<p>With the entire sporting calendar getting ripped into pieces due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the athletes have been restricted to remain in their houses and not get involved in public events. For the Indian cricket team and it's players, the month of March, April, May or for that matter, the entire 2020 was supposed to be jam-packed but the COVID-19 outbreak has shattered every plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Indian players continue to remain off the field due to coronavirus outbreak, Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer were seen having a bit of fun in their residence. Iyer took to social media platform Twitter to post a couple of photographs and a video in which the flamboyant batsman posted some fun banter and behind the scene scenario from the first photograph in which Iyer is seen flexing a luxurious wristwatch.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-pandemic-bcci-looking-to-conduct-ipl-2020-in-july-september-window-287140">Coronavirus pandemic: BCCI looking to conduct IPL 2020 in July-September window</a></strong></p>

<p>In the second photograph, it is revealed that the luxurious wristwatch is of Hardik and the third and final clip of the series is the behind the scenes video where the duo is seen working out the photograph.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B91jrMrJN_o/?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">Expectation vs Reality.... Swipe left @hardikpandya93</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/shreyas41/?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"> Shreyas Iyer</a> (@shreyas41) on <time datetime="2020-03-17T13:42:46+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 17, 2020 at 6:42am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Reacting to Hardik and Iyer's camaraderie, KL Rahul was quick to remind the duo about health advisory as he commented: "Guys, wash your hands."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/where-will-ms-dhoni-fit-in-virender-sehwag-wants-team-india-to-continue-with-kl-rahul-and-rishabh-pant-287132">'Where will MS Dhoni fit in?' - Virender Sehwag wants Team India to continue with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the ODI series between India and South Africa was abandoned mid-way due to the COVID-19 pandemic whereas the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 was suspended until April 15. Almost every major sporting tournaments have been either postponed or cancelled given the current situation surrounding the novel coronavirus.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With the entire sporting calendar getting ripped into pieces due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the athletes have been restricted to remain in their houses and not get involved in public events.

With the entire sporting calendar getting ripped into pieces due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the athletes have been restricted to remain in their houses and not get involved in public events. For the Indian cricket team and it's players, the month of March, April, May or for that matter, the entire 2020 was supposed to be jam-packed but the COVID-19 outbreak has shattered every plan. While Indian players continue to remain off the field due to coronavirus outbreak, Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer were seen having a bit of fun in their residence. Iyer took to social media platform Twitter to post a couple of photographs and a video in which the flamboyant batsman posted some fun banter and behind the scene scenario from the first photograph in which Iyer is seen flexing a luxurious wristwatch. ALSO READ: Coronavirus pandemic: BCCI looking to conduct IPL 2020 in July-September window In the second photograph, it is revealed that the luxurious wristwatch is of Hardik and the third and final clip of the series is the behind the scenes video where the duo is seen working out the photograph. View this post on Instagram Expectation vs Reality.... Swipe left @hardikpandya93 A post shared by Shreyas Iyer (@shreyas41) on Mar 17, 2020 at 6:42am PDT × Reacting to Hardik and Iyer's camaraderie, KL Rahul was quick to remind the duo about health advisory as he commented: "Guys, wash your hands." ALSO READ: 'Where will MS Dhoni fit in?' - Virender Sehwag wants Team India to continue with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant Meanwhile, the ODI series between India and South Africa was abandoned mid-way due to the COVID-19 pandemic whereas the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 was suspended until April 15. Almost every major sporting tournaments have been either postponed or cancelled given the current situation surrounding the novel coronavirus.

'Guys, wash your hands' - KL Rahul reminds Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya about health advisory on coronavirus

<p>The US Tennis Association acknowledged Tuesday that developments in the coronavirus pandemic could dictate moving the US Open, now scheduled to start in August.</p>

<p>But the American federation said it wouldn't determine any new date for its flagship Grand Slam without consulting the other major championship organizers, the International Tennis Federation and the ATP and WTA tours.</p>

<p>"We recognize that such a decision should not be made unilaterally," the USTA said in a statement -- a scarcely veiled jab at the French Tennis Federation which announced earlier Tuesday it was moving the second Grand Slam of the year, the French Open, to September 20-October 4.</p>

<p>In postponing the event originally sheculed for May 24-June 7, the French Federation apparently declined to consult other stakeholders in the sport.</p>

<p>The chosen dates, one week after the current scheduled conclusion of the US Open, caught the ATP and WTA by surprise.</p>

<p>They conflict with the Laver Cup in Boston, where Europe's top players are scheduled to take on a World team.</p>

<p>Roger Federer has already committed to the event.</p>

<p>The US Open, the final Grand Slam on the calendar, is scheduled to run August 24-September 13 at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York.</p>

<p>"The USTA is continuing to plan for the 2020 US Open and is not at this time implementing any changes to the schedule," the USTA said.</p>

<p>"These are unprecedented times, though, and we are assessing all of our options, including the possibility of moving the tournament to a later date."</p>


The US Tennis Association acknowledged Tuesday that developments in the coronavirus pandemic could dictate moving the US Open, now scheduled to start in August. But the American federation said it wouldn't determine any new date for its flagship Grand Slam without consulting the other major championship organizers, the International Tennis Federation and the ATP and WTA tours.

The US Tennis Association acknowledged Tuesday that developments in the coronavirus pandemic could dictate moving the US Open, now scheduled to start in August. But the American federation said it wouldn't determine any new date for its flagship Grand Slam without consulting the other major championship organizers, the International Tennis Federation and the ATP and WTA tours. "We recognize that such a decision should not be made unilaterally," the USTA said in a statement -- a scarcely veiled jab at the French Tennis Federation which announced earlier Tuesday it was moving the second Grand Slam of the year, the French Open, to September 20-October 4. In postponing the event originally sheculed for May 24-June 7, the French Federation apparently declined to consult other stakeholders in the sport. The chosen dates, one week after the current scheduled conclusion of the US Open, caught the ATP and WTA by surprise. They conflict with the Laver Cup in Boston, where Europe's top players are scheduled to take on a World team. Roger Federer has already committed to the event. The US Open, the final Grand Slam on the calendar, is scheduled to run August 24-September 13 at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. "The USTA is continuing to plan for the 2020 US Open and is not at this time implementing any changes to the schedule," the USTA said. "These are unprecedented times, though, and we are assessing all of our options, including the possibility of moving the tournament to a later date."

US Open tennis championship could be postponed by coronavirus

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to schedule the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in July and September. While IPL 2020 was earlier set to kickstart from March 29, the novel coronavirus pandemic has left the sporting calendar in tatters, forcing the authorities to suspend the cash-rich tournament until April 15.</p>

<p>There have been talks of a truncated IPL 2020 with a shortened playing window and it looked like the authorities had a proper 'Plan B' on cards. However, as per a leading daily, as things have been developing, it seems the Indian cricket board is looking for a complete tournament consisting as many as 60 matches, if not now then on a later window, if not in India then overseas, if not with the complete pool of foreign players then some.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/where-will-ms-dhoni-fit-in-virender-sehwag-wants-team-india-to-continue-with-kl-rahul-and-rishabh-pant-287132">'Where will MS Dhoni fit in?' - Virender Sehwag wants Team India to continue with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant</a></strong></p>

<p>The Future Tours Programme (FTP), which is cricket's annual calendar, for the year 2020 has not many significant tournaments or bilateral series between July and September barring the Asia Cup T20, scheduled to be played in September. Pakistan versus England, and Ireland versus England, in the limited-overs circuit, are two bilateral series falling in the July-September bracket.</p>

<p>However, the likes of Australia, West Indies, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, don't have a packed window barring the last three's participation in the Asia Cup T20.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-effects-cricket-ipl-2020-franchises-up-for-quarantining-foreign-players-if-needed-287023">Coronavirus effects cricket: IPL 2020 franchises up for quarantining foreign players if needed</a></strong></p>

<p>Going by Team India's calendar, the Virat Kohli-led outfit is scheduled to play just three ODIs and as many T20Is in Sri Lanka in June/July.</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see what decision BCCI takes given how the situation surrounding the novel coronavirus pans out in the coming weeks.</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to schedule the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in July and September. While IPL 2020 was earlier set to kickstart from March 29, the novel coronavirus pandemic has left the sporting calendar in tatters, forcing the authorities to suspend the cash-rich tournament until April 15.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to schedule the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in July and September. While IPL 2020 was earlier set to kickstart from March 29, the novel coronavirus pandemic has left the sporting calendar in tatters, forcing the authorities to suspend the cash-rich tournament until April 15. There have been talks of a truncated IPL 2020 with a shortened playing window and it looked like the authorities had a proper 'Plan B' on cards. However, as per a leading daily, as things have been developing, it seems the Indian cricket board is looking for a complete tournament consisting as many as 60 matches, if not now then on a later window, if not in India then overseas, if not with the complete pool of foreign players then some. ALSO READ: 'Where will MS Dhoni fit in?' - Virender Sehwag wants Team India to continue with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant The Future Tours Programme (FTP), which is cricket's annual calendar, for the year 2020 has not many significant tournaments or bilateral series between July and September barring the Asia Cup T20, scheduled to be played in September. Pakistan versus England, and Ireland versus England, in the limited-overs circuit, are two bilateral series falling in the July-September bracket. However, the likes of Australia, West Indies, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, don't have a packed window barring the last three's participation in the Asia Cup T20. ALSO READ: Coronavirus effects cricket: IPL 2020 franchises up for quarantining foreign players if needed Going by Team India's calendar, the Virat Kohli-led outfit is scheduled to play just three ODIs and as many T20Is in Sri Lanka in June/July. It will be interesting to see what decision BCCI takes given how the situation surrounding the novel coronavirus pans out in the coming weeks.

Coronavirus pandemic: BCCI looking to conduct IPL 2020 in July-September window

<p>Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is currently recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow, which he damaged while playing in the Australian T20 league. With no cricketing action amid the coronavirus pandemic, Maxwell took some time off to spend quality moments with his beloved fans while preparing for his upcoming wedding. Earlier, Maxwell had announced his engagement to Indian origin girlfriend Vini Raman. Maxwell and Vini got engaged just after the completion of Big Bash League (BBL) 2019-20 where he led Melbourne Stars to the summit clash.</p>

<p>Maxwell has been dating Vini for some time now. The swashbuckling Aussie all-rounder's girlfriend is a pharmacist based in Melbourne and was last seen in the Australian Cricket Awards. Vini took to photo-blogging platform Instagram to post a photograph with Maxwell, where the duo is seen in Indian attire, as she announced that they celebrated their Indian engagement on Saturday (March 14).</p>

<p>“Last night we celebrated our Indian engagement and I gave @gmaxi_32 a little teaser of what the wedding will be like. Shout out to both of our incredible families &amp; all our friends who came to celebrate with us on such short notice – we are so grateful to be surrounded by some pretty amazing people,” she captioned her post.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9taXQkpEtc/?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">Last night we celebrated our Indian engagement and I gave @gmaxi_32 a little teaser of what the wedding will be like Shout out to both of our incredible families &amp; all our friends who came to celebrate with us on such short notice - we are so grateful to be surrounded by some pretty amazing people Can’t wait to get our hands on more photos from @shevan_j_photography H&amp;M - who else but ... @lajeenartistry Venue - @lincoln_of_toorak Catering - @tandooriflames Mandap - @rupalis_mandaps_melbourne Henna - @fadziiesmehndiandbeauty Lehgna - @gbcreations_ Arm candy - @gmaxi_32 </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/vini.raman/?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"> VINI</a> (@vini.raman) on <time datetime="2020-03-14T09:47:29+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 14, 2020 at 2:47am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Maxwell was supposed to play for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but the cash-rich tournament was suspended till April 15 amid the coronavirus pandemic. While the BCCI is optimistic about kickstarting IPL 2015 after April 15, Maxwell will be looking to take the charge with the willow to stake a claim in the Australian side ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October 2020.</p>


Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is currently recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow, which he damaged while playing in the Australian T20 league.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is currently recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow, which he damaged while playing in the Australian T20 league. With no cricketing action amid the coronavirus pandemic, Maxwell took some time off to spend quality moments with his beloved fans while preparing for his upcoming wedding. Earlier, Maxwell had announced his engagement to Indian origin girlfriend Vini Raman. Maxwell and Vini got engaged just after the completion of Big Bash League (BBL) 2019-20 where he led Melbourne Stars to the summit clash. Maxwell has been dating Vini for some time now. The swashbuckling Aussie all-rounder's girlfriend is a pharmacist based in Melbourne and was last seen in the Australian Cricket Awards. Vini took to photo-blogging platform Instagram to post a photograph with Maxwell, where the duo is seen in Indian attire, as she announced that they celebrated their Indian engagement on Saturday (March 14). “Last night we celebrated our Indian engagement and I gave @gmaxi_32 a little teaser of what the wedding will be like. Shout out to both of our incredible families & all our friends who came to celebrate with us on such short notice – we are so grateful to be surrounded by some pretty amazing people,” she captioned her post. View this post on Instagram Last night we celebrated our Indian engagement and I gave @gmaxi_32 a little teaser of what the wedding will be like Shout out to both of our incredible families & all our friends who came to celebrate with us on such short notice - we are so grateful to be surrounded by some pretty amazing people Can’t wait to get our hands on more photos from @shevan_j_photography H&M - who else but ... @lajeenartistry Venue - @lincoln_of_toorak Catering - @tandooriflames Mandap - @rupalis_mandaps_melbourne Henna - @fadziiesmehndiandbeauty Lehgna - @gbcreations_ Arm candy - @gmaxi_32 A post shared by VINI (@vini.raman) on Mar 14, 2020 at 2:47am PDT × Maxwell was supposed to play for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but the cash-rich tournament was suspended till April 15 amid the coronavirus pandemic. While the BCCI is optimistic about kickstarting IPL 2015 after April 15, Maxwell will be looking to take the charge with the willow to stake a claim in the Australian side ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October 2020.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell's fiancée Vini Raman shares photograph from their Indian engagement

<p>MS Dhoni last played for India in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 where the Men in Blue suffered a crushing defeat to New Zealand. Since then, the former Indian skipper has been on a sabattical from the gentlemen's game and has not taken to the cricket field. Dhoni was supposed to make his comeback to cricket field in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 for Chennai Super Kings&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the IPL 2020 getting suspended until April 15, Dhoni's comeback has been thrown out of the window and the waiting game has started for the ardent cricket lovers. Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag is of the view that it will be a difficult task for Virat Kohli and Co. to fit in Dhoni in the playing XI given the kind of form KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are in, at the moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/create-second-line-of-finger-spinners-for-test-team-urge-former-india-spinners-287053">Create second line of finger spinners for Test team, urge former India spinners</a></strong></p>

<p>Sehwag has said it will be better for Team India to stick to the combination of Rahul and Pant as bringing in Dhoni might disrupt the balance of the squad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Where will he fit in? With the likes of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul already in form, especially the latter performing exceptionally well of late, I think there is no reason why should we not stick with them," Sehwag was quoted as saying by a leading daily.</p>

<p>Speaking of India's defeat to New Zealand in the ODI and Test series, Sehwag said that everyone should admit that the Black Caps were better and superior to India.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-effects-cricket-ipl-2020-franchises-up-for-quarantining-foreign-players-if-needed-287023">Coronavirus effects cricket: IPL 2020 franchises up for quarantining foreign players if needed</a></strong></p>

<p>"We must admit that the Kiwis were superior to us in the ODIs and Tests. In the T20s, Kiwis lost close matches. In the shortest format it is always difficult to make a quick comeback," said Sehwag.</p>

<p>One more aspect that haunted Indian fans from the New Zealand series is the poor form of Kohli. However, Sehwag wasn't bothered by Kohli's dip in form as he said it happens to all great batsmen.&nbsp;"He is a class batsman but that has happened to all the great batsmen in different eras be it Sachin Tendulkar, Steven Waugh, Jacques Kallis or Ricky Ponting," Sehwag said.</p>


MS Dhoni last played for India in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 where the Men in Blue suffered a crushing defeat to New Zealand. Since then, the former Indian skipper has been on a sabattical from the gentlemen's game and has not taken to the cricket field.

MS Dhoni last played for India in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 where the Men in Blue suffered a crushing defeat to New Zealand. Since then, the former Indian skipper has been on a sabattical from the gentlemen's game and has not taken to the cricket field. Dhoni was supposed to make his comeback to cricket field in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 for Chennai Super Kings With the IPL 2020 getting suspended until April 15, Dhoni's comeback has been thrown out of the window and the waiting game has started for the ardent cricket lovers. Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag is of the view that it will be a difficult task for Virat Kohli and Co. to fit in Dhoni in the playing XI given the kind of form KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are in, at the moment. ALSO READ: Create second line of finger spinners for Test team, urge former India spinners Sehwag has said it will be better for Team India to stick to the combination of Rahul and Pant as bringing in Dhoni might disrupt the balance of the squad. "Where will he fit in? With the likes of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul already in form, especially the latter performing exceptionally well of late, I think there is no reason why should we not stick with them," Sehwag was quoted as saying by a leading daily. Speaking of India's defeat to New Zealand in the ODI and Test series, Sehwag said that everyone should admit that the Black Caps were better and superior to India. ALSO READ: Coronavirus effects cricket: IPL 2020 franchises up for quarantining foreign players if needed "We must admit that the Kiwis were superior to us in the ODIs and Tests. In the T20s, Kiwis lost close matches. In the shortest format it is always difficult to make a quick comeback," said Sehwag. One more aspect that haunted Indian fans from the New Zealand series is the poor form of Kohli. However, Sehwag wasn't bothered by Kohli's dip in form as he said it happens to all great batsmen. "He is a class batsman but that has happened to all the great batsmen in different eras be it Sachin Tendulkar, Steven Waugh, Jacques Kallis or Ricky Ponting," Sehwag said.

'Where will MS Dhoni fit in?' - Virender Sehwag wants Team India to continue with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant

<p>Olympic pole vault champion Katerina Stefanidi said athletes were being forced to take health risks as competitors started to speak out about holding the Tokyo Games during the coronavirus crisis.</p>

<p>Stefanidi and British heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson both voiced concerns after the International Olympic Committee said it was "fully committed" to running the Games as scheduled from July 24.</p>

<p>An IOC member called the body's stance "insensitive and irresponsible", saying athletes were facing "anxiety and heartbreak" as they try to train during the virus emergency.</p>

<p>Stefanidi, one of Greece's most prominent athletes, was scheduled to hand the ceremonial flame to Japanese officials before the Greek leg of the torch relay was scrapped over COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The IOC wants us to keep risking our health, our family's health and public health to train every day?" she tweeted.</p>

<p>"You are putting us in danger right now, today, not in 4 months."</p>

<p>On Tuesday, minutes before the IOC statement, the Euro 2020 football tournament was delayed for a year, bowing to the crisis that has paralysed Europe and drastically curtailed international travel.</p>

<p>Olympic qualifying tournaments are among the swathe of sports events that have been cancelled or postponed, with only 57 percent of athletes booking their places so far.</p>

<p>"It's unbelievable," said Stefanidi. "What about team sports that have to train together? What about swimming? What about gymnastics that they touch the same objects?&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is zero consideration of the risk they are putting us in right now."</p>

<p>Johnson-Thompson, the world heptathlon champion, criticised the IOC for telling athletes to train "as best they can", saying it was at odds with stringent government health measures.</p>

<p>"I feel under pressure to train and keep the same routine which is impossible," she wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>"It's difficult (to) approach the season when everything has changed in the lead-up apart from the ultimate deadline," added the Briton.</p>

<h2>- 'Bigger than the Olympics' -</h2>

<p>Doubts are increasingly being expressed about holding the Olympics on time, after the outbreak that first exploded in China spread to Asia and then worldwide, infecting almost 200,000 people and killing 7,900.</p>

<p>On Wednesday an Olympic gymnastics qualifier in Tokyo, doubling as a test event, became the latest competition to be cancelled.</p>

<p>A day earlier, the deputy head of Japan's Olympic committee said he had tested positive for coronavirus.</p>

<p>But the IOC insisted "there is no need for any drastic decisions at this stage" adding that "any speculation at this moment would be counter-productive".</p>

<p>Hayley Wickenheiser, a Canadian IOC member with four ice hockey gold medals, warned "this crisis is bigger than even the Olympics".</p>

<p>"From an athlete perspective, I can only imagine and try to empathise with the anxiety and heartbreak athletes are feeling right now," she said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The uncertainty of not knowing where you're going to train tomorrow as facilities close and qualification events are cancelled all over the world would be terrible if you've been training your whole life for this."</p>

<p>Wickenheiser added: "I think the IOC insisting this will move ahead, with such conviction, is insensitive and irresponsible given the state of humanity."</p>

<p>Middle-distance runner Jess Judd also criticised the IOC advice on training, while fellow British track athlete Guy Learmonth has told The Guardian that the Olympics should be postponed.</p>


Olympic pole vault champion Katerina Stefanidi said athletes were being forced to take health risks as competitors started to speak out about holding the Tokyo Games during the coronavirus crisis.

Olympic pole vault champion Katerina Stefanidi said athletes were being forced to take health risks as competitors started to speak out about holding the Tokyo Games during the coronavirus crisis. Stefanidi and British heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson both voiced concerns after the International Olympic Committee said it was "fully committed" to running the Games as scheduled from July 24. An IOC member called the body's stance "insensitive and irresponsible", saying athletes were facing "anxiety and heartbreak" as they try to train during the virus emergency. Stefanidi, one of Greece's most prominent athletes, was scheduled to hand the ceremonial flame to Japanese officials before the Greek leg of the torch relay was scrapped over COVID-19. "The IOC wants us to keep risking our health, our family's health and public health to train every day?" she tweeted. "You are putting us in danger right now, today, not in 4 months." On Tuesday, minutes before the IOC statement, the Euro 2020 football tournament was delayed for a year, bowing to the crisis that has paralysed Europe and drastically curtailed international travel. Olympic qualifying tournaments are among the swathe of sports events that have been cancelled or postponed, with only 57 percent of athletes booking their places so far. "It's unbelievable," said Stefanidi. "What about team sports that have to train together? What about swimming? What about gymnastics that they touch the same objects? "There is zero consideration of the risk they are putting us in right now." Johnson-Thompson, the world heptathlon champion, criticised the IOC for telling athletes to train "as best they can", saying it was at odds with stringent government health measures. "I feel under pressure to train and keep the same routine which is impossible," she wrote on Twitter. "It's difficult (to) approach the season when everything has changed in the lead-up apart from the ultimate deadline," added the Briton. - 'Bigger than the Olympics' - Doubts are increasingly being expressed about holding the Olympics on time, after the outbreak that first exploded in China spread to Asia and then worldwide, infecting almost 200,000 people and killing 7,900. On Wednesday an Olympic gymnastics qualifier in Tokyo, doubling as a test event, became the latest competition to be cancelled. A day earlier, the deputy head of Japan's Olympic committee said he had tested positive for coronavirus. But the IOC insisted "there is no need for any drastic decisions at this stage" adding that "any speculation at this moment would be counter-productive". Hayley Wickenheiser, a Canadian IOC member with four ice hockey gold medals, warned "this crisis is bigger than even the Olympics". "From an athlete perspective, I can only imagine and try to empathise with the anxiety and heartbreak athletes are feeling right now," she said in a statement. "The uncertainty of not knowing where you're going to train tomorrow as facilities close and qualification events are cancelled all over the world would be terrible if you've been training your whole life for this." Wickenheiser added: "I think the IOC insisting this will move ahead, with such conviction, is insensitive and irresponsible given the state of humanity." Middle-distance runner Jess Judd also criticised the IOC advice on training, while fellow British track athlete Guy Learmonth has told The Guardian that the Olympics should be postponed.

'Putting us in danger' - athlete concerns grow ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics

<p>The game of cricket has evolved over time. While the earlier phase of the gentlemen's game used to see players taking their time and patience, the shortened version of the sport has seen matches being extremely fast-paced. With cricket evolving so much, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has predicted which player will score the first-ever double century in T20 cricket.</p>

<p>Hogg was having a question-answer session on social media platform Twitter where a fan asked him: "@Brad_Hogg who do you think will be the first to make a T20 double-hundred?"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/Brad_Hogg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Brad_Hogg</a> who do you think will be the first to make a T20 double-hundred?</p>
— shivam jaiswal (@shivamj1998) <a href="https://twitter.com/shivamj1998/status/1239078492244856832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The former Aussie spinner was quick to answer to the query as he predicted that Indian opener Rohit Sharma is the only player capable of hitting the double-ton mark in the shortest format of the game. Hogg, while justifying his prediction, said that the 'Hitman' has a good strike-rate, is a superb timer of the ball and plays shorts all over the park.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rohit Sharma at presently is the only player I think capable of it. Good strike rate, all timing, and plays cricketing shots finding six options all around the ground," Hogg replied.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rohit Sharma at presently is the only player I think capable of it. Good strike rate, all timing, and plays cricketing shots finding six options all around the ground. <a href="https://t.co/WmHatsrJpO">https://t.co/WmHatsrJpO</a></p>
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brad_Hogg/status/1239085012869234689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>In total, five batsmen have scored double centuries in men's ODI with Rohit being the player with most double tons in the shorter format of the game – three. While Sachin Tendulkar was the first player ever, in ODIs, to score a double century in 2010, Rohit went on to hammer double centuries in 2013 (vs Australia), 2014 and 2017 (vs Sri Lanka).</p>

<p>While cricketing action is currently at a halt amid coronavirus pandemic, it will be interesting to see whether Rohit achieves the feat when the action resumes after the situation improves.</p>


The game of cricket has evolved over time. While the earlier phase of the gentlemen's game used to see players taking their time and patience, the shortened version of the sport has seen matches being extremely fast-paced.

The game of cricket has evolved over time. While the earlier phase of the gentlemen's game used to see players taking their time and patience, the shortened version of the sport has seen matches being extremely fast-paced. With cricket evolving so much, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has predicted which player will score the first-ever double century in T20 cricket. Hogg was having a question-answer session on social media platform Twitter where a fan asked him: "@Brad_Hogg who do you think will be the first to make a T20 double-hundred?" @Brad_Hogg who do you think will be the first to make a T20 double-hundred? — shivam jaiswal (@shivamj1998) March 15, 2020 × The former Aussie spinner was quick to answer to the query as he predicted that Indian opener Rohit Sharma is the only player capable of hitting the double-ton mark in the shortest format of the game. Hogg, while justifying his prediction, said that the 'Hitman' has a good strike-rate, is a superb timer of the ball and plays shorts all over the park. "Rohit Sharma at presently is the only player I think capable of it. Good strike rate, all timing, and plays cricketing shots finding six options all around the ground," Hogg replied. Rohit Sharma at presently is the only player I think capable of it. Good strike rate, all timing, and plays cricketing shots finding six options all around the ground. https://t.co/WmHatsrJpO — Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) March 15, 2020 × In total, five batsmen have scored double centuries in men's ODI with Rohit being the player with most double tons in the shorter format of the game – three. While Sachin Tendulkar was the first player ever, in ODIs, to score a double century in 2010, Rohit went on to hammer double centuries in 2013 (vs Australia), 2014 and 2017 (vs Sri Lanka). While cricketing action is currently at a halt amid coronavirus pandemic, it will be interesting to see whether Rohit achieves the feat when the action resumes after the situation improves.

Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg predicts which player will score first double century in T20 cricket

<p>With controversy surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Qatar doesn't seem to end. With the 'supreme committee', which is organising the mega event, announcing that as many as nine migrant labourers, working on stadiums for the quadrennial event, lost their lives in the year 2019, the pressure seems to be growing on the organisers. The latest report has now brought up the number of deaths on FIFA World Cup 2020 projects to 34 since the construction began six years back.</p>

<p>As many as 31 deaths have been bracketed under 'non-work related' – a term the supreme committee uses for deaths outside worksite. As per its latest annual report on workers' welfare, there were no deaths at the workplace in 2019. However, three were killed in a bus accident with others breathing their last due to 'natural causes'.</p>

<p>“Any loss of life on our programme is deeply saddening,” said Hassan Al Thawadi, the head of the supreme committee, in the report.</p>

<p>As per the norms, Qatari law and supreme committee's worker welfate standards need not pay compensation for non-work related deaths, however, as per a report in the Guardian, Qatar hardly carries out post-mortem after a migrant worker's death.</p>

<p>Moreover, there have been calls to reform pay-scale laws and the labour system. However, workers’ rights activists have criticised the lack of progress with less than three years to go before the World Cup kicks off. However, FIFA has stated that the 2022 World Cup has already played a major role in improving labour rights in Qatar while adding: “additional progress is needed for the full implementation of the commitments for comprehensive labour reform.”</p>


With controversy surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Qatar doesn't seem to end. With the 'supreme committee', which is organising the mega event, announcing that as many as nine migrant labourers, working on stadiums for the quadrennial event, lost their lives in the year 2019, the pressure seems to be growing on the organisers.

With controversy surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Qatar doesn't seem to end. With the 'supreme committee', which is organising the mega event, announcing that as many as nine migrant labourers, working on stadiums for the quadrennial event, lost their lives in the year 2019, the pressure seems to be growing on the organisers. The latest report has now brought up the number of deaths on FIFA World Cup 2020 projects to 34 since the construction began six years back. As many as 31 deaths have been bracketed under 'non-work related' – a term the supreme committee uses for deaths outside worksite. As per its latest annual report on workers' welfare, there were no deaths at the workplace in 2019. However, three were killed in a bus accident with others breathing their last due to 'natural causes'. “Any loss of life on our programme is deeply saddening,” said Hassan Al Thawadi, the head of the supreme committee, in the report. As per the norms, Qatari law and supreme committee's worker welfate standards need not pay compensation for non-work related deaths, however, as per a report in the Guardian, Qatar hardly carries out post-mortem after a migrant worker's death. Moreover, there have been calls to reform pay-scale laws and the labour system. However, workers’ rights activists have criticised the lack of progress with less than three years to go before the World Cup kicks off. However, FIFA has stated that the 2022 World Cup has already played a major role in improving labour rights in Qatar while adding: “additional progress is needed for the full implementation of the commitments for comprehensive labour reform.”

FIFA World Cup 2022: Report reveals 34 workers' death in 6 years in Qatar

<p>This summer's Copa America in Argentina and Colombia was on Tuesday postponed by a year to 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers CONMEBOL said.</p>

<p>The announcement came quick on the heels of UEFA's similar decision to also push back Euro 2020 by 12 months.</p>

<p>The Copa, South America's main men's continental competition, was scheduled to run between June 11-July 11, and for the first time in two countries, featuring 12 teams including invitees Australia and Qatar.</p>


This summer's Copa America in Argentina and Colombia was on Tuesday postponed by a year to 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers CONMEBOL said. The announcement came quick on the heels of UEFA's similar decision to also push back Euro 2020 by 12 months.

This summer's Copa America in Argentina and Colombia was on Tuesday postponed by a year to 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers CONMEBOL said. The announcement came quick on the heels of UEFA's similar decision to also push back Euro 2020 by 12 months. The Copa, South America's main men's continental competition, was scheduled to run between June 11-July 11, and for the first time in two countries, featuring 12 teams including invitees Australia and Qatar.

Copa America postponed from 2020 to 2021

<p>Indian cricket has celebrated the emergence of a potent fast bowling unit but it is high time that the establishment focuses on producing quality Test spinners, especially off-break bowlers, feel former players.</p>

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin (365 wickets in 71 Tests) has been an impact bowler in home conditions but the current team management hasn't exactly put complete faith in Tamil Nadu tweaker's abilities in overseas conditions.</p>

<p>While former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that seasoned domestic performers like Akshay Wakhare (34 years) and Jalaj Saxena (33 years) should be given a break, another veteran Laxman Sivaramakrishnan is of the opinion that a younger pool needs to be created as Ashwin still has "good three years of Test cricket left in him".</p>

<p>"Ashwin is a very hard-working bowler and he has not taken his place for granted. He still has three good years left and it''s time now that we find the next crop of young spinners which is ready to take over when time comes," Sivaramakrishnan told PTI.</p>

<p>But Harbhajan has a different idea.</p>

<p>"Jalaj Saxena and Akshay Wakhare have performed year after year at the domestic level, at times on flat tracks. I have seen Akshay closely at the Mumbai Indians nets. Age for me is just a number. I don''t believe these two can't be tried," the ''Turbanator'' said.</p>

<p>But why have we not produced any second line of off-spinners in these years?</p>

<p>"I haven't seen a good off-spinner at the Ranji level. That's because of bad captaincy at the Ranji Trophy level. If an off-spinner gets hit by a right-hander, captains take him off and that hits his confidence. Harbhajan Singh became a great bowler because the captain was Sourav Ganguly, who gave him encouragement," said Sivaramakrishnan, the hero of 1985 Benson &amp; Hedges Cup.</p>

<p>Siva does have sympathy for Saxena though.</p>

<p>"Jalaj's is a classic case of his career completely coinciding with Ashwin's best years. But right now we can't look at players who are 33 or 34 years. Because by the time another three years go by, the fitness levels might be an issue."</p>

<p>What about Karnataka's Krishnappa Gowtham?</p>

<p>"He is good but I don't think good enough for Test cricket," was Siva''s honest assessment.</p>

<p>"We need a new set of good spinners (all types) at the India A level, who should be ready in next three years. Rahul Chahar is very young but again, he is more of a white-ball bowler. Shahbaz Nadeem is 30 plus and Yuzvendra Chahal is in his late 20s," he added with a note of caution.</p>

<p>Another former Test off-spinner Rajesh Chauhan believes that Ashwin's problem is not knowing at times what is his wicket-taking delivery.</p>

<p>"Ashwin is a class bowler but with so much variations, he at times doesn't know what is his wicket-taking delivery. About Jalaj, I don't think he is a specialist off-spinner. He is more of an all-rounder."</p>

<p>Former wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta felt that various state teams, on the junior cricket set-up, do not put emphasis on creating a talent pool.</p>

<p>"We had a phase where we wanted only wrist spinners at the highest level. So at the junior level (U-16 and U-19), boys started feeling what's the use of being an off-spinner. But I agree with Harbhajan that Wakhare or Jalaj could be tried in future."</p>


Indian cricket has celebrated the emergence of a potent fast bowling unit but it is high time that the establishment focuses on producing quality Test spinners, especially off-break bowlers, feel former players.

Indian cricket has celebrated the emergence of a potent fast bowling unit but it is high time that the establishment focuses on producing quality Test spinners, especially off-break bowlers, feel former players. Ravichandran Ashwin (365 wickets in 71 Tests) has been an impact bowler in home conditions but the current team management hasn't exactly put complete faith in Tamil Nadu tweaker's abilities in overseas conditions. While former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that seasoned domestic performers like Akshay Wakhare (34 years) and Jalaj Saxena (33 years) should be given a break, another veteran Laxman Sivaramakrishnan is of the opinion that a younger pool needs to be created as Ashwin still has "good three years of Test cricket left in him". "Ashwin is a very hard-working bowler and he has not taken his place for granted. He still has three good years left and it''s time now that we find the next crop of young spinners which is ready to take over when time comes," Sivaramakrishnan told PTI. But Harbhajan has a different idea. "Jalaj Saxena and Akshay Wakhare have performed year after year at the domestic level, at times on flat tracks. I have seen Akshay closely at the Mumbai Indians nets. Age for me is just a number. I don''t believe these two can't be tried," the ''Turbanator'' said. But why have we not produced any second line of off-spinners in these years? "I haven't seen a good off-spinner at the Ranji level. That's because of bad captaincy at the Ranji Trophy level. If an off-spinner gets hit by a right-hander, captains take him off and that hits his confidence. Harbhajan Singh became a great bowler because the captain was Sourav Ganguly, who gave him encouragement," said Sivaramakrishnan, the hero of 1985 Benson & Hedges Cup. Siva does have sympathy for Saxena though. "Jalaj's is a classic case of his career completely coinciding with Ashwin's best years. But right now we can't look at players who are 33 or 34 years. Because by the time another three years go by, the fitness levels might be an issue." What about Karnataka's Krishnappa Gowtham? "He is good but I don't think good enough for Test cricket," was Siva''s honest assessment. "We need a new set of good spinners (all types) at the India A level, who should be ready in next three years. Rahul Chahar is very young but again, he is more of a white-ball bowler. Shahbaz Nadeem is 30 plus and Yuzvendra Chahal is in his late 20s," he added with a note of caution. Another former Test off-spinner Rajesh Chauhan believes that Ashwin's problem is not knowing at times what is his wicket-taking delivery. "Ashwin is a class bowler but with so much variations, he at times doesn't know what is his wicket-taking delivery. About Jalaj, I don't think he is a specialist off-spinner. He is more of an all-rounder." Former wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta felt that various state teams, on the junior cricket set-up, do not put emphasis on creating a talent pool. "We had a phase where we wanted only wrist spinners at the highest level. So at the junior level (U-16 and U-19), boys started feeling what's the use of being an off-spinner. But I agree with Harbhajan that Wakhare or Jalaj could be tried in future."

Create second line of finger spinners for Test team, urge former India spinners

<p>Tom Brady announced his departure from the New England Patriots on Tuesday, ending a glittering 20-year run with the franchise which saw him become the most successful quarterback in NFL history.</p>

<p>Brady, 42, confirmed his departure in a series of posts on social media but did not divulge where he will play next season.</p>

<p>"Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments," Brady said in a statement.</p>

<p>"I don't know what my football future holds but it is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">FOREVER A PATRIOT <a href="https://t.co/QSBOJBs4uy">pic.twitter.com/QSBOJBs4uy</a></p>
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomBrady/status/1239895289424642050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, winning a record six Super Bowl titles in a career with the Patriots that has spanned three decades.</p>

<p>He has won a record four Super Bowl MVP awards and has been the NFL's season MVP three times -- in 2007, 2010 and 2017.</p>

<p>He is also the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, guiding the Patriots to victory over the Los Angeles Rams last year at the age of 41.</p>

<p>Brady's nine total Super Bowl appearances are also a record for any NFL player, a testament to his remarkable longevity.</p>

<p>His departure from New England ends one of the NFL's iconic double-acts, with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.</p>

<p>Belichick has been in charge in New England from the start of Brady's career, plucking him from obscurity with the 199th pick of the 2000 NFL draft and moulding the youngster into a champion quarterback.</p>

<p>Brady has repeatedly stated that he plans to play until his mid-40s&nbsp;but speculation about his future had raged after he failed to reach agreement with the Patriots about an extension last year.</p>

<h2>- Belichick rift -</h2>

<p>Brady's relationship with Belichick has also reportedly come under strain in recent seasons, with the quarterback increasingly at odds with the coach's austere, tough-love management style.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, Brady had remained close to the Patriots billionaire owner Robert Kraft, who told ESPN Tuesday that he viewed the quarterback like a son.</p>

<p>"It's not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest," Kraft told ESPN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After 20 years with us, he has earned that right. I love him like a son."</p>

<p>Brady was also visibly frustrated during what turned out to be his final season with the Patriots, often operating with an inexperienced receiving corps and badly missing the presence of retired tight end Rob Gronkowski.</p>

<p>The Patriots were bundled out in the wildcard round of the playoffs in January, suffering an upset defeat 20-13 defeat at home to the Tennessee Titans.</p>

<p>Since that playoff exit, Brady has been tightlipped about his future although a number of teams have reportedly been targeting him ahead of the start of free agency, which gets under way on Wednesday.</p>

<p>He had been linked with a possible move to Tennessee but that option was taken off the table when the Titans reportedly opted to retain Ryan Tannehill instead.</p>

<p>With the Titans out of the picture, three teams are seen as the likeliest options for Brady -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders.</p>

<p>While a move to Tampa Bay would be seen as a marked step down -- they have not reached the playoffs since 2007 -- both the Raiders and Chargers might be attractive to Brady for different reasons.</p>

<p>The Raiders will start next season in their sparkling new stadium in Las Vegas while the Chargers, who split with veteran quarterback Philip Rivers at the end of last season, are also looking to make a marquee statement as they prepare to move into their new $4.9 billion SoFi Stadium home in Los Angeles.</p>


Tom Brady announced his departure from the New England Patriots on Tuesday, ending a glittering 20-year run with the franchise which saw him become the most successful quarterback in NFL history.

Tom Brady announced his departure from the New England Patriots on Tuesday, ending a glittering 20-year run with the franchise which saw him become the most successful quarterback in NFL history. Brady, 42, confirmed his departure in a series of posts on social media but did not divulge where he will play next season. "Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments," Brady said in a statement. "I don't know what my football future holds but it is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career," he added. FOREVER A PATRIOT pic.twitter.com/QSBOJBs4uy — Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 17, 2020 × Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history, winning a record six Super Bowl titles in a career with the Patriots that has spanned three decades. He has won a record four Super Bowl MVP awards and has been the NFL's season MVP three times -- in 2007, 2010 and 2017. He is also the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, guiding the Patriots to victory over the Los Angeles Rams last year at the age of 41. Brady's nine total Super Bowl appearances are also a record for any NFL player, a testament to his remarkable longevity. His departure from New England ends one of the NFL's iconic double-acts, with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Belichick has been in charge in New England from the start of Brady's career, plucking him from obscurity with the 199th pick of the 2000 NFL draft and moulding the youngster into a champion quarterback. Brady has repeatedly stated that he plans to play until his mid-40s but speculation about his future had raged after he failed to reach agreement with the Patriots about an extension last year. - Belichick rift - Brady's relationship with Belichick has also reportedly come under strain in recent seasons, with the quarterback increasingly at odds with the coach's austere, tough-love management style. Nevertheless, Brady had remained close to the Patriots billionaire owner Robert Kraft, who told ESPN Tuesday that he viewed the quarterback like a son. "It's not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest," Kraft told ESPN. "After 20 years with us, he has earned that right. I love him like a son." Brady was also visibly frustrated during what turned out to be his final season with the Patriots, often operating with an inexperienced receiving corps and badly missing the presence of retired tight end Rob Gronkowski. The Patriots were bundled out in the wildcard round of the playoffs in January, suffering an upset defeat 20-13 defeat at home to the Tennessee Titans. Since that playoff exit, Brady has been tightlipped about his future although a number of teams have reportedly been targeting him ahead of the start of free agency, which gets under way on Wednesday. He had been linked with a possible move to Tennessee but that option was taken off the table when the Titans reportedly opted to retain Ryan Tannehill instead. With the Titans out of the picture, three teams are seen as the likeliest options for Brady -- the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders. While a move to Tampa Bay would be seen as a marked step down -- they have not reached the playoffs since 2007 -- both the Raiders and Chargers might be attractive to Brady for different reasons. The Raiders will start next season in their sparkling new stadium in Las Vegas while the Chargers, who split with veteran quarterback Philip Rivers at the end of last season, are also looking to make a marquee statement as they prepare to move into their new $4.9 billion SoFi Stadium home in Los Angeles.

Tom Brady announces departure from New England Patriots

<p>The coronavirus pandemic has brought the entire sporting world to an unusual halt. The biggest sporting tournaments have gotten either cancelled or postponed including chess tournaments. Five-time world champion and India's first-ever grandmaster, Viswanathan Anand, is currently on self-isolation in Frankfurt, Germany. The 50-year-old, Padma Vibhushan awardee, was scheduled to return to India, from Germany, on Monday (March 16) but the COVID-19 pandemic has left him with no other substitute than to stay in the foreign land.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><span class="field-content"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chess-grandmaster-viswanathan-anand-stuck-in-germany-due-to-covid-19-scare-286601" hreflang="en">Chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand stuck in Germany due to COVID-19 scare</a></span></p>

<p>"Yes, it is strange staying in a self-isolation but this is the best possible way to curb the spread, right? Staying all locked alone is not something that we do on a daily purpose but with things escalating to such an adverse situation, I am left with no choice," Anand told WION in an exclusive chat.</p>

<p>Anand, who was in Frankfurt to play for SC Baden OOO in Bundesliga Chess, is staying in touch with his family and friends during his free time. While it is natural that his family is worried about his extended stay in Germany, Anand reckons not travelling from the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e, Europe is the best possible option right now.</p>

<h2><strong>"Constant touch with my family and friends"</strong></h2>

<p>"Yes, I am in constant touch with my family and friends. But to be honest, life is pretty normal, I am not doing anything extra apart from staying home. Whatever happening in the entire world is not something I ever imagined but staying behind closed doors is the best way to stay safe."</p>

<p>The multiple-time World Chess Champion, however, will continue with his maiden commentary assignment from his apartment in Frankfurt. He is set to take up the commentator's role for the FIDE Candidates tournament that is set to take place at Yekaterinburg in Russia from Tuesday. However, all he needs is the internet to start his stint as a commentator. "Being a chess player, all I need is the internet. It is going to be a pretty exciting tournament and I am looking forward to the commentary stint, albeit from here in Germany."</p>

<p>With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel coronavirus a pandemic, there has been a bit of scare relating to the novel COVID-19. While Europe has been announced as the 'epicenter' of the coronavirus pandemic, Anand urges everyone to follow the precautionary measures. "Staying isolated is the best thing to do with the situation getting worse with each day. Even though I want to return home, travelling in Europe is not the best of ideas. Even the World Health Organization has now declared Europe as the epicenter of coronavirus, so I hope everyone stays at their place and remains safe, here and also in India," Anand concluded.</p>


The coronavirus pandemic has brought the entire sporting world to an unusual halt. The biggest sporting tournaments have gotten either cancelled or postponed including chess tournaments.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought the entire sporting world to an unusual halt. The biggest sporting tournaments have gotten either cancelled or postponed including chess tournaments. Five-time world champion and India's first-ever grandmaster, Viswanathan Anand, is currently on self-isolation in Frankfurt, Germany. The 50-year-old, Padma Vibhushan awardee, was scheduled to return to India, from Germany, on Monday (March 16) but the COVID-19 pandemic has left him with no other substitute than to stay in the foreign land. Also read: Chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand stuck in Germany due to COVID-19 scare "Yes, it is strange staying in a self-isolation but this is the best possible way to curb the spread, right? Staying all locked alone is not something that we do on a daily purpose but with things escalating to such an adverse situation, I am left with no choice," Anand told WION in an exclusive chat. Anand, who was in Frankfurt to play for SC Baden OOO in Bundesliga Chess, is staying in touch with his family and friends during his free time. While it is natural that his family is worried about his extended stay in Germany, Anand reckons not travelling from the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e, Europe is the best possible option right now. "Constant touch with my family and friends" "Yes, I am in constant touch with my family and friends. But to be honest, life is pretty normal, I am not doing anything extra apart from staying home. Whatever happening in the entire world is not something I ever imagined but staying behind closed doors is the best way to stay safe." The multiple-time World Chess Champion, however, will continue with his maiden commentary assignment from his apartment in Frankfurt. He is set to take up the commentator's role for the FIDE Candidates tournament that is set to take place at Yekaterinburg in Russia from Tuesday. However, all he needs is the internet to start his stint as a commentator. "Being a chess player, all I need is the internet. It is going to be a pretty exciting tournament and I am looking forward to the commentary stint, albeit from here in Germany." With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel coronavirus a pandemic, there has been a bit of scare relating to the novel COVID-19. While Europe has been announced as the 'epicenter' of the coronavirus pandemic, Anand urges everyone to follow the precautionary measures. "Staying isolated is the best thing to do with the situation getting worse with each day. Even though I want to return home, travelling in Europe is not the best of ideas. Even the World Health Organization has now declared Europe as the epicenter of coronavirus, so I hope everyone stays at their place and remains safe, here and also in India," Anand concluded.

EXCLUSIVE: 'Left with no choice,' Viswanathan Anand stuck in Germany amid coronavirus pandemic

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