With COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar shattered, many events and tournaments have been either postponed or cancelled. One of the most popular football leagues in the world – Premier League – are looking to resume the halted campaign behind closed doors given the situation surrounding COVID-19 improves in coming weeks.&nbsp;

The Football Association (FA) has reportedly handed over the iconic Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park to the Premier League in a bid to finish the paused 2019/20 season. The general consensus is that the Wembley can host as many as four matches per day and the move will keep travelling at minimum for players, officials, staffs and media.

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A report in Reuters stated that the National Football Centre at the St George’ Park is also set to be available. The venue has 228 hotel rooms and 13 football pitches. The clubs will be able to use it as a quarantined training area to keep their players and support staff together. The rollout of coronavirus testing will also be available, as per reports.&nbsp;

Clubs in Germany and Spain have started to return to training with a view to complete the halted season. Premier League club Crystal Palace’s manager Roy Hodgson said the English league has to be finished.&nbsp;

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"Everyone is in total agreement we need an end to this season," the 72-year old told the Palace website.

"We don't want artificial means of deciding who wins the league, who gets into the Champions League, who gets relegated and promoted. Ideally, our players would have three or four weeks minimum to prepare for the first match back, but I accept there may have to be a squeeze on that timeframe.

"It might mean extra restrictions at our place of work ... It may also mean that we have to play our ... remaining matches in a shorter period of time than we normally would have done, and subsequently receive a shorter break between the seasons." 
&nbsp;

With COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar shattered, many events and tournaments have been either postponed or cancelled. One of the most popular football leagues in the world – Premier League – are looking to resume the halted campaign behind closed doors given the situation surrounding COVID-19 improves in coming weeks.

With COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar shattered, many events and tournaments have been either postponed or cancelled. One of the most popular football leagues in the world – Premier League – are looking to resume the halted campaign behind closed doors given the situation surrounding COVID-19 improves in coming weeks. The Football Association (FA) has reportedly handed over the iconic Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park to the Premier League in a bid to finish the paused 2019/20 season. The general consensus is that the Wembley can host as many as four matches per day and the move will keep travelling at minimum for players, officials, staffs and media. ALSO READ: IOC looking at 'several hundred million dollars of additional costs' after postponement of Tokyo Olympics: Thomas Bach A report in Reuters stated that the National Football Centre at the St George’ Park is also set to be available. The venue has 228 hotel rooms and 13 football pitches. The clubs will be able to use it as a quarantined training area to keep their players and support staff together. The rollout of coronavirus testing will also be available, as per reports. Clubs in Germany and Spain have started to return to training with a view to complete the halted season. Premier League club Crystal Palace’s manager Roy Hodgson said the English league has to be finished. ALSO READ: Chelsea boss Frank Lampard 'proud' of club's response to COVID-19 "Everyone is in total agreement we need an end to this season," the 72-year old told the Palace website. "We don't want artificial means of deciding who wins the league, who gets into the Champions League, who gets relegated and promoted. Ideally, our players would have three or four weeks minimum to prepare for the first match back, but I accept there may have to be a squeeze on that timeframe. "It might mean extra restrictions at our place of work ... It may also mean that we have to play our ... remaining matches in a shorter period of time than we normally would have done, and subsequently receive a shorter break between the seasons."

FA offer Wembley Stadium to Premier League to help complete halted 2019/20 season

After postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to the year 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had said there would be ‘extreme ramifications' for rescheduling the Games. Now, president of the committee Thomas Bach has said that IOC is preparing to spend several hundred million dollars in additional cost following the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Bach stated that it was “impossible to say” exactly how much the rescheduling of the Games will cost while adding that Japan will continue to cover the costs under terms of existing agreement whereas IOC will be responsible for its share of costs. The financial ramifications were discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before the postponement of the quadrennial event was announced in March 2020.,

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“We agreed with the prime minister that Japan will continue to cover the costs it would have done under the terms of the existing agreement for 2020, and the IOC will continue to be responsible for its share of the costs,” Bach told a German daily.

“For us, the IOC, it is already clear that we shall be faced with several hundred million dollars of additional costs,” he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nothing-is-in-favour-of-any-kind-of-sport-forget-ipl-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-292216" hreflang="en">Nothing is in favour of any kind of sport, forget IPL: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly</a>

The IOC president further clarified that “cancellation was not really an option for anyone involved in the decision” while adding the postponement call was “not a decision the IOC could take on its own.” 
&nbsp;

After postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to the year 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had said there would be ‘extreme ramifications' for rescheduling the Games.

After postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to the year 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had said there would be ‘extreme ramifications' for rescheduling the Games. Now, president of the committee Thomas Bach has said that IOC is preparing to spend several hundred million dollars in additional cost following the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Bach stated that it was “impossible to say” exactly how much the rescheduling of the Games will cost while adding that Japan will continue to cover the costs under terms of existing agreement whereas IOC will be responsible for its share of costs. The financial ramifications were discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before the postponement of the quadrennial event was announced in March 2020., ALSO READ: Sports Minister visits SAI headquarters, essential staff resumes office “We agreed with the prime minister that Japan will continue to cover the costs it would have done under the terms of the existing agreement for 2020, and the IOC will continue to be responsible for its share of the costs,” Bach told a German daily. “For us, the IOC, it is already clear that we shall be faced with several hundred million dollars of additional costs,” he added. ALSO READ: Nothing is in favour of any kind of sport, forget IPL: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly The IOC president further clarified that “cancellation was not really an option for anyone involved in the decision” while adding the postponement call was “not a decision the IOC could take on its own.”

IOC looking at 'several hundred million dollars of additional costs' after postponement of Tokyo Olympics: Thomas Bach

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s future, in the world of cricket, has been a major topic of discussion among the former cricketers and ardent lovers of the game since the former Indian skipper played in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 before going into a self-imposed sabbatical. While Dhoni was supposed to make his comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has shattered every plan.&nbsp;

Dhoni’s comeback in international cricket would have depended on his performances in IPL 2020 but given the current postponement of the event and situation surrounding the coronavirus, his future has been left hanging in balance. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has said that Dhoni shouldn’t have dragged his career and the best time to hang his boots would have been after the conclusion of World Cup.&nbsp;

Akhtar said Dhoni could have continued in the shortest format of the game but retired from ODI cricket after the ICC World Cup 2011 as he wasn’t at his best after that while adding, Dhoni seems stuck, at the moment.&nbsp;

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<h2>"Dhoni should have retired after the World Cup"</h2>

"This guy has served to the best of his ability. He should leave cricket with dignity. I don't know why he dragged it for so long. He should have retired after the World Cup," Akhtar told PTI from Islamabad.

"If I would have been in his place, I would have hung up my boots. I could have played shorter formats for three-four years but I left (after the 2011 WC) as I wasn't into the game 100 per cent. So why drag?" he asked.

Akhtar further said Dhoni deserves to go with a lot of respect and dignity as he asked the Indian cricket board and fans to give him a nice send-off as he has helped India lift the World Cup.

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"As a country, you should let him go with a lot of respect and dignity. Give him a nice send-off. He has won you the World Cup and done wonders for India. He is a wonderful human being at the same time. But right now, he seems to be stuck," he said.

Akhtar opined that Dhoni could have retired after the semi-final against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2019 after failing to finish the game and a farewell series after the quadrennial event could have been a fitting farewell for someone of his stature.

"When he could not finish the game in the semifinal (against New Zealand). I felt he should have retired but he can only answer why he didn't," he said.

"He should have played a farewell series after the World Cup may be and then said goodbye in a manner befitting his great stature," the Rawalpindi Express added.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s future, in the world of cricket, has been a major topic of discussion among the former cricketers and ardent lovers of the game since the former Indian skipper played in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 before going into a self-imposed sabbatical.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s future, in the world of cricket, has been a major topic of discussion among the former cricketers and ardent lovers of the game since the former Indian skipper played in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 before going into a self-imposed sabbatical. While Dhoni was supposed to make his comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has shattered every plan. Dhoni’s comeback in international cricket would have depended on his performances in IPL 2020 but given the current postponement of the event and situation surrounding the coronavirus, his future has been left hanging in balance. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has said that Dhoni shouldn’t have dragged his career and the best time to hang his boots would have been after the conclusion of World Cup. Akhtar said Dhoni could have continued in the shortest format of the game but retired from ODI cricket after the ICC World Cup 2011 as he wasn’t at his best after that while adding, Dhoni seems stuck, at the moment. ALSO READ: Twenty years on, cricket still reeling from Cronje scandal "Dhoni should have retired after the World Cup" "This guy has served to the best of his ability. He should leave cricket with dignity. I don't know why he dragged it for so long. He should have retired after the World Cup," Akhtar told PTI from Islamabad. "If I would have been in his place, I would have hung up my boots. I could have played shorter formats for three-four years but I left (after the 2011 WC) as I wasn't into the game 100 per cent. So why drag?" he asked. Akhtar further said Dhoni deserves to go with a lot of respect and dignity as he asked the Indian cricket board and fans to give him a nice send-off as he has helped India lift the World Cup. ALSO READ: Coronavirus: The weeks that rocked sport "As a country, you should let him go with a lot of respect and dignity. Give him a nice send-off. He has won you the World Cup and done wonders for India. He is a wonderful human being at the same time. But right now, he seems to be stuck," he said. Akhtar opined that Dhoni could have retired after the semi-final against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2019 after failing to finish the game and a farewell series after the quadrennial event could have been a fitting farewell for someone of his stature. "When he could not finish the game in the semifinal (against New Zealand). I felt he should have retired but he can only answer why he didn't," he said. "He should have played a farewell series after the World Cup may be and then said goodbye in a manner befitting his great stature," the Rawalpindi Express added.

MS Dhoni should have retired after World Cup, seems stuck now: Shoaib Akhtar

India will host the Asian Boxing Championships for men and women in November-December this year, the national federation revealed on Monday, expressing confidence that the COVID-19 pandemic will be well and truly under control by that time.

India last hosted the men's Asian meet back in 1980 in Mumbai, while it conducted the women's event in 2003 in Hisar. The tournament became a combined event for men and women last year.

"We were awarded the hosting rights in February after a meeting of the Asian Boxing Confederation. The tournament will be held in November-December and the host city will be finalised after things normalise," Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) Executive Director R K Sacheti told PTI.

"It is an extraordinary situation no doubt but we are all hoping for this to be brought under control by June. Then another three-four months will go into resuming normal activities," he said.

The event is usually a biennial competition but has been held in consecutive years in the past.

"Bids were sought in January. The formal announcement by the Asian Boxing Confederation will be made once the COVID-19 situation improves a bit," Sacheti said.

Nothing, in recent memory, quite compares to the situation that the world is facing right now -- more than 100,000 deaths by the spread of a virus, which has no known cure or vaccination available at this point.

In India, the toll has crossed 300 and the number of positive cases is going up by hundreds everyday.

"The window we have kept for the championship allows us time to plan. The Olympic qualification programme is also likely to resume around November-December, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)," Sacheti reasoned.

"So, if things can start rolling elsewhere, we can also conduct the championship. That's why we haven't zeroed in on a host city right now. That discussion will have to wait until the end of the lockdown," he added.

India's lockdown to curb the spread of the virus ends on Tuesday but is set to be extended as state governments battle a surge in positive cases.

The pandemic has shredded the international sports calendar with the two big-ticket events -- the Olympics and the European football Championships -- postponed to 2021 due to the global health crisis.

Training of athletes has been severely hampered and coaches have resorted to online tutorials, including in boxing.

"They (the boxers) are being looked after as best as we can under the circumstances. Coaches are keeping a close eye on their training," Sacheti said.

"They have adjusted quite well to the situation and made routines of their own. Quite a disciplined lot," he added.

So far, nine Indian boxers -- five men and four women -- have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.

India will host the Asian Boxing Championships for men and women in November-December this year, the national federation revealed on Monday, expressing confidence that the COVID-19 pandemic will be well and truly under control by that time.

India will host the Asian Boxing Championships for men and women in November-December this year, the national federation revealed on Monday, expressing confidence that the COVID-19 pandemic will be well and truly under control by that time. India last hosted the men's Asian meet back in 1980 in Mumbai, while it conducted the women's event in 2003 in Hisar. The tournament became a combined event for men and women last year. "We were awarded the hosting rights in February after a meeting of the Asian Boxing Confederation. The tournament will be held in November-December and the host city will be finalised after things normalise," Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) Executive Director R K Sacheti told PTI. "It is an extraordinary situation no doubt but we are all hoping for this to be brought under control by June. Then another three-four months will go into resuming normal activities," he said. The event is usually a biennial competition but has been held in consecutive years in the past. "Bids were sought in January. The formal announcement by the Asian Boxing Confederation will be made once the COVID-19 situation improves a bit," Sacheti said. Nothing, in recent memory, quite compares to the situation that the world is facing right now -- more than 100,000 deaths by the spread of a virus, which has no known cure or vaccination available at this point. In India, the toll has crossed 300 and the number of positive cases is going up by hundreds everyday. "The window we have kept for the championship allows us time to plan. The Olympic qualification programme is also likely to resume around November-December, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)," Sacheti reasoned. "So, if things can start rolling elsewhere, we can also conduct the championship. That's why we haven't zeroed in on a host city right now. That discussion will have to wait until the end of the lockdown," he added. India's lockdown to curb the spread of the virus ends on Tuesday but is set to be extended as state governments battle a surge in positive cases. The pandemic has shredded the international sports calendar with the two big-ticket events -- the Olympics and the European football Championships -- postponed to 2021 due to the global health crisis. Training of athletes has been severely hampered and coaches have resorted to online tutorials, including in boxing. "They (the boxers) are being looked after as best as we can under the circumstances. Coaches are keeping a close eye on their training," Sacheti said. "They have adjusted quite well to the situation and made routines of their own. Quite a disciplined lot," he added. So far, nine Indian boxers -- five men and four women -- have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.

India to host Asian Boxing C'ship in Nov-Dec this year, BFI confident of COVID-19 storm passing

With the future of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hanging in balance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been plenty of talks surrounding MS Dhoni’s future in the world of cricket. Dhoni, who last played for India in the ICC World Cup 2019, was supposed to make his comeback in IPL 2020 but the pandemic has not only disrupted his future but also left the entire sporting calendar shattered.

Former India cricketers Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman have opined on the future of MS Dhoni. While Gambhir said if IPL 2020 is cancelled this year then it will be difficult for Dhoni to make a comeback to the Indian team, Laxman said that the new selection committee needs to discuss and understand the situation after having a conversation with Dhoni but added that the former Indian skipper will go on to play at least two-three seasons in the IPL.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nothing-is-in-favour-of-any-kind-of-sport-forget-ipl-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-292216" hreflang="en">Nothing is in favour of any kind of sport, forget IPL: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly</a>

"If the IPL does not happen this year, then it will become very difficult for MS Dhoni to make a comeback. On what basis can he (Dhoni) be selected since he's not been playing for the last one or one and a half year," Gambhir said on host broadcasters’ show ‘Cricket Connected’ while backing KL Rahul to replace Dhoni in the shortest format of the game.

"Obviously his (Rahul's) keeping is not as good as Dhoni's, but if you are looking at T20 cricket, Rahul's a utility player, can keep and bat at No. 3 or 4. If the IPL does not happen, then Dhoni's chances for a comeback look dim. Ultimately, you are representing India, so whoever dishes out the best performance and can win the match for India should play for the team," added Gambhir.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-should-have-retired-after-world-cup-seems-stuck-now-shoaib-akhtar-292206" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni should have retired after World Cup, seems stuck now: Shoaib Akhtar</a>

Whereas, Laxman feels Dhoni can continue playing in the IPL for two-three years more and then take a call on his future. The former elegant batter added that Dhoni will be very clear about his future but further said that the new selection committee will have to sit down with Dhoni and understand his point of view before taking any call.

"Not only this IPL, he (Dhoni) will probably play in the next couple of IPLs, and then we will take a call about his future as a cricketer," Laxman said on the same show. Dhoni will be very clear, as far as his plans are concerned, I'm sure he must have communicated that with (captain) Virat Kohli, (coach) Ravi Shastri immediately after the 2019 World Cup in England," said Laxman.

"The new selection committee will have to sit down with MS Dhoni and understand his future, as far as Indian cricket is concerned. But MS Dhoni will continue to play for CSK and do well for CSK," said Laxman, who amassed 8,781 Test runs. 
&nbsp;

With the future of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hanging in balance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been plenty of talks surrounding MS Dhoni’s future in the world of cricket.

With the future of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hanging in balance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been plenty of talks surrounding MS Dhoni’s future in the world of cricket. Dhoni, who last played for India in the ICC World Cup 2019, was supposed to make his comeback in IPL 2020 but the pandemic has not only disrupted his future but also left the entire sporting calendar shattered. Former India cricketers Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman have opined on the future of MS Dhoni. While Gambhir said if IPL 2020 is cancelled this year then it will be difficult for Dhoni to make a comeback to the Indian team, Laxman said that the new selection committee needs to discuss and understand the situation after having a conversation with Dhoni but added that the former Indian skipper will go on to play at least two-three seasons in the IPL. ALSO READ: Nothing is in favour of any kind of sport, forget IPL: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly "If the IPL does not happen this year, then it will become very difficult for MS Dhoni to make a comeback. On what basis can he (Dhoni) be selected since he's not been playing for the last one or one and a half year," Gambhir said on host broadcasters’ show ‘Cricket Connected’ while backing KL Rahul to replace Dhoni in the shortest format of the game. "Obviously his (Rahul's) keeping is not as good as Dhoni's, but if you are looking at T20 cricket, Rahul's a utility player, can keep and bat at No. 3 or 4. If the IPL does not happen, then Dhoni's chances for a comeback look dim. Ultimately, you are representing India, so whoever dishes out the best performance and can win the match for India should play for the team," added Gambhir. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni should have retired after World Cup, seems stuck now: Shoaib Akhtar Whereas, Laxman feels Dhoni can continue playing in the IPL for two-three years more and then take a call on his future. The former elegant batter added that Dhoni will be very clear about his future but further said that the new selection committee will have to sit down with Dhoni and understand his point of view before taking any call. "Not only this IPL, he (Dhoni) will probably play in the next couple of IPLs, and then we will take a call about his future as a cricketer," Laxman said on the same show. Dhoni will be very clear, as far as his plans are concerned, I'm sure he must have communicated that with (captain) Virat Kohli, (coach) Ravi Shastri immediately after the 2019 World Cup in England," said Laxman. "The new selection committee will have to sit down with MS Dhoni and understand his future, as far as Indian cricket is concerned. But MS Dhoni will continue to play for CSK and do well for CSK," said Laxman, who amassed 8,781 Test runs.

'If the IPL doesn't happen this year...' - Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman opine on MS Dhoni's future

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday visited the Sports Authority of India's headquarter where senior officials and other essential staff resumed operations after more than a fortnight of working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The minister visited the SAI headquarters here wearing a mask and sanitised his hands before entering the premises.

"The ministry has started its office with minimum staff because work has to go on. We are ensuring strict compliance of rules like social distancing, wearing masks and temperature checks," Rijjiju said.

The SAI office was shut down on March 21 as part of precautionary measures to contain the virus.

All ministers were on Saturday asked to resume office from Monday along with joint secretary level officers and one-third of their essential staff.

"Only divisional heads and 30 per cent of the lower division staff will work on a rotational basis. This is being done as per the centre's order in an effort to streamline things before the complete lifting of the lockdown," a SAI official told PTI referring to the current lockdown.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China, has caused more than 300 deaths in India.

It has ravaged the world, killing over 100,000 people and putting tremendous strain on medical resources with more than 18,50,000 positive cases

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday visited the Sports Authority of India's headquarter where senior officials and other essential staff resumed operations after more than a fortnight of working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday visited the Sports Authority of India's headquarter where senior officials and other essential staff resumed operations after more than a fortnight of working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The minister visited the SAI headquarters here wearing a mask and sanitised his hands before entering the premises. "The ministry has started its office with minimum staff because work has to go on. We are ensuring strict compliance of rules like social distancing, wearing masks and temperature checks," Rijjiju said. The SAI office was shut down on March 21 as part of precautionary measures to contain the virus. All ministers were on Saturday asked to resume office from Monday along with joint secretary level officers and one-third of their essential staff. "Only divisional heads and 30 per cent of the lower division staff will work on a rotational basis. This is being done as per the centre's order in an effort to streamline things before the complete lifting of the lockdown," a SAI official told PTI referring to the current lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China, has caused more than 300 deaths in India. It has ravaged the world, killing over 100,000 people and putting tremendous strain on medical resources with more than 18,50,000 positive cases

Sports Minister visits SAI headquarters, essential staff resumes office

With almost the entire world going under lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, sporting calendar for the year 2020 has been ripped into pieces. Some of the biggest tournaments have already been either cancelled or postponed and all eyes are on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was originally scheduled to start from March 29 before getting postponed till April 15.&nbsp;

With the situation surrounding COVID-19 in India deteriorating with each passing day, the future of IPL 2020 has been left hanging in balance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has said that they are monitoring developments while adding nothing is in favour of any kind of sport in the world, forget IPL.&nbsp;

The former Indian captain further said that he will provide an official statement on the future of IPL on Monday (April 13) after discussing the latest developments with other office-bearers of the BCCI. However, Ganguly hinted it is highly improbable that the cash-rich tournament will take place this year as he said: “when life has come to a standstill, where does sport have future in this.”

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“We keep monitoring developments. At the present moment, we can’t say anything. And what is there to say anyway? Airports are shut, people are stuck at home, offices are locked down, nobody can go anywhere. And it seems this is how it's going to be till the middle of May. Where will you get players from, where do players travel? It’s just simple common sense that at the moment, nothing is in favour of any kind of sport anywhere in the world, forget IPL,” Ganguly told a leading daily.

“I will be able to give an update on that on Monday after speaking to the other office-bearers (of BCCI). But practically speaking, when life has come to a standstill everywhere in the world, where does sport have a future in this,” he added.

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Reflecting on the current situation surrounding coronavirus, Ganguly said the world has never seen anything like this while hoping nobody sees this sort of situation again in their lifetime.&nbsp;

“It’s terrible. In my 46 years of life, I never experienced anything like this. Not just that, the world has never seen anything like this. And I hope nobody sees this situation again. The entire world is thinking&nbsp;how many people may die in the next two weeks! It’s unbelievable,” the BCCI president said.&nbsp;

Earlier, there were reports which said the BCCI is looking for an alternate window during August and September to conduct IPL 2020 which could lead to postponement or cancellation of Asia Cup 2020. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;1,853,155 &nbsp;people worldwide and 114,247 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Whereas,&nbsp;The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has risen to 9152, including 308 deaths, as of Monday morning.

With almost the entire world going under lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, sporting calendar for the year 2020 has been ripped into pieces. Some of the biggest tournaments have already been either cancelled or postponed and all eyes are on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was originally scheduled to start from March 29 before getting postponed till April 15.

With almost the entire world going under lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, sporting calendar for the year 2020 has been ripped into pieces. Some of the biggest tournaments have already been either cancelled or postponed and all eyes are on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was originally scheduled to start from March 29 before getting postponed till April 15. With the situation surrounding COVID-19 in India deteriorating with each passing day, the future of IPL 2020 has been left hanging in balance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has said that they are monitoring developments while adding nothing is in favour of any kind of sport in the world, forget IPL. The former Indian captain further said that he will provide an official statement on the future of IPL on Monday (April 13) after discussing the latest developments with other office-bearers of the BCCI. However, Ganguly hinted it is highly improbable that the cash-rich tournament will take place this year as he said: “when life has come to a standstill, where does sport have future in this.” ALSO READ: MS Dhoni should have retired after World Cup, seems stuck now: Shoaib Akhtar “We keep monitoring developments. At the present moment, we can’t say anything. And what is there to say anyway? Airports are shut, people are stuck at home, offices are locked down, nobody can go anywhere. And it seems this is how it's going to be till the middle of May. Where will you get players from, where do players travel? It’s just simple common sense that at the moment, nothing is in favour of any kind of sport anywhere in the world, forget IPL,” Ganguly told a leading daily. “I will be able to give an update on that on Monday after speaking to the other office-bearers (of BCCI). But practically speaking, when life has come to a standstill everywhere in the world, where does sport have a future in this,” he added. ALSO READ: Twenty years on, cricket still reeling from Cronje scandal Reflecting on the current situation surrounding coronavirus, Ganguly said the world has never seen anything like this while hoping nobody sees this sort of situation again in their lifetime. “It’s terrible. In my 46 years of life, I never experienced anything like this. Not just that, the world has never seen anything like this. And I hope nobody sees this situation again. The entire world is thinking how many people may die in the next two weeks! It’s unbelievable,” the BCCI president said. Earlier, there were reports which said the BCCI is looking for an alternate window during August and September to conduct IPL 2020 which could lead to postponement or cancellation of Asia Cup 2020. Meanwhile, COVID-19 has now infected 1,853,155 people worldwide and 114,247 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Whereas, The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has risen to 9152, including 308 deaths, as of Monday morning.

Nothing is in favour of any kind of sport, forget IPL: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly

Five star batsmen who failed to hit an ODI century!

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has agreed to supply a food package of everyday essentials to the elderly during the coronavirus lockdown.

Maguire and his father approached Herrings Top Shop in Mosborough, his hometown near Sheffield in the north of England, about the idea of giving the parcels to those aged 70 and over or their carers in the area.

"I am very proud of my Mosborough roots - it's where I grew up and where my family still live. I come back to visit everyone as much as I can," Maguire said on Friday.

"There's always been a real sense of community in the area which is more important than ever at the moment. In times like these you think a lot about your loved ones and those that are more elderly.

"My family and I hope that this provides a small comfort to people who might be struggling."

England defender Maguire has been at the forefront of football's bid to help with the pandemic.

He coordinated United's response to the PlayersTogether initiative, with Premier League stars joining forces to help generate funds for NHS charities during the Covid-19 crisis.

The Premier League is suspended for the foreseeable future, but the 27-year-old remains in contact with his United team-mates and is adhering to a regime his club have sent him.

"Like everyone, I'm keeping to the government advice and trying to make the best of the situation," Maguire said.

"My daughter is too young to understand what's going on right now, but she'll read about these times in the years to come.

"I'm also keeping active and following the training programme that United have given me within the confines of my back garden!

"It's not quite Old Trafford but I still take pride in keeping the grass in good nick. I also keep in touch with all my team-mates and have found that contact to be really important, as well as family of course."

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has agreed to supply a food package of everyday essentials to the elderly during the coronavirus lockdown. Maguire and his father approached Herrings Top Shop in Mosborough, his hometown near Sheffield in the north of England, about the idea of giving the parcels to those aged 70 and over or their carers in the area.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has agreed to supply a food package of everyday essentials to the elderly during the coronavirus lockdown. Maguire and his father approached Herrings Top Shop in Mosborough, his hometown near Sheffield in the north of England, about the idea of giving the parcels to those aged 70 and over or their carers in the area. "I am very proud of my Mosborough roots - it's where I grew up and where my family still live. I come back to visit everyone as much as I can," Maguire said on Friday. "There's always been a real sense of community in the area which is more important than ever at the moment. In times like these you think a lot about your loved ones and those that are more elderly. "My family and I hope that this provides a small comfort to people who might be struggling." England defender Maguire has been at the forefront of football's bid to help with the pandemic. He coordinated United's response to the PlayersTogether initiative, with Premier League stars joining forces to help generate funds for NHS charities during the Covid-19 crisis. The Premier League is suspended for the foreseeable future, but the 27-year-old remains in contact with his United team-mates and is adhering to a regime his club have sent him. "Like everyone, I'm keeping to the government advice and trying to make the best of the situation," Maguire said. "My daughter is too young to understand what's going on right now, but she'll read about these times in the years to come. "I'm also keeping active and following the training programme that United have given me within the confines of my back garden! "It's not quite Old Trafford but I still take pride in keeping the grass in good nick. I also keep in touch with all my team-mates and have found that contact to be really important, as well as family of course."

Man Utd's Harry Maguire offers food packages to elderly

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper and captain Rashid Latif, who has been pretty vocal against spot-fixing, has said cricket boards have always supported players accused of fixing while adding that players are mere pawns in the big game and are being utilized by the top board members. Latif further said the board has a larger role to play in fixing.&nbsp;

While it is unclear whether Latif’s comments were directed towards Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as they are in the headlines due to the ongoing Umar Akmal controversy. The PCB had charged Akmal with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents while suspending him before the start of Pakistan Super League.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-let-anyone-suffer-in-tough-times-bcci-clears-dues-of-contracted-players-without-any-pay-cut-291799" hreflang="en">'Won't let anyone suffer in tough times' - BCCI clears dues of contracted players without any pay cut</a>

“The cricket boards have always given support to players accused of fixing. We always blame the players. Yes, they are involved in fixing. But are cricket authorities not to be blamed as well,” Rashid Latif said in a video on a Youtube channel ‘Caught Behind’.

Latif went on to claim that ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit ask the players to stay away from bookies but don’t take any concrete steps to stop it.

“I won’t completely blame a player for fixing. Players are just pawns, they are being utilised by the top board members. The board has a larger role to play in fixing,” he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-might-have-been-a-factor-for-some-pat-cummins-reverts-to-michael-clarkes-claims-of-australia-being-scared-to-sledge-virat-kohli-291777" hreflang="en">'It might have been a factor for some' - Pat Cummins reverts to Michael Clarke's claims of Australia being 'scared' to sledge Virat Kohli</a>

The former Pakistan international said if no board member is involved then they will always punish the guilty player but added that some members of the board who have been placed due to political influence are involved.

“If no member from the board is involved, then they will always punish a player. But the top officials of the boards, or some members of the boards who have been placed by political contacts, are somewhere involved, and hence, players always get protected,” he added.

“Every cricket board all over the world, have protected their players. Every country has protected their players who were found fixing matches. This is why the window of T20 cricket and franchise cricket had to be created to tell players that do whatever you want to do here, don’t do it in international cricket,” Latif went on to add.

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper and captain Rashid Latif, who has been pretty vocal against spot-fixing, has said cricket boards have always supported players accused of fixing while adding that players are mere pawns in the big game and are being utilized by the top board members.

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper and captain Rashid Latif, who has been pretty vocal against spot-fixing, has said cricket boards have always supported players accused of fixing while adding that players are mere pawns in the big game and are being utilized by the top board members. Latif further said the board has a larger role to play in fixing. While it is unclear whether Latif’s comments were directed towards Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as they are in the headlines due to the ongoing Umar Akmal controversy. The PCB had charged Akmal with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents while suspending him before the start of Pakistan Super League. ALSO READ: 'Won't let anyone suffer in tough times' - BCCI clears dues of contracted players without any pay cut “The cricket boards have always given support to players accused of fixing. We always blame the players. Yes, they are involved in fixing. But are cricket authorities not to be blamed as well,” Rashid Latif said in a video on a Youtube channel ‘Caught Behind’. Latif went on to claim that ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit ask the players to stay away from bookies but don’t take any concrete steps to stop it. “I won’t completely blame a player for fixing. Players are just pawns, they are being utilised by the top board members. The board has a larger role to play in fixing,” he said. ALSO READ: 'It might have been a factor for some' - Pat Cummins reverts to Michael Clarke's claims of Australia being 'scared' to sledge Virat Kohli The former Pakistan international said if no board member is involved then they will always punish the guilty player but added that some members of the board who have been placed due to political influence are involved. “If no member from the board is involved, then they will always punish a player. But the top officials of the boards, or some members of the boards who have been placed by political contacts, are somewhere involved, and hence, players always get protected,” he added. “Every cricket board all over the world, have protected their players. Every country has protected their players who were found fixing matches. This is why the window of T20 cricket and franchise cricket had to be created to tell players that do whatever you want to do here, don’t do it in international cricket,” Latif went on to add.

‘Players are just pawns’ - Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif says board members may be involved in fixing

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cleared the quarterly due of all the centrally contracted players, without any pay cuts, while vowing to not let anyone suffer despite the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to financial disruption in many countries.&nbsp;A BCCI official has said that the BCCI was ready for any sort of uncertainty while adding the apex board has also cleared the match fees of the senior Indian team and India A players. &nbsp;

Cricket boards like England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) have hinted that their players will have to take pay cuts.

"Despite lockdown being announced from March 24, the BCCI was ready for any kind of eventuality. The board clears quarterly installments of central contract payments to its players," a BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/didnt-mind-dying-on-the-field-such-was-my-passion-for-game-viv-richards-on-not-wearing-helmet-291618" hreflang="en">Didn't mind dying on the field such was my passion for game: Viv Richards on not wearing helmet</a>

"Plus the match fees of all those who played for India and India A during this period, all these dues were cleared at the end of the financial year," he added.

The players of England and Australian cricket team have openly talked about pay cuts and how it can help cricket boards survive the situation surrounding COVD-19. However, the BCCI official said that Indian board is capable of taking good care of their players.&nbsp;

"One cricket board has put its players on furlough (government assistance scheme). There are talks about pay cuts everywhere. But I believe BCCI is capable of taking good care of its players as it has been all these years.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-might-have-been-a-factor-for-some-pat-cummins-reverts-to-michael-clarkes-claims-of-australia-being-scared-to-sledge-virat-kohli-291777" hreflang="en">'It might have been a factor for some' - Pat Cummins reverts to Michael Clarke's claims of Australia being 'scared' to sledge Virat Kohli</a>

"Neither our international nor our domestic cricketers will suffer," the official said.&nbsp;

However, the BCCI official agreed that the conduction of IPL 2020 is a necessity given the financial hit all the stakeholders have to bear if the event is cancelled.

"The situation is fluid right now. It can't be said that it will be September when Asia Cup and home series against England is scheduled or October, when World T20 is supposed to take place.

"If you don't know when normalcy will return, how can you say that when will IPL happen," he said.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cleared the quarterly due of all the centrally contracted players, without any pay cuts, while vowing to not let anyone suffer despite the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to financial disruption in many countries.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cleared the quarterly due of all the centrally contracted players, without any pay cuts, while vowing to not let anyone suffer despite the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to financial disruption in many countries. A BCCI official has said that the BCCI was ready for any sort of uncertainty while adding the apex board has also cleared the match fees of the senior Indian team and India A players. Cricket boards like England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) have hinted that their players will have to take pay cuts. "Despite lockdown being announced from March 24, the BCCI was ready for any kind of eventuality. The board clears quarterly installments of central contract payments to its players," a BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. ALSO READ: Didn't mind dying on the field such was my passion for game: Viv Richards on not wearing helmet "Plus the match fees of all those who played for India and India A during this period, all these dues were cleared at the end of the financial year," he added. The players of England and Australian cricket team have openly talked about pay cuts and how it can help cricket boards survive the situation surrounding COVD-19. However, the BCCI official said that Indian board is capable of taking good care of their players. "One cricket board has put its players on furlough (government assistance scheme). There are talks about pay cuts everywhere. But I believe BCCI is capable of taking good care of its players as it has been all these years. ALSO READ: 'It might have been a factor for some' - Pat Cummins reverts to Michael Clarke's claims of Australia being 'scared' to sledge Virat Kohli "Neither our international nor our domestic cricketers will suffer," the official said. However, the BCCI official agreed that the conduction of IPL 2020 is a necessity given the financial hit all the stakeholders have to bear if the event is cancelled. "The situation is fluid right now. It can't be said that it will be September when Asia Cup and home series against England is scheduled or October, when World T20 is supposed to take place. "If you don't know when normalcy will return, how can you say that when will IPL happen," he said.

'Won't let anyone suffer in tough times' - BCCI clears dues of contracted players without any pay cut

Michael Clarke’s comments continue to garner attention as senior pace Pat Cummins is the latest to join the list to reply to the statement made by the former Australian skipper that the Aussies were ‘too scared’ to sledge Virat Kohli and other Indian players as they fear losing out on lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) deals.&nbsp;

Replying to Clarke’s comments, Cummins has said that the biggest factor leading into the Test series against India was the media scrutiny. Cummins, who fetched a whopping Rs 15.5 crore deal from Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2020 auction further said that everyone was commenting that the team was playing less aggressively on the field even before the series while adding that would have been a bigger factor than trying to lose friends on the field.

However, Cummins didn’t completely falsify Clarke’s statement as he said that ‘might have been a factor for some players’.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-sure-who-went-easy-on-virat-kohli-for-ipl-contract-tim-paine-rubbishes-michael-clarkes-claims-of-aussies-being-scared-to-sledge-india-291544">Not sure who went easy on Virat Kohli for IPL contract: Tim Paine rubbishes Michael Clarke's claims of Aussies being 'scared' to sledge India</a>

"I think probably a bigger factor was six months before leading into that Indian series the media and everyone commentating on the Aussie cricket team were pretty clear in their direction in the way they wanted the Aussies team to go and that was playing a little bit less aggressively out on the field," Cummins told a British news portal.

"I'd say that would have been a bigger factor than trying to win or lose friends out on the cricket field. But you never know, that might have been a factor for some players," the pacer opined.

Earlier, Clarke had said Australia and other international sides have ‘sucked up to India’ due to the financial aspect of the game and players don’t want to lose out on hefty pay-cheques from IPL.

"Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, whether that be internationally or domestically in regards to the IPL," Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast radio programme, while adding "so, I feel, Australian cricket, and probably every other team, over a little period went the opposite - actually sucked up to India. They were too scared to sledge Kohli or sledge the Indian players because they had to go and play with them in April.” 
&nbsp;

Michael Clarke’s comments continue to garner attention as senior pace Pat Cummins is the latest to join the list to reply to the statement made by the former Australian skipper that the Aussies were ‘too scared’ to sledge Virat Kohli and other Indian players as they fear losing out on lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) deals.

Michael Clarke’s comments continue to garner attention as senior pace Pat Cummins is the latest to join the list to reply to the statement made by the former Australian skipper that the Aussies were ‘too scared’ to sledge Virat Kohli and other Indian players as they fear losing out on lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) deals. Replying to Clarke’s comments, Cummins has said that the biggest factor leading into the Test series against India was the media scrutiny. Cummins, who fetched a whopping Rs 15.5 crore deal from Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2020 auction further said that everyone was commenting that the team was playing less aggressively on the field even before the series while adding that would have been a bigger factor than trying to lose friends on the field. However, Cummins didn’t completely falsify Clarke’s statement as he said that ‘might have been a factor for some players’. ALSO READ: Not sure who went easy on Virat Kohli for IPL contract: Tim Paine rubbishes Michael Clarke's claims of Aussies being 'scared' to sledge India "I think probably a bigger factor was six months before leading into that Indian series the media and everyone commentating on the Aussie cricket team were pretty clear in their direction in the way they wanted the Aussies team to go and that was playing a little bit less aggressively out on the field," Cummins told a British news portal. "I'd say that would have been a bigger factor than trying to win or lose friends out on the cricket field. But you never know, that might have been a factor for some players," the pacer opined. Earlier, Clarke had said Australia and other international sides have ‘sucked up to India’ due to the financial aspect of the game and players don’t want to lose out on hefty pay-cheques from IPL. "Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, whether that be internationally or domestically in regards to the IPL," Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast radio programme, while adding "so, I feel, Australian cricket, and probably every other team, over a little period went the opposite - actually sucked up to India. They were too scared to sledge Kohli or sledge the Indian players because they had to go and play with them in April.”

'It might have been a factor for some' - Pat Cummins reverts to Michael Clarke's claims of Australia being 'scared' to sledge Virat Kohli

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