Former Major League Baseball all-star Josh Hamilton was formally charged with child abuse following an altercation in September with his daughter, the US media reported on Wednesday.

Texas prosecutors charged the 38-year-old Hamilton with injury to a child with intentional bodily injury, which is a third-degree felony under the American penal code.

The case stems from an alleged incident involving Hamilton and his 14-year-old daughter, according to Dallas-based television broadcaster CBSDFW and other reports.

Hamilton had turned himself in on October 30 in connection with the case, and he was released on bail.

A condition of the bail was that he not have any contact with any child under 17.

"Mr Hamilton is innocent of the charge against him and looks forward to clearing his name in court," his lawyer said in a prepared statement at the time of his release.

According to several media reports, Hamilton is alleged to have cursed at his daughter during an argument and threw a water bottle at her, striking her in the upper torso.

He is also accused of throwing a chair in her direction and hitting her on the legs with his hands.

Hamilton was the American League's Most Valuable Player in 2010 when he hit a league-leading .359 for the Texas Rangers while adding 32 home runs and 100 RBIs.

Former Major League Baseball all-star Josh Hamilton was formally charged with child abuse following an altercation in September with his daughter, the US media reported on Wednesday.

Former Major League Baseball all-star Josh Hamilton was formally charged with child abuse following an altercation in September with his daughter, the US media reported on Wednesday. Texas prosecutors charged the 38-year-old Hamilton with injury to a child with intentional bodily injury, which is a third-degree felony under the American penal code. The case stems from an alleged incident involving Hamilton and his 14-year-old daughter, according to Dallas-based television broadcaster CBSDFW and other reports. Hamilton had turned himself in on October 30 in connection with the case, and he was released on bail. A condition of the bail was that he not have any contact with any child under 17. "Mr Hamilton is innocent of the charge against him and looks forward to clearing his name in court," his lawyer said in a prepared statement at the time of his release. According to several media reports, Hamilton is alleged to have cursed at his daughter during an argument and threw a water bottle at her, striking her in the upper torso. He is also accused of throwing a chair in her direction and hitting her on the legs with his hands. Hamilton was the American League's Most Valuable Player in 2010 when he hit a league-leading .359 for the Texas Rangers while adding 32 home runs and 100 RBIs.

Ex-Rangers all-star Hamilton charged with child abuse: reports

Premier League players on Wednesday announced that they have launched #PlayersTogether initiative to generate funds for Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) in a bid to combat the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

#PlayersTogether has been launched to help those fighting in the front line of defence on the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

"It is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other league and club conversation," a statement from the group said.

"To try and help, along with so many others in the country, to make a real difference," it added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-admits-he-was-in-the-wrong-over-training-session-291494" hreflang="en">Jose Mourinho admits he was in the wrong over training session</a>

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A powerful show support from all players to NHS workers and those on the front-line.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayersTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayersTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/2VmEbK6Rn5">pic.twitter.com/2VmEbK6Rn5</a>
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The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marcus &nbsp;Rashford among many others took to social media platforms to post about the initiative.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Premier League had proposed pay cuts up to 30 per cent but the talks didn’t materialize with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) alarming that the NHS could suffer from the loss of tax receipts.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketers-agree-virus-package-to-support-game-291491" hreflang="en">Cricketers agree virus package to support game</a>

The league's chief executive Richard Masters admitted the virus fall-out could cost the top-flight "at least £1 billion" ($1.23 billion, 1.13 billion euros).

Whereas, PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor stated that players had ‘agreed to play their part’. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the players had "agreed to play their part" as pressure mounts to find a collective pay deal.

More than 60,000 including Prime Minister Boris Johnson have tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 with more than 7,000 dead from the virus.

Premier League players on Wednesday announced that they have launched #PlayersTogether initiative to generate funds for Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) in a bid to combat the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier League players on Wednesday announced that they have launched #PlayersTogether initiative to generate funds for Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) in a bid to combat the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic. #PlayersTogether has been launched to help those fighting in the front line of defence on the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak. "It is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other league and club conversation," a statement from the group said. "To try and help, along with so many others in the country, to make a real difference," it added. ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho admits he was in the wrong over training session A powerful show support from all players to NHS workers and those on the front-line.#PlayersTogether pic.twitter.com/2VmEbK6Rn5 — Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) April 8, 2020 × The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marcus Rashford among many others took to social media platforms to post about the initiative. Earlier, the Premier League had proposed pay cuts up to 30 per cent but the talks didn’t materialize with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) alarming that the NHS could suffer from the loss of tax receipts. ALSO READ: Cricketers agree virus package to support game The league's chief executive Richard Masters admitted the virus fall-out could cost the top-flight "at least £1 billion" ($1.23 billion, 1.13 billion euros). Whereas, PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor stated that players had ‘agreed to play their part’. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the players had "agreed to play their part" as pressure mounts to find a collective pay deal. More than 60,000 including Prime Minister Boris Johnson have tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 with more than 7,000 dead from the virus.

Premier League stars launch '#PlayersTogether' campaign to support NHS charities

There is no larger symbol of the global sports shutdown than cricket's 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, opened by US President Donald Trump, but yet to see a ball bowled.

India's newest and the world's biggest cricket stadium lies empty because of the coronavirus pandemic. Where there should be the sound of leather on willow and the roar of the crowd, there is only silence.

Just a few weeks ago, it had been packed to capacity as Trump and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood side-by-side in a show of pomp and ceremony for the February 24 inauguration.&nbsp;

Eclipsing Australia's 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground, it was rumoured to be in line to host the final of this year's Indian Premier League, the world's richest Twenty20 tournament, watched by millions worldwide.

But then came COVID-19. The pandemic has brought the sporting world to a grinding halt with massive events including the Tokyo Olympics, football's European Championships, golf and tennis majors, and the glitzy IPL postponed.

"There was hardly any time between the Trump event and the pandemic," a senior Gujarat Cricket Association official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that once cricket resumes, the stadium could be ready "in double-quick time."

"Just five percent work is remaining and it just needs the finishing touches," the official added.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has pushed back the IPL from its original start date of March 29 to April 15, but with the number of coronavirus cases in India exceeding 5,000 and still rising, pressure is growing for it to be shifted again, truncated or scrapped.

<h2>- Unobstructed views -</h2>

The $100-million, circular venue, promises unobstructed views and has state-of-the-art facilities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool as part of a multisports complex.

Next door, a refurbished venue on the site of the&nbsp;former 49,000-capacity Motera Stadium will serve as a venue for cricket, football and hockey.

Critics have charged that it is another "white elephant" vanity project in Modi's home state, following the completion of the world's largest statue there in 2018 - also dedicated to independence hero Sardar Patel.

The giant Statue of Unity measures 182 metres tall (597 feet) -- twice the height of New York's Statue of Liberty.

Modi was Gujarat chief minister for 13 years until 2014, and revamping the former Motera stadium had been long a pet project.

Home Minister Amit Shah, a close ally, headed the Gujarat Cricket Association till last year and his son Jay Shah is the secretary of the BCCI, the world's richest and most powerful cricket board.

Despite cricket being wildly popular in India, domestic first class matches -- and even some international Test matches -- are often played to near-empty stadiums.

The only matches guaranteed to attract big crowds are IPL games and one-day internationals -- and even then it depends on the quality of the opposition.

The nation of 1.3 billion people already has more than a dozen stadiums capable of hosting international cricket, although in the off-season they can be used for other events.

"You are left wondering whether it is a rock concert venue, (or) is it a cricket stadium?" ESPNcricinfo senior editor Sharda Ugra told AFP.

"I would have hoped that there would have been some analysis on the kind of grounds that India needs now.&nbsp;

"We have a lot of these giant grounds in which you have one international match in two years."

There is no larger symbol of the global sports shutdown than cricket's 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, opened by US President Donald Trump, but yet to see a ball bowled.

There is no larger symbol of the global sports shutdown than cricket's 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, opened by US President Donald Trump, but yet to see a ball bowled. India's newest and the world's biggest cricket stadium lies empty because of the coronavirus pandemic. Where there should be the sound of leather on willow and the roar of the crowd, there is only silence. Just a few weeks ago, it had been packed to capacity as Trump and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood side-by-side in a show of pomp and ceremony for the February 24 inauguration. Eclipsing Australia's 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground, it was rumoured to be in line to host the final of this year's Indian Premier League, the world's richest Twenty20 tournament, watched by millions worldwide. But then came COVID-19. The pandemic has brought the sporting world to a grinding halt with massive events including the Tokyo Olympics, football's European Championships, golf and tennis majors, and the glitzy IPL postponed. "There was hardly any time between the Trump event and the pandemic," a senior Gujarat Cricket Association official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that once cricket resumes, the stadium could be ready "in double-quick time." "Just five percent work is remaining and it just needs the finishing touches," the official added. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has pushed back the IPL from its original start date of March 29 to April 15, but with the number of coronavirus cases in India exceeding 5,000 and still rising, pressure is growing for it to be shifted again, truncated or scrapped. - Unobstructed views - The $100-million, circular venue, promises unobstructed views and has state-of-the-art facilities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool as part of a multisports complex. Next door, a refurbished venue on the site of the former 49,000-capacity Motera Stadium will serve as a venue for cricket, football and hockey. Critics have charged that it is another "white elephant" vanity project in Modi's home state, following the completion of the world's largest statue there in 2018 - also dedicated to independence hero Sardar Patel. The giant Statue of Unity measures 182 metres tall (597 feet) -- twice the height of New York's Statue of Liberty. Modi was Gujarat chief minister for 13 years until 2014, and revamping the former Motera stadium had been long a pet project. Home Minister Amit Shah, a close ally, headed the Gujarat Cricket Association till last year and his son Jay Shah is the secretary of the BCCI, the world's richest and most powerful cricket board. Despite cricket being wildly popular in India, domestic first class matches -- and even some international Test matches -- are often played to near-empty stadiums. The only matches guaranteed to attract big crowds are IPL games and one-day internationals -- and even then it depends on the quality of the opposition. The nation of 1.3 billion people already has more than a dozen stadiums capable of hosting international cricket, although in the off-season they can be used for other events. "You are left wondering whether it is a rock concert venue, (or) is it a cricket stadium?" ESPNcricinfo senior editor Sharda Ugra told AFP. "I would have hoped that there would have been some analysis on the kind of grounds that India needs now. "We have a lot of these giant grounds in which you have one international match in two years."

Virus prevents play at Trump-opened world's biggest cricket stadium

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has raised more than £65,000 ($80,000) to help fight the coronavirus by auctioning off his World Cup final shirt.

Buttler's shirt, which he wore when completing the last-ball run-out that saw England beat New Zealand at Lord's last year, was sold to raise money for specialist heart and lung centres provided by the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals in London.

Buttler, who earlier in the showpiece match had hit a fifty and batted in the Super Over, put his long-sleeve keeping jersey up for sale on eBay a week ago.

By the time the auction closed on Tuesday, the shirt had attracted 82 bids with&nbsp;the winner paying £65,100.

Buttler, speaking on Monday, said: "It's a very special shirt but I think it takes on extra meaning with it being able to hopefully go to the emergency cause."

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has raised more than £65,000 ($80,000) to help fight the coronavirus by auctioning off his World Cup final shirt. Buttler's shirt, which he wore when completing the last-ball run-out that saw England beat New Zealand at Lord's last year, was sold to raise money for specialist heart and lung centres provided by the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals in London.

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler has raised more than £65,000 ($80,000) to help fight the coronavirus by auctioning off his World Cup final shirt. Buttler's shirt, which he wore when completing the last-ball run-out that saw England beat New Zealand at Lord's last year, was sold to raise money for specialist heart and lung centres provided by the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals in London. Buttler, who earlier in the showpiece match had hit a fifty and batted in the Super Over, put his long-sleeve keeping jersey up for sale on eBay a week ago. By the time the auction closed on Tuesday, the shirt had attracted 82 bids with the winner paying £65,100. Buttler, speaking on Monday, said: "It's a very special shirt but I think it takes on extra meaning with it being able to hopefully go to the emergency cause."

Jos Buttler's World Cup final shirt raises £65,000 for hospital appeal

Tottenham Hotspur have reminded players of their responsibilities during Britain's coronavirus lockdown after pictures and video on social media emerged of manager Jose Mourinho and several members of his squad that appeared to show them flouting social-distancing rules.

Portuguese boss Mourinho was pictured training with Tanguy Ndombele on Hadley Common, while Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were seen running side by side in the same public park in north London.&nbsp;

Spurs full-back Serge Aurier also posted a video of himself jogging alongside another person on Instagram.

The Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the spread of COVID-19.

The outbreak has seen the British government introduce a strict series of measures which, while they allow individuals to go out for a walk or exercise once a day, state they must remain at least two metres apart unless they are with a member of the same household.

"All of our players have been reminded to respect social distancing when exercising outdoors," said a Tottenham spokesperson on Tuesday.

"We shall continue to reinforce this message."

Tottenham had already been criticised during the outbreak for applying to the British government's furlough financial assistance programme for company wage bills last week on the same day it was revealed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was paid £7 million ($8.7 million) last season.

Although Levy is among the Spurs staff members taking a 20 percent pay cut, the north London club have come under pressure to follow European champions and Premier League leaders Liverpool in reversing their decision to use public money to pay employees.

Tottenham Hotspur have reminded players of their responsibilities during Britain's coronavirus lockdown after pictures and video on social media emerged of manager Jose Mourinho and several members of his squad that appeared to show them flouting social-distancing rules.

Tottenham Hotspur have reminded players of their responsibilities during Britain's coronavirus lockdown after pictures and video on social media emerged of manager Jose Mourinho and several members of his squad that appeared to show them flouting social-distancing rules. Portuguese boss Mourinho was pictured training with Tanguy Ndombele on Hadley Common, while Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were seen running side by side in the same public park in north London. Spurs full-back Serge Aurier also posted a video of himself jogging alongside another person on Instagram. The Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the spread of COVID-19. The outbreak has seen the British government introduce a strict series of measures which, while they allow individuals to go out for a walk or exercise once a day, state they must remain at least two metres apart unless they are with a member of the same household. "All of our players have been reminded to respect social distancing when exercising outdoors," said a Tottenham spokesperson on Tuesday. "We shall continue to reinforce this message." Tottenham had already been criticised during the outbreak for applying to the British government's furlough financial assistance programme for company wage bills last week on the same day it was revealed Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was paid £7 million ($8.7 million) last season. Although Levy is among the Spurs staff members taking a 20 percent pay cut, the north London club have come under pressure to follow European champions and Premier League leaders Liverpool in reversing their decision to use public money to pay employees.

Tottenham issue warning after Mourinho and players seen training

A Paraguayan judge on Tuesday ordered the release of Brazilian football great Ronaldinho and his brother into house arrest while they await trial on charges of using false passports to enter the country.

Judge Gustavo Amarilla told reporters that he had ordered the "continuation of house arrest in a hotel for Ronaldinho and his brother."

The pair were jailed one month ago to await trial, but their lawyers have posted bail of $1.6 million.

Ronaldinho, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, was a star of Brazil's 2002 World Cup win and played for European giants Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, among others.

The ruling means the brothers can swap their grim police cell block -- which has also housed Paraguay's former soccer federation chief and the ex-speaker of the lower house of parliament -- for a plush colonial-style hotel in downtown Asuncion.

The brochure of the refurbished 107-room Palmaroga Hotel, located in the capital's historic center, describes it as offering "a seamless blend of early 1900s Renaissance grace and modern comfort as well as luxury."

"I have the assurance of the hotel managers that they, at their own expense, can observe house arrest there," Amarilla told a news conference.

Paraguay's appeals court last month rejected a request to release the pair, meaning the two-time world player of the year spent his 40th birthday behind bars.

With Paraguay's capital on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, the judge communicated his ruling in a cellphone call to the brothers, with prosecutors and defense lawyers -- and TV cameras -- present. The judge and many others wore face masks as a precaution against the virus.

A beaming Ronaldinho, in a black T-shirt and matching headband, gave a thumbs up sign to show he understood the terms of his release.

<h2>- 'Fake passports' -</h2>

He and his brother, Roberto de Assis Moreira -- who is also his business manager -- initially encountered no problems after arriving in Asuncion from neighboring Brazil on March 4.

However, shortly after their arrival,&nbsp;the brothers were taken into police custody when investigators raided their hotel following discovery that their passports were fake.

Ronaldinho, given a rock star's welcome to Asuncion by around 2,000 children and teenagers, said the passports had been given to him by sponsors of a charity working with disadvantaged children.&nbsp;

Fourteen other people have been charged in the case, which has expanded into an investigation into possible money laundering.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the Paraguayan businesswoman in charge of the charity foundation that invited Ronaldinho.

He proved a popular inmate of the police headquarters jail where he was held, donating a trophy to the winning team in a recent prisoners' futsal tournament.

A Paraguayan judge on Tuesday ordered the release of Brazilian football great Ronaldinho and his brother into house arrest while they await trial on charges of using false passports to enter the country.

A Paraguayan judge on Tuesday ordered the release of Brazilian football great Ronaldinho and his brother into house arrest while they await trial on charges of using false passports to enter the country. Judge Gustavo Amarilla told reporters that he had ordered the "continuation of house arrest in a hotel for Ronaldinho and his brother." The pair were jailed one month ago to await trial, but their lawyers have posted bail of $1.6 million. Ronaldinho, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, was a star of Brazil's 2002 World Cup win and played for European giants Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, among others. The ruling means the brothers can swap their grim police cell block -- which has also housed Paraguay's former soccer federation chief and the ex-speaker of the lower house of parliament -- for a plush colonial-style hotel in downtown Asuncion. The brochure of the refurbished 107-room Palmaroga Hotel, located in the capital's historic center, describes it as offering "a seamless blend of early 1900s Renaissance grace and modern comfort as well as luxury." "I have the assurance of the hotel managers that they, at their own expense, can observe house arrest there," Amarilla told a news conference. Paraguay's appeals court last month rejected a request to release the pair, meaning the two-time world player of the year spent his 40th birthday behind bars. With Paraguay's capital on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, the judge communicated his ruling in a cellphone call to the brothers, with prosecutors and defense lawyers -- and TV cameras -- present. The judge and many others wore face masks as a precaution against the virus. A beaming Ronaldinho, in a black T-shirt and matching headband, gave a thumbs up sign to show he understood the terms of his release. - 'Fake passports' - He and his brother, Roberto de Assis Moreira -- who is also his business manager -- initially encountered no problems after arriving in Asuncion from neighboring Brazil on March 4. However, shortly after their arrival, the brothers were taken into police custody when investigators raided their hotel following discovery that their passports were fake. Ronaldinho, given a rock star's welcome to Asuncion by around 2,000 children and teenagers, said the passports had been given to him by sponsors of a charity working with disadvantaged children. Fourteen other people have been charged in the case, which has expanded into an investigation into possible money laundering. An arrest warrant has been issued for the Paraguayan businesswoman in charge of the charity foundation that invited Ronaldinho. He proved a popular inmate of the police headquarters jail where he was held, donating a trophy to the winning team in a recent prisoners' futsal tournament.

Paraguay court releases Ronaldinho into house arrest in Asuncion hotel

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced sportspersons to train indoors while either cancelling or postponing major sporting events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, EURO, among other major tournaments. Swiss tennis wizard Roger Federer has been pretty active on social media platforms as he continues to keep his fans and followers engaged by posting videos of him training in his backyard.

Federer on Tuesday took to micro-blogging platform Twitter to post another video of him doing a solo drill in a bid to keep himself active during these tough times. Federer asked his fans to reply to him with their videos while adding that he will give them some tips to train alone. The Swiss maestro then went on to tag some of the biggest names in the world of sports, movies and music.

“Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely #tennisathome,” Federer tweeted.

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Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tennisathome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tennisathome</a> <a href="https://t.co/05lliIqh1h">pic.twitter.com/05lliIqh1h</a>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1247511322067185665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, the 20-time Grand Slam winner, in another tweet, tagged many major sportspersons, actors and musicians. The likes of Virat Kohli, Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Hugh Jackman, Stephen Curry, Dwayne Johnson, Cold Play, among others were tagged by Federer as the tennis legend asked them how they are #TrainingFromHome.&nbsp;

“How else are you guys #TrainingFromHome @tonikroos @gianluigibuffon @imVkohli @tombrady @trevornoah @luka7doncic @billgates @swish41 @cristiano @alexzverev @cocogauff @kensingtonroyal @realhughjackman @rafaelnadal @stephencurry30 @therock @beargrylls @coldplay,” Federer wrote.

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How else are you guys <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrainingFromHome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrainingFromHome</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ToniKroos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tonikroos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gianluigibuffon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gianluigibuffon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TomBrady?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tombrady</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Trevornoah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trevornoah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/luka7doncic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@luka7doncic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@billgates</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/swish41?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@swish41</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cristiano</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexZverev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alexzverev</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cocogauff</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kensingtonroyal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RealHughJackman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realhughjackman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenCurry30?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stephencurry30</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@therock</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BearGrylls?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@beargrylls</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coldplay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coldplay</a> <a href="https://t.co/N8BHl4v0HR">https://t.co/N8BHl4v0HR</a>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1247511957214769156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to wreak havoc, it is unclear as to when the sporting action will resume. There are some major tournaments scheduled to be played later in the year 2020 and if the situation doesn’t improve in coming weeks, then it is unlikely that fans will witness any sort of sporting action in the coming months. 
&nbsp;

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced sportspersons to train indoors while either cancelling or postponing major sporting events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, EURO, among other major tournaments.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced sportspersons to train indoors while either cancelling or postponing major sporting events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, EURO, among other major tournaments. Swiss tennis wizard Roger Federer has been pretty active on social media platforms as he continues to keep his fans and followers engaged by posting videos of him training in his backyard. Federer on Tuesday took to micro-blogging platform Twitter to post another video of him doing a solo drill in a bid to keep himself active during these tough times. Federer asked his fans to reply to him with their videos while adding that he will give them some tips to train alone. The Swiss maestro then went on to tag some of the biggest names in the world of sports, movies and music. “Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely #tennisathome,” Federer tweeted. Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely #tennisathome pic.twitter.com/05lliIqh1h — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020 × However, the 20-time Grand Slam winner, in another tweet, tagged many major sportspersons, actors and musicians. The likes of Virat Kohli, Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Hugh Jackman, Stephen Curry, Dwayne Johnson, Cold Play, among others were tagged by Federer as the tennis legend asked them how they are #TrainingFromHome. “How else are you guys #TrainingFromHome @tonikroos @gianluigibuffon @imVkohli @tombrady @trevornoah @luka7doncic @billgates @swish41 @cristiano @alexzverev @cocogauff @kensingtonroyal @realhughjackman @rafaelnadal @stephencurry30 @therock @beargrylls @coldplay,” Federer wrote. How else are you guys #TrainingFromHome @tonikroos @gianluigibuffon @imVkohli @tombrady @trevornoah @luka7doncic @billgates @swish41 @cristiano @alexzverev @cocogauff @kensingtonroyal @realhughjackman @rafaelnadal @stephencurry30 @therock @beargrylls @coldplay https://t.co/N8BHl4v0HR — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020 × Meanwhile, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to wreak havoc, it is unclear as to when the sporting action will resume. There are some major tournaments scheduled to be played later in the year 2020 and if the situation doesn’t improve in coming weeks, then it is unlikely that fans will witness any sort of sporting action in the coming months.

WATCH: Roger Federer nominates Virat Kohli, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, The Rock and others for 'training for home' challenge

Sadio Mane says he would understand if Liverpool were denied the Premier League title even though they were on the brink of glory when coronavirus forced a shutdown.

Jurgen Klopp's men were 25 points clear of Manchester City when football came to a halt last month, agonisingly close to their first top-flight triumph in 30 years.

But it is unclear when, or even if, the season will be completed.

Asked if he feels like a champion, the 27-year-old Senegal forward told Talksport that he wanted to win the Premier League on the pitch.

"I want to win the games and I want to get the trophy, it's what I would love," he said. "But with this situation, whatever happens I will understand.

"It has been difficult for Liverpool, but it has been more difficult for many millions of people around the world.

"Some people have lost family members and that is the more complicated situation. But for myself, it's my dream and I want to win it this year.

"If that's not the case, I will accept, it's part of life. Hopefully we will win it next year."

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said this week there was "no way" Liverpool should finish the season without the title, even if the campaign is cancelled.

Sadio Mane says he would understand if Liverpool were denied the Premier League title even though they were on the brink of glory when coronavirus forced a shutdown.

Sadio Mane says he would understand if Liverpool were denied the Premier League title even though they were on the brink of glory when coronavirus forced a shutdown. Jurgen Klopp's men were 25 points clear of Manchester City when football came to a halt last month, agonisingly close to their first top-flight triumph in 30 years. But it is unclear when, or even if, the season will be completed. Asked if he feels like a champion, the 27-year-old Senegal forward told Talksport that he wanted to win the Premier League on the pitch. "I want to win the games and I want to get the trophy, it's what I would love," he said. "But with this situation, whatever happens I will understand. "It has been difficult for Liverpool, but it has been more difficult for many millions of people around the world. "Some people have lost family members and that is the more complicated situation. But for myself, it's my dream and I want to win it this year. "If that's not the case, I will accept, it's part of life. Hopefully we will win it next year." UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said this week there was "no way" Liverpool should finish the season without the title, even if the campaign is cancelled.

Mane would 'understand' if Liverpool were denied Premier League title

Ranjit Bajaj on Wednesday confirmed to WION that he along with his spouse Henna Singh have resigned as the directors of I-League outfit Punjab FC while selling their 50 per cent stake at the club to Round Glass. The lifestyle and wellbeing firm, Round Glass had, earlier in the season, bought the 50 per cent of club’s shares and the remaining 50 per cent will give the organisation complete charge of the football club.&nbsp;Bajaj has now sold&nbsp;his I-League club&nbsp;something other business firms had failed to do in the past

“Being completely honest, there’s no point spending money for the next few years in the I-League. There’s no promotion system and moreover, looking at the AFC spot, which was supposed to be given to I-League clubs and whatever the reason may be, somehow they have given the AFC spots to ISL clubs. So that was our sole motivation and that being taken away from us was demotivating. So my main focus will be to consolidate all the finances and making sure that the Minerva academy is world-class,” Ranjit Bajaj told WION in an exclusive chat. &nbsp;

<img alt="Ranjit Bajaj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3f29ffb0-7d9f-4865-940a-081f36fe4610" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Minerva-Academy-Mr-Ranjit-Bajaj_0.jpg" />

Running a football club in India is not an easy task by any means. With the Asian Football Confederation recognising ISL as the top league in the country, hardly anything remained on the table for I-League clubs. AFC Champions League spot was allocated to ISL group stage winners and I-League was left empty-handed. No promotion system hurt the I-League clubs more. &nbsp;

“Being honest, that is one of the main reasons (the AFC-approved roadmap for Indian football). For an I-League to survive in the next few years, at least 8-9 crore is needed. And moreover, there’s no way to get into the upper tier now, there’s no AFC spot, there’s no stipend coming from AIFF. So I feel this is the perfect time for me to pick up on youth. This is the time to spend on youths and not seniors. If we want to get into the top-tier then we will need to spend money on that, so it is no more based on merit or quality. So there’s no point spending on merit in the senior team if it will not be rewarded,” Bajaj said. 
&nbsp; 
"I have been spending everything alone and still managed to produce results which no other academies have been able to do. Imagine, this being backed financially, it will be huge. Legacy is not about winning I-League, I have won everything, I have won U-13s, U-15s four time in a row, U-18s, I have won the senior and I started this club just four years back so legacy is not about winning titles. There will be a new champion every year but who will take India to the World Cup? People and authorities will talk about India will play World Cup in 2022, then they will say India will play in 2026 and so on. Look at Japan, they have said they will win the World Cup in the year 2050, so there are planning to win the World Cup with players who haven’t even taken birth. So I am looking to create a world-class academy and this will be known as my World Cup patch,” he added.

<img alt="Ranjit Bajaj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="daae6589-ac6d-49ac-b7f4-d19f0e52a774" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/5140897236_9736180245.jpg" />

The likes of Samuel Lalmuanpuia, Abhishek Ambekar, Shayan Roy, Ronald Singh, Jeakson Singh, Nongdamba Naorem, Anwar Ali, Mohammed Irshad, Boaringdao Bodo, Germanpreet Singh, Manvir Singh, Kamaljit Singh, Prosenjit Chakraborty, are among others who have come out of the famous Minerva Academy. The inflow of talents will not dry up reckons Bajaj as he aims to turn the Minerva Academy into a world-class center. Bajaj terms this phase as his ‘World Cup patch’ and aims to take more and more youngsters to clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid to get the best out of their potential.

“I can now focus on my main aim. I have produced 73 talents for India in four and a half years, TATA Football Academy couldn’t even do it in 15 years. So now that I have good financial backing with me, I will create something wonderful for Indian football. See, Jeakson Singh scored India’s first-ever World Cup goal and that will remain as Jeakson’s goal and Jeakson will forever be a Minerva Academy talent. So if India qualifies for the World Cup one day with a majority of Minerva Academy players, then I will call it as a legacy,” Bajaj explained.

“We will have everything! There’s going to be a world-class gym, swimming pool, there’s going to be a cryotherapy center, world-class physiotherapy center and imagine I can put that up with a saving of one or two years from the money which is going into the I-League. What I aim is to show success with my model. We can’t achieve it with one Minerva, India needs 100s of Minerva Academies so we need everybody to step up now. I will take my U-7s, U-8s to Barcelona, Real Madrid to test them against the best from their age group and that is the way to test talents. From there we can judge how good a player can become or what improvement do they need in their game,” he added.

<img alt="Ranjit Bajaj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e09603ba-64bf-444a-aaa9-91acbc377409" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/137138-mvydnjkrwa-1582548988.jpg" />

When asked about why he chose Round Glass to take control of Punjab FC, Bajaj said it was because of the work they have doner&nbsp;at the grass-root levels in the last couple of years. He further said that a club can be run frugally but with no motivation to spend on the senior team, it was the best deal for him and Round Glass to take forward the legacy of Punjab FC.

“This football club is my baby! That is the reason I sold my stakes to Round Glass because they now know the club well, they have that passion, they are bigger than me and they have spent time running the Round Glass Academy. So they have a proven track record and I know they will take this club from strength to strength. Now Round Glass wanted to invest on the senior team and I guess it is a perfect deal for both

“I have just proven to the world that if you can run a football club frugally, you can get titles, you can produce internationals and at the end, it is a good business prospect. If you run a club properly then it will produce your profit,” Bajaj said.

“It was a very well thought of the decision. We have taken so many loans which need to be repaid. Running this club for the last five years have taken a toll on the family as well. I was a player before so I know that clubs don’t pay you on time and I didn’t want my club to be in that situation. I don’t have the backing to be in the ISL, yes, I can remain in the I-league, but as I said you earlier, there’s no point being there with no incentives coming your way,” he concluded.

Ranjit Bajaj on Wednesday confirmed to WION that he along with his spouse Henna Singh have resigned as the directors of I-League outfit Punjab FC while selling their 50 per cent stake at the club to Round Glass.

Ranjit Bajaj on Wednesday confirmed to WION that he along with his spouse Henna Singh have resigned as the directors of I-League outfit Punjab FC while selling their 50 per cent stake at the club to Round Glass. The lifestyle and wellbeing firm, Round Glass had, earlier in the season, bought the 50 per cent of club’s shares and the remaining 50 per cent will give the organisation complete charge of the football club. Bajaj has now sold his I-League club something other business firms had failed to do in the past “Being completely honest, there’s no point spending money for the next few years in the I-League. There’s no promotion system and moreover, looking at the AFC spot, which was supposed to be given to I-League clubs and whatever the reason may be, somehow they have given the AFC spots to ISL clubs. So that was our sole motivation and that being taken away from us was demotivating. So my main focus will be to consolidate all the finances and making sure that the Minerva academy is world-class,” Ranjit Bajaj told WION in an exclusive chat. Running a football club in India is not an easy task by any means. With the Asian Football Confederation recognising ISL as the top league in the country, hardly anything remained on the table for I-League clubs. AFC Champions League spot was allocated to ISL group stage winners and I-League was left empty-handed. No promotion system hurt the I-League clubs more. “Being honest, that is one of the main reasons (the AFC-approved roadmap for Indian football). For an I-League to survive in the next few years, at least 8-9 crore is needed. And moreover, there’s no way to get into the upper tier now, there’s no AFC spot, there’s no stipend coming from AIFF. So I feel this is the perfect time for me to pick up on youth. This is the time to spend on youths and not seniors. If we want to get into the top-tier then we will need to spend money on that, so it is no more based on merit or quality. So there’s no point spending on merit in the senior team if it will not be rewarded,” Bajaj said. "I have been spending everything alone and still managed to produce results which no other academies have been able to do. Imagine, this being backed financially, it will be huge. Legacy is not about winning I-League, I have won everything, I have won U-13s, U-15s four time in a row, U-18s, I have won the senior and I started this club just four years back so legacy is not about winning titles. There will be a new champion every year but who will take India to the World Cup? People and authorities will talk about India will play World Cup in 2022, then they will say India will play in 2026 and so on. Look at Japan, they have said they will win the World Cup in the year 2050, so there are planning to win the World Cup with players who haven’t even taken birth. So I am looking to create a world-class academy and this will be known as my World Cup patch,” he added. The likes of Samuel Lalmuanpuia, Abhishek Ambekar, Shayan Roy, Ronald Singh, Jeakson Singh, Nongdamba Naorem, Anwar Ali, Mohammed Irshad, Boaringdao Bodo, Germanpreet Singh, Manvir Singh, Kamaljit Singh, Prosenjit Chakraborty, are among others who have come out of the famous Minerva Academy. The inflow of talents will not dry up reckons Bajaj as he aims to turn the Minerva Academy into a world-class center. Bajaj terms this phase as his ‘World Cup patch’ and aims to take more and more youngsters to clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid to get the best out of their potential. “I can now focus on my main aim. I have produced 73 talents for India in four and a half years, TATA Football Academy couldn’t even do it in 15 years. So now that I have good financial backing with me, I will create something wonderful for Indian football. See, Jeakson Singh scored India’s first-ever World Cup goal and that will remain as Jeakson’s goal and Jeakson will forever be a Minerva Academy talent. So if India qualifies for the World Cup one day with a majority of Minerva Academy players, then I will call it as a legacy,” Bajaj explained. “We will have everything! There’s going to be a world-class gym, swimming pool, there’s going to be a cryotherapy center, world-class physiotherapy center and imagine I can put that up with a saving of one or two years from the money which is going into the I-League. What I aim is to show success with my model. We can’t achieve it with one Minerva, India needs 100s of Minerva Academies so we need everybody to step up now. I will take my U-7s, U-8s to Barcelona, Real Madrid to test them against the best from their age group and that is the way to test talents. From there we can judge how good a player can become or what improvement do they need in their game,” he added. When asked about why he chose Round Glass to take control of Punjab FC, Bajaj said it was because of the work they have doner at the grass-root levels in the last couple of years. He further said that a club can be run frugally but with no motivation to spend on the senior team, it was the best deal for him and Round Glass to take forward the legacy of Punjab FC. “This football club is my baby! That is the reason I sold my stakes to Round Glass because they now know the club well, they have that passion, they are bigger than me and they have spent time running the Round Glass Academy. So they have a proven track record and I know they will take this club from strength to strength. Now Round Glass wanted to invest on the senior team and I guess it is a perfect deal for both “I have just proven to the world that if you can run a football club frugally, you can get titles, you can produce internationals and at the end, it is a good business prospect. If you run a club properly then it will produce your profit,” Bajaj said. “It was a very well thought of the decision. We have taken so many loans which need to be repaid. Running this club for the last five years have taken a toll on the family as well. I was a player before so I know that clubs don’t pay you on time and I didn’t want my club to be in that situation. I don’t have the backing to be in the ISL, yes, I can remain in the I-league, but as I said you earlier, there’s no point being there with no incentives coming your way,” he concluded.

Exclusive: Ranjit Bajaj opens up on selling remaining stakes at Punjab FC to Round Glass, 'World Cup patch' and more

Ben Stokes on Wednesday ended Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s three-year reign as Wisden’s leading cricketer in the world following his heroics in the ICC World Cup 2019 and the Ashes.&nbsp;

The 2020 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, which was published on Thursday, crowned Stokes as the cricketer of the year as the flamboyant all-rounder became the first Englishman to receive the honour since Andrew Flintoff in 2005.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virus-prevents-play-at-trump-opened-worlds-biggest-cricket-stadium-291302" hreflang="en">Virus prevents play at Trump-opened world's biggest cricket stadium</a>

Wisden described Stokes’ performance in the World Cup and then in the Ashes as ‘performance of a lifetime’.

"Ben Stokes pulled off the performance of a lifetime -- twice in the space of a few weeks," said Wisden editor Lawrence Booth.

"First, with a mixture of outrageous talent and good fortune, he rescued England's run-chase in the World Cup final, before helping to hit 15 off the super over. Then, in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, he produced one of the great innings, smashing an unbeaten 135 to pinch a one-wicket win.

"Against red ball or white, he was a force of nature."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jos-buttlers-world-cup-final-shirt-raises-ps65000-for-hospital-appeal-291301" hreflang="en">Jos Buttler's World Cup final shirt raises £65,000 for hospital appeal</a>

Earlier in January, Stokes was named ICC’s Player of the Year following his tremendous run of form across formats.

Furthermore, Ellyse Perry of Australia reclaimed the leading women's cricketer in the world title from Indian opener Smriti Mandhana.&nbsp;

England pacer Jofra Archer, Australia’s Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne, Ellyse Perry and Essex spinner Simon Harmer was among the Wisden’s five cricketers of the year.<o:p></o:p>

Ben Stokes on Wednesday ended Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s three-year reign as Wisden’s leading cricketer in the world following his heroics in the ICC World Cup 2019 and the Ashes.

Ben Stokes on Wednesday ended Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s three-year reign as Wisden’s leading cricketer in the world following his heroics in the ICC World Cup 2019 and the Ashes. The 2020 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, which was published on Thursday, crowned Stokes as the cricketer of the year as the flamboyant all-rounder became the first Englishman to receive the honour since Andrew Flintoff in 2005. ALSO READ: Virus prevents play at Trump-opened world's biggest cricket stadium Wisden described Stokes’ performance in the World Cup and then in the Ashes as ‘performance of a lifetime’. "Ben Stokes pulled off the performance of a lifetime -- twice in the space of a few weeks," said Wisden editor Lawrence Booth. "First, with a mixture of outrageous talent and good fortune, he rescued England's run-chase in the World Cup final, before helping to hit 15 off the super over. Then, in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, he produced one of the great innings, smashing an unbeaten 135 to pinch a one-wicket win. "Against red ball or white, he was a force of nature." ALSO READ: Jos Buttler's World Cup final shirt raises £65,000 for hospital appeal Earlier in January, Stokes was named ICC’s Player of the Year following his tremendous run of form across formats. Furthermore, Ellyse Perry of Australia reclaimed the leading women's cricketer in the world title from Indian opener Smriti Mandhana. England pacer Jofra Archer, Australia’s Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne, Ellyse Perry and Essex spinner Simon Harmer was among the Wisden’s five cricketers of the year.

Ben Stokes named  Wisden's leading cricketer in the world, ends Virat Kohli's three-year reign

Tottenham Hotspur and England great Jimmy Greaves is being treated in hospital, the Premier League club announced Tuesday.

But there was no mention in their brief statement of whether the former striker was suffering from the coronavirus, or indeed the exact nature of the 80-year-old's current condition.

"We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital," said a statement on Spurs' official Twitter feed.

"We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course. Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital. We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course. 
 
Everybody at the Club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family. <a href="https://t.co/tDneZxDc3m">pic.twitter.com/tDneZxDc3m</a>
— Tottenham Hotspur (at 🏡) (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1247641068402769925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Greaves is understood to have been in poor health since suffering a stroke nearly five years ago.

A prolific goalscorer throughout his career, Greaves also played for Chelsea and West Ham, but his greatest success came at Tottenham during a golden era for the London side that saw him score a club record 266 goals in 379 matches from 1961-70.

For decades Greaves held the record for most goals scored in Europe's top five leagues, his tally of 366 goals in 528 appearances during a career that also included a spell at Italy's AC Milan only broken by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017.

Greaves was equally prolific at international level, scoring 44 goals in just 57 appearances for England.

He was a member of the England squad that won the 1966 World Cup on home soil but an injury in a group game against France cost him his place in the side and paved the way for his replacement, Geoff Hurst, to score a hat-trick in the final against West Germany.

Tottenham Hotspur and England great Jimmy Greaves is being treated in hospital, the Premier League club announced Tuesday. But there was no mention in their brief statement of whether the former striker was suffering from the coronavirus, or indeed the exact nature of the 80-year-old's current condition.

Tottenham Hotspur and England great Jimmy Greaves is being treated in hospital, the Premier League club announced Tuesday. But there was no mention in their brief statement of whether the former striker was suffering from the coronavirus, or indeed the exact nature of the 80-year-old's current condition. "We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital," said a statement on Spurs' official Twitter feed. "We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course. Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family." We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital. We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course. Everybody at the Club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family. pic.twitter.com/tDneZxDc3m — Tottenham Hotspur (at 🏡) (@SpursOfficial) April 7, 2020 × Greaves is understood to have been in poor health since suffering a stroke nearly five years ago. A prolific goalscorer throughout his career, Greaves also played for Chelsea and West Ham, but his greatest success came at Tottenham during a golden era for the London side that saw him score a club record 266 goals in 379 matches from 1961-70. For decades Greaves held the record for most goals scored in Europe's top five leagues, his tally of 366 goals in 528 appearances during a career that also included a spell at Italy's AC Milan only broken by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017. Greaves was equally prolific at international level, scoring 44 goals in just 57 appearances for England. He was a member of the England squad that won the 1966 World Cup on home soil but an injury in a group game against France cost him his place in the side and paved the way for his replacement, Geoff Hurst, to score a hat-trick in the final against West Germany.

Tottenham Hotspur and England great Greaves in hospital

Former India pacer Ashish Nehra reckons there is 100 per cent possibility of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 taking place in the final quarter of the year 2020 given the situation surrounding COVID-19 improves worldwide by October.&nbsp;

The IPL 2020 was earlier scheduled to be played from March 29 but was suspended till April 15. However, with entire India currently under a 21-day lockdown period, there no clarity whether it would go ahead at all.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-is-massive-hope-there-is-a-way-to-schedule-ipl-later-in-the-year-rajasthan-royals-jos-buttler-291119" hreflang="en">IPL is massive, hope there is a way to schedule IPL later in the year: Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler</a>

Nehra is of the view that if the IPL happens in August, a lot of matches will get cancelled due to monsoon season in India. However, the World Cup winner added that if things are back to normal by October then the organisers will have 100 per cent clearance to conduct the cash-rich tournament.

"Even if the IPL doesn't happen in August, (because) there are a lot of places in India that witness rains during that month and there are high chances that lots of matches will get cancelled," Nehra told host broadcasters’ show 'Cricket Connected'.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harbhajan-singh-fine-with-the-idea-of-ipl-2020-behind-closed-doors-291101" hreflang="en">Harbhajan Singh fine with the idea of IPL 2020 behind closed doors</a>

"If things go back to normal around the world by October, we'll have a 100 per cent clearance," he reckoned.

However, with the spike in COVID-19 cases increasing with each passing day in India and across the world, there are less chances of IPL 2020 taking place this year. The deadly virus has claimed nearly 150 Indian lives apart from causing more than 80,000 global deaths with many countries going under complete lockdown, including India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former India pacer Ashish Nehra reckons there is 100 per cent possibility of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 taking place in the final quarter of the year 2020 given the situation surrounding COVID-19 improves worldwide by October.

Former India pacer Ashish Nehra reckons there is 100 per cent possibility of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 taking place in the final quarter of the year 2020 given the situation surrounding COVID-19 improves worldwide by October. The IPL 2020 was earlier scheduled to be played from March 29 but was suspended till April 15. However, with entire India currently under a 21-day lockdown period, there no clarity whether it would go ahead at all. ALSO READ: IPL is massive, hope there is a way to schedule IPL later in the year: Rajasthan Royals' Jos Buttler Nehra is of the view that if the IPL happens in August, a lot of matches will get cancelled due to monsoon season in India. However, the World Cup winner added that if things are back to normal by October then the organisers will have 100 per cent clearance to conduct the cash-rich tournament. "Even if the IPL doesn't happen in August, (because) there are a lot of places in India that witness rains during that month and there are high chances that lots of matches will get cancelled," Nehra told host broadcasters’ show 'Cricket Connected'. ALSO READ: Harbhajan Singh fine with the idea of IPL 2020 behind closed doors "If things go back to normal around the world by October, we'll have a 100 per cent clearance," he reckoned. However, with the spike in COVID-19 cases increasing with each passing day in India and across the world, there are less chances of IPL 2020 taking place this year. The deadly virus has claimed nearly 150 Indian lives apart from causing more than 80,000 global deaths with many countries going under complete lockdown, including India.

'We'll have a 100 per cent clearance if...' - Ashish Nehra opines on future of IPL 2020

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