<p>It has been nine years since India successfully lifted the ICC World Cup 2011 to put an end to a 28-year wait for all the fans. While fans and former players look back to the glorious campaign by the Men in Blue, several iconic moments and performances pop up in the mind. However, former India opener-turned BJP MP – Gautam Gambhir – was left fuming on Thursday with an obsession over MS Dhoni’s final six in the summit clash of the 2011 World Cup against Sri Lanka, which was also the final runs for India in the quadrennial event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While fans and other social media handles relived the moment by posting Dhoni’s photograph, Gambhir was irked by the obsession for that six and took to Twitter to express his opinion regarding it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Just a reminder @ESPNcricinfo: #worldcup2011 was won by entire India, entire Indian team &amp; all support staff. High time you hit your obsession for a SIX,” Gambhir wrote.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-going-to-leave-more-people-bankrupt-than-dead-says-shoaib-akhtar-290001" hreflang="en">'Coronavirus going to leave more people bankrupt than dead', says Shoaib Akhtar</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just a reminder <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNcricinfo</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/worldcup2011?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#worldcup2011</a> was won by entire India, entire Indian team &amp; all support staff. High time you hit your obsession for a SIX. <a href="https://t.co/WPRPQdfJrV">pic.twitter.com/WPRPQdfJrV</a></p>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1245562059309248513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Chasing 275 against Sri Lanka in the final of 2011 World Cup, India witnessed openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar depart cheaply.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-visits-belur-math-donates-2000kgs-rice-for-the-needy-during-covid-19-pandemic-289928" hreflang="en">Sourav Ganguly visits Belur Math, donates 2000kgs rice for the needy during COVID-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>

<p>However, it was Gautam Gambhir’s gritty knock of 97 and Virat Kohli’s crucial 35 which bought the Men in Blue back into the game.&nbsp;<br />
Skipper Dhoni promoted himself to number five, ahead of the in-form Yuvraj Singh, and hammered a 79-ball 91 not-out to help India cross that winning line. However, Dhoni’s final six has remained etched into the minds of fans and experts as it was winning run for India in the tournament. &nbsp;</p>

<p>But it doesn’t take away the fact that Gambhir’s knock of 97 was one of the most crucial innings in the history of Indian cricket and the fans still remember his contribution to Indian cricket, especially in the entire 2011 World Cup, where he ended up as sixth highest run-scorer with as many as 393 runs in nine matches at an average of 43.66.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


It has been nine years since India successfully lifted the ICC World Cup 2011 to put an end to a 28-year wait for all the fans. While fans and former players look back to the glorious campaign by the Men in Blue, several iconic moments and performances pop up in the mind.

It has been nine years since India successfully lifted the ICC World Cup 2011 to put an end to a 28-year wait for all the fans. While fans and former players look back to the glorious campaign by the Men in Blue, several iconic moments and performances pop up in the mind. However, former India opener-turned BJP MP – Gautam Gambhir – was left fuming on Thursday with an obsession over MS Dhoni’s final six in the summit clash of the 2011 World Cup against Sri Lanka, which was also the final runs for India in the quadrennial event. While fans and other social media handles relived the moment by posting Dhoni’s photograph, Gambhir was irked by the obsession for that six and took to Twitter to express his opinion regarding it. “Just a reminder @ESPNcricinfo: #worldcup2011 was won by entire India, entire Indian team & all support staff. High time you hit your obsession for a SIX,” Gambhir wrote. ALSO READ: 'Coronavirus going to leave more people bankrupt than dead', says Shoaib Akhtar Just a reminder @ESPNcricinfo: #worldcup2011 was won by entire India, entire Indian team & all support staff. High time you hit your obsession for a SIX. pic.twitter.com/WPRPQdfJrV — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 2, 2020 × Chasing 275 against Sri Lanka in the final of 2011 World Cup, India witnessed openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar depart cheaply. ALSO READ: Sourav Ganguly visits Belur Math, donates 2000kgs rice for the needy during COVID-19 pandemic However, it was Gautam Gambhir’s gritty knock of 97 and Virat Kohli’s crucial 35 which bought the Men in Blue back into the game. Skipper Dhoni promoted himself to number five, ahead of the in-form Yuvraj Singh, and hammered a 79-ball 91 not-out to help India cross that winning line. However, Dhoni’s final six has remained etched into the minds of fans and experts as it was winning run for India in the tournament. But it doesn’t take away the fact that Gambhir’s knock of 97 was one of the most crucial innings in the history of Indian cricket and the fans still remember his contribution to Indian cricket, especially in the entire 2011 World Cup, where he ended up as sixth highest run-scorer with as many as 393 runs in nine matches at an average of 43.66.

Gautam Gambhir left fuming with obsession over MS Dhoni's 2011 World Cup final winning 6

<p class="MsoNormal">The entire sporting calendar has come to a screeching halt with almost all the major tournaments and events getting either postponed or completely cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest major event to get cancelled was Wimbledon 2020 and that has left the entire tennis fraternity heartbroken.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While almost every one&nbsp;of them is under lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, players have resorted to practising at their respective residences. Swiss wizard Roger Federer on Wednesday took to social media platform Twitter to post a video of him practising in his house, near his garage.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Another glimpse into the stay at home practice routine. I hope everyone is safe and healthy. Stay positive. Keep active. Support one another. We will get through this together #stayhome,” Federer captioned the video.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-virus-rewriting-history-books-in-tennis-mahesh-bhupathi-opens-up-on-wimbledon-cancellation-life-in-lockdown-and-more-290212" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Virus rewriting history books in tennis' - Mahesh Bhupathi opens up on Wimbledon cancellation, life in lockdown and more</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Another glimpse into the stay at home practice routine<br />
I hope everyone is safe and healthy. Stay positive. Keep active. Support one another. We will get through this together <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stayhome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stayhome</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZVqMZ2ZpXc">pic.twitter.com/ZVqMZ2ZpXc</a></p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1245700603407478784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the AELTC on Tuesday announced that the Wimbledon has been cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus pandemic while adding the 134<sup>th</sup> edition of Championships will be staged from June 23, 2021, to July 11, 2021.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Those who have paid for a ticket will receive have a refund while having the choice to purchase a pair of tickets in the Wimbledon 2021 for the same day and court.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier this year, Federer had undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.<o:p></o:p>&nbsp;He made a public statement on Twitter and revealed that he will be missing the Dubai Open, Indian Wells tournament and the French Open. "My right knee has been bothering me for a little while, I hoped it would go away, but after an examination and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday," Federer wrote on Twitter."<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, French Open has been postponed to September now, and this may see, Federer, playing the tournament.<o:p></o:p></p>


The entire sporting calendar has come to a screeching halt with almost all the major tournaments and events getting either postponed or completely cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The entire sporting calendar has come to a screeching halt with almost all the major tournaments and events getting either postponed or completely cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest major event to get cancelled was Wimbledon 2020 and that has left the entire tennis fraternity heartbroken. While almost every one of them is under lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, players have resorted to practising at their respective residences. Swiss wizard Roger Federer on Wednesday took to social media platform Twitter to post a video of him practising in his house, near his garage. “Another glimpse into the stay at home practice routine. I hope everyone is safe and healthy. Stay positive. Keep active. Support one another. We will get through this together #stayhome,” Federer captioned the video. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Virus rewriting history books in tennis' - Mahesh Bhupathi opens up on Wimbledon cancellation, life in lockdown and more Another glimpse into the stay at home practice routine I hope everyone is safe and healthy. Stay positive. Keep active. Support one another. We will get through this together #stayhome pic.twitter.com/ZVqMZ2ZpXc — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 2, 2020 × Meanwhile, the AELTC on Tuesday announced that the Wimbledon has been cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus pandemic while adding the 134th edition of Championships will be staged from June 23, 2021, to July 11, 2021. Those who have paid for a ticket will receive have a refund while having the choice to purchase a pair of tickets in the Wimbledon 2021 for the same day and court. Earlier this year, Federer had undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He made a public statement on Twitter and revealed that he will be missing the Dubai Open, Indian Wells tournament and the French Open. "My right knee has been bothering me for a little while, I hoped it would go away, but after an examination and discussion with my team, I decided to have arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland yesterday," Federer wrote on Twitter." However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, French Open has been postponed to September now, and this may see, Federer, playing the tournament.

WATCH: Roger Federer gives 'another glimpse' of home practice in the backyard

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will take a call on the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 on around April 15 as the apex board is waiting for the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic to clear out with India continuing&nbsp;to remain in a 21-day lockdown to combat the deadly virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A source within the cricket governing body said the board cannot take a definite call unless the situation clears out while adding it might become really confusing if the BCCI takes a call now and situation changes around April 15.</p>

<p>“There is no clarity as of now when the situation improves, only then we can take a call. When the picture is so hazy, how can we take a call. Suppose we decide now, but the situation is not clear by April 15th, then what will happen,” the source told ANI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wc-2011-more-than-a-6-for-one-xi-that-never-played-again-for-other-marriage-anniversary-for-3rd-290144" hreflang="en">WC 2011: More than a ''6'' for one, XI that never played again for other, marriage anniversary for 3rd</a></strong></p>

<p>With domestic and international travel completely restricted amid the lockdown, there are huge question marks on the availability of foreign players. The source said that there’s no point thinking about anything until the situation surrounding the visa restrictions clear out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Until and unless we are clear on visa restrictions, there could be country wise restrictions as well. So, we do not know what the situation will be, as of now the situation is so hazy, so there is no point in thinking about anything,” the source added.</p>

<p>There are plenty of talks around the BCCI planning to cut the salaries of players amid COVID-19 pandemic. However, the source within the BCCI said that the board has not even thought of cutting players’ wage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hit-list-whats-next-in-line-for-possible-coronavirus-postponement-290137" hreflang="en">Hit list: What's next in line for possible coronavirus postponement</a></strong></p>

<p>“We have not thought about it, this is not even in our minds as of now,” the source said.</p>

<p>However, there’s a slight possibility that the cash-rich tournament could be played at a later window in 2020 with the BCCI searching for a free space later down the year.</p>

<p>“See if we had discussed some permutation or combination last time when we had met with franchises, but this depends on the window we finally get. If there is some window available, then only we can take a call. Right now, the entire country should just focus on when the situation improves,” the source said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will take a call on the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 on around April 15 as the apex board is waiting for the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic to clear out with India continuing to remain in a 21-day lockdown to combat the deadly virus.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will take a call on the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 on around April 15 as the apex board is waiting for the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic to clear out with India continuing to remain in a 21-day lockdown to combat the deadly virus. A source within the cricket governing body said the board cannot take a definite call unless the situation clears out while adding it might become really confusing if the BCCI takes a call now and situation changes around April 15. “There is no clarity as of now when the situation improves, only then we can take a call. When the picture is so hazy, how can we take a call. Suppose we decide now, but the situation is not clear by April 15th, then what will happen,” the source told ANI. ALSO READ: WC 2011: More than a ''6'' for one, XI that never played again for other, marriage anniversary for 3rd With domestic and international travel completely restricted amid the lockdown, there are huge question marks on the availability of foreign players. The source said that there’s no point thinking about anything until the situation surrounding the visa restrictions clear out. “Until and unless we are clear on visa restrictions, there could be country wise restrictions as well. So, we do not know what the situation will be, as of now the situation is so hazy, so there is no point in thinking about anything,” the source added. There are plenty of talks around the BCCI planning to cut the salaries of players amid COVID-19 pandemic. However, the source within the BCCI said that the board has not even thought of cutting players’ wage. ALSO READ: Hit list: What's next in line for possible coronavirus postponement “We have not thought about it, this is not even in our minds as of now,” the source said. However, there’s a slight possibility that the cash-rich tournament could be played at a later window in 2020 with the BCCI searching for a free space later down the year. “See if we had discussed some permutation or combination last time when we had met with franchises, but this depends on the window we finally get. If there is some window available, then only we can take a call. Right now, the entire country should just focus on when the situation improves,” the source said.

BCCI to take call on IPL 2020 after situation around COVID-19 improves

<p>The president of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his immense support to the Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed to July 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>In a letter to PM Modi, dated April 1, Bach stated that he was grateful to the Indian Prime Minister for his support to the quadrennial Games during the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit, held via video conference. Bach thanked PM Modi for lauding the IOC for their contribution towards the containment of the COVID-19 virus.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hit-list-whats-next-in-line-for-possible-coronavirus-postponement-290137" hreflang="en">Hit list: What's next in line for possible coronavirus postponement</a></strong></p>

<p>"Please accept my sincere thanks for the support you have given to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, expressed in the Extraordinary G20 Leaders' Summit Statement, commending the International Olympic Committee for contributing to the containment of the COVID-19 virus," Bach wrote in his letter. "I am really grateful for your support for the Olympic Games and their unifying role, which the G20 Leaders' Summit had already expressed at your meeting last year in Osaka."</p>

<p>While the IOC was optimistic about conducting the Games as per schedule, the rapidly rising cases of COVID-19 worldwide left the organisers with no choice than to postpone the Games by a year.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Letter of appreciation from the President of International Olympic Committee to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji for his commitment and contribution in containing COVID-19 and for promoting the cause of Olympics to make it a symbol of human resilience. <a href="https://t.co/h724Sdzg9b">pic.twitter.com/h724Sdzg9b</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1245642012251979777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spurs-son-set-for-military-training-during-virus-shutdown-report-290116" hreflang="en">Spurs' Son set for military training during virus shutdown: report</a></strong></p>

<p>"Given the great work having been done by our Japanese partners and friends, Tokyo is the best-ever prepared Olympic city. Thanks to the excellent and trustful cooperation we are enjoying, like from the G20 Leaders' Summit, we are confident that these Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be a great success," Bach said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Like you, we are confident that the Olympic Games 2020 will be a symbol of human resilience. They will again show the unity of humanity in all our diversity by bringing together the world's best 11,000 athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As humankind currently finds itself in a dark tunnel, together with our Japanese partners and friends we want to make these Olympic Games a light at the end of this tunnel," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will now open on July 23, 2021, with the closing ceremony scheduled to be held on August 8, 2021. The move to defer the Games by a year has been well received by the athletes and sporting federations who lauded IOC for taking care of athletes’ and everyone linked to the quadrennial event.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The president of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his immense support to the Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed to July 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president of International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his immense support to the Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed to July 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to PM Modi, dated April 1, Bach stated that he was grateful to the Indian Prime Minister for his support to the quadrennial Games during the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit, held via video conference. Bach thanked PM Modi for lauding the IOC for their contribution towards the containment of the COVID-19 virus. ALSO READ: Hit list: What's next in line for possible coronavirus postponement "Please accept my sincere thanks for the support you have given to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, expressed in the Extraordinary G20 Leaders' Summit Statement, commending the International Olympic Committee for contributing to the containment of the COVID-19 virus," Bach wrote in his letter. "I am really grateful for your support for the Olympic Games and their unifying role, which the G20 Leaders' Summit had already expressed at your meeting last year in Osaka." While the IOC was optimistic about conducting the Games as per schedule, the rapidly rising cases of COVID-19 worldwide left the organisers with no choice than to postpone the Games by a year. Letter of appreciation from the President of International Olympic Committee to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for his commitment and contribution in containing COVID-19 and for promoting the cause of Olympics to make it a symbol of human resilience. pic.twitter.com/h724Sdzg9b — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 2, 2020 × ALSO READ: Spurs' Son set for military training during virus shutdown: report "Given the great work having been done by our Japanese partners and friends, Tokyo is the best-ever prepared Olympic city. Thanks to the excellent and trustful cooperation we are enjoying, like from the G20 Leaders' Summit, we are confident that these Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be a great success," Bach said. "Like you, we are confident that the Olympic Games 2020 will be a symbol of human resilience. They will again show the unity of humanity in all our diversity by bringing together the world's best 11,000 athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team." "As humankind currently finds itself in a dark tunnel, together with our Japanese partners and friends we want to make these Olympic Games a light at the end of this tunnel," he added. The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will now open on July 23, 2021, with the closing ceremony scheduled to be held on August 8, 2021. The move to defer the Games by a year has been well received by the athletes and sporting federations who lauded IOC for taking care of athletes’ and everyone linked to the quadrennial event.

IOC president Thomas Bach thanks PM Narendra Modi for supporting postponed Tokyo Olympics

<p>For the reticent Gautam Gambhir, India''s 2011 World Cup triumph was a journey of 20-odd people, not one freeze-frame moment that social media makes it look every year on this very day.</p>

<p>Harbhajan Singh can't fathom why those 11 players never played as a team in a single international game after that.</p>

<p>Ashish Nehra is not a man with too many regrets as he missed the final with a finger fracture but April 2 is a day which better half Rushma ensures that he "better not forget".</p>

<p>They were heroes in one of the most glorious chapters in Indian cricket and they all cherish that even though lives and careers have gone in different directions in the past nine years.</p>

<p>And what about him? Well, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was a recluse then and remains a recluse now, unbelievably guarded, even as the speculation on his future has come to a halt with people, for a change, discussing implications of the COVID-19 more.</p>

<p>Sachin Tendulkar, since then, has retired but is no less revered by one and all who can still watch the 46-year-old pad up even if it''s for five minutes in a charity game.</p>

<p>The man who carried him on his shoulders, Virat Kohli, has taken Tendulkar''s place as world cricket''s premier batsman with a game that brings thousands into the stadium.</p>

<p>Zaheer Khan has settled into a nice post-retirement life with some franchise coaching as well as donning the role of an analyst while S Sreesanth, after all the taint, shame and horror of match-fixing, maybe just hoping to don the Kerala jersey one last time.</p>

<p>"Dhoni hits a six, India wins the World Cup," is among the most famous lines spoken on air by Ravi Shastri, whose commentary otherwise was littered with cliches.</p>

<p>But does that one moment defines India''s entire campaign at the World Cup? Not at least for Gambhir, whose 97 in the final was priceless as he weathered the initial storm after Sehwag and Tendulkar''s dismissal.</p>

<p>"High time media learns that," Gambhir told PTI after his tweet on how the World Cup was won by a team not an individual, went viral on the day.</p>

<p>Nehra, whose life in Goa these days, is far removed from social media remembers the funny side of April 2.</p>

<p>"Even if I forget the World Cup final, I can't forget April 2. It''s my marriage anniversary today. So you think my wife would let me forget the date. We completed 11 years of marriage today and nine years of the World Cup. So 11 plus 9 is 20 and we are in 2020," he starts laughing.</p>

<p>On a serious note, he remembers his performance against Pakistan.</p>

<p>"I got injured but it was a great match. Obviously, you feel bad if you can't play the final but April 2 is the best day of my life, our lives. We didn''t sleep that night.</p>

<p>"I think, in my room, there was Bhajji, Zak, Munna (Munaf) and friends from ICC like Dheeraj (Delhi Capitals CEO Dheeraj Malhotra who was an ICC official at that time). I ordered 40 omelettes for breakfast after we had a ball the whole night," Nehra remembers.</p>

<p>Harbhajan agrees with Gambhir that it was a team effort.</p>

<p>"Zak''s performance against England. We would have lost that match had he not bowled and got a tie for us. Yuvi''s tournament and that knock against Australia. Sachin in the semi-finals.</p>

<p>"Gautam and Mahi in the finals. You look around and you will find significant contributions," Harbhajan recollected.</p>

<p>That was the only day, he says, he got emotional on the field of play.</p>

<p>"I don't think I have ever shed tears on the ground. The day was such. But then when I think back, one thing strikes me.</p>

<p>"You can check the scoreboard but those XI players never played another match together in India colours. Never again and I don't know why? I don''t have an answer," he said.</p>

<p>"Very soon, the preparation for 2015 started but that team couldn't be kept together for two years. We never played together again," he recalled.</p>


For the reticent Gautam Gambhir, India''s 2011 World Cup triumph was a journey of 20-odd people, not one freeze-frame moment that social media makes it look every year on this very day.

For the reticent Gautam Gambhir, India''s 2011 World Cup triumph was a journey of 20-odd people, not one freeze-frame moment that social media makes it look every year on this very day. Harbhajan Singh can't fathom why those 11 players never played as a team in a single international game after that. Ashish Nehra is not a man with too many regrets as he missed the final with a finger fracture but April 2 is a day which better half Rushma ensures that he "better not forget". They were heroes in one of the most glorious chapters in Indian cricket and they all cherish that even though lives and careers have gone in different directions in the past nine years. And what about him? Well, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was a recluse then and remains a recluse now, unbelievably guarded, even as the speculation on his future has come to a halt with people, for a change, discussing implications of the COVID-19 more. Sachin Tendulkar, since then, has retired but is no less revered by one and all who can still watch the 46-year-old pad up even if it''s for five minutes in a charity game. The man who carried him on his shoulders, Virat Kohli, has taken Tendulkar''s place as world cricket''s premier batsman with a game that brings thousands into the stadium. Zaheer Khan has settled into a nice post-retirement life with some franchise coaching as well as donning the role of an analyst while S Sreesanth, after all the taint, shame and horror of match-fixing, maybe just hoping to don the Kerala jersey one last time. "Dhoni hits a six, India wins the World Cup," is among the most famous lines spoken on air by Ravi Shastri, whose commentary otherwise was littered with cliches. But does that one moment defines India''s entire campaign at the World Cup? Not at least for Gambhir, whose 97 in the final was priceless as he weathered the initial storm after Sehwag and Tendulkar''s dismissal. "High time media learns that," Gambhir told PTI after his tweet on how the World Cup was won by a team not an individual, went viral on the day. Nehra, whose life in Goa these days, is far removed from social media remembers the funny side of April 2. "Even if I forget the World Cup final, I can't forget April 2. It''s my marriage anniversary today. So you think my wife would let me forget the date. We completed 11 years of marriage today and nine years of the World Cup. So 11 plus 9 is 20 and we are in 2020," he starts laughing. On a serious note, he remembers his performance against Pakistan. "I got injured but it was a great match. Obviously, you feel bad if you can't play the final but April 2 is the best day of my life, our lives. We didn''t sleep that night. "I think, in my room, there was Bhajji, Zak, Munna (Munaf) and friends from ICC like Dheeraj (Delhi Capitals CEO Dheeraj Malhotra who was an ICC official at that time). I ordered 40 omelettes for breakfast after we had a ball the whole night," Nehra remembers. Harbhajan agrees with Gambhir that it was a team effort. "Zak''s performance against England. We would have lost that match had he not bowled and got a tie for us. Yuvi''s tournament and that knock against Australia. Sachin in the semi-finals. "Gautam and Mahi in the finals. You look around and you will find significant contributions," Harbhajan recollected. That was the only day, he says, he got emotional on the field of play. "I don't think I have ever shed tears on the ground. The day was such. But then when I think back, one thing strikes me. "You can check the scoreboard but those XI players never played another match together in India colours. Never again and I don't know why? I don''t have an answer," he said. "Very soon, the preparation for 2015 started but that team couldn't be kept together for two years. We never played together again," he recalled.

WC 2011: More than a ''6'' for one, XI that never played again for other, marriage anniversary for 3rd

<p>The coronavirus pandemic has decimated the 2020 sporting calendar, with the Tokyo Olympics and football's European Championship the biggest events to be postponed, while Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II.</p>

<p>Here, AFP Sport takes a look at six of the upcoming major competitions which could also be scrapped or delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak:</p>

<h2>Epsom Derby&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Scheduled date: June 6</p>

<p>-- British racing is in shutdown mode until at least the end of April, placing doubt on Newmarket's Guineas weekend on May 2/3, and inevitably also the jewel in the British flat racing crown, the Epsom Derby.</p>

<p>The Blue Riband of the turf has been held every year since Diomed took the inaugural running in 1780. During the two World Wars it was moved to Newmarket.</p>

<p>Around 150,000 people descend on the Epsom Downs to watch Britain's richest race.</p>

<h2>Canadian Grand Prix</h2>

<p>Scheduled date: June 14</p>

<p>-- The earliest the Formula One season can get underway is in Montreal on June 14 after the opening eight races of the campaign were all either postponed or cancelled.</p>

<p>A decision on a potential delay will be made by Easter weekend (April 11-12), according to race organisers.</p>

<p>Formula One and Silverstone chiefs also said they have until the end of April to decide whether to postpone the British Grand Prix, scheduled for July 19.</p>

<p>F1 chairman Chase Carey said last month that he still expects the season to start in the summer with a revised calendar of "15-18 races".</p>

<h2>Royal Ascot&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Scheduled dates: June 16-20</p>

<p>-- British monarch Queen Elizabeth II has only missed attending two Epsom Derbies since her first visit as a princess in 1946. But she has never failed to attend her 'local' meeting since ascending the throne in 1952.</p>

<p>The five day festival draws a 300,000 crowd which consumes 56,000 bottles of champagne and 80,000 cups of tea while out on the track equine aristocrats joust for prize money in excess of £8 million ($10 million).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ascot spokesman Nick Smith told The Daily Mail: "There are no certainties and we are one industry in a world of industries in exactly the same position. You can plan with optimism but no surety."</p>

<p>It has been staged every year since 1911. The 2005 meeting moved to York while the racecourse was closed for renovation.</p>

<h2>US Open&nbsp;(golf)</h2>

<p>Scheduled dates: June 18-21</p>

<p>-- The 120th US Open at Winged Foot is due to be the first men's major of the golf season after the postponements of both the Masters and the PGA Championship.</p>

<p>But American media reports earlier this week said that the tournament in Mamaroneck, New York, was likely to be put back until later in the summer.</p>

<p>The course was closed last week, since when the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States has passed 100,000, over 44,000 of them in New York state.</p>

<h2>Tour de France&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Scheduled dates: June 27-July 19</p>

<p>-- The Tour de France is still scheduled to start in Nice on June 27, despite France having extended its lockdown until April 15.</p>

<p>Sports minister Roxana Maracineanu on Wednesday said that the world's most prestigious cycling race, which usually draws more than 10 million fans to the roadsides, could take place with no spectators.</p>

<p>But she also admitted that all options, including cancellation, are being considered.</p>

<h2>British Open</h2>

<p>Scheduled dates: July&nbsp;16-19</p>

<p>-- British media reported on Friday said that the British Open at Royal St George's could be postponed within days.</p>

<p>Over 200,000 spectators are due to attend the tournament in Sandwich.</p>

<p>A delay could have a knock-on effect on the rest of the golf calendar, with space at a premium after the postponements of the PGA and the Masters.</p>

<p>It is highly unlikely that the 149th Open could be held later than September due to the weather, but a delay until next year would impact plans to hold the 150th edition at St Andrews.</p>


The coronavirus pandemic has decimated the 2020 sporting calendar, with the Tokyo Olympics and football's European Championship the biggest events to be postponed, while Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II.

The coronavirus pandemic has decimated the 2020 sporting calendar, with the Tokyo Olympics and football's European Championship the biggest events to be postponed, while Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II. Here, AFP Sport takes a look at six of the upcoming major competitions which could also be scrapped or delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak: Epsom Derby Scheduled date: June 6 -- British racing is in shutdown mode until at least the end of April, placing doubt on Newmarket's Guineas weekend on May 2/3, and inevitably also the jewel in the British flat racing crown, the Epsom Derby. The Blue Riband of the turf has been held every year since Diomed took the inaugural running in 1780. During the two World Wars it was moved to Newmarket. Around 150,000 people descend on the Epsom Downs to watch Britain's richest race. Canadian Grand Prix Scheduled date: June 14 -- The earliest the Formula One season can get underway is in Montreal on June 14 after the opening eight races of the campaign were all either postponed or cancelled. A decision on a potential delay will be made by Easter weekend (April 11-12), according to race organisers. Formula One and Silverstone chiefs also said they have until the end of April to decide whether to postpone the British Grand Prix, scheduled for July 19. F1 chairman Chase Carey said last month that he still expects the season to start in the summer with a revised calendar of "15-18 races". Royal Ascot Scheduled dates: June 16-20 -- British monarch Queen Elizabeth II has only missed attending two Epsom Derbies since her first visit as a princess in 1946. But she has never failed to attend her 'local' meeting since ascending the throne in 1952. The five day festival draws a 300,000 crowd which consumes 56,000 bottles of champagne and 80,000 cups of tea while out on the track equine aristocrats joust for prize money in excess of £8 million ($10 million). Ascot spokesman Nick Smith told The Daily Mail: "There are no certainties and we are one industry in a world of industries in exactly the same position. You can plan with optimism but no surety." It has been staged every year since 1911. The 2005 meeting moved to York while the racecourse was closed for renovation. US Open (golf) Scheduled dates: June 18-21 -- The 120th US Open at Winged Foot is due to be the first men's major of the golf season after the postponements of both the Masters and the PGA Championship. But American media reports earlier this week said that the tournament in Mamaroneck, New York, was likely to be put back until later in the summer. The course was closed last week, since when the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States has passed 100,000, over 44,000 of them in New York state. Tour de France Scheduled dates: June 27-July 19 -- The Tour de France is still scheduled to start in Nice on June 27, despite France having extended its lockdown until April 15. Sports minister Roxana Maracineanu on Wednesday said that the world's most prestigious cycling race, which usually draws more than 10 million fans to the roadsides, could take place with no spectators. But she also admitted that all options, including cancellation, are being considered. British Open Scheduled dates: July 16-19 -- British media reported on Friday said that the British Open at Royal St George's could be postponed within days. Over 200,000 spectators are due to attend the tournament in Sandwich. A delay could have a knock-on effect on the rest of the golf calendar, with space at a premium after the postponements of the PGA and the Masters. It is highly unlikely that the 149th Open could be held later than September due to the weather, but a delay until next year would impact plans to hold the 150th edition at St Andrews.

Hit list: What's next in line for possible coronavirus postponement

<p>With the sporting calendar shredded into pieces amid COVID-19 pandemic, sportspersons have taken to social media platforms in a bid to keep their fans and followers engaged while spreading awareness about the dreaded virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen was the first cricketer to start live sessions with cricketers as he invited the likes of Rohit Sharma and Ahmed Shehzad for healthy discussions on cricket and life. Pietersen even held a live session with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Next cricketer to join KP’s Instagram live will be none other than Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who will be seen discussing things related to cricket and life on Thursday (April 2) at 7 PM IST.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-eOt31FO2T/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I’m interviewing the guy in the middle today! NOT the global superstar on the right! Raw &amp; REAL! 7pm IST! @virat.kohli </a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kp24/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kevin Pietersen</a> (@kp24) on <time datetime="2020-04-02T08:48:30+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 2, 2020 at 1:48am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Kohli took to social media platform Twitter to announce that he will come live with KP on Instagram as the duo will be seen chatting about what’s happening in the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic and also about their friendship off the field.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/relive-the-timeline-how-team-india-broke-28-year-wait-to-lift-the-icc-world-cup-2011-290074" hreflang="en">Relive the timeline: How Team India broke 28-year wait to lift the ICC World Cup 2011</a></strong></p>

<p>“Tomorrow at 7 PM IST my good friend @KP24 and I are going live on Instagram. Tune in to catch us chatting about what's happening world over at the moment and also about all the years we've known each other,” Kohli tweeted on Wednesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tomorrow at 7 PM IST my good friend <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KP24</a> and I are going live on Instagram. Tune in to catch us chatting about what's happening world over at the moment and also about all the years we've known each other. <a href="https://t.co/19ghv6Bp1B">pic.twitter.com/19ghv6Bp1B</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1245342880912179206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eoin-morgan-ready-to-play-behind-closed-doors-says-sport-can-play-a-huge-role-in-uplifting-the-world-290052" hreflang="en">Eoin Morgan ready to play behind closed doors, says 'sport can play a huge role in uplifting the world'</a></strong></p>

<p>With all the sporting action coming to a screeching halt, Instagram live sessions have come as a relief for fans and cricket lovers with the likes of Rohit Sharma seen chatting with Yuzvendra Chahal and Jasprit Bumrah on the photo-blogging platform.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, there has been no official announcement on Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 with the cash-rich tournament being suspended till April 15, as of now. IPL 2020 was scheduled to start on March 29 but the novel coronavirus outbreak forced the authorities to suspend the tournament for the time being.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With the sporting calendar shredded into pieces amid COVID-19 pandemic, sportspersons have taken to social media platforms in a bid to keep their fans and followers engaged while spreading awareness about the dreaded virus.

With the sporting calendar shredded into pieces amid COVID-19 pandemic, sportspersons have taken to social media platforms in a bid to keep their fans and followers engaged while spreading awareness about the dreaded virus. Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen was the first cricketer to start live sessions with cricketers as he invited the likes of Rohit Sharma and Ahmed Shehzad for healthy discussions on cricket and life. Pietersen even held a live session with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Next cricketer to join KP’s Instagram live will be none other than Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who will be seen discussing things related to cricket and life on Thursday (April 2) at 7 PM IST. View this post on Instagram I’m interviewing the guy in the middle today! NOT the global superstar on the right! Raw & REAL! 7pm IST! @virat.kohli A post shared by Kevin Pietersen (@kp24) on Apr 2, 2020 at 1:48am PDT × Kohli took to social media platform Twitter to announce that he will come live with KP on Instagram as the duo will be seen chatting about what’s happening in the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic and also about their friendship off the field. ALSO READ: Relive the timeline: How Team India broke 28-year wait to lift the ICC World Cup 2011 “Tomorrow at 7 PM IST my good friend @KP24 and I are going live on Instagram. Tune in to catch us chatting about what's happening world over at the moment and also about all the years we've known each other,” Kohli tweeted on Wednesday. Tomorrow at 7 PM IST my good friend @KP24 and I are going live on Instagram. Tune in to catch us chatting about what's happening world over at the moment and also about all the years we've known each other. pic.twitter.com/19ghv6Bp1B — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 1, 2020 × ALSO READ: Eoin Morgan ready to play behind closed doors, says 'sport can play a huge role in uplifting the world' With all the sporting action coming to a screeching halt, Instagram live sessions have come as a relief for fans and cricket lovers with the likes of Rohit Sharma seen chatting with Yuzvendra Chahal and Jasprit Bumrah on the photo-blogging platform. Meanwhile, there has been no official announcement on Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 with the cash-rich tournament being suspended till April 15, as of now. IPL 2020 was scheduled to start on March 29 but the novel coronavirus outbreak forced the authorities to suspend the tournament for the time being.

Virat Kohli to join Kevin Pietersen on Instagram live session

<p>Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker Son Heung-min will report to a marines boot camp later this month to fulfil military service duties, a report said Thursday.</p>

<p>All able-bodied South Korean men are obliged to serve in the military for nearly two years, making up the bulk of Seoul's 600,000-strong forces -- who face off against North Korea's army of 1.3 million.</p>

<p>But Son was spared a career-threatening stint as a conscript when South Korea took gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, earning the team an exemption.</p>

<p>The Spurs star broke down in tears of joy after the 2-1 extra-time win over Japan, which meant he could fulfil his obligations with just three weeks' basic training and around 500 hours of community service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 27-year-old's Premier League season ended even before the coronavirus outbreak spread to Europe when he broke his arm against Aston Villa on February 16, and Spurs said he returned to South Korea for "personal reasons".</p>

<p>Son will report to a marines boot camp on the island of Jeju on April 20 for his basic training, an industry source told the South's Yonhap news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He posted images online Wednesday of himself exercising on what appeared to be a large balcony, skipping and stretching.</p>

<p>The Premier League is postponed until at least April 30 because of the pandemic and is likely to be delayed even longer when the English game's stakeholders meet on Friday.</p>


Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker Son Heung-min will report to a marines boot camp later this month to fulfil military service duties, a report said Thursday.

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker Son Heung-min will report to a marines boot camp later this month to fulfil military service duties, a report said Thursday. All able-bodied South Korean men are obliged to serve in the military for nearly two years, making up the bulk of Seoul's 600,000-strong forces -- who face off against North Korea's army of 1.3 million. But Son was spared a career-threatening stint as a conscript when South Korea took gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, earning the team an exemption. The Spurs star broke down in tears of joy after the 2-1 extra-time win over Japan, which meant he could fulfil his obligations with just three weeks' basic training and around 500 hours of community service. The 27-year-old's Premier League season ended even before the coronavirus outbreak spread to Europe when he broke his arm against Aston Villa on February 16, and Spurs said he returned to South Korea for "personal reasons". Son will report to a marines boot camp on the island of Jeju on April 20 for his basic training, an industry source told the South's Yonhap news agency. He posted images online Wednesday of himself exercising on what appeared to be a large balcony, skipping and stretching. The Premier League is postponed until at least April 30 because of the pandemic and is likely to be delayed even longer when the English game's stakeholders meet on Friday.

Spurs' Son set for military training during virus shutdown: report

Throwback | India's unforgettable campaign in ICC World Cup 2011

<p>The French MotoGP, initially scheduled for May 15-17 in Le Mans, has been postponed because of the "ongoing coronavirus outbreak", organisers announced Thursday.</p>

<p>"As the situation remains in a state of constant evolution, new dates for the French GP and the recently-postponed Gran Premio Red Bull de Espana cannot be confirmed until it becomes clearer when exactly it will be possible to hold the events," the international motorcycling federation said.</p>

<p>A revised calendar will be published as soon as available, it added.</p>

<p>The French MotoGP is the latest sporting casualty of the coronavirus pandemic and follows the cancellation of the elite category season-opening MotoGP in Qatar.</p>

<p>The next three legs of the 2020 calendar in Thailand, Texas and Argentina have also been put on ice, with Dorna, the series promoter, hoping to run them in the second half of a truncated season.</p>

<p>Dorna has already said it will push back the end of the season two weeks to November 29.</p>


The French MotoGP, initially scheduled for May 15-17 in Le Mans, has been postponed because of the "ongoing coronavirus outbreak", organisers announced Thursday.

The French MotoGP, initially scheduled for May 15-17 in Le Mans, has been postponed because of the "ongoing coronavirus outbreak", organisers announced Thursday. "As the situation remains in a state of constant evolution, new dates for the French GP and the recently-postponed Gran Premio Red Bull de Espana cannot be confirmed until it becomes clearer when exactly it will be possible to hold the events," the international motorcycling federation said. A revised calendar will be published as soon as available, it added. The French MotoGP is the latest sporting casualty of the coronavirus pandemic and follows the cancellation of the elite category season-opening MotoGP in Qatar. The next three legs of the 2020 calendar in Thailand, Texas and Argentina have also been put on ice, with Dorna, the series promoter, hoping to run them in the second half of a truncated season. Dorna has already said it will push back the end of the season two weeks to November 29.

French MotoGP postponed over coronavirus

<p>Mixed martial arts star Khabib Nurmagomedov said Wednesday he would not take part in a UFC card scheduled for April 18, saying he was not prepared to travel amid the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>Lightweight champion Nurmagomedov was due to have headlined the UFC 249 event in a bout against Tony Ferguson but said in a post on Instagram he was not willing to leave Russia for the fight.</p>

<p>"I understand everything and I'm definitely upset more than you to cancel the fight, probably like all others, I had many plans after the fight, but I can't control it all," Nurmagomedov wrote.</p>

<p>The Ultimate Fighting Championship has already postponed three events after officials were unable to find venues to stage bouts amid restrictions put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>The UFC had still not disclosed a venue for the Khabib-Ferguson fight, but president Dana White has spoken of his determination to organise the card.</p>

<p>Reports have said the fights were expected to go ahead without fans.</p>

<p>White said in an interview last week he wanted the fight to go ahead to try and restore "some normalcy" to US sport, which has been locked down since the coronavirus pandemic erupted.</p>

<p>"I'm gonna try to pull off Tony vs. Khabib on April 18 and try to get some normalcy back into this country," White said.</p>

<p>"I have four or five locations right now. We're getting this deal done."</p>


Mixed martial arts star Khabib Nurmagomedov said Wednesday he would not take part in a UFC card scheduled for April 18, saying he was not prepared to travel amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Mixed martial arts star Khabib Nurmagomedov said Wednesday he would not take part in a UFC card scheduled for April 18, saying he was not prepared to travel amid the coronavirus pandemic. Lightweight champion Nurmagomedov was due to have headlined the UFC 249 event in a bout against Tony Ferguson but said in a post on Instagram he was not willing to leave Russia for the fight. "I understand everything and I'm definitely upset more than you to cancel the fight, probably like all others, I had many plans after the fight, but I can't control it all," Nurmagomedov wrote. The Ultimate Fighting Championship has already postponed three events after officials were unable to find venues to stage bouts amid restrictions put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The UFC had still not disclosed a venue for the Khabib-Ferguson fight, but president Dana White has spoken of his determination to organise the card. Reports have said the fights were expected to go ahead without fans. White said in an interview last week he wanted the fight to go ahead to try and restore "some normalcy" to US sport, which has been locked down since the coronavirus pandemic erupted. "I'm gonna try to pull off Tony vs. Khabib on April 18 and try to get some normalcy back into this country," White said. "I have four or five locations right now. We're getting this deal done."

Khabib Nurmagomedov won't fight in UFC 249 amid COVID-19 pandemic

<p>A whopping 9.02 million fans in India watched the 'Women in Blue' take on Australia in the ICC World T20 final, breaking all viewership records across TV as well as digital platforms.</p>

<p>India, though, were thrashed by the Southern Stars at the historic MCG where 86,174 people were present for the summit clash.<br />
The ICC released a viewership data on Thursday which showed that Harmanpreet Kaur's team struck a chord with the fans, leading to a staggering 5.4 billion total viewing minutes for the tournament across India.</p>

<p>Total viewing minutes is arrived at after a calculation based on how many people watched any particular match for how much duration.</p>

<p>ICC's digital channels went overdrive during the February 21 to March 8 event in Australia, with an astonishing 1.1 billion total video views, making it the most watched event in the history of women's cricket. In fact, it was the most watched cricket event after the 2019 Men's World Cup.</p>

<p>The figure was more than 20 times the video views delivered in the previous edition played in the West Indies in 2018 and 10 times the previous most successful women's cricket event, which was the ICC World Cup in 2017.</p>

<p>As India made the final of the event for the first time, fans watched 1.78 billion minutes of live match action on TV of that game alone. The figure is 59 times more than the final of the previous edition in 2018 between Australia and England, and comprised 35 per cent of the overall viewership for the tournament.</p>

<p>The digital streaming figures too were impressive in India, peaking at 3.1 million for concurrent users of Hotstar during the final.</p>

<p>In Australia, the average audience for the final was 1.2 million, making it the most watched women's cricket match and the sixth-most watched cricket game ever on subscription television in Australian broadcast history.</p>

<p>ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney said: "These quite outstanding broadcast and digital numbers demonstrate the power of women's cricket to aggregate a huge global audience and engage fans.</p>

<p>"This undoubtedly consolidates our position as one of the leading women's sports in the world and we want to build on the momentum from this event and create a long-term sustainable foundation for the game."</p>

<p>"We have built on the record-breaking success of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 and continued our focus on deepening engagement with existing fans and bringing new fans to the game with relevant, engaging content that goes beyond match highlights."</p>


A whopping 9.02 million fans in India watched the 'Women in Blue' take on Australia in the ICC World T20 final, breaking all viewership records across TV as well as digital platforms.

A whopping 9.02 million fans in India watched the 'Women in Blue' take on Australia in the ICC World T20 final, breaking all viewership records across TV as well as digital platforms. India, though, were thrashed by the Southern Stars at the historic MCG where 86,174 people were present for the summit clash. The ICC released a viewership data on Thursday which showed that Harmanpreet Kaur's team struck a chord with the fans, leading to a staggering 5.4 billion total viewing minutes for the tournament across India. Total viewing minutes is arrived at after a calculation based on how many people watched any particular match for how much duration. ICC's digital channels went overdrive during the February 21 to March 8 event in Australia, with an astonishing 1.1 billion total video views, making it the most watched event in the history of women's cricket. In fact, it was the most watched cricket event after the 2019 Men's World Cup. The figure was more than 20 times the video views delivered in the previous edition played in the West Indies in 2018 and 10 times the previous most successful women's cricket event, which was the ICC World Cup in 2017. As India made the final of the event for the first time, fans watched 1.78 billion minutes of live match action on TV of that game alone. The figure is 59 times more than the final of the previous edition in 2018 between Australia and England, and comprised 35 per cent of the overall viewership for the tournament. The digital streaming figures too were impressive in India, peaking at 3.1 million for concurrent users of Hotstar during the final. In Australia, the average audience for the final was 1.2 million, making it the most watched women's cricket match and the sixth-most watched cricket game ever on subscription television in Australian broadcast history. ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney said: "These quite outstanding broadcast and digital numbers demonstrate the power of women's cricket to aggregate a huge global audience and engage fans. "This undoubtedly consolidates our position as one of the leading women's sports in the world and we want to build on the momentum from this event and create a long-term sustainable foundation for the game." "We have built on the record-breaking success of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 and continued our focus on deepening engagement with existing fans and bringing new fans to the game with relevant, engaging content that goes beyond match highlights."

ICC Women's World T20: 9 million in India watched final, 5.4 billion 'viewing minutes'

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