<p>The social media erupted on Tuesday when former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh and veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh posted messages on Twitter to show their support to former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s foundation named – Shahid Afridi Foundation – who are working to support and help the needy in Pakistan amid COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>Netizens were furious to see Yuvraj and Harbhajan supporting Pakistan as they blew the entire incident out of proportion. The hashtag #ShameOnYuvi started trending on Twitter on Tuesday evening which has prompted the World Cup winner to come out and issue a fresh statement surrounding the row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I really don't understand how a msg to help the most vulnerable gets blown out of proportion! All I tried to achieve via that msg was to help ppl in our respective countries by providing healthcare, my intention as not to hurt anyone's feelings. I am Indian and I will always bleed blue and will always stand for humanity. Jai Hind,” Yuvraj tweeted on Wednesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/franchises-turn-to-whatsapp-groups-to-answer-player-queries-as-fate-of-ipl-2020-hangs-in-balance-289869" hreflang="en">Franchises turn to WhatsApp groups to answer player queries as fate of IPL 2020 hangs in balance</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/7h0t9009Gz">pic.twitter.com/7h0t9009Gz</a></p>
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1245295251385958400?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/didnt-have-that-kind-of-support-from-mahi-and-virat-yuvraj-singh-praises-ganguly-289817" hreflang="en">'Didn’t have that kind of support from Mahi and Virat': Yuvraj Singh praises Ganguly</a></strong></p>

<p>While Yuvraj did ask everyone to show their support for the good work Afridi has been doing in Pakistan, the message was blown out of proportion by the social media users. Yuvraj further informed everyone, in the video message he had posted on Twitter, that his foundation ‘YouWeCan’ has collected around Rs 1.5 crore and will be supporting the needy in these testing times.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">These are testing times, it’s time to lookout for each other specially the ones who are lesser fortunate. Lets do our bit, I am supporting <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SAfridiOfficial</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/SAFoundationN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SAFoundationN</a> in this noble initiative of covid19. Pls donate on <a href="https://t.co/yHtpolQbMx">https://t.co/yHtpolQbMx</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHome</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harbhajan_singh</a> <a href="https://t.co/HfKPABZ6Wh">pic.twitter.com/HfKPABZ6Wh</a></p>
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) <a href="https://twitter.com/YUVSTRONG12/status/1244873490303340544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The southpaw was last seen playing in the Road Safety World Series where he came out of retirement to play for India Legends to spread awareness relating to road safety. Yuvraj has been one of the sportspersons always available in tough times. He has not only supported cancer survivors through his foundation, the former India all-rounder is one of the first ones to come forward to help during tough times.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The social media erupted on Tuesday when former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh and veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh posted messages on Twitter to show their support to former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s foundation named – Shahid Afridi Foundation – who are working to support and help the needy in Pakistan amid COVID-19 pandemic.

The social media erupted on Tuesday when former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh and veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh posted messages on Twitter to show their support to former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi’s foundation named – Shahid Afridi Foundation – who are working to support and help the needy in Pakistan amid COVID-19 pandemic. Netizens were furious to see Yuvraj and Harbhajan supporting Pakistan as they blew the entire incident out of proportion. The hashtag #ShameOnYuvi started trending on Twitter on Tuesday evening which has prompted the World Cup winner to come out and issue a fresh statement surrounding the row. “I really don't understand how a msg to help the most vulnerable gets blown out of proportion! All I tried to achieve via that msg was to help ppl in our respective countries by providing healthcare, my intention as not to hurt anyone's feelings. I am Indian and I will always bleed blue and will always stand for humanity. Jai Hind,” Yuvraj tweeted on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Franchises turn to WhatsApp groups to answer player queries as fate of IPL 2020 hangs in balance pic.twitter.com/7h0t9009Gz — yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 1, 2020 × ALSO READ: 'Didn’t have that kind of support from Mahi and Virat': Yuvraj Singh praises Ganguly While Yuvraj did ask everyone to show their support for the good work Afridi has been doing in Pakistan, the message was blown out of proportion by the social media users. Yuvraj further informed everyone, in the video message he had posted on Twitter, that his foundation ‘YouWeCan’ has collected around Rs 1.5 crore and will be supporting the needy in these testing times. These are testing times, it’s time to lookout for each other specially the ones who are lesser fortunate. Lets do our bit, I am supporting @SAfridiOfficial & @SAFoundationN in this noble initiative of covid19. Pls donate on https://t.co/yHtpolQbMx #StayHome @harbhajan_singh pic.twitter.com/HfKPABZ6Wh — yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) March 31, 2020 × The southpaw was last seen playing in the Road Safety World Series where he came out of retirement to play for India Legends to spread awareness relating to road safety. Yuvraj has been one of the sportspersons always available in tough times. He has not only supported cancer survivors through his foundation, the former India all-rounder is one of the first ones to come forward to help during tough times.

'The message was blown out of proportion' - Yuvraj Singh issues fresh statement after the criticism over 'help Pakistan' appeal

<p>Wimbledon looks certain to be scrapped for the first time since World War II by tournament chiefs on Wednesday as the coronavirus wreaks further havoc on the global sporting calendar.</p>

<p>The cancellation of the only grasscourt Grand Slam tournament at the All England Club would leave the tennis season in disarray after the French Open was controversially moved and all events cancelled until June 7.</p>

<p>Wimbledon, in leafy southwest London, is due to run for two weeks from June 29, with Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep set to defend their singles titles.</p>

<p>A decision to scrap the tournament is widely expected, with the world struggling to contain the spread of COVID-19, which has infected more than 840,000 people worldwide and killed over 40,000.</p>

<p>Lead-up tournaments in the short grasscourt season are also likely to be scrapped following talks on Tuesday, understood to have involved Wimbledon chiefs and the game's governing bodies.</p>

<p>Organisers had earlier ruled out playing the Grand Slam behind closed doors and postponing the event would also create its own problems.</p>

<p>Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker on Tuesday pleaded for tournament chiefs to wait longer before making a decision.</p>

<p>"I really hope Wimbledon will wait until the end of April for decision!" he tweeted. "The tourney is first week of July... patience is a virtue."</p>

<p>But former women's world number one Amelie Mauresmo, the 2006 Wimbledon champion, said the 2020 season would probably need to be scrapped.</p>

<p>"I think that we are going to have to draw a line under the 2020 tennis season," she tweeted.</p>

<p>The cancellation of Wimbledon could mean multiple champions Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Venus Williams have played at the All England Club for the final time.</p>

<p>Federer and Serena will be nearly 40 by the time of the 2021 championships and Venus will be 41.</p>

<p>Serena, beaten in last year's final by Halep, is stuck on 23 Grand Slam singles titles -- agonisingly one away from equalling Margaret Court's record.</p>

<p>The conditions required to play on grass in England mean a postponement is impractical and a date later in the summer or early autumn would mean much shorter evenings.</p>

<p>"Each week that passes, you get less and less light to play the tournament," doubles specialist Jamie Murray told the BBC.</p>

<p>American giant John Isner, who won the longest-ever tennis match over three days at Wimbledon in 2010, said the scrapping of the tournament would be a "tough pill to swallow".</p>

<p>"We may have to come to grips with the fact that we may not be playing Wimbledon this year," he told ESPN on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"Wimbledon sort of has to be played this (same) time of year," Isner said.</p>

<p>"With that surface, the event, it seems, has to be played this time and there's a good chance it won't be."</p>

<p>The French Tennis Federation provoked widespread anger with its unilateral decision to move the French Open from its original May 24 start date to begin on September 20.</p>

<p>That puts the start only one week after the planned date of the US Open men's final.</p>


Wimbledon looks certain to be scrapped for the first time since World War II by tournament chiefs on Wednesday as the coronavirus wreaks further havoc on the global sporting calendar.

Wimbledon looks certain to be scrapped for the first time since World War II by tournament chiefs on Wednesday as the coronavirus wreaks further havoc on the global sporting calendar. The cancellation of the only grasscourt Grand Slam tournament at the All England Club would leave the tennis season in disarray after the French Open was controversially moved and all events cancelled until June 7. Wimbledon, in leafy southwest London, is due to run for two weeks from June 29, with Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep set to defend their singles titles. A decision to scrap the tournament is widely expected, with the world struggling to contain the spread of COVID-19, which has infected more than 840,000 people worldwide and killed over 40,000. Lead-up tournaments in the short grasscourt season are also likely to be scrapped following talks on Tuesday, understood to have involved Wimbledon chiefs and the game's governing bodies. Organisers had earlier ruled out playing the Grand Slam behind closed doors and postponing the event would also create its own problems. Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker on Tuesday pleaded for tournament chiefs to wait longer before making a decision. "I really hope Wimbledon will wait until the end of April for decision!" he tweeted. "The tourney is first week of July... patience is a virtue." But former women's world number one Amelie Mauresmo, the 2006 Wimbledon champion, said the 2020 season would probably need to be scrapped. "I think that we are going to have to draw a line under the 2020 tennis season," she tweeted. The cancellation of Wimbledon could mean multiple champions Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Venus Williams have played at the All England Club for the final time. Federer and Serena will be nearly 40 by the time of the 2021 championships and Venus will be 41. Serena, beaten in last year's final by Halep, is stuck on 23 Grand Slam singles titles -- agonisingly one away from equalling Margaret Court's record. The conditions required to play on grass in England mean a postponement is impractical and a date later in the summer or early autumn would mean much shorter evenings. "Each week that passes, you get less and less light to play the tournament," doubles specialist Jamie Murray told the BBC. American giant John Isner, who won the longest-ever tennis match over three days at Wimbledon in 2010, said the scrapping of the tournament would be a "tough pill to swallow". "We may have to come to grips with the fact that we may not be playing Wimbledon this year," he told ESPN on Tuesday. "Wimbledon sort of has to be played this (same) time of year," Isner said. "With that surface, the event, it seems, has to be played this time and there's a good chance it won't be." The French Tennis Federation provoked widespread anger with its unilateral decision to move the French Open from its original May 24 start date to begin on September 20. That puts the start only one week after the planned date of the US Open men's final.

Wimbledon set to be cancelled for first time since WWII

<p class="MsoNormal">With the COVID-19 pandemic leaving the entire sporting calendar shattered, the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hangs in balance. While some of the players are training indoors while preparing for the cash-rich tournament, there’s a sense of uncertainty on whether IPL 2020 will be played or not. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The BCCI had postponed the IPL 2020 till April 15 after it was earlier scheduled to start on March 29. The decision to postpone the tournament came after COVID-19 outbreak in the country following which the Indian government had put restriction on international and domestic flights. Eventually, there was a 21-day lockdown in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">To answer the queries of players regarding IPL 2020 amid the lockdown, the official of one of the franchises have said that they have created a WhatsApp group where the players and officials can discuss things related to the tournament.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rajasthan-royals-ready-to-play-shortened-ipl-2020-with-indian-players-only-ceo-ranjit-barthakur-289851" hreflang="en">Rajasthan Royals ready to play shortened IPL 2020 with Indian players only: CEO Ranjit Barthakur</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“See, you do realise that for players, it is all about going out onto the field and performing. Critics can talk about the money factor and stuff, but it is very difficult for cricketers to be sitting at home and not being sure when they will be back on the ground and if at all the IPL will happen this year. Numerous theories in the media have also not helped. So, it was decided to create a WhatsApp group so that their queries can be answered without any confusion,” the official said as per a report.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/didnt-have-that-kind-of-support-from-mahi-and-virat-yuvraj-singh-praises-ganguly-289817" hreflang="en">'Didn’t have that kind of support from Mahi and Virat': Yuvraj Singh praises Ganguly</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Rather than listening to people on the outside and getting half-baked information, it is always better that they get the real picture. Till recently we had the youngsters checking if reports that the IPL will not happen this year are true or not. So, it is best if you have a group where you have the management, the coaching staff as well as the players all under one roof,” the official added.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The WhatsApp group has been created to keep players away from rumours and speculations on social media. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


With the COVID-19 pandemic leaving the entire sporting calendar shattered, the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hangs in balance. While some of the players are training indoors while preparing for the cash-rich tournament, there’s a sense of uncertainty on whether IPL 2020 will be played or not.

With the COVID-19 pandemic leaving the entire sporting calendar shattered, the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 hangs in balance. While some of the players are training indoors while preparing for the cash-rich tournament, there’s a sense of uncertainty on whether IPL 2020 will be played or not. The BCCI had postponed the IPL 2020 till April 15 after it was earlier scheduled to start on March 29. The decision to postpone the tournament came after COVID-19 outbreak in the country following which the Indian government had put restriction on international and domestic flights. Eventually, there was a 21-day lockdown in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. To answer the queries of players regarding IPL 2020 amid the lockdown, the official of one of the franchises have said that they have created a WhatsApp group where the players and officials can discuss things related to the tournament. ALSO READ: Rajasthan Royals ready to play shortened IPL 2020 with Indian players only: CEO Ranjit Barthakur “See, you do realise that for players, it is all about going out onto the field and performing. Critics can talk about the money factor and stuff, but it is very difficult for cricketers to be sitting at home and not being sure when they will be back on the ground and if at all the IPL will happen this year. Numerous theories in the media have also not helped. So, it was decided to create a WhatsApp group so that their queries can be answered without any confusion,” the official said as per a report. ALSO READ: 'Didn’t have that kind of support from Mahi and Virat': Yuvraj Singh praises Ganguly “Rather than listening to people on the outside and getting half-baked information, it is always better that they get the real picture. Till recently we had the youngsters checking if reports that the IPL will not happen this year are true or not. So, it is best if you have a group where you have the management, the coaching staff as well as the players all under one roof,” the official added. The WhatsApp group has been created to keep players away from rumours and speculations on social media.

Franchises turn to WhatsApp groups to answer player queries as fate of IPL 2020 hangs in balance

<p>The New York stadium complex that hosts the iconic US Open tennis tournament every year is set to be converted into a makeshift hospital as the city of New York like the entire US continues to fight against COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens will be used as an overflow hospital space in a bid to bolster efforts to treat patients amid coronavirus pandemic. The move to convert the New York stadium complex into a hospital comes after the request from the New York City Office of Emergency Management, said Chris Widmaier, US Tennis Association spokesman.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/villas-grealish-apologises-fined-for-breaking-isolation-rules-289842" hreflang="en">Villa's Grealish apologises, fined for breaking isolation rules</a></strong></p>

<p>The Mayor of New York – Bill de Blasio – said that the overflow hospital space will have 350 beds and will admit patients tested positive for COVID-19 but do not require ICU care, starting next week. The conversion will come as a massive relief for all the hospital in New York, which has been the epicenter of COVID-19 outbreak.</p>

<p>“I think the time horizon that’s of deepest concern to New York City is April-May, and thereafter we pray that we start to come out of this, but it won’t be instant,” de Blasio told reporters at the tennis center. “August may be a very, very much better time or we may still be fighting some of these battles. We don’t know yet. By late summer, we may get some good news.”</p>

<p>The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is one of the largest tennis facilities in the world while being home to Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium and several other smaller tennis courts.</p>

<p><img alt="The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0888c5c5-9ba6-4507-acac-1b0cc443a23e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1QA921.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ex-olympique-marseille-president-pape-diouf-dies-of-coronavirus-289841" hreflang="en">Ex-Olympique Marseille president Pape Diouf dies of coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>However, there has been no official word on the US Open, scheduled to start in late August as the tournament is still on amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>The US death toll rose from 3,008 at 8:30pm EST on Monday to 3,873 at 8.30pm EST on Tuesday. And in New York, at least 1,218 people have died from COVID-19, as of Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the death toll in the US rose, President Trump said the nation should be well prepared for a painful couple of weeks.</p>

<p>"This is going to be a very painful, a very, very painful two weeks," Trump said at the White House, adding," "I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead."</p>

<p>"It's absolutely critical for the American people to follow the guidelines for the next 30 days. It's a matter of life and death," the US president added.</p>


The New York stadium complex that hosts the iconic US Open tennis tournament every year is set to be converted into a makeshift hospital as the city of New York like the entire US continues to fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

The New York stadium complex that hosts the iconic US Open tennis tournament every year is set to be converted into a makeshift hospital as the city of New York like the entire US continues to fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens will be used as an overflow hospital space in a bid to bolster efforts to treat patients amid coronavirus pandemic. The move to convert the New York stadium complex into a hospital comes after the request from the New York City Office of Emergency Management, said Chris Widmaier, US Tennis Association spokesman. ALSO READ: Villa's Grealish apologises, fined for breaking isolation rules The Mayor of New York – Bill de Blasio – said that the overflow hospital space will have 350 beds and will admit patients tested positive for COVID-19 but do not require ICU care, starting next week. The conversion will come as a massive relief for all the hospital in New York, which has been the epicenter of COVID-19 outbreak. “I think the time horizon that’s of deepest concern to New York City is April-May, and thereafter we pray that we start to come out of this, but it won’t be instant,” de Blasio told reporters at the tennis center. “August may be a very, very much better time or we may still be fighting some of these battles. We don’t know yet. By late summer, we may get some good news.” The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is one of the largest tennis facilities in the world while being home to Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium and several other smaller tennis courts. ALSO READ: Ex-Olympique Marseille president Pape Diouf dies of coronavirus However, there has been no official word on the US Open, scheduled to start in late August as the tournament is still on amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. The US death toll rose from 3,008 at 8:30pm EST on Monday to 3,873 at 8.30pm EST on Tuesday. And in New York, at least 1,218 people have died from COVID-19, as of Monday. As the death toll in the US rose, President Trump said the nation should be well prepared for a painful couple of weeks. "This is going to be a very painful, a very, very painful two weeks," Trump said at the White House, adding," "I want every American to be prepared for the hard days that lie ahead." "It's absolutely critical for the American people to follow the guidelines for the next 30 days. It's a matter of life and death," the US president added.

New York City to convert US Open tennis courts into makeshift hospital for COVID-19 patients

<p>With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading like a wildfire, the fate of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has been left hanging in balance. While the BCCI did postpone the cash-rich tournament till April 15, there has been no confirmation on whether IPL 2020 will take place after it as India continues to remain in a 21-day lockdown period to combat the deadly virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajasthan Royals CEO Ranjit Barthakur on Wednesday revealed that any final call on IPL 2020 is unlikely to be taken before April 15 while adding that they are open to the idea of a shortened league with only Indian players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are open to a shortened tournament with only Indian players, at the end of the day it is the Indian Premier League," Barthakur told PTI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tried-my-best-in-this-ipl-ahmed-shehzad-goofs-up-in-furious-live-chat-with-kevin-pieterson-289828" hreflang="en">'Tried my best in this IPL', Ahmed Shehzad goofs up in furious live chat with Kevin Pietersen</a></strong></p>

<p>Given the number of positive cases of coronavirus are rapidly rising, IPL 2020 seems unlikely to go ahead unless the BCCI compromises on a few bilateral series later in 2020, freeing up window for the event.</p>

<p>"These are extraordinary times and the BCCI will do the best it can when things improve," the RR executive said.</p>

<p>"Earlier we could not think of an Indians-only IPL but now there is enough quality to choose from. It is better to have an Indians-only IPL than not at all.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/didnt-have-that-kind-of-support-from-mahi-and-virat-yuvraj-singh-praises-ganguly-289817" hreflang="en">'Didn’t have that kind of support from Mahi and Virat': Yuvraj Singh praises Ganguly</a></strong></p>

<p>"When can we have it? That BCCI decides. And I think that call be taken only post 15th April," Barthakur added.</p>

<p>Earlier, RR's majority owner Manoj Badale had admitted that the IPL "pales into insignificance in terms of things we should be really be thinking about right now".</p>

<p>With no final call likely before April 15, the waiting game surrounding the fate of IPL 2020 continues.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading like a wildfire, the fate of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has been left hanging in balance. While the BCCI did postpone the cash-rich tournament till April 15, there has been no confirmation on whether IPL 2020 will take place after it as India continues to remain in a 21-day lockdown period to combat the deadly virus.

With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading like a wildfire, the fate of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has been left hanging in balance. While the BCCI did postpone the cash-rich tournament till April 15, there has been no confirmation on whether IPL 2020 will take place after it as India continues to remain in a 21-day lockdown period to combat the deadly virus. Rajasthan Royals CEO Ranjit Barthakur on Wednesday revealed that any final call on IPL 2020 is unlikely to be taken before April 15 while adding that they are open to the idea of a shortened league with only Indian players. "We are open to a shortened tournament with only Indian players, at the end of the day it is the Indian Premier League," Barthakur told PTI. ALSO READ: 'Tried my best in this IPL', Ahmed Shehzad goofs up in furious live chat with Kevin Pietersen Given the number of positive cases of coronavirus are rapidly rising, IPL 2020 seems unlikely to go ahead unless the BCCI compromises on a few bilateral series later in 2020, freeing up window for the event. "These are extraordinary times and the BCCI will do the best it can when things improve," the RR executive said. "Earlier we could not think of an Indians-only IPL but now there is enough quality to choose from. It is better to have an Indians-only IPL than not at all. ALSO READ: 'Didn’t have that kind of support from Mahi and Virat': Yuvraj Singh praises Ganguly "When can we have it? That BCCI decides. And I think that call be taken only post 15th April," Barthakur added. Earlier, RR's majority owner Manoj Badale had admitted that the IPL "pales into insignificance in terms of things we should be really be thinking about right now". With no final call likely before April 15, the waiting game surrounding the fate of IPL 2020 continues.

Rajasthan Royals ready to play shortened IPL 2020 with Indian players only: CEO Ranjit Barthakur

<p>With the number of positive cases for COVID-19 rapidly rising in India, there have been massive question marks on the fate of much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was scheduled to start on March 29 before being suspended until April 15 in the wake of novel coronavirus outbreak in the country. While the chances of conducting IPL 2020 seems low, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is trying its best to find a possible solution to hold the cash-rich tournament.</p>

<p>The BCCI is trying to free up the August-September window in the year 2020 in a bid to hold IPL 2020 given the situation surrounding the deadly COVID-19 improves in coming months. As per the original schedule, the Asia Cup will be played in September.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-contribution-is-much-bigger-says-joginder-sharma-as-he-polices-virus-curfew-289559" hreflang="en">'This contribution is much bigger', says Joginder Sharma as he polices virus curfew</a></strong></p>

<p>India will host England for three ODIs and as many T20Is. As a final preparatory measure for the ICC T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October, India will also play three T20Is against the Aaron Finch-led outfits with the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe set to be rescheduled.</p>

<p>Whereas England will host Pakistan with the series ending on September 2 before playing Ireland which will end on September 15. South Africa’s tour of the Windies will end on August 16.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-donates-rs-51-crore-to-pms-cares-fund-to-combat-covid-19-pandemic-289475" hreflang="en">BCCI donates Rs 51 crore to PM's CARES Fund to combat COVID-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>

<p>Hence, the BCCI is looking at all the possibilities while drawing Plan B, C and D for IPL 2020. There’s a possibility of having a truncated season with only domestic players.</p>

<p>“We are closely monitoring the situation, and we will take a call accordingly. We are looking at a window in August-September,” said a BCCI official who didn’t wish to be named.</p>

<p>As per the broadcasters’ perspective, they would lose a lot more if the IPL is cancelled for the Asia Cup.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With the number of positive cases for COVID-19 rapidly rising in India, there have been massive question marks on the fate of much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was scheduled to start on March 29 before being suspended until April 15 in the wake of novel coronavirus outbreak in the country.

With the number of positive cases for COVID-19 rapidly rising in India, there have been massive question marks on the fate of much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was scheduled to start on March 29 before being suspended until April 15 in the wake of novel coronavirus outbreak in the country. While the chances of conducting IPL 2020 seems low, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is trying its best to find a possible solution to hold the cash-rich tournament. The BCCI is trying to free up the August-September window in the year 2020 in a bid to hold IPL 2020 given the situation surrounding the deadly COVID-19 improves in coming months. As per the original schedule, the Asia Cup will be played in September. ALSO READ: 'This contribution is much bigger', says Joginder Sharma as he polices virus curfew India will host England for three ODIs and as many T20Is. As a final preparatory measure for the ICC T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October, India will also play three T20Is against the Aaron Finch-led outfits with the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe set to be rescheduled. Whereas England will host Pakistan with the series ending on September 2 before playing Ireland which will end on September 15. South Africa’s tour of the Windies will end on August 16. ALSO READ: BCCI donates Rs 51 crore to PM's CARES Fund to combat COVID-19 pandemic Hence, the BCCI is looking at all the possibilities while drawing Plan B, C and D for IPL 2020. There’s a possibility of having a truncated season with only domestic players. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and we will take a call accordingly. We are looking at a window in August-September,” said a BCCI official who didn’t wish to be named. As per the broadcasters’ perspective, they would lose a lot more if the IPL is cancelled for the Asia Cup.

Asia Cup 2020 to be postponed? BCCI looking to free August-September window for IPL 2020

<p>Custodian of cricket laws, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has decided to provide parking and storage spaces available at the iconic Lord's cricket ground to the National Health Services (NHS) staff battling the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>The coronavirus outbreak has infected over 7,00,000 people and caused more that 35,000 deaths worldwide.</p>

<p>In the UK, close to 23,000 people, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Charles, have been infected and over 1,400 deaths reported.</p>

<p>"The close proximity of a number of hospitals to Lord's gives the Club the opportunity to assist medical staff so they can concentrate on their ongoing battle against the virus," the MCC said in media release.</p>

<p>The club has provided 75 car parking spaces for NHS staff at the nearby Wellington Hospital, University College Hospital, and the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth.<br />
"MCC has currently provided 75 parking space at Lord's for staff at Wellington Hospital, University College Hospital, and the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth" it added.</p>

<p>In addition, the custodians of cricket laws are also providing food to a city-based charity.</p>

<p>"MCC has provided food to City Harvest London, who help put fresh surplus food to good use in a sustainable way, redistributing to organisations that feed the hungry," the statement said.</p>

<p>"We are continuing to work closely with our local community, hospitals and organisations to offer support as best we can during this period."</p>


Custodian of cricket laws, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has decided to provide parking and storage spaces available at the iconic Lord's cricket ground to the National Health Services (NHS) staff battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Custodian of cricket laws, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has decided to provide parking and storage spaces available at the iconic Lord's cricket ground to the National Health Services (NHS) staff battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus outbreak has infected over 7,00,000 people and caused more that 35,000 deaths worldwide. In the UK, close to 23,000 people, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Charles, have been infected and over 1,400 deaths reported. "The close proximity of a number of hospitals to Lord's gives the Club the opportunity to assist medical staff so they can concentrate on their ongoing battle against the virus," the MCC said in media release. The club has provided 75 car parking spaces for NHS staff at the nearby Wellington Hospital, University College Hospital, and the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth. "MCC has currently provided 75 parking space at Lord's for staff at Wellington Hospital, University College Hospital, and the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth" it added. In addition, the custodians of cricket laws are also providing food to a city-based charity. "MCC has provided food to City Harvest London, who help put fresh surplus food to good use in a sustainable way, redistributing to organisations that feed the hungry," the statement said. "We are continuing to work closely with our local community, hospitals and organisations to offer support as best we can during this period."

Lord's opens facilities for NHS staff battling COVID-19 pandemic

<p>FIFA says it has a "duty" to use its vast financial reserves to assist a football industry ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic wiping out games and creating unexpected economic hardship in the world's biggest sport.</p>

<p>The spread of COVID-19 has impacted the wealthiest clubs, with Barcelona and Juventus players taking wage cuts; those in smaller countries, with Slovakian champion Zilina entering bankruptcy; and national football federations, with Uruguay furloughing hundreds of staff.</p>

<p>Having amassed reserves it last reported at $2.745 billion, FIFA has the resources to give much-needed financial help to the game at many levels. Now the organization has provided more details around the need agreed two weeks ago by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his vice presidents to explore a 'support fund'&nbsp;for the sport.</p>

<p>"FIFA is in a strong financial situation and it's our duty to do the utmost to help them in their hour of need," world football's governing body said in a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"FIFA is working on possibilities to provide assistance to the football community around the world after making a comprehensive assessment of the financial impact this pandemic will have on football."</p>

<p>FIFA is exploring the mechanism to provide the financial lifeline to the football industry with the six regional confederations and member associations to ensure there is an announcement 'in the near future.'</p>

<p>The football community around the world is experiencing, to a greater or lesser extent, serious financial problems on account of the coronavirus outbreak,"&nbsp;FIFA said.</p>

<p>"This threatens to disrupt and impair the ability of FIFA's member associations and other football organizations such as leagues and clubs to develop, finance and run football activities at all levels of the game, including professional, non-professional, youth and grassroots.</p>

<p>"It is foreseen that in many parts of the world a considerable number of persons involved in football including both men and women players will be left in extremely difficult economic conditions."</p>

<p>FIFA already operates a 'Forward'&nbsp;development program to redistribute its wealth to member associations. In the 2015-18 cycle, investment dedicated to the scheme was $1.079 billion, of which $832 million had been approved and committed to member associations, confederations or regions, according to the last published financial results.</p>


FIFA says it has a "duty" to use its vast financial reserves to assist a football industry ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic wiping out games and creating unexpected economic hardship in the world's biggest sport.

FIFA says it has a "duty" to use its vast financial reserves to assist a football industry ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic wiping out games and creating unexpected economic hardship in the world's biggest sport. The spread of COVID-19 has impacted the wealthiest clubs, with Barcelona and Juventus players taking wage cuts; those in smaller countries, with Slovakian champion Zilina entering bankruptcy; and national football federations, with Uruguay furloughing hundreds of staff. Having amassed reserves it last reported at $2.745 billion, FIFA has the resources to give much-needed financial help to the game at many levels. Now the organization has provided more details around the need agreed two weeks ago by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his vice presidents to explore a 'support fund' for the sport. "FIFA is in a strong financial situation and it's our duty to do the utmost to help them in their hour of need," world football's governing body said in a statement to The Associated Press on Tuesday. "FIFA is working on possibilities to provide assistance to the football community around the world after making a comprehensive assessment of the financial impact this pandemic will have on football." FIFA is exploring the mechanism to provide the financial lifeline to the football industry with the six regional confederations and member associations to ensure there is an announcement 'in the near future.' The football community around the world is experiencing, to a greater or lesser extent, serious financial problems on account of the coronavirus outbreak," FIFA said. "This threatens to disrupt and impair the ability of FIFA's member associations and other football organizations such as leagues and clubs to develop, finance and run football activities at all levels of the game, including professional, non-professional, youth and grassroots. "It is foreseen that in many parts of the world a considerable number of persons involved in football including both men and women players will be left in extremely difficult economic conditions." FIFA already operates a 'Forward' development program to redistribute its wealth to member associations. In the 2015-18 cycle, investment dedicated to the scheme was $1.079 billion, of which $832 million had been approved and committed to member associations, confederations or regions, according to the last published financial results.

With $2.7B reserves, FIFA has 'duty' to aid virus-hit soccer

From Virat Kohli to Mary Kom - Sportspersons and state authorities who have donated to help India fight COVID-19 pandemic

<p>Former India captain and coach Anil Kumble on Tuesday made a donation to the Central and Karnataka state relief funds to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.</p>

<p>"To bowl out #Covid19India we all need to come together and fight this battle. I have made my humble contributions to #PMCaresFund #PMNRF and #CMReliefFund @PMOIndia @narendramodi @CMofKarnataka @BSYBJP Please do #StaySafeStayHome," he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">To bowl out <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19India</a> we all need to come together and fight this battle. I have made my humble contributions to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMCaresFund?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMCaresFund</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMNRF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMNRF</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CMReliefFund?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CMReliefFund</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CMofKarnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMofKarnataka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BSYBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BSYBJP</a> Please do <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StaySafeStayHome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StaySafeStayHome</a></p>
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/1244928620063109120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The legendary leg-spinner however refrained from disclosing the amount he has donated.</p>

<p>Kumble thus joined a host of leading sportspersons like batting mastero Sachin Tendulkar, India skipper Virat Kohli, his deputy Rohit Sharma, Mithali Raj, pugilist Mary Kom among others who have generously contributed for the noble cause.</p>

<p>According to the Union Health Ministry, the death toll due to COVID-19 has increased to 32 while the cases have soared to 1,251 till Monday night.&nbsp;</p>


Former India captain and coach Anil Kumble on Tuesday made a donation to the Central and Karnataka state relief funds to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Former India captain and coach Anil Kumble on Tuesday made a donation to the Central and Karnataka state relief funds to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. "To bowl out #Covid19India we all need to come together and fight this battle. I have made my humble contributions to #PMCaresFund #PMNRF and #CMReliefFund @PMOIndia @narendramodi @CMofKarnataka @BSYBJP Please do #StaySafeStayHome," he tweeted. To bowl out #Covid19India we all need to come together and fight this battle. I have made my humble contributions to #PMCaresFund #PMNRF and #CMReliefFund @PMOIndia @narendramodi @CMofKarnataka @BSYBJP Please do #StaySafeStayHome — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) March 31, 2020 × The legendary leg-spinner however refrained from disclosing the amount he has donated. Kumble thus joined a host of leading sportspersons like batting mastero Sachin Tendulkar, India skipper Virat Kohli, his deputy Rohit Sharma, Mithali Raj, pugilist Mary Kom among others who have generously contributed for the noble cause. According to the Union Health Ministry, the death toll due to COVID-19 has increased to 32 while the cases have soared to 1,251 till Monday night.

Anil Kumble does his bit in fight against COVID19

<p>Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola joked he will come back "fatter" from a long layoff from football as he urged supporters to follow the advice of scientists and medical professionals on Monday.</p>

<p>Guardiola, who donated one million euros ($1.08 million) to help buy medical supplies for the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in his native Spain last week, posted a video message as part of the English champions' "Cityzens At Home" campaign to keep fans entertained.</p>

<p>Football in England has been suspended until at least April 30 as part of tight restrictions on personal freedoms to try and halt the spread of COVID-19.</p>

<p>"We miss football. We miss the life that we had a few days ago but now is the time to listen, to follow our scientists, doctors and nurses," said Guardiola.</p>

<p>"You are my football family and we are going to do everything possible to make you feel better.</p>

<p>"We'll come back from this stronger, better, kinder and a little bit fatter. Stay inside, stay safe."</p>

<p>To try and prevent supporters' piling on the pounds, City players' favourite recipes have been posted online to promote healthy eating.</p>

<p>City will provide daily skills challenges and downloadable colouring sets to keep children occupied, while mindfulness classes will be provided to help deal with the mental health issues posed by long periods of social distancing.</p>


Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola joked he will come back "fatter" from a long layoff from football as he urged supporters to follow the advice of scientists and medical professionals on Monday.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola joked he will come back "fatter" from a long layoff from football as he urged supporters to follow the advice of scientists and medical professionals on Monday. Guardiola, who donated one million euros ($1.08 million) to help buy medical supplies for the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in his native Spain last week, posted a video message as part of the English champions' "Cityzens At Home" campaign to keep fans entertained. Football in England has been suspended until at least April 30 as part of tight restrictions on personal freedoms to try and halt the spread of COVID-19. "We miss football. We miss the life that we had a few days ago but now is the time to listen, to follow our scientists, doctors and nurses," said Guardiola. "You are my football family and we are going to do everything possible to make you feel better. "We'll come back from this stronger, better, kinder and a little bit fatter. Stay inside, stay safe." To try and prevent supporters' piling on the pounds, City players' favourite recipes have been posted online to promote healthy eating. City will provide daily skills challenges and downloadable colouring sets to keep children occupied, while mindfulness classes will be provided to help deal with the mental health issues posed by long periods of social distancing.

Pep Guardiola watching his weight without football

<p>Outfoxing batsmen with his swing deliveries and Yorkers while becoming one of the mainstays in the Indian limited-overs team, Deepak Chahar was finally carving his own niche in the world of cricket before a back injury pulled him back to the ground zero. &nbsp;</p>

<p>After months of rehabilitation, Chahar was gearing up for the Indian Premier League 2020 but the COVID-19 pandemic has left the sporting calendar shattered with the tournament now postponed until April 15 as India continues to remain in a 21-day lockdown period.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is a massive possibility that the tournament may get cancelled given the current scenario surrounding the COVID-19 but that has not stopped Chahar from training. He may not be able to go outside but the right-arm pacer made sure his gym equipment was in his house before the lockdown began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Chahar opened up about his injury, rehab process, workload management, red-ball cricket, how he is spending time in lockdown, love for guitar and much more.</p>

<p><img alt="Deepak Chahar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a682494-0f78-4a07-b446-e98b3830b114" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1KE08T.jpg" /></p>

<p>Chahar’s back injury not only ended his year 2019 on a sour note but also kept him on the bed for three-four weeks forcing him to miss quite a few bilateral series. However, he has recovered perfectly and was gearing up to regain his lost rhythm but then the 21-day lockdown happened due to COVID-19.</p>

<p>“I am doing really good now. The MRI reports, which came out before the lockdown, were perfectly fine. I had started to train fully to regain my lost rhythm but then this whole coronavirus situation happened and now we all are confined to our houses. Hopefully, the situation will improve quickly and we will be back to our normal lives,” Chahar told WION.</p>

<p>“Thankfully the rehab process ended before the lockdown was announced. I had my share of injuries before as well but the initial three-four weeks where I was completely bed-ridden was really tough. I took it as a new challenge and came out as a better person. After that phase, it was all about regaining my fitness and then working on getting back my rhythm,” Chahar added.</p>

<p><img alt="Deepak Chahar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c0787b89-d4cb-4db2-b60e-b1f205d8645a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1JD23L.jpg" /></p>

<p>The Indian cricket team has witnessed quite a few injuries in the last year or so. Be it Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Rohit Sharma or Chahar himself, players have suffered severe injuries which have not only hampered the bodies of the players but the planning of the team as well. The BCCI has started to put a lot of emphasis on the players’ workload. Chahar is&nbsp;with BCCI on this matter as he feels the current cricket calendar is extremely hectic for a player to play each and every game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The BCCI has done really well in tracking players’ workload. I mean, there’s so much cricket going on. A youngster will want to play every possible match, be it for India, India A, Ranji Trophy, IPL or other tournaments but it is really crucial to take a break when your body demands so. Look at the number of injuries we had in the last year or so, it is quite important to take the back seat when needed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Like I was playing continuously, be it for India, India A, Ranji Trophy before I got injured. And to know my body was the biggest takeaway for me in the last few months. Playing cricket might look easy from outside but trust me, international cricket or even state-level cricket is not at all easy,” Chahar explained.</p>

<p><img alt="Deepak Chahar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b3ecde4-8661-40ed-bca8-da8ad0a1fc0c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1LY9BA.jpg" /></p>

<p>Given Chahar’s heroics with the red-ball in the domestic circuit, quite a few experts have touted him to feature for India in Test cricket. However, due to the rigorous competition for spots in the longest format of the game, the 27-year-old is yet to crack the code and find himself donning the coveted white jersey. Even though he is hopeful, Chahar is not worried about Test cricket as of now as he wants to seal a spot in the limited-overs squad first.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Before I came into T20 cricket and IPL, I was mostly known for my red-ball bowling in the domestic circuit. I have done pretty well with red-ball. But to play Test cricket, a bowler needs the endurance to bowl 20-25 overs consistently at a go. Right now, I want to cement my spot in the Indian limited-overs team and if they consider me for the Test team in future, I will train accordingly to increase my endurance levels,” Chahar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Test cricket requires skills but more than skills it is the mind and your body which come into the play a lot more. Batsmen will leave good deliveries so you need to plan him out and just not wait for him to make a mistake. It is a tough nut to crack but hopefully, I will get a chance in the longest format in future,” he further said.</p>

<p><img alt="Deepak Chahar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4edba246-8714-4264-9b7f-9134b0b06645" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1JD1V5.jpg" /></p>

<p>While everyone in the Indian cricket team continues to train at their respective residences, Chahar feels it is going to be a walk in the park for anyone after the lockdown gets over and cricket is resumed again. The Agra-born pacer is of the view that everyone will struggle a bit initially and it will take around 10-12 days to get back in full rhythm.</p>

<p>“International cricket, as I said, is not easy at all. Players will take time to regain their rhythm and might struggle initially when they walk into bat at a net session. Hopefully, this break will not affect their form much but I think it is going to ruin the momentum and rhythm. But yes, this break will work as a mental refreshment for everyone,” Chahar opined.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Deepak Chahar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="db5cc296-dbd0-4a32-82c8-0c7e95a5af70" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1GE0T5.jpg" /></p>

<p>During the 21-day lockdown phase, Chahar has found a fitness partner in his father as the duo are training together indoors in a bid to keep fresh and fit.</p>

<p>“My father has always been beside me, no matter what the situation is. Now he is motivating us all by keeping the mood fresh in our house. My dad and I have made a fitness routine which we are religiously following during this lockdown phase. We have created a mini-gym for ourselves and that is helping me a lot,” Chahar said.</p>

<p>Chahar has found another partner at his house amid the lockdown. Besides spending his time in the indoor gym with his father or playing highly-popular shooting game PUBG, Chahar is spending his time learning guitar, which he wanted to do since he was a kid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I always wanted to learn guitar so I am utilizing this time to learn it a bit. I am working on my body, training indoors, spending good time with my family. These are the things which active sportspersons don’t usually get to do when they are on the go,” Chahar said.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8LejNupsKt/?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 wanted to play this song on guitar since I was a kid finally I did it #chaseyourdreams #guitar #music #best #healer #fun #learnsomethingnew #everyday</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/deepak_chahar9/?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"> Deepak Chahar</a> (@deepak_chahar9) on <time datetime="2020-02-05T09:03:42+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 5, 2020 at 1:03am PST</time></p>
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<p>Finally, Chahar had a heartfelt message for everyone during these tough times as he once again urged everyone to remain indoors and stay safe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Stay safe everyone. Follow the advisory by the Indian government and take all the necessary precautions. We all complain about our hectic life routines, but now is the time to enjoy the break and spend some time in your home. It will be again back to normal after a few weeks then everyone will once again get busy with the regular hustle and bustle and you will again miss spending time with your family or for that matter, even yourself.</p>

<p>There are so many things to do like I am learning guitar, you all can learn new things. You will not get to spend time at your home after things become normal, so stay safe and stay indoors,” Chahar concluded.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Outfoxing batsmen with his swing deliveries and Yorkers while becoming one of the mainstays in the Indian limited-overs team, Deepak Chahar was finally carving his own niche in the world of cricket before a back injury pulled him back to the ground zero.

Outfoxing batsmen with his swing deliveries and Yorkers while becoming one of the mainstays in the Indian limited-overs team, Deepak Chahar was finally carving his own niche in the world of cricket before a back injury pulled him back to the ground zero. After months of rehabilitation, Chahar was gearing up for the Indian Premier League 2020 but the COVID-19 pandemic has left the sporting calendar shattered with the tournament now postponed until April 15 as India continues to remain in a 21-day lockdown period. There is a massive possibility that the tournament may get cancelled given the current scenario surrounding the COVID-19 but that has not stopped Chahar from training. He may not be able to go outside but the right-arm pacer made sure his gym equipment was in his house before the lockdown began. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Chahar opened up about his injury, rehab process, workload management, red-ball cricket, how he is spending time in lockdown, love for guitar and much more. Chahar’s back injury not only ended his year 2019 on a sour note but also kept him on the bed for three-four weeks forcing him to miss quite a few bilateral series. However, he has recovered perfectly and was gearing up to regain his lost rhythm but then the 21-day lockdown happened due to COVID-19. “I am doing really good now. The MRI reports, which came out before the lockdown, were perfectly fine. I had started to train fully to regain my lost rhythm but then this whole coronavirus situation happened and now we all are confined to our houses. Hopefully, the situation will improve quickly and we will be back to our normal lives,” Chahar told WION. “Thankfully the rehab process ended before the lockdown was announced. I had my share of injuries before as well but the initial three-four weeks where I was completely bed-ridden was really tough. I took it as a new challenge and came out as a better person. After that phase, it was all about regaining my fitness and then working on getting back my rhythm,” Chahar added. The Indian cricket team has witnessed quite a few injuries in the last year or so. Be it Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Rohit Sharma or Chahar himself, players have suffered severe injuries which have not only hampered the bodies of the players but the planning of the team as well. The BCCI has started to put a lot of emphasis on the players’ workload. Chahar is with BCCI on this matter as he feels the current cricket calendar is extremely hectic for a player to play each and every game. “The BCCI has done really well in tracking players’ workload. I mean, there’s so much cricket going on. A youngster will want to play every possible match, be it for India, India A, Ranji Trophy, IPL or other tournaments but it is really crucial to take a break when your body demands so. Look at the number of injuries we had in the last year or so, it is quite important to take the back seat when needed. “Like I was playing continuously, be it for India, India A, Ranji Trophy before I got injured. And to know my body was the biggest takeaway for me in the last few months. Playing cricket might look easy from outside but trust me, international cricket or even state-level cricket is not at all easy,” Chahar explained. Given Chahar’s heroics with the red-ball in the domestic circuit, quite a few experts have touted him to feature for India in Test cricket. However, due to the rigorous competition for spots in the longest format of the game, the 27-year-old is yet to crack the code and find himself donning the coveted white jersey. Even though he is hopeful, Chahar is not worried about Test cricket as of now as he wants to seal a spot in the limited-overs squad first. “Before I came into T20 cricket and IPL, I was mostly known for my red-ball bowling in the domestic circuit. I have done pretty well with red-ball. But to play Test cricket, a bowler needs the endurance to bowl 20-25 overs consistently at a go. Right now, I want to cement my spot in the Indian limited-overs team and if they consider me for the Test team in future, I will train accordingly to increase my endurance levels,” Chahar said. “Test cricket requires skills but more than skills it is the mind and your body which come into the play a lot more. Batsmen will leave good deliveries so you need to plan him out and just not wait for him to make a mistake. It is a tough nut to crack but hopefully, I will get a chance in the longest format in future,” he further said. While everyone in the Indian cricket team continues to train at their respective residences, Chahar feels it is going to be a walk in the park for anyone after the lockdown gets over and cricket is resumed again. The Agra-born pacer is of the view that everyone will struggle a bit initially and it will take around 10-12 days to get back in full rhythm. “International cricket, as I said, is not easy at all. Players will take time to regain their rhythm and might struggle initially when they walk into bat at a net session. Hopefully, this break will not affect their form much but I think it is going to ruin the momentum and rhythm. But yes, this break will work as a mental refreshment for everyone,” Chahar opined. During the 21-day lockdown phase, Chahar has found a fitness partner in his father as the duo are training together indoors in a bid to keep fresh and fit. “My father has always been beside me, no matter what the situation is. Now he is motivating us all by keeping the mood fresh in our house. My dad and I have made a fitness routine which we are religiously following during this lockdown phase. We have created a mini-gym for ourselves and that is helping me a lot,” Chahar said. Chahar has found another partner at his house amid the lockdown. Besides spending his time in the indoor gym with his father or playing highly-popular shooting game PUBG, Chahar is spending his time learning guitar, which he wanted to do since he was a kid. “I always wanted to learn guitar so I am utilizing this time to learn it a bit. I am working on my body, training indoors, spending good time with my family. These are the things which active sportspersons don’t usually get to do when they are on the go,” Chahar said. View this post on Instagram I wanted to play this song on guitar since I was a kid finally I did it #chaseyourdreams #guitar #music #best #healer #fun #learnsomethingnew #everyday A post shared by Deepak Chahar (@deepak_chahar9) on Feb 5, 2020 at 1:03am PST × Finally, Chahar had a heartfelt message for everyone during these tough times as he once again urged everyone to remain indoors and stay safe. “Stay safe everyone. Follow the advisory by the Indian government and take all the necessary precautions. We all complain about our hectic life routines, but now is the time to enjoy the break and spend some time in your home. It will be again back to normal after a few weeks then everyone will once again get busy with the regular hustle and bustle and you will again miss spending time with your family or for that matter, even yourself. There are so many things to do like I am learning guitar, you all can learn new things. You will not get to spend time at your home after things become normal, so stay safe and stay indoors,” Chahar concluded.

EXCLUSIVE: Deepak Chahar opens up on life in lockdown, injuries, regaining rhythm and love for guitar

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Subhayan Chakraborty

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