Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday jointly announced that the South Africa tour to Sri Lanka, consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is&nbsp;scheduled to be played in June,&nbsp;has been postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic

The three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka would have been South Africa’s first rubber in the ICC’s fresh one-day League.&nbsp;

“It is very sad that we have been forced to take this step and we will re-schedule the tour as soon as cricket returns to a sense of normality and our international fixture list allows,” commented CSA Acting Chief Executive Dr. Jacques Faul.

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“Our Proteas would not have been able to prepare properly taking our own lockdown situation into account and, more importantly, health considerations for our players, which are always paramount, were the over-riding factor,” he added.

“It would have been a particularly important tour for us with the three ODIs counting for the new ICC one-day league and the T20 programme being part of our preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled for Australia later this year. It is very frustrating for the players who want to build on the good form they showed at the backend of our home summer against Australia,” Dr. Faul concluded.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bit-surprised-by-cas-financial-health-but-we-will-work-together-overcome-crisis-hazlewood-293519" hreflang="en">Bit surprised by CA's financial health but we will work together overcome crisis: Hazlewood</a>

The one-day League is part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) and was scheduled to start in May. The 13-team league is scheduled to run through to March 2022 and is part of ICC World Cup 2023 qualification progress. However, with series getting postponed day in and day out, the FTP including the one-day League needs to be revisited and checked which series can be played and which needs complete cancellation.&nbsp;

Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket president Shammi Silva had proposed to host the already-postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in Sri Lanka as he said it would save the BCCI from major losses and will financially help Sri Lanka.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday jointly announced that the South Africa tour to Sri Lanka, consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is scheduled to be played in June, has been postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic The three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka would have been South Africa’s first rubber in the ICC’s fresh one-day League.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday jointly announced that the South Africa tour to Sri Lanka, consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is scheduled to be played in June, has been postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic The three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka would have been South Africa’s first rubber in the ICC’s fresh one-day League. “It is very sad that we have been forced to take this step and we will re-schedule the tour as soon as cricket returns to a sense of normality and our international fixture list allows,” commented CSA Acting Chief Executive Dr. Jacques Faul. ALSO READ: ICC unlikely to take call on T20 World Cup before August “Our Proteas would not have been able to prepare properly taking our own lockdown situation into account and, more importantly, health considerations for our players, which are always paramount, were the over-riding factor,” he added. “It would have been a particularly important tour for us with the three ODIs counting for the new ICC one-day league and the T20 programme being part of our preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled for Australia later this year. It is very frustrating for the players who want to build on the good form they showed at the backend of our home summer against Australia,” Dr. Faul concluded. ALSO READ: Bit surprised by CA's financial health but we will work together overcome crisis: Hazlewood The one-day League is part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) and was scheduled to start in May. The 13-team league is scheduled to run through to March 2022 and is part of ICC World Cup 2023 qualification progress. However, with series getting postponed day in and day out, the FTP including the one-day League needs to be revisited and checked which series can be played and which needs complete cancellation. Earlier, Sri Lanka Cricket president Shammi Silva had proposed to host the already-postponed Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in Sri Lanka as he said it would save the BCCI from major losses and will financially help Sri Lanka.

South Africa tour of Sri Lanka in June postponed amid COVID-19 pandemic

Former India opener and chief selector, Krishnamachari Srikkanth has said that MS Dhoni learning the nitty-gritty of captaincy and gaining experience while playing under Anil Kumble helped the wicketkeeper-batsman to grow in confidence as a leader.&nbsp;

Srikkanth said that while Ganguly brought the sense of aggressiveness with him, Dhoni was completely opposite to that and learning under Kumble boosted his confidence a lot besides gaining from the journey in the 2007 T20 World Cup triumph. Dhoni was handed over the captaincy in the T20 World Cup after many experienced players pulled out from the tournament and the rest is history.

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“When Dhoni was the captain in the 2007 T20 World Cup, he handled the side really well, the win boosted his confidence. He has always been calm and cool, he has motivated the players, aggressive culture was brought in by Sourav Ganguly, MS was totally opposite of that, when Kumble was the captain of the Test side, it was a good chance for Dhoni to learn,” Srikkanth said in an interview.

However, Srikkanth is of the view that it was Kumble’s guidance which gave Dhoni the confidence and experience to lead Team India. “Anil gave him much-needed experience, Dhoni gave a lot of confidence to the players,” he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bit-surprised-by-cas-financial-health-but-we-will-work-together-overcome-crisis-hazlewood-293519" hreflang="en">Bit surprised by CA's financial health but we will work together overcome crisis: Hazlewood</a>

Dhoni is the only captain to win all three ICC tournaments. Under Dhoni’s captaincy, India won the WT20 in 2007, the Cricket World cup in 2011 and the Champions trophy in 2013. His leadership was crucial to India becoming the No. 1 Test side as well.&nbsp; 
 
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Former India opener and chief selector, Krishnamachari Srikkanth has said that MS Dhoni learning the nitty-gritty of captaincy and gaining experience while playing under Anil Kumble helped the wicketkeeper-batsman to grow in confidence as a leader.

Former India opener and chief selector, Krishnamachari Srikkanth has said that MS Dhoni learning the nitty-gritty of captaincy and gaining experience while playing under Anil Kumble helped the wicketkeeper-batsman to grow in confidence as a leader. Srikkanth said that while Ganguly brought the sense of aggressiveness with him, Dhoni was completely opposite to that and learning under Kumble boosted his confidence a lot besides gaining from the journey in the 2007 T20 World Cup triumph. Dhoni was handed over the captaincy in the T20 World Cup after many experienced players pulled out from the tournament and the rest is history. ALSO READ: ICC unlikely to take call on T20 World Cup before August “When Dhoni was the captain in the 2007 T20 World Cup, he handled the side really well, the win boosted his confidence. He has always been calm and cool, he has motivated the players, aggressive culture was brought in by Sourav Ganguly, MS was totally opposite of that, when Kumble was the captain of the Test side, it was a good chance for Dhoni to learn,” Srikkanth said in an interview. However, Srikkanth is of the view that it was Kumble’s guidance which gave Dhoni the confidence and experience to lead Team India. “Anil gave him much-needed experience, Dhoni gave a lot of confidence to the players,” he added. ALSO READ: Bit surprised by CA's financial health but we will work together overcome crisis: Hazlewood Dhoni is the only captain to win all three ICC tournaments. Under Dhoni’s captaincy, India won the WT20 in 2007, the Cricket World cup in 2011 and the Champions trophy in 2013. His leadership was crucial to India becoming the No. 1 Test side as well.

Playing under Anil Kumble gave MS Dhoni experience in Test cricket: Krishnamachari Srikkanth

The financial squeeze put on Premier League clubs by the coronavirus crisis could be felt across the continent in the coming months as the well to fund massive transfer fees runs dry.

For each of the past four summers, Premier League clubs have flexed their financial muscle to splurge over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) on transfers.

That has helped spread the wealth of television contracts worth billions across Europe and crucially down the divisions to cash-strapped clubs in England.

Now even the world's richest league is facing economic meltdown.

Premier League matches have been suspended indefinitely with no return expected before mid-June at the earliest.

Broadcasters could be due a rebate worth a reported £762 million if the season is not completed and, even when the games do recommence, they are likely to be behind closed doors, quashing income from gate receipts.

Moreover, a number of major sponsors such as airlines and gambling companies have been just as badly hit by the COVID-19 shutdown, which is expected to lead to a curb on commercial revenue.

Rather than the usual arms race for talent, Premier League clubs are fretting about just meeting their wage bills for the next few months.

"Many clubs could be threatened by insolvency and transfer plans came to a standstill for most clubs because of the many uncertainties," said Matthias Seidel, founder of Transfermarkt, a website specialising in transfer values.

According to Transfermarkt, 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) has already been wiped off the value of Premier League squads.

"There's no doubt the actual value of players right now has gone down in all squads," said Brighton owner Tony Bloom.

"How much less, I have no idea. It depends on how the next few months play out."

<h2>- 'Vultures and predators' -</h2>

Such uncertainty has led for calls to do away with transfers entirely to avoid the unseemly sight of clubs, who have asked staff to take pay cuts and in some cases relied on government money, spending money on new players.

"If you're trying to get 30 percent pay cuts from existing players, you may have to put a transfer embargo in place," former Manchester United captain Gary Neville told Sky Sports.

However, embargoes may only accelerate fears that clubs lower down the pyramid will not survive the crisis.

Proceeds from transfer sales are commonly used in the lower leagues to cover running costs and will be needed even more without the regular income of gate receipts to rely on.

"I think there will be significant transfer fee deflation," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP.

"There will be a significant number of clubs that when some form of transfer market returns, they will be close to going out of business and therefore will accept fire sale prices.

"The vultures and predators will pick off good players for very modest fees."

The fear for those reliant on transfer fees, though, is that the damage has already been done.

Given the vast sums involved, transfer fees are very commonly paid over the course of a player's contract.

Based on accounts published to the end of the 2018/19 season, Premier League clubs owed £1.6 billion in outstanding transfer payments, £900 million of which was to foreign clubs.

Maguire warns of the domino effect whereby if one club fails to meet its transfer debt, it could spark a series of defaulted payments on other deals or even worse force clubs into insolvency.

"The concern is that financial problems in one league could spread throughout the industry just like the pandemic," he said.

Bundesliga chief executive Christian Seifert told the New York Times earlier this month that the transfer market will "collapse" and that "some leagues will understand that money is nothing that is coming automatically every month from heaven."

That may have been a slight on the Premier League's overindulgence on transfer fees.

But as the biggest spender, the economic earthquake felt by English football will ripple across Europe for some time to come.

The financial squeeze put on Premier League clubs by the coronavirus crisis could be felt across the continent in the coming months as the well to fund massive transfer fees runs dry.

The financial squeeze put on Premier League clubs by the coronavirus crisis could be felt across the continent in the coming months as the well to fund massive transfer fees runs dry. For each of the past four summers, Premier League clubs have flexed their financial muscle to splurge over £1 billion ($1.3 billion) on transfers. That has helped spread the wealth of television contracts worth billions across Europe and crucially down the divisions to cash-strapped clubs in England. Now even the world's richest league is facing economic meltdown. Premier League matches have been suspended indefinitely with no return expected before mid-June at the earliest. Broadcasters could be due a rebate worth a reported £762 million if the season is not completed and, even when the games do recommence, they are likely to be behind closed doors, quashing income from gate receipts. Moreover, a number of major sponsors such as airlines and gambling companies have been just as badly hit by the COVID-19 shutdown, which is expected to lead to a curb on commercial revenue. Rather than the usual arms race for talent, Premier League clubs are fretting about just meeting their wage bills for the next few months. "Many clubs could be threatened by insolvency and transfer plans came to a standstill for most clubs because of the many uncertainties," said Matthias Seidel, founder of Transfermarkt, a website specialising in transfer values. According to Transfermarkt, 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) has already been wiped off the value of Premier League squads. "There's no doubt the actual value of players right now has gone down in all squads," said Brighton owner Tony Bloom. "How much less, I have no idea. It depends on how the next few months play out." - 'Vultures and predators' - Such uncertainty has led for calls to do away with transfers entirely to avoid the unseemly sight of clubs, who have asked staff to take pay cuts and in some cases relied on government money, spending money on new players. "If you're trying to get 30 percent pay cuts from existing players, you may have to put a transfer embargo in place," former Manchester United captain Gary Neville told Sky Sports. However, embargoes may only accelerate fears that clubs lower down the pyramid will not survive the crisis. Proceeds from transfer sales are commonly used in the lower leagues to cover running costs and will be needed even more without the regular income of gate receipts to rely on. "I think there will be significant transfer fee deflation," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP. "There will be a significant number of clubs that when some form of transfer market returns, they will be close to going out of business and therefore will accept fire sale prices. "The vultures and predators will pick off good players for very modest fees." The fear for those reliant on transfer fees, though, is that the damage has already been done. Given the vast sums involved, transfer fees are very commonly paid over the course of a player's contract. Based on accounts published to the end of the 2018/19 season, Premier League clubs owed £1.6 billion in outstanding transfer payments, £900 million of which was to foreign clubs. Maguire warns of the domino effect whereby if one club fails to meet its transfer debt, it could spark a series of defaulted payments on other deals or even worse force clubs into insolvency. "The concern is that financial problems in one league could spread throughout the industry just like the pandemic," he said. Bundesliga chief executive Christian Seifert told the New York Times earlier this month that the transfer market will "collapse" and that "some leagues will understand that money is nothing that is coming automatically every month from heaven." That may have been a slight on the Premier League's overindulgence on transfer fees. But as the biggest spender, the economic earthquake felt by English football will ripple across Europe for some time to come.

Premier League's transfer market bubble set to burst

UEFA is willing to resume the Champions League matches, which is suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic, on August 7-8. As per the recent proposal, the remaining matches of the Round of 16 will be played on August 7 and 8 followed by games every three days until August 29, when the final of UEFA Champions League is scheduled to be held.

The semi-final of UEFA Champions League is proposed to be held on August 18-19 and 21-22 before the summit clash in Istanbul. The current proposal could lead to the group stage matches of 2020/21 season of the Champions League to be postponed to October 20.&nbsp;

However, with UEFA mulling to make clubs play Champions League matches in every three days, there could be a sense of worry from clubs in regards to their fixtures in their respective domestic leagues.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-super-league-to-start-by-july-club-chairman-293517" hreflang="en">Chinese Super League to start by July: Club chairman</a>

The UEFA Champions League final was earlier scheduled to be played on May 30 in Istanbul. However, the outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus led to the postponement of the tournament with reverse fixtures of the Round of 16 matches left to be played. Only Paris St Germain, Atletico Madrid, Red Bull Leipzig and Atalanta have qualified to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Earlier, there was a sense of confusion in relation to the date of the final with some reports quoting UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin as saying.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-leagues-transfer-market-bubble-set-to-burst-293512" hreflang="en">Premier League's transfer market bubble set to burst</a>

“Champions League must finish by August 3”. However, UEFA completely denied the reports.&nbsp;

"It has been reported that UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin told ZDF in Germany that the UEFA Champions League must finish by 3 August. This is not true," said a statement from European soccer's governing body.

"The President was very clear not to set exact dates for the end of the season." 
&nbsp;

UEFA is willing to resume the Champions League matches, which is suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic, on August 7-8. As per the recent proposal, the remaining matches of the Round of 16 will be played on August 7 and 8 followed by games every three days until August 29, when the final of UEFA Champions League is scheduled to be held.

UEFA is willing to resume the Champions League matches, which is suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic, on August 7-8. As per the recent proposal, the remaining matches of the Round of 16 will be played on August 7 and 8 followed by games every three days until August 29, when the final of UEFA Champions League is scheduled to be held. The semi-final of UEFA Champions League is proposed to be held on August 18-19 and 21-22 before the summit clash in Istanbul. The current proposal could lead to the group stage matches of 2020/21 season of the Champions League to be postponed to October 20. However, with UEFA mulling to make clubs play Champions League matches in every three days, there could be a sense of worry from clubs in regards to their fixtures in their respective domestic leagues. ALSO READ: Chinese Super League to start by July: Club chairman The UEFA Champions League final was earlier scheduled to be played on May 30 in Istanbul. However, the outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus led to the postponement of the tournament with reverse fixtures of the Round of 16 matches left to be played. Only Paris St Germain, Atletico Madrid, Red Bull Leipzig and Atalanta have qualified to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Earlier, there was a sense of confusion in relation to the date of the final with some reports quoting UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin as saying. ALSO READ: Premier League's transfer market bubble set to burst “Champions League must finish by August 3”. However, UEFA completely denied the reports. "It has been reported that UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin told ZDF in Germany that the UEFA Champions League must finish by 3 August. This is not true," said a statement from European soccer's governing body. "The President was very clear not to set exact dates for the end of the season."

Resumption of Champions League in August; postponement of 2020/21 UCL season likely: Reports

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is a "bit" surprised that Cricket Australia is struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic but said players will work together with the governing body to overcome the crisis.

With the coronavirus outbreak halting all cricketing action, Cricket Australia (CA) has laid off 80 per cent of its staff for the rest of the financial year which ends on June 30. Reports suggest that CA will run out of cash by August.

"I was a bit surprised there but there has to be some impact, no doubt," Hazlewood was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

Hazlewood said the financial crisis will hit cricketers too and they are ready for a reduced salary.

"We are no different from any other sport. It just depends how long it hangs around as to how much it is going to affect us, I guess. If it leads into next summer, it will be quite serious," Hazlewood said.

"We're obviously partners in the game and we've always said that. We have ridden the highs and now its probably time to ride the lows, a little bit."

CA and Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) had an ugly pay dispute in 2017 but Hazlewood said relations have improved since and hoped this crisis will be handled better this time.

"I think the relationship is a lot better now, between the ACA and CA. It's developed a long way in the last 18 months to two years, probably," he said.

"... So that will go a long way towards having this episode (handled) a lot better than last time. It's all positive from our end and I think, from both ends.

"Hopefully it's a lot better communication this time and I think you will see that in the coming weeks and the coming months. As long as they show a lot of transparency on all the numbers, all the players will be pretty happy with that."

According to the MOU signed in 2017, CA has to provide ACA with revenue estimates and a national contract list for the upcoming summer by April 30 and Hazlewood expects the deadline to be met so that players can be better prepared for the financial fallout.

"April 30 is what the players want and it's in the MOU but I guess these are strange times. Anything can happen," Hazlewood said.

"The ideal (situation) is that they're put out before April 30 and obviously then we will know, financially, what we can get ready for and how much of a percentage is lost and how much of our contracts are affected.

"The sooner we know that, the more we can plan for the next 12 months."

The global health crisis, which has killed more than 1.6 lakh worldwide, has put this year's T20 World Cup and India's tour of Australia under threat.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is a "bit" surprised that Cricket Australia is struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic but said players will work together with the governing body to overcome the crisis.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is a "bit" surprised that Cricket Australia is struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic but said players will work together with the governing body to overcome the crisis. With the coronavirus outbreak halting all cricketing action, Cricket Australia (CA) has laid off 80 per cent of its staff for the rest of the financial year which ends on June 30. Reports suggest that CA will run out of cash by August. "I was a bit surprised there but there has to be some impact, no doubt," Hazlewood was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'. Hazlewood said the financial crisis will hit cricketers too and they are ready for a reduced salary. "We are no different from any other sport. It just depends how long it hangs around as to how much it is going to affect us, I guess. If it leads into next summer, it will be quite serious," Hazlewood said. "We're obviously partners in the game and we've always said that. We have ridden the highs and now its probably time to ride the lows, a little bit." CA and Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) had an ugly pay dispute in 2017 but Hazlewood said relations have improved since and hoped this crisis will be handled better this time. "I think the relationship is a lot better now, between the ACA and CA. It's developed a long way in the last 18 months to two years, probably," he said. "... So that will go a long way towards having this episode (handled) a lot better than last time. It's all positive from our end and I think, from both ends. "Hopefully it's a lot better communication this time and I think you will see that in the coming weeks and the coming months. As long as they show a lot of transparency on all the numbers, all the players will be pretty happy with that." According to the MOU signed in 2017, CA has to provide ACA with revenue estimates and a national contract list for the upcoming summer by April 30 and Hazlewood expects the deadline to be met so that players can be better prepared for the financial fallout. "April 30 is what the players want and it's in the MOU but I guess these are strange times. Anything can happen," Hazlewood said. "The ideal (situation) is that they're put out before April 30 and obviously then we will know, financially, what we can get ready for and how much of a percentage is lost and how much of our contracts are affected. "The sooner we know that, the more we can plan for the next 12 months." The global health crisis, which has killed more than 1.6 lakh worldwide, has put this year's T20 World Cup and India's tour of Australia under threat.

Bit surprised by CA's financial health but we will work together overcome crisis: Hazlewood

The coronavirus-delayed Chinese Super League (CSL) season is scheduled to begin in late June or early July, a club chairman says.

Suspended leagues across the world, including in Europe, will be watching the CSL with interest as an indicator of the challenges they face in relaunching their own competitions.

The campaign was supposed to start on February 22 but was indefinitely postponed by the pandemic, which emerged in China in December before spreading worldwide.

"Based on the assessment of the current situation, the new season will start at the end of June or beginning of July," said Guangzhou R&amp;F chairman Huang Shenghua, according to state media.

Huang said that the season will be able to take place in full with each team playing the alloted 30 matches.

The media reports did not indicate whether a formal announcement was expected from the Chinese Football Association.

China says that it has curbed coronavirus at home but is now concerned about a second wave of imported infections from people entering the country from overseas.

Marouane Fellaini, the former Manchester United midfielder, is the only known coronavirus case in the CSL.

He was released from hospital last week and is under further observation, although he was not seriously ill.

The coronavirus-delayed Chinese Super League (CSL) season is scheduled to begin in late June or early July, a club chairman says. Suspended leagues across the world, including in Europe, will be watching the CSL with interest as an indicator of the challenges they face in relaunching their own competitions.

The coronavirus-delayed Chinese Super League (CSL) season is scheduled to begin in late June or early July, a club chairman says. Suspended leagues across the world, including in Europe, will be watching the CSL with interest as an indicator of the challenges they face in relaunching their own competitions. The campaign was supposed to start on February 22 but was indefinitely postponed by the pandemic, which emerged in China in December before spreading worldwide. "Based on the assessment of the current situation, the new season will start at the end of June or beginning of July," said Guangzhou R&F chairman Huang Shenghua, according to state media. Huang said that the season will be able to take place in full with each team playing the alloted 30 matches. The media reports did not indicate whether a formal announcement was expected from the Chinese Football Association. China says that it has curbed coronavirus at home but is now concerned about a second wave of imported infections from people entering the country from overseas. Marouane Fellaini, the former Manchester United midfielder, is the only known coronavirus case in the CSL. He was released from hospital last week and is under further observation, although he was not seriously ill.

Chinese Super League to start by July: Club chairman

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in cancellation or postponement of possibly every sporting event. While events such as Tokyo Olympics, Wimbledon, IPL 2020, among many others, have already been either cancelled or postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic, all eyes are on the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Australia from October 18 to November 15.&nbsp;

However, with Australia sealing its borders for six months till September 30 to combat the spread of dreaded COVID-19, speculations are rife that the ICC T20 World Cup could be postponed to next year.&nbsp;

A source close to the developments on Monday confirmed that the ICC will not a call on the showpiece event till as late as August while citing the health and well-being of everyone as the top-most priority. The source admitted that ICC will not rush with its decision and will take time to decide on the fate of this event.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bit-surprised-by-cas-financial-health-but-we-will-work-together-overcome-crisis-hazlewood-293519" hreflang="en">Bit surprised by CA's financial health but we will work together overcome crisis: Hazlewood</a>

"Right now, things look bleak, and people's health is the first priority. However, what if the situation improves in a few months' time? What if the ICC announces that the T20 World Cup is postponed in May itself, and things improve a couple of months down the line, and cricket's governing body realizes that it took a hasty decision. The ICC will take time to decide on the fate of this event, till as late as August. Don't expect any announcement before that," the source told a leading daily.

"As of now, everything will proceed as per plan and assuming that the tournament will be held as per its original dates. So, all other preparations by the ICC's Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Australia, which is already in place, will be on in full swing," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-chiefs-exploring-all-options-over-t20-world-cup-293212" hreflang="en">Cricket chiefs 'exploring all options' over T20 World Cup</a>

There have been debates on whether the ICC T20 World Cup should be held behind the closed doors with the sporting fraternity giving mixed reactions to the speculations. While many former cricketers have backed the idea of matches without a crowd, others have dismissed the theory of such a major tournament played without spectators.&nbsp;

An ICC spokesperson further said: "During this period of uncertainty, our first responsibility is to protect the well-being of the players, coaches, officials, fans and the whole cricket community and we will take a safety-first approach to all the operations over the coming months."

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in cancellation or postponement of possibly every sporting event. While events such as Tokyo Olympics, Wimbledon, IPL 2020, among many others, have already been either cancelled or postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic, all eyes are on the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Australia from October 18 to November 15.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in cancellation or postponement of possibly every sporting event. While events such as Tokyo Olympics, Wimbledon, IPL 2020, among many others, have already been either cancelled or postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic, all eyes are on the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Australia from October 18 to November 15. However, with Australia sealing its borders for six months till September 30 to combat the spread of dreaded COVID-19, speculations are rife that the ICC T20 World Cup could be postponed to next year. A source close to the developments on Monday confirmed that the ICC will not a call on the showpiece event till as late as August while citing the health and well-being of everyone as the top-most priority. The source admitted that ICC will not rush with its decision and will take time to decide on the fate of this event. ALSO READ: Bit surprised by CA's financial health but we will work together overcome crisis: Hazlewood "Right now, things look bleak, and people's health is the first priority. However, what if the situation improves in a few months' time? What if the ICC announces that the T20 World Cup is postponed in May itself, and things improve a couple of months down the line, and cricket's governing body realizes that it took a hasty decision. The ICC will take time to decide on the fate of this event, till as late as August. Don't expect any announcement before that," the source told a leading daily. "As of now, everything will proceed as per plan and assuming that the tournament will be held as per its original dates. So, all other preparations by the ICC's Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Australia, which is already in place, will be on in full swing," he said. ALSO READ: Cricket chiefs 'exploring all options' over T20 World Cup There have been debates on whether the ICC T20 World Cup should be held behind the closed doors with the sporting fraternity giving mixed reactions to the speculations. While many former cricketers have backed the idea of matches without a crowd, others have dismissed the theory of such a major tournament played without spectators. An ICC spokesperson further said: "During this period of uncertainty, our first responsibility is to protect the well-being of the players, coaches, officials, fans and the whole cricket community and we will take a safety-first approach to all the operations over the coming months."

ICC unlikely to take call on T20 World Cup before August

Qatar has detected three more coronavirus cases among workers on World Cup stadiums, organisers said Thursday, bringing the number of infections among those involved in 2022 tournament construction to eight.

The Gulf nation has reported seven deaths from the COVID-19 disease and 4,103 cases in total, announcing the first infections in stadium workers on Wednesday.

Building work for the stadiums and infrastructure to stage the tournament has continued through the crisis even as non-essential retail has been halted and mosques, parks and restaurants have closed.

"The Supreme Committee for Delivery &amp; Legacy (SC) has confirmed that two staff members who work for a SC contractor have tested positive for COVID-19," organisers said in a statement.&nbsp;

"In addition, six workers on SC projects have tested positive."

On Wednesday the SC said that staff at three of the seven stadiums being built from scratch for the 2022 tournament had been affected.

The SC was following health ministry guidance to respond to the cases and all those affected would continue to be paid and receive free healthcare, the statement added.

The timings of the competition, due to be held in November and December of 2022, remain unchanged by the coronavirus pandemic which has already forced the postponement of the European football championships and the Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

Qatar has detected three more coronavirus cases among workers on World Cup stadiums, organisers said Thursday, bringing the number of infections among those involved in 2022 tournament construction to eight.

Qatar has detected three more coronavirus cases among workers on World Cup stadiums, organisers said Thursday, bringing the number of infections among those involved in 2022 tournament construction to eight. The Gulf nation has reported seven deaths from the COVID-19 disease and 4,103 cases in total, announcing the first infections in stadium workers on Wednesday. Building work for the stadiums and infrastructure to stage the tournament has continued through the crisis even as non-essential retail has been halted and mosques, parks and restaurants have closed. "The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has confirmed that two staff members who work for a SC contractor have tested positive for COVID-19," organisers said in a statement. "In addition, six workers on SC projects have tested positive." On Wednesday the SC said that staff at three of the seven stadiums being built from scratch for the 2022 tournament had been affected. The SC was following health ministry guidance to respond to the cases and all those affected would continue to be paid and receive free healthcare, the statement added. The timings of the competition, due to be held in November and December of 2022, remain unchanged by the coronavirus pandemic which has already forced the postponement of the European football championships and the Tokyo Olympics.

Qatar reports three new virus cases at World Cup sites

The International Cricket Council has played down speculation this year's T20 World Cup in Australia could be pushed back to 2021 but admitted it was "exploring all options".

Australia is due to stage the global tournament from October 18 until November 15 but the coronavirus pandemic has already created havoc for international sport and more events could suffer.

The ICC has time on its side and is preparing to stick to its schedule but plans could change.

"We are continuing with our planning for ICC events as they are, but given the rapidly evolving situation as a prudent and responsible measure we are also undertaking a comprehensive contingency planning exercise," said an ICC spokesman.

"This includes exploring all options available to us based on a range of scenarios connected to the pandemic.

"We will continue to take advice from experts and authorities, including the Australian government and will take decisions at the appropriate time."

The International Cricket Council has played down speculation this year's T20 World Cup in Australia could be pushed back to 2021 but admitted it was "exploring all options".

The International Cricket Council has played down speculation this year's T20 World Cup in Australia could be pushed back to 2021 but admitted it was "exploring all options". Australia is due to stage the global tournament from October 18 until November 15 but the coronavirus pandemic has already created havoc for international sport and more events could suffer. The ICC has time on its side and is preparing to stick to its schedule but plans could change. "We are continuing with our planning for ICC events as they are, but given the rapidly evolving situation as a prudent and responsible measure we are also undertaking a comprehensive contingency planning exercise," said an ICC spokesman. "This includes exploring all options available to us based on a range of scenarios connected to the pandemic. "We will continue to take advice from experts and authorities, including the Australian government and will take decisions at the appropriate time."

Cricket chiefs 'exploring all options' over T20 World Cup

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has backed veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni to make an international comeback despite growing uncertainty over the start of the Indian Premier League.

The 38-year-old Dhoni has not appeared for club or country since playing for India in last year's 50-over World Cup and the nationwide coronavirus lockdown is limiting his chances of getting back in the side with the IPL likely to be truncated or cancelled.

There has been speculation that Dhoni might retire from&nbsp;international cricket.

"What I have seen of Dhoni, I still think he has a huge amount to offer to Indian cricket," Hussain told Indian broadcaster Star Sports on Saturday.

"Yes, there have been one or two occasions where he has got it wrong in run chases, like that World Cup game against England. But in general, Dhoni is still a really good talent."

Hussain warned that Dhoni was a once-in-a-generation cricketer that India would struggle to replace.

"Don't push Dhoni into retirement too early. In the end only Dhoni knows his mental state, in the end selectors select and players turn up when asked to," he added.

"I do believe that certain individuals should not just retire into the sunset without some kind of farewell."

Dhoni, who gave up Test cricket in 2014, has been busy gardening at home during the lockdown, according to an Instagram post by his wife.

The opening match of the Twenty20 tournament between the Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings and holders Mumbai Indians was pushed back to April 15 as sporting events around the world were delayed or postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth said Dhoni's comeback prospects looked "very, very bleak" if the IPL was cancelled.

"Because straightaway, in my opinion, KL Rahul will be the wicket keeper-batsman," Srikkanth, former chairman of the national selection committee, said.

"Rishabh Pant, I still think he might be a bit of a doubt, but I believe that Rishabh Pant is highly talented.

"He is absolutely fit, he is a legend, he is brilliant. I am a great fan of Dhoni myself. But the question is for the (T20) World Cup team. So you'll have to put the Indian team first and then the individuals."

Dhoni led India to win the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in 2007. He hit a six to seal the 2011 World Cup final victory and his status as a national hero.

He has amassed 10,773 runs from 350 ODIs, but his form dipped noticeably at last year's 50-over showpiece.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has backed veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni to make an international comeback despite growing uncertainty over the start of the Indian Premier League.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has backed veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni to make an international comeback despite growing uncertainty over the start of the Indian Premier League. The 38-year-old Dhoni has not appeared for club or country since playing for India in last year's 50-over World Cup and the nationwide coronavirus lockdown is limiting his chances of getting back in the side with the IPL likely to be truncated or cancelled. There has been speculation that Dhoni might retire from international cricket. "What I have seen of Dhoni, I still think he has a huge amount to offer to Indian cricket," Hussain told Indian broadcaster Star Sports on Saturday. "Yes, there have been one or two occasions where he has got it wrong in run chases, like that World Cup game against England. But in general, Dhoni is still a really good talent." Hussain warned that Dhoni was a once-in-a-generation cricketer that India would struggle to replace. "Don't push Dhoni into retirement too early. In the end only Dhoni knows his mental state, in the end selectors select and players turn up when asked to," he added. "I do believe that certain individuals should not just retire into the sunset without some kind of farewell." Dhoni, who gave up Test cricket in 2014, has been busy gardening at home during the lockdown, according to an Instagram post by his wife. The opening match of the Twenty20 tournament between the Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings and holders Mumbai Indians was pushed back to April 15 as sporting events around the world were delayed or postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth said Dhoni's comeback prospects looked "very, very bleak" if the IPL was cancelled. "Because straightaway, in my opinion, KL Rahul will be the wicket keeper-batsman," Srikkanth, former chairman of the national selection committee, said. "Rishabh Pant, I still think he might be a bit of a doubt, but I believe that Rishabh Pant is highly talented. "He is absolutely fit, he is a legend, he is brilliant. I am a great fan of Dhoni myself. But the question is for the (T20) World Cup team. So you'll have to put the Indian team first and then the individuals." Dhoni led India to win the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in 2007. He hit a six to seal the 2011 World Cup final victory and his status as a national hero. He has amassed 10,773 runs from 350 ODIs, but his form dipped noticeably at last year's 50-over showpiece.

Don't write off Dhoni, he still has plenty to offer: Nasser Hussain

Premier League clubs remain committed to finishing the top-flight season, but did not set a June 30 deadline to complete the fixture list at their latest meeting on Friday.

With the Premier League postponed since March 13 due to the coronavirus, it had been suggested a firm closing date for the season needed to be imposed.

But the 20 clubs did not discuss wrapping up the remaining 92 Premier League fixtures by June 30 when they met on a conference call with league chiefs.

With fears that failure to finish the season could cost the Premier League more than £1 billion ($1.2 billion), clubs looked at various models for a potential return to action.

However, Britain is on lockdown until May 7 at the earliest to limit the spread of the pandemic, leaving English football to play a waiting game in the hope of an improvement in the health crisis.

A Premier League spokesman said a number of complex scenarios were being worked through.

"We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the government," added the spokesman.

"The health and wellbeing of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the league will only restart when medical guidance allows.

"Today's shareholders' meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019/20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops."

Premier League clubs remain committed to finishing the top-flight season, but did not set a June 30 deadline to complete the fixture list at their latest meeting on Friday.

Premier League clubs remain committed to finishing the top-flight season, but did not set a June 30 deadline to complete the fixture list at their latest meeting on Friday. With the Premier League postponed since March 13 due to the coronavirus, it had been suggested a firm closing date for the season needed to be imposed. But the 20 clubs did not discuss wrapping up the remaining 92 Premier League fixtures by June 30 when they met on a conference call with league chiefs. With fears that failure to finish the season could cost the Premier League more than £1 billion ($1.2 billion), clubs looked at various models for a potential return to action. However, Britain is on lockdown until May 7 at the earliest to limit the spread of the pandemic, leaving English football to play a waiting game in the hope of an improvement in the health crisis. A Premier League spokesman said a number of complex scenarios were being worked through. "We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the government," added the spokesman. "The health and wellbeing of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the league will only restart when medical guidance allows. "Today's shareholders' meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019/20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops."

Premier League clubs committed to finishing season, but no deadline set

South Africa Cricket on Friday announced that former captain Graeme Smith will be taking over the role of director of cricket for a period of two-years. Smith was earlier appointed to the role in an interim capacity for a period of three months but now the former left-handed opener will take over the charge for two years.

Smith, as soon as being confirmed for the role, made a huge announcement that Quinton de Kock would not be leading the Proteas in Test cricket. While Smith didn’t announce any names for the role, the former South African skipper did hint that a youngster could potentially take over the charge in the longest format of the game.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-hope-we-learn-to-exercise-restraint-when-this-ends-viswanathan-anand-on-life-after-lockdown-being-stuck-in-germany-and-more-293205" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Hope we learn to exercise restraint when this ends' - Viswanathan Anand on life after lockdown, being stuck in Germany and more</a>

Explaining the decision, Smith said that the board doesn’t want to put too much pressure on de Kock and wants to keep him fresh and in-form. Smith further said that captaincy across formats is a gruelling task for a single player and the CSA wants the gloveman to be as expressive in all three formats without getting tired.

"The one thing I can confirm is that Quinton will be our white-ball captain and he won't be the Test captain going forward," Smith said. "We want to keep Quinton fresh and playing well. I've always believed, having been in the job myself, that captaining all three formats is challenging. We've seen a number of nations trying to figure out what's best and I think across three formats, it probably doesn't work."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-proposal-from-sri-lanka-cricket-to-host-ipl-2020-bcci-official-293147" hreflang="en">No proposal from Sri Lanka Cricket to host IPL 2020: BCCI official</a>

"From a workload and mental capacity, we felt that to burden him with all three formats wouldn't be beneficial for us. And with the style of personality and player that he is, we want to keep him as expressive as possible," Smith said.

While the South African team has lost too many experienced players in a short span of time, there are many players who are still fighting for places in the squad. That could make the task of appointing a captain trickier.&nbsp;

"We've got to understand the personalities, look at the people and maybe take a risk on someone potentially and back them," he said. "Coming from a person who a risk was taken on, it is something we would consider." 
&nbsp;

South Africa Cricket on Friday announced that former captain Graeme Smith will be taking over the role of director of cricket for a period of two-years. Smith was earlier appointed to the role in an interim capacity for a period of three months but now the former left-handed opener will take over the charge for two years.

South Africa Cricket on Friday announced that former captain Graeme Smith will be taking over the role of director of cricket for a period of two-years. Smith was earlier appointed to the role in an interim capacity for a period of three months but now the former left-handed opener will take over the charge for two years. Smith, as soon as being confirmed for the role, made a huge announcement that Quinton de Kock would not be leading the Proteas in Test cricket. While Smith didn’t announce any names for the role, the former South African skipper did hint that a youngster could potentially take over the charge in the longest format of the game. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Hope we learn to exercise restraint when this ends' - Viswanathan Anand on life after lockdown, being stuck in Germany and more Explaining the decision, Smith said that the board doesn’t want to put too much pressure on de Kock and wants to keep him fresh and in-form. Smith further said that captaincy across formats is a gruelling task for a single player and the CSA wants the gloveman to be as expressive in all three formats without getting tired. "The one thing I can confirm is that Quinton will be our white-ball captain and he won't be the Test captain going forward," Smith said. "We want to keep Quinton fresh and playing well. I've always believed, having been in the job myself, that captaining all three formats is challenging. We've seen a number of nations trying to figure out what's best and I think across three formats, it probably doesn't work." ALSO READ: No proposal from Sri Lanka Cricket to host IPL 2020: BCCI official "From a workload and mental capacity, we felt that to burden him with all three formats wouldn't be beneficial for us. And with the style of personality and player that he is, we want to keep him as expressive as possible," Smith said. While the South African team has lost too many experienced players in a short span of time, there are many players who are still fighting for places in the squad. That could make the task of appointing a captain trickier. "We've got to understand the personalities, look at the people and maybe take a risk on someone potentially and back them," he said. "Coming from a person who a risk was taken on, it is something we would consider."

Quinton de Kock won't be South Africa's captain in Test cricket, confirms Graeme Smith

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