<p>The postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympics will provide an economic boost to the coronavirus-hit Japan in the year 2021, a senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) official claimed on Thursday as he said that conducting the Games in 2021 could be a "very positive opportunity for an economic stimulus" that could "kickstart the economy again." for the world’s third-largest economy – Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the deadly COVID-19 taking almost the entire world under its dreaded wings, the IOC and Japan, in the month of March, took the historic decision to postpone the Olympics by one year with the opening ceremony now scheduled to be held on July 23, 2021.</p>

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has made a huge body blow to the global economy with economists predicting a second Great Depression with around $9 trillion wiped out.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/official-ipl-2020-suspended-till-further-notice-amid-covid-19-pandemic-292914" hreflang="en">Official: IPL 2020 suspended till further notice amid COVID-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>

<p>"I think there will be a lot of countries and cities around the world wishing for a similar opportunity," IOC official John Coates said.</p>

<p>Some economists have predicted that postponing the quadrennial Games by a year would reduce Japan’s GP by around $6 billion and that could be only recouped if the Olympics take place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coates claimed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe "may well have had in mind that your country may be in a recession then and this would be an opportunity for a great economic stimulus".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-took-many-moments-sitting-thinking-and-crying-coco-gauff-reveals-struggle-with-depression-and-extreme-pressure-292886" hreflang="en">'It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying': Coco Gauff reveals struggle with depression and extreme pressure</a></strong></p>

<p>Organisers had earlier said that the postponement of the Games would come major ramifications and there will be “massive” additional cost from the $12.6 billion the Games were supposed to cost-shared between the Japanese government, Tokyo 2020 and the host city.</p>

<p>Coates said that they would use the time in hand to look at a different way of reducing the additional costs.</p>

<p>Postponing the Olympics is an unprecedented task that starts with managing the venues, hotel bookings, volunteers, etc. Given the situation surrounding COVID-19 pandemic improves in coming months, then the Tokyo Olympics would not only come as a welcome event in the world of sports but would also help in reviving the Japanese economy, which has not only taken a hit due to the pandemic but also for the postponement of the Games.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympics will provide an economic boost to the coronavirus-hit Japan in the year 2021, a senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) official claimed on Thursday as he said that conducting the Games in 2021 could be a "very positive opportunity for an economic stimulus" that could "kickstart the economy again.

The postponement of 2020 Tokyo Olympics will provide an economic boost to the coronavirus-hit Japan in the year 2021, a senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) official claimed on Thursday as he said that conducting the Games in 2021 could be a "very positive opportunity for an economic stimulus" that could "kickstart the economy again." for the world’s third-largest economy – Japan. With the deadly COVID-19 taking almost the entire world under its dreaded wings, the IOC and Japan, in the month of March, took the historic decision to postpone the Olympics by one year with the opening ceremony now scheduled to be held on July 23, 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has made a huge body blow to the global economy with economists predicting a second Great Depression with around $9 trillion wiped out. ALSO READ: Official: IPL 2020 suspended till further notice amid COVID-19 pandemic "I think there will be a lot of countries and cities around the world wishing for a similar opportunity," IOC official John Coates said. Some economists have predicted that postponing the quadrennial Games by a year would reduce Japan’s GP by around $6 billion and that could be only recouped if the Olympics take place. Coates claimed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe "may well have had in mind that your country may be in a recession then and this would be an opportunity for a great economic stimulus". ALSO READ: 'It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying': Coco Gauff reveals struggle with depression and extreme pressure Organisers had earlier said that the postponement of the Games would come major ramifications and there will be “massive” additional cost from the $12.6 billion the Games were supposed to cost-shared between the Japanese government, Tokyo 2020 and the host city. Coates said that they would use the time in hand to look at a different way of reducing the additional costs. Postponing the Olympics is an unprecedented task that starts with managing the venues, hotel bookings, volunteers, etc. Given the situation surrounding COVID-19 pandemic improves in coming months, then the Tokyo Olympics would not only come as a welcome event in the world of sports but would also help in reviving the Japanese economy, which has not only taken a hit due to the pandemic but also for the postponement of the Games.

Postponed Tokyo Olympics 'to kickstart' Japan economy: IOC

<p>Veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal on Thursday surpassed compatriot G Sathiyan to become the highest-ranked Indian in the ITTF world rankings, jumping seven spots to reach 31.</p>

<p>The jump in the rankings comes after Sharath's triumph at the Oman Open last month, when he won his first ITTF title in 10 years.</p>

<p>"Some positive news, amidst all the negativity currently (due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Feels great actually. Just the news I needed while I find myself away from the game during this lockdown," an elated Sharath said.</p>

<p>His younger teammate Sathiyan dropped a place to be 32.</p>

<p>The fast-rising Mudit Dani also made notable progress in the rankings as he broke into the top-200 for the first time in his career.</p>

<p>Dani took a jump of nine places to claim the 200th position while Harmeet Desai (72), Anthony Amalraj (100) and Manav Thakkar (139) are the other Indian paddlers who have positioned themselves in the top-200.</p>

<p>In the women's rankings, Manika Batra is in the 63rd position while Sutirtha Mukherjee entered the top-100 for the first time. She jumped 14 spots to be 95th.</p>

<p>The ITTF rankings will now be frozen until the start of events. The ITTF has suspended all its events until June 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>


Veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal on Thursday surpassed compatriot G Sathiyan to become the highest-ranked Indian in the ITTF world rankings, jumping seven spots to reach 31.

Veteran table tennis player Sharath Kamal on Thursday surpassed compatriot G Sathiyan to become the highest-ranked Indian in the ITTF world rankings, jumping seven spots to reach 31. The jump in the rankings comes after Sharath's triumph at the Oman Open last month, when he won his first ITTF title in 10 years. "Some positive news, amidst all the negativity currently (due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Feels great actually. Just the news I needed while I find myself away from the game during this lockdown," an elated Sharath said. His younger teammate Sathiyan dropped a place to be 32. The fast-rising Mudit Dani also made notable progress in the rankings as he broke into the top-200 for the first time in his career. Dani took a jump of nine places to claim the 200th position while Harmeet Desai (72), Anthony Amalraj (100) and Manav Thakkar (139) are the other Indian paddlers who have positioned themselves in the top-200. In the women's rankings, Manika Batra is in the 63rd position while Sutirtha Mukherjee entered the top-100 for the first time. She jumped 14 spots to be 95th. The ITTF rankings will now be frozen until the start of events. The ITTF has suspended all its events until June 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sharath Kamal is highest-ranked Indian in ITTF world rankings, Suthirtha breaks into top-100

<p class="MsoNormal">The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday officially announced that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 stands&nbsp;suspended till further notice due to the evolving global health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The increased suspension of IPL 2020 comes after the lockdown measures implemented by the Government of India to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which has wreaked havoc not only in India but across the world. After going through the current situation, the IPL Governing Council of the BCCI came to a conclusion that suspending the 13th edition of IPL, until further notice, is the best possible way to move forward.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-would-go-wider-of-the-crease-and-shoaib-akhtar-reveals-master-plan-to-dismiss-virat-kohli-292875" hreflang="en">'I would go wider of the crease and...' - Shoaib Akhtar reveals master-plan to dismiss Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">BCCI, in the statement released on Thursday, stated that the health and safety of the nation and everyone involved in the game remain its top priority while adding that franchise owners, broadcasters, sponsors and all the stakeholders came to a general conclusion that the tournament will only commence when it is safe to do so.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Indian cricket board further stated that it will continue to monitor and review the situation regarding a possible start date and will continue to take guidance from the Government of India, State Governments and other State Regulatory bodies.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-to-stand-down-all-but-skeleton-staff-from-april-27-until-end-of-the-financial-year-amid-covid-19-pandemic-292852" hreflang="en">Cricket Australia to stand down all but skeleton staff, from April 27 until end of the financial year amid COVID-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>BCCI’s statement in full:</strong></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">Due to the evolving global health concerns regarding COVID-19 and lockdown measures implemented by the Government of India to contain the spread of the pandemic, the IPL Governing Council of the BCCI has decided that the IPL 2020 Season will be suspended till further notice.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The health and safety of the nation and everyone involved in our great sport remains our top priority and as such, the BCCI along with the Franchise Owners, Broadcaster, Sponsors and all the Stakeholders acknowledge that the IPL 2020 season will only commence when it is safe and appropriate to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">BCCI will continue to monitor and review the situation regarding a potential start date in close partnership with all of its stakeholders and will continue to take guidance from the Government of India, State Governments and other State Regulatory bodies.&nbsp;<br />
<o:p></o:p></p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday officially announced that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 stands suspended till further notice due to the evolving global health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday officially announced that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 stands suspended till further notice due to the evolving global health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased suspension of IPL 2020 comes after the lockdown measures implemented by the Government of India to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which has wreaked havoc not only in India but across the world. After going through the current situation, the IPL Governing Council of the BCCI came to a conclusion that suspending the 13th edition of IPL, until further notice, is the best possible way to move forward. ALSO READ: 'I would go wider of the crease and...' - Shoaib Akhtar reveals master-plan to dismiss Virat Kohli BCCI, in the statement released on Thursday, stated that the health and safety of the nation and everyone involved in the game remain its top priority while adding that franchise owners, broadcasters, sponsors and all the stakeholders came to a general conclusion that the tournament will only commence when it is safe to do so. The Indian cricket board further stated that it will continue to monitor and review the situation regarding a possible start date and will continue to take guidance from the Government of India, State Governments and other State Regulatory bodies. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia to stand down all but skeleton staff, from April 27 until end of the financial year amid COVID-19 pandemic BCCI’s statement in full: Due to the evolving global health concerns regarding COVID-19 and lockdown measures implemented by the Government of India to contain the spread of the pandemic, the IPL Governing Council of the BCCI has decided that the IPL 2020 Season will be suspended till further notice. The health and safety of the nation and everyone involved in our great sport remains our top priority and as such, the BCCI along with the Franchise Owners, Broadcaster, Sponsors and all the Stakeholders acknowledge that the IPL 2020 season will only commence when it is safe and appropriate to do so. BCCI will continue to monitor and review the situation regarding a potential start date in close partnership with all of its stakeholders and will continue to take guidance from the Government of India, State Governments and other State Regulatory bodies.

Official: IPL 2020 suspended till further notice amid COVID-19 pandemic

Summer transfer rumours: Check out where your favourite football stars could play next season!

<p>American teenager Coco Gauff on Thursday revealed that she struggled with depression, for around a year, amid the extreme hype surrounding her and the mental pressure brought on by her rapid rise in the world of tennis. Gauff said that she had to rediscover herself and her love for the game after suffering from depression for almost a year.</p>

<p>The 16-year-old has taken the tennis world by storm due to her talent and sheer athleticism on the court. Gauff had enjoyed a splendid run since July 2019 when she qualified to the fourth round of Wimbledon in what was her first-ever major championship appearance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Continuing her blistering rise in the tennis world, Gauff also reached the fourth round of Australian Open, on her debut, while breaking into the top 50 in the WTA rankings as she became the first 15-year-old old to achieve the feat in 15 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn’t want,” Gauff wrote in a post for Behind The Racquet.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-to-stand-down-all-but-skeleton-staff-from-april-27-until-end-of-the-financial-year-amid-covid-19-pandemic-292852" hreflang="en">Cricket Australia to stand down all but skeleton staff, from April 27 until end of the financial year amid COVID-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B--kAqng-fo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Repost from @behindtheracquet “Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn’t want. It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast. Once I let that all go, I started to have the results I wanted. Right before Wimbledon, going back to around 2017/18, I was struggling to figure out if this was really what I wanted. I always had the results so that wasn’t the issue, I just found myself not enjoying what I loved. I realized I needed to start playing for myself and not other people. For about a year I was really depressed. That was the toughest year for me so far. Even though I had, it felt like there weren’t many friends there for me. When you are in that dark mindset you don’t look on the bright side of things too often, which is the hardest part. I don’t think it had much to do with tennis, maybe just about juggling it all. I knew that I wanted to play tennis but didn’t know how I wanted to go about it. It went so far that I was thinking about possibly taking a year off to just focus on life. Choosing not to obviously was the right choice but I was close to not going in that direction. I was just lost. I was confused and overthinking if this was what I wanted or what others did. It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying. I came out of it stronger and knowing myself better than ever. Everyone asks me how I stay calm on court and I think it’s because I accepted who I am after overcoming low points in my life. Now, when I’m on court, I am just really thankful to be out there. Personally for me, I like playing for more than myself. One of the biggest things is to continue breaking barriers. At the same time I don’t like being compared to Serena or Venus. First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it’s not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up. It just doesn’t feel right yet, I still look at them as my idols. With all their accolades I shouldn’t be put in the same group yet. Of course I hope to get to where they are but they are the two women that set the pathway for myself, which is why I can never be them.” @cocogauff Go to behindtheracquet.com for extended</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cocogauff/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Coco Gauff</a> (@cocogauff) on <time datetime="2020-04-14T22:10:15+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 14, 2020 at 3:10pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>“It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast.</p>

<p>“Right before Wimbledon, going back to around 2017/18, I was struggling to figure out if this was really what I wanted. I always had the results so that wasn’t the issue, I just found myself not enjoying what I loved.</p>

<p>“I realised I needed to start playing for myself and not other people. For about a year I was really depressed. That was the toughest year for me so far.”</p>

<p>“Choosing not to obviously was the right choice but I was close to not going in that direction. I was just lost,” she said. “I was confused and overthinking if this was what I wanted or what others did.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-might-be-a-good-idea-to-look-at-quarantine-facility-for-olympic-hopefuls-pullela-gopichand-opens-up-on-postponed-games-and-more-292727" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Might be a good idea to look at quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls' - Pullela Gopichand opens up on postponed Games and more</a></strong></p>

<p>“It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying. I came out of it stronger and knowing myself better than ever.”</p>

<p>Gauff has been hailed as a long-term successor to legend Serena Williams. Gauff stated that while she is getting used to being a role model for people, she doesn’t like being compared to Serena or her sister Venus.</p>

<p>Gauff said it is not fair to compare her with the Williams sister as she still looks at them as her idols.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it’s not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up,” she added.</p>

<p>“It just doesn’t feel right yet, I still look at them as my idols.</p>

<p>“Of course I hope to get to where they are but they are the two women that set the pathway for myself, which is why I can never be them.</p>

<p>“I would never have even thought about joining tennis, without them a part of it, since there were very few African Americans in the sport.”</p>


American teenager Coco Gauff on Thursday revealed that she struggled with depression, for around a year, amid the extreme hype surrounding her and the mental pressure brought on by her rapid rise in the world of tennis.

American teenager Coco Gauff on Thursday revealed that she struggled with depression, for around a year, amid the extreme hype surrounding her and the mental pressure brought on by her rapid rise in the world of tennis. Gauff said that she had to rediscover herself and her love for the game after suffering from depression for almost a year. The 16-year-old has taken the tennis world by storm due to her talent and sheer athleticism on the court. Gauff had enjoyed a splendid run since July 2019 when she qualified to the fourth round of Wimbledon in what was her first-ever major championship appearance. Continuing her blistering rise in the tennis world, Gauff also reached the fourth round of Australian Open, on her debut, while breaking into the top 50 in the WTA rankings as she became the first 15-year-old old to achieve the feat in 15 years. “Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn’t want,” Gauff wrote in a post for Behind The Racquet. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia to stand down all but skeleton staff, from April 27 until end of the financial year amid COVID-19 pandemic View this post on Instagram Repost from @behindtheracquet “Throughout my life, I was always the youngest to do things, which added hype that I didn’t want. It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast. Once I let that all go, I started to have the results I wanted. Right before Wimbledon, going back to around 2017/18, I was struggling to figure out if this was really what I wanted. I always had the results so that wasn’t the issue, I just found myself not enjoying what I loved. I realized I needed to start playing for myself and not other people. For about a year I was really depressed. That was the toughest year for me so far. Even though I had, it felt like there weren’t many friends there for me. When you are in that dark mindset you don’t look on the bright side of things too often, which is the hardest part. I don’t think it had much to do with tennis, maybe just about juggling it all. I knew that I wanted to play tennis but didn’t know how I wanted to go about it. It went so far that I was thinking about possibly taking a year off to just focus on life. Choosing not to obviously was the right choice but I was close to not going in that direction. I was just lost. I was confused and overthinking if this was what I wanted or what others did. It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying. I came out of it stronger and knowing myself better than ever. Everyone asks me how I stay calm on court and I think it’s because I accepted who I am after overcoming low points in my life. Now, when I’m on court, I am just really thankful to be out there. Personally for me, I like playing for more than myself. One of the biggest things is to continue breaking barriers. At the same time I don’t like being compared to Serena or Venus. First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it’s not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up. It just doesn’t feel right yet, I still look at them as my idols. With all their accolades I shouldn’t be put in the same group yet. Of course I hope to get to where they are but they are the two women that set the pathway for myself, which is why I can never be them.” @cocogauff Go to behindtheracquet.com for extended A post shared by Coco Gauff (@cocogauff) on Apr 14, 2020 at 3:10pm PDT × “It added this pressure that I needed to do well fast. “Right before Wimbledon, going back to around 2017/18, I was struggling to figure out if this was really what I wanted. I always had the results so that wasn’t the issue, I just found myself not enjoying what I loved. “I realised I needed to start playing for myself and not other people. For about a year I was really depressed. That was the toughest year for me so far.” “Choosing not to obviously was the right choice but I was close to not going in that direction. I was just lost,” she said. “I was confused and overthinking if this was what I wanted or what others did. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Might be a good idea to look at quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls' - Pullela Gopichand opens up on postponed Games and more “It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying. I came out of it stronger and knowing myself better than ever.” Gauff has been hailed as a long-term successor to legend Serena Williams. Gauff stated that while she is getting used to being a role model for people, she doesn’t like being compared to Serena or her sister Venus. Gauff said it is not fair to compare her with the Williams sister as she still looks at them as her idols. “First, I am not at their level yet. I always feel like it’s not fair to the Williams sisters to be compared to someone who is just coming up,” she added. “It just doesn’t feel right yet, I still look at them as my idols. “Of course I hope to get to where they are but they are the two women that set the pathway for myself, which is why I can never be them. “I would never have even thought about joining tennis, without them a part of it, since there were very few African Americans in the sport.”

'It took many moments sitting, thinking and crying': Coco Gauff reveals struggle with depression and extreme pressure

<p>Virat Kohli is regarded as one of the finest batsmen of all-time due to his sheer consistency and piles of records and runs. The Indian skipper has been termed as the greatest ever, across formats, by many experts. Kohli is known for his dominating nature of batting and has uncountable times dominated bowlers to win matches for India or in the Indian Premier League (IPL).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar came up with a plan to dismiss Kohli as he said if he was bowling, he would go wider of the crease while pitching the ball up to take it away from the Indian skipper in a bid to make him drive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akhtar continued, jokingly, that if his plan A doesn’t work then he will bowl to Kohli at 150 kmph to get swashbuckling Indian batsman out. Earlier, Akhtar had termed Kohli as ‘modern-day Bradman’.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wasnt-in-condition-to-play-2015-wc-semis-but-dhoni-said-cant-go-to-any-other-bowler-mohammed-shami-292860" hreflang="en">Wasn't in condition to play 2015 WC semis but Dhoni said can't go to any other bowler: Mohammed Shami</a></strong></p>

<p>“If I was bowling, I would go wider of the crease and pitch the ball up [to Kohli] and shape it away from him in order to make him drive.”</p>

<p>“If that does not work, I will bowl him at 150 [kph] and he will get out,” Akhtar was quoted as saying in a video on Instagram Live.</p>

<p>Akhtar also recalled his highly-popular duel with Sachin Tendulkar as he called the Master Blaster one of the greatest batsmen of all-time while adding that he had a good time bowling to Tendulkar. Akhtar said he dismissed Tendulkar 12-13 times in his career but Indian fans only remember that memorable upper-cut six in the 2003 World Cup.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-to-stand-down-all-but-skeleton-staff-from-april-27-until-end-of-the-financial-year-amid-covid-19-pandemic-292852" hreflang="en">Cricket Australia to stand down all but skeleton staff from April 27 until end of the financial year amid COVID-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>

<p>Akhtar also spoke about his duel with Sachin Tendulkar and said: “I had a good time bowling to Sachin Tendulkar. He is one of the greatest batsmen of all-time but I dismissed him 12-13 times as well.”</p>

<p>“Although, Indians only remember that one six which he hit me in Centurion [during the 2003 ICC World Cup] as it makes them really happy,” he added.</p>

<p>“If I had known that one six makes 1.3 billion people happy, then I would have let him hit me for a six every day,” he added, talking about his camaraderie with Sachin.”&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli is regarded as one of the finest batsmen of all-time due to his sheer consistency and piles of records and runs. The Indian skipper has been termed as the greatest ever, across formats, by many experts.

Virat Kohli is regarded as one of the finest batsmen of all-time due to his sheer consistency and piles of records and runs. The Indian skipper has been termed as the greatest ever, across formats, by many experts. Kohli is known for his dominating nature of batting and has uncountable times dominated bowlers to win matches for India or in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar came up with a plan to dismiss Kohli as he said if he was bowling, he would go wider of the crease while pitching the ball up to take it away from the Indian skipper in a bid to make him drive. Akhtar continued, jokingly, that if his plan A doesn’t work then he will bowl to Kohli at 150 kmph to get swashbuckling Indian batsman out. Earlier, Akhtar had termed Kohli as ‘modern-day Bradman’. ALSO READ: Wasn't in condition to play 2015 WC semis but Dhoni said can't go to any other bowler: Mohammed Shami “If I was bowling, I would go wider of the crease and pitch the ball up [to Kohli] and shape it away from him in order to make him drive.” “If that does not work, I will bowl him at 150 [kph] and he will get out,” Akhtar was quoted as saying in a video on Instagram Live. Akhtar also recalled his highly-popular duel with Sachin Tendulkar as he called the Master Blaster one of the greatest batsmen of all-time while adding that he had a good time bowling to Tendulkar. Akhtar said he dismissed Tendulkar 12-13 times in his career but Indian fans only remember that memorable upper-cut six in the 2003 World Cup. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia to stand down all but skeleton staff from April 27 until end of the financial year amid COVID-19 pandemic Akhtar also spoke about his duel with Sachin Tendulkar and said: “I had a good time bowling to Sachin Tendulkar. He is one of the greatest batsmen of all-time but I dismissed him 12-13 times as well.” “Although, Indians only remember that one six which he hit me in Centurion [during the 2003 ICC World Cup] as it makes them really happy,” he added. “If I had known that one six makes 1.3 billion people happy, then I would have let him hit me for a six every day,” he added, talking about his camaraderie with Sachin.”

'I would go wider of the crease and...' - Shoaib Akhtar reveals master-plan to dismiss Virat Kohli

<p>Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday announced that it will be standing down most of their staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian cricket board released a statement where the apex body of the country said that they will be standing down all but a skeleton staff as part of their financial plans during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has left the sporting calendar shattered with absolutely no live-action. Sportspersons have been restricted to train indoors with uncertainty over the resumption of sports. While Cricket Australia said that they are planning for a return to training or live-action, no one is certain when it will be possible, at this stage. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, staffs were already on a reduced pay but now they all will be without any job from April 27 until the remainder of the financial year. The Australian board further mentioned that they are actively seeking advice from medical experts and government agencies for the resumption of play.&nbsp;The Australian financial year starts from July 1 and ends on June 30.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-star-karl-anthony-towns-mother-dies-of-covid-19-292842" hreflang="en">NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns' mother dies of Covid-19</a></strong></p>

<p>“The impacts on the sports industry of the coronavirus pandemic are bigger than any one sport. Cricket Australia - like all sporting bodies - is planning for a return to training/play although no one is certain when this will be possible at this stage, any many scenarios are being considered,” the Cricket Australia statement read.</p>

<p>“We are conscious of the impact this will have on Australian Cricket and are working hard to manage that proactively.</p>

<p>“We have made the decision during this period of isolation, where activity has naturally been reduced, to stand down our people on reduced pay (with the exception of a skeleton staff) effective 27 April for the remainder of the financial year,” the statement added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/use-charter-flights-and-bring-players-early-brad-hogg-reckons-icc-t20-world-cup-shouldnt-be-cancelled-292629" hreflang="en">'Use charter flights and bring players early' - Brad Hogg reckons ICC T20 World Cup shouldn't be cancelled</a></strong></p>

<p>“We will continue to seek advice from medical experts and relevant government agencies to ensure the health and safety of our people, volunteers and communities, and to return to business as soon as possible,” it concluded.</p>

<p>With Australia going under a complete lockdown for six months, there is major uncertainty on whether the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November takes place as planned. The speculations are rife that the showpiece event could be postponed and the decision by Cricket Australia to stand down most of their staff adds nothing but fuel to the fire.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday announced that it will be standing down most of their staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian cricket board released a statement where the apex body of the country said that they will be standing down all but a skeleton staff as part of their financial plans during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday announced that it will be standing down most of their staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian cricket board released a statement where the apex body of the country said that they will be standing down all but a skeleton staff as part of their financial plans during the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has left the sporting calendar shattered with absolutely no live-action. Sportspersons have been restricted to train indoors with uncertainty over the resumption of sports. While Cricket Australia said that they are planning for a return to training or live-action, no one is certain when it will be possible, at this stage. Notably, staffs were already on a reduced pay but now they all will be without any job from April 27 until the remainder of the financial year. The Australian board further mentioned that they are actively seeking advice from medical experts and government agencies for the resumption of play. The Australian financial year starts from July 1 and ends on June 30. ALSO READ: NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns' mother dies of Covid-19 “The impacts on the sports industry of the coronavirus pandemic are bigger than any one sport. Cricket Australia - like all sporting bodies - is planning for a return to training/play although no one is certain when this will be possible at this stage, any many scenarios are being considered,” the Cricket Australia statement read. “We are conscious of the impact this will have on Australian Cricket and are working hard to manage that proactively. “We have made the decision during this period of isolation, where activity has naturally been reduced, to stand down our people on reduced pay (with the exception of a skeleton staff) effective 27 April for the remainder of the financial year,” the statement added. ALSO READ: 'Use charter flights and bring players early' - Brad Hogg reckons ICC T20 World Cup shouldn't be cancelled “We will continue to seek advice from medical experts and relevant government agencies to ensure the health and safety of our people, volunteers and communities, and to return to business as soon as possible,” it concluded. With Australia going under a complete lockdown for six months, there is major uncertainty on whether the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November takes place as planned. The speculations are rife that the showpiece event could be postponed and the decision by Cricket Australia to stand down most of their staff adds nothing but fuel to the fire.

Cricket Australia to stand down all but skeleton staff, from April 27 until end of the financial year amid COVID-19 pandemic

<p>A serious knee injury had left Mohammed Shami virtually immobile prior to India's 2015 World Cup semi-final against Australia but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's assertion that he "can't be replaced" in a big game spurred the pacer to take the field with painkillers.</p>

<p>The knee injury with which he was forced to play that semi-final in Sydney could have been career-threatening as he had to undergo a surgery and after March 26, 2015, the next international game he played was a Test in July, 2016.</p>

<p>"Before the semi-final I had told my teammates that I couldn't take it any longer. On the day of the match, I had a lot of pain. I discussed it with the management but they said it will be alright," Shami told former India pacer Irfan Pathan during an instagram chat.</p>

<p>"Mahi bhai, the team management gave me so much confidence. They said it's the semifinal we cannot go for a new bowler," Shami recalled.</p>

<p>In fact, Shami carrying an injury was the worst kept secret during India's World Cup campaign in Australia. He e would land up at training sessions with a heavily bandaged knee and play matches after taking pain-killing injections and fluid removed from the knee.</p>

<p>"I had knee injury during the 2015 World Cup. I couldn't walk after the matches I played throughout the tournament with the injury. I played the 2015 WC because of Nitin Patel's confidence," Shami said.</p>

<p>"The knee broke in the first match itself. My thighs and knees were the same size, doctors used to take out fluid from them everyday. I used to take 3 painkillers," Shami told Pathan.</p>

<p>"I bowled the first 5 overs and gave away about 13 runs with a wicket. I beat Finch and Warner's bats but couldn't get the edge. So I went off after telling Mahi bhai."</p>

<p>It was Dhoni, who kept telling Shami that he could overcome the pain barrier.</p>

<p>"The condition was very bad even after I took an injection. I told Mahi bhai that I cannot bowl because I cannot run any longer. But he told me I trust you, any other part-timer will also go for runs."</p>

<p>The target he was given was not more than 60 runs in 10 overs and he finished wicket-less for 68 runs in his quota of overs.</p>

<p>The match is remembered for Steve Smith's fine hundred and how the famed Indian batting collapsed on the big day.</p>

<p>"He (Dhoni) just told me don't give away more than 60 runs. I hadn't played in a worse condition than that. Some said my career was over, some said I shouldn't have played. But touchwood I'm still here now in front of you all," Shami said.</p>


A serious knee injury had left Mohammed Shami virtually immobile prior to India's 2015 World Cup semi-final against Australia but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's assertion that he "can't be replaced" in a big game spurred the pacer to take the field with painkillers.

A serious knee injury had left Mohammed Shami virtually immobile prior to India's 2015 World Cup semi-final against Australia but skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's assertion that he "can't be replaced" in a big game spurred the pacer to take the field with painkillers. The knee injury with which he was forced to play that semi-final in Sydney could have been career-threatening as he had to undergo a surgery and after March 26, 2015, the next international game he played was a Test in July, 2016. "Before the semi-final I had told my teammates that I couldn't take it any longer. On the day of the match, I had a lot of pain. I discussed it with the management but they said it will be alright," Shami told former India pacer Irfan Pathan during an instagram chat. "Mahi bhai, the team management gave me so much confidence. They said it's the semifinal we cannot go for a new bowler," Shami recalled. In fact, Shami carrying an injury was the worst kept secret during India's World Cup campaign in Australia. He e would land up at training sessions with a heavily bandaged knee and play matches after taking pain-killing injections and fluid removed from the knee. "I had knee injury during the 2015 World Cup. I couldn't walk after the matches I played throughout the tournament with the injury. I played the 2015 WC because of Nitin Patel's confidence," Shami said. "The knee broke in the first match itself. My thighs and knees were the same size, doctors used to take out fluid from them everyday. I used to take 3 painkillers," Shami told Pathan. "I bowled the first 5 overs and gave away about 13 runs with a wicket. I beat Finch and Warner's bats but couldn't get the edge. So I went off after telling Mahi bhai." It was Dhoni, who kept telling Shami that he could overcome the pain barrier. "The condition was very bad even after I took an injection. I told Mahi bhai that I cannot bowl because I cannot run any longer. But he told me I trust you, any other part-timer will also go for runs." The target he was given was not more than 60 runs in 10 overs and he finished wicket-less for 68 runs in his quota of overs. The match is remembered for Steve Smith's fine hundred and how the famed Indian batting collapsed on the big day. "He (Dhoni) just told me don't give away more than 60 runs. I hadn't played in a worse condition than that. Some said my career was over, some said I shouldn't have played. But touchwood I'm still here now in front of you all," Shami said.

Wasn't in condition to play 2015 WC semis but Dhoni said can't go to any other bowler: Mohammed Shami

<p>PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco.</p>

<p>Waugh, in an interview on SiriusXM radio, said the first option would be to play the tournament as currently scheduled at Harding Park.</p>

<p>A second option would be to hold the first major championship of the year there but without spectators and a potential third option would be to move it to another location should play in California prove impossible.</p>

<p>The tournament has already been postponed from May as the coronavirus pandemic up-ended the golfing calendar along with the rest of the sports world.</p>

<p>Under the revamped plans agreed by golf's governing bodies, the US PGA Championship in August would be followed by the US Open in September and the Masters at Augusta National in November. The British Open has been cancelled.</p>

<p>"The plan is to do it as normally as possible, with fans, obviously, and have a fairly normal PGA Championship at Harding Park," Waugh said.</p>

<p>"If the safest way, and/or the only way to do it is without fans, we're fully prepared to do that. We believe that having it as a television event is worth doing regardless of whether there's fans there or not.</p>

<p>"Obviously, that'll change the experience, but we think the world is starved for some entertainment, and particularly in sports."</p>

<p>California Governor Gavin Newsom said this month that he does not anticipate having crowds at sporting events in the state this year.</p>

<p>Waugh said that if California or San Francisco City authorities decide the tournament can't be held at Harding Park, the PGA could try to find an alternate venue.</p>

<p>"It makes it simpler if there aren't any fans to think about things like that," he said. "We don't certainly have a plan C right now, but we'd be prepared to think about that if that became a possibility.</p>

<p>"We're going to do everything we can to play the PGA Championship this year."&nbsp;</p>


PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco.

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh said Tuesday that organizers are considering multiple scenarios for the US PGA Championship now scheduled for August 6-9 in San Francisco. Waugh, in an interview on SiriusXM radio, said the first option would be to play the tournament as currently scheduled at Harding Park. A second option would be to hold the first major championship of the year there but without spectators and a potential third option would be to move it to another location should play in California prove impossible. The tournament has already been postponed from May as the coronavirus pandemic up-ended the golfing calendar along with the rest of the sports world. Under the revamped plans agreed by golf's governing bodies, the US PGA Championship in August would be followed by the US Open in September and the Masters at Augusta National in November. The British Open has been cancelled. "The plan is to do it as normally as possible, with fans, obviously, and have a fairly normal PGA Championship at Harding Park," Waugh said. "If the safest way, and/or the only way to do it is without fans, we're fully prepared to do that. We believe that having it as a television event is worth doing regardless of whether there's fans there or not. "Obviously, that'll change the experience, but we think the world is starved for some entertainment, and particularly in sports." California Governor Gavin Newsom said this month that he does not anticipate having crowds at sporting events in the state this year. Waugh said that if California or San Francisco City authorities decide the tournament can't be held at Harding Park, the PGA could try to find an alternate venue. "It makes it simpler if there aren't any fans to think about things like that," he said. "We don't certainly have a plan C right now, but we'd be prepared to think about that if that became a possibility. "We're going to do everything we can to play the PGA Championship this year."

Officials 'fully prepared' for PGA Championship without fans

<p>Bournemouth became the latest Premier League club to reverse a decision to apply for financial assistance from Britain's furlough financial aid package on Tuesday.</p>

<p>With vast swathes of British industry shut down because of the coronavirus, the UK government launched a scheme that sees 80 percent of wages up to a maximum of £2,500 a month ($3,100, 2,850 euros) guaranteed during the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.</p>

<p>But Premier League clubs faced a huge backlash for trying to utilise the scheme for non-playing staff without reducing the much larger salaries of their highly-paid footballers.</p>

<p>Champions-elect Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur both went back on plans to take advantage of the furlough scheme following a public outcry and south coast club Bournemouth have now made a similar U-turn.</p>

<p>A Bournemouth statement said their intentions were "well-placed" but added: "We are aware of criticisms levelled at Premier League clubs applying for this scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have listened to our supporters and have reversed our decision to furlough these employees...We will not be applying for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our continuing thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this virus."</p>


Bournemouth became the latest Premier League club to reverse a decision to apply for financial assistance from Britain's furlough financial aid package on Tuesday.

Bournemouth became the latest Premier League club to reverse a decision to apply for financial assistance from Britain's furlough financial aid package on Tuesday. With vast swathes of British industry shut down because of the coronavirus, the UK government launched a scheme that sees 80 percent of wages up to a maximum of £2,500 a month ($3,100, 2,850 euros) guaranteed during the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. But Premier League clubs faced a huge backlash for trying to utilise the scheme for non-playing staff without reducing the much larger salaries of their highly-paid footballers. Champions-elect Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur both went back on plans to take advantage of the furlough scheme following a public outcry and south coast club Bournemouth have now made a similar U-turn. A Bournemouth statement said their intentions were "well-placed" but added: "We are aware of criticisms levelled at Premier League clubs applying for this scheme. "We have listened to our supporters and have reversed our decision to furlough these employees...We will not be applying for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. "Our continuing thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this virus."

Bournemouth latest Premier League club in furlough U-turn

<p>West Ham manager David Moyes fears a rash of injuries to players should there be a desperate rush to complete the Premier League season if the coronavirus relents sufficiently to allow the resumption of football. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Premier League has now ditched plans to get back underway at the start of May and a further complication is that a number of players will be out of contract in June.</p>

<p>It has been suggested that clubs may need to play up to three games a week in order to finish this season before the 2020/21 campaign gets going.</p>

<p>Moyes would prefer a four-week build-up on the training ground before the current Premier League season resumes, should lockdown restrictions be relaxed and the Hammers boss fears the consequences if, as seems likely, clubs have less preparation time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think that four weeks would be ideal. But I think three weeks will be the maximum we get," Moyes told beIN Sports on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"Everybody's now talking about the injuries we're liable to pick up either during the three-week preparation time or during the period where it looks like we'll have to play an awful lot of games in a short period of time."</p>

<p>West Ham are only above the relegation zone on goal difference but Moyes, in his second spell in charge of the east London club, was optimistic about their long-term prospects.</p>

<p>"I want to build a new, energetic, young team and I think we've just started that," said the 56-year-old Scottish boss.</p>

<p>"With the signings we've brought in January, trying to freshen it up and given us a lot more youthfulness and direction."</p>


West Ham manager David Moyes fears a rash of injuries to players should there be a desperate rush to complete the Premier League season if the coronavirus relents sufficiently to allow the resumption of football.

West Ham manager David Moyes fears a rash of injuries to players should there be a desperate rush to complete the Premier League season if the coronavirus relents sufficiently to allow the resumption of football. The Premier League has now ditched plans to get back underway at the start of May and a further complication is that a number of players will be out of contract in June. It has been suggested that clubs may need to play up to three games a week in order to finish this season before the 2020/21 campaign gets going. Moyes would prefer a four-week build-up on the training ground before the current Premier League season resumes, should lockdown restrictions be relaxed and the Hammers boss fears the consequences if, as seems likely, clubs have less preparation time. "I think that four weeks would be ideal. But I think three weeks will be the maximum we get," Moyes told beIN Sports on Tuesday. "Everybody's now talking about the injuries we're liable to pick up either during the three-week preparation time or during the period where it looks like we'll have to play an awful lot of games in a short period of time." West Ham are only above the relegation zone on goal difference but Moyes, in his second spell in charge of the east London club, was optimistic about their long-term prospects. "I want to build a new, energetic, young team and I think we've just started that," said the 56-year-old Scottish boss. "With the signings we've brought in January, trying to freshen it up and given us a lot more youthfulness and direction."

Hammers boss David Moyes fears injury pile-up if Premier League resumes

<p>India, Australia, England and South Africa have qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, scheduled to be hosted by New Zealand, the ICC said in a media release.&nbsp;All four teams have qualified for the showpiece event after ICC Women’s Championship Technical Committee decided that the teams will share points in all three series of the ICC Women’s Championship that could not be played during the competition window.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All eight teams in the 2018-2020 cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship play each other in a three-match series. While India versus Pakistan series could not be played after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that it failed to obtain necessary government clearance to allow India to play a bilateral series against Pakistan, South Africa versus Australia and Sri Lanka versus New Zealand series were cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-are-unreliable-cant-resume-cricket-with-them-anytime-soon-pcb-chairman-ehsan-mani-on-indo-pak-bilateral-series-292639" hreflang="en">'India are unreliable, can't resume cricket with them anytime soon' - PCB chairman Ehsan Mani on Indo-Pak bilateral series</a></strong></p>

<p>The host of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, i.e, New Zealand had automatically qualified for the marquee event but they will see the next four highest-placed teams on the points table qualify directly for the tournament.</p>

<p>Australia (37 points), England (29), South Africa (25) and now India (23) have qualified by virtue of being the top four. Pakistan (19), New Zealand (17), West Indies (13) and Sri Lanka (5) complete the table.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-mother-of-all-world-cups-and-13-billion-people-are-in-it-to-win-it-ravi-shastri-on-indias-fight-against-covid-19-pandemic-292622" hreflang="en">This is mother of all World Cups and 1.3 billion people are in it to win it: Ravi shastri on India's fight against COVID-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>

<p>The ICC Women’s World Cup 2021 Qualifier is scheduled to be hosted by Sri Lanka from July 3 to 19 but the matches are subject to review due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The likes of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh and Ireland, along with the winners of five regional qualifiers - Thailand (Asia), Zimbabwe (Africa), Papua New Guinea (East Asia Pacific), United States of America (Americas) and Netherlands (Europe) – will battle it out for the three remaining places in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


India, Australia, England and South Africa have qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, scheduled to be hosted by New Zealand, the ICC said in a media release.

India, Australia, England and South Africa have qualified for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, scheduled to be hosted by New Zealand, the ICC said in a media release. All four teams have qualified for the showpiece event after ICC Women’s Championship Technical Committee decided that the teams will share points in all three series of the ICC Women’s Championship that could not be played during the competition window. All eight teams in the 2018-2020 cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship play each other in a three-match series. While India versus Pakistan series could not be played after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that it failed to obtain necessary government clearance to allow India to play a bilateral series against Pakistan, South Africa versus Australia and Sri Lanka versus New Zealand series were cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: 'India are unreliable, can't resume cricket with them anytime soon' - PCB chairman Ehsan Mani on Indo-Pak bilateral series The host of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021, i.e, New Zealand had automatically qualified for the marquee event but they will see the next four highest-placed teams on the points table qualify directly for the tournament. Australia (37 points), England (29), South Africa (25) and now India (23) have qualified by virtue of being the top four. Pakistan (19), New Zealand (17), West Indies (13) and Sri Lanka (5) complete the table. ALSO READ: This is mother of all World Cups and 1.3 billion people are in it to win it: Ravi shastri on India's fight against COVID-19 pandemic The ICC Women’s World Cup 2021 Qualifier is scheduled to be hosted by Sri Lanka from July 3 to 19 but the matches are subject to review due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The likes of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh and Ireland, along with the winners of five regional qualifiers - Thailand (Asia), Zimbabwe (Africa), Papua New Guinea (East Asia Pacific), United States of America (Americas) and Netherlands (Europe) – will battle it out for the three remaining places in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2021.

India qualify for ICC Women's World Cup 2021 as ICC splits points for cancelled series

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