Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has reacted to International Cricket Council’s (ICC) brutal trolling of him as the Rawalpindi Express took to social media platform Twitter to slam the world governing body for throwing neutrality out of the window.&nbsp;

A few days back, ICC had posted a few photographs indicating at battle of past and present and it had Akhtar facing off against Australian maestro Steve Smith to which the former Pakistan cricketer said it would take him minutes to dismiss Smith as he would bowl three hurting bouncers before dismissing the swashbuckling Aussie batsman in the fourth delivery.&nbsp;

"Even today, 3 hurting bouncers and I can dismiss @stevesmith49 on the 4th ball. Lol," Akhtar had tweeted.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://t.co/IHqHevy35e">pic.twitter.com/IHqHevy35e</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1260104021060304896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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While fans made a mockery of Akhtar for his overconfidence or sarcasm, ICC took a hilarious jibe at the Rawalpindi Express.&nbsp;

Reverting to ICC’s trolling, Akhtar wrote: “A symbolic tweet, how ICC has thrown neutrality out of the window. Basically this is how the state of affairs are run there :)”

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A symbolic tweet, how ICC has thrown neutrality out of the window. 
Basically this is how the state of affairs are run there :) <a href="https://t.co/OEoJx30lXt">https://t.co/OEoJx30lXt</a>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1260521515898077185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Dear <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@icc</a>, find a new meme or Emoji. Sorry i couldn't find any, only found some real videos <a href="https://t.co/eYID4ZXTvT">pic.twitter.com/eYID4ZXTvT</a>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1260589706552717314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Akhtar has been pretty vocal about all things related to cricket and has been active on social media platforms to share his views. While most of his videos are linked to Indian cricket in some way or another, Akhtar is also a big critic of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and how cricket is being managed in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The former speedster is facing a legal lawsuit for his comments against PCB’s legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi after Akhtar slammed the lawyer for his ‘incompetency’. Akhtar had slammed the defamation notice by claiming it was legally faulty.

 
&nbsp;

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has reacted to International Cricket Council’s (ICC) brutal trolling of him as the Rawalpindi Express took to social media platform Twitter to slam the world governing body for throwing neutrality out of the window.

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has reacted to International Cricket Council’s (ICC) brutal trolling of him as the Rawalpindi Express took to social media platform Twitter to slam the world governing body for throwing neutrality out of the window. A few days back, ICC had posted a few photographs indicating at battle of past and present and it had Akhtar facing off against Australian maestro Steve Smith to which the former Pakistan cricketer said it would take him minutes to dismiss Smith as he would bowl three hurting bouncers before dismissing the swashbuckling Aussie batsman in the fourth delivery. "Even today, 3 hurting bouncers and I can dismiss @stevesmith49 on the 4th ball. Lol," Akhtar had tweeted. pic.twitter.com/IHqHevy35e — ICC (@ICC) May 12, 2020 × While fans made a mockery of Akhtar for his overconfidence or sarcasm, ICC took a hilarious jibe at the Rawalpindi Express. Reverting to ICC’s trolling, Akhtar wrote: “A symbolic tweet, how ICC has thrown neutrality out of the window. Basically this is how the state of affairs are run there :)” A symbolic tweet, how ICC has thrown neutrality out of the window. Basically this is how the state of affairs are run there :) https://t.co/OEoJx30lXt — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 13, 2020 × Dear @icc, find a new meme or Emoji. Sorry i couldn't find any, only found some real videos pic.twitter.com/eYID4ZXTvT — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 13, 2020 × Akhtar has been pretty vocal about all things related to cricket and has been active on social media platforms to share his views. While most of his videos are linked to Indian cricket in some way or another, Akhtar is also a big critic of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and how cricket is being managed in Pakistan. The former speedster is facing a legal lawsuit for his comments against PCB’s legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi after Akhtar slammed the lawyer for his ‘incompetency’. Akhtar had slammed the defamation notice by claiming it was legally faulty.

Shoaib Akhtar reacts after being hilariously trolled by ICC over Steve Smith tweet

Italy’s top-flight league Serie A has agreed on June 13 resumption date after completing a video call with all 20 clubs on Wednesday. However, the resumption of Serie A is subject to government approval.&nbsp;

All the clubs have already started their planning to resume full training on May 18 following the Italian government’s approval of league’s medical protocol amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual training has already begun in Italy.

"As far as the resumption of sports activities is concerned, the date of June 13 for the resumption of the championship has been indicated ... in accordance with medical protocols for the protection of players and all those involved," Serie A said in a statement. 
Serie A further stated that the clubs have also asked the broadcasting rights holders to “respect the payment deadlines” in a bid to maintain a healthy relationship with them.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/efls-economic-crisis-will-not-be-spared-behind-closed-doors-298598" hreflang="en">EFL's economic crisis will not be spared behind closed doors</a>

When the Serie A was suspended in the month of March, Juventus were one point ahead of Lazio in the league standings. While Juventus are eyeing their ninth consecutive Serie A title, Lazio haven’t won the league since 2000.

There are still 12 rounds of matches remaining in Serie A in addition to four postponed matches. The biggest problem for both Serie A and Italian government would be how they deal with players should they test positive to COVID-19.&nbsp;

While the Italian football federation has said that isolating the positive tested player is sufficient, the Italian health ministry has said that the entire squad needs to go into a 14-day quarantine period.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-argentina-attacker-ezequiel-lavezzi-makes-sex-video-blackmail-complaint-298596" hreflang="en">Ex-Argentina attacker Ezequiel Lavezzi makes sex video blackmail complaint</a>

Earlier on Wednesday, Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora told the Italian Senate that the government would take its time in providing their decision regarding the return of live football.&nbsp;

"If [Serie A] resumes, as we all hope, it will be because we will have arrived at this decision after an orderly succession of actions and protocols," he said. "It is not possible to decide in an irresponsible hurry.

"Football is by its nature a sport in which it is not possible to keep distances, the players must run and agglomerate in the penalty area.

"The underestimation of this problem led a few weeks ago to the quarantine of several Serie A teams. We want to avoid finding ourselves in this situation."

Meanwhile, the German Bundesliga is set to resume the league on May 16. Whereas La Liga is steadily allowing the more players to train with a hope to restart the league on June 12.

Italy’s top-flight league Serie A has agreed on June 13 resumption date after completing a video call with all 20 clubs on Wednesday. However, the resumption of Serie A is subject to government approval.

Italy’s top-flight league Serie A has agreed on June 13 resumption date after completing a video call with all 20 clubs on Wednesday. However, the resumption of Serie A is subject to government approval. All the clubs have already started their planning to resume full training on May 18 following the Italian government’s approval of league’s medical protocol amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Individual training has already begun in Italy. "As far as the resumption of sports activities is concerned, the date of June 13 for the resumption of the championship has been indicated ... in accordance with medical protocols for the protection of players and all those involved," Serie A said in a statement. Serie A further stated that the clubs have also asked the broadcasting rights holders to “respect the payment deadlines” in a bid to maintain a healthy relationship with them. ALSO READ: EFL's economic crisis will not be spared behind closed doors When the Serie A was suspended in the month of March, Juventus were one point ahead of Lazio in the league standings. While Juventus are eyeing their ninth consecutive Serie A title, Lazio haven’t won the league since 2000. There are still 12 rounds of matches remaining in Serie A in addition to four postponed matches. The biggest problem for both Serie A and Italian government would be how they deal with players should they test positive to COVID-19. While the Italian football federation has said that isolating the positive tested player is sufficient, the Italian health ministry has said that the entire squad needs to go into a 14-day quarantine period. ALSO READ: Ex-Argentina attacker Ezequiel Lavezzi makes sex video blackmail complaint Earlier on Wednesday, Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora told the Italian Senate that the government would take its time in providing their decision regarding the return of live football. "If [Serie A] resumes, as we all hope, it will be because we will have arrived at this decision after an orderly succession of actions and protocols," he said. "It is not possible to decide in an irresponsible hurry. "Football is by its nature a sport in which it is not possible to keep distances, the players must run and agglomerate in the penalty area. "The underestimation of this problem led a few weeks ago to the quarantine of several Serie A teams. We want to avoid finding ourselves in this situation." Meanwhile, the German Bundesliga is set to resume the league on May 16. Whereas La Liga is steadily allowing the more players to train with a hope to restart the league on June 12.

Serie A agrees on June 13 resumption after meeting with all 20 clubs

Bayern Munich are in pole position to win an eighth straight title, but Borussia Dortmund lead the chasing pack and are spearheaded by Erling Braut Haaland as the Bundesliga comes out of its coronavirus-enforced hibernation this weekend.

AFP Sport takes a look at what is at stake on the field when the German top flight ends a two-month shutdown to play out its final nine matchdays.

<h2>- Some things stay the same... -</h2>

Teams have undergone testing and been forced into quarantine training camps because of the virus, and all matches will be played behind closed doors in the league with the highest attendances in world football.

So this will not be the Bundesliga as we know it, but something else may be just as before -- Bayern, the country's most successful club, are on track to win another title, which would be their eighth in a row.

They had put a patchy start to the season under Niko Kovac behind them before the shutdown, with Hansi Flick coming in as coach and Bayern winning 10 and drawing one of their last 11 league games.

The Bavarians are four points clear of Dortmund at the top and have been busy since their last game, with Flick signing a new contract until 2023.

Key players Thomas Mueller and Alphonso Davies followed suit by penning extensions of their own, while former striker Miroslav Klose has joined as assistant coach.

With Robert Lewandowski scoring 25 goals in 23 games, Bayern are formidable. They still have to visit Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, although it remains to be seen how much home advantage will matter without fans.

<h2>- Watch out for Haaland -</h2>

It could still just about be a four-horse title race, with Borussia Moenchengladbach six points off the pace in fourth, but Dortmund are best-placed to stop Bayern.

Lucien Favre's side were last seen going out of the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain, but before that were in thrilling form led by young stars Haaland and Jadon Sancho.

They won seven out of eight league games after 19-year-old Norwegian powerhouse Haaland arrived from Red Bull Salzburg. He scored nine goals in that run.

Dortmund, though, will not be able to rely on their fans who usually pack the 81,000-capacity Signal Iduna Park and their next two home games -- against Ruhr rivals Schalke on Saturday and then Bayern -- will lose much of their edge as a result.

"Having to play behind closed doors is an enormous challenge, especially for a club like BVB, which draws a lot of strength from the passion of its supporters," admitted Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke.

Dortmund also must still visit Leipzig, who reached the Champions League quarter-finals before the suspension but whose patchy league form after the winter break saw them fall off the pace.

In Timo Werner, they have their own fearsome striker. And in Julian Nagelsmann, 32, they have one of Europe's most exciting young coaches, so anything is possible.

Gladbach were the last team to beat Bayern in the league but would now settle for holding off fifth-placed Leverkusen to secure Champions League qualification.

There are two points between those sides, who are due to meet next weekend.

Beneath them, in the fight for one Europa League spot, Schalke, Wolfsburg, Freiburg and Hoffenheim are all within two points.

<h2>- Bremen in danger -</h2>

At the bottom Paderborn prop up the division but the plight of Werder Bremen is more striking.

The four-time champions are four points adrift of Fortuna Dusseldorf in the relegation play-off place and eight points from outright safety.

They have a game in hand, but are in danger of following the path of Hamburg and Stuttgart, two giants to have been relegated in recent seasons.

"We all know how precarious our league position is. That's motivation enough," said sporting director Frank Baumann when asked about playing home games without fans.

Elsewhere, Hertha Berlin seem far enough clear of relegation trouble but it has been a chaotic campaign in the capital.

Bruno Labbadia has become the club's fourth coach this season since the shutdown began, with Jurgen Klinsmann's short-lived time in charge ending.

Bayern Munich are in pole position to win an eighth straight title, but Borussia Dortmund lead the chasing pack and are spearheaded by Erling Braut Haaland as the Bundesliga comes out of its coronavirus-enforced hibernation this weekend.

Bayern Munich are in pole position to win an eighth straight title, but Borussia Dortmund lead the chasing pack and are spearheaded by Erling Braut Haaland as the Bundesliga comes out of its coronavirus-enforced hibernation this weekend. AFP Sport takes a look at what is at stake on the field when the German top flight ends a two-month shutdown to play out its final nine matchdays. - Some things stay the same... - Teams have undergone testing and been forced into quarantine training camps because of the virus, and all matches will be played behind closed doors in the league with the highest attendances in world football. So this will not be the Bundesliga as we know it, but something else may be just as before -- Bayern, the country's most successful club, are on track to win another title, which would be their eighth in a row. They had put a patchy start to the season under Niko Kovac behind them before the shutdown, with Hansi Flick coming in as coach and Bayern winning 10 and drawing one of their last 11 league games. The Bavarians are four points clear of Dortmund at the top and have been busy since their last game, with Flick signing a new contract until 2023. Key players Thomas Mueller and Alphonso Davies followed suit by penning extensions of their own, while former striker Miroslav Klose has joined as assistant coach. With Robert Lewandowski scoring 25 goals in 23 games, Bayern are formidable. They still have to visit Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, although it remains to be seen how much home advantage will matter without fans. - Watch out for Haaland - It could still just about be a four-horse title race, with Borussia Moenchengladbach six points off the pace in fourth, but Dortmund are best-placed to stop Bayern. Lucien Favre's side were last seen going out of the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain, but before that were in thrilling form led by young stars Haaland and Jadon Sancho. They won seven out of eight league games after 19-year-old Norwegian powerhouse Haaland arrived from Red Bull Salzburg. He scored nine goals in that run. Dortmund, though, will not be able to rely on their fans who usually pack the 81,000-capacity Signal Iduna Park and their next two home games -- against Ruhr rivals Schalke on Saturday and then Bayern -- will lose much of their edge as a result. "Having to play behind closed doors is an enormous challenge, especially for a club like BVB, which draws a lot of strength from the passion of its supporters," admitted Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke. Dortmund also must still visit Leipzig, who reached the Champions League quarter-finals before the suspension but whose patchy league form after the winter break saw them fall off the pace. In Timo Werner, they have their own fearsome striker. And in Julian Nagelsmann, 32, they have one of Europe's most exciting young coaches, so anything is possible. Gladbach were the last team to beat Bayern in the league but would now settle for holding off fifth-placed Leverkusen to secure Champions League qualification. There are two points between those sides, who are due to meet next weekend. Beneath them, in the fight for one Europa League spot, Schalke, Wolfsburg, Freiburg and Hoffenheim are all within two points. - Bremen in danger - At the bottom Paderborn prop up the division but the plight of Werder Bremen is more striking. The four-time champions are four points adrift of Fortuna Dusseldorf in the relegation play-off place and eight points from outright safety. They have a game in hand, but are in danger of following the path of Hamburg and Stuttgart, two giants to have been relegated in recent seasons. "We all know how precarious our league position is. That's motivation enough," said sporting director Frank Baumann when asked about playing home games without fans. Elsewhere, Hertha Berlin seem far enough clear of relegation trouble but it has been a chaotic campaign in the capital. Bruno Labbadia has become the club's fourth coach this season since the shutdown began, with Jurgen Klinsmann's short-lived time in charge ending.

The Bundesliga is back, so can Dortmund catch Bayern?

US superstar Serena Williams says she's ready to play "real tennis" after the enforced rest of coronavirus quarantine.

"I really look forward to getting back on the court," the 23-time Grand Slam champion said in a chat with elder sister Venus during an Instagram live workout on Tuesday.

"It's what I do best. I absolutely love playing."

Tennis is on hiatus until at least mid-July thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the French Open postponed until autumn and Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II.

Serena said she'd come to see the break as "a necessary evil.

"I felt like my body needed it, even though I didn't want it," said the 38-year-old, who last won a Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open. "And now I'm feeling better than ever. I'm feeling more relaxed, more fit. Now I can go out and play real tennis."

Elder sister Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam winner, began posting workouts on Instagram eight weeks ago and this week she invited Serena, "the greatest tennis player to ever exist -- my little sister" to share a yoga-inspired stretching session.

Serena said the exercises, which took about half an hour, served as a warm-up for her, even though they were "a little intense."

"Do not injure yourself doing this," she admonished during one lunge, while advising at another point:&nbsp; "If you have bad knees, like me, use a pad."

US superstar Serena Williams says she's ready to play "real tennis" after the enforced rest of coronavirus quarantine. "I really look forward to getting back on the court," the 23-time Grand Slam champion said in a chat with elder sister Venus during an Instagram live workout on Tuesday.

US superstar Serena Williams says she's ready to play "real tennis" after the enforced rest of coronavirus quarantine. "I really look forward to getting back on the court," the 23-time Grand Slam champion said in a chat with elder sister Venus during an Instagram live workout on Tuesday. "It's what I do best. I absolutely love playing." Tennis is on hiatus until at least mid-July thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the French Open postponed until autumn and Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II. Serena said she'd come to see the break as "a necessary evil. "I felt like my body needed it, even though I didn't want it," said the 38-year-old, who last won a Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open. "And now I'm feeling better than ever. I'm feeling more relaxed, more fit. Now I can go out and play real tennis." Elder sister Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam winner, began posting workouts on Instagram eight weeks ago and this week she invited Serena, "the greatest tennis player to ever exist -- my little sister" to share a yoga-inspired stretching session. Serena said the exercises, which took about half an hour, served as a warm-up for her, even though they were "a little intense." "Do not injure yourself doing this," she admonished during one lunge, while advising at another point: "If you have bad knees, like me, use a pad."

Serena eager to return after lockdown break

Portugal's Primeira Liga will be able to restart the season from its coronavirus-forced suspension on June 4, the country's football league announced on Tuesday.

"We wish to guarantee stadiums are rigorously inspected and the professionals are tested. June 4 is the date when the 25th round of matches of Liga Portugal can resume," the league said statement said.

At the end of last month Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa had announced the final weekend of May as the restart date for the country's top flight.

The Portuguese government have said the last 10 rounds of the season, which was suspended on March 12, will have to be played according to strict medical protocol.

Players will have to pass coronavirus tests twice a week and matches will be played "in the fewest number of stadiums possible". Authorities will now identify which grounds matches can be played in.

The league's announcement comes a day after Benfica announced their midfielder David Tavares had tested positive for COVID-19.

Benfica said that Tavares, 21, who is not a regular first-team player, was asymptomatic and in quarantine. His positive test follows Vitoria Guimaraes confirming three positive cases on Saturday and Moreirense one more.

The overall tally for positive cases in the Primeira Liga is at least eight players.&nbsp;

Porto are top of the league, one point ahead of reigning champions Benfica, with Braga and Sporting Lisbon 13 and 15 points back respectively.

Portugal's Primeira Liga will be able to restart the season from its coronavirus-forced suspension on June 4, the country's football league announced on Tuesday.

Portugal's Primeira Liga will be able to restart the season from its coronavirus-forced suspension on June 4, the country's football league announced on Tuesday. "We wish to guarantee stadiums are rigorously inspected and the professionals are tested. June 4 is the date when the 25th round of matches of Liga Portugal can resume," the league said statement said. At the end of last month Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa had announced the final weekend of May as the restart date for the country's top flight. The Portuguese government have said the last 10 rounds of the season, which was suspended on March 12, will have to be played according to strict medical protocol. Players will have to pass coronavirus tests twice a week and matches will be played "in the fewest number of stadiums possible". Authorities will now identify which grounds matches can be played in. The league's announcement comes a day after Benfica announced their midfielder David Tavares had tested positive for COVID-19. Benfica said that Tavares, 21, who is not a regular first-team player, was asymptomatic and in quarantine. His positive test follows Vitoria Guimaraes confirming three positive cases on Saturday and Moreirense one more. The overall tally for positive cases in the Primeira Liga is at least eight players. Porto are top of the league, one point ahead of reigning champions Benfica, with Braga and Sporting Lisbon 13 and 15 points back respectively.

Portuguese football restart set for June 4

Premier League players are set to be subjected to a strict testing regime if they are to return to training amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to British media reports.

The BBC said Tuesday it had seen a copy of official protocols sent to all 20 Premier League clubs detailing the need for corner-flags, balls, cones, goalposts and even playing surfaces to be disinfected after each training session.

Other measures in the guidance include twice-weekly testing, and a daily pre-training questionnaire and temperature check.

Should a player test positive, with or without symptoms, they will be forced to self-isolate for seven days.

All players will have ro travel to a training ground individually and avoid public transport. Once there they will not be allowed to gather in communal areas and won't be fed on the premises.

Tackling and contact will reportedly be banned for the first phase of team training.

Meanwhile club medical staff must wear personal protection equipment when treating the players.

A meeting involving players, the Professional Footballers' Association and the British government over safety and health issues surrounding a possible restart of the game is set to take place on Wednesday.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, said his members would be open to playing again provided "everything that can be done is being done" to assure their safety.&nbsp;

"We've got to try it, see if we can do it and see if we can return to some form of activity," Taylor told the Mirror.

"But it's also being as careful and having as many assurances as possible that it's achievable."

However, England internationals Raheem Sterling and Danny Rose are the two latest high-profile players to raise their concerns over a return to contact sport when the rest of society is being advised to follow social-distancing guidelines.

<h2>- 'Lives at risk' -</h2>

"The moment we do go back it just needs to be a moment where it's not just for footballing reasons, it's safe for not just us footballers but the whole medical staff, referees," Sterling told his YouTube channel.

Meanwhile Rose, on loan at Newcastle from Tottenham, told an Instagram live: "People's lives are at risk.

"Football shouldn't even be spoken about coming back until the numbers have dropped massively."

A further complication for Project Restart is where any matches would be played, with the clubs opposed to a proposal for a limited number of neutral venues to be used.

The UK's national football policing lead previously stated resuming matches on a home-and-away basis would "present challenges" to the emergency services.

But Mark Roberts said on Tuesday that police, government and football authorities were working together on a plan "which minimises any risks to public safety and unnecessary pressure on public services, but facilitates a sensible restart to the season."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has come out against the idea of playing matches in the capital at this stage, with the city having been particularly badly hit by the pandemic.

Five of the 20 Premier League sides are based in London.

"With the country still in the grips of this crisis, and hundreds of people dying every day, he believes that it is too early to be discussing the resumption of the Premier League and top-flight sport in the capital," Khan's spokesperson told the Evening Standard.

Premier League clubs face having to pay a huge refund to broadcasters even if they manage to complete the virus-disrupted season behind closed doors.

Broadcasters would be reimbursed for matches not being played as scheduled and the lack of atmosphere in empty stadiums is also a factor.

The BBC reported the bill could be as high as £340 million ($420 million) and would surge to £760 million if the season cannot be completed.&nbsp;

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously warned of a £1 billion loss once the absence of gate receipts is taken into account.

New government guidelines have paved the way for elite sport to return behind closed doors in England from June 1.

Britain has been one of the worst hit by the global pandemic, with the UK government officially recording more than 32,000 deaths from COVID-19.

Premier League players are set to be subjected to a strict testing regime if they are to return to training amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to British media reports.

Premier League players are set to be subjected to a strict testing regime if they are to return to training amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to British media reports. The BBC said Tuesday it had seen a copy of official protocols sent to all 20 Premier League clubs detailing the need for corner-flags, balls, cones, goalposts and even playing surfaces to be disinfected after each training session. Other measures in the guidance include twice-weekly testing, and a daily pre-training questionnaire and temperature check. Should a player test positive, with or without symptoms, they will be forced to self-isolate for seven days. All players will have ro travel to a training ground individually and avoid public transport. Once there they will not be allowed to gather in communal areas and won't be fed on the premises. Tackling and contact will reportedly be banned for the first phase of team training. Meanwhile club medical staff must wear personal protection equipment when treating the players. A meeting involving players, the Professional Footballers' Association and the British government over safety and health issues surrounding a possible restart of the game is set to take place on Wednesday. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, said his members would be open to playing again provided "everything that can be done is being done" to assure their safety. "We've got to try it, see if we can do it and see if we can return to some form of activity," Taylor told the Mirror. "But it's also being as careful and having as many assurances as possible that it's achievable." However, England internationals Raheem Sterling and Danny Rose are the two latest high-profile players to raise their concerns over a return to contact sport when the rest of society is being advised to follow social-distancing guidelines. - 'Lives at risk' - "The moment we do go back it just needs to be a moment where it's not just for footballing reasons, it's safe for not just us footballers but the whole medical staff, referees," Sterling told his YouTube channel. Meanwhile Rose, on loan at Newcastle from Tottenham, told an Instagram live: "People's lives are at risk. "Football shouldn't even be spoken about coming back until the numbers have dropped massively." A further complication for Project Restart is where any matches would be played, with the clubs opposed to a proposal for a limited number of neutral venues to be used. The UK's national football policing lead previously stated resuming matches on a home-and-away basis would "present challenges" to the emergency services. But Mark Roberts said on Tuesday that police, government and football authorities were working together on a plan "which minimises any risks to public safety and unnecessary pressure on public services, but facilitates a sensible restart to the season." London Mayor Sadiq Khan has come out against the idea of playing matches in the capital at this stage, with the city having been particularly badly hit by the pandemic. Five of the 20 Premier League sides are based in London. "With the country still in the grips of this crisis, and hundreds of people dying every day, he believes that it is too early to be discussing the resumption of the Premier League and top-flight sport in the capital," Khan's spokesperson told the Evening Standard. Premier League clubs face having to pay a huge refund to broadcasters even if they manage to complete the virus-disrupted season behind closed doors. Broadcasters would be reimbursed for matches not being played as scheduled and the lack of atmosphere in empty stadiums is also a factor. The BBC reported the bill could be as high as £340 million ($420 million) and would surge to £760 million if the season cannot be completed. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously warned of a £1 billion loss once the absence of gate receipts is taken into account. New government guidelines have paved the way for elite sport to return behind closed doors in England from June 1. Britain has been one of the worst hit by the global pandemic, with the UK government officially recording more than 32,000 deaths from COVID-19.

Premier League players face strict new training protocols

Chris Gayle is likely to be penalised for his recent outburst against Ramnaresh Sarwan, said Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief Ricky Skerritt and hoped that it doesn't end the maverick big-hitter's "outstanding career".

The 40-year-old Gayle, who was signed by St Lucia Zouks for the 2020 season of the Caribbean Premier League, called his former teammate "worse than coronavirus", accusing the Guyanese of plotting his exit from CPL outfit Jamaica Tallawahs.

Skerritt said though it is an "interpersonal battle", he doesn't expect the controversy to die down so easily.

"I'm sure there is some kind of discussion taking place at the moment between Chris and the CPL because the CPL has rules which will come into view here because Chris is signed into a franchise team," Skerrit was quoted as saying by 'Jamaica-Gleaner'.

"I hope it doesn't become a world matter in terms of the career of Mr Gayle, because it's been a very outstanding career and I really wouldn't want to see it brought to an end by this event," he added.

The opener had claimed that Sarwan was behind his ouster as the former middle-order batsman wanted to take control of the franchise.

"Sarwan, you are worse than the coronavirus right now," Gayle had said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.

"What transpired with the Tallawahs, you have a big part to play because you and the owner are like this (very close)." 
Skerritt&nbsp;said it was an unfortunate incident and hoped it doesn't have an impact on Gayle's career.

"It's certainly not something that I enjoyed looking at or reading about ?. Personally, I think that was unfortunate, but the process will have to take its course and that process will get triggered because he is a contracted player in the CPL within the West Indies league,? Skerritt said.

"If a player is contracted to a club or a franchise or to Cricket West Indies? that kind of behaviour brings that contract into some level of disrepute," he added.

Chris Gayle is likely to be penalised for his recent outburst against Ramnaresh Sarwan, said Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief Ricky Skerritt and hoped that it doesn't end the maverick big-hitter's "outstanding career".

Chris Gayle is likely to be penalised for his recent outburst against Ramnaresh Sarwan, said Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief Ricky Skerritt and hoped that it doesn't end the maverick big-hitter's "outstanding career". The 40-year-old Gayle, who was signed by St Lucia Zouks for the 2020 season of the Caribbean Premier League, called his former teammate "worse than coronavirus", accusing the Guyanese of plotting his exit from CPL outfit Jamaica Tallawahs. Skerritt said though it is an "interpersonal battle", he doesn't expect the controversy to die down so easily. "I'm sure there is some kind of discussion taking place at the moment between Chris and the CPL because the CPL has rules which will come into view here because Chris is signed into a franchise team," Skerrit was quoted as saying by 'Jamaica-Gleaner'. "I hope it doesn't become a world matter in terms of the career of Mr Gayle, because it's been a very outstanding career and I really wouldn't want to see it brought to an end by this event," he added. The opener had claimed that Sarwan was behind his ouster as the former middle-order batsman wanted to take control of the franchise. "Sarwan, you are worse than the coronavirus right now," Gayle had said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel. "What transpired with the Tallawahs, you have a big part to play because you and the owner are like this (very close)." Skerritt said it was an unfortunate incident and hoped it doesn't have an impact on Gayle's career. "It's certainly not something that I enjoyed looking at or reading about ?. Personally, I think that was unfortunate, but the process will have to take its course and that process will get triggered because he is a contracted player in the CPL within the West Indies league,? Skerritt said. "If a player is contracted to a club or a franchise or to Cricket West Indies? that kind of behaviour brings that contract into some level of disrepute," he added.

Chris Gayle likely to be penalised for outburst against Sarwan, hope it doesn't end his career: CWI chief

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday announced Babar Azam as limited-overs captain of the national side whereas Azhar Ali will continue to captain Pakistan in Test cricket. Babar, who was already the skipper of T20I side, replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed as the ODI captain with Pakistan scheduled to play six ODIs, 20 T20Is apart from the Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup this season.&nbsp;

"I want to congratulate Azhar Ali and Babar Azam for getting captaincy extensions," chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said in a PCB statement.

"This is absolutely the right decision as they also require certainty and clarity on their future roles. I am sure they will now start looking to the future and start planning so that they can build sides that can perform at the expected levels."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-top-contender-for-bccis-arjuna-award-nomination-shikhar-dhawan-could-be-second-name-298443" hreflang="en">Jasprit Bumrah top contender for BCCI's Arjuna award nomination, Shikhar Dhawan could be second name</a>

The PCB further announced an 18-player men’s central contract list for the 2020-21 season coming into effect from July 1.

Some of the big names in Hassan Ali, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz were missing from the central contract list whereas the likes of Imam-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Yasir Shah have been demoted one category each. Naseem Shah and Iftikhar Ahmad were the two new names in the contract list while Shaheen Shah Afridi was promoted to Category A.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shahid-afridi-visits-shri-lakshmi-narayan-temple-in-pakistan-distributes-food-items-to-needy-298427" hreflang="en">Shahid Afridi visits Shri Lakshmi Narayan temple in Pakistan, distributes food items to needy</a>

"The selectors have made the tough decisions to leave out Amir, Hasan and Wahab but considering Hasan missed most of the season due to an injury and Amir and Wahab decided to focus on white-ball cricket, this was the right move," Misbah said.

"However, Amir and Wahab are senior and experienced bowlers and they remain in contention as we believe they can still contribute to the Pakistan men's cricket team and also mentor our young battery of fast bowlers." 
Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain were named in PCB’s new Emerging Players’ &nbsp;Category.

"I am thankful to the PCB Chairman for supporting our recommendation to give emerging player contracts to Haider, Haris and

Hasnain. This is part of our forward-looking strategy and investing in the future, while also encouraging potential future national team players," Misbah said.

<h2>PCB Men's Central Contract List for 2020-21:</h2>

Category A: Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Category B: Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah.

Category C: Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Naseem Shah, Usman Shinwari.

Emerging Players' Category: Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday announced Babar Azam as limited-overs captain of the national side whereas Azhar Ali will continue to captain Pakistan in Test cricket.

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday announced Babar Azam as limited-overs captain of the national side whereas Azhar Ali will continue to captain Pakistan in Test cricket. Babar, who was already the skipper of T20I side, replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed as the ODI captain with Pakistan scheduled to play six ODIs, 20 T20Is apart from the Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup this season. "I want to congratulate Azhar Ali and Babar Azam for getting captaincy extensions," chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said in a PCB statement. "This is absolutely the right decision as they also require certainty and clarity on their future roles. I am sure they will now start looking to the future and start planning so that they can build sides that can perform at the expected levels." ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah top contender for BCCI's Arjuna award nomination, Shikhar Dhawan could be second name The PCB further announced an 18-player men’s central contract list for the 2020-21 season coming into effect from July 1. Some of the big names in Hassan Ali, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz were missing from the central contract list whereas the likes of Imam-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Yasir Shah have been demoted one category each. Naseem Shah and Iftikhar Ahmad were the two new names in the contract list while Shaheen Shah Afridi was promoted to Category A. ALSO READ: Shahid Afridi visits Shri Lakshmi Narayan temple in Pakistan, distributes food items to needy "The selectors have made the tough decisions to leave out Amir, Hasan and Wahab but considering Hasan missed most of the season due to an injury and Amir and Wahab decided to focus on white-ball cricket, this was the right move," Misbah said. "However, Amir and Wahab are senior and experienced bowlers and they remain in contention as we believe they can still contribute to the Pakistan men's cricket team and also mentor our young battery of fast bowlers." Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain were named in PCB’s new Emerging Players’ Category. "I am thankful to the PCB Chairman for supporting our recommendation to give emerging player contracts to Haider, Haris and Hasnain. This is part of our forward-looking strategy and investing in the future, while also encouraging potential future national team players," Misbah said. PCB Men's Central Contract List for 2020-21: Category A: Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi. Category B: Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah. Category C: Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Naseem Shah, Usman Shinwari. Emerging Players' Category: Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.

Babar Azam appointed Pakistan's ODI skipper, Azhar Ali to continue as Test captain

India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be the BCCI nomination for the prestigious Arjuna Award this year after missing out on seniority to Ravindra Jadeja in 2019.

The BCCI office-bearers are expected to zero in on nominations for the men's and women's categories later this month but the Gujarat pacer's stupendous performance in the last four years makes him the most worthy candidate.

If BCCI decides to send multiple names in the men's category, senior opener Shikhar Dhawan could also be preferred as he missed out in 2018 despite the Board sending his nomination.

"Last year, we had sent three names in men's section -- Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami," a BCCI source told PTI.

Bumrah lost out as he had completed only two years in international cricket while the criteria of selection requires performance of at least three years at the highest level.

"That's why Bumrah, who completed three years of international cricket last year, missed out to Jadeja, who is senior as well as a consistent performer for many years," the source added.

The 26-year-old has 68 wickets from 14 Tests, 104 wickets from 64 ODIs and 59 wickets from 50 T20Is, making for a phenomenal four years in India colours.

"He certainly has the best credentials. He was ICC's No 1 ranked ODI bowler. He is the only Asian bowler to pick up five-wicket hauls in South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies," the source said.

It is highly unlikely that BCCI will send Mohammed Shami's name this time around as the police case filed against him by his estranged wife alleging domestic violence and adultery means that he won't be eligible.

In case of Dhawan, his seniority is a factor as all his contemporaries (Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara and Jadeja) have got the award.

Dhawan was, however, out of action for a considerable period last year after sustaining multiple injuries.

But a former BCCI office-bearer said that Dhawan's seniority cannot be ignored.

"In 2018, we had sent Dhawan's name for nomination but only Smriti (Mandhana) got the award. So BCCI can send both Bumrah and Dhawan's names," he said.

In the women's section, all-rounder Deepti Sharma, for her consistent show over the past four years including India's highest ODI score of 188, is one of the names along with pacer Shikha Pandey, who is also a Squadron Leader with the Indian Airforce.

India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be the BCCI nomination for the prestigious Arjuna Award this year after missing out on seniority to Ravindra Jadeja in 2019.

India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be the BCCI nomination for the prestigious Arjuna Award this year after missing out on seniority to Ravindra Jadeja in 2019. The BCCI office-bearers are expected to zero in on nominations for the men's and women's categories later this month but the Gujarat pacer's stupendous performance in the last four years makes him the most worthy candidate. If BCCI decides to send multiple names in the men's category, senior opener Shikhar Dhawan could also be preferred as he missed out in 2018 despite the Board sending his nomination. "Last year, we had sent three names in men's section -- Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami," a BCCI source told PTI. Bumrah lost out as he had completed only two years in international cricket while the criteria of selection requires performance of at least three years at the highest level. "That's why Bumrah, who completed three years of international cricket last year, missed out to Jadeja, who is senior as well as a consistent performer for many years," the source added. The 26-year-old has 68 wickets from 14 Tests, 104 wickets from 64 ODIs and 59 wickets from 50 T20Is, making for a phenomenal four years in India colours. "He certainly has the best credentials. He was ICC's No 1 ranked ODI bowler. He is the only Asian bowler to pick up five-wicket hauls in South Africa, England, Australia and West Indies," the source said. It is highly unlikely that BCCI will send Mohammed Shami's name this time around as the police case filed against him by his estranged wife alleging domestic violence and adultery means that he won't be eligible. In case of Dhawan, his seniority is a factor as all his contemporaries (Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara and Jadeja) have got the award. Dhawan was, however, out of action for a considerable period last year after sustaining multiple injuries. But a former BCCI office-bearer said that Dhawan's seniority cannot be ignored. "In 2018, we had sent Dhawan's name for nomination but only Smriti (Mandhana) got the award. So BCCI can send both Bumrah and Dhawan's names," he said. In the women's section, all-rounder Deepti Sharma, for her consistent show over the past four years including India's highest ODI score of 188, is one of the names along with pacer Shikha Pandey, who is also a Squadron Leader with the Indian Airforce.

Jasprit Bumrah top contender for BCCI's Arjuna award nomination, Shikhar Dhawan could be second name

The Supreme Court Wednesday sought response from Sanjeev Chawla, alleged bookie and key accused in one of the cricket's biggest match-fixing scandals that involved former South African captain Hansie Cronje, on a plea filed by Delhi Police challenging the bail granted to him.

A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justice L Nageswara Rao was hearing through video-conferencing an appeal filed by the police challenging the May 6 order of the Delhi High Court which had upheld a trial court's decision granting bail to Chawla.

"Issue notice returnable two weeks," the bench said in its order.

Chawla, who was extradited from London in February, was granted bail by a trial court here on April 30 on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh with two sureties of the like amount.

According to the police, Chawla was allegedly involved in fixing of five matches and Cronje, who died in a plane crash in 2002, was also involved.

The police alleged that Chawla played a key role in conspiring with Cronje to fix a South African tour to India in February-March, 2000.

Chawla has denied the allegations.

The British court documents say that Chawla is a Delhi-born businessman who moved to the United Kingdom on a business visa in 1996 and continued to make trips to India.

n its May 6 order, the high court said that when the scenario of a trial taking place was "stark", the liberty of a person "cannot be left in limbo" on the belief that he was a flight risk.

The high court, while dismissing the police's plea challenging the bail granted to Chawla in the case in which FIR was lodged 20 years ago, had said that instant case highlights the need for use of technology, like GPS tracking system used in USA, to track under-trials in cases where there is a fear that they may flee.

Before the high court, the police had sought cancellation of bail primarily on the ground of gravity of offence and also that guidelines for release in view of the COVID-19 pandemic were not to be applied in the instant case as was done by the trial court. 
Chawla's counsel had opposed the plea in the high court and said there was no evidence to suggest that Chawla was likely to abscond.

The Supreme Court Wednesday sought response from Sanjeev Chawla, alleged bookie and key accused in one of the cricket's biggest match-fixing scandals that involved former South African captain Hansie Cronje, on a plea filed by Delhi Police challenging the bail granted to him.

The Supreme Court Wednesday sought response from Sanjeev Chawla, alleged bookie and key accused in one of the cricket's biggest match-fixing scandals that involved former South African captain Hansie Cronje, on a plea filed by Delhi Police challenging the bail granted to him. A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justice L Nageswara Rao was hearing through video-conferencing an appeal filed by the police challenging the May 6 order of the Delhi High Court which had upheld a trial court's decision granting bail to Chawla. "Issue notice returnable two weeks," the bench said in its order. Chawla, who was extradited from London in February, was granted bail by a trial court here on April 30 on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 2 lakh with two sureties of the like amount. According to the police, Chawla was allegedly involved in fixing of five matches and Cronje, who died in a plane crash in 2002, was also involved. The police alleged that Chawla played a key role in conspiring with Cronje to fix a South African tour to India in February-March, 2000. Chawla has denied the allegations. The British court documents say that Chawla is a Delhi-born businessman who moved to the United Kingdom on a business visa in 1996 and continued to make trips to India. n its May 6 order, the high court said that when the scenario of a trial taking place was "stark", the liberty of a person "cannot be left in limbo" on the belief that he was a flight risk. The high court, while dismissing the police's plea challenging the bail granted to Chawla in the case in which FIR was lodged 20 years ago, had said that instant case highlights the need for use of technology, like GPS tracking system used in USA, to track under-trials in cases where there is a fear that they may flee. Before the high court, the police had sought cancellation of bail primarily on the ground of gravity of offence and also that guidelines for release in view of the COVID-19 pandemic were not to be applied in the instant case as was done by the trial court. Chawla's counsel had opposed the plea in the high court and said there was no evidence to suggest that Chawla was likely to abscond.

Match fixing scandal: SC notice to Sanjeev Chawla on plea challenging bail granted to him

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is ready to take part in the Premier League's proposed restart during the coronavirus crisis despite being in the vulnerable age group.

Hodgson is the oldest manager in Premier League history at 72, potentially putting the former England coach in danger if he contracts the virus.

But Hodgson said he had no fears about getting back to work if the Premier League stick to their plan to let clubs start training next week.

Asked if he would be able to return, Hodgson told beIN SPORTS: "Yes. No concerns. Age is age. It's how you feel really. Your age doesn't necessarily relate to your fitness or how you're feeling, or your capacity to do a job."

Hodgson, whose long managerial career has included stints at Liverpool and Inter Milan, said he had used the enforced break since the Premier League was suspended in March to work on his fitness.

"So I have no qualms whatsoever," he said. "When I'm called back to work I shall be very happy to go back to work."

Several Premier League players have expressed concern about putting themselves and their families at risk.

Newcastle defender Danny Rose and Manchester City stars Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling are among the players to go public with worries about being forced back into action too soon.

Hodgson said he and Palace chairman Steve Parish would not have a problem if any of his players did not want to return to work before they felt completely safe.

"This is going to be a matter for the individual and a matter for the club at the end of the day," Hodgson said.&nbsp;

"I would be very surprised, knowing my club and Steve Parish as I do, that he would not be sympathetic to a player that came and said: 'Look, I have serious reservations about playing'."

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is ready to take part in the Premier League's proposed restart during the coronavirus crisis despite being in the vulnerable age group.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is ready to take part in the Premier League's proposed restart during the coronavirus crisis despite being in the vulnerable age group. Hodgson is the oldest manager in Premier League history at 72, potentially putting the former England coach in danger if he contracts the virus. But Hodgson said he had no fears about getting back to work if the Premier League stick to their plan to let clubs start training next week. Asked if he would be able to return, Hodgson told beIN SPORTS: "Yes. No concerns. Age is age. It's how you feel really. Your age doesn't necessarily relate to your fitness or how you're feeling, or your capacity to do a job." Hodgson, whose long managerial career has included stints at Liverpool and Inter Milan, said he had used the enforced break since the Premier League was suspended in March to work on his fitness. "So I have no qualms whatsoever," he said. "When I'm called back to work I shall be very happy to go back to work." Several Premier League players have expressed concern about putting themselves and their families at risk. Newcastle defender Danny Rose and Manchester City stars Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling are among the players to go public with worries about being forced back into action too soon. Hodgson said he and Palace chairman Steve Parish would not have a problem if any of his players did not want to return to work before they felt completely safe. "This is going to be a matter for the individual and a matter for the club at the end of the day," Hodgson said. "I would be very surprised, knowing my club and Steve Parish as I do, that he would not be sympathetic to a player that came and said: 'Look, I have serious reservations about playing'."

Hodgson has no fears over Premier League return despite virus

England bowler Jofra Archer has said the years he spent as a teenager grappling with a long-running back injury were "dark times".

The 25-year-old Archer -- who has not played since the Boxing Day Test against South Africa after suffering a stress fracture -- opened up about his struggles in a podcast for his Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday.

Archer, who only made his international debut in 2019, said he feared the injury would scupper his career prospects.

"It felt like I was missing out on my golden years. The doctor told me if he didn't see improvement, he couldn't even see me playing club cricket," the pacer said.

"You're young and you want to play, you have got to make the most of your youth because before you know it, you're 20, 21 or even 25.

"And then a lot of people don't take chances on guys who are a little bit older.

"Those were dark times to be honest, I spent two years out of cricket."

The fast bowler's absence from the sport has coincided with a lengthy period of enforced rest for all top-flight cricketers as the coronavirus pandemic halted major sporting events worldwide.

The start of the English season and the IPL, world's richest cricket tournament, have been postponed indefinitely.

The Barbados-born Archer emerged as one of cricket's most exciting players last year when he helped England win their first men's 50-over World Cup, taking a team-high 20 wickets at 23.05.

England bowler Jofra Archer has said the years he spent as a teenager grappling with a long-running back injury were "dark times". The 25-year-old Archer -- who has not played since the Boxing Day Test against South Africa after suffering a stress fracture -- opened up about his struggles in a podcast for his Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday.

England bowler Jofra Archer has said the years he spent as a teenager grappling with a long-running back injury were "dark times". The 25-year-old Archer -- who has not played since the Boxing Day Test against South Africa after suffering a stress fracture -- opened up about his struggles in a podcast for his Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday. Archer, who only made his international debut in 2019, said he feared the injury would scupper his career prospects. "It felt like I was missing out on my golden years. The doctor told me if he didn't see improvement, he couldn't even see me playing club cricket," the pacer said. "You're young and you want to play, you have got to make the most of your youth because before you know it, you're 20, 21 or even 25. "And then a lot of people don't take chances on guys who are a little bit older. "Those were dark times to be honest, I spent two years out of cricket." The fast bowler's absence from the sport has coincided with a lengthy period of enforced rest for all top-flight cricketers as the coronavirus pandemic halted major sporting events worldwide. The start of the English season and the IPL, world's richest cricket tournament, have been postponed indefinitely. The Barbados-born Archer emerged as one of cricket's most exciting players last year when he helped England win their first men's 50-over World Cup, taking a team-high 20 wickets at 23.05.

England's Archer recalls 'dark times' during teen injury

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