<p>Legendary first-class spinner Rajinder Goel died on Sunday owing to age-related illnesses. He was 77 and is survived by his wife and son Nitin Goel, who has also played first-class cricket and is a domestic match-referee.</p>

<p>"It is a huge loss for the game of cricket and personally for me. He was one of the best, if not the best left-arm spinner that this country has ever seen. His contribution to the game post retirement was massive," former BCCI president Ranbir Singh Mahendra said, expressing his grief.</p>

<p>The left-arm spinner, who was unlucky to have played in the era of Bishan Singh Bedi, had 750 first-class wickets from 157 games, representing Haryana and North Zone in domestic cricket.</p>

<p>It was Bedi who presented him the BCCI's CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.</p>

<p>He played first-class cricket till age of 44 and before him, Kapil Dev was the greatest cricketer to have emerged from Haryana</p>


Legendary first-class spinner Rajinder Goel died on Sunday owing to age-related illnesses. He was 77 and is survived by his wife and son Nitin Goel, who has also played first-class cricket and is a domestic match-referee.

Legendary first-class spinner Rajinder Goel died on Sunday owing to age-related illnesses. He was 77 and is survived by his wife and son Nitin Goel, who has also played first-class cricket and is a domestic match-referee. "It is a huge loss for the game of cricket and personally for me. He was one of the best, if not the best left-arm spinner that this country has ever seen. His contribution to the game post retirement was massive," former BCCI president Ranbir Singh Mahendra said, expressing his grief. The left-arm spinner, who was unlucky to have played in the era of Bishan Singh Bedi, had 750 first-class wickets from 157 games, representing Haryana and North Zone in domestic cricket. It was Bedi who presented him the BCCI's CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. He played first-class cricket till age of 44 and before him, Kapil Dev was the greatest cricketer to have emerged from Haryana

Domestic stalwart Rajinder Goel dies

<p>The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed three players – Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan – have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Pakistan’s tour to England. The players were asymptomatic until they were tested for coronavirus in Rawalpindi on Sunday.</p>

<p>The PCB medical panel is in touch with Ali, Haris and Shadab and the trio have been advised to go into self-isolation immediately. Whereas, Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari were screened in Rawalpindi and the results have come negative. The duo will travel to Lahore on June 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-south-africa-announces-seven-coronavirus-cases-307776" hreflang="en">Cricket South Africa announces seven coronavirus cases</a></strong></p>

<p>All the other players and team officials, barring Cliffe Deacon, Shoaib Malik and Waqar Younis, underwent coronavirus tests at their respective centres in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar on Monday. The results are expected to come on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On June 12, PCB had announced an extended 29-man squad for the three Tests against England slated to be played in August and September.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-t20-world-cup-2020-most-watched-womens-cricket-event-in-history-307714" hreflang="en">ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most-watched women's cricket event in history</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan 29-player squad for England tour:</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Openers (4) –</strong> Abid Ali (Sindh, Lahore Qalandars), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lahore Qalandars), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan, Peshawar Zalmi) and Shan Masood (Southern Punjab, Multan Sultans)</p>

<p><strong>Middle-order batsmen (9) – </strong>Azhar Ali (captain) (Central Punjab), Babar Azam (Test vice-captain and T20I captain) (Central Punjab, Karachi Kings), Asad Shafiq (Sindh, Multan Sultans), Fawad Alam (Sindh), <strong>Haider Ali (Northern, Peshawar Zalmi)</strong>, Iftikhar Ahmad (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi Kings), Khushdil Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Multan Sultans), Mohammad Hafeez (Southern Punjab, Lahore Qalandars) and Shoaib Malik (Southern Punjab, Peshawar Zalmi)</p>

<p><strong>Wicketkeepers (2) -</strong> Mohammad Rizwan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi Kings) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators)</p>

<p><strong>Fast bowlers (10) –</strong> Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab, Islamabad United), <strong>Haris Rauf (Northern, Lahore Qalandars),</strong> Imran Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators), Naseem Shah (Central Punjab, Quetta Gladiators), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Northern, Lahore Qalandars), Sohail Khan (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators), Usman Shinwari (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lahore Qalandars) and Wahab Riaz (Southern Punjab, Peshawar Zalmi)</p>

<p><strong>Spinners (4) – </strong>Imad Wasim (Northern, Karachi Kings), Kashif Bhatti (Sindh),<strong> Shadab Khan (Northern, Islamabad United)</strong> and Yasir Shah (Balochistan, Peshawar Zalmi).</p>


The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed three players – Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan – have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Pakistan’s tour to England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed three players – Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan – have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of Pakistan’s tour to England. The players were asymptomatic until they were tested for coronavirus in Rawalpindi on Sunday. The PCB medical panel is in touch with Ali, Haris and Shadab and the trio have been advised to go into self-isolation immediately. Whereas, Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari were screened in Rawalpindi and the results have come negative. The duo will travel to Lahore on June 24. ALSO READ: Cricket South Africa announces seven coronavirus cases All the other players and team officials, barring Cliffe Deacon, Shoaib Malik and Waqar Younis, underwent coronavirus tests at their respective centres in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar on Monday. The results are expected to come on Tuesday. On June 12, PCB had announced an extended 29-man squad for the three Tests against England slated to be played in August and September. ALSO READ: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most-watched women's cricket event in history Pakistan 29-player squad for England tour: Openers (4) – Abid Ali (Sindh, Lahore Qalandars), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lahore Qalandars), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan, Peshawar Zalmi) and Shan Masood (Southern Punjab, Multan Sultans) Middle-order batsmen (9) – Azhar Ali (captain) (Central Punjab), Babar Azam (Test vice-captain and T20I captain) (Central Punjab, Karachi Kings), Asad Shafiq (Sindh, Multan Sultans), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Haider Ali (Northern, Peshawar Zalmi), Iftikhar Ahmad (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi Kings), Khushdil Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Multan Sultans), Mohammad Hafeez (Southern Punjab, Lahore Qalandars) and Shoaib Malik (Southern Punjab, Peshawar Zalmi) Wicketkeepers (2) - Mohammad Rizwan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi Kings) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators) Fast bowlers (10) – Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab, Islamabad United), Haris Rauf (Northern, Lahore Qalandars), Imran Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators), Naseem Shah (Central Punjab, Quetta Gladiators), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Northern, Lahore Qalandars), Sohail Khan (Sindh, Quetta Gladiators), Usman Shinwari (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lahore Qalandars) and Wahab Riaz (Southern Punjab, Peshawar Zalmi) Spinners (4) – Imad Wasim (Northern, Karachi Kings), Kashif Bhatti (Sindh), Shadab Khan (Northern, Islamabad United) and Yasir Shah (Balochistan, Peshawar Zalmi).

Pakistan's Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan tested COVID-19 positive ahead of England tour

<p>Jose Mourinho strongly defended his record of getting the best from top strikers on Monday after criticism the Portuguese manager's style could see Harry Kane look for pastures new.</p>

<p>Kane played his first game for six months in Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Friday, but failed to get a single touch in the opposition box.</p>

<p>Mourinho's tactics were again in the spotlight as Spurs tried to hold onto a 1-0 lead for most of the second half before Bruno Fernandes's penalty secured a point for United.</p>

<p>Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson said he "worried" for Kane under Mourinho and a lack of trophies could also force the England captain to move on.</p>

<p>Mourinho addressed Merson personally during a videoconference ahead of Tuesday's clash with West Ham and reeled off a list of statistics detailing the scoring rates of Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Diego Milito and Zlatan Ibrahimovic during his time in charge of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.</p>

<p>Kane scored seven goals in 10 games following Mourinho's appointment before tearing his hamstring on New Year's Day.</p>

<p>"Harry Kane has no problems at all to score goals in my team," said Mourinho.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Especially when he is fit, when is fresh, when he has routines of playing that's my message to somebody."</p>

<p>Mourinho was also criticised for leaving a visibly tiring Kane on the field for the full 90 minutes last week.</p>

<p>Spurs wilted in the final quarter as Mourinho made just two of five allotted substitution compared with United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who used his full complement.</p>

<p>Mourinho bemoaned his lack of options from the bench, with Dele Alli suspended and Lucas Moura injured.</p>

<p>Alli and Lucas will be available for selection against West Ham and Mourinho is looking forward to having six attacking players to choose from for the first time as Tottenham boss.</p>

<p>"(Steven) Bergwijn and (Erik) Lamela, Lucas and Son (Heung-min), Dele and Harry, six attacking players, all different, all very good and it is the first time I have all of them available, which is the kind of problem which we coaches love."</p>


Jose Mourinho strongly defended his record of getting the best from top strikers on Monday after criticism the Portuguese manager's style could see Harry Kane look for pastures new.

Jose Mourinho strongly defended his record of getting the best from top strikers on Monday after criticism the Portuguese manager's style could see Harry Kane look for pastures new. Kane played his first game for six months in Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Manchester United on Friday, but failed to get a single touch in the opposition box. Mourinho's tactics were again in the spotlight as Spurs tried to hold onto a 1-0 lead for most of the second half before Bruno Fernandes's penalty secured a point for United. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson said he "worried" for Kane under Mourinho and a lack of trophies could also force the England captain to move on. Mourinho addressed Merson personally during a videoconference ahead of Tuesday's clash with West Ham and reeled off a list of statistics detailing the scoring rates of Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Diego Milito and Zlatan Ibrahimovic during his time in charge of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan. Kane scored seven goals in 10 games following Mourinho's appointment before tearing his hamstring on New Year's Day. "Harry Kane has no problems at all to score goals in my team," said Mourinho. "Especially when he is fit, when is fresh, when he has routines of playing that's my message to somebody." Mourinho was also criticised for leaving a visibly tiring Kane on the field for the full 90 minutes last week. Spurs wilted in the final quarter as Mourinho made just two of five allotted substitution compared with United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who used his full complement. Mourinho bemoaned his lack of options from the bench, with Dele Alli suspended and Lucas Moura injured. Alli and Lucas will be available for selection against West Ham and Mourinho is looking forward to having six attacking players to choose from for the first time as Tottenham boss. "(Steven) Bergwijn and (Erik) Lamela, Lucas and Son (Heung-min), Dele and Harry, six attacking players, all different, all very good and it is the first time I have all of them available, which is the kind of problem which we coaches love."

Mourinho insists Kane will thrive on his watch

<p>Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed on Monday that seven people within the organisation had tested positive for coronavirus, raising questions over the sport's potential return to action in the country.</p>

<p>The acting chief executive of South African cricket's governing body, Jacques Faul, said more than 100 tests had been conducted within the organisation, and theu had included players and support staff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The number of seven is actually quite low," said Faul, who added CSA's medical and ethical protocol prevented him from revealing the identity of those who had tested positive.</p>

<p>The announced cases of COVID-19 are likely to further delay the resumption of the sport in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A three-team event was scheduled for this coming Saturday involving 24 leading players. It was due to be South Africa's first televised sporting event since the country went into lockdown in March.</p>

<p>It was announced last Saturday the competition had been postponed because it had not yet been approved by the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Faul said on Monday CSA had been "a little ambitious" in announcing the date, especially as Centurion, where the match was due to be played, is considered a virus "hot spot".</p>

<p>Faul said no new date had yet been decided and it was possible the venue would be changed.</p>

<p>The news compounds a bad weekend for South African cricket after it emerged that CSA had been criticised by sports minister Nathi Mthethwa during a parliamentary briefing over the appointment of three white men –- Faul, director of cricket Graeme Smith and national team head coach Mark Boucher –- to key positions.</p>

<p>According to local media reports, Mthethwa said he felt "insulted" when CSA president Chris Nenzani told him the appointments had been made on merit.</p>


Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed on Monday that seven people within the organisation had tested positive for coronavirus, raising questions over the sport's potential return to action in the country.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed on Monday that seven people within the organisation had tested positive for coronavirus, raising questions over the sport's potential return to action in the country. The acting chief executive of South African cricket's governing body, Jacques Faul, said more than 100 tests had been conducted within the organisation, and theu had included players and support staff. "The number of seven is actually quite low," said Faul, who added CSA's medical and ethical protocol prevented him from revealing the identity of those who had tested positive. The announced cases of COVID-19 are likely to further delay the resumption of the sport in the country. A three-team event was scheduled for this coming Saturday involving 24 leading players. It was due to be South Africa's first televised sporting event since the country went into lockdown in March. It was announced last Saturday the competition had been postponed because it had not yet been approved by the government. Faul said on Monday CSA had been "a little ambitious" in announcing the date, especially as Centurion, where the match was due to be played, is considered a virus "hot spot". Faul said no new date had yet been decided and it was possible the venue would be changed. The news compounds a bad weekend for South African cricket after it emerged that CSA had been criticised by sports minister Nathi Mthethwa during a parliamentary briefing over the appointment of three white men –- Faul, director of cricket Graeme Smith and national team head coach Mark Boucher –- to key positions. According to local media reports, Mthethwa said he felt "insulted" when CSA president Chris Nenzani told him the appointments had been made on merit.

Cricket South Africa announces seven coronavirus cases

<p>Tennis world was back to life after successful completion of the first leg of Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour last week. Following the successful completion of the Adria Tour, elite tennis stars including Djokovic, Alexader Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov were seen celebrating in a nightclub in Belgrade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Tour was set-up by Djokovic in the Balkans to give fans a taste of what they were missing with the tennis season suspended.</p>

<p><img alt="Novak Djokovic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7334806e-218e-441f-a358-7e549cc0c8ac" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1TG3NM.jpg" /></p>

<p>So no social distancing, players embracing at the net, ball kids on the courts – it was business as usual. Some would say it was an alternate reality that was pushing fate. The coronavirus has hit back with both Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric tested positive for the dreaded virus and the Tour has been called off.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/croatias-coric-tests-positive-for-covid-19-307688" hreflang="en">Croatia's Coric tests positive for COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>“We are really sorry, we tried our best to respect all measures, and we did respect all measures imposed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia. From our side, we did all we could but Grigor is unfortunately positive. At this moment we are organising all medical services to check all people who have been in contact with Grigor, they will all be tested,” said Djorde Djokovic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And those test results could spell trouble for Djokovic, who faced Coric on Saturday in the second lef of the Tour in Croatia. According to reports, Djokovic’s fitness trainer and coach have tested positive for COVID-19 as well.</p>

<p><img alt="Grigor Dimitrov" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fca6a497-1120-4bdb-9ca0-988848ce8b91" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1TG19G.jpg" /></p>

<p>Adding to the anxiety is a backlash against Djokovic who also heads the ATP player council with nick Keerios, Alize Cornet and Noah Rubin slamming the decision to cock a snook at the coronavirus.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE. <a href="https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK">https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK</a></p>
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/1274971571363344386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">These are the people I feel I am fighting against, which is why I don’t answer every tweet. Some don’t deserve responses. Wake up. <a href="https://t.co/htNIGoGUWk">pic.twitter.com/htNIGoGUWk</a></p>
— Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Noahrubin33/status/1274877238836592642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/egVyfJAS6H">pic.twitter.com/egVyfJAS6H</a></p>
— Alexander Zverev (@AlexZverev) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexZverev/status/1275031791263535105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">While watching images from the Adria Tour, I kind of felt that something was really wrong... Am I the only one ? Is it a consequence of it ?<br />
Get better soon Grigor 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/GKfouQ5hwF">https://t.co/GKfouQ5hwF</a></p>
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) <a href="https://twitter.com/alizecornet/status/1274794894075334664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bulgarian-tennis-player-grigor-dimitrov-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-307575" hreflang="en">Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov tests positive for coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>And it’s not just Djokovic who is facing the wrath of the pandemic. Serbian football champions Red Star Belgrade have announced that 5 players have tested positive for the virus. This comes 12 days after their match against Partizan Belgrade with over 16,000 fans in attendance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Red Star Belgrade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9158b103-0ca0-4b4f-980c-e09e746a9b58" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1T83EL.jpg" /></p>

<p>With cases declining, the Serbian government had relaxed lockdown measures in the country but clearly the decision to allow fans now seems ill-conceived</p>

<p>Whereas, New Zealand celebrated the end of the battle against the pandemic with 43,000 fans packing Eden Park in Auckland for a rugby game a few days ago.</p>

<p>And now fresh cases have emerged in the country again which have seen Jacinda Ardern’s government impose border controls again&nbsp;</p>

<p>With no vaccine in sight, the coronavirus cannot be wished away. And yet certain sporting bodies do not seem to have received the memo. Any event with large crowds is a magnet for the virus to strike again.</p>

<p>The German Bundesliga is nearing a month since resumption but strict protocols and social distancing have ensured no untoward incidents.</p>

<p>A ghostly silence has greeted television audiences who have tuned into the resumption of La Liga and the Premier League but if sport is to endure and battle back then empty stadiums are the new normal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is no time to play Russian roulette. The pandemic has just reminded us that it hasn’t thrown in the towel.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Tennis world was back to life after successful completion of the first leg of Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour last week. Following the successful completion of the Adria Tour, elite tennis stars including Djokovic, Alexader Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov were seen celebrating in a nightclub in Belgrade.

Tennis world was back to life after successful completion of the first leg of Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour last week. Following the successful completion of the Adria Tour, elite tennis stars including Djokovic, Alexader Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Grigor Dimitrov were seen celebrating in a nightclub in Belgrade. The Tour was set-up by Djokovic in the Balkans to give fans a taste of what they were missing with the tennis season suspended. So no social distancing, players embracing at the net, ball kids on the courts – it was business as usual. Some would say it was an alternate reality that was pushing fate. The coronavirus has hit back with both Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric tested positive for the dreaded virus and the Tour has been called off. ALSO READ: Croatia's Coric tests positive for COVID-19 “We are really sorry, we tried our best to respect all measures, and we did respect all measures imposed by the governments of Serbia and Croatia. From our side, we did all we could but Grigor is unfortunately positive. At this moment we are organising all medical services to check all people who have been in contact with Grigor, they will all be tested,” said Djorde Djokovic. And those test results could spell trouble for Djokovic, who faced Coric on Saturday in the second lef of the Tour in Croatia. According to reports, Djokovic’s fitness trainer and coach have tested positive for COVID-19 as well. Adding to the anxiety is a backlash against Djokovic who also heads the ATP player council with nick Keerios, Alize Cornet and Noah Rubin slamming the decision to cock a snook at the coronavirus. 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ Boneheaded decision to go ahead with the ‘exhibition’ speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This IS NOT A JOKE. https://t.co/SUdxfijkbK — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 22, 2020 × These are the people I feel I am fighting against, which is why I don’t answer every tweet. Some don’t deserve responses. Wake up. pic.twitter.com/htNIGoGUWk — Noah Rubin (@Noahrubin33) June 22, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/egVyfJAS6H — Alexander Zverev (@AlexZverev) June 22, 2020 × While watching images from the Adria Tour, I kind of felt that something was really wrong... Am I the only one ? Is it a consequence of it ? Get better soon Grigor 🙏 https://t.co/GKfouQ5hwF — Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) June 21, 2020 × ALSO READ: Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov tests positive for coronavirus And it’s not just Djokovic who is facing the wrath of the pandemic. Serbian football champions Red Star Belgrade have announced that 5 players have tested positive for the virus. This comes 12 days after their match against Partizan Belgrade with over 16,000 fans in attendance. With cases declining, the Serbian government had relaxed lockdown measures in the country but clearly the decision to allow fans now seems ill-conceived Whereas, New Zealand celebrated the end of the battle against the pandemic with 43,000 fans packing Eden Park in Auckland for a rugby game a few days ago. And now fresh cases have emerged in the country again which have seen Jacinda Ardern’s government impose border controls again With no vaccine in sight, the coronavirus cannot be wished away. And yet certain sporting bodies do not seem to have received the memo. Any event with large crowds is a magnet for the virus to strike again. The German Bundesliga is nearing a month since resumption but strict protocols and social distancing have ensured no untoward incidents. A ghostly silence has greeted television audiences who have tuned into the resumption of La Liga and the Premier League but if sport is to endure and battle back then empty stadiums are the new normal. This is no time to play Russian roulette. The pandemic has just reminded us that it hasn’t thrown in the towel.

Tennis: Novak Djokovic's Adria Tour comes as warning for sporting world

<p>Cancer-stricken former India shooter Pournima Zanane has breathed her last aged 42 with country’s shooting fraternity, including Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra mourning the untimely death.</p>

<p>The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) licensed coach Zanane was suffering from cancer for the last two years while undergoing extensive treatment for it. As per ex India rifleman Joydeep Karmakar, Zanane almost recovered after receiving treatment for cancer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zanane had represented India at multiple ISSF World Cups, Asian Championships, Commonwealth Championships, among others, and was a renowned shooter in the fraternity. Zanane was a national record holder in 10m air rifle event and took to coaching later in her career. She was honoured with the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports award by the Maharashtra government.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-womens-t20-world-cup-2020-most-watched-womens-cricket-event-in-history-307714" hreflang="en">ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most watched women's cricket event in history</a></strong></p>

<p>Zanane, who was diagnosed with cancer during the Nationals in Kerala a couple of years back and started her career in Mumbai before moving to Pune. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) sent out condolence message after Zanane succumbed to the disease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The National Rifle Association of India condoles the untimely sad demise of our international shooter and a coach - Ms Pournima Chinmoy Zanane, at a very young age.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aravinda-de-silva-urges-icc-bcci-slc-to-investigate-india-vs-sri-lanka-2011-world-cup-final-fixing-claims-307700" hreflang="en">Aravinda de Silva urges ICC, BCCI, SLC to investigate India vs Sri Lanka 2011 World Cup final fixing claims</a></strong></p>

<p>"Ms Pournima Zanane was an Air Rifle shooter and took part in many international competitions as Pournima Gawahne. At a later stage, she started coaching shooters and also coached the Sri Lankan team," the sport's apex body in the country said in a statement.</p>

<p>"RIP Pournima. You will be greatly missed," Bindra wrote on his twitter handle.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply shocked and distressed by the news of untimely demise of an old friend Pournima Zanane. She was an international shooter and ISSF coach. Our friendship goes back to Junior team days.. But we will meet someday, somewhere again 😊 <a href="https://t.co/nRRNLZsRny">pic.twitter.com/nRRNLZsRny</a></p>
— Joydeep Karmakar OLY (@Joydeep709) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joydeep709/status/1274728268621582336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RIP Pournima. You will be greatly missed.</p>
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhinav_Bindra/status/1274729220690731008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Deeply shocked and distressed by the news of untimely demise of an old friend Pournima Zanane. Our friendship goes back to Junior team days... But we will meet someday, somewhere again Smiling face with smiling eyes," Olympian Karmakar tweeted<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Cancer-stricken former India shooter Pournima Zanane has breathed her last aged 42 with country’s shooting fraternity, including Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra mourning the untimely death.

Cancer-stricken former India shooter Pournima Zanane has breathed her last aged 42 with country’s shooting fraternity, including Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra mourning the untimely death. The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) licensed coach Zanane was suffering from cancer for the last two years while undergoing extensive treatment for it. As per ex India rifleman Joydeep Karmakar, Zanane almost recovered after receiving treatment for cancer. Zanane had represented India at multiple ISSF World Cups, Asian Championships, Commonwealth Championships, among others, and was a renowned shooter in the fraternity. Zanane was a national record holder in 10m air rifle event and took to coaching later in her career. She was honoured with the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports award by the Maharashtra government. ALSO READ: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most watched women's cricket event in history Zanane, who was diagnosed with cancer during the Nationals in Kerala a couple of years back and started her career in Mumbai before moving to Pune. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) sent out condolence message after Zanane succumbed to the disease. "The National Rifle Association of India condoles the untimely sad demise of our international shooter and a coach - Ms Pournima Chinmoy Zanane, at a very young age. ALSO READ: Aravinda de Silva urges ICC, BCCI, SLC to investigate India vs Sri Lanka 2011 World Cup final fixing claims "Ms Pournima Zanane was an Air Rifle shooter and took part in many international competitions as Pournima Gawahne. At a later stage, she started coaching shooters and also coached the Sri Lankan team," the sport's apex body in the country said in a statement. "RIP Pournima. You will be greatly missed," Bindra wrote on his twitter handle. Deeply shocked and distressed by the news of untimely demise of an old friend Pournima Zanane. She was an international shooter and ISSF coach. Our friendship goes back to Junior team days.. But we will meet someday, somewhere again 😊 pic.twitter.com/nRRNLZsRny — Joydeep Karmakar OLY (@Joydeep709) June 21, 2020 × RIP Pournima. You will be greatly missed. — Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) June 21, 2020 × "Deeply shocked and distressed by the news of untimely demise of an old friend Pournima Zanane. Our friendship goes back to Junior team days... But we will meet someday, somewhere again Smiling face with smiling eyes," Olympian Karmakar tweeted

Cancer-stricken former India shooter Pournima Zanane dies at 42

<p>The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced record viewing figures for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, which became one of the most-watched women’s sporting event in the history with cricket continuing to set fresh benchmarks on and off the field.</p>

<p>The event had already racked up 1.1 billion video views through the ICC digital channels – 20 times the views from the previous editions in 2018 and 10 times the previous most successful women’s cricket event, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017.</p>

<p>The latest revelations make the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 the second most successful ICC event after the Men’s World Cup 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aravinda-de-silva-urges-icc-bcci-slc-to-investigate-india-vs-sri-lanka-2011-world-cup-final-fixing-claims-307700" hreflang="en">Aravinda de Silva urges ICC, BCCI, SLC to investigate India vs Sri Lanka 2011 World Cup final fixing claims</a></strong></p>

<p>In Australia, live viewing hours were 473 per cent higher than the 2018 tournament at 13.45m. The final between India and Australia recorded an average audience of 1.2m viewers, making the event the most watch women’s cricket match in Australian broadcast history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India’s success in the tournament boosted audience interest with total viewership for the knockout phase recorded at 423 per cent higher than 2018. Live viewing hours shot up 152 per cent at 86.15m.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Whereas in South Africa, the live viewing hours were 647,000 – 40 per cent higher than in 2018. South Africa’s defeat to Australia was the most-watched match in the tournament with 39,000 average audiences.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-pakistan-cricketer-aaqib-javed-makes-fixing-revelations-says-lavish-cars-millions-were-offered-307662" hreflang="en">Former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed makes fixing revelations, says 'lavish cars, millions were offered'</a></strong></p>

<p>In the UK, where time zone was a major challenge, the live viewing hours dropped only by eight per cent at 5.32m than the 2018 tournament, where England made it to the final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney: “We are delighted with these outstanding global viewership numbers that demonstrate the power of women’s cricket to attract huge audiences across the globe. It reinforces our belief that there is a significant opportunity around the women’s game and collectively we must promote it further so more fans can enjoy it, more kids are inspired by it and sponsors and broadcasters want to be a part of it.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced record viewing figures for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, which became one of the most-watched women’s sporting event in the history with cricket continuing to set fresh benchmarks on and off the field.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced record viewing figures for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, which became one of the most-watched women’s sporting event in the history with cricket continuing to set fresh benchmarks on and off the field. The event had already racked up 1.1 billion video views through the ICC digital channels – 20 times the views from the previous editions in 2018 and 10 times the previous most successful women’s cricket event, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017. The latest revelations make the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 the second most successful ICC event after the Men’s World Cup 2019. ALSO READ: Aravinda de Silva urges ICC, BCCI, SLC to investigate India vs Sri Lanka 2011 World Cup final fixing claims In Australia, live viewing hours were 473 per cent higher than the 2018 tournament at 13.45m. The final between India and Australia recorded an average audience of 1.2m viewers, making the event the most watch women’s cricket match in Australian broadcast history. India’s success in the tournament boosted audience interest with total viewership for the knockout phase recorded at 423 per cent higher than 2018. Live viewing hours shot up 152 per cent at 86.15m. Whereas in South Africa, the live viewing hours were 647,000 – 40 per cent higher than in 2018. South Africa’s defeat to Australia was the most-watched match in the tournament with 39,000 average audiences. ALSO READ: Former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed makes fixing revelations, says 'lavish cars, millions were offered' In the UK, where time zone was a major challenge, the live viewing hours dropped only by eight per cent at 5.32m than the 2018 tournament, where England made it to the final. ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney: “We are delighted with these outstanding global viewership numbers that demonstrate the power of women’s cricket to attract huge audiences across the globe. It reinforces our belief that there is a significant opportunity around the women’s game and collectively we must promote it further so more fans can enjoy it, more kids are inspired by it and sponsors and broadcasters want to be a part of it.”

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 most watched women's cricket event in history

<p>Sri Lanka batting icon Aravinda de Silva has dismissed the claims made by former Sri Lankan sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage that the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed while urging the ICC, the BCCI and SLC to investigate the “lies”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aluthgamage had said that the 2011 World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka was fixed by “certain parties” while receiving backlash from former players such as Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister,” Aluthgamage had said to a local newspaper “Sirasa”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-2011-world-cup-final-fixing-allegation-sri-lankan-government-launches-probe-307111" hreflang="en">After 2011 World Cup final fixing allegation, Sri Lankan government launches probe</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about the allegations, de Silva, who was the chief selector of Sri Lanka Cricket, told Lankan newspaper Sunday Times, said that people can’t get away with lies all the time and the allegations need to be investigated immediately.</p>

<h2><strong>"When serious allegations like these are being made, it affects a lot of people"</strong></h2>

<p>“We cannot let people get away all the time with lies. I request everyone, ICC, BCCI, and SLC to investigate this immediately,” said de Silva.</p>

<p>De Silva legends like Sachin Tendulkar, who lifted his maiden World Cup in 2011, deserves respect earned after the victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Just like we cherished our World Cup victory, players like Sachin (Tendulkar) cherish these moments for the rest of their lives. I think in the interest of Sachin and the millions of cricket fans across India, it’s the duty of the Indian government and their cricket board to initiate an impartial inquiry to see whether they have won a fixed World Cup,” he said.</p>

<p>“When serious allegations like these are being made, it affects a lot of people. In this case not only us, the selectors, the players, and the team management but Indian cricketers who deservingly won the world title. We need to clear this once and for all for the greater good of the game we love,” he added.</p>

<p>In the match, India chased down 275 after stunning performances by Gautam Gambhir (97) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (91*) as the Men in Blue won the trophy for the second time after 1983.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Sri Lanka batting icon Aravinda de Silva has dismissed the claims made by former Sri Lankan sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage that the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed while urging the ICC, the BCCI and SLC to investigate the “lies”.

Sri Lanka batting icon Aravinda de Silva has dismissed the claims made by former Sri Lankan sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage that the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed while urging the ICC, the BCCI and SLC to investigate the “lies”. Aluthgamage had said that the 2011 World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka was fixed by “certain parties” while receiving backlash from former players such as Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. “Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister,” Aluthgamage had said to a local newspaper “Sirasa”. ALSO READ: After 2011 World Cup final fixing allegation, Sri Lankan government launches probe Talking about the allegations, de Silva, who was the chief selector of Sri Lanka Cricket, told Lankan newspaper Sunday Times, said that people can’t get away with lies all the time and the allegations need to be investigated immediately. "When serious allegations like these are being made, it affects a lot of people" “We cannot let people get away all the time with lies. I request everyone, ICC, BCCI, and SLC to investigate this immediately,” said de Silva. De Silva legends like Sachin Tendulkar, who lifted his maiden World Cup in 2011, deserves respect earned after the victory. “Just like we cherished our World Cup victory, players like Sachin (Tendulkar) cherish these moments for the rest of their lives. I think in the interest of Sachin and the millions of cricket fans across India, it’s the duty of the Indian government and their cricket board to initiate an impartial inquiry to see whether they have won a fixed World Cup,” he said. “When serious allegations like these are being made, it affects a lot of people. In this case not only us, the selectors, the players, and the team management but Indian cricketers who deservingly won the world title. We need to clear this once and for all for the greater good of the game we love,” he added. In the match, India chased down 275 after stunning performances by Gautam Gambhir (97) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (91*) as the Men in Blue won the trophy for the second time after 1983.

Aravinda de Silva urges ICC, BCCI, SLC to investigate India vs Sri Lanka 2011 World Cup final fixing claims

Croatia’s Borna Coric, who played in Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour exhibition tournament at the weekend, said on Monday he had tested positive for COVID-19. Coric’s positive test follows that of Grigor Dimitrov, who said on Sunday he had contracted the novel coronavirus.

Croatia’s Borna Coric, who played in Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour exhibition tournament at the weekend, said on Monday he had tested positive for COVID-19. Coric’s positive test follows that of Grigor Dimitrov, who said on Sunday he had contracted the novel coronavirus. Bulgarian Dimitrov also played in Djokovic’s event and the final in the Croatian coastal resort of Zadar was cancelled as a result. Organisers of other sports looking to resume from the coronavirus shutdown will be watching developments with some trepidation as they try to find the safest way of getting competition back underway. Coric, ranked No.33 in the world, revealed on Twitter that he had tested positive for COVID-19. “I want to make sure anyone who has been in contact with me during the last few days get tested,” the 23-year-old said. “I am really sorry for any harm I might have caused. I’m feeling well and don’t have any symptoms.” With international tennis suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, world number one Djokovic organised the Adria Tour as a charity event to be contested over four legs across the former Yugoslavia. Djokovic’s fitness coach Marco Panichi has also tested positive, Serbian daily Sportski Zurnal reported, quoting Croatia’s health institute. The tournament witnessed packed stands during the opening leg in Belgrade, players hugging at the net, posing for pictures together and dancing at clubs. With both Serbia and Croatia easing lockdown measures weeks before the event, players were not obliged to observe social distancing rules in either country. “It is recommended that anyone who has been in close contact for more than 10 minutes with the tennis player be advised to self-isolate for 14 days and to contact their doctor,” the event organisers said in a statement. Australian Nick Kyrgios asked on Twitter if Djokovic, Austrian Dominic Thiem and German Alexander Zverev had been tested following Dimitrov’s result. American tennis great Chris Evert has criticised the organisers for the lack of social-distancing, saying, “... total physical contact, no face masks, even the fans were without masks.. I don’t get it.”

Croatia's Coric tests positive for COVID-19

<p>World champion in 10-meter pistol shooting, Bobana Momcilovic-Velickovic died in Belgrade at the age of 31&nbsp;due to complication during the birth of her child. Momcilovic-Velickovic was suffering from preeclampsia, a rare syndrome which affects pregnant women and is characterized by constriction of blood vessels throughout the body and hypo-fusion of multiple organs.</p>

<p>Momcilovic-Velickovic had participated in two Olympics Games in London (2012) and Rio De Janeiro (2016). At the European Championships in Wroclaw in February 2020, Momcilovic-Vevilickovic won two of her eight continental titles individually and as a team.</p>

<p><strong>IN PHOTOS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-undertaker-retires-a-look-back-at-the-evolution-of-deadman-307633" hreflang="en">The Undertaker retires: A look back at the evolution of 'Deadman'</a></strong></p>

<p>As per reports, doctors fail to recognize the symptoms of rare syndrome related to birth complication. Velickovic was in a coma for the last 10 days from which she never recovered. Her baby is alive and healthy.</p>

<p>“It is with deepest sadness we learned that Bobana Momčilović Veličković, multiple European champion&nbsp;in shooting sport, passed away after a short and severe illness in Belgrade at the age of 31. Bobana Momčilović Veličković was born in Bor on January 25, 1990. She started practicing shooting at the age of nine in her hometown,” ISSF said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wwe-news-the-undertaker-announces-retirement-emotional-fans-wwe-superstars-pay-tribute-to-deadman-Undertaker-news-307609" hreflang="en">The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman'</a></strong></p>

<p>“In her last competition for the Serbian national team, at the European championship in the 10m Air Pistol event in Wroclaw 2020, she was dominant in the individual competition. She made a great contribution to winning the team title, and with these two gold medals, she became one of the most successful participants in the competition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our most sincere condolences to Bobana’s family, friends and the shooting sport community of Serbia.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


World champion in 10-meter pistol shooting, Bobana Momcilovic-Velickovic died in Belgrade at the age of 31 due to complication during the birth of her child. Momcilovic-Velickovic was suffering from preeclampsia, a rare syndrome which affects pregnant women and is characterized by constriction of blood vessels throughout the body and hypo-fusion of multiple organs.

World champion in 10-meter pistol shooting, Bobana Momcilovic-Velickovic died in Belgrade at the age of 31 due to complication during the birth of her child. Momcilovic-Velickovic was suffering from preeclampsia, a rare syndrome which affects pregnant women and is characterized by constriction of blood vessels throughout the body and hypo-fusion of multiple organs. Momcilovic-Velickovic had participated in two Olympics Games in London (2012) and Rio De Janeiro (2016). At the European Championships in Wroclaw in February 2020, Momcilovic-Vevilickovic won two of her eight continental titles individually and as a team. IN PHOTOS | The Undertaker retires: A look back at the evolution of 'Deadman' As per reports, doctors fail to recognize the symptoms of rare syndrome related to birth complication. Velickovic was in a coma for the last 10 days from which she never recovered. Her baby is alive and healthy. “It is with deepest sadness we learned that Bobana Momčilović Veličković, multiple European champion in shooting sport, passed away after a short and severe illness in Belgrade at the age of 31. Bobana Momčilović Veličković was born in Bor on January 25, 1990. She started practicing shooting at the age of nine in her hometown,” ISSF said in a statement. ALSO READ: The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman' “In her last competition for the Serbian national team, at the European championship in the 10m Air Pistol event in Wroclaw 2020, she was dominant in the individual competition. She made a great contribution to winning the team title, and with these two gold medals, she became one of the most successful participants in the competition. “Our most sincere condolences to Bobana’s family, friends and the shooting sport community of Serbia.”

World and European champion Bobana Momcilovic-Velickovic, 31, dies due to childbirth complication

<p>Former Pakistan medium-fast bowler Aaqib Javed has alleged that Saleem Parvez was behind several match-fixing incidents during his playing days while further alleging that Parvez used to introduce players to the bookies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Javed admitted that he was approached by Parvez to fix matches but said he didn’t play any part while choosing to raise his voice against corruption taking place in Pakistan cricket.</p>

<p>Javed’s career ended amid Pakistan’s match-fixing controversy at the age of just 25 with the former bowler claiming he was never allowed to make a comeback in the national side. The reason being not accepting a bribe to fix matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Pervez, who breathed his last in 2013, had admitted that he used to set-up meeting between bookies and players in the 90s.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wwe-news-the-undertaker-announces-retirement-emotional-fans-wwe-superstars-pay-tribute-to-deadman-Undertaker-news-307609" hreflang="en">The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman'</a></strong></p>

<p>Javed has now said that the players were offered millions of dollars and lavish cars to fix matches while being threatened for their careers if they didn’t comply.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>"I was also asked to fix matches" - Aaqib Javed</strong></h2>

<p>“Lavish cars and millions of rupees were handed over to cricketers. I was also asked to fix matches and was told that if I did not comply, my career would be finished,” Javed told a local Pakistan news channel earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-bangladesh-skipper-mashrafe-mortaza-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-307364" hreflang="en">Former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza tests positive for coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>“Players were approached with match-fixing offers through a former cricketer named Saleem Pervez”</p>

<p>“When I came to know about fixing, I took a strong stance and stood by it. I don’t regret the fact that it shortened my career as I strongly believe in my values. People tried to sideline me from tours because of my stance and would also reprimand those people who would talk to me,” said Javed.</p>

<p>Javed scalped 54 and 182 wickets in 22 Test and 162 ODI matches respectively for Pakistan.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
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Former Pakistan medium-fast bowler Aaqib Javed has alleged that Saleem Parvez was behind several match-fixing incidents during his playing days while further alleging that Parvez used to introduce players to the bookies.

Former Pakistan medium-fast bowler Aaqib Javed has alleged that Saleem Parvez was behind several match-fixing incidents during his playing days while further alleging that Parvez used to introduce players to the bookies. Javed admitted that he was approached by Parvez to fix matches but said he didn’t play any part while choosing to raise his voice against corruption taking place in Pakistan cricket. Javed’s career ended amid Pakistan’s match-fixing controversy at the age of just 25 with the former bowler claiming he was never allowed to make a comeback in the national side. The reason being not accepting a bribe to fix matches. Notably, Pervez, who breathed his last in 2013, had admitted that he used to set-up meeting between bookies and players in the 90s. ALSO READ: The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman' Javed has now said that the players were offered millions of dollars and lavish cars to fix matches while being threatened for their careers if they didn’t comply. "I was also asked to fix matches" - Aaqib Javed “Lavish cars and millions of rupees were handed over to cricketers. I was also asked to fix matches and was told that if I did not comply, my career would be finished,” Javed told a local Pakistan news channel earlier this week. ALSO READ: Former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza tests positive for coronavirus “Players were approached with match-fixing offers through a former cricketer named Saleem Pervez” “When I came to know about fixing, I took a strong stance and stood by it. I don’t regret the fact that it shortened my career as I strongly believe in my values. People tried to sideline me from tours because of my stance and would also reprimand those people who would talk to me,” said Javed. Javed scalped 54 and 182 wickets in 22 Test and 162 ODI matches respectively for Pakistan.

Former Pakistan cricketer Aaqib Javed makes fixing revelations, says 'lavish cars, millions were offered'

<p>"There's nothing left for me to conquer or accomplish. The game has changed. It's time for new guys to come up. The time just seems right,” said an emotional Mark Callaway or The Undertaker as the legendary WWE Superstar announced his retirement during the final episode of his documentary ‘The Last Ride’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Undertaker, aged 55, hanged his boots from in-ring action with a fitting tribute through his documentary ‘The Last Ride’ as arguably the greatest performer in WWE history completed a chapter lasting more than three decades.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I did things my way, and I'm gonna leave my way."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/undertaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@undertaker</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qy0Qfxk3zL">pic.twitter.com/Qy0Qfxk3zL</a></p>
— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1274872374043836416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-look-for-man-city-favours-after-derby-deadlock-307593" hreflang="en">Liverpool look for Man City favours after derby deadlock</a></strong></p>

<p>A historic Wrestlemania streak, epic matches, unforgettable moments and immense respect given by his colleagues and fans, The Undertaker will go down as the best character in the history of sports entertainment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even though, The Undertaker said that he would be ready to step in, in case of any emergency, but made it clear that his final ride is the “perfect ending” for his in-ring career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tributes started to flow as soon as final episode of the documentary ‘Last Ride’ aired on Sunday where Mark Callaway or The Undertaker is seen reflecting on his career and his last match – &nbsp;Boneyard Match – against AJ Styles as he said he couldn’t have walked away with a better ending than this.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>If there was ever a perfect ending to a career, that right there was it: The Undertaker</strong></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Still floored by the experience and reaction to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoneyardMatch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoneyardMatch</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WrestleMania?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WrestleMania</a>.<br />
If it was the last time <a href="https://twitter.com/undertaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@undertaker</a> laced up his boots, I’m honored it was against me. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a> <a href="https://t.co/qzofoKEn2Q">https://t.co/qzofoKEn2Q</a></p>
— AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) <a href="https://twitter.com/AJStylesOrg/status/1274734807772278785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You can never appreciate how long the road was until you’ve driven to the end. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWENetwork</a> <a href="https://t.co/JW3roilt9a">pic.twitter.com/JW3roilt9a</a></p>
— Undertaker (@undertaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/undertaker/status/1274706319438680064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouTaker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouTaker</a> for... <a href="https://t.co/otUvugelL3">pic.twitter.com/otUvugelL3</a></p>
— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1274801769982439426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you for making our childhood so cool. Thank you for the journeys you took us on. Thank you for growing with us, and evolving. Thank you for being larger than life. Thank you for everything you have given to wrestling. You will always be <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThePhenom?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThePhenom</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouTaker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouTaker</a> 🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/UsWwOyEHWi">pic.twitter.com/UsWwOyEHWi</a></p>
— Mike Rome (Austin R) is playing last of us 2 😭 (@MikeRomeWWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeRomeWWE/status/1274836398944763918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I believe I'm at a place now, post-Boneyard, which was a hellacious battle against one of the best in the business. Here you are, climbing on your motorcycle and taking off. There was a lot of thought and a lot of emotion, one of those being 'are you happy enough with that?' It was a powerful moment. You don't necessarily always get those,” said The Undertaker.</p>

<p>"If there was ever a perfect ending to a career, that right there was it. If Vince was in a pinch, would I come back? I guess time would only tell there. In case of emergency, break glass, you pull out The Undertaker. I would consider it. [But] at this point in my career, I have no desire to get back in the ring.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/klopp-relieved-to-escape-null-and-void-outcome-in-premier-league-307150" hreflang="en">Klopp relieved to escape 'null and void' outcome in Premier League</a></strong></p>

<p>"I'm at a point, it's time this cowboy really rides away. There's nothing left for me to conquer or accomplish. The game has changed. It's time for new guys to come up. The time just seems right. This documentary has helped me discover that and opened my eyes to the bigger picture and not judge myself as harshly these last few years. I can do more good outside the ring than I can inside. I'm finally at a place where I can accept that."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I'm good to walk away ... when we started this whole thing, I wasn't."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/undertaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@undertaker</a> <a href="https://t.co/l5ovjfBkOK">pic.twitter.com/l5ovjfBkOK</a></p>
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWENetwork/status/1274857477931237378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ICONIC! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouTaker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouTaker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a><br />
<br />
An absolutely incredible series 👏 <a href="https://t.co/txiImY2noM">https://t.co/txiImY2noM</a></p>
— Peyton Royce (@PeytonRoyceWWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeytonRoyceWWE/status/1274824419878350848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/undertaker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@undertaker</a> has some "thank you"s of his own to give.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouTaker?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouTaker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheLastRide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheLastRide</a> <a href="https://t.co/FPNvtnUzXI">pic.twitter.com/FPNvtnUzXI</a></p>
— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1274870902489038850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Undertaker has remained one of the most loyal performers for the WWE and Vince McMahon and over the years, became a father-figure in the WWE circuit due to his experience, class and willingness to help others out.</p>

<p>Championship belts and historic achievements have been a part and parcel of a legendary ride which has enthralled fans for more than 30 years. Thank you Taker.</p>


"There's nothing left for me to conquer or accomplish. The game has changed. It's time for new guys to come up. The time just seems right,” said an emotional Mark Callaway or The Undertaker as the legendary WWE Superstar announced his retirement during the final episode of his documentary ‘The Last Ride’.

"There's nothing left for me to conquer or accomplish. The game has changed. It's time for new guys to come up. The time just seems right,” said an emotional Mark Callaway or The Undertaker as the legendary WWE Superstar announced his retirement during the final episode of his documentary ‘The Last Ride’. The Undertaker, aged 55, hanged his boots from in-ring action with a fitting tribute through his documentary ‘The Last Ride’ as arguably the greatest performer in WWE history completed a chapter lasting more than three decades. "I did things my way, and I'm gonna leave my way."#TheLastRide @undertaker pic.twitter.com/Qy0Qfxk3zL — WWE (@WWE) June 22, 2020 × ALSO READ: Liverpool look for Man City favours after derby deadlock A historic Wrestlemania streak, epic matches, unforgettable moments and immense respect given by his colleagues and fans, The Undertaker will go down as the best character in the history of sports entertainment. Even though, The Undertaker said that he would be ready to step in, in case of any emergency, but made it clear that his final ride is the “perfect ending” for his in-ring career. Tributes started to flow as soon as final episode of the documentary ‘Last Ride’ aired on Sunday where Mark Callaway or The Undertaker is seen reflecting on his career and his last match – Boneyard Match – against AJ Styles as he said he couldn’t have walked away with a better ending than this. If there was ever a perfect ending to a career, that right there was it: The Undertaker Still floored by the experience and reaction to the #BoneyardMatch at #WrestleMania. If it was the last time @undertaker laced up his boots, I’m honored it was against me. #TheLastRide https://t.co/qzofoKEn2Q — AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) June 21, 2020 × You can never appreciate how long the road was until you’ve driven to the end. #TheLastRide @WWENetwork pic.twitter.com/JW3roilt9a — Undertaker (@undertaker) June 21, 2020 × #ThankYouTaker for... pic.twitter.com/otUvugelL3 — WWE (@WWE) June 21, 2020 × Thank you for making our childhood so cool. Thank you for the journeys you took us on. Thank you for growing with us, and evolving. Thank you for being larger than life. Thank you for everything you have given to wrestling. You will always be #ThePhenom. #ThankYouTaker 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/UsWwOyEHWi — Mike Rome (Austin R) is playing last of us 2 😭 (@MikeRomeWWE) June 21, 2020 × "I believe I'm at a place now, post-Boneyard, which was a hellacious battle against one of the best in the business. Here you are, climbing on your motorcycle and taking off. There was a lot of thought and a lot of emotion, one of those being 'are you happy enough with that?' It was a powerful moment. You don't necessarily always get those,” said The Undertaker. "If there was ever a perfect ending to a career, that right there was it. If Vince was in a pinch, would I come back? I guess time would only tell there. In case of emergency, break glass, you pull out The Undertaker. I would consider it. [But] at this point in my career, I have no desire to get back in the ring. ALSO READ: Klopp relieved to escape 'null and void' outcome in Premier League "I'm at a point, it's time this cowboy really rides away. There's nothing left for me to conquer or accomplish. The game has changed. It's time for new guys to come up. The time just seems right. This documentary has helped me discover that and opened my eyes to the bigger picture and not judge myself as harshly these last few years. I can do more good outside the ring than I can inside. I'm finally at a place where I can accept that." "I'm good to walk away ... when we started this whole thing, I wasn't."#TheLastRide @undertaker pic.twitter.com/l5ovjfBkOK — WWE Network (@WWENetwork) June 22, 2020 × ICONIC! #ThankYouTaker #TheLastRide An absolutely incredible series 👏 https://t.co/txiImY2noM — Peyton Royce (@PeytonRoyceWWE) June 21, 2020 × The @undertaker has some "thank you"s of his own to give.#ThankYouTaker #TheLastRide pic.twitter.com/FPNvtnUzXI — WWE (@WWE) June 22, 2020 × The Undertaker has remained one of the most loyal performers for the WWE and Vince McMahon and over the years, became a father-figure in the WWE circuit due to his experience, class and willingness to help others out. Championship belts and historic achievements have been a part and parcel of a legendary ride which has enthralled fans for more than 30 years. Thank you Taker.

The Undertaker announces retirement; emotional fans, WWE Superstars pay tribute to 'Deadman'

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