<p>With the novel coronavirus taking the entire world under its dreaded wings, the sporting calendar for the year 2020 has been shredded into pieces. While many leagues, tournaments and sporting events have been either postponed or cancelled, there were question marks whether the postponed football leagues would get completed in time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every top European leagues have been grounded to a halt due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which put major question marks on whether it would be completed or not. UEFA on Tuesday held a crisis meeting in which it was decided that the Euro&nbsp;2020 will be postponed until 2021 and take place from June 11 to July 11, 2021.</p>

<p>The Norwegian FA broke the ranks on Tuesday as they announced that the showpiece tournament will be held in 2021. The latest development gives time for top European leagues including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League to get completed.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="no">UEFA har bestemt at EM utsettes til 2021. Det skal spilles fra 11. juni til 11. juli neste år. Mer informasjon kommer.</p>
— NorgesFotballforbund (@nff_info) <a href="https://twitter.com/nff_info/status/1239888676517273601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>At least, the Premier League can extend their season into the month of June or even the first couple of weeks of July while still allowing players time off before a fresh campaign begins in August.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Euro&nbsp;was due to take place across Europe in Juny and July 2020 but will now be held on June 11 to July 11, 2021.</p>


With the novel coronavirus taking the entire world under its dreaded wings, the sporting calendar for the year 2020 has been shredded into pieces. While many leagues, tournaments and sporting events have been either postponed or cancelled, there were question marks whether the postponed football leagues would get completed in time.

With the novel coronavirus taking the entire world under its dreaded wings, the sporting calendar for the year 2020 has been shredded into pieces. While many leagues, tournaments and sporting events have been either postponed or cancelled, there were question marks whether the postponed football leagues would get completed in time. Every top European leagues have been grounded to a halt due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which put major question marks on whether it would be completed or not. UEFA on Tuesday held a crisis meeting in which it was decided that the Euro 2020 will be postponed until 2021 and take place from June 11 to July 11, 2021. The Norwegian FA broke the ranks on Tuesday as they announced that the showpiece tournament will be held in 2021. The latest development gives time for top European leagues including the UEFA Champions League and Europa League to get completed. UEFA har bestemt at EM utsettes til 2021. Det skal spilles fra 11. juni til 11. juli neste år. Mer informasjon kommer. — NorgesFotballforbund (@nff_info) March 17, 2020 × At least, the Premier League can extend their season into the month of June or even the first couple of weeks of July while still allowing players time off before a fresh campaign begins in August. The Euro was due to take place across Europe in Juny and July 2020 but will now be held on June 11 to July 11, 2021.

COVID-19 hits football: Euro 2020 postponed until 2021 amid coronavirus pandemic

<p>Swashbuckling England batsman Alex Hales has been tested for the novel coronavirus. Hales was in Pakistan while plying trade with Karachi Kings before the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 got called off amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PSL 2020 was one of the sporting events to get postponed much later than other cricket tournaments&nbsp;across the world.&nbsp;While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and government reacted late in calling off the tournament, the matches were being played behind closed doors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hales is now under self-quarantine after returning from Pakistan<em>.</em> Earlier, the overseas players had left Pakistan on an urgent basis after the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 a pandemic.&nbsp;All PSL 2020 players, team management, &nbsp;PCB officials and broadcasters to undergo COVID-19 tests.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An update on my situation, stay safe everyone <a href="https://t.co/8mDPOBGmI8">pic.twitter.com/8mDPOBGmI8</a></p>
— Alex Hales (@AlexHales1) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexHales1/status/1239882992723640325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commentator and former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raza had revealed that one foreign player had symptoms of COVID-19. Taking to social media platform Twitter, Raza on Tuesday said that Hales has self-quarantined himself while adding he is ready to have his coronavirus test.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Latest on Alex Hales is that he has self quarantined himself. No tests. Good news. Here I am though ready for my Corona test.</p>
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) <a href="https://twitter.com/iramizraja/status/1239860553566294017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars had qualified for the semi-fiinals of PSL 2020 only to see the tournament getting postponed amid coronavirus outbreak. &nbsp;</p>


Swashbuckling England batsman Alex Hales has been tested for the novel coronavirus. Hales was in Pakistan while plying trade with Karachi Kings before the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 got called off amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Swashbuckling England batsman Alex Hales has been tested for the novel coronavirus. Hales was in Pakistan while plying trade with Karachi Kings before the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 got called off amid the COVID-19 pandemic. PSL 2020 was one of the sporting events to get postponed much later than other cricket tournaments across the world. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and government reacted late in calling off the tournament, the matches were being played behind closed doors. Hales is now under self-quarantine after returning from Pakistan. Earlier, the overseas players had left Pakistan on an urgent basis after the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 a pandemic. All PSL 2020 players, team management, PCB officials and broadcasters to undergo COVID-19 tests. An update on my situation, stay safe everyone pic.twitter.com/8mDPOBGmI8 — Alex Hales (@AlexHales1) March 17, 2020 × Commentator and former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raza had revealed that one foreign player had symptoms of COVID-19. Taking to social media platform Twitter, Raza on Tuesday said that Hales has self-quarantined himself while adding he is ready to have his coronavirus test. Latest on Alex Hales is that he has self quarantined himself. No tests. Good news. Here I am though ready for my Corona test. — Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) March 17, 2020 × Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars had qualified for the semi-fiinals of PSL 2020 only to see the tournament getting postponed amid coronavirus outbreak.

England batsman Alex Hales in self-quarantine, all PSL 2020 players and officials to undergo COVID-19 tests

<p>Japan Olympic Committee deputy chief Kozo Tashima said Tuesday he had contracted coronavirus, as doubts increase over whether Tokyo can safely host the Summer Games.</p>

<p>"Today, my test result showed positive for the new coronavirus," Tashima said in a statement, issued via the Japan Football Association, which he also heads.</p>

<p>"I have a mild fever. Examinations showed a symptom of pneumonia, but I'm fine. I will concentrate on treatment following doctors' advice," he said.</p>

<p>Japanese officials insist that the summer Games -- due to start in July -- will take place as scheduled despite rising speculation that it might be postponed or even cancelled due to the virus.</p>

<p>Tashima said he had been on a business trip since February 28, first heading to Belfast to attend the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB).</p>

<p>From March 2, he visited Amsterdam for a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) meeting to give a presentation on Japan's bid for the 2023 women's World Cup.</p>

<p>And On March 3, he attended a general meeting of the same body.</p>

<p>"In Amsterdam and in Europe in early March, the level of nervousness against the novel coronavirus was not the same as now," he said in the statement.</p>

<p>"Everyone was still doing hugs, handshakes and bises (cheek kissing)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then travelled to the United States to watch the Japanese women's team in action and to lobby for the women's World Cup, before returning home on March 8.</p>

<p>"In the United States, too, the sense of crisis about the novel coronavirus was not as serious as now," he said.</p>

<p>Staff at the Japan FA have been working from home as a precaution against the virus, but Tashima said he went to the association building several times last week and attended meetings.</p>

<p>He began feeling chills and experienced a mild fever from Sunday. He went to a local public health centre on Monday and told them about his travel history.</p>

<p>During the UEFA gatherings, Tashima said he saw Swiss and Serbian football chiefs, who have tested positive for the virus, although he added it was not clear how he contracted the infection.</p>

<p>His positive test came out on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"I have chosen to face the illness as so many people are doing in Japan and around the world," he said, adding that he hoped his decision would help eradicate the stigma attached to the infection.</p>

<p>His announcement came as the Tokyo 2020 organising committee said it would scale down festivities related to the Olympic torch relay to prevent further spread of the virus.</p>

<p>The flame, which has already been lit in Greece, will arrive in northern Japan on Friday, with the torch relay slated to start on March 26 from Fukushima.</p>


Japan Olympic Committee deputy chief Kozo Tashima said Tuesday he had contracted coronavirus, as doubts increase over whether Tokyo can safely host the Summer Games.

Japan Olympic Committee deputy chief Kozo Tashima said Tuesday he had contracted coronavirus, as doubts increase over whether Tokyo can safely host the Summer Games. "Today, my test result showed positive for the new coronavirus," Tashima said in a statement, issued via the Japan Football Association, which he also heads. "I have a mild fever. Examinations showed a symptom of pneumonia, but I'm fine. I will concentrate on treatment following doctors' advice," he said. Japanese officials insist that the summer Games -- due to start in July -- will take place as scheduled despite rising speculation that it might be postponed or even cancelled due to the virus. Tashima said he had been on a business trip since February 28, first heading to Belfast to attend the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB). From March 2, he visited Amsterdam for a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) meeting to give a presentation on Japan's bid for the 2023 women's World Cup. And On March 3, he attended a general meeting of the same body. "In Amsterdam and in Europe in early March, the level of nervousness against the novel coronavirus was not the same as now," he said in the statement. "Everyone was still doing hugs, handshakes and bises (cheek kissing)." He then travelled to the United States to watch the Japanese women's team in action and to lobby for the women's World Cup, before returning home on March 8. "In the United States, too, the sense of crisis about the novel coronavirus was not as serious as now," he said. Staff at the Japan FA have been working from home as a precaution against the virus, but Tashima said he went to the association building several times last week and attended meetings. He began feeling chills and experienced a mild fever from Sunday. He went to a local public health centre on Monday and told them about his travel history. During the UEFA gatherings, Tashima said he saw Swiss and Serbian football chiefs, who have tested positive for the virus, although he added it was not clear how he contracted the infection. His positive test came out on Tuesday. "I have chosen to face the illness as so many people are doing in Japan and around the world," he said, adding that he hoped his decision would help eradicate the stigma attached to the infection. His announcement came as the Tokyo 2020 organising committee said it would scale down festivities related to the Olympic torch relay to prevent further spread of the virus. The flame, which has already been lit in Greece, will arrive in northern Japan on Friday, with the torch relay slated to start on March 26 from Fukushima.

'My test result showed positive for coronavirus': Japan Olympic Committee deputy head Kozo Tashima

<p>With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 getting suspended until April 15 amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the cricket fans have been left with nothing to feast their eyes on. Even all eight IPL franchises have suspended their pre-tournament training camps keeping the health of players, support staff and fans in mind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were one of the first franchises to have cancelled their pre-IPL camp with players returning back home with the situation surrounding COVID-19 deteriorating with each passing day. MS Dhoni, who was supposed to make his return to the cricket field in IPL 2020, had started his preparation for the cash-rich tournament only to see it getting postponed amid the coronavirus outbreak.</p>

<p>Having returned to his home town Ranchi, from Chennai, Dhoni was seen continuing his fitness regime as the former Indian skipper was spotted sweating it out on a badminton court in the JSCA International Stadium Complex.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No day off for fitness freak MS Dhoni, as he resumes badminton session in Ranchi. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FitnessFreak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FitnessFreak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/z1ZDVHRkCa">pic.twitter.com/z1ZDVHRkCa</a></p>
— MS Dhoni Fans Official (@msdfansofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/msdfansofficial/status/1239412455840702465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhoni was last seen playing for India in the ICC World Cup 2019 where the Men in Blue had crashed out in the semi-final after a heart-breaking defeat to New Zealand. Since then, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has been on a sabattical from the gentlemen's game and a lot was riding on his performances in IPL 2020 relating to his return to the Indian team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India recorded its third death due to coronavirus as a 64-year-old patient died in Mumbai's Kasturba hospital on Tuesday. Furthermore, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 has risen to 125 in India.</p>


With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 getting suspended until April 15 amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the cricket fans have been left with nothing to feast their eyes on.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 getting suspended until April 15 amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, the cricket fans have been left with nothing to feast their eyes on. Even all eight IPL franchises have suspended their pre-tournament training camps keeping the health of players, support staff and fans in mind. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were one of the first franchises to have cancelled their pre-IPL camp with players returning back home with the situation surrounding COVID-19 deteriorating with each passing day. MS Dhoni, who was supposed to make his return to the cricket field in IPL 2020, had started his preparation for the cash-rich tournament only to see it getting postponed amid the coronavirus outbreak. Having returned to his home town Ranchi, from Chennai, Dhoni was seen continuing his fitness regime as the former Indian skipper was spotted sweating it out on a badminton court in the JSCA International Stadium Complex. No day off for fitness freak MS Dhoni, as he resumes badminton session in Ranchi. #FitnessFreak #MSDhoni #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/z1ZDVHRkCa — MS Dhoni Fans Official (@msdfansofficial) March 16, 2020 × Dhoni was last seen playing for India in the ICC World Cup 2019 where the Men in Blue had crashed out in the semi-final after a heart-breaking defeat to New Zealand. Since then, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has been on a sabattical from the gentlemen's game and a lot was riding on his performances in IPL 2020 relating to his return to the Indian team. Meanwhile, India recorded its third death due to coronavirus as a 64-year-old patient died in Mumbai's Kasturba hospital on Tuesday. Furthermore, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 has risen to 125 in India.

WATCH: MS Dhoni sweats it out on badminton court after Chennai Super Kings call off IPL camp amid coronavirus pandemic

<p>Sports Minister of India, Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday announced that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has decided that all academic training in the National Centre of Excellence and Sai Training Centres (STCs) have been suspended till further notice amid coronavirus pandemic. Rijiju further announced that all national camps have been postponed except for those who are training as a part of 2020 Tokyo Olympics preparations.</p>

<p>Rijiju took to social media platform Twitter to announce the latest development while adding that this move is a just a temporary and precautionary step for the safety of Indian athletes. Rijiju appealed the young athletes to not get disheartened by the sudden halt of training camps. The Indian sports minister concluded by saying that the academic training will soon resume after situation gets better in India.</p>

<p>“Due to Covid-19, SAI has decided that: 1. Academic training in National Centre of Excellence &amp; STCs shall be suspended till further order. 3. All National camps shall be postponed except for those where athletes are being trained as part of Olympics #Tokyo2020 preparation,” Rijiju tweeted on Tuesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Due to Covid-19, SAI has decided that:<br />
1. Academic training in National Centre of Excellence &amp; STCs shall be suspended till further order.<br />
3. All National camps shall be postponed except for those where athletes are being trained as part of Olympics <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> preparation. <a href="https://t.co/wDrzAP0tlY">pic.twitter.com/wDrzAP0tlY</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju Office (@RijijuOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/RijijuOffice/status/1239797838642442240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>“This is just a temporary and precautionary step for the safety of our sportspersons. I appeal all our young athletes not to be disheartened. We will resume the academic trainings soon after assessing the situation. #IndiaFightsCorona,” Rijiju followed up with another tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is just a temporary and precautionary step for the safety of our sportspersons. I appeal all our young athletes not to be disheartened. We will resume the academic trainings soon after assessing the situation.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://t.co/giSwyN3qXf">https://t.co/giSwyN3qXf</a></p>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1239803929208090624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has ruled out conducting the 2020 Tokyo Olympics behind closed doors as they feel the philosophy behind the quadrennial event is to bring people across the globe together.</p>

<p>While every major sporting event has been either suspended or postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic, the IOC and Tokyo Organising Committee have maintained that the games will be held as per the schedule in July. Even though an IOC executive board meeting is set to take place on Tuesday but as per reports, postponement of the games is not even on the agenda.</p>


Sports Minister of India, Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday announced that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has decided that all academic training in the National Centre of Excellence and Sai Training Centres (STCs) have been suspended till further notice amid coronavirus pandemic.

Sports Minister of India, Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday announced that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has decided that all academic training in the National Centre of Excellence and Sai Training Centres (STCs) have been suspended till further notice amid coronavirus pandemic. Rijiju further announced that all national camps have been postponed except for those who are training as a part of 2020 Tokyo Olympics preparations. Rijiju took to social media platform Twitter to announce the latest development while adding that this move is a just a temporary and precautionary step for the safety of Indian athletes. Rijiju appealed the young athletes to not get disheartened by the sudden halt of training camps. The Indian sports minister concluded by saying that the academic training will soon resume after situation gets better in India. “Due to Covid-19, SAI has decided that: 1. Academic training in National Centre of Excellence & STCs shall be suspended till further order. 3. All National camps shall be postponed except for those where athletes are being trained as part of Olympics #Tokyo2020 preparation,” Rijiju tweeted on Tuesday. Due to Covid-19, SAI has decided that: 1. Academic training in National Centre of Excellence & STCs shall be suspended till further order. 3. All National camps shall be postponed except for those where athletes are being trained as part of Olympics #Tokyo2020 preparation. pic.twitter.com/wDrzAP0tlY — Kiren Rijiju Office (@RijijuOffice) March 17, 2020 × “This is just a temporary and precautionary step for the safety of our sportspersons. I appeal all our young athletes not to be disheartened. We will resume the academic trainings soon after assessing the situation. #IndiaFightsCorona,” Rijiju followed up with another tweet. This is just a temporary and precautionary step for the safety of our sportspersons. I appeal all our young athletes not to be disheartened. We will resume the academic trainings soon after assessing the situation.#IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/giSwyN3qXf — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 17, 2020 × Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has ruled out conducting the 2020 Tokyo Olympics behind closed doors as they feel the philosophy behind the quadrennial event is to bring people across the globe together. While every major sporting event has been either suspended or postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic, the IOC and Tokyo Organising Committee have maintained that the games will be held as per the schedule in July. Even though an IOC executive board meeting is set to take place on Tuesday but as per reports, postponement of the games is not even on the agenda.

Sports Ministry suspends national camps amid coronavirus pandemic, Kiren Rijiju asks athletes not be disheartened

<p>There has been a lot of talks surrounding Indian skipper Virat Kohli's aggressive behaviour on the field. While many fans and experts have backed Kohli to continue with his pumped up style of play, there are others who think the Indian skipper should mellow down his behaviour when he takes the field for Team India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Indian cricketer and currently a member of Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) – Madan Lal – has lashed out on Kohli's critics by saying that earlier people used to say Indians are not aggressive and now when the players have started to be aggressive on the field, they just can't ask it to be stopped.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lal further said that he enjoys Kohli's aggression while adding Team India needs a captain like him to lead from the front.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“First, everyone wanted a very aggressive captain and now you want Kohli to stop his aggressive streak. I love the way he is on the field. Earlier, people used to say that Indians are not aggressive; now that we’ve become aggressive people question that and ask why we are so aggressive. I enjoy Kohli’s aggression; we need a captain like him,” Lal was quoted as saying by a leading daily.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former Indian speedster, on Kohli's poor show in New Zealand, said that it was just a loss of form and confidence while adding he is still the world's best player and sometimes technical flaws come in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He was out of form. You can say it was a loss of confidence. That (series against New Zealand) doesn’t take anything away from him. He is still the world’s best player. At times, technical flaws come in and you then try harder and harder but still you don’t come out of it. It happens to the best of players,” he stated.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


There has been a lot of talks surrounding Indian skipper Virat Kohli's aggressive behaviour on the field. While many fans and experts have backed Kohli to continue with his pumped up style of play, there are others who think the Indian skipper should mellow down his behaviour when he takes the field for Team India.

There has been a lot of talks surrounding Indian skipper Virat Kohli's aggressive behaviour on the field. While many fans and experts have backed Kohli to continue with his pumped up style of play, there are others who think the Indian skipper should mellow down his behaviour when he takes the field for Team India. Former Indian cricketer and currently a member of Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) – Madan Lal – has lashed out on Kohli's critics by saying that earlier people used to say Indians are not aggressive and now when the players have started to be aggressive on the field, they just can't ask it to be stopped. Lal further said that he enjoys Kohli's aggression while adding Team India needs a captain like him to lead from the front. “First, everyone wanted a very aggressive captain and now you want Kohli to stop his aggressive streak. I love the way he is on the field. Earlier, people used to say that Indians are not aggressive; now that we’ve become aggressive people question that and ask why we are so aggressive. I enjoy Kohli’s aggression; we need a captain like him,” Lal was quoted as saying by a leading daily. The former Indian speedster, on Kohli's poor show in New Zealand, said that it was just a loss of form and confidence while adding he is still the world's best player and sometimes technical flaws come in. “He was out of form. You can say it was a loss of confidence. That (series against New Zealand) doesn’t take anything away from him. He is still the world’s best player. At times, technical flaws come in and you then try harder and harder but still you don’t come out of it. It happens to the best of players,” he stated.

CAC member Madan Lal lashes out at Virat Kohli's critics over his on-field aggressive behaviour and poor form

<p>Fears are growing that this year's Olympics may be postponed or axed because of the coronavirus pandemic but Japan has been here before -- the cancelled summer Games of 1940 were also due to be hosted in Tokyo.</p>

<p>Japan's military aggression in Asia forced the annulment of what became known as the "Missing Olympics" after the Games were switched to Helsinki before finally being scrapped because of World War II.</p>

<p>Tokyo officials originally touted a bid for the 1940 Games as a way to show the city had recovered from the devastating 1923 earthquake, according to author David Goldblatt in his history of the Olympics entitled "The Games".</p>

<p>In much the same way, Japan has framed the 2020 Olympics as the "Recovery Games" -- a chance to show the country is back on its feet after the catastrophic 2011 triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown.</p>

<p>Tokyo's 1940 bid was spearheaded by Jigoro Kano, the founder of modern judo and first Japanese member of the International Olympic Committee, who stressed the importance of bringing the Games to Asia for the first time.</p>

<p>"I carry a grave resolve. The Olympics should naturally come to Japan. If they don't, the reason for this must be something unjust," said Kano in his plea to the IOC.</p>

<p>The Japanese had a special reason for wanting to celebrate 1940, as it coincided with the 2,600th year since the enthronement of the nation's legendary first emperor, Jimmu.</p>

<p>Tokyo launched an official bid in 1932 and found themselves up against Rome and Helsinki.</p>

<p>Japan engaged in a fierce lobbying campaign that included pleading with Italy's fascist dictator Benito Mussolini to step aside in their favor.</p>

<p>"In the you-scratch-my-back kind of deal that has become the norm in international sports politics, Mussolini announced with unusual candor, 'We will waive our claim for 1940 in favor of Japan if Japan will support Italy's effort to get the XIIIth Olympiad for Rome in 1944," wrote Goldblatt.</p>

<p>With just Tokyo and Helsinki left standing, the IOC plumped for the Japanese capital by 37 votes to 26.</p>

<h2>'Cultural diplomacy'</h2>

<p>Before the bid had been tabled, Japan in 1931 invaded the Chinese province of Manchuria and two years later withdrew from the League of Nations -- the precursor to the United Nations -- after the body refused to sanction the occupation.</p>

<p>The Olympic bid was therefore also an attempt to shore up international diplomacy, according to Asato Ikeda, assistant professor at Fordham University, New York, who has written about the 1940 Games.</p>

<p>Japan's bid was "part of its international cultural diplomacy in order to ameliorate the relationship with the Western democratic nations, especially Britain and the United States," Ikeda wrote in an essay in the Asia-Pacific Journal.</p>

<p>As preparations for the Games gathered pace, a schedule was drawn up and posters were printed. The Opening Ceremony was set for September 21, 1940.</p>

<p>There were some hiccups though, including questions about whether the Emperor could declare the Games open, as the Japanese then held him to be semi-divine and therefore unable to be seen and heard by ordinary citizens.</p>

<h2><strong>'No other course'</strong></h2>

<p>As diplomatic pressure grew on Japan from outside, there was increasing clamour inside the country for cash to be diverted for military purposes.</p>

<p>Japanese diplomats at the time voiced concern in cables back to Tokyo that powers such as Britain and the United States could boycott the Games over Japan's war-like activity.</p>

<p>Yet, in words familiar to those following the story of the 2020 Games, Tokyo insisted the show would go on.</p>

<p>Barker cites a cable from Tokyo City Hall to the IOC which said: "The citizens of Tokyo are doing their utmost to make the 1940 Games a success."&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the Japanese Olympic Committee eventually bowed to the inevitable and forfeited in July 1938, saying what they euphemistically called "the trouble with China" had made staging the Games impossible.</p>

<p>"The organizing committee and the people of Japan were deeply disappointed in having to give up the Games, but, in the circumstances, no other course was open," the "Olympic News" bulletin published in Tokyo wrote at the time.</p>

<p>"With the worsening international relations and increasing military activities in the Asian continent, the cancellation might not have been that surprising," Ikeda told AFP.</p>

<p>The Winter Games, due to be held in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo, were also scrapped and the war put paid to the proposed rescheduling in the Finnish capital.</p>

<p>The next time the Olympic torch was lit was for London in 1948, four years after the city had originally been due to host. But Japan, as a defeated power, was excluded and Helsinki staged the next summer Games in 1952.</p>

<p>Tokyo finally became the first Asian city to host the Olympic Games in 1964.</p>


Fears are growing that this year's Olympics may be postponed or axed because of the coronavirus pandemic but Japan has been here before -- the cancelled summer Games of 1940 were also due to be hosted in Tokyo.

Fears are growing that this year's Olympics may be postponed or axed because of the coronavirus pandemic but Japan has been here before -- the cancelled summer Games of 1940 were also due to be hosted in Tokyo. Japan's military aggression in Asia forced the annulment of what became known as the "Missing Olympics" after the Games were switched to Helsinki before finally being scrapped because of World War II. Tokyo officials originally touted a bid for the 1940 Games as a way to show the city had recovered from the devastating 1923 earthquake, according to author David Goldblatt in his history of the Olympics entitled "The Games". In much the same way, Japan has framed the 2020 Olympics as the "Recovery Games" -- a chance to show the country is back on its feet after the catastrophic 2011 triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown. Tokyo's 1940 bid was spearheaded by Jigoro Kano, the founder of modern judo and first Japanese member of the International Olympic Committee, who stressed the importance of bringing the Games to Asia for the first time. "I carry a grave resolve. The Olympics should naturally come to Japan. If they don't, the reason for this must be something unjust," said Kano in his plea to the IOC. The Japanese had a special reason for wanting to celebrate 1940, as it coincided with the 2,600th year since the enthronement of the nation's legendary first emperor, Jimmu. Tokyo launched an official bid in 1932 and found themselves up against Rome and Helsinki. Japan engaged in a fierce lobbying campaign that included pleading with Italy's fascist dictator Benito Mussolini to step aside in their favor. "In the you-scratch-my-back kind of deal that has become the norm in international sports politics, Mussolini announced with unusual candor, 'We will waive our claim for 1940 in favor of Japan if Japan will support Italy's effort to get the XIIIth Olympiad for Rome in 1944," wrote Goldblatt. With just Tokyo and Helsinki left standing, the IOC plumped for the Japanese capital by 37 votes to 26. 'Cultural diplomacy' Before the bid had been tabled, Japan in 1931 invaded the Chinese province of Manchuria and two years later withdrew from the League of Nations -- the precursor to the United Nations -- after the body refused to sanction the occupation. The Olympic bid was therefore also an attempt to shore up international diplomacy, according to Asato Ikeda, assistant professor at Fordham University, New York, who has written about the 1940 Games. Japan's bid was "part of its international cultural diplomacy in order to ameliorate the relationship with the Western democratic nations, especially Britain and the United States," Ikeda wrote in an essay in the Asia-Pacific Journal. As preparations for the Games gathered pace, a schedule was drawn up and posters were printed. The Opening Ceremony was set for September 21, 1940. There were some hiccups though, including questions about whether the Emperor could declare the Games open, as the Japanese then held him to be semi-divine and therefore unable to be seen and heard by ordinary citizens. 'No other course' As diplomatic pressure grew on Japan from outside, there was increasing clamour inside the country for cash to be diverted for military purposes. Japanese diplomats at the time voiced concern in cables back to Tokyo that powers such as Britain and the United States could boycott the Games over Japan's war-like activity. Yet, in words familiar to those following the story of the 2020 Games, Tokyo insisted the show would go on. Barker cites a cable from Tokyo City Hall to the IOC which said: "The citizens of Tokyo are doing their utmost to make the 1940 Games a success." But the Japanese Olympic Committee eventually bowed to the inevitable and forfeited in July 1938, saying what they euphemistically called "the trouble with China" had made staging the Games impossible. "The organizing committee and the people of Japan were deeply disappointed in having to give up the Games, but, in the circumstances, no other course was open," the "Olympic News" bulletin published in Tokyo wrote at the time. "With the worsening international relations and increasing military activities in the Asian continent, the cancellation might not have been that surprising," Ikeda told AFP. The Winter Games, due to be held in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo, were also scrapped and the war put paid to the proposed rescheduling in the Finnish capital. The next time the Olympic torch was lit was for London in 1948, four years after the city had originally been due to host. But Japan, as a defeated power, was excluded and Helsinki staged the next summer Games in 1952. Tokyo finally became the first Asian city to host the Olympic Games in 1964.

Did you know? Tokyo 1940 Games is known as 'Missing Olympics'

<p>The organisers of 2020 Tokyo Olympics have said that they are scaling back parts of the much-awaited Olympic torch relay amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, the organisers made it clear that the spectators will be allowed to watch the torch relay from the roadside. While welcome ceremonies have been scraped, departure ceremonies will be completely conducted behind close doors, the organisers said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The organisers of 2020 Tokyo Olympics have further asked the spectators to not attend torch relay from the roadside if they are feeling unwell. Furthermore, the torch-bearers will have their temperature tested and those with higher temperature will not be allowed to run their section of the relay.</p>

<p>The latest development by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics organisers come amid doubts whether the highly-anticipated Games can be held as scheduled from July 24 with the novel coronavirus destroying the sporting calendar including the Olympic qualification.</p>

<p>However, there has been no plans to postpone or suspend the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with talks between International Olympic Committee (IOC) and heads of international sports organisations set to take place on March 17.</p>

<p>Even though IOC's take has drawn harsh criticism for their take on conducting 2020 Tokyo Olympics in time, experts believe that the authority wants to give athletes every chance to compete in the Games.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics torch lighting ceremony was held without spectators and now, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics flame handover ceremony on March 19 will be scaled down event with only few officials and torch bearers inside the stadium.</p>


The organisers of 2020 Tokyo Olympics have said that they are scaling back parts of the much-awaited Olympic torch relay amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, the organisers made it clear that the spectators will be allowed to watch the torch relay from the roadside.

The organisers of 2020 Tokyo Olympics have said that they are scaling back parts of the much-awaited Olympic torch relay amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, the organisers made it clear that the spectators will be allowed to watch the torch relay from the roadside. While welcome ceremonies have been scraped, departure ceremonies will be completely conducted behind close doors, the organisers said in a statement. The organisers of 2020 Tokyo Olympics have further asked the spectators to not attend torch relay from the roadside if they are feeling unwell. Furthermore, the torch-bearers will have their temperature tested and those with higher temperature will not be allowed to run their section of the relay. The latest development by the 2020 Tokyo Olympics organisers come amid doubts whether the highly-anticipated Games can be held as scheduled from July 24 with the novel coronavirus destroying the sporting calendar including the Olympic qualification. However, there has been no plans to postpone or suspend the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with talks between International Olympic Committee (IOC) and heads of international sports organisations set to take place on March 17. Even though IOC's take has drawn harsh criticism for their take on conducting 2020 Tokyo Olympics in time, experts believe that the authority wants to give athletes every chance to compete in the Games. Earlier, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics torch lighting ceremony was held without spectators and now, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics flame handover ceremony on March 19 will be scaled down event with only few officials and torch bearers inside the stadium.

Tokyo Olympics 2020 flame festivities scaled back amid coronavirus pandemic

<p>Pakistan's Twenty20 cricket league was suspended Tuesday just hours before the start of the semi-finals because of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>The Pakistan Super League (PSL) announced last week that the playoffs would be truncated with this week's semi-finals and final in Lahore to be played with no spectators to prevent the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The final had already been brought forward from Sunday to Wednesday.</p>

<p>However a spike in coronavirus cases this week and an exodus of international players from the country appears to have forced authorities to reconsider.</p>

<p>"PSL 2020 remaining matches are postponed, to be rescheduled and more details to follow in due course," the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Twitter.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HBLPSLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HBLPSLV</a> postponed, to be rescheduled. More details to follow in due course.</p>
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) <a href="https://twitter.com/thePSLt20/status/1239807391794892800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The announcement comes a day after Pakistan said it had also postponed an upcoming tour next month by Bangladesh.</p>

<p>Pakistan has recorded more than 100 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus but no deaths so far.</p>

<p>However, officials have tested fewer than 1,000 potential cases in the country of about 215 million people, where healthcare is frequently inadequate following decades of under-investment.</p>

<p>The month-long PSL began in February, with games held solely in stadiums across the cricket-mad country for the first time in its five-year history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previous seasons saw a portion of matches held in the United Arab Emirates over security fears.</p>

<p>A deadly 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka team bus halted international cricket tours to Pakistan, but visits are gradually resuming following an improvement in security.</p>


Pakistan's Twenty20 cricket league was suspended Tuesday just hours before the start of the semi-finals because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) announced last week that the playoffs would be truncated with this week's semi-finals and final in Lahore to be played with no spectators to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Pakistan's Twenty20 cricket league was suspended Tuesday just hours before the start of the semi-finals because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) announced last week that the playoffs would be truncated with this week's semi-finals and final in Lahore to be played with no spectators to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The final had already been brought forward from Sunday to Wednesday. However a spike in coronavirus cases this week and an exodus of international players from the country appears to have forced authorities to reconsider. "PSL 2020 remaining matches are postponed, to be rescheduled and more details to follow in due course," the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Twitter. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT#HBLPSLV postponed, to be rescheduled. More details to follow in due course. — PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 17, 2020 × The announcement comes a day after Pakistan said it had also postponed an upcoming tour next month by Bangladesh. Pakistan has recorded more than 100 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus but no deaths so far. However, officials have tested fewer than 1,000 potential cases in the country of about 215 million people, where healthcare is frequently inadequate following decades of under-investment. The month-long PSL began in February, with games held solely in stadiums across the cricket-mad country for the first time in its five-year history. Previous seasons saw a portion of matches held in the United Arab Emirates over security fears. A deadly 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka team bus halted international cricket tours to Pakistan, but visits are gradually resuming following an improvement in security.

Pakistan Super League 2020 semis postponed amid coronavirus outbreak

<p>Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has been pretty active on social media platforms. While he claims to be the fastest YouTuber to attain 2 million subscribers, Akhtar continues to grab the headlines with his controversial take on not only cricket but everything related to daily life. On Monday (March 16), Akhtar took to social media platform Twitter to post a controversial tweet on Kashmir amid the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, many European countries are in a lockdown. Not only in Europe but in the entire world, people have been asked to maintain their personal hygiene and to socially distance themselves.</p>

<p>As many countries, worldwide, continues to be in lockdown, Akhtar on Monday posted an image where it was written: "Dear World, How is the lockdown? - Kashmir."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/nCN6FZUUOH">pic.twitter.com/nCN6FZUUOH</a></p>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1239459646701797376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>As soon as Akhtar posted the controversial tweet, he was subject to widespread backlash from the netizens. While many slammed Akhtar for going overboard with his tweet, others said that he will lose all his Indian subscribers from his YouTube channel.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how netizens reacted to Shoaib Akhtar's tweet:</strong></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ht">Gye saare Indian followers aaj</p>
— Pankaj Nautiyal (@NautiyalG___) <a href="https://twitter.com/NautiyalG___/status/1239465385943920641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">India: Education<br />
Pakistan: Kashmir<br />
<br />
India: Doctos, scientists<br />
Pakistan: Kashmir<br />
<br />
India: Let's remove poverty<br />
Pakistan: Kashmir<br />
<br />
India: Let's make toilets for poor<br />
Pakistan: Kashmir<br />
<br />
India: 5 Trillion economy<br />
Pakistan: Kashmir<br />
<br />
India: Let's fight coronavirus<br />
Pakistan: Kashmir</p>
— Andy 🇮🇳 (@C_Andy88029) <a href="https://twitter.com/C_Andy88029/status/1239461599104008192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Lagaye kya 'Phainta' ? <a href="https://t.co/7T1eRnKuir">pic.twitter.com/7T1eRnKuir</a></p>
— Sudhanshu (@heysudhanshu) <a href="https://twitter.com/heysudhanshu/status/1239468179232976901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/m5rIjgVtM3">pic.twitter.com/m5rIjgVtM3</a></p>
— Jattu. (@ImJammy_12) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImJammy_12/status/1239480239601758208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shoaib100mph</a> rn. - <a href="https://t.co/6U8OrL9oXS">pic.twitter.com/6U8OrL9oXS</a></p>
— Sneha🇮🇳 (@Shinde25sneha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shinde25sneha/status/1239479610523320320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Yes ! <a href="https://t.co/iy8IXuqKjM">pic.twitter.com/iy8IXuqKjM</a></p>
— Dr. by chance not by choice (@coolchamp85) <a href="https://twitter.com/coolchamp85/status/1239467687996080129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/EjcxDTe2Jo">pic.twitter.com/EjcxDTe2Jo</a></p>
— Thepostapocalypticscavenger (@vinnieMacJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/vinnieMacJr/status/1239469724871692288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) remains to be the only high-profile cricket tournament going around in the world. While almost every cricket board has suspended their respective leagues and tournaments, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has continued with the T20 tournament behind closed doors.</p>


Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has been pretty active on social media platforms. While he claims to be the fastest YouTuber to attain 2 million subscribers, Akhtar continues to grab the headlines with his controversial take on not only cricket but everything related to daily life.

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has been pretty active on social media platforms. While he claims to be the fastest YouTuber to attain 2 million subscribers, Akhtar continues to grab the headlines with his controversial take on not only cricket but everything related to daily life. On Monday (March 16), Akhtar took to social media platform Twitter to post a controversial tweet on Kashmir amid the coronavirus pandemic. With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, many European countries are in a lockdown. Not only in Europe but in the entire world, people have been asked to maintain their personal hygiene and to socially distance themselves. As many countries, worldwide, continues to be in lockdown, Akhtar on Monday posted an image where it was written: "Dear World, How is the lockdown? - Kashmir." pic.twitter.com/nCN6FZUUOH — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 16, 2020 × As soon as Akhtar posted the controversial tweet, he was subject to widespread backlash from the netizens. While many slammed Akhtar for going overboard with his tweet, others said that he will lose all his Indian subscribers from his YouTube channel. Here's how netizens reacted to Shoaib Akhtar's tweet: Gye saare Indian followers aaj — Pankaj Nautiyal (@NautiyalG___) March 16, 2020 × India: Education Pakistan: Kashmir India: Doctos, scientists Pakistan: Kashmir India: Let's remove poverty Pakistan: Kashmir India: Let's make toilets for poor Pakistan: Kashmir India: 5 Trillion economy Pakistan: Kashmir India: Let's fight coronavirus Pakistan: Kashmir — Andy 🇮🇳 (@C_Andy88029) March 16, 2020 × Lagaye kya 'Phainta' ? pic.twitter.com/7T1eRnKuir — Sudhanshu (@heysudhanshu) March 16, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/m5rIjgVtM3 — Jattu. (@ImJammy_12) March 16, 2020 × @shoaib100mph rn. - pic.twitter.com/6U8OrL9oXS — Sneha🇮🇳 (@Shinde25sneha) March 16, 2020 × Yes ! pic.twitter.com/iy8IXuqKjM — Dr. by chance not by choice (@coolchamp85) March 16, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/EjcxDTe2Jo — Thepostapocalypticscavenger (@vinnieMacJr) March 16, 2020 × Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) remains to be the only high-profile cricket tournament going around in the world. While almost every cricket board has suspended their respective leagues and tournaments, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has continued with the T20 tournament behind closed doors.

Shoaib Akhtar posts controversial tweet on Kashmir amid coronavirus pandemic, faces severe backlash from netizens

<p>A decision over whether to postpone football's Euro 2020 by up to a year, with all the sporting and financial consequences that would entail, is set to be made when UEFA holds a crisis meeting on Tuesday as Europe battles the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>European football's governing body will hold a videoconference with representatives from all 55 member associations as well as from clubs and players bodies. UEFA will then hold an executive committee meeting at 1400 (1300 GMT) at their Swiss headquarters.</p>

<p>The future of the European Championship, due to take place for the first time in 12 different cities spread across the continent from June 12 to July 12, is up in the air along with those of the Champions League and Europa League.</p>

<p>The "dark scenarios" that UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin warned against envisaging when he spoke at the organisation's congress in Amsterdam just two weeks ago now have to be considered.</p>

<p>All of Europe's leading domestic leagues ground to a halt last week, while UEFA suspended all Champions League and Europa League games due to be played this week. Both tournaments are still in the last-16 stage.</p>

<p>Europe has become the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic, with Italy and Spain on lockdown, France gradually following suit, and other countries closing borders to halt the spread of the outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 1,800 people have died in Italy, which is supposed to host the opening game of Euro 2020 in Rome.</p>

<h2>- Postponed for a year? -</h2>

<p>The head of the Italian football federation, Gabriele Gravina, has already proposed that the Euro be postponed, with Italy coach Roberto Mancini calling for it to pushed back 12 months.</p>

<p>"We would have won the European Championship this summer, we can also win it in 2021," Mancini told television station Rai Sport.</p>

<p>It is a position that many around the continent are coming round to amid much uncertainty as to when club football can resume.</p>

<p>"UEFA has no choice. They have to postpone the Euro and the Champions League," one senior figure in the world game told AFP, although finding agreement across the board may not be easy.</p>

<p>"There are people who want to play, and others who don't," French football federation president Noel Le Graet told broadcaster TF1 on Sunday.</p>

<p>German broadcaster ZDF reported that two possible options are on the table for the European Championship.</p>

<p>One is to push it back to 2021, although that is not as simple as it might appear, as it would need FIFA president Gianni Infantino to agree to halting the inaugural edition of his highly lucrative Club World Cup, due to take place in June and July next year in China with some of Europe's top club sides involved.</p>

<p>FIFA offered "no comment" on Monday on the matter.</p>

<p>There is also the issue of the women's European Championship, scheduled to run from July 7 to August 1 next year in England, with the final at Wembley. The London venue is also supposed to hold the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020.</p>

<p>The alternative option, according to ZDF, is to maintain a Euro 2020 by playing it towards the end of the year.</p>

<h2>- Financial stakes 'enormous' -</h2>

<p>That supposes that the crisis will have calmed down by then, and there is also the issue of all the other football that has been suspended.</p>

<p>Le Graet said "it is probable" that all friendly matches scheduled to be played at the end of this month will be postponed. Play-off matches to decide the last four berths at Euro 2020 can be expected to go the same way.</p>

<p>In any case, world governing body FIFA has already moved to say that clubs no longer need to release players for the scheduled international dates.</p>

<p>They may come to a decision to try to complete the Champions League and Europa League by curtailing the competitions, meaning ties up to the semi-finals could be decided in one-off matches.</p>

<p>From a financial viewpoint, UEFA would undoubtedly prefer postponing their flagship tournaments to cancelling them altogether, or playing matches behind closed doors.</p>

<p>"The financial stakes are enormous," according to one senior figure in the international game. "We know that FIFA has significant reserves but we don't know about UEFA or the different leagues."</p>

<p>In any case, the European Leagues grouping of almost a thousand clubs in 29 countries across the continent warned that "cooperation, coordination and flexibility are going to be essential".</p>

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


A decision over whether to postpone football's Euro 2020 by up to a year, with all the sporting and financial consequences that would entail, is set to be made when UEFA holds a crisis meeting on Tuesday as Europe battles the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

A decision over whether to postpone football's Euro 2020 by up to a year, with all the sporting and financial consequences that would entail, is set to be made when UEFA holds a crisis meeting on Tuesday as Europe battles the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. European football's governing body will hold a videoconference with representatives from all 55 member associations as well as from clubs and players bodies. UEFA will then hold an executive committee meeting at 1400 (1300 GMT) at their Swiss headquarters. The future of the European Championship, due to take place for the first time in 12 different cities spread across the continent from June 12 to July 12, is up in the air along with those of the Champions League and Europa League. The "dark scenarios" that UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin warned against envisaging when he spoke at the organisation's congress in Amsterdam just two weeks ago now have to be considered. All of Europe's leading domestic leagues ground to a halt last week, while UEFA suspended all Champions League and Europa League games due to be played this week. Both tournaments are still in the last-16 stage. Europe has become the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic, with Italy and Spain on lockdown, France gradually following suit, and other countries closing borders to halt the spread of the outbreak. More than 1,800 people have died in Italy, which is supposed to host the opening game of Euro 2020 in Rome. - Postponed for a year? - The head of the Italian football federation, Gabriele Gravina, has already proposed that the Euro be postponed, with Italy coach Roberto Mancini calling for it to pushed back 12 months. "We would have won the European Championship this summer, we can also win it in 2021," Mancini told television station Rai Sport. It is a position that many around the continent are coming round to amid much uncertainty as to when club football can resume. "UEFA has no choice. They have to postpone the Euro and the Champions League," one senior figure in the world game told AFP, although finding agreement across the board may not be easy. "There are people who want to play, and others who don't," French football federation president Noel Le Graet told broadcaster TF1 on Sunday. German broadcaster ZDF reported that two possible options are on the table for the European Championship. One is to push it back to 2021, although that is not as simple as it might appear, as it would need FIFA president Gianni Infantino to agree to halting the inaugural edition of his highly lucrative Club World Cup, due to take place in June and July next year in China with some of Europe's top club sides involved. FIFA offered "no comment" on Monday on the matter. There is also the issue of the women's European Championship, scheduled to run from July 7 to August 1 next year in England, with the final at Wembley. The London venue is also supposed to hold the semi-finals and final of Euro 2020. The alternative option, according to ZDF, is to maintain a Euro 2020 by playing it towards the end of the year. - Financial stakes 'enormous' - That supposes that the crisis will have calmed down by then, and there is also the issue of all the other football that has been suspended. Le Graet said "it is probable" that all friendly matches scheduled to be played at the end of this month will be postponed. Play-off matches to decide the last four berths at Euro 2020 can be expected to go the same way. In any case, world governing body FIFA has already moved to say that clubs no longer need to release players for the scheduled international dates. They may come to a decision to try to complete the Champions League and Europa League by curtailing the competitions, meaning ties up to the semi-finals could be decided in one-off matches. From a financial viewpoint, UEFA would undoubtedly prefer postponing their flagship tournaments to cancelling them altogether, or playing matches behind closed doors. "The financial stakes are enormous," according to one senior figure in the international game. "We know that FIFA has significant reserves but we don't know about UEFA or the different leagues." In any case, the European Leagues grouping of almost a thousand clubs in 29 countries across the continent warned that "cooperation, coordination and flexibility are going to be essential".

Fate of Euro 2020 to be determined as UEFA set for crisis meeting

<p>With the novel coronavirus continuing to wreak havoc, all eight franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have decided to call off their respective pre-IPL training camps till further notice. The move comes three days after the coronavirus pandemic forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to suspend IPL 2020 until April 15.</p>

<p>While Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made it official, on Monday, that they have deferred the training camp until further notice, the likes of Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders Have joined the bandwagon by calling off their respective training camps as the situation continues to deteriorate.</p>

<p>"Keeping in mind the health and safety of everyone involved, the RCB Training Camp scheduled to start on the 21st of March has been deferred until further notice. We request everyone to follow the guidelines provided by the Health Ministry and stay safe," RCB tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Keeping in mind the health and safety of everyone involved, the RCB Training Camp scheduled to start on the 21st of March has been deferred until further notice. We request everyone to follow the guidelines provided by the Health Ministry and stay safe.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://t.co/DTVog3x5mB">pic.twitter.com/DTVog3x5mB</a></p>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1239499389103566848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, the BCCI had suspended the cash-rich tournament after the government imposed travel restrictions. Even three states had refused to host any IPL 2020 matches due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The pandemic has claimed more than 6,000 lives globally with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Europe as the 'epicenter' of the novel COVID-19.</p>

<p>In India, there have been at least 114 positive cases with two deaths and hence the authorities have been kept at their toes due to the rising concers relating to coronavirus.&nbsp;CSK had&nbsp;suspended their camp on Saturday (Match 14) after which their skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni left Chennai.</p>

<p>The franchise owners and BCCI are optimistic about a start post-April 15 and should the situation improve in the coming weeks, the state governments, which had earlier denied permission for matches, will be ready to give IPL 2020 the green signal.</p>


With the novel coronavirus continuing to wreak havoc, all eight franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have decided to call off their respective pre-IPL training camps till further notice.

With the novel coronavirus continuing to wreak havoc, all eight franchises of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have decided to call off their respective pre-IPL training camps till further notice. The move comes three days after the coronavirus pandemic forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to suspend IPL 2020 until April 15. While Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made it official, on Monday, that they have deferred the training camp until further notice, the likes of Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders Have joined the bandwagon by calling off their respective training camps as the situation continues to deteriorate. "Keeping in mind the health and safety of everyone involved, the RCB Training Camp scheduled to start on the 21st of March has been deferred until further notice. We request everyone to follow the guidelines provided by the Health Ministry and stay safe," RCB tweeted. Keeping in mind the health and safety of everyone involved, the RCB Training Camp scheduled to start on the 21st of March has been deferred until further notice. We request everyone to follow the guidelines provided by the Health Ministry and stay safe.#PlayBold pic.twitter.com/DTVog3x5mB — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 16, 2020 × Earlier, the BCCI had suspended the cash-rich tournament after the government imposed travel restrictions. Even three states had refused to host any IPL 2020 matches due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The pandemic has claimed more than 6,000 lives globally with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Europe as the 'epicenter' of the novel COVID-19. In India, there have been at least 114 positive cases with two deaths and hence the authorities have been kept at their toes due to the rising concers relating to coronavirus. CSK had suspended their camp on Saturday (Match 14) after which their skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni left Chennai. The franchise owners and BCCI are optimistic about a start post-April 15 and should the situation improve in the coming weeks, the state governments, which had earlier denied permission for matches, will be ready to give IPL 2020 the green signal.

IPL franchises suspend training camps till further notice, players head back home

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