first ever sports entity to feature on NASDAQ billboards in New York’s Times Square.

On July 29 every year, Mohun Bagan Day is celebrated to commemorate the team’s iconic IFA Shield triumph in 1911 when the club defeated East Yorkshire Regiment 2-1 while becoming the first Indian football club to end British dominance on the tournament.

The 131-year-old Kolkata-based club has millions of supporters across the globe but the American stock exchange paying tribute on its billboard holds special significance.

"It is a matter of great pride for all Mohun Bagan fans and supporters. It shows the kind of stature the club enjoys. No Indian sports club has ever featured on something like this, so it is significant, very different," Mohun Bagan's top official Debashis Dutta told PTI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-confident-positive-coronavirus-test-wont-affect-man-city-real-madrid-tie-316765" hreflang="en">UEFA confident positive coronavirus test won't affect Man City-Real Madrid tie</a>

World football governing body FIFA also acknowledged Mohun Bagan’s fame worldwide.

"When you make a billboard of skyscraping prestige &amp; dazzling beauty at @TimesSquareNYC, you know you have become way more than just a club," FIFA said on its official Twitter handle.

"Happy #MohunBaganDay2020 to one of the most passionately-supported clubs on the planet."

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🤩 When you make a billboard of skyscraping prestige &amp; dazzling beauty at <a href="https://twitter.com/TimesSquareNYC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TimesSquareNYC</a>, you know you have become way more than just a club 👏 
 
🇮🇳 Happy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MohunBaganDay2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MohunBaganDay2020</a> to one of the most passionately-supported clubs on the planet 🌏 <a href="https://t.co/jXSwJFMCzo">pic.twitter.com/jXSwJFMCzo</a>
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAcom/status/1288440510466711552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The club had earlier tweeted, "The pictures from NASDAQ is a testimony to the fact that Mohun Bagan belongs to a different league. Huge day for all the Mariners!! Happy Mohun Bagan Day Mariners !! #JoyMohunBagan #MohunBaganDay2020."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/historic-announcement-for-atk-mohun-bagan-as-club-retains-logo-iconic-green-maroon-jersey-312240">Historic announcement for ATK Mohun Bagan as club retains logo, iconic 'Green-Maroon' jersey</a>

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The pictures from NASDAQ is a testimony to the fact that Mohun Bagan belongs to a different league. Huge day for all the Mariners!! 
 
Happy Mohun Bagan Day Mariners !!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JoyMohunBagan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JoyMohunBagan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MohunBaganDay2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MohunBaganDay2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/vA5z8ia92T">pic.twitter.com/vA5z8ia92T</a>
— Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mohun_Bagan/status/1288195383651254272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The die-hard fans took to social media to express their delight as #JoyMohunBagan trended on micro-blogging platform Twitter.&nbsp;

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Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAcom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFAcom</a> for making this auspicious day even more special !!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JoyMohunBagan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JoyMohunBagan</a> <a href="https://t.co/wqBgsaaDzs">https://t.co/wqBgsaaDzs</a>
— Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mohun_Bagan/status/1288450077212545024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Earlier in 2020, the club announced a merger with Indian Super League (ISL) club ATK and will be now known as ATK-Mohun Bagan. The club will play in the ISL 2020-21, which is set to be held behind closed doors from November 2020 to March 2021. 
&nbsp;

Historic Indian football club Mohun Bagan on Wednesday went global as it became country’s first ever sports entity to feature on NASDAQ billboards in New York’s Times Square.

Historic Indian football club Mohun Bagan on Wednesday went global as it became country’s first ever sports entity to feature on NASDAQ billboards in New York’s Times Square. On July 29 every year, Mohun Bagan Day is celebrated to commemorate the team’s iconic IFA Shield triumph in 1911 when the club defeated East Yorkshire Regiment 2-1 while becoming the first Indian football club to end British dominance on the tournament. The 131-year-old Kolkata-based club has millions of supporters across the globe but the American stock exchange paying tribute on its billboard holds special significance. "It is a matter of great pride for all Mohun Bagan fans and supporters. It shows the kind of stature the club enjoys. No Indian sports club has ever featured on something like this, so it is significant, very different," Mohun Bagan's top official Debashis Dutta told PTI. ALSO READ: UEFA confident positive coronavirus test won't affect Man City-Real Madrid tie World football governing body FIFA also acknowledged Mohun Bagan’s fame worldwide. "When you make a billboard of skyscraping prestige & dazzling beauty at @TimesSquareNYC, you know you have become way more than just a club," FIFA said on its official Twitter handle. "Happy #MohunBaganDay2020 to one of the most passionately-supported clubs on the planet." 🤩 When you make a billboard of skyscraping prestige & dazzling beauty at @TimesSquareNYC, you know you have become way more than just a club 👏 🇮🇳 Happy #MohunBaganDay2020 to one of the most passionately-supported clubs on the planet 🌏 pic.twitter.com/jXSwJFMCzo — FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) July 29, 2020 × The club had earlier tweeted, "The pictures from NASDAQ is a testimony to the fact that Mohun Bagan belongs to a different league. Huge day for all the Mariners!! Happy Mohun Bagan Day Mariners !! #JoyMohunBagan #MohunBaganDay2020." ALSO READ: Historic announcement for ATK Mohun Bagan as club retains logo, iconic 'Green-Maroon' jersey The pictures from NASDAQ is a testimony to the fact that Mohun Bagan belongs to a different league. Huge day for all the Mariners!! Happy Mohun Bagan Day Mariners !!#JoyMohunBagan #MohunBaganDay2020 pic.twitter.com/vA5z8ia92T — Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan) July 28, 2020 × The die-hard fans took to social media to express their delight as #JoyMohunBagan trended on micro-blogging platform Twitter. Thank you @FIFAcom for making this auspicious day even more special !!!#JoyMohunBagan https://t.co/wqBgsaaDzs — Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan) July 29, 2020 × Earlier in 2020, the club announced a merger with Indian Super League (ISL) club ATK and will be now known as ATK-Mohun Bagan. The club will play in the ISL 2020-21, which is set to be held behind closed doors from November 2020 to March 2021.

Mohun Bagan becomes first Indian sports entity to feature on NASDAQ billboards

England National Selectors on Wednesday&nbsp;named an unchanged squad for the first Test match against Pakistan starting on Wednesday 5 August 2020 at Emirates Old Trafford. The three-match series will be played behind closed doors, in a bio-secure environment.

England will head to the Pakistan series on a victorious note after the Joe Root-led side defeated the West Indies 2-1 in the recently concluded and successful series. The England squad for the first Test remains unchanged and it would be interesting to see what combination the hosts play in the first Test.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/youre-a-legend-yuvraj-singh-lauds-stuart-broads-500-wicket-milestone-316727" hreflang="en">'You're a legend!' Yuvraj Singh lauds Stuart Broad’s 500-wicket milestone</a>

England Test Squad:

Joe Root&nbsp;(Yorkshire) Captain,&nbsp;James Anderson&nbsp;(Lancashire),&nbsp;Jofra Archer&nbsp;(Sussex),&nbsp;Dominic Bess&nbsp;(Somerset),&nbsp;Stuart Broad&nbsp;(Nottinghamshire),&nbsp;Rory Burns&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Jos Buttler&nbsp;(Lancashire),&nbsp;Zak Crawley&nbsp;(Kent),&nbsp;Sam Curran&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Ollie Pope&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Dom Sibley&nbsp;(Warwickshire),&nbsp;Ben Stokes&nbsp;(Durham),&nbsp;Chris Woakes&nbsp;(Warwickshire),&nbsp;Mark Wood&nbsp;(Durham).

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stuart-broad-jumps-to-no-3-in-icc-test-bowling-rankings-after-historic-series-against-wi-316694" hreflang="en">Stuart Broad jumps to No. 3 in ICC Test Bowling Rankings after historic series against WI</a>

<h2>Reserves:</h2>

James Bracey&nbsp;(Gloucestershire),&nbsp;Ben Foakes&nbsp;(Surrey),&nbsp;Jack Leach&nbsp;(Somerset),&nbsp;Dan Lawrence&nbsp;(Essex).

Commenting on the selection of the squad, National Selector Ed Smith, said: “After three Tests in quick succession against the West Indies, we now turn to an equally condensed Test series against Pakistan, with 15 days of Test cricket scheduled in a three-week period.

“Our 14-man squad is unchanged.

“County cricket now restarts on Saturday 1st August. We want to have sufficient reserves inside the biosecure Test match ‘bubble’, but we may also want to give opportunities, where possible, for the reserves to play county cricket. As we seek the best balance here, England may make changes to the reserves during the three-match series against Pakistan.”

The squad and reserves report to Emirates Old Trafford on Sunday 2 August 2020.

<h2 data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">England vs Pakistan Three-match Test Series: Full Schedule</h2>

1st Test: England v Pakistan, 5-9 August, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

2nd Test: England v Pakistan, 13-17 August, Ageas Bowl, Southampton

3rd Test: England v Pakistan, 21-25 August, Ageas Bowl, Southampton

England National Selectors on Wednesday named an unchanged squad for the first Test match against Pakistan starting on Wednesday 5 August 2020 at Emirates Old Trafford.

England National Selectors on Wednesday named an unchanged squad for the first Test match against Pakistan starting on Wednesday 5 August 2020 at Emirates Old Trafford. The three-match series will be played behind closed doors, in a bio-secure environment. England will head to the Pakistan series on a victorious note after the Joe Root-led side defeated the West Indies 2-1 in the recently concluded and successful series. The England squad for the first Test remains unchanged and it would be interesting to see what combination the hosts play in the first Test. ALSO READ: 'You're a legend!' Yuvraj Singh lauds Stuart Broad’s 500-wicket milestone England Test Squad: Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain, James Anderson (Lancashire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Dominic Bess (Somerset), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham). ALSO READ: Stuart Broad jumps to No. 3 in ICC Test Bowling Rankings after historic series against WI Reserves: James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dan Lawrence (Essex). Commenting on the selection of the squad, National Selector Ed Smith, said: “After three Tests in quick succession against the West Indies, we now turn to an equally condensed Test series against Pakistan, with 15 days of Test cricket scheduled in a three-week period. “Our 14-man squad is unchanged. “County cricket now restarts on Saturday 1st August. We want to have sufficient reserves inside the biosecure Test match ‘bubble’, but we may also want to give opportunities, where possible, for the reserves to play county cricket. As we seek the best balance here, England may make changes to the reserves during the three-match series against Pakistan.” The squad and reserves report to Emirates Old Trafford on Sunday 2 August 2020. England vs Pakistan Three-match Test Series: Full Schedule 1st Test: England v Pakistan, 5-9 August, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester 2nd Test: England v Pakistan, 13-17 August, Ageas Bowl, Southampton 3rd Test: England v Pakistan, 21-25 August, Ageas Bowl, Southampton

England announce squad for first Test versus Pakistan

UEFA says it is confident that Real Madrid’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">Champions League</a> second-leg match against Manchester City, scheduled to be played at Etihad Stadium in Manchester next week, will go ahead as planned despite one player of the Spanish side testing positive for COVID-19.

Real Madrid on Tuesday confirmed that forward Mariano Diaz had tested positive for the virus, casting fresh doubts on the much-awaited tie, scheduled for August 8 in Manchester.

“UEFA is in contact with the club and monitoring both the situation and decisions of the relevant Spanish authorities,” UEFA said in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-evidence-man-city-broke-ffp-rules-but-they-failed-to-cooperate-cas-316736" hreflang="en">No evidence Man City broke FFP rules but they failed to cooperate - CAS</a>

“We are confident that this case will not affect the regular staging of the match in question.”

Real Madrid trail Man City 2-1 from the first leg of their round of 16 encounter before the tournament was suspended in March due to coronavirus outbreak.

Meanwhile, Spain has seen a spike in COVID-19 positives with thousands of new cases being reported on daily basis, taking its tally up to over 298,000 cases.

While Mariano’s participation in the tie is highly unlikely as he would be self-isolating himself, Man City’s Sergio Aguero is also a major doubt for the clash after undergoing a surgery.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-not-retiring-anytime-soon-will-play-2022-world-cup-xavi-316726" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi not retiring anytime soon, will play 2022 World Cup: Xavi</a>

After the completion of the remaining round of 16 matches, the ‘Final-8’ of the tournament will be played in Lisbon, Portugal in a bid to keep the logistical issues to minimum.&nbsp;

Liverpool are the defending champions but were knocked out by Atletico Madrid as Europe’s elite competition will witness a new champion this time. 
&nbsp;

UEFA says it is confident that Real Madrid’s Champions League second-leg match against Manchester City, scheduled to be played at Etihad Stadium in Manchester next week, will go ahead as planned despite one player of the Spanish side testing positive for COVID-19.

UEFA says it is confident that Real Madrid’s Champions League second-leg match against Manchester City, scheduled to be played at Etihad Stadium in Manchester next week, will go ahead as planned despite one player of the Spanish side testing positive for COVID-19. Real Madrid on Tuesday confirmed that forward Mariano Diaz had tested positive for the virus, casting fresh doubts on the much-awaited tie, scheduled for August 8 in Manchester. “UEFA is in contact with the club and monitoring both the situation and decisions of the relevant Spanish authorities,” UEFA said in a statement. ALSO READ: No evidence Man City broke FFP rules but they failed to cooperate - CAS “We are confident that this case will not affect the regular staging of the match in question.” Real Madrid trail Man City 2-1 from the first leg of their round of 16 encounter before the tournament was suspended in March due to coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, Spain has seen a spike in COVID-19 positives with thousands of new cases being reported on daily basis, taking its tally up to over 298,000 cases. While Mariano’s participation in the tie is highly unlikely as he would be self-isolating himself, Man City’s Sergio Aguero is also a major doubt for the clash after undergoing a surgery. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi not retiring anytime soon, will play 2022 World Cup: Xavi After the completion of the remaining round of 16 matches, the ‘Final-8’ of the tournament will be played in Lisbon, Portugal in a bid to keep the logistical issues to minimum. Liverpool are the defending champions but were knocked out by Atletico Madrid as Europe’s elite competition will witness a new champion this time.

UEFA confident positive coronavirus test won't affect Man City-Real Madrid tie

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios shot back at Borna Coric on Wednesday after the latter said that he was not bothered by criticism on Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour, where several top tennis players tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

The likes of Djokovic, Coric, Grigor Dimitrov and Viktor Troicki tested positive for the dreaded virus in Serbia and Croatia and the ill-fated tour was later cancelled.

Coric, reacting to Kyrgios’ criticism over the Adria Tour, the lack of social distancing and the players’ behavior after the event, said he would have understood if someone else was giving lessons while downplaying what Kyrgios has been saying for months.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japans-wta-pan-pacific-open-tennis-scrapped-over-coronavirus-316445" hreflang="en">Japan's WTA Pan Pacific Open tennis scrapped over coronavirus</a>

"I read what he wrote, but I simply don't care because he likes to be a general after a battle," Coric told Croatia's Jutarnji List newspaper.

"If someone else was teaching lessons I would have understood, but Kyrgios … it's somehow not realistic."

Kyrgios had earlier criticized Alexander Zverev after a video of the German dancing at a packed club went viral on social media despite the world no. seven promising he would self-isolate after his appearance at the Adria Tour. 
Coric agreed what Zverev did was bad but added that there’s no need to criticise fellow players.

"I agree that was not good, Zverev acted badly," said Coric. "But I don't see the need to criticise fellow players in such a way. I wouldn't do it, but again – it's Kyrgios."

The comment by Coric irked Kyrgios as the Aussie asked whether he has rocks inside his head, in a strong-worded tweet.

<h2>"Do you have rocks in your head?" - Kyrgios asks Coric</h2>

You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0,” Kyrgios wrote on Wednesday.

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You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0 (🍩) <a href="https://t.co/KNBa5mNG77">https://t.co/KNBa5mNG77</a>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1288333985626505216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Again, you can stand up for your mates, I'm just trying to hold them accountable. They are tennis players, they aren't special." 
&nbsp;

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios shot back at Borna Coric on Wednesday after the latter said that he was not bothered by criticism on Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour, where several top tennis players tested positive for coronavirus.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios shot back at Borna Coric on Wednesday after the latter said that he was not bothered by criticism on Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour, where several top tennis players tested positive for coronavirus. The likes of Djokovic, Coric, Grigor Dimitrov and Viktor Troicki tested positive for the dreaded virus in Serbia and Croatia and the ill-fated tour was later cancelled. Coric, reacting to Kyrgios’ criticism over the Adria Tour, the lack of social distancing and the players’ behavior after the event, said he would have understood if someone else was giving lessons while downplaying what Kyrgios has been saying for months. ALSO READ: Japan's WTA Pan Pacific Open tennis scrapped over coronavirus "I read what he wrote, but I simply don't care because he likes to be a general after a battle," Coric told Croatia's Jutarnji List newspaper. "If someone else was teaching lessons I would have understood, but Kyrgios … it's somehow not realistic." Kyrgios had earlier criticized Alexander Zverev after a video of the German dancing at a packed club went viral on social media despite the world no. seven promising he would self-isolate after his appearance at the Adria Tour. Coric agreed what Zverev did was bad but added that there’s no need to criticise fellow players. "I agree that was not good, Zverev acted badly," said Coric. "But I don't see the need to criticise fellow players in such a way. I wouldn't do it, but again – it's Kyrgios." The comment by Coric irked Kyrgios as the Aussie asked whether he has rocks inside his head, in a strong-worded tweet. "Do you have rocks in your head?" - Kyrgios asks Coric You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0,” Kyrgios wrote on Wednesday. You should care. Do you have rocks in your head? Again, you can stand up for your mates, I’m just trying to hold them accountable. When I said what I said, I didn’t intend to bother. They are tennis players, they aren’t special. Just as I thought Coric intellectual level = 0 (🍩) https://t.co/KNBa5mNG77 — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 29, 2020 × "Again, you can stand up for your mates, I'm just trying to hold them accountable. They are tennis players, they aren't special."

Nick Kyrgios hits back at Borna Coric over Adria Tour saga, asks 'do you have rocks in your head?'

UEFA’s claim that Manchester City “disguised equity funding” from their owners was “unsubstantiated” but the club showed “blatant disregard” to the Financial Fair Play investigation, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Tuesday.

The CAS panel that heard Premier League City’s appeal published their full reasoning for overturning the English club’s two-year ban from European football earlier this month.

The decision allows City to compete in next season’s elite Champions League competition.

Sport’s highest court also reduced the fine for City’s failure to cooperate with UEFA to 10 million euros ($11.72 million) from 30 million euros.

European soccer’s governing body UEFA ruled in February that City had committed serious FFP breaches and failed to cooperate with its investigation.

The FFP regulations are designed to stop clubs running up big losses through spending on players. They also ensure sponsorship deals are based on their real market value and are genuine commercial agreements and not ways for owners to pump cash into a club to get around the rules.

UEFA opened an investigation into City in March 2019 after the publication of ‘Football Leaks’ documents led to allegations that the club’s Abu Dhabi owners inflated sponsorship agreements to comply with the FFP requirements.

The leaked documents included club emails which referred to money being “routed” through sponsors.

CAS ruled that the leaked documents could be used as evidence but noted that they did not prove the existence of any actual transactions that broke UEFA’s rules and no evidence was produced that such payments were carried out.

The court also pointed out that the leaked emails were distributed internally and not sent to sponsors or other parts of the club’s United Arab Emirates based owners.

The panel also said that some of UEFA’s charges related to material that was over five years old and was therefore time-barred according to UEFA’s own rules.

City did not supply UEFA’s investigation with the original emails related to the leaked documents but CAS also noted that UEFA did not “pursue” that evidence before the hearing.

“UEFA’s approach in this regard is understood, because it was faced with a dilemma between trying to obtain additional evidence and having an award issued before the start of the 2020/2021 UEFA club competitions season,” said the CAS panel.

Explaining the decision to overturn the ban, CAS said that the charge of “dishonest concealment of equity”, which was unproven, was more serious than the failure to cooperate with UEFA’s investigation.

“The majority of the panel therefore does not consider it appropriate to impose any ban... for MCFC’s failure to cooperate with the investigations alone,” the judgment concluded.

($1 = 0.8532 euros)

UEFA’s claim that Manchester City “disguised equity funding” from their owners was “unsubstantiated” but the club showed “blatant disregard” to the Financial Fair Play investigation, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Tuesday.

UEFA’s claim that Manchester City “disguised equity funding” from their owners was “unsubstantiated” but the club showed “blatant disregard” to the Financial Fair Play investigation, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Tuesday. The CAS panel that heard Premier League City’s appeal published their full reasoning for overturning the English club’s two-year ban from European football earlier this month. The decision allows City to compete in next season’s elite Champions League competition. Sport’s highest court also reduced the fine for City’s failure to cooperate with UEFA to 10 million euros ($11.72 million) from 30 million euros. European soccer’s governing body UEFA ruled in February that City had committed serious FFP breaches and failed to cooperate with its investigation. The FFP regulations are designed to stop clubs running up big losses through spending on players. They also ensure sponsorship deals are based on their real market value and are genuine commercial agreements and not ways for owners to pump cash into a club to get around the rules. UEFA opened an investigation into City in March 2019 after the publication of ‘Football Leaks’ documents led to allegations that the club’s Abu Dhabi owners inflated sponsorship agreements to comply with the FFP requirements. The leaked documents included club emails which referred to money being “routed” through sponsors. CAS ruled that the leaked documents could be used as evidence but noted that they did not prove the existence of any actual transactions that broke UEFA’s rules and no evidence was produced that such payments were carried out. The court also pointed out that the leaked emails were distributed internally and not sent to sponsors or other parts of the club’s United Arab Emirates based owners. The panel also said that some of UEFA’s charges related to material that was over five years old and was therefore time-barred according to UEFA’s own rules. City did not supply UEFA’s investigation with the original emails related to the leaked documents but CAS also noted that UEFA did not “pursue” that evidence before the hearing. “UEFA’s approach in this regard is understood, because it was faced with a dilemma between trying to obtain additional evidence and having an award issued before the start of the 2020/2021 UEFA club competitions season,” said the CAS panel. Explaining the decision to overturn the ban, CAS said that the charge of “dishonest concealment of equity”, which was unproven, was more serious than the failure to cooperate with UEFA’s investigation. “The majority of the panel therefore does not consider it appropriate to impose any ban... for MCFC’s failure to cooperate with the investigations alone,” the judgment concluded. ($1 = 0.8532 euros)

No evidence Man City broke FFP rules but they failed to cooperate - CAS

Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi has said that he doesn’t see Lionel Messi retiring before Qatar World Cup 2020 while adding he sees the Argentine maestro play until he wants to. While Xavi has won everything possible in his club and international career, Messi is missing an international trophy in what has been a trophy-laden career.&nbsp;

Messi had earlier admitted that he might not be in the international football arena for long but his former Barcelona teammate Xavi is of the view that the iconic left-footed magician will represent Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Qatar.

Messi has reached the finals of Copa America and FIFA World Cup but Argentine have always fallen short of crossing the final line. With Messi already 33, many have questioned whether he can continue till the World Cup.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-bound-arthur-snubs-barca-training-316663" hreflang="en">Juventus-bound Arthur snubs Barca training</a>

"I see Leo playing until he wants to. On a physical level, he is fast, strong, he is a competitive beast, physically an animal," Xavi told Marca. "I have no doubt that he will play in Qatar 2022."

Xavi has been also linked to Barcelona’s job after criticism of current manager Quique Setien, however the World Cup winner has backed Setien to turn things around. But he admitted that his main goal always has been to manage Barca one day. &nbsp;

"I do not hide, and I have always said, that my main goal, when it occurs, is Barca. It is my home and it would be a dream," he said. &nbsp;"But now I am focused on Al Sadd, looking forward to the new season. When Barca has to come, in the short or long term, it will come. Above all, Quique Setien must be respected and I wish the team all the best."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lost-as-player-and-person-jesse-lingard-talks-about-his-struggles-during-2019-20-season-316635" hreflang="en">'Lost as player and person': Jesse Lingard talks about his struggles during 2019-20 season</a>

"Sometimes Barca plays very well, others well, and others not so well. But I like the idea of Setien, now and with his previous teams - dominate and make an attractive game. &nbsp;

"Sometimes it is not possible, it is true, but the rival makes it difficult for you. We have seen very nice and very good games of Barca with Setien. Definitely." 
&nbsp;

Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi has said that he doesn’t see Lionel Messi retiring before Qatar World Cup 2020 while adding he sees the Argentine maestro play until he wants to.

Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi has said that he doesn’t see Lionel Messi retiring before Qatar World Cup 2020 while adding he sees the Argentine maestro play until he wants to. While Xavi has won everything possible in his club and international career, Messi is missing an international trophy in what has been a trophy-laden career. Messi had earlier admitted that he might not be in the international football arena for long but his former Barcelona teammate Xavi is of the view that the iconic left-footed magician will represent Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Qatar. Messi has reached the finals of Copa America and FIFA World Cup but Argentine have always fallen short of crossing the final line. With Messi already 33, many have questioned whether he can continue till the World Cup. ALSO READ: Juventus-bound Arthur snubs Barca training "I see Leo playing until he wants to. On a physical level, he is fast, strong, he is a competitive beast, physically an animal," Xavi told Marca. "I have no doubt that he will play in Qatar 2022." Xavi has been also linked to Barcelona’s job after criticism of current manager Quique Setien, however the World Cup winner has backed Setien to turn things around. But he admitted that his main goal always has been to manage Barca one day. "I do not hide, and I have always said, that my main goal, when it occurs, is Barca. It is my home and it would be a dream," he said. "But now I am focused on Al Sadd, looking forward to the new season. When Barca has to come, in the short or long term, it will come. Above all, Quique Setien must be respected and I wish the team all the best." ALSO READ: 'Lost as player and person': Jesse Lingard talks about his struggles during 2019-20 season "Sometimes Barca plays very well, others well, and others not so well. But I like the idea of Setien, now and with his previous teams - dominate and make an attractive game. "Sometimes it is not possible, it is true, but the rival makes it difficult for you. We have seen very nice and very good games of Barca with Setien. Definitely."

Lionel Messi not retiring anytime soon, will play 2022 World Cup: Xavi

England veteran Stuart Broad, who enjoyed a dream series against the West Indies while picking up 16 wickets, on Wednesday jumped seven paces to find himself third in the latest ICC Test Bowling Rankings. Broad, who was not picked in the playing XI for the first Test, came back roaring and dismantled the Windies batters to help England comeback and win the series 2-1 and his performances have been rewarded with him now being the No. 3 ICC Test bowler in the world. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stuart-broad-joins-elite-list-with-500-test-wickets-brathwaite-completes-unique-double-316485">He also became the fourth pacer and seventh bowler overall to complete 500 Test wickets</a>.&nbsp;

Australian pacer Pat Cummins continues to be atop the Test bowling charts with 904 points to his name whereas Kiwi seamer Neil Wagner remains second in the list. His teammate Tim Southee is at four whereas the likes of Jason Holder (5), Kagiso Rabada (6), Mitchell Starc (7), Jasprit Bumrah (8), Trent Boult (9) and Josh Hazlewood (10) slid down the rankings to make way for Braod.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/broad-says-he-could-be-last-paceman-in-500-club-316665" hreflang="en">Broad says he could be last paceman in '500 club'</a>

<img alt="ICC Test Rankings" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ffb60559-2329-4d72-ab35-d6d807d47bf2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rankings.JPG" />

In the ICC Test Batting Rankings, Steve Smith continues to rule the charts with Virat Kohli a close second in the list. Australia’s rising start Marnus Labuschagne finds himself at third while Ben Stokes is now the fourth ranked Test batsman besides being no. 1 all-rounder in the rankings.

Kane Williamson (5), Babar Azam (6), David Warner (7), Cheteshwar Pujara (8), Joe Root (9) and Ajinkya Rahane (10) complete the top ten of the latest ICC Test Batting Rankings.&nbsp;

The Test All-Rounder Rankings remain the same with Stokes atop the list and Holder being a close second. Ravindra Jadeja (3), Mitchell Starc (4), Ravichandran Ashwin (5) complete the top five of the rankings.&nbsp;

England veteran Stuart Broad, who enjoyed a dream series against the West Indies while picking up 16 wickets, on Wednesday jumped seven paces to find himself third in the latest ICC Test Bowling Rankings.

England veteran Stuart Broad, who enjoyed a dream series against the West Indies while picking up 16 wickets, on Wednesday jumped seven paces to find himself third in the latest ICC Test Bowling Rankings. Broad, who was not picked in the playing XI for the first Test, came back roaring and dismantled the Windies batters to help England comeback and win the series 2-1 and his performances have been rewarded with him now being the No. 3 ICC Test bowler in the world. He also became the fourth pacer and seventh bowler overall to complete 500 Test wickets. Australian pacer Pat Cummins continues to be atop the Test bowling charts with 904 points to his name whereas Kiwi seamer Neil Wagner remains second in the list. His teammate Tim Southee is at four whereas the likes of Jason Holder (5), Kagiso Rabada (6), Mitchell Starc (7), Jasprit Bumrah (8), Trent Boult (9) and Josh Hazlewood (10) slid down the rankings to make way for Braod. ALSO READ: Broad says he could be last paceman in '500 club' In the ICC Test Batting Rankings, Steve Smith continues to rule the charts with Virat Kohli a close second in the list. Australia’s rising start Marnus Labuschagne finds himself at third while Ben Stokes is now the fourth ranked Test batsman besides being no. 1 all-rounder in the rankings. Kane Williamson (5), Babar Azam (6), David Warner (7), Cheteshwar Pujara (8), Joe Root (9) and Ajinkya Rahane (10) complete the top ten of the latest ICC Test Batting Rankings. The Test All-Rounder Rankings remain the same with Stokes atop the list and Holder being a close second. Ravindra Jadeja (3), Mitchell Starc (4), Ravichandran Ashwin (5) complete the top five of the rankings.

Stuart Broad jumps to No. 3 in ICC Test Bowling Rankings after historic series against WI

Tobacco giants have spent billions on advertising with Formula One teams over the years, and are again swelling their spending despite a supposed ban, industry monitors said Wednesday.

In a fresh report entitled "Driving Addiction: F1 and Tobacco Advertising", F1 industry monitor&nbsp;Formula Money&nbsp;and tobacco industry watchdog&nbsp;STOP pointed to data indicating cigarette-makers were aggressively stepping up spending.

Since F1 was established 70 years ago, its teams and events have sold $4.4 billion in advertising and sponsorship to tobacco companies, the report said.

And after years of declining sponsorship spending, brought on by growing awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco products, national bans and a supposed ban within F1, the report said that spending last year reached "a staggering $100 million", putting it back at levels not seen since 2011.

The spending, by tobacco giants Philip Morris&nbsp;and British American Tobacco on the F1 Ferrari and McLaren teams, is this year expected to rise to $115 million, it said.

The findings prompted concern from the World Health Organization, with health promotion chief Ruediger Krech insisting in a statement that "we must not go backwards in the fight against tobacco."

&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Harm for generations' -</h2>

&nbsp;

"Promoting these products attracts new tobacco users, especially among young people, causing harm for generations to come."&nbsp;

The WHO estimates that tobacco use kills more than seven million people each year.

PMI and BAT last year formed partnerships with their scientific research subsidiaries and Formula 1 teams Ferrari and McLaren, more than a decade after cigarette advertising was all but banned from the sport.

The tobacco companies are no longer advertising for their traditional cigarette brands, but do appear to be pushing new, so-called "smoke-free" heated tobacco products, although they do not mention them by name.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA), Formula 1's ruling body, has since 2006 been opposed to any advertising or sponsoring of cigarettes or tobacco.

But Wednesday's report lamented that FIA's previous public commitment to fully ban tobacco sponsorship had been watered down to a mere recommendation in 2003. &nbsp;

"The FIA&nbsp;claims that it wants to promote a net positive contribution to&nbsp;society. That's not possible while it is still linked to an industry that causes such harm," Mary Assunta of STOP said in the statement.&nbsp;

Contacted by AFP, FIA insisted in an email that it "remains firmly opposed to tobacco advertising and continues to stand by its 2003 recommendations."

However, it said, "we are not in a position to interfere with the private commercial arrangements between the teams and their sponsors."

"We will continue to monitor the compliance with the applicable laws."

PMI meanwhile slammed STOP's "ideological attacks" and "misguided campaigns" against the company, insisting its partnership with Ferrari "does not and will not be used to advertise or promote any PMI-branded tobacco or nicotine-containing products." &nbsp;

"Our partnership activities respect all applicable laws," spokesman Ryan Sparrow said in an email.

Phil Chamberlain of STOP described such arguments as "a typically slippery move."

"PMI and BAT claim that they aren't directly advertising cigarette brands. But according to trademarks registered by the companies, these brands are associated with tobacco products."

Wednesday's report certainly indicated that the tobacco companies benefit from their involvement in the sport.

It found that media coverage of the 2019 races alone generated exposure worth "at least $150.3 million" for PMI's 'Mission Winnow' brand, and $27.6 million for BAT brands.

"For tobacco companies, the benefits are clear," co-author Caroline Reid of Formula Money said in the statement.

"This is a global sport that draws more than 500 million fans worldwide, mostly young and male — a prized demographic. And tobacco companies receive a real return on investment."

Tobacco giants have spent billions on advertising with Formula One teams over the years, and are again swelling their spending despite a supposed ban, industry monitors said Wednesday.

Tobacco giants have spent billions on advertising with Formula One teams over the years, and are again swelling their spending despite a supposed ban, industry monitors said Wednesday. In a fresh report entitled "Driving Addiction: F1 and Tobacco Advertising", F1 industry monitor Formula Money and tobacco industry watchdog STOP pointed to data indicating cigarette-makers were aggressively stepping up spending. Since F1 was established 70 years ago, its teams and events have sold $4.4 billion in advertising and sponsorship to tobacco companies, the report said. And after years of declining sponsorship spending, brought on by growing awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco products, national bans and a supposed ban within F1, the report said that spending last year reached "a staggering $100 million", putting it back at levels not seen since 2011. The spending, by tobacco giants Philip Morris and British American Tobacco on the F1 Ferrari and McLaren teams, is this year expected to rise to $115 million, it said. The findings prompted concern from the World Health Organization, with health promotion chief Ruediger Krech insisting in a statement that "we must not go backwards in the fight against tobacco." - 'Harm for generations' - "Promoting these products attracts new tobacco users, especially among young people, causing harm for generations to come." The WHO estimates that tobacco use kills more than seven million people each year. PMI and BAT last year formed partnerships with their scientific research subsidiaries and Formula 1 teams Ferrari and McLaren, more than a decade after cigarette advertising was all but banned from the sport. The tobacco companies are no longer advertising for their traditional cigarette brands, but do appear to be pushing new, so-called "smoke-free" heated tobacco products, although they do not mention them by name. The International Automobile Federation (FIA), Formula 1's ruling body, has since 2006 been opposed to any advertising or sponsoring of cigarettes or tobacco. But Wednesday's report lamented that FIA's previous public commitment to fully ban tobacco sponsorship had been watered down to a mere recommendation in 2003. "The FIA claims that it wants to promote a net positive contribution to society. That's not possible while it is still linked to an industry that causes such harm," Mary Assunta of STOP said in the statement. Contacted by AFP, FIA insisted in an email that it "remains firmly opposed to tobacco advertising and continues to stand by its 2003 recommendations." However, it said, "we are not in a position to interfere with the private commercial arrangements between the teams and their sponsors." "We will continue to monitor the compliance with the applicable laws." PMI meanwhile slammed STOP's "ideological attacks" and "misguided campaigns" against the company, insisting its partnership with Ferrari "does not and will not be used to advertise or promote any PMI-branded tobacco or nicotine-containing products." "Our partnership activities respect all applicable laws," spokesman Ryan Sparrow said in an email. Phil Chamberlain of STOP described such arguments as "a typically slippery move." "PMI and BAT claim that they aren't directly advertising cigarette brands. But according to trademarks registered by the companies, these brands are associated with tobacco products." Wednesday's report certainly indicated that the tobacco companies benefit from their involvement in the sport. It found that media coverage of the 2019 races alone generated exposure worth "at least $150.3 million" for PMI's 'Mission Winnow' brand, and $27.6 million for BAT brands. "For tobacco companies, the benefits are clear," co-author Caroline Reid of Formula Money said in the statement. "This is a global sport that draws more than 500 million fans worldwide, mostly young and male — a prized demographic. And tobacco companies receive a real return on investment."

Formula One slammed over swelling tobacco advertising

Barcelona welcomed back three injured French players, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Clement Lenglet, as they resumed training ahead of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">Champions League</a> match against Napoli.&nbsp;

The club did not give any indication that the trio would be fit for the second-leg match against Napoli on August 8.&nbsp;

"The good news of the day was to see Lenglet and Griezmann doing individual work on the pitch," said Barcelona on their website as the squad returned after a few days of rest following the end of La Liga.&nbsp;

Lenglet suffered a groin injury on July 19 and Griezmann damaged a muscle in his right leg on July 11.&nbsp;

Dembele initially tore a hamstring in November and&nbsp;suffered a relapse on February 3 after returning to training. He also trained apart from the main squad on Tuesday.

"Ousmane Dembele has also been working on the sidelines and following his recovery guidelines," said Barcelona.

Barcelona welcomed back three injured French players, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Clement Lenglet, as they resumed training ahead of their Champions League match against Napoli.

Barcelona welcomed back three injured French players, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Clement Lenglet, as they resumed training ahead of their Champions League match against Napoli. The club did not give any indication that the trio would be fit for the second-leg match against Napoli on August 8. "The good news of the day was to see Lenglet and Griezmann doing individual work on the pitch," said Barcelona on their website as the squad returned after a few days of rest following the end of La Liga. Lenglet suffered a groin injury on July 19 and Griezmann damaged a muscle in his right leg on July 11. Dembele initially tore a hamstring in November and suffered a relapse on February 3 after returning to training. He also trained apart from the main squad on Tuesday. "Ousmane Dembele has also been working on the sidelines and following his recovery guidelines," said Barcelona.

Dembele, Lenglet and Griezmann return as Barca resume training

England displayed sheer dominance in the third and final Test of the series against the West Indies as the hosts defeated Jason Holder and Co. by 269 runs to win the series 2-1 after falling short in the Southampton Test.&nbsp;

Stuart Broad was on fire as he bagged a 10-wicket-haul in the match while also completing 500 Test wickets as he became only the fourth pacer and seventh bowler overall to achieve the feat in the longest format of the game.&nbsp;

The West Indies were decimated by Broad and Chris Woakes, four and five wickets respectively, in the second innings as the visitors were bundled out a paltry 129 with only five batsmen touching the double-digit mark.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-opens-up-on-england-and-india-series-ipl-2020-injuries-and-more-316469" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more</a>&nbsp;

West Indies skipper Holder won the toss and to everyone’s surprise, opted to bowl first – a move which failed miserably in both the second and third Test. While English opener Dom Sibley was sent packing for a duck, Rory Burns scored a cracking 57 to lay down a platform for England.

Ollie Pope was arguably the standout batter for the hosts as he smashed 91 off 150 deliveries while Jos Buttler roared back to form with a 67-run knock. Broad, didn’t only shine with the ball, but also did the damage down the order with the bat as he hammered every Windies bowler to score an entertaining 62 off 45 to help England score 369 in the first innings.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stuart-broad-joins-elite-list-with-500-test-wickets-brathwaite-completes-unique-double-316485" hreflang="en">Stuart Broad joins elite list with 500 Test wickets; Brathwaite completes unique double</a>

In reply, West Indies could manage to score just 197 runs with Broad picking up six wickets.&nbsp;England’s dominance in the second innings was clear as they came out all guns blazing to score 226/2 (decl). Burns

scored 90 while his partner Sibley scored 56 while Joe Root played a terrific knock of 68 not-out off just 56 deliveries.&nbsp; 
West Indies were nowhere in the game as they lost wickets on a regular basis and despite the Day 4 being a complete washout, England were able to seal a comfortable victory and get back the Wisden Trophy from the Windies.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

England displayed sheer dominance in the third and final Test of the series against the West Indies as the hosts defeated Jason Holder and Co. by 269 runs to win the series 2-1 after falling short in the Southampton Test.

England displayed sheer dominance in the third and final Test of the series against the West Indies as the hosts defeated Jason Holder and Co. by 269 runs to win the series 2-1 after falling short in the Southampton Test. Stuart Broad was on fire as he bagged a 10-wicket-haul in the match while also completing 500 Test wickets as he became only the fourth pacer and seventh bowler overall to achieve the feat in the longest format of the game. The West Indies were decimated by Broad and Chris Woakes, four and five wickets respectively, in the second innings as the visitors were bundled out a paltry 129 with only five batsmen touching the double-digit mark. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more West Indies skipper Holder won the toss and to everyone’s surprise, opted to bowl first – a move which failed miserably in both the second and third Test. While English opener Dom Sibley was sent packing for a duck, Rory Burns scored a cracking 57 to lay down a platform for England. Ollie Pope was arguably the standout batter for the hosts as he smashed 91 off 150 deliveries while Jos Buttler roared back to form with a 67-run knock. Broad, didn’t only shine with the ball, but also did the damage down the order with the bat as he hammered every Windies bowler to score an entertaining 62 off 45 to help England score 369 in the first innings. ALSO READ: Stuart Broad joins elite list with 500 Test wickets; Brathwaite completes unique double In reply, West Indies could manage to score just 197 runs with Broad picking up six wickets. England’s dominance in the second innings was clear as they came out all guns blazing to score 226/2 (decl). Burns scored 90 while his partner Sibley scored 56 while Joe Root played a terrific knock of 68 not-out off just 56 deliveries. West Indies were nowhere in the game as they lost wickets on a regular basis and despite the Day 4 being a complete washout, England were able to seal a comfortable victory and get back the Wisden Trophy from the Windies.

Broad, Woakes shine as England defeat West Indies by 269 runs; win series 2-1

Stadiums in England are unlikely to get the nod from the UK government to fill to capacity this year and the entire 2020-21 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> season could be played in front of reduced crowds, a senior government adviser has said. While packing the stands may still be a far-fetched idea, allowing reduced crowd could be a step in right direction.

The British government announced plans this month to allow spectators at selected trial events to ‘stress test’ new guidelines with cricket becoming the first sport to welcome back spectators. The friendly match between Surrey and Middlesex at The Oval on Sunday was watched by 1,000 fans. The World Snooker Championship at the Crucible and the Goodwood horse racing festival are also among the pilot events.&nbsp;

“I would be very surprised if we could get full stadia back this year,” James Calder, who was part of the cross-sport working group with government and health officials that laid down protocols on the return of sports, told the BBC.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stuart-broad-joins-elite-list-with-500-test-wickets-brathwaite-completes-unique-double-316485" hreflang="en">Stuart Broad joins elite list with 500 Test wickets; Brathwaite completes unique double</a>

“Realistically I think it probably will need a vaccine and also a high take-up rate of that vaccine before we can really see full capacity stadia.”

Calder said that it was possible that new football season might be played in front of reduced capacities but added that they will be under scrutiny for the next year and rest of the season.

“I think realistically we will be under scrutiny for the next year ... and probably for the rest of the season,” he added. 
He further said that experiments are being carried to determine whether chanting and singing at stadiums might lead to a greater risk of virus transmission.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-opens-up-on-england-and-india-series-ipl-2020-injuries-and-more-316469" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more</a>

“Now if there is no massive droplet spread we can keep within the social distancing that we’ve put down for ... the Crucible and The Oval,” he said.

“But if it is a problem, then we need to rethink the social distancing within the stadia, and that becomes very difficult.” 
&nbsp;

Stadiums in England are unlikely to get the nod from the UK government to fill to capacity this year and the entire 2020-21 Premier League season could be played in front of reduced crowds, a senior government adviser has said.

Stadiums in England are unlikely to get the nod from the UK government to fill to capacity this year and the entire 2020-21 Premier League season could be played in front of reduced crowds, a senior government adviser has said. While packing the stands may still be a far-fetched idea, allowing reduced crowd could be a step in right direction. The British government announced plans this month to allow spectators at selected trial events to ‘stress test’ new guidelines with cricket becoming the first sport to welcome back spectators. The friendly match between Surrey and Middlesex at The Oval on Sunday was watched by 1,000 fans. The World Snooker Championship at the Crucible and the Goodwood horse racing festival are also among the pilot events. “I would be very surprised if we could get full stadia back this year,” James Calder, who was part of the cross-sport working group with government and health officials that laid down protocols on the return of sports, told the BBC. ALSO READ: Stuart Broad joins elite list with 500 Test wickets; Brathwaite completes unique double “Realistically I think it probably will need a vaccine and also a high take-up rate of that vaccine before we can really see full capacity stadia.” Calder said that it was possible that new football season might be played in front of reduced capacities but added that they will be under scrutiny for the next year and rest of the season. “I think realistically we will be under scrutiny for the next year ... and probably for the rest of the season,” he added. He further said that experiments are being carried to determine whether chanting and singing at stadiums might lead to a greater risk of virus transmission. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more “Now if there is no massive droplet spread we can keep within the social distancing that we’ve put down for ... the Crucible and The Oval,” he said. “But if it is a problem, then we need to rethink the social distancing within the stadia, and that becomes very difficult.”

Premier League may see reduced crowds into next year, says government adviser

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