<p>The Premier League is set to be given the nod to resume the halted 2019-20 campaign on June 12 with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson set to reveal further details of his roadmap in Parliament on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Johnson on Sunday addressed the public while revealing a plan to guide the country out of lockdown in the approaching months. Following Johnson’s roadmap revelation, a government paper on elite sports is likely to be published on Tuesday, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plans and roadmaps will give a green signal for the resumption of professional sports, including the Premier League, on June 12, subject to safety conditions being met and COVID-19 cases in the country not rising drastically.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/division-threatens-premier-leagues-chances-of-comeback-297922" hreflang="en">Division threatens Premier League's chances of comeback</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Premier League clubs are also set to meet on Monday to discuss the ‘Project Restart’ as some are expected to argue against playing matches at neutral venues. Reportedly, relegation-threatened clubs are against the idea of playing crucial fixtures, that could define their league status, away from their home stadiums.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Premier Leagues needs 14 clubs to support the current proposal to go ahead with the plans but there is a growing fear that the threshold will not be met and a restart could be pushed further back.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/khashoggis-fiancee-insists-moral-values-must-come-first-in-newcastle-takeover-297919" hreflang="en">Khashoggi's fiancee insists moral values must come first in Newcastle takeover</a></strong></p>

<p>The proposal of scrapping relegation has been rejected by the Premier League and EFL and all the parties need to be on the same page for a possible restart of the halted 2019-20 Premier League.</p>


The Premier League is set to be given the nod to resume the halted 2019-20 campaign on June 12 with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson set to reveal further details of his roadmap in Parliament on Monday.

The Premier League is set to be given the nod to resume the halted 2019-20 campaign on June 12 with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson set to reveal further details of his roadmap in Parliament on Monday. Johnson on Sunday addressed the public while revealing a plan to guide the country out of lockdown in the approaching months. Following Johnson’s roadmap revelation, a government paper on elite sports is likely to be published on Tuesday, as per reports. The plans and roadmaps will give a green signal for the resumption of professional sports, including the Premier League, on June 12, subject to safety conditions being met and COVID-19 cases in the country not rising drastically. ALSO READ: Division threatens Premier League's chances of comeback However, Premier League clubs are also set to meet on Monday to discuss the ‘Project Restart’ as some are expected to argue against playing matches at neutral venues. Reportedly, relegation-threatened clubs are against the idea of playing crucial fixtures, that could define their league status, away from their home stadiums. The Premier Leagues needs 14 clubs to support the current proposal to go ahead with the plans but there is a growing fear that the threshold will not be met and a restart could be pushed further back. ALSO READ: Khashoggi's fiancee insists moral values must come first in Newcastle takeover The proposal of scrapping relegation has been rejected by the Premier League and EFL and all the parties need to be on the same page for a possible restart of the halted 2019-20 Premier League.

Premier League set to be given green signal to resume season on June 12

<p>New Zealand's Super Rugby teams will launch a domestic competition next month after the government eased strict COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, officials said Monday.</p>

<p>Named Super Rugby Aotearoa -- the Maori name for New Zealand -- the competition will kick off on Saturday, June 13, when the Otago Highlanders face Waikato Chiefs in Dunedin. The Auckland Blues will play the Wellington Hurricanes the next day</p>

<p>The five-team competition will have two matches each week over 10 rounds, with games played without fans while coronavirus rules continue to prohibit mass gatherings.</p>

<p>Australia are weighing a similar five-team domestic competition, although no firm start date has been announced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Public broadcaster ABC reported that the Perth-based Western Force -- who were axed from Super Rugby at the end of the 2017 season -- would return as the fifth Australian team.</p>

<p>The competitions are temporary replacements for the southern hemisphere's 15-team Super Rugby championship which also features clubs from South Africa, Argentina and Japan.</p>

<p>Governing body SANZAAR suspended Super Rugby in mid-March as the pandemic closed international borders.</p>

<p>"The thought of five world-class Kiwi teams battling it out in 20 matches over 10 weeks should put a smile back on the faces of many people," New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said.</p>

<p>"I know our players are excited and I'm sure rugby fans will be as well."</p>

<p>The competition was made possible after New Zealand on Monday announced it was phasing out a seven-week lockdown that has helped contain COVID-19.</p>

<p>NZR medical manager Karen Rasmussen said the game's administrators had agreed with the government to enforce strict health protocols.</p>

<p>These include daily symptom and temperature checks for everyone involved, charter flights to matches, as well as measures to help contract tracing if there is an outbreak.</p>

<p>The first match each round will kick off at 5:05 pm Saturday (0505 GMT) and the second at 3:05 pm (0305 GMT) Sunday.</p>


New Zealand's Super Rugby teams will launch a domestic competition next month after the government eased strict COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, officials said Monday.

New Zealand's Super Rugby teams will launch a domestic competition next month after the government eased strict COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, officials said Monday. Named Super Rugby Aotearoa -- the Maori name for New Zealand -- the competition will kick off on Saturday, June 13, when the Otago Highlanders face Waikato Chiefs in Dunedin. The Auckland Blues will play the Wellington Hurricanes the next day The five-team competition will have two matches each week over 10 rounds, with games played without fans while coronavirus rules continue to prohibit mass gatherings. Australia are weighing a similar five-team domestic competition, although no firm start date has been announced. Public broadcaster ABC reported that the Perth-based Western Force -- who were axed from Super Rugby at the end of the 2017 season -- would return as the fifth Australian team. The competitions are temporary replacements for the southern hemisphere's 15-team Super Rugby championship which also features clubs from South Africa, Argentina and Japan. Governing body SANZAAR suspended Super Rugby in mid-March as the pandemic closed international borders. "The thought of five world-class Kiwi teams battling it out in 20 matches over 10 weeks should put a smile back on the faces of many people," New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said. "I know our players are excited and I'm sure rugby fans will be as well." The competition was made possible after New Zealand on Monday announced it was phasing out a seven-week lockdown that has helped contain COVID-19. NZR medical manager Karen Rasmussen said the game's administrators had agreed with the government to enforce strict health protocols. These include daily symptom and temperature checks for everyone involved, charter flights to matches, as well as measures to help contract tracing if there is an outbreak. The first match each round will kick off at 5:05 pm Saturday (0505 GMT) and the second at 3:05 pm (0305 GMT) Sunday.

New Zealand domestic Super Rugby Aotearoa to kick off in June

<p>Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday announced that ‘elite athletes’ will resume training once the nationwide lockdown ends. Entire India is under lockdown since March 24 in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 and the measures have restricted the Olympic hopefuls and other athletes to train indoors. However, Rijiju advised the sportspersons and all the stakeholders to not rush in easing out training restrictions keeping health and safety the top priority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Once the lockdown is lifted, we will resume the training of our elite athletes followed by other SAI Training Centres in phased manner. I appeal sportspersons and all stakeholders not to rush because health and safety is our top priority presently. #IndiaFightsCorona,” Rijiju tweeted on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uae-offers-to-host-ipl-2020-bcci-yet-to-take-a-call-297930" hreflang="en">UAE offers to host IPL 2020, BCCI yet to take a call</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Once the lockdown is lifted, we will resume the training of our elite athletes followed by other SAI Training Centres in phased manner. I appeal sportspersons and all stakeholders not to rush because health and safety is our top priority presently.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://t.co/FqSliNhKR1">https://t.co/FqSliNhKR1</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1259692847919480833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Monday, Rijiju interacted with elite weightlifters housed in Sports Authority of India's (SAI) National Center of Excellence in Patiala with the weightlifters sharing their feedback on the resumption of training in a phased manner.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/on-what-front-are-australia-the-no-1-ranked-test-team-gautam-gambhir-questions-iccs-rankings-system-297936" hreflang="en">'On what front are Australia the No. 1-ranked Test team?' - Gautam Gambhir questions ICC's rankings system</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Elite weightlifters housed in SAI's National Center of Excellence in Patiala spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KirenRijiju</a> online and shared their feedback on resumption of training in a phased manner. Sports Minister spoke to all weightlifters and coaches to understand their training requirements. <a href="https://t.co/ZiuzDhHcQT">pic.twitter.com/ZiuzDhHcQT</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju Office (@RijijuOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/RijijuOffice/status/1259747112968847362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>While sportspersons have strictly followed the lockdown norms while spreading awareness about the COVID-19 on various social media platforms, the Indian Sports Ministry has decided to allow athletes to resume their regular training regimes in a phased manner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Rijiju had said that proper planning will be needed to ensure sports remain sustainable when played behind closed doors in near future. Rijiju had even stated that they need to identify the players and teams who have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics or are going to take part in the qualification competitions of the Games, which was pushed to 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>"First of all, we will identify those players and teams who have qualified for the Olympics. Second, those who are going to play the Olympic qualification competitions, we will allow these athletes to practice," Rijiju had said.</p>

<p>"We won't be able to open camps for those who are not in qualification reckoning soon. Maybe that will go beyond August or September," he had added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, all sporting activities in India have remained suspended since mid-March due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus which has claimed over 2,200 lives in the country.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday announced that ‘elite athletes’ will resume training once the nationwide lockdown ends. Entire India is under lockdown since March 24 in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 and the measures have restricted the Olympic hopefuls and other athletes to train indoors.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday announced that ‘elite athletes’ will resume training once the nationwide lockdown ends. Entire India is under lockdown since March 24 in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19 and the measures have restricted the Olympic hopefuls and other athletes to train indoors. However, Rijiju advised the sportspersons and all the stakeholders to not rush in easing out training restrictions keeping health and safety the top priority. “Once the lockdown is lifted, we will resume the training of our elite athletes followed by other SAI Training Centres in phased manner. I appeal sportspersons and all stakeholders not to rush because health and safety is our top priority presently. #IndiaFightsCorona,” Rijiju tweeted on Monday. ALSO READ: UAE offers to host IPL 2020, BCCI yet to take a call Once the lockdown is lifted, we will resume the training of our elite athletes followed by other SAI Training Centres in phased manner. I appeal sportspersons and all stakeholders not to rush because health and safety is our top priority presently.#IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/FqSliNhKR1 — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 11, 2020 × On Monday, Rijiju interacted with elite weightlifters housed in Sports Authority of India's (SAI) National Center of Excellence in Patiala with the weightlifters sharing their feedback on the resumption of training in a phased manner. ALSO READ: 'On what front are Australia the No. 1-ranked Test team?' - Gautam Gambhir questions ICC's rankings system Elite weightlifters housed in SAI's National Center of Excellence in Patiala spoke to @KirenRijiju online and shared their feedback on resumption of training in a phased manner. Sports Minister spoke to all weightlifters and coaches to understand their training requirements. pic.twitter.com/ZiuzDhHcQT — Kiren Rijiju Office (@RijijuOffice) May 11, 2020 × While sportspersons have strictly followed the lockdown norms while spreading awareness about the COVID-19 on various social media platforms, the Indian Sports Ministry has decided to allow athletes to resume their regular training regimes in a phased manner. Earlier, Rijiju had said that proper planning will be needed to ensure sports remain sustainable when played behind closed doors in near future. Rijiju had even stated that they need to identify the players and teams who have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics or are going to take part in the qualification competitions of the Games, which was pushed to 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "First of all, we will identify those players and teams who have qualified for the Olympics. Second, those who are going to play the Olympic qualification competitions, we will allow these athletes to practice," Rijiju had said. "We won't be able to open camps for those who are not in qualification reckoning soon. Maybe that will go beyond August or September," he had added. Notably, all sporting activities in India have remained suspended since mid-March due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus which has claimed over 2,200 lives in the country.

Kiren Rijiju: Elite athletes to resume training in phased manner once lockdown is lifted

<p>With the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hanging in balance, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t taken any call on the future of the cash-rich tournament besides postponing it indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdown and travel restrictions in place, the Indian board has been trying to find an alternate solution in a bid to conduct IPL 2020 later in the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, given the popularity of IPL, there aren’t any dearth of suitors as after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board has offered to host the 13th edition of the IPL in the United Arab Emirates. Interestingly, UAE had hosted 20 matches of IPL 2014 to avoid collision of dates with general elections in India. However, the BCCI is continuing to wait for things to clear up in India before taking a call, as per a report in a leading daily.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umar-akmal-didnt-show-remorse-after-failing-to-report-corrupt-approaches-pcb-disciplinary-panel-head-297501" hreflang="en">Umar Akmal didn’t show remorse after failing to report corrupt approaches: PCB disciplinary panel head</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Would BCCI be open to moving IPL 2020 to a foreign land?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>“The UAE has offered to host the IPL if we want them to. But right now when there is no international travel, there is no question of taking a call on that,” said BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal as per the report.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the BCCI is still looking to host the IPL in India should the COVID-19 pandemic gets contained. The question remains, should the coronavirus curve doesn’t flatten in coming weeks or months, would BCCI be open to moving IPL 2020 to a foreign land?&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The health and security of players and all participants is our priority. At the moment, the entire world travel has come to a standstill, so there is nothing we can decide at this stage,” Dhumal said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paralysed-iranian-artist-fateme-hamami-paints-portraits-of-cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-leaves-social-media-in-awe-297488" hreflang="en">Paralysed Iranian artist Fateme Hamami paints portraits of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi; leaves social media in awe</a></strong></p>

<p>With Sri Lanka and UAE, TV timings won’t be an issue. But if it is hosted in India, the matches, in all likelihood, will be played behind closed doors with franchise losing out revenue from gate receipts. An IPL edition just for TV will at least protect the broadcast and title right deals of the BCCI. Interestingly, when the IPL was hosted by Cricket South Africa (CSA), the board made a turnover of $11.4 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have discussed amongst our committee members the proposal to host the IPL in Sri Lanka. We are in lockdown till May 11. Any further decision will be taken after that,” said SLC secretary Mohan de Silva.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hanging in balance, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t taken any call on the future of the cash-rich tournament besides postponing it indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hanging in balance, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t taken any call on the future of the cash-rich tournament besides postponing it indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdown and travel restrictions in place, the Indian board has been trying to find an alternate solution in a bid to conduct IPL 2020 later in the year. However, given the popularity of IPL, there aren’t any dearth of suitors as after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board has offered to host the 13th edition of the IPL in the United Arab Emirates. Interestingly, UAE had hosted 20 matches of IPL 2014 to avoid collision of dates with general elections in India. However, the BCCI is continuing to wait for things to clear up in India before taking a call, as per a report in a leading daily. ALSO READ: Umar Akmal didn’t show remorse after failing to report corrupt approaches: PCB disciplinary panel head Would BCCI be open to moving IPL 2020 to a foreign land? “The UAE has offered to host the IPL if we want them to. But right now when there is no international travel, there is no question of taking a call on that,” said BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal as per the report. Meanwhile, the BCCI is still looking to host the IPL in India should the COVID-19 pandemic gets contained. The question remains, should the coronavirus curve doesn’t flatten in coming weeks or months, would BCCI be open to moving IPL 2020 to a foreign land? “The health and security of players and all participants is our priority. At the moment, the entire world travel has come to a standstill, so there is nothing we can decide at this stage,” Dhumal said. ALSO READ: Paralysed Iranian artist Fateme Hamami paints portraits of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi; leaves social media in awe With Sri Lanka and UAE, TV timings won’t be an issue. But if it is hosted in India, the matches, in all likelihood, will be played behind closed doors with franchise losing out revenue from gate receipts. An IPL edition just for TV will at least protect the broadcast and title right deals of the BCCI. Interestingly, when the IPL was hosted by Cricket South Africa (CSA), the board made a turnover of $11.4 million. “We have discussed amongst our committee members the proposal to host the IPL in Sri Lanka. We are in lockdown till May 11. Any further decision will be taken after that,” said SLC secretary Mohan de Silva.

UAE offers to host IPL 2020, BCCI yet to take a call

<p>Recently, Suresh Raina in an Instagram Live session with Irfan Pathan had suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should allow non-contracted players to play in overseas T20 tournaments for the betterment of quality and experience of the players. However, a BCCI official has completely dismissed Raina's suggestion by saying ‘exclusivity is the key’ in Indian Premier League (IPL) and that commands good value for players at the IPL auction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BCCI official further said that it’s natural to find these views coming from the players with retirement approaching.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uae-offers-to-host-ipl-2020-bcci-yet-to-take-a-call-297930" hreflang="en">UAE offers to host IPL 2020, BCCI yet to take a call</a></strong></p>

<h2>"Exclusivity is the key"</h2>

<p>“One usually finds these views emanating from those who can see the wall of retirement approaching, and it’s only natural. That’s their view. It’s the luxury of having the freedom of a tunnel vision with a view to further their own interests, and that’s absolutely fine,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by news portals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“From the point of view of the board and the interests of Indian cricket, the intent is to ensure a system where the non-contracted players are able to command good value at the IPL auction. Exclusivity is the key,” the official added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, veteran spinner Pravin Tambe’s IPL 2020 contract with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was cancelled as he had participated in an overseas cricket tournament and it was against BCCI’s policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/on-what-front-are-australia-the-no-1-ranked-test-team-gautam-gambhir-questions-iccs-rankings-system-297936" hreflang="en">'On what front are Australia the No. 1-ranked Test team?' - Gautam Gambhir questions ICC's rankings system</a></strong></p>

<p>Even for playing County Cricket, Indian players need to take a NOC from the BCCI and in the recent years, the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav among others have plied their trade in the County season in order to improve their game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, when it comes to T20 cricket, BCCI is pretty stern about not allowing players to play abroad.</p>


Recently, Suresh Raina in an Instagram Live session with Irfan Pathan had suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should allow non-contracted players to play in overseas T20 tournaments for the betterment of quality and experience of the players.

Recently, Suresh Raina in an Instagram Live session with Irfan Pathan had suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should allow non-contracted players to play in overseas T20 tournaments for the betterment of quality and experience of the players. However, a BCCI official has completely dismissed Raina's suggestion by saying ‘exclusivity is the key’ in Indian Premier League (IPL) and that commands good value for players at the IPL auction. The BCCI official further said that it’s natural to find these views coming from the players with retirement approaching. ALSO READ: UAE offers to host IPL 2020, BCCI yet to take a call "Exclusivity is the key" “One usually finds these views emanating from those who can see the wall of retirement approaching, and it’s only natural. That’s their view. It’s the luxury of having the freedom of a tunnel vision with a view to further their own interests, and that’s absolutely fine,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying by news portals. “From the point of view of the board and the interests of Indian cricket, the intent is to ensure a system where the non-contracted players are able to command good value at the IPL auction. Exclusivity is the key,” the official added. Recently, veteran spinner Pravin Tambe’s IPL 2020 contract with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was cancelled as he had participated in an overseas cricket tournament and it was against BCCI’s policy. ALSO READ: 'On what front are Australia the No. 1-ranked Test team?' - Gautam Gambhir questions ICC's rankings system Even for playing County Cricket, Indian players need to take a NOC from the BCCI and in the recent years, the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav among others have plied their trade in the County season in order to improve their game. However, when it comes to T20 cricket, BCCI is pretty stern about not allowing players to play abroad.

'Exclusivity is the key' - BCCI official dismisses Suresh Raina’s suggestion of allowing players in overseas T20 leagues

<p>Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has slammed the International Cricket Council’s ranking system as the World Cup winner questioned Australia taking the numero uno spot in the latest Test rankings. Gambhir is of the view that Team India has had a much greater impact in the longest format of the game with away wins, especially in Australia. The southpaw further questioned Australia’s new number one tag while opining that the Baggy Greens have been ‘absolutely pathetic’ in the sub-continent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India ruled the Test rankings chart for 42 months before the latest ICC rankings removed the points that the teams accumulated from 2016-17 season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India have yielded the top spot for the first time since October 2016. This is largely because India had won 12 Tests and lost just one Test in 2016-17, the records of which were removed in the latest update," an ICC statement said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uae-offers-to-host-ipl-2020-bcci-yet-to-take-a-call-297930" hreflang="en">UAE offers to host IPL 2020, BCCI yet to take a call</a></strong></p>

<p>While Australia moved atop the Test rankings chart, New Zealand bagged the second spot pushing India down to the third place.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>'For me, India should be No. 1': Gautam Gambhir</h2>

<p>"No, I am not surprised (India slipping to No. 3). I don't believe in points and ranking system. Probably the worst was there in the World Test Championship... that you win the same points when you win a Test match away from home. That's ridiculous," Gambhir said on the Cricket Connected show.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umar-akmal-didnt-show-remorse-after-failing-to-report-corrupt-approaches-pcb-disciplinary-panel-head-297501" hreflang="en">Umar Akmal didn’t show remorse after failing to report corrupt approaches: PCB disciplinary panel head</a></strong></p>

<p>"Yes, absolutely. 100 per cent. If you have to see from the overall impact point of view, India have lost series away from home but won against Australia. Hands down, they have been the most competitive side. They won a Test in South Africa, won a Test match in England... not many countries have done that.</p>

<p>"For me, India should be there (No. 1) because Australia... I have serious doubts. On what front have you given Australia the No. 1 ranking? They have been absolutely pathetic away from home, especially in the sub-continent."</p>

<p>India’s defeat to New Zealand in the two-match Test series didn’t help their cause but there were many eyebrows raised after ICC’s latest Test rankings were released.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has slammed the International Cricket Council’s ranking system as the World Cup winner questioned Australia taking the numero uno spot in the latest Test rankings.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has slammed the International Cricket Council’s ranking system as the World Cup winner questioned Australia taking the numero uno spot in the latest Test rankings. Gambhir is of the view that Team India has had a much greater impact in the longest format of the game with away wins, especially in Australia. The southpaw further questioned Australia’s new number one tag while opining that the Baggy Greens have been ‘absolutely pathetic’ in the sub-continent. India ruled the Test rankings chart for 42 months before the latest ICC rankings removed the points that the teams accumulated from 2016-17 season. "India have yielded the top spot for the first time since October 2016. This is largely because India had won 12 Tests and lost just one Test in 2016-17, the records of which were removed in the latest update," an ICC statement said. ALSO READ: UAE offers to host IPL 2020, BCCI yet to take a call While Australia moved atop the Test rankings chart, New Zealand bagged the second spot pushing India down to the third place. 'For me, India should be No. 1': Gautam Gambhir "No, I am not surprised (India slipping to No. 3). I don't believe in points and ranking system. Probably the worst was there in the World Test Championship... that you win the same points when you win a Test match away from home. That's ridiculous," Gambhir said on the Cricket Connected show. ALSO READ: Umar Akmal didn’t show remorse after failing to report corrupt approaches: PCB disciplinary panel head "Yes, absolutely. 100 per cent. If you have to see from the overall impact point of view, India have lost series away from home but won against Australia. Hands down, they have been the most competitive side. They won a Test in South Africa, won a Test match in England... not many countries have done that. "For me, India should be there (No. 1) because Australia... I have serious doubts. On what front have you given Australia the No. 1 ranking? They have been absolutely pathetic away from home, especially in the sub-continent." India’s defeat to New Zealand in the two-match Test series didn’t help their cause but there were many eyebrows raised after ICC’s latest Test rankings were released.

'On what front are Australia the No. 1-ranked Test team?' - Gautam Gambhir questions ICC's rankings system

<p>Cricket Australia (CA) has received a major reprieve as India’s tour of Australia later in the year is likely to go ahead after the board received a nod from the BCCI for the much-talked-about series. BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has said that Indian players will go into isolation for two weeks if they are asked to do so by the Australian board.</p>

<p>As per the rules amid COVID-19 pandemic, those travelling to Australia have to go into isolation for a couple of weeks. The quarantine rules could have seen BCCI postponing the tour but the Indian cricket board is willing to play the scheduled four-match Test series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhumal has said that there is no choice as everyone wants to resume cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-feel-ipl-will-be-possible-this-year-india-and-kxip-pacer-mohammed-shami-297275" hreflang="en">"I don’t feel IPL will be possible this year": India and KXIP pacer Mohammed Shami</a></strong></p>

<p>“There is no choice – everyone will have to do that. You would want to resume cricket. Two weeks is not that long a lockdown. That would be ideal for any sportsman because when you are in quarantine for such a long period, then going to another country and having a two-week lockdown it would be a good thing to do. We’ll have to see what the norms are post this lockdown,” Dhumal told an Australian daily.</p>

<p>While Cricket Australia is yet to confirm the news, reports suggest that CA may lock the Indian team in a new hotel for the two-week isolation period. The hotel is likely to open in September and will have all training facilities and nets for the Indian players to gear up for the series. The venue could further host a warm-up match before the return of the international calendar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-too-feel-the-pressure-ms-dhoni-opens-up-on-the-issue-of-mental-health-297216" hreflang="en">"I too feel the pressure": MS Dhoni opens up on the issue of mental health</a></strong></p>

<p>However, with more than six months remaining for the series, the development surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in the next months could prove to be crucial. A lot will depend on the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November.</p>


Cricket Australia (CA) has received a major reprieve as India’s tour of Australia later in the year is likely to go ahead after the board received a nod from the BCCI for the much-talked-about series.

Cricket Australia (CA) has received a major reprieve as India’s tour of Australia later in the year is likely to go ahead after the board received a nod from the BCCI for the much-talked-about series. BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has said that Indian players will go into isolation for two weeks if they are asked to do so by the Australian board. As per the rules amid COVID-19 pandemic, those travelling to Australia have to go into isolation for a couple of weeks. The quarantine rules could have seen BCCI postponing the tour but the Indian cricket board is willing to play the scheduled four-match Test series. Dhumal has said that there is no choice as everyone wants to resume cricket. ALSO READ: "I don’t feel IPL will be possible this year": India and KXIP pacer Mohammed Shami “There is no choice – everyone will have to do that. You would want to resume cricket. Two weeks is not that long a lockdown. That would be ideal for any sportsman because when you are in quarantine for such a long period, then going to another country and having a two-week lockdown it would be a good thing to do. We’ll have to see what the norms are post this lockdown,” Dhumal told an Australian daily. While Cricket Australia is yet to confirm the news, reports suggest that CA may lock the Indian team in a new hotel for the two-week isolation period. The hotel is likely to open in September and will have all training facilities and nets for the Indian players to gear up for the series. The venue could further host a warm-up match before the return of the international calendar. ALSO READ: "I too feel the pressure": MS Dhoni opens up on the issue of mental health However, with more than six months remaining for the series, the development surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in the next months could prove to be crucial. A lot will depend on the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November.

Team India ready for two-week quarantine phase before Australia Test series: BCCI official

<p>Leganes coach Javier Aguirre said Thursday that Spain's La Liga will resume on June 20 and end on July 26 despite league bosses refusing to confirm his claim.</p>

<p>Aguirre told Marca Claro that he had been told officially of the plan to restart the championship which has been in cold storage since March due to the coronavirus.</p>

<p>"We already have a start date for the league -- on&nbsp;June 20 we will start La Liga and after five weeks we officially finish, on July 26," said Mexican coach Aguirre whose side were second bottom of the table when action was halted two months ago.</p>

<p>"Matches will be played Saturday-Sunday and Wednesday-Thursday, 11 rounds. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"La Liga has just informed me officially and I am very happy about that because we have now scheduled the training sessions. We start tomorrow (Friday) because thankfully we passed the tests."</p>

<p>League officials have not yet commented on Aguirre's claim, merely saying that their focus at the moment was completing the training phases at the clubs.</p>

<p>Players had already started returning to undergo coronavirus tests as teams plan to return to restricted training.</p>

<p>The first of a four-phase de-escalation programme announced by the Spanish government last week allows players to initially train alone, with a maximum of six players permitted on the pitch.</p>

<p>La Liga's programme will then permit training in small groups before a return to larger team sessions.</p>

<p>In the fourth and final phase, in early June, the government has said outside events can go ahead when attended by fewer than 400 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>La Liga is proposing to complete its season behind closed doors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>League president Javier Tebas has said "it is not an option" to cancel the season given the economic fallout, estimating it would cost clubs around a billion euros.</p>

<p>Barcelona led the championship by two points from Real Madrid when La Liga was suspended.</p>

<p>So far in Europe's major leagues, the German Bundesliga has announced it will resume its season on May 16.</p>

<p>However, France's Ligue 1 has been abandoned while the English Premier League and Italy's Serie A are still seeking a safe way out of the crisis.</p>


Leganes coach Javier Aguirre said Thursday that Spain's La Liga will resume on June 20 and end on July 26 despite league bosses refusing to confirm his claim. Aguirre told Marca Claro that he had been told officially of the plan to restart the championship which has been in cold storage since March due to the coronavirus.

Leganes coach Javier Aguirre said Thursday that Spain's La Liga will resume on June 20 and end on July 26 despite league bosses refusing to confirm his claim. Aguirre told Marca Claro that he had been told officially of the plan to restart the championship which has been in cold storage since March due to the coronavirus. "We already have a start date for the league -- on June 20 we will start La Liga and after five weeks we officially finish, on July 26," said Mexican coach Aguirre whose side were second bottom of the table when action was halted two months ago. "Matches will be played Saturday-Sunday and Wednesday-Thursday, 11 rounds. "La Liga has just informed me officially and I am very happy about that because we have now scheduled the training sessions. We start tomorrow (Friday) because thankfully we passed the tests." League officials have not yet commented on Aguirre's claim, merely saying that their focus at the moment was completing the training phases at the clubs. Players had already started returning to undergo coronavirus tests as teams plan to return to restricted training. The first of a four-phase de-escalation programme announced by the Spanish government last week allows players to initially train alone, with a maximum of six players permitted on the pitch. La Liga's programme will then permit training in small groups before a return to larger team sessions. In the fourth and final phase, in early June, the government has said outside events can go ahead when attended by fewer than 400 people. La Liga is proposing to complete its season behind closed doors. League president Javier Tebas has said "it is not an option" to cancel the season given the economic fallout, estimating it would cost clubs around a billion euros. Barcelona led the championship by two points from Real Madrid when La Liga was suspended. So far in Europe's major leagues, the German Bundesliga has announced it will resume its season on May 16. However, France's Ligue 1 has been abandoned while the English Premier League and Italy's Serie A are still seeking a safe way out of the crisis.

Leganes coach says La Liga will resume June 20

<p>Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min was named one of the top five recruits in his unit as he finished three weeks of compulsory military training in South Korea on Friday.</p>

<p>South Korea's marine corps posted pictures of Son wielding an M-16 assault rifle and saluting on their Facebook page as he completed his stint at a boot camp.</p>

<p>All able-bodied South Korean men are obliged to serve in the military for nearly two years, making up the bulk of&nbsp;Seoul's&nbsp;600,000-strong forces -- who face off against North Korea's army of 1.3 million.</p>

<p>But&nbsp;Son&nbsp;-- the top Asian goalscorer in Premier League history, and the Asian Football Confederation's reigning international player of the year -- was in the South Korean team that earned an exemption by winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.</p>

<p>The Spurs star broke down in tears of joy after the 2-1 extra-time win over Japan, which meant he could fulfil his obligations with just three weeks' basic training and around 500 hours of community service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In April he reported to a marines camp on the island of Jeju for the basic training, which involved lengthy hikes, as well as tear-gas training and rifle practice.</p>

<p>He was judged among the five best recruits out of 157&nbsp;on his course,&nbsp;a spokesperson for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps told AFP.</p>

<p>"Son did exceptionally well in all areas of training,&nbsp;including military ethics and security education," he added.</p>

<p>Likes poured in for the Facebook pictures, with fans posting messages of congratulation.</p>

<p>"He indeed is world-class. I'm a die-hard Son Heung-min fan," wrote one South Korean marine veteran.</p>

<p>The Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the coronavirus and no date has yet been set for a resumption.</p>


Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min was named one of the top five recruits in his unit as he finished three weeks of compulsory military training in South Korea on Friday.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min was named one of the top five recruits in his unit as he finished three weeks of compulsory military training in South Korea on Friday. South Korea's marine corps posted pictures of Son wielding an M-16 assault rifle and saluting on their Facebook page as he completed his stint at a boot camp. All able-bodied South Korean men are obliged to serve in the military for nearly two years, making up the bulk of Seoul's 600,000-strong forces -- who face off against North Korea's army of 1.3 million. But Son -- the top Asian goalscorer in Premier League history, and the Asian Football Confederation's reigning international player of the year -- was in the South Korean team that earned an exemption by winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. The Spurs star broke down in tears of joy after the 2-1 extra-time win over Japan, which meant he could fulfil his obligations with just three weeks' basic training and around 500 hours of community service. In April he reported to a marines camp on the island of Jeju for the basic training, which involved lengthy hikes, as well as tear-gas training and rifle practice. He was judged among the five best recruits out of 157 on his course, a spokesperson for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps told AFP. "Son did exceptionally well in all areas of training, including military ethics and security education," he added. Likes poured in for the Facebook pictures, with fans posting messages of congratulation. "He indeed is world-class. I'm a die-hard Son Heung-min fan," wrote one South Korean marine veteran. The Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the coronavirus and no date has yet been set for a resumption.

Spurs hotshot Son Heung-min earns military accolade

<p>Football teams will be allowed to use five substitutes when play resumes after the coronavirus pandemic, the sport's law-making body announced on Friday.</p>

<p>The International Football Association Board (IFAB) said in as statement that it had agreed to a proposal by world governing body FIFA for a temporary change to the rules "to protect player welfare".</p>

<p>Teams face likely fixture congestion in a packed calendar as they attempt to make up for lost time when play can resume.</p>

<p>The lay off is expected to have an impact on player fitness levels too.</p>

<p>It also said that competitions which were using video assistant referee (VAR) would be allowed to drop it for the time being.</p>

<p>The change will apply to competitions scheduled to be completed by 31 December of this year, although FIFA and IFAB left open the possibility that the period could be extended.</p>

<p>While teams will be able to make five substitutions, "to avoid disruption to the game, each team will only have three opportunities to make substitutions" as well as at half time or before extra time.</p>

<p>In competitions that allow an another replacement in extra time, teams will have an additional substitution opportunity.</p>

<p>The previous limit on outfield substitutes for top-level competitions has been three in regulation time.</p>

<h2>- Euro possibility -</h2>

<p>The IFAB said the change had been made "as matches may be played in a condensed period in different weather conditions, both of which could have impacts on player welfare."</p>

<p>It added that "the decision on whether to apply this temporary amendment will remain at the discretion of each individual competition organiser."</p>

<p>It said that, together with FIFA, it "will determine at a later stage whether this temporary amendment would need to be extended further.</p>

<p>That means the measure could be maintained for the whole of the 2020-21 season and right through to the next European Championship, which was postponed by a year until June and July 2021 because of the pandemic.</p>

<p>"If the measure is still in force, UEFA could then adopt it for the Euro," a source said.</p>

<p>It remains to be seen if the measure could be left in place permanently, but doing so may play into the hands of the wealthiest clubs with the largest squads and greatest strength in depth.</p>

<p>The announcement comes a day after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said it had proposed allowing teams in Spain to make five substitutions if matches resumed in the country.</p>

<p>Thursday's statement said that it was the RFEF who raised the possibility of introducing the measure to FIFA "more than a month ago".</p>

<p>The statement also said that La Liga chief Javier Tebas had shown support for the move, which takes a similar format to IFAB's.</p>

<p>"With this proposal, the federation wants to go ahead and propose measures that favour the health of footballers," said RFEF president Luis Rubiales.</p>


Football teams will be allowed to use five substitutes when play resumes after the coronavirus pandemic, the sport's law-making body announced on Friday. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) said in as statement that it had agreed to a proposal by world governing body FIFA for a temporary change to the rules "to protect player welfare".

Football teams will be allowed to use five substitutes when play resumes after the coronavirus pandemic, the sport's law-making body announced on Friday. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) said in as statement that it had agreed to a proposal by world governing body FIFA for a temporary change to the rules "to protect player welfare". Teams face likely fixture congestion in a packed calendar as they attempt to make up for lost time when play can resume. The lay off is expected to have an impact on player fitness levels too. It also said that competitions which were using video assistant referee (VAR) would be allowed to drop it for the time being. The change will apply to competitions scheduled to be completed by 31 December of this year, although FIFA and IFAB left open the possibility that the period could be extended. While teams will be able to make five substitutions, "to avoid disruption to the game, each team will only have three opportunities to make substitutions" as well as at half time or before extra time. In competitions that allow an another replacement in extra time, teams will have an additional substitution opportunity. The previous limit on outfield substitutes for top-level competitions has been three in regulation time. - Euro possibility - The IFAB said the change had been made "as matches may be played in a condensed period in different weather conditions, both of which could have impacts on player welfare." It added that "the decision on whether to apply this temporary amendment will remain at the discretion of each individual competition organiser." It said that, together with FIFA, it "will determine at a later stage whether this temporary amendment would need to be extended further. That means the measure could be maintained for the whole of the 2020-21 season and right through to the next European Championship, which was postponed by a year until June and July 2021 because of the pandemic. "If the measure is still in force, UEFA could then adopt it for the Euro," a source said. It remains to be seen if the measure could be left in place permanently, but doing so may play into the hands of the wealthiest clubs with the largest squads and greatest strength in depth. The announcement comes a day after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said it had proposed allowing teams in Spain to make five substitutions if matches resumed in the country. Thursday's statement said that it was the RFEF who raised the possibility of introducing the measure to FIFA "more than a month ago". The statement also said that La Liga chief Javier Tebas had shown support for the move, which takes a similar format to IFAB's. "With this proposal, the federation wants to go ahead and propose measures that favour the health of footballers," said RFEF president Luis Rubiales.

Football to allow five substitutes during post-virus fixture backlog

<p>Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal, after being imposed a three-year ban for failing to report corrupt approaches, didn’t show any remorse nor did he seek an apology after the verdict, chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board’s disciplinary observed in his detailed judgement. Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan submitted a detailed judgement to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which was made public on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akmal was found guilty for two charges under PCB’s Anti-Corruption Code as the judgement disqualified him from involving in cricket-related activities till February 19, 2023. The 29-year-old batsman has 14 days to appeal against the two three-year bans which will run concurrently. The detailed judgement also stated that Akmal tried to refuge under the pretext that he has always reported any such approaches in past.</p>

<p>“It appears that he (Umar Akmal) is not prepared to show remorse and seek apology, make admission that he failed to fulfill his responsibility under Anti-Corruption Code...,” Justice Chauhan said in the judgement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paralysed-iranian-artist-fateme-hamami-paints-portaits-of-cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-leaves-social-media-in-awe-297488" hreflang="en">Paralysed Iranian artist Fateme Hamami paints portraits of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi; leaves social media in awe</a></strong></p>

<p>“...rather he tried to take refuge under the pretext that in the past whenever any such approaches were made, the matter was reported by him,” he said.<br />
Akmal was suspended on the eve of Pakistan Super League 2020 before being charged with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of PCB’s Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated cases on March 17.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The charge as framed is proved and the participant (Umar Akmal) has rendered himself liable to be punished for breach of Article 2.4.4,” Justice Chauhan said.</p>

<p>“It is also admitted by him (Umar Akmal) that he failed to report the approaches and invitation to the PCB Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department, as required by the PCB Code, Article 2.4.4.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-cant-think-of-ipl-getting-back-yet-bcci-official-on-resumption-of-cricket-297468" hreflang="en">'We can’t think of IPL getting back yet': BCCI official on resumption of cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>“In view of the above charge as framed, stood proven and the participant has rendered himself to be punished under Article 6.2 of the PCB Code,” he added.</p>

<p>Akmal, who is also the younger brother of Kamran Akmal, last played for Pakistan in October while featuring in 16 Tests, 121 ODIs and 84 T20s and scored 1003, 3194 and 1690 runs respectively.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal, after being imposed a three-year ban for failing to report corrupt approaches, didn’t show any remorse nor did he seek an apology after the verdict, chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board’s disciplinary observed in his detailed judgement.

Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal, after being imposed a three-year ban for failing to report corrupt approaches, didn’t show any remorse nor did he seek an apology after the verdict, chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board’s disciplinary observed in his detailed judgement. Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan submitted a detailed judgement to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which was made public on Friday. Akmal was found guilty for two charges under PCB’s Anti-Corruption Code as the judgement disqualified him from involving in cricket-related activities till February 19, 2023. The 29-year-old batsman has 14 days to appeal against the two three-year bans which will run concurrently. The detailed judgement also stated that Akmal tried to refuge under the pretext that he has always reported any such approaches in past. “It appears that he (Umar Akmal) is not prepared to show remorse and seek apology, make admission that he failed to fulfill his responsibility under Anti-Corruption Code...,” Justice Chauhan said in the judgement. ALSO READ: Paralysed Iranian artist Fateme Hamami paints portraits of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi; leaves social media in awe “...rather he tried to take refuge under the pretext that in the past whenever any such approaches were made, the matter was reported by him,” he said. Akmal was suspended on the eve of Pakistan Super League 2020 before being charged with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of PCB’s Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated cases on March 17. “The charge as framed is proved and the participant (Umar Akmal) has rendered himself liable to be punished for breach of Article 2.4.4,” Justice Chauhan said. “It is also admitted by him (Umar Akmal) that he failed to report the approaches and invitation to the PCB Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department, as required by the PCB Code, Article 2.4.4. ALSO READ: 'We can’t think of IPL getting back yet': BCCI official on resumption of cricket “In view of the above charge as framed, stood proven and the participant has rendered himself to be punished under Article 6.2 of the PCB Code,” he added. Akmal, who is also the younger brother of Kamran Akmal, last played for Pakistan in October while featuring in 16 Tests, 121 ODIs and 84 T20s and scored 1003, 3194 and 1690 runs respectively.

Umar Akmal didn’t show remorse after failing to report corrupt approaches: PCB disciplinary panel head

<p>The class and achievements of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is lauded by all. Both the superstars are regarded as arguably the greatest to have taken to the football pitch and their rivalry has enthralled the football lovers for over a decade. Their immense popularity and craze have made football fanatics throng to stadiums or be glued to their television sets to witness their goal-scoring prowess even in the remotest of areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paralysed Iranian artist Fateme Hamami has drawn two phenomenal portraits of Messi and Ronaldo and the social media is showing immense love to the magical pictures. Hamami shared both the portraits through her Instagram stories while leaving fans in absolute astonishment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Messi Ronaldo portaits" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0264f431-4633-4822-aa0e-8fa672d2c5ec" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Messi-Ronaldo-portraits.jpg" /></p>

<p>Hamami is 86 per cent paralysed and lacks body movements. Despite all the challenges, Hamami manages to paint using her right foot. However, it isn’t the first time Hamami has drawn portraits of Ronaldo or football celebrities. She had earlier made a portrait of the Portuguese stalwart and expressed her love for the player.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_0ifICFR-h/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">. Dear God I love you Thank you dear God خداجون ممنونم ازت میدونم خیلی هوامو داری . . . . #هنر #نقاشی#موفق #موفقیت#نابغه #هنرمند #فوتبالیست #فوتبال #نقاش #تلاش #رونالدو#فاطمه_حمامی @cristiano #CR7 #cristianoronaldo #cristiano #cristianoronaldo #cr7 #cris #Cronaldo #CR #ronaldo #painting #face #face_drawing #drawing #celebrity #celebrities #fatemehamami</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fatemehamami/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Fatemeh Hammami Nasrabadi</a> (@fatemehamami) on <time datetime="2020-05-05T21:15:56+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 5, 2020 at 2:15pm PDT</time></p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba_uYujgr7m/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">. A painting from Messi dedicated to him اثر کامل من ... مسی ، آبان ماه ۱۳۹۶ خدای مهربانم من به همین شرایط سختی که دارم راضیم و ازتو سپاس گزارم ... #cristiano #cristianoronaldo #cr7 #cris #Cronaldo #CR #ronaldo #painting #face #face_drawing #drawing #celebrity #celebrities #هنر #نقاشی#موفق #موفقیت#هنری#هنرمند #مسی#نابغه #فاطمه_حمامی#فوتبال#fatemehamami</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fatemehamami/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Fatemeh Hammami Nasrabadi</a> (@fatemehamami) on <time datetime="2017-11-02T14:09:59+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Nov 2, 2017 at 7:09am PDT</time></p>
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<p>“I'm drawing the face of Cristiano Ronaldo. My dear friends, I love Ronaldo very much and I loved this painting very much I want Ronaldo to see my painting and support my art,” she had captioned the picture on Instagram.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-does-not-yet-have-green-light-minister-warns-297474" hreflang="en">Premier League does not yet have 'green light', minister warns</a></strong></p>

<p>Even La Liga Headquarters in Madrid had written a letter to Hamami after the portrait of Ronaldo went viral during the Portuguese’s stay at Real Madrid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, footballers are close to resuming live-action with Bundesliga restarting from May 16. While there has been no confirmation of La Liga or Serie A, it is expected that both the leagues will resume in the month of June.</p>


The class and achievements of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is lauded by all. Both the superstars are regarded as arguably the greatest to have taken to the football pitch and their rivalry has enthralled the football lovers for over a decade.

The class and achievements of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is lauded by all. Both the superstars are regarded as arguably the greatest to have taken to the football pitch and their rivalry has enthralled the football lovers for over a decade. Their immense popularity and craze have made football fanatics throng to stadiums or be glued to their television sets to witness their goal-scoring prowess even in the remotest of areas. Paralysed Iranian artist Fateme Hamami has drawn two phenomenal portraits of Messi and Ronaldo and the social media is showing immense love to the magical pictures. Hamami shared both the portraits through her Instagram stories while leaving fans in absolute astonishment. Hamami is 86 per cent paralysed and lacks body movements. Despite all the challenges, Hamami manages to paint using her right foot. However, it isn’t the first time Hamami has drawn portraits of Ronaldo or football celebrities. She had earlier made a portrait of the Portuguese stalwart and expressed her love for the player. ALSO READ: From pitch to politics: Iraq's new sports minister Adnan Dirjal View this post on Instagram . Dear God I love you Thank you dear God خداجون ممنونم ازت میدونم خیلی هوامو داری . . . . #هنر #نقاشی#موفق #موفقیت#نابغه #هنرمند #فوتبالیست #فوتبال #نقاش #تلاش #رونالدو#فاطمه_حمامی @cristiano #CR7 #cristianoronaldo #cristiano #cristianoronaldo #cr7 #cris #Cronaldo #CR #ronaldo #painting #face #face_drawing #drawing #celebrity #celebrities #fatemehamami A post shared by Fatemeh Hammami Nasrabadi (@fatemehamami) on May 5, 2020 at 2:15pm PDT × View this post on Instagram . A painting from Messi dedicated to him اثر کامل من ... مسی ، آبان ماه ۱۳۹۶ خدای مهربانم من به همین شرایط سختی که دارم راضیم و ازتو سپاس گزارم ... #cristiano #cristianoronaldo #cr7 #cris #Cronaldo #CR #ronaldo #painting #face #face_drawing #drawing #celebrity #celebrities #هنر #نقاشی#موفق #موفقیت#هنری#هنرمند #مسی#نابغه #فاطمه_حمامی#فوتبال#fatemehamami A post shared by Fatemeh Hammami Nasrabadi (@fatemehamami) on Nov 2, 2017 at 7:09am PDT × “I'm drawing the face of Cristiano Ronaldo. My dear friends, I love Ronaldo very much and I loved this painting very much I want Ronaldo to see my painting and support my art,” she had captioned the picture on Instagram. ALSO READ: Premier League does not yet have 'green light', minister warns Even La Liga Headquarters in Madrid had written a letter to Hamami after the portrait of Ronaldo went viral during the Portuguese’s stay at Real Madrid. Meanwhile, footballers are close to resuming live-action with Bundesliga restarting from May 16. While there has been no confirmation of La Liga or Serie A, it is expected that both the leagues will resume in the month of June.

Paralysed Iranian artist Fateme Hamami paints portraits of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi; leaves social media in awe

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