Germany's minister for the interior and sport said Sunday he supports a resumption of the country's football season this month despite three people testing positive for coronavirus at Bundesliga club Cologne.

"I find the schedule proposed by the German league plausible and I support the restart in May," Horst Seehofer told Bild newspaper, three days before a meeting of German authorities to discuss the issue.

The German Football League (DFL) backs matches resuming without spectators around mid-May, which would make it the first major European championship to make such a move.

The sports ministers of the 16 German states have also approved the DFL's plans.

Seehofer, who plays a key government role on the issue as he holds several portfolios, has emphasised that the teams and players must respect several conditions.

"If there is a case of coronavirus in a team or its management, the club as a whole, and possibly also the team against which it last played, must go into quarantine for two weeks," he said.

"There will continue therefore to be risks for the schedule of matches and for the standings," if there is any contamination.

But he said clubs would not have any special testing privileges denied to the rest of the population. Some sides had suggested carrying out frequent tests of their players as a preventative measure against the virus.

Germany had reported 162,496 cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday, but its death toll of 6,649 remains considerably lower than that of comparable European countries, which are home to the continent's other top football leagues.

<h2>- 'Health is priority' -</h2>

In France, Paris Saint-Germain were declared Ligue 1 champions on Thursday after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced professional sport could not resume before September.

Meanwhile, English Premier League clubs on Friday reconfirmed their commitment to finish the season subject to coronavirus restrictions being lifted.

There are still 92 games remaining. They will be behind closed doors with neutral venues suggested.

Also on Friday Italy's 20 Serie A clubs reiterated their unanimous desire to complete the season despite sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora saying the chances of restarting were "increasingly narrow".

In Spain, La Liga is planning to start testing players for the coronavirus between Tuesday and Thursday next week, after which they would then be able to resume individual training programmes within 48 hours.

Clubs in Germany resumed training in early April while adhering to strict social distancing guidelines. However, the risk is still apparent.

Cologne announced Friday three people had tested positive for the virus and were to be placed into a 14-day quarantine at home.

Cologne midfielder Birger Verstraete, whose partner suffers from a heart condition, said it was "strange" the club had not put the whole squad in quarantine following the tests, as suggested by Seehofer.

"It's not up to me to decide what to do in the Bundesliga but I can say my head is not in football" at the moment, he told Flemish TV station VTM. "The health of my family, of my partner is the priority."

Germany's minister for the interior and sport said Sunday he supports a resumption of the country's football season this month despite three people testing positive for coronavirus at Bundesliga club Cologne.

Germany's minister for the interior and sport said Sunday he supports a resumption of the country's football season this month despite three people testing positive for coronavirus at Bundesliga club Cologne. "I find the schedule proposed by the German league plausible and I support the restart in May," Horst Seehofer told Bild newspaper, three days before a meeting of German authorities to discuss the issue. The German Football League (DFL) backs matches resuming without spectators around mid-May, which would make it the first major European championship to make such a move. The sports ministers of the 16 German states have also approved the DFL's plans. Seehofer, who plays a key government role on the issue as he holds several portfolios, has emphasised that the teams and players must respect several conditions. "If there is a case of coronavirus in a team or its management, the club as a whole, and possibly also the team against which it last played, must go into quarantine for two weeks," he said. "There will continue therefore to be risks for the schedule of matches and for the standings," if there is any contamination. But he said clubs would not have any special testing privileges denied to the rest of the population. Some sides had suggested carrying out frequent tests of their players as a preventative measure against the virus. Germany had reported 162,496 cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday, but its death toll of 6,649 remains considerably lower than that of comparable European countries, which are home to the continent's other top football leagues. - 'Health is priority' - In France, Paris Saint-Germain were declared Ligue 1 champions on Thursday after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced professional sport could not resume before September. Meanwhile, English Premier League clubs on Friday reconfirmed their commitment to finish the season subject to coronavirus restrictions being lifted. There are still 92 games remaining. They will be behind closed doors with neutral venues suggested. Also on Friday Italy's 20 Serie A clubs reiterated their unanimous desire to complete the season despite sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora saying the chances of restarting were "increasingly narrow". In Spain, La Liga is planning to start testing players for the coronavirus between Tuesday and Thursday next week, after which they would then be able to resume individual training programmes within 48 hours. Clubs in Germany resumed training in early April while adhering to strict social distancing guidelines. However, the risk is still apparent. Cologne announced Friday three people had tested positive for the virus and were to be placed into a 14-day quarantine at home. Cologne midfielder Birger Verstraete, whose partner suffers from a heart condition, said it was "strange" the club had not put the whole squad in quarantine following the tests, as suggested by Seehofer. "It's not up to me to decide what to do in the Bundesliga but I can say my head is not in football" at the moment, he told Flemish TV station VTM. "The health of my family, of my partner is the priority."

Influential German minister backs Bundesliga restart this month

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne&nbsp;believes the Premier League season will be finished despite the coronavirus pandemic "because the financial aspect is far too important".

"My feeling is that we may be able to train again within two weeks. The government&nbsp;wants to restart football as soon as possible to give people something. I think this season will be finished," De Bruyne told Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws.

"The financial aspect is far too important in the Premier League. If the season is not finished, it will cause serious problems," he added.

Clubs were presented with the league's "Project Restart" plans at a meeting on Friday and were told the remaining 92 matches of the 2019-2020 season must be played at neutral venues.

De Bruyne also said he was optimistic about City's participation in next season's Champions League. UEFA has banned the club from European competition for the next two years for "serious breaches" of financial fair-play rules.

"The club told us they're going to appeal and that they're almost certain to get their way. I'm waiting to see what happens, but I trust my club," said De Bruyne.

The 28-year-old Belgium international admitted he would be forced to consider his City future if the ban was upheld.

"Once we know more, I will make a decision. Two years without playing in Europe would be long but in the case of one year I might see," he said.&nbsp;

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne believes the Premier League season will be finished despite the coronavirus pandemic "because the financial aspect is far too important".

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne believes the Premier League season will be finished despite the coronavirus pandemic "because the financial aspect is far too important". "My feeling is that we may be able to train again within two weeks. The government wants to restart football as soon as possible to give people something. I think this season will be finished," De Bruyne told Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws. "The financial aspect is far too important in the Premier League. If the season is not finished, it will cause serious problems," he added. Clubs were presented with the league's "Project Restart" plans at a meeting on Friday and were told the remaining 92 matches of the 2019-2020 season must be played at neutral venues. De Bruyne also said he was optimistic about City's participation in next season's Champions League. UEFA has banned the club from European competition for the next two years for "serious breaches" of financial fair-play rules. "The club told us they're going to appeal and that they're almost certain to get their way. I'm waiting to see what happens, but I trust my club," said De Bruyne. The 28-year-old Belgium international admitted he would be forced to consider his City future if the ban was upheld. "Once we know more, I will make a decision. Two years without playing in Europe would be long but in the case of one year I might see," he said.

Kevin De Bruyne believes Premier League will play to conclusion

With a lot of debates and discussions going around the possible return of Premier League, the English Football Association (FA) are planning to slash its annual budget by 75 million pounds to tackle an estimated loss of 300 million pounds over the next four-year cycle due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Chairman Greg Clarke has also warned the FA Council members, in a letter, that it would take quite some time for the fans to return to stadiums to attend live matches again. Clarke further said that FA’s plans and the future project will also be impacted due to the cut in the annual budget and revised planning is already being chalked out.&nbsp;

“The Board has agreed that a sensible cut to the annual budget is 75 million pounds,” he said.

“In a worst-case scenario, this would be necessary for the next four years to offset a 300 million pounds deficit.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/english-fa-bracing-for-long-spell-without-fans-296592" hreflang="en">English FA bracing for long spell without fans</a>

“Clearly that will impact many of our plans as every area of the game will be touched and projects that we all value will be affected. There is no other way and I ask for all of you to help us to build this revised plan.”

The FA Council is set to meet again on May 21.&nbsp;

Professional football, including the Premier League, has been suspended since mid-March due to COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed around 28,500 people in Britain.

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Premier League on Friday had a conference call to discuss the resumption of training later in the month of May followed by a return to competitive action in empty stadiums in June.&nbsp;

Events held at Wembley Stadium in 2018-19 generated income of 70.6 million pounds out of the FA’s total turnover of 467 million.

The FA also had broadcast income, from domestic and international rights to the FA Cup and England matches, of 262.6 million.

“The reality is that we just don’t know how things are going to pan out, but with social distancing in place for some time to come we do face substantial changes to the whole football ecosystem,” said Clarke.

“For example it’s hard to foresee crowds of fans, who are the lifeblood of the game, returning to matches any time soon.” 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

With a lot of debates and discussions going around the possible return of Premier League, the English Football Association (FA) are planning to slash its annual budget by 75 million pounds to tackle an estimated loss of 300 million pounds over the next four-year cycle due to COVID-19 pandemic.

With a lot of debates and discussions going around the possible return of Premier League, the English Football Association (FA) are planning to slash its annual budget by 75 million pounds to tackle an estimated loss of 300 million pounds over the next four-year cycle due to COVID-19 pandemic. Chairman Greg Clarke has also warned the FA Council members, in a letter, that it would take quite some time for the fans to return to stadiums to attend live matches again. Clarke further said that FA’s plans and the future project will also be impacted due to the cut in the annual budget and revised planning is already being chalked out. “The Board has agreed that a sensible cut to the annual budget is 75 million pounds,” he said. “In a worst-case scenario, this would be necessary for the next four years to offset a 300 million pounds deficit. ALSO READ: English FA bracing for long spell without fans “Clearly that will impact many of our plans as every area of the game will be touched and projects that we all value will be affected. There is no other way and I ask for all of you to help us to build this revised plan.” The FA Council is set to meet again on May 21. Professional football, including the Premier League, has been suspended since mid-March due to COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed around 28,500 people in Britain. ALSO READ: Philippe Coutinho might snub English teams to stay in Bundesliga Premier League on Friday had a conference call to discuss the resumption of training later in the month of May followed by a return to competitive action in empty stadiums in June. Events held at Wembley Stadium in 2018-19 generated income of 70.6 million pounds out of the FA’s total turnover of 467 million. The FA also had broadcast income, from domestic and international rights to the FA Cup and England matches, of 262.6 million. “The reality is that we just don’t know how things are going to pan out, but with social distancing in place for some time to come we do face substantial changes to the whole football ecosystem,” said Clarke. “For example it’s hard to foresee crowds of fans, who are the lifeblood of the game, returning to matches any time soon.” (With inputs from agencies)

FA expected to slash annual budget by 75 million pounds due to COVID-19 pandemic

Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has said that the country can deal with the challenge of getting all the participating for the ICC T20 World Cup but the real issue for the authority is whether it is worth having the showpiece event behind closed doors.&nbsp;

Travel restrictions and lockdown measures have put question marks over the commencement of the ICC T20 World Cup and even India’s tour of Australia. Reportedly, Cricket Australia is looking at a massive loss of 300 million Australian dollars if the schedule is disrupted due to coronavirus.&nbsp; 
Colbeck has said he would love to see the Test series between India and Australia go ahead as per schedule. He further emphasized on the issue of World Cup being played in empty stadiums as he said world cricket will have to look into the matter closely as well.

"I'd love to see an Australia-India Test series this summer and I'd really like to be able to see the World Cup go-ahead.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/would-be-devastating-if-india-dont-tour-australia-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-296584" hreflang="en">"Would be devastating if India don’t tour Australia due to COVID-19 pandemic"</a>

"... the issue is not so much the teams as the crowds and that's probably one of the hurdles we really have to consider and probably one that world cricket will look at pretty closely as well," Colbeck told in a radio show on Monday.

Furthermore, Colbeck said bringing in teams, staff and broadcasters won’t be an issue for Australia and the authorities could work on protocols with appropriate quarantine and bio-security measures for the tournament.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everyone-has-regrets-in-their-life-tainted-pakistan-pacer-mohammad-asif-opens-up-on-spot-fixing-scandal-296534" hreflang="en">'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal</a>

"We all know the difference in the atmosphere ... but in a team sense I'd like to think that we can build some protocols with the cooperation of the sport and the players, that's going to be extremely important, with appropriate quarantine and biosecurity protocols to see if we can make the competition go ahead."

While T20 World Cup is scheduled for an October 18 start, India's tour of Australia will begin with a T20 tri-series in October and end with a four-match Test series in December.

Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has said that the country can deal with the challenge of getting all the participating for the ICC T20 World Cup but the real issue for the authority is whether it is worth having the showpiece event behind closed doors.

Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has said that the country can deal with the challenge of getting all the participating for the ICC T20 World Cup but the real issue for the authority is whether it is worth having the showpiece event behind closed doors. Travel restrictions and lockdown measures have put question marks over the commencement of the ICC T20 World Cup and even India’s tour of Australia. Reportedly, Cricket Australia is looking at a massive loss of 300 million Australian dollars if the schedule is disrupted due to coronavirus. Colbeck has said he would love to see the Test series between India and Australia go ahead as per schedule. He further emphasized on the issue of World Cup being played in empty stadiums as he said world cricket will have to look into the matter closely as well. "I'd love to see an Australia-India Test series this summer and I'd really like to be able to see the World Cup go-ahead. ALSO READ: "Would be devastating if India don’t tour Australia due to COVID-19 pandemic" "... the issue is not so much the teams as the crowds and that's probably one of the hurdles we really have to consider and probably one that world cricket will look at pretty closely as well," Colbeck told in a radio show on Monday. Furthermore, Colbeck said bringing in teams, staff and broadcasters won’t be an issue for Australia and the authorities could work on protocols with appropriate quarantine and bio-security measures for the tournament. ALSO READ: 'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal "We all know the difference in the atmosphere ... but in a team sense I'd like to think that we can build some protocols with the cooperation of the sport and the players, that's going to be extremely important, with appropriate quarantine and biosecurity protocols to see if we can make the competition go ahead." While T20 World Cup is scheduled for an October 18 start, India's tour of Australia will begin with a T20 tri-series in October and end with a four-match Test series in December.

Would love to see T20 World Cup go ahead, Ind-Aus series played: Australia Sports Minister Richard Colbeck

English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke does not believe fans will be allowed into stadiums "any time soon" and has warned that the coronavirus crisis could cost the governing body £300 million ($373 million).

Football across England has been indefinitely suspended, with the 2019/20 season in all leagues below the top four divisions already declared over.

However, there are growing fears that the 2020/21 campaign also faces huge disruption due to social-distancing guidelines.

"With social distancing in place for some time to come we do face substantial changes to the whole football ecosystem," Clarke wrote in a letter to the FA Council.

"For example, it's hard to foresee crowds of fans, who are the lifeblood of the game, returning to matches any time soon."

The Premier League is still hoping to finish the season behind closed doors, with "Project Restart" aimed at minimising a predicted £1 billion loss if the campaign cannot be completed.

It is understood top-flight clubs were told on Friday that the remaining matches of the season must be played at neutral venues.

Further down the pyramid, where gate receipts make up a much higher percentage of clubs' income without lucrative TV deals, there are doubts over whether a new season can even start without fans being allowed to attend.&nbsp;

The FA has also been affected by the cancellation of at least four England fixtures and the suspension of the FA Cup.

Clarke said a "sensible" £75 million budget cut had been agreed.

"In a worst-case scenario, this would be necessary for the next four years to offset a £300 million deficit," he added.

"Clearly that will impact many of our plans as every area of the game will be touched and projects that we all value will be affected."

English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke does not believe fans will be allowed into stadiums "any time soon" and has warned that the coronavirus crisis could cost the governing body £300 million ($373 million).

English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke does not believe fans will be allowed into stadiums "any time soon" and has warned that the coronavirus crisis could cost the governing body £300 million ($373 million). Football across England has been indefinitely suspended, with the 2019/20 season in all leagues below the top four divisions already declared over. However, there are growing fears that the 2020/21 campaign also faces huge disruption due to social-distancing guidelines. "With social distancing in place for some time to come we do face substantial changes to the whole football ecosystem," Clarke wrote in a letter to the FA Council. "For example, it's hard to foresee crowds of fans, who are the lifeblood of the game, returning to matches any time soon." The Premier League is still hoping to finish the season behind closed doors, with "Project Restart" aimed at minimising a predicted £1 billion loss if the campaign cannot be completed. It is understood top-flight clubs were told on Friday that the remaining matches of the season must be played at neutral venues. Further down the pyramid, where gate receipts make up a much higher percentage of clubs' income without lucrative TV deals, there are doubts over whether a new season can even start without fans being allowed to attend. The FA has also been affected by the cancellation of at least four England fixtures and the suspension of the FA Cup. Clarke said a "sensible" £75 million budget cut had been agreed. "In a worst-case scenario, this would be necessary for the next four years to offset a £300 million deficit," he added. "Clearly that will impact many of our plans as every area of the game will be touched and projects that we all value will be affected."

English FA bracing for long spell without fans

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne on Monday said that he and his teammates would be “pretty devastated” if India don’t tour Australia later in the year 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. India is set to head Down Under in the month of October to play a T20I tri-series followed by a four-match Test series in December.&nbsp;

There are plenty of talks going on surrounding India’s tour of Australia given the current travel restrictions in the country until September. &nbsp; 
Replying to a question about the tour in an online press conference, Labuschagne said: “Well it would mean that we are not playing cricket which is pretty devastating for me, the rest of the team and for the country.”

Before India’s tour Down Under, Australia are scheduled to host the T20 World Cup starting October 18, however, there are dark clouds hovering around the mega event given the uncertainty due to global crisis. While Australia has reported just over 6,800 positive cases with less than 100 casualties in the country, Labuschange lauded the Australian healthcare system and the way they have tackled the virus thus far.&nbsp;

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“Australia has done very well with the quarantine and isolation, so we’ve been able to get our number down relatively quickly. With a limited amount of deaths and our healthcare system has been so good during this time,” he said.

“Hopefully because of all that good work we can actually get India over here in 3-4 months or 4-5 months,” Labusachgne added.&nbsp;

“Everything is changing so quickly so it’s really hard to put my finger on how everything’s going to pan out. Hopefully, it does pan out well but if it doesn’t it will be very disappointing.” In the meantime, the 25-year-old, who has enjoyed a breakout year in Tests and ODIs, is working on sharpening his skills during this forced break.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everyone-has-regrets-in-their-life-tainted-pakistan-pacer-mohammad-asif-opens-up-on-spot-fixing-scandal-296534" hreflang="en">'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal</a>

The classy batsman, touted to be Steve Smith heir for Australia, further said that the current phase is unprecedented and best time to review your game and come out as a better player.&nbsp;

“This time is quite unique and has never happened before. It’s a good opportunity to make sure you’re learning from the situation and reviewing your game and understanding what you can continue to do to get better as a player.” 
&nbsp;

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne on Monday said that he and his teammates would be “pretty devastated” if India don’t tour Australia later in the year 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne on Monday said that he and his teammates would be “pretty devastated” if India don’t tour Australia later in the year 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. India is set to head Down Under in the month of October to play a T20I tri-series followed by a four-match Test series in December. There are plenty of talks going on surrounding India’s tour of Australia given the current travel restrictions in the country until September. Replying to a question about the tour in an online press conference, Labuschagne said: “Well it would mean that we are not playing cricket which is pretty devastating for me, the rest of the team and for the country.” Before India’s tour Down Under, Australia are scheduled to host the T20 World Cup starting October 18, however, there are dark clouds hovering around the mega event given the uncertainty due to global crisis. While Australia has reported just over 6,800 positive cases with less than 100 casualties in the country, Labuschange lauded the Australian healthcare system and the way they have tackled the virus thus far. ALSO READ: Thought of committing suicide three times due to personal problems, stress: Mohammed Shami “Australia has done very well with the quarantine and isolation, so we’ve been able to get our number down relatively quickly. With a limited amount of deaths and our healthcare system has been so good during this time,” he said. “Hopefully because of all that good work we can actually get India over here in 3-4 months or 4-5 months,” Labusachgne added. “Everything is changing so quickly so it’s really hard to put my finger on how everything’s going to pan out. Hopefully, it does pan out well but if it doesn’t it will be very disappointing.” In the meantime, the 25-year-old, who has enjoyed a breakout year in Tests and ODIs, is working on sharpening his skills during this forced break. ALSO READ: 'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal The classy batsman, touted to be Steve Smith heir for Australia, further said that the current phase is unprecedented and best time to review your game and come out as a better player. “This time is quite unique and has never happened before. It’s a good opportunity to make sure you’re learning from the situation and reviewing your game and understanding what you can continue to do to get better as a player.”

"Would be devastating if India don’t tour Australia due to COVID-19 pandemic"

Even though the situation surrounding COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t quite resolved in the United Kingdom, the Premier League chiefs are working on a brand new seven-week football festival if the halted season is resumed in coming weeks.&nbsp;

The seven-week football festival includes completion of the league and the FA Cup while easing concerns regarding piling of matches in a shorter timeframe.&nbsp;

The Premier League is aiming to resume the campaign on June 12, however, the&nbsp;seven-week football festival gives an extra-week to rework things if there are complications or confusions. But, given UEFA’s cut-off date to complete domestic season by August 2, the Premier League must begin by June 19, which is just under seven weeks away.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kevin-de-bruyne-believes-premier-league-will-play-to-conclusion-296517" hreflang="en">Kevin De Bruyne believes Premier League will play to conclusion</a>

However, a lot depends on government clearance and its easing of lockdown as they are set to announce fresh advisory on Thursday. Clubs may reluctantly accept they are running out of time if there is no reprieve in lockdown measures.&nbsp;

Friday’s meeting of the 20 shareholder clubs witnessed the debate being on medical conditions which will allow full training and behind-closed-door matches at neutral venues. While there are a few clubs opposing the idea of playing matches in neutral venues, the idea has majority votes from other clubs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/influential-german-minister-backs-bundesliga-restart-this-month-296519" hreflang="en">Influential German minister backs Bundesliga restart this month</a>

The fresh timetable also suggests that Premier League needs just five weeks to complete the remaining 92 matches in the campaign. The plan suggests matches to be played on weekends and midweek.&nbsp;

However, there are major concerns over the extra risk of injury of players to play so many matches in a short period, especially after a three-month break since the last top-flight match in the Premier League.

Even though the situation surrounding COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t quite resolved in the United Kingdom, the Premier League chiefs are working on a brand new seven-week football festival if the halted season is resumed in coming weeks.

Even though the situation surrounding COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t quite resolved in the United Kingdom, the Premier League chiefs are working on a brand new seven-week football festival if the halted season is resumed in coming weeks. The seven-week football festival includes completion of the league and the FA Cup while easing concerns regarding piling of matches in a shorter timeframe. The Premier League is aiming to resume the campaign on June 12, however, the seven-week football festival gives an extra-week to rework things if there are complications or confusions. But, given UEFA’s cut-off date to complete domestic season by August 2, the Premier League must begin by June 19, which is just under seven weeks away. ALSO READ: Kevin De Bruyne believes Premier League will play to conclusion However, a lot depends on government clearance and its easing of lockdown as they are set to announce fresh advisory on Thursday. Clubs may reluctantly accept they are running out of time if there is no reprieve in lockdown measures. Friday’s meeting of the 20 shareholder clubs witnessed the debate being on medical conditions which will allow full training and behind-closed-door matches at neutral venues. While there are a few clubs opposing the idea of playing matches in neutral venues, the idea has majority votes from other clubs. ALSO READ: Influential German minister backs Bundesliga restart this month The fresh timetable also suggests that Premier League needs just five weeks to complete the remaining 92 matches in the campaign. The plan suggests matches to be played on weekends and midweek. However, there are major concerns over the extra risk of injury of players to play so many matches in a short period, especially after a three-month break since the last top-flight match in the Premier League.

Premier League working on 7-week football festival; aims to start on June 12

Sports' big ticket events, the 2020 Olympics, European football championships, Wimbledon and the British Open golf tournament have gone to the wall due to the coronavirus.

However, there are some shoots of recovery as sports worldwide make tentative plans to return to action.

AFP Sport looks at what we know so far with the major events:

<h2>FOOTBALL</h2>

-- English Premier League, which still has 92 games to play, has reconfirmed their commitment to finish the season. But matches would be behind closed doors and reportedly at up to 10 neutral venues. Liverpool are on the brink of a first league title for 30 years with a 25-point lead at the top of the table.

-- Horst Seehofer, the German minister for the interior and sport, said he supports a resumption of the season despite three people testing positive for coronavirus at Bundesliga club Cologne. A resumption would not be possible before May 16. A final decision is expected Wednesday.

-- In Spain, La Liga is reportedly planning to start testing players for the coronavirus between Tuesday and Thursday, after which they would then be able to resume individual training programmes within 48 hours.

-- Italy's footballers can now take part in individual training sessions as the strictest coronavirus lockdown measures begin to ease. But Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will only allow teams to resume organised group activities on May 18.

-- South Korea look certain to have the honour of being the first league back in action. The season will start on May 8 but behind closed doors.

-- In France, Paris Saint-Germain were declared Ligue 1 champions after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced professional sport could not resume before September.&nbsp;

-- The Dutch football federation called an end to their season on April 24.

<h2>CRICKET</h2>

-- The English season will not start until July 1 at the earliest and likely behind closed doors. The new Hundred tournament has been scrapped until 2021. However, England could begin their rescheduled three-Test series against the West Indies on July 8.

The series was originally due to start on June 4 at the Oval. Australia and Pakistan are still due to tour later in the summer.

-- The money-spinning IPL, which should have started on March 29, was postponed but media reports said the BCCI may aim for a tournament in September-October, ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia.

<h2>TENNIS</h2>

-- The ATP and WTA will not resume tournament play until July 13 at the earliest.

-- The French Open at Roland Garros has already been moved to Sept 20-Oct 4 although there are suggestions that it may even be put back by a further week.

-- The United States Tennis Association will decide mid-June whether or not the US Open will take place in New York.

-- Low-key action has returned with an eight-man exhibition competition in the tiny town of Hoehr-Grenzhausen in Germany. The series does not have spectators, ball boys or line judges.

-- Patrick Mouratoglou, the coach of Serena Williams, says he is planning a league of 50 matches at his academy near Nice in the south of France with "millions of US dollars in prize money". It will be broadcast live under the title "Ultimate Tennis Showdown" starting on the weekend of May 16.

<h2>MOTOR SPORT</h2>

-- After 10 races were either cancelled or postponed, Formula One hopes to open its season in Austria with back-to-back races on July 5 and 12.

-- NASCAR in the United States will return on May 17 at Darlington Raceway, the first of four oval races over 11 days.

-- MotoGP, with eight races already off, is scheduled to return on August 9 at Brno in the Czech Republic.

<h2>BASKETBALL</h2>

-- The NBA could complete its season on courts in Las Vegas convention centres. Players and their families, plus other essential personnel, would stay in a quarantined area in MGM hotels along the Las Vegas Strip while practising and competing on courts in the same facilities.

<h2>GOLF</h2>

-- After the cancellation of the British Open, the remaining majors are the PGA Championship from August 6-9 in San Francisco and the rescheduled US Open from Sept 17-20 at Winged Foot, with the Masters, usually played in April, scheduled for November 12-15.

-- The Ryder Cup, at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin from September 25-27, could take place without fans.

-- The USPGA hopes its season can resume at the Charles Schwab Challenge from June 11 in Fort Worth, Texas.

-- The LPGA Tour is due to resume on July 15 at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational tournament in Michigan.

-- The European Tour is set to return at the British Masters from July 30.

<h2>CYCLING</h2>

-- The Tour de France has been rescheduled for August 29 from its original June 27 start date.

-- The other Grand Tours, the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana, are set to be raced in the autumn after the world championships.

<h2>ATHLETICS</h2>

-- The Diamond League, which was to have started in Doha on April 17, should now kick off in London on July 4.

<h2>RUGBY</h2>

-- The NRL season in Australia will start on May 28.

-- In union, the French Top 14 was abandoned but, in the southern hemisphere, the Super Rugby season, scheduled to end in June, could be played at same time as the four-nation international Rugby Championship in August and September.

Sports' big ticket events, the 2020 Olympics, European football championships, Wimbledon and the British Open golf tournament have gone to the wall due to the coronavirus.

Sports' big ticket events, the 2020 Olympics, European football championships, Wimbledon and the British Open golf tournament have gone to the wall due to the coronavirus. However, there are some shoots of recovery as sports worldwide make tentative plans to return to action. AFP Sport looks at what we know so far with the major events: FOOTBALL -- English Premier League, which still has 92 games to play, has reconfirmed their commitment to finish the season. But matches would be behind closed doors and reportedly at up to 10 neutral venues. Liverpool are on the brink of a first league title for 30 years with a 25-point lead at the top of the table. -- Horst Seehofer, the German minister for the interior and sport, said he supports a resumption of the season despite three people testing positive for coronavirus at Bundesliga club Cologne. A resumption would not be possible before May 16. A final decision is expected Wednesday. -- In Spain, La Liga is reportedly planning to start testing players for the coronavirus between Tuesday and Thursday, after which they would then be able to resume individual training programmes within 48 hours. -- Italy's footballers can now take part in individual training sessions as the strictest coronavirus lockdown measures begin to ease. But Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will only allow teams to resume organised group activities on May 18. -- South Korea look certain to have the honour of being the first league back in action. The season will start on May 8 but behind closed doors. -- In France, Paris Saint-Germain were declared Ligue 1 champions after French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced professional sport could not resume before September. -- The Dutch football federation called an end to their season on April 24. CRICKET -- The English season will not start until July 1 at the earliest and likely behind closed doors. The new Hundred tournament has been scrapped until 2021. However, England could begin their rescheduled three-Test series against the West Indies on July 8. The series was originally due to start on June 4 at the Oval. Australia and Pakistan are still due to tour later in the summer. -- The money-spinning IPL, which should have started on March 29, was postponed but media reports said the BCCI may aim for a tournament in September-October, ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia. TENNIS -- The ATP and WTA will not resume tournament play until July 13 at the earliest. -- The French Open at Roland Garros has already been moved to Sept 20-Oct 4 although there are suggestions that it may even be put back by a further week. -- The United States Tennis Association will decide mid-June whether or not the US Open will take place in New York. -- Low-key action has returned with an eight-man exhibition competition in the tiny town of Hoehr-Grenzhausen in Germany. The series does not have spectators, ball boys or line judges. -- Patrick Mouratoglou, the coach of Serena Williams, says he is planning a league of 50 matches at his academy near Nice in the south of France with "millions of US dollars in prize money". It will be broadcast live under the title "Ultimate Tennis Showdown" starting on the weekend of May 16. MOTOR SPORT -- After 10 races were either cancelled or postponed, Formula One hopes to open its season in Austria with back-to-back races on July 5 and 12. -- NASCAR in the United States will return on May 17 at Darlington Raceway, the first of four oval races over 11 days. -- MotoGP, with eight races already off, is scheduled to return on August 9 at Brno in the Czech Republic. BASKETBALL -- The NBA could complete its season on courts in Las Vegas convention centres. Players and their families, plus other essential personnel, would stay in a quarantined area in MGM hotels along the Las Vegas Strip while practising and competing on courts in the same facilities. GOLF -- After the cancellation of the British Open, the remaining majors are the PGA Championship from August 6-9 in San Francisco and the rescheduled US Open from Sept 17-20 at Winged Foot, with the Masters, usually played in April, scheduled for November 12-15. -- The Ryder Cup, at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin from September 25-27, could take place without fans. -- The USPGA hopes its season can resume at the Charles Schwab Challenge from June 11 in Fort Worth, Texas. -- The LPGA Tour is due to resume on July 15 at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational tournament in Michigan. -- The European Tour is set to return at the British Masters from July 30. CYCLING -- The Tour de France has been rescheduled for August 29 from its original June 27 start date. -- The other Grand Tours, the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana, are set to be raced in the autumn after the world championships. ATHLETICS -- The Diamond League, which was to have started in Doha on April 17, should now kick off in London on July 4. RUGBY -- The NRL season in Australia will start on May 28. -- In union, the French Top 14 was abandoned but, in the southern hemisphere, the Super Rugby season, scheduled to end in June, could be played at same time as the four-nation international Rugby Championship in August and September.

When will I see you again? Sport bids to step out of virus shadow

Rated one of the finest pacers in the world of cricket, Indian speedster Mohammed Shami recently opened up about his own and his family’s fears in the past to Rohit Sharma during an Instagram Live session. Shami, during the interaction, revealed that he contemplated suicide thrice in 2018 which, for him, was marred by allegations of domestic violence.

Shami revealed his family members were scared that he would have jumped off the balcony and hence, they were on high alert 24 hours to make sure everything is fine with him.

"I think if my family had not supported me back then I would have lost my cricket. I thought of committing suicide three times during that period due to severe stress," said Shami.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-will-i-see-you-again-sport-bids-to-step-out-of-virus-shadow-296515" hreflang="en">When will I see you again? Sport bids to step out of virus shadow</a>

"I was not thinking about cricket at all. We were living on the 24th floor. They were scared I might jump from the balcony."

Shami’s annual central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, in 2018, was also withheld due to domestic violence allegations, only to be reinstated later.

Shami’s injury, that saw him spend more than a year on sidelines, was also subject to debates and saw him gain weight. The ace Indian seamer said his family and friends helped him bounce back from the setback and regain his focus on cricket.&nbsp;

ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-i-can-question-someones-incompetency-shoaib-akhtar-gives-scathing-statement-after-pcbs-legal-advisor-sends-legal-notice-296129" hreflang="en">Watch - 'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice</a>

"My two or three friends used to stay with me for 24 hours (during my days of depression). My parents asked me to focus on cricket to recover from that phase and not think about anything else," he said.

"I started training then and sweated it out a lot at an academy in Dehradun.

"Then my family explained that every problem has a solution no matter how big the problem. My brother supported me a lot."

Shami made a strong comeback in the year 2019 and took the world cricket by storm. He was one of the leading wicket takers in Test cricket and also picked up 14 wickets in four matches including a hat-trick in the ICC World Cup 2019.&nbsp;

Shami has claimed 180 wickets in 49 Tests and 144 scalps in 77 one-day internationals since making his debut for India in 2013. 
&nbsp;

Rated one of the finest pacers in the world of cricket, Indian speedster Mohammed Shami recently opened up about his own and his family’s fears in the past to Rohit Sharma during an Instagram Live session.

Rated one of the finest pacers in the world of cricket, Indian speedster Mohammed Shami recently opened up about his own and his family’s fears in the past to Rohit Sharma during an Instagram Live session. Shami, during the interaction, revealed that he contemplated suicide thrice in 2018 which, for him, was marred by allegations of domestic violence. Shami revealed his family members were scared that he would have jumped off the balcony and hence, they were on high alert 24 hours to make sure everything is fine with him. "I think if my family had not supported me back then I would have lost my cricket. I thought of committing suicide three times during that period due to severe stress," said Shami. ALSO READ: When will I see you again? Sport bids to step out of virus shadow "I was not thinking about cricket at all. We were living on the 24th floor. They were scared I might jump from the balcony." Shami’s annual central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, in 2018, was also withheld due to domestic violence allegations, only to be reinstated later. Shami’s injury, that saw him spend more than a year on sidelines, was also subject to debates and saw him gain weight. The ace Indian seamer said his family and friends helped him bounce back from the setback and regain his focus on cricket. ALSO: Watch - 'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice "My two or three friends used to stay with me for 24 hours (during my days of depression). My parents asked me to focus on cricket to recover from that phase and not think about anything else," he said. "I started training then and sweated it out a lot at an academy in Dehradun. "Then my family explained that every problem has a solution no matter how big the problem. My brother supported me a lot." Shami made a strong comeback in the year 2019 and took the world cricket by storm. He was one of the leading wicket takers in Test cricket and also picked up 14 wickets in four matches including a hat-trick in the ICC World Cup 2019. Shami has claimed 180 wickets in 49 Tests and 144 scalps in 77 one-day internationals since making his debut for India in 2013.

Thought of committing suicide three times due to personal problems, stress: Mohammed Shami

Despite several controversies and bans, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif is regarded as one of the most skilful bowlers to have taken to the cricket field. Asif, who last played for Pakistan in August 2010, has now opened up on the spot-fixing scandal and his seven-year-ban which ended his career for the Green Army.&nbsp;

Opening up on his career, Asif said that his ambition was to finish his career on a better not while adding he does have regrets to not fulfilling his potential and become one of the legends of the game. However, Asif is of the view that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) resurrected everyone’s career who were indulged in fixing, before and after him, but never gave him a second chance to make a comeback. &nbsp;

“Of course. My ambition was to finish my career on a better note and I do have regrets. But that's a different story. I think whatever happened it had to happen and that's okay. Everyone has regrets in their life and a few want to talk about them, but I think I am fine. Everyone makes mistakes and I did too,” Asif told ESPNCricinfo.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thought-of-committing-suicide-three-times-due-to-personal-problems-stress-mohammed-shami-296530" hreflang="en">Thought of committing suicide three times due to personal problems, stress: Mohammed Shami</a>

“Players had been indulging in fixing before me [in 2010] and even after me. But those before me are working with PCB and there are few after me still playing. Everyone was given a second chance and there are few who never got the same treatment [as me]. PCB never tried to save me regardless of the fact that I am the kind of bowler who was highly regarded by everyone in the world. But anyway I'm not sitting around brooding about the past or hung up on it,” the Pakistan pacer added.&nbsp;

Asif, apart from several doping controversies, was banned for seven years for deliberately bowling no-balls during the England versus Pakistan Test in Lord’s in 2010. On 19 August 2015, the ICC suspended its previous orders and allowed Asif to play all formats of the game, effective as of 2 September 2015.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-i-can-question-someones-incompetency-shoaib-akhtar-gives-scathing-statement-after-pcbs-legal-advisor-sends-legal-notice-296129" hreflang="en">'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice</a>

However, Asif reckons he made his career count in whatever matches he played for Pakistan as he adds that it was due to his talent and skill that world-class batsmen still remember and talks about him.&nbsp;

“What happened is history. However much I played in my career, I made it count, duniya hila ke rakh de thi (I shook up the world). That is more important for me to think about. Even today, so many years later, the best batsmen in the world still remember me and they talk about me. Just think how big the impact was that I had on the world. So this is what makes me proud - that there is a reason KP, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla talk highly about me. That is what makes me happy,” Asif said. 
&nbsp;

Despite several controversies and bans, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif is regarded as one of the most skilful bowlers to have taken to the cricket field. Asif, who last played for Pakistan in August 2010, has now opened up on the spot-fixing scandal and his seven-year-ban which ended his career for the Green Army.

Despite several controversies and bans, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif is regarded as one of the most skilful bowlers to have taken to the cricket field. Asif, who last played for Pakistan in August 2010, has now opened up on the spot-fixing scandal and his seven-year-ban which ended his career for the Green Army. Opening up on his career, Asif said that his ambition was to finish his career on a better not while adding he does have regrets to not fulfilling his potential and become one of the legends of the game. However, Asif is of the view that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) resurrected everyone’s career who were indulged in fixing, before and after him, but never gave him a second chance to make a comeback. “Of course. My ambition was to finish my career on a better note and I do have regrets. But that's a different story. I think whatever happened it had to happen and that's okay. Everyone has regrets in their life and a few want to talk about them, but I think I am fine. Everyone makes mistakes and I did too,” Asif told ESPNCricinfo. ALSO READ: Thought of committing suicide three times due to personal problems, stress: Mohammed Shami “Players had been indulging in fixing before me [in 2010] and even after me. But those before me are working with PCB and there are few after me still playing. Everyone was given a second chance and there are few who never got the same treatment [as me]. PCB never tried to save me regardless of the fact that I am the kind of bowler who was highly regarded by everyone in the world. But anyway I'm not sitting around brooding about the past or hung up on it,” the Pakistan pacer added. Asif, apart from several doping controversies, was banned for seven years for deliberately bowling no-balls during the England versus Pakistan Test in Lord’s in 2010. On 19 August 2015, the ICC suspended its previous orders and allowed Asif to play all formats of the game, effective as of 2 September 2015. ALSO READ: 'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice However, Asif reckons he made his career count in whatever matches he played for Pakistan as he adds that it was due to his talent and skill that world-class batsmen still remember and talks about him. “What happened is history. However much I played in my career, I made it count, duniya hila ke rakh de thi (I shook up the world). That is more important for me to think about. Even today, so many years later, the best batsmen in the world still remember me and they talk about me. Just think how big the impact was that I had on the world. So this is what makes me proud - that there is a reason KP, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla talk highly about me. That is what makes me happy,” Asif said.

'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal

The Virat Kohli-led Team India has lost their numero uno spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time since October 2016 with Australia taking over the charge atop the rankings chart. The International Cricket Council on Friday announced the latest Test rankings in which Australia are the leaders followed by New Zealand and India at number two and three respectively.&nbsp;

The latest rankings rate all matches played since May 2019 at 100 per cent whereas the matches player in previous two years at 50 per cent. The Tim Paine-led Baggy Greens have 116 points under their belt whereas New Zealand (115) remains a close second while India drops to the third spot with 114 points to their name. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mitchell-marsh-awarded-australia-contract-marcus-stoinis-usman-khawaja-among-6-axed-295789" hreflang="en">Mitchell Marsh awarded Australia contract, Marcus Stoinis, Usman Khawaja among 6 axed</a>

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Australia 
India 
 
BREAKING: Australia are the new No.1 in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Test Team Rankings following an annual update <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCRankings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCRankings</a> <a href="https://t.co/0V0KP3f6dA">pic.twitter.com/0V0KP3f6dA</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1256101049968070656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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With just two points separating the top three sides, this is the second closes the top three teams have been in the Test ranking since it was launched way back in 2003. The closest for the top three teams in the longest format of the game was in January 2016 when India had led Aussies and South Africa by just one point. While England stood at number four, South Africa witnessed the biggest drop and are now below Sri Lanka at the sixth spot. Pakistan, West Indies, Afghanistan and Bangladesh complete top 10 in order.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virus-forces-delay-of-english-crickets-hundred-until-2021-295885" hreflang="en">Virus forces delay of English cricket's Hundred until 2021</a>

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England, the 2019 <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cricketworldcup</a> winners, have retained the No.1 spot in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCRankings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCRankings</a> <a href="https://t.co/hGkbXFkFhS">pic.twitter.com/hGkbXFkFhS</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1256101551145451520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, World champions England continue to rule the charts while increasing their lead over India from six to eight points. New Zealand are in third place with top 10 remaining unchanged.&nbsp;

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More excellent news for 🇦🇺 fans! 
 
Australia are No.1 in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings for the first time ever. 
 
They've displaced from the top spot!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCRankings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCRankings</a> <a href="https://t.co/LrOerV0GKH">pic.twitter.com/LrOerV0GKH</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1256102306338267136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In T20Is, Pakistan are no longer the top-ranked side with Australia replacing them atop the standings. The Aaron Finch-led outfit is followed by England and India respectively with the previous top-ranked team, Pakistan dropping to number 4.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Virat Kohli-led Team India has lost their numero uno spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time since October 2016 with Australia taking over the charge atop the rankings chart.

The Virat Kohli-led Team India has lost their numero uno spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time since October 2016 with Australia taking over the charge atop the rankings chart. The International Cricket Council on Friday announced the latest Test rankings in which Australia are the leaders followed by New Zealand and India at number two and three respectively. The latest rankings rate all matches played since May 2019 at 100 per cent whereas the matches player in previous two years at 50 per cent. The Tim Paine-led Baggy Greens have 116 points under their belt whereas New Zealand (115) remains a close second while India drops to the third spot with 114 points to their name. ALSO READ: Mitchell Marsh awarded Australia contract, Marcus Stoinis, Usman Khawaja among 6 axed Australia India BREAKING: Australia are the new No.1 in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Team Rankings following an annual update #ICCRankings pic.twitter.com/0V0KP3f6dA — ICC (@ICC) May 1, 2020 × With just two points separating the top three sides, this is the second closes the top three teams have been in the Test ranking since it was launched way back in 2003. The closest for the top three teams in the longest format of the game was in January 2016 when India had led Aussies and South Africa by just one point. While England stood at number four, South Africa witnessed the biggest drop and are now below Sri Lanka at the sixth spot. Pakistan, West Indies, Afghanistan and Bangladesh complete top 10 in order. ALSO READ: Virus forces delay of English cricket's Hundred until 2021 England, the 2019 @cricketworldcup winners, have retained the No.1 spot in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings #ICCRankings pic.twitter.com/hGkbXFkFhS — ICC (@ICC) May 1, 2020 × In ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, World champions England continue to rule the charts while increasing their lead over India from six to eight points. New Zealand are in third place with top 10 remaining unchanged. More excellent news for 🇦🇺 fans! Australia are No.1 in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings for the first time ever. They've displaced from the top spot!#ICCRankings pic.twitter.com/LrOerV0GKH — ICC (@ICC) May 1, 2020 × In T20Is, Pakistan are no longer the top-ranked side with Australia replacing them atop the standings. The Aaron Finch-led outfit is followed by England and India respectively with the previous top-ranked team, Pakistan dropping to number 4.

India lose top spot in ICC Test rankings for first time since October 2016; Australia the new world No. 1 in Tests and T20Is

England pacer Jofra Archer made a scintillating international debut for England in the year 2019. The Barbadian-born speedster firstly tormented Pakistan before taking the ICC World Cup 2019 by storm and following it up with a phenomenal outing in the Ashes 2019. However, Archer is not popular only for his exploits on the cricket field but his activity on social media platform Twitter.&nbsp;

Archer’s tweets from the past have glaring similarity with incidents happening in the present and many of his old tweets have resurfaced on the micro-blogging platform which has some similarity with the present.&nbsp;

As soon as Indian Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday extended the lockdown period by another two weeks till May 17, Archer’s tweet from 2013 started to gain traction.

In this&nbsp;particular tweet, dating back to September 13, 2013, Archer had written: “These two weeks gonne take forever to go by.”

ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-i-can-question-someones-incompetency-shoaib-akhtar-gives-scathing-statement-after-pcbs-legal-advisor-sends-legal-notice-296129" hreflang="en">Watch - 'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice</a>

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These two weeks gonne take forever to go by
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/378522652161630208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2013</a></blockquote>
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3 weeks at home isn’t enough
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/922277359377580035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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And Indian cricket fans started bombarding the tweet with retweets and replies.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://t.co/SDIFiRdMnP">pic.twitter.com/SDIFiRdMnP</a>
— Mogambo (@UberHandle) <a href="https://twitter.com/UberHandle/status/1256215271460798464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/nMrPV3DqK4">pic.twitter.com/nMrPV3DqK4</a>
— Counter Sadhu (@SadhuMaharaj16) <a href="https://twitter.com/SadhuMaharaj16/status/1256215457217933312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Can you tell me when will this end finally? Already frustrated with life.
— Deval Shah (@DevalShah555) <a href="https://twitter.com/DevalShah555/status/1256211789467041798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Archer hits the bullseye again
— amit pandey (@amitpan62680204) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitpan62680204/status/1256209551554052096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the lockdown phase in India which had come into effect on March 24 was extended till May 3 during an address to the nation by PM Modi. The extension is now due to last till May 17 after another extension on Friday.&nbsp;

"After a comprehensive review and in view of the lockdown measures having led to significant gains in the COVID-19 situation in the country, MHA has issued an order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 today to further extend the lockdown period of two weeks beyond May 4," the notice said.

"The guidelines have permitted considerable relaxations in the districts falling in the Green and Orange Zones," it said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indias-home-ministry-extends-lockdown-by-two-weeks-till-may-17-296127" hreflang="en">COVID-19: India's home ministry extends lockdown by two weeks till May 17</a>

"Those districts which are neither defined as Red or Green shall be classified as Orange Zones."

"The classification of districts into Red, Green, and Orange will be shared by the ministry," it said, adding,"it would be shared on a weekly basis with States and Union Territories."

England pacer Jofra Archer made a scintillating international debut for England in the year 2019. The Barbadian-born speedster firstly tormented Pakistan before taking the ICC World Cup 2019 by storm and following it up with a phenomenal outing in the Ashes 2019.

England pacer Jofra Archer made a scintillating international debut for England in the year 2019. The Barbadian-born speedster firstly tormented Pakistan before taking the ICC World Cup 2019 by storm and following it up with a phenomenal outing in the Ashes 2019. However, Archer is not popular only for his exploits on the cricket field but his activity on social media platform Twitter. Archer’s tweets from the past have glaring similarity with incidents happening in the present and many of his old tweets have resurfaced on the micro-blogging platform which has some similarity with the present. As soon as Indian Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday extended the lockdown period by another two weeks till May 17, Archer’s tweet from 2013 started to gain traction. In this particular tweet, dating back to September 13, 2013, Archer had written: “These two weeks gonne take forever to go by.” ALSO: Watch - 'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice These two weeks gonne take forever to go by — Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) September 13, 2013 × 3 weeks at home isn’t enough — Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) October 23, 2017 × And Indian cricket fans started bombarding the tweet with retweets and replies. pic.twitter.com/SDIFiRdMnP — Mogambo (@UberHandle) May 1, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/nMrPV3DqK4 — Counter Sadhu (@SadhuMaharaj16) May 1, 2020 × Can you tell me when will this end finally? Already frustrated with life. — Deval Shah (@DevalShah555) May 1, 2020 × Archer hits the bullseye again — amit pandey (@amitpan62680204) May 1, 2020 × Meanwhile, the lockdown phase in India which had come into effect on March 24 was extended till May 3 during an address to the nation by PM Modi. The extension is now due to last till May 17 after another extension on Friday. "After a comprehensive review and in view of the lockdown measures having led to significant gains in the COVID-19 situation in the country, MHA has issued an order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 today to further extend the lockdown period of two weeks beyond May 4," the notice said. "The guidelines have permitted considerable relaxations in the districts falling in the Green and Orange Zones," it said. ALSO READ: COVID-19: India's home ministry extends lockdown by two weeks till May 17 "Those districts which are neither defined as Red or Green shall be classified as Orange Zones." "The classification of districts into Red, Green, and Orange will be shared by the ministry," it said, adding,"it would be shared on a weekly basis with States and Union Territories."

'Two weeks gonna take forever to go by' - Jofra Archer's tweet from 2013 resurfaces as India extends lockdown till May 17

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