FIFA banned its former president Sepp Blatter until 2028 on Wednesday after handing him a new suspension of six years and eight months for receiving huge bonuses.

Former FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke also had his existing suspension extended by the same amount.

The new bans will only come into force when the current bans on Blatter and Valcke for corruption, which last till October this year and October 2025, end.

FIFA's Ethics Committee said it had also fined each man one million Swiss francs.

Blatter, who is 85, received 23 million Swiss francs ($24.6 million, 20.7 million euros) in "extraordinary bonuses" linked to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as well as the Confederations Cup tournament in Brazil that preceded it, the Ethics Committee said in a summary of its decision.

Valcke, the 60-year-old Frenchman who was Blatter's right-hand man during his 17-year reign at the head of football's world governing body, received 30 million Swiss francs over the same period, the committee said.

FIFA said Blatter and Valcke had violated the Code of Ethics by "offering and accepting gifts or other benefits" and through "abuse of position".

It said in a statement: "The investigations into Messrs Blatter and Valcke covered various charges, in particular concerning bonus payments in relation to FIFA competitions that were paid to top FIFA management officials, various amendments and extensions of employment contracts, as well as reimbursement by FIFA of private legal costs in the case of Mr Valcke."

Blatter was forced to stand down as FIFA president in 2015 and was originally banned by FIFA for eight years, later reduced to six, over ethics breaches when he was found to have authorised a two-million-euro "disloyal payment" to former UEFA president Michel Platini.

Valcke was initially banned for 12 years but it was reduced to 10 years on appeal.

FIFA banned its former president Sepp Blatter until 2028 on Wednesday after handing him a new suspension of six years and eight months for receiving huge bonuses.

FIFA banned its former president Sepp Blatter until 2028 on Wednesday after handing him a new suspension of six years and eight months for receiving huge bonuses. Former FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke also had his existing suspension extended by the same amount. The new bans will only come into force when the current bans on Blatter and Valcke for corruption, which last till October this year and October 2025, end. FIFA's Ethics Committee said it had also fined each man one million Swiss francs. Blatter, who is 85, received 23 million Swiss francs ($24.6 million, 20.7 million euros) in "extraordinary bonuses" linked to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as well as the Confederations Cup tournament in Brazil that preceded it, the Ethics Committee said in a summary of its decision. Valcke, the 60-year-old Frenchman who was Blatter's right-hand man during his 17-year reign at the head of football's world governing body, received 30 million Swiss francs over the same period, the committee said. FIFA said Blatter and Valcke had violated the Code of Ethics by "offering and accepting gifts or other benefits" and through "abuse of position". It said in a statement: "The investigations into Messrs Blatter and Valcke covered various charges, in particular concerning bonus payments in relation to FIFA competitions that were paid to top FIFA management officials, various amendments and extensions of employment contracts, as well as reimbursement by FIFA of private legal costs in the case of Mr Valcke." Blatter was forced to stand down as FIFA president in 2015 and was originally banned by FIFA for eight years, later reduced to six, over ethics breaches when he was found to have authorised a two-million-euro "disloyal payment" to former UEFA president Michel Platini. Valcke was initially banned for 12 years but it was reduced to 10 years on appeal.

FIFA extends ban on Blatter until 2028

IPL 2021: Who will captain Delhi Capitals in absence of Shreyas Iyer? Check the list of options

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa is set to miss the first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to his marriage, RCB's director of cricket Mike Hesson has confirmed.&nbsp;

RCB is scheduled to lock horns with defending champions Mumbai Indians on&nbsp;April 9 in what will be the tournament opener in Chennai.&nbsp;

Zampa played just three matches for RCB in IPL 2020 and picked up two wickets. He has 200 wickets in 173 T20s.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We won't have our full contingent of overseas players available for the first game," Hesson said&nbsp;in a video posted by RCB on Twitter.&nbsp;"Adam Zampa is getting married. It's an important time for him and it's something that as a franchise we are aware of and we respect and we hope he has a great time. So when he joins us, once again he is going to be fresh and make a massive contribution to the rest of the tournament."&nbsp;

Most of RCB's overseas contingent will arrive in India in a scattered manner with regards to international commitments and&nbsp;NOCs&nbsp;from their respective boards. Upon landing in India, they will have to serve a mandatory seven-day quarantine period before joining their team.&nbsp;

"We have got players arriving all the way through till 1st of April, which is where we get the NOCs for some of the overseas players, particularly those who are playing," Hesson said. "Finn Allen is playing in T20s in New Zealand on the 1st of April; he will be coming the day after. We have got Australians who play up to 31st, likes of Daniel&nbsp;Sams, Kane Richardson. They then jump on a plane and come. ABD [de Villiers] arrives on 28th.&nbsp;

"I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh"&nbsp;

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RCB’s IPL 2021 Camp and Player Availability 
 
When’s the pre-season camp starting? When are the overseas players arriving? On <a href="https://twitter.com/myntra?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@myntra</a> presents Bold Diaries, Mike Hesson leaves no room for speculations ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VivoIPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VivoIPL2021</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Classof2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Classof2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/yxBFNYVwW8">pic.twitter.com/yxBFNYVwW8</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1374564125616013313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"So&nbsp;we have got players arriving at different times and we have to factor that into our preparation, which will include some practice games heading into our first game on 9th."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, RCB is set to commence their camp in Chennai on March 29.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We have got some who have been in the bubble all the time, so they will come straight bubble to bubble transfer," Hesson explained. "From Pune, they will join us. We have got one or two who will have a day or two at home. They have been in a bubble for so long and need to freshen up. When they will be arriving, they obviously will have to take their seven-day quarantine.&nbsp;

"I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. But really keen to get started. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh."&nbsp;

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa is set to miss the first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to his marriage, RCB's director of cricket Mike Hesson has confirmed.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa is set to miss the first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to his marriage, RCB's director of cricket Mike Hesson has confirmed. RCB is scheduled to lock horns with defending champions Mumbai Indians on April 9 in what will be the tournament opener in Chennai. Zampa played just three matches for RCB in IPL 2020 and picked up two wickets. He has 200 wickets in 173 T20s. "We won't have our full contingent of overseas players available for the first game," Hesson said in a video posted by RCB on Twitter. "Adam Zampa is getting married. It's an important time for him and it's something that as a franchise we are aware of and we respect and we hope he has a great time. So when he joins us, once again he is going to be fresh and make a massive contribution to the rest of the tournament." Most of RCB's overseas contingent will arrive in India in a scattered manner with regards to international commitments and NOCs from their respective boards. Upon landing in India, they will have to serve a mandatory seven-day quarantine period before joining their team. "We have got players arriving all the way through till 1st of April, which is where we get the NOCs for some of the overseas players, particularly those who are playing," Hesson said. "Finn Allen is playing in T20s in New Zealand on the 1st of April; he will be coming the day after. We have got Australians who play up to 31st, likes of Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson. They then jump on a plane and come. ABD [de Villiers] arrives on 28th. "I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh" RCB’s IPL 2021 Camp and Player Availability When’s the pre-season camp starting? When are the overseas players arriving? On @myntra presents Bold Diaries, Mike Hesson leaves no room for speculations ahead of #VivoIPL2021.#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #IPL2021 #Classof2021 pic.twitter.com/yxBFNYVwW8 — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) March 24, 2021 × "So we have got players arriving at different times and we have to factor that into our preparation, which will include some practice games heading into our first game on 9th." Meanwhile, RCB is set to commence their camp in Chennai on March 29. "We have got some who have been in the bubble all the time, so they will come straight bubble to bubble transfer," Hesson explained. "From Pune, they will join us. We have got one or two who will have a day or two at home. They have been in a bubble for so long and need to freshen up. When they will be arriving, they obviously will have to take their seven-day quarantine. "I see it as a jigsaw puzzle, pulling everything together. But really keen to get started. Those guys who haven't been playing a huge amount of cricket, it [the quarantine period] will benefit them. Those who have, I think seven days will be great for them just to refresh."

IPL 2021: Australia's Adam Zampa to miss RCB's first match vs Mumbai Indians

India's Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against England after hurting his left shoulder during the first ODI on Tuesday in Pune. WION has learnt that Iyer&nbsp;is also likely to miss the&nbsp;entire&nbsp;Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as scans have revealed that the Indian batsman has suffered a labrum tear on his left shoulder. Iyer's injury would also require surgery, which will keep him out for at least 12 weeks.

The development comes as a huge blow to Delhi Capitals (DC) as Iyer is the captain of the franchise. Iyer's absence would give DC&nbsp;sleepless nights in regards&nbsp;to picking their skipper.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Delhi outfit has some experienced players in the ranks namely Steve Smith, R Ashwin, Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan. Even Prithvi Shaw has led his state team in domestic tournaments. An out of the box pick for becoming the DC captain would be swashbuckling southpaw Rishabh Pant&nbsp;and it is highly likely that the youngster could be the next in line to lead the franchise.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-australias-adam-zampa-to-miss-rcbs-first-match-vs-mumbai-indians-372818" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: Australia's Adam Zampa to miss RCB's first match vs Mumbai Indians</a>

Iyer was taken for scans on Tuesday immediately after he walked off the field in pain during the eighth over of England's innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Shreyas Iyer subluxated his left shoulder in the 8th over while fielding. He has been taken for further scans and won't take any further part in the game," the BCCI had stated on Tuesday.

While the BCCI is yet to provide an official update on Iyer's&nbsp;omission&nbsp;from the ongoing ODI series&nbsp;against&nbsp;England, it has been learnt that the&nbsp;shoulder injury will take&nbsp;several weeks&nbsp;to heal putting the right-handed batsman in doubt for IPL return.&nbsp;&nbsp;He could also miss the entire IPL 2021.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-pakistan-t20i-series-a-possibility-with-a-six-day-window-in-2021-report-372785" hreflang="en">India vs Pakistan T20I series a possibility with a six-day window in 2021: Report</a>

Iyer was recently signed up by English County club Lancashire for the Royal London Cup and it remains to be seen if he remains fit and available following the latest injury setback.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 starts on April 9 with Royal Challengers Bangalore locking horns with defending champions Mumbai Indians in Chennai.&nbsp;

India's Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against England after hurting his left shoulder during the first ODI on Tuesday in Pune.

India's Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against England after hurting his left shoulder during the first ODI on Tuesday in Pune. WION has learnt that Iyer is also likely to miss the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as scans have revealed that the Indian batsman has suffered a labrum tear on his left shoulder. Iyer's injury would also require surgery, which will keep him out for at least 12 weeks. The development comes as a huge blow to Delhi Capitals (DC) as Iyer is the captain of the franchise. Iyer's absence would give DC sleepless nights in regards to picking their skipper. The Delhi outfit has some experienced players in the ranks namely Steve Smith, R Ashwin, Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan. Even Prithvi Shaw has led his state team in domestic tournaments. An out of the box pick for becoming the DC captain would be swashbuckling southpaw Rishabh Pant and it is highly likely that the youngster could be the next in line to lead the franchise. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: Australia's Adam Zampa to miss RCB's first match vs Mumbai Indians Iyer was taken for scans on Tuesday immediately after he walked off the field in pain during the eighth over of England's innings. “Shreyas Iyer subluxated his left shoulder in the 8th over while fielding. He has been taken for further scans and won't take any further part in the game," the BCCI had stated on Tuesday. While the BCCI is yet to provide an official update on Iyer's omission from the ongoing ODI series against England, it has been learnt that the shoulder injury will take several weeks to heal putting the right-handed batsman in doubt for IPL return. He could also miss the entire IPL 2021. ALSO READ: India vs Pakistan T20I series a possibility with a six-day window in 2021: Report Iyer was recently signed up by English County club Lancashire for the Royal London Cup and it remains to be seen if he remains fit and available following the latest injury setback. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 starts on April 9 with Royal Challengers Bangalore locking horns with defending champions Mumbai Indians in Chennai.

Shreyas Iyer out of England ODIs, likely to miss entire IPL 2021

Bilateral cricket relations between India and Pakistan might soon resume between the two arch-rivals, a media report has said. The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan&nbsp;was held in 2012-13 but since then the political relations between the two countries have deteriorated resulting in a complete halt of one-on-one series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A&nbsp;report in Pakistan newspaper 'Jang'&nbsp;has said that India and Pakistan might soon get involved in bilateral cricket series again with a possibility of the six-day window for a three-match T20I series later in the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The hectic cricket calendar including the ongoing FTP suggests that the bilateral series is not possible&nbsp;but the report said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been asked to be prepared in case talks&nbsp;materialise&nbsp;in future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-odi-bcci-gives-update-on-rohit-sharma-and-shreyas-iyers-injury-372582" hreflang="en">1st ODI: BCCI gives update on Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer's injury</a>

A PCB official, according to the report, initially denied the speculations as he said that there&nbsp;are&nbsp;no talks between PCB and the BCCI,&nbsp;but hinted that there is a possibility about a series later in the year.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani on Tuesday said that no one has contacted the board while denying that the Pakistan board is in talks with the Indian board.&nbsp;

PCB sources have said that if the series goes ahead then it will be the Indian team that will visit Pakistan as Pakistan had toured India the last&nbsp;time.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-england-favourites-to-win-t20-world-cup-but-dont-rule-out-india-ryan-sidebottom-370657" hreflang="en">Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom</a>

Notably, since the bilateral cricket relations between India and Pakistan stopped, the two countries have competed in&nbsp;only&nbsp;ICC events and Asia Cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the ICC meeting is to be held soon wherein the Indian board has to inform the ICC about the progress made on visas and security arrangements for Pakistan players, journalists and spectators in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India later this year.&nbsp;

Bilateral cricket relations between India and Pakistan might soon resume between the two arch-rivals, a media report has said. The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in 2012-13 but since then the political relations between the two countries have deteriorated resulting in a complete halt of one-on-one series.

Bilateral cricket relations between India and Pakistan might soon resume between the two arch-rivals, a media report has said. The last bilateral series between India and Pakistan was held in 2012-13 but since then the political relations between the two countries have deteriorated resulting in a complete halt of one-on-one series. A report in Pakistan newspaper 'Jang' has said that India and Pakistan might soon get involved in bilateral cricket series again with a possibility of the six-day window for a three-match T20I series later in the year. The hectic cricket calendar including the ongoing FTP suggests that the bilateral series is not possible but the report said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have been asked to be prepared in case talks materialise in future. ALSO READ: 1st ODI: BCCI gives update on Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer's injury A PCB official, according to the report, initially denied the speculations as he said that there are no talks between PCB and the BCCI, but hinted that there is a possibility about a series later in the year. Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani on Tuesday said that no one has contacted the board while denying that the Pakistan board is in talks with the Indian board. PCB sources have said that if the series goes ahead then it will be the Indian team that will visit Pakistan as Pakistan had toured India the last time. ALSO READ: Exclusive: England favourites to win T20 World Cup but don't rule out India - Ryan Sidebottom Notably, since the bilateral cricket relations between India and Pakistan stopped, the two countries have competed in only ICC events and Asia Cup. Meanwhile, the ICC meeting is to be held soon wherein the Indian board has to inform the ICC about the progress made on visas and security arrangements for Pakistan players, journalists and spectators in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India later this year.

India vs Pakistan T20I series a possibility with a six-day window in 2021: Report

Indian captain Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma are among the India batsmen to progress in the&nbsp;ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings after clinching a home series against England 3-2 in Ahmedabad.

Kohli, who slammed an unbeaten 80 off 52 balls coming in as an opener and was associated in a stand of 94 with Rohit that set the platform for the 36-run victory, has moved up one place to fourth position and is now the highest-ranked from his country ahead of Lokesh Rahul.

Rohit’s 34-ball 64 in that match has helped him move up three places to 14th in the latest weekly rankings update which took into account the three-match Afghanistan-Zimbabwe series in Abu Dhabi apart from the last two matches of the India-England series.

In other gains for India’s batsmen, which should come as encouraging news since they host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later this year, Shreyas Iyer has moved up five places to a career-best 26th position while rookie Suryakumar Yadav and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant too have made rapid progress.

Yadav, who debuted in the second match of the series but could not garner any points as he did not get to bat, has pushed up from the bottom to 66th position after scores of 57 and 32 while Pant has moved up 11 places to 69th in the rankings.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-odi-debutants-krunal-pandya-prasidh-krishna-grab-eyeballs-as-india-defeat-england-by-66-runs-372604" hreflang="en">1st ODI: Debutants Krunal Pandya, Prasidh Krishna grab eyeballs as India defeat England by 66 runs</a>

Seam bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, player of the match in the last match for his spell of two for 15, has moved up 21 places to 24th while Hardik Pandya has advanced 47 places to 78th.

For England, Dawid Malan maintains a healthy lead at the top of the rankings after his 68 in the final match while Jos Buttler has inched up one place to 18th. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid (up one place to fourth) and fast bowlers Jofra Archer (up 12 places to 22nd) and Mark Wood (up 12 places to 27th) have advanced in the bowlers’ list.

Afghanistan too had a lot to cheer about after whitewashing Zimbabwe 3-0 with Rahmanullah Gurbaz gaining 16 slots to reach a career-best 21st position after topping the series aggregate with 114 runs. Najibullah Zadran (up five places to 41st), captain Asghar Afghan (up six places to 52nd) and Usman Ghani (up 39 places to 85th) have also made headway.

However, leg-spinner Rashid Khan has lost his place at the top of the rankings despite finishing with six wickets in the series as he conceded 7.60 runs an over. South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi is now number one for the first time in his career. Rashid had been pretty much at the top since 5 February 2018, only dropping to second place for two days in March 2020.

WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ipl-record-setters-best-batting-and-bowling-stats-from-13-seasons-371661" hreflang="en">IPL record-setters: Best batting and bowling stats from 13 seasons</a>

Karim Janat (up eight places to 30th) and Naveen-ul-Haq (up 48 places to 94th) are the Afghanistan bowlers to advance in the latest update, while for Zimbabwe, Ryan Burl (up 38 places to 102nd among batsmen) and Blessing Muzarabani (up 24 places to 102nd among bowlers) have made significant progress.

In the&nbsp;ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, Jonny Bairstow is up four places to a career-best seventh position after his knock of 94 in the opening match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series against India in Pune.

Captain Eoin Morgan has advanced one place to 24th. All-rounder Ben Stokes has moved up from 75th to 64th among bowlers while also leapfrogging compatriot Chris Woakes to third place among all-rounders.

India opener Shikhar Dhawan’s match-winning 98 has lifted him two places to 15th and Bhuvneshwar Kumar has gained five places to move into the top 20 in the latest ODI update, which considered performances in the opening India-England ODI and the first two matches of the New Zealand-Bangladesh series.

New Zealand, who have taken a winning 2-0 lead, see left-hander Tom Latham move up five places to 30th and to a career-best 631 rating points after notching 110 not out in the second match. Matt Henry has moved into the top 10 (from 11th to eighth) and Mitchell Santner has gained eight places to reach 25th among bowlers.

For Bangladesh, Tamim Iqbal has gained three slots to reach 19th position and Mohammad Mithun has jumped from 94th to 82nd.

Indian captain Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma are among the India batsmen to progress in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings after clinching a home series against England 3-2 in Ahmedabad.

Indian captain Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma are among the India batsmen to progress in the ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings after clinching a home series against England 3-2 in Ahmedabad. Kohli, who slammed an unbeaten 80 off 52 balls coming in as an opener and was associated in a stand of 94 with Rohit that set the platform for the 36-run victory, has moved up one place to fourth position and is now the highest-ranked from his country ahead of Lokesh Rahul. Rohit’s 34-ball 64 in that match has helped him move up three places to 14th in the latest weekly rankings update which took into account the three-match Afghanistan-Zimbabwe series in Abu Dhabi apart from the last two matches of the India-England series. In other gains for India’s batsmen, which should come as encouraging news since they host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later this year, Shreyas Iyer has moved up five places to a career-best 26th position while rookie Suryakumar Yadav and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant too have made rapid progress. Yadav, who debuted in the second match of the series but could not garner any points as he did not get to bat, has pushed up from the bottom to 66th position after scores of 57 and 32 while Pant has moved up 11 places to 69th in the rankings. ALSO READ: 1st ODI: Debutants Krunal Pandya, Prasidh Krishna grab eyeballs as India defeat England by 66 runs Seam bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, player of the match in the last match for his spell of two for 15, has moved up 21 places to 24th while Hardik Pandya has advanced 47 places to 78th. For England, Dawid Malan maintains a healthy lead at the top of the rankings after his 68 in the final match while Jos Buttler has inched up one place to 18th. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid (up one place to fourth) and fast bowlers Jofra Archer (up 12 places to 22nd) and Mark Wood (up 12 places to 27th) have advanced in the bowlers’ list. Afghanistan too had a lot to cheer about after whitewashing Zimbabwe 3-0 with Rahmanullah Gurbaz gaining 16 slots to reach a career-best 21st position after topping the series aggregate with 114 runs. Najibullah Zadran (up five places to 41st), captain Asghar Afghan (up six places to 52nd) and Usman Ghani (up 39 places to 85th) have also made headway. However, leg-spinner Rashid Khan has lost his place at the top of the rankings despite finishing with six wickets in the series as he conceded 7.60 runs an over. South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi is now number one for the first time in his career. Rashid had been pretty much at the top since 5 February 2018, only dropping to second place for two days in March 2020. WATCH: IPL record-setters: Best batting and bowling stats from 13 seasons Karim Janat (up eight places to 30th) and Naveen-ul-Haq (up 48 places to 94th) are the Afghanistan bowlers to advance in the latest update, while for Zimbabwe, Ryan Burl (up 38 places to 102nd among batsmen) and Blessing Muzarabani (up 24 places to 102nd among bowlers) have made significant progress. In the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, Jonny Bairstow is up four places to a career-best seventh position after his knock of 94 in the opening match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League series against India in Pune. Captain Eoin Morgan has advanced one place to 24th. All-rounder Ben Stokes has moved up from 75th to 64th among bowlers while also leapfrogging compatriot Chris Woakes to third place among all-rounders. India opener Shikhar Dhawan’s match-winning 98 has lifted him two places to 15th and Bhuvneshwar Kumar has gained five places to move into the top 20 in the latest ODI update, which considered performances in the opening India-England ODI and the first two matches of the New Zealand-Bangladesh series. New Zealand, who have taken a winning 2-0 lead, see left-hander Tom Latham move up five places to 30th and to a career-best 631 rating points after notching 110 not out in the second match. Matt Henry has moved into the top 10 (from 11th to eighth) and Mitchell Santner has gained eight places to reach 25th among bowlers. For Bangladesh, Tamim Iqbal has gained three slots to reach 19th position and Mohammad Mithun has jumped from 94th to 82nd.

ICC T20I Player Rankings: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma big gainers after eye-catching performances

Portugal coach Fernando Santos insisted on Tuesday that Cristiano Ronaldo's morale has been unaffected by recent disappointments with Juventus.

European champions Portugal play their opening 2022 World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Wednesday, due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

Ronaldo has been under fire in Italy after Juve's Champions League last-16 exit to Porto and the weekend defeat by Benevento which left them 10 points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan.

Describing the 36-year-old Ronaldo as a "very good friend", Santos said he found the player to be in high spirits.

"We've always been close to each other, very good friends, we don't really have a coach-player relationship," the 66-year-old Santos told a press conference.

"(Ronaldo) certainly represents great quality, he always shows great happiness and joy when he's with the team."

Ronaldo is bidding to break Ali Daei's all-time men's international goalscoring record, with the former Real Madrid attacker only seven goals short of the Iranian's mark of 109.

"He's an important player, probably the best in the world," added Santos. "I don't think he has any problem in terms of mentality at the moment."

Portugal have qualified for the World Cup finals seven times, reaching the semi-finals in 1966 and 2006.

Alongside Ronaldo, they boast an array of attacking talent, including Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes, Atletico Madrid youngster Joao Felix and Liverpool's Diogo Jota.

And after winning their first major title at Euro 2016, Santos believes the World Cup "is not really a dream, but something that can definitely come true".

"We know Ronaldo always wants to conquer new trophies, but all the players want to win the World Cup," he said.

"We can fight to become the world champions."

Despite fifth-ranked Portugal being favourites against Azerbaijan, ranked 108th, Santos warned: "We mustn't underestimate anyone. We know Azerbaijan can be quite dangerous on the counter-attack."

Although defender Pepe is out after suffering an injury while playing for club side Porto, Ruben Dias believes the veteran's absence "will change nothing".

"We have a very clear playing idea. We can't depend on just one single player. We have to adapt, there will be other players," said the Manchester City defender.

"We want Portugal to be recognised as a truly important team.

"What we're doing here is fighting for the World Cup.

"We have great ambitions, we want to win. Cristiano is obviously fundamental for the national team.

"We're trying to integrate the new players with Cristiano to create a new team."

The European champions also travel to Serbia on Saturday and Luxembourg three days later.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos insisted on Tuesday that Cristiano Ronaldo's morale has been unaffected by recent disappointments with Juventus. European champions Portugal play their opening 2022 World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Wednesday, due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

Portugal coach Fernando Santos insisted on Tuesday that Cristiano Ronaldo's morale has been unaffected by recent disappointments with Juventus. European champions Portugal play their opening 2022 World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Wednesday, due to coronavirus travel restrictions. Ronaldo has been under fire in Italy after Juve's Champions League last-16 exit to Porto and the weekend defeat by Benevento which left them 10 points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan. Describing the 36-year-old Ronaldo as a "very good friend", Santos said he found the player to be in high spirits. "We've always been close to each other, very good friends, we don't really have a coach-player relationship," the 66-year-old Santos told a press conference. "(Ronaldo) certainly represents great quality, he always shows great happiness and joy when he's with the team." Ronaldo is bidding to break Ali Daei's all-time men's international goalscoring record, with the former Real Madrid attacker only seven goals short of the Iranian's mark of 109. "He's an important player, probably the best in the world," added Santos. "I don't think he has any problem in terms of mentality at the moment." Portugal have qualified for the World Cup finals seven times, reaching the semi-finals in 1966 and 2006. Alongside Ronaldo, they boast an array of attacking talent, including Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes, Atletico Madrid youngster Joao Felix and Liverpool's Diogo Jota. And after winning their first major title at Euro 2016, Santos believes the World Cup "is not really a dream, but something that can definitely come true". "We know Ronaldo always wants to conquer new trophies, but all the players want to win the World Cup," he said. "We can fight to become the world champions." Despite fifth-ranked Portugal being favourites against Azerbaijan, ranked 108th, Santos warned: "We mustn't underestimate anyone. We know Azerbaijan can be quite dangerous on the counter-attack." Although defender Pepe is out after suffering an injury while playing for club side Porto, Ruben Dias believes the veteran's absence "will change nothing". "We have a very clear playing idea. We can't depend on just one single player. We have to adapt, there will be other players," said the Manchester City defender. "We want Portugal to be recognised as a truly important team. "What we're doing here is fighting for the World Cup. "We have great ambitions, we want to win. Cristiano is obviously fundamental for the national team. "We're trying to integrate the new players with Cristiano to create a new team." The European champions also travel to Serbia on Saturday and Luxembourg three days later.

Ronaldo's spirits high despite Juve setbacks, says Portugal's Santos

Captain Manuel Neuer wants Germany to prove themselves in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but their plans were dealt a blow Tuesday as Toni Kroos withdrew with injury.

Their opening qualifier against Iceland in Duisburg on Thursday is Germany's first international since their humiliating 6-0 thrashing by Spain last November.

After nearly 15 years as coach, Loew will step down after the delayed Euro 2020 from June 11-July 11 and has "challenged" his team to find form.

Germany also face Romania away on Sunday, then North Macedonia again in Duisburg three days later.

"The national coach is right. We're all challenged -- we have big plans," said Neuer in a press conference on Tuesday.

"We want to get into the swing of things. We can't make any more mistakes."

However, Germany will be without Real Madrid star Kroos, who has a groin injury.

"I'm reluctant to be without him," Loew said in a statement, but the 31-year-old is not an option for the three qualifiers.

However, there was some good news as Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich joined the squad after recovering from a cold.

Neuer says Germany have extra motivation for the Euro finals, where they face World Cup winners France, reigning champions Portugal and Hungary in their group.

"We all have ambitious goals and want to crown (Loew's) successful era with a great finish," said Neuer.

"(Loew) is very motivated and ambitious. He wants it at all costs. He wants to quit as successfully as possible."

Loew has called up five Premier League players after Germany relaxed some of its Covid-19 travel restrictions.

However, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, Chelsea trio Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Antonio Ruediger plus Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno are in a 'working quarantine' within the Germany camp.

The five are kept separate apart from training, team meetings and matches.

"We are not in contact with the UK players, who have separate tables compared to the players who live in mainland Europe," said Neuer.

Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus said the squad are just happy to be able to play, with the rest of Germany still in lockdown.

"There are worse things than being in a bubble with the national team for 10 days," said the 24-year-old.

"In a certain way it has become everyday life in Germany."

Captain Manuel Neuer wants Germany to prove themselves in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but their plans were dealt a blow Tuesday as Toni Kroos withdrew with injury.

Captain Manuel Neuer wants Germany to prove themselves in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but their plans were dealt a blow Tuesday as Toni Kroos withdrew with injury. Their opening qualifier against Iceland in Duisburg on Thursday is Germany's first international since their humiliating 6-0 thrashing by Spain last November. After nearly 15 years as coach, Loew will step down after the delayed Euro 2020 from June 11-July 11 and has "challenged" his team to find form. Germany also face Romania away on Sunday, then North Macedonia again in Duisburg three days later. "The national coach is right. We're all challenged -- we have big plans," said Neuer in a press conference on Tuesday. "We want to get into the swing of things. We can't make any more mistakes." However, Germany will be without Real Madrid star Kroos, who has a groin injury. "I'm reluctant to be without him," Loew said in a statement, but the 31-year-old is not an option for the three qualifiers. However, there was some good news as Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich joined the squad after recovering from a cold. Neuer says Germany have extra motivation for the Euro finals, where they face World Cup winners France, reigning champions Portugal and Hungary in their group. "We all have ambitious goals and want to crown (Loew's) successful era with a great finish," said Neuer. "(Loew) is very motivated and ambitious. He wants it at all costs. He wants to quit as successfully as possible." Loew has called up five Premier League players after Germany relaxed some of its Covid-19 travel restrictions. However, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, Chelsea trio Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Antonio Ruediger plus Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno are in a 'working quarantine' within the Germany camp. The five are kept separate apart from training, team meetings and matches. "We are not in contact with the UK players, who have separate tables compared to the players who live in mainland Europe," said Neuer. Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus said the squad are just happy to be able to play, with the rest of Germany still in lockdown. "There are worse things than being in a bubble with the national team for 10 days," said the 24-year-old. "In a certain way it has become everyday life in Germany."

Neuer challenges Germany to throw down marker, Kroos drops out

Venus Williams crashed out of the Miami Open on Tuesday, losing her first round game in straight sets to Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan.

Diyas advanced to a second round meeting with Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic after completing a 6-2, 7-6 (12/10) victory in 1hr 28min on the Hard Rock Stadium's Grandstand court.

The round of 128 defeat is the 40-year-old Williams' earliest exit in Miami since she made her debut in the tournament in 1997.

After Diyas raced through the first set, Williams fought back in the second, breaking her Kazakh opponent's serve in the 12th game to force a tie break.

Williams saved three match points to extend the tie break but handed Diyas a fourth match point with a double fault which she converted to complete victory.

"I'm very happy with the win, especially against such a legend as Venus -- I looked up to her when I was little," the 27-year-old from Almaty said.

Diyas set up the victory behind an accurate service game, winning 61 percent of her first serve points, and varying play cleverly to pull Williams around the court.

Tuesday marked the start of main draw action at this year's tournament, which is being held after the Covid-19 pandemic wiped out the 2020 event.

A slew of top names have withdrawn from Miami in the build-up, with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic all pulling out of the men's draw.&nbsp;

Britain's Andy Murray became the latest star to withdraw earlier Tuesday after suffering a groin injury.

Former world number one Serena Williams meanwhile pulled out of the women's tournament on Sunday.

Venus Williams crashed out of the Miami Open on Tuesday, losing her first round game in straight sets to Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan. Diyas advanced to a second round meeting with Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic after completing a 6-2, 7-6 (12/10) victory in 1hr 28min on the Hard Rock Stadium's Grandstand court.

Venus Williams crashed out of the Miami Open on Tuesday, losing her first round game in straight sets to Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan. Diyas advanced to a second round meeting with Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic after completing a 6-2, 7-6 (12/10) victory in 1hr 28min on the Hard Rock Stadium's Grandstand court. The round of 128 defeat is the 40-year-old Williams' earliest exit in Miami since she made her debut in the tournament in 1997. After Diyas raced through the first set, Williams fought back in the second, breaking her Kazakh opponent's serve in the 12th game to force a tie break. Williams saved three match points to extend the tie break but handed Diyas a fourth match point with a double fault which she converted to complete victory. "I'm very happy with the win, especially against such a legend as Venus -- I looked up to her when I was little," the 27-year-old from Almaty said. Diyas set up the victory behind an accurate service game, winning 61 percent of her first serve points, and varying play cleverly to pull Williams around the court. Tuesday marked the start of main draw action at this year's tournament, which is being held after the Covid-19 pandemic wiped out the 2020 event. A slew of top names have withdrawn from Miami in the build-up, with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic all pulling out of the men's draw. Britain's Andy Murray became the latest star to withdraw earlier Tuesday after suffering a groin injury. Former world number one Serena Williams meanwhile pulled out of the women's tournament on Sunday.

Venus Williams dumped out of Miami Open first round

Oshada Fernando and Lahiru Thirimanne led a Sri Lankan fightback as the tourists reached 255 for four in their second innings, a lead of 153, at close of play on the third day of the first Test against the West Indies in Antigua on Tuesday.

With the other Fernando in the team, fast-medium bowler Visha, doing just what was required in the taking the last two West Indies first innings wickets at the start of the day to dismiss the home side for 271, it was the fluent middle-order batsman Oshada who starred with an innings of 91 in a 162-run second wicket partnership with Thirimanne.

Fernando, in just his eighth Test, came to crease in the fifth over of the innings when his captain Dimuth Karunaratne, failed for the second time in the match, driving loosely at Kemar Roach to give John Campbell a straightforward catch at third slip.&nbsp;

The 28-year-old Fernando was given a life on 17 when he was dropped at leg-slip by Jason Holder off off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall but looked assured throughout his innings which spanned 149 deliveries and included 11 fours.

Fernando appeared destined for a second Test hundred until West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, in what was either a moment of inspiration or desperation, brought on Kyle Mayers as his seventh bowler of the innings.

The occasional medium-pacer met with instant success as Fernando pushed at his first ball, a full-length delivery just outside off-stump, and edged a catch to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva.

Mayers then removed Dinesh Chandimal in almost identical fashion two overs later.&nbsp;

When Roach returned for another spell and bowled the obdurate Thirimanne for 76 to follow his first innings top score of 70, Sri Lanka were wobbling at 189 for four.

Just when the West Indies might have sensed a chance to sweep away the rest of the Sri Lankan batting, Dhananjaya de Silva and debutant Pathum Nissanka featured in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 66 and will resume on the fourth morning seeking to extend their overall lead beyond 250 to give themselves a fighting chance of pulling off a come-from-behind victory.

"I think this is a good batting pitch because it has flattened out nicely," said Mayers in assessing the day’s toil, even with his double-strike.&nbsp;

"They had the upper hand today but the game is still evenly poised.

"We just need to pick up two early wickets (on the fourth day) and things can look very differently."

Earlier, West Indian hopes of extending their 99-run overnight lead ended in the second over of the day when Vishwa Fernando bowled Cornwall for a top score of 61 and then trapped last man Shannon Gabriel leg-before without scoring.

Suranga Lakmal missed out the tail but ended with career-best Test innings figures of five for 47, an improvement on the fast-medium bowler's previous best of five for 54 against New Zealand in the Boxing Day Test in Christchurch in 2018.

Oshada Fernando and Lahiru Thirimanne led a Sri Lankan fightback as the tourists reached 255 for four in their second innings, a lead of 153, at close of play on the third day of the first Test against the West Indies in Antigua on Tuesday.

Oshada Fernando and Lahiru Thirimanne led a Sri Lankan fightback as the tourists reached 255 for four in their second innings, a lead of 153, at close of play on the third day of the first Test against the West Indies in Antigua on Tuesday. With the other Fernando in the team, fast-medium bowler Visha, doing just what was required in the taking the last two West Indies first innings wickets at the start of the day to dismiss the home side for 271, it was the fluent middle-order batsman Oshada who starred with an innings of 91 in a 162-run second wicket partnership with Thirimanne. Fernando, in just his eighth Test, came to crease in the fifth over of the innings when his captain Dimuth Karunaratne, failed for the second time in the match, driving loosely at Kemar Roach to give John Campbell a straightforward catch at third slip. The 28-year-old Fernando was given a life on 17 when he was dropped at leg-slip by Jason Holder off off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall but looked assured throughout his innings which spanned 149 deliveries and included 11 fours. Fernando appeared destined for a second Test hundred until West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite, in what was either a moment of inspiration or desperation, brought on Kyle Mayers as his seventh bowler of the innings. The occasional medium-pacer met with instant success as Fernando pushed at his first ball, a full-length delivery just outside off-stump, and edged a catch to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva. Mayers then removed Dinesh Chandimal in almost identical fashion two overs later. When Roach returned for another spell and bowled the obdurate Thirimanne for 76 to follow his first innings top score of 70, Sri Lanka were wobbling at 189 for four. Just when the West Indies might have sensed a chance to sweep away the rest of the Sri Lankan batting, Dhananjaya de Silva and debutant Pathum Nissanka featured in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 66 and will resume on the fourth morning seeking to extend their overall lead beyond 250 to give themselves a fighting chance of pulling off a come-from-behind victory. "I think this is a good batting pitch because it has flattened out nicely," said Mayers in assessing the day’s toil, even with his double-strike. "They had the upper hand today but the game is still evenly poised. "We just need to pick up two early wickets (on the fourth day) and things can look very differently." Earlier, West Indian hopes of extending their 99-run overnight lead ended in the second over of the day when Vishwa Fernando bowled Cornwall for a top score of 61 and then trapped last man Shannon Gabriel leg-before without scoring. Suranga Lakmal missed out the tail but ended with career-best Test innings figures of five for 47, an improvement on the fast-medium bowler's previous best of five for 54 against New Zealand in the Boxing Day Test in Christchurch in 2018.

Battling Fernando leads Sri Lanka fightback in first Test

The 2021 MotoGP season sparks into life in Qatar on Sunday. AFP Sport looks at five talking points ahead of the curtain-raiser at the Losail International circuit:

<h2>Lights on</h2>

One year on after the &nbsp;Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the first round of the MotoGP championship in Qatar the gulf state's Losail International Circuit takes centre stage with back-to-back night races on Sunday and again on April 4 to get the 2021 campaign off to an atmospheric and theatrical floodlit start. Qatar, which hosted pre-season testing, has offered coronavirus vaccines to the entire paddock. The MotoGP circus then moves on to the Algarve in Portugal for the third leg of a 19-race calendar, with two further races in the United States and Argentina expected to be slotted in towards the end of the year. Practice for Sunday's opener gets underway on Thursday.

<h2>Marquez missing</h2>

The six-time MotoGP world champion is the notable absentee from Qatar's double header. His season-ending crash in the first race last year led to three bouts of surgery on his fractured right arm, the last in December, and left the way clear for his fellow Spaniard Joan Mir to claim his crown. The 28-year-old pulled out of this weekend's curtain-raiser on Monday, saying that although his recovery was going well he required more time before returning to the day job. With his next medical check-up on April 12 that suggests Portugal's third leg on April 18 as a target for his overdue return. The Honda star has downplayed his chances of reclaiming his throne this term: "The objective is to get on a motorbike, have fun again and from there find a good level and fight for podiums and victories. How long will that take? I don't know."&nbsp;

<h2>A change but no rest for the doctor&nbsp;</h2>

Valentino Rossi is entering his 26th year of competition at the ripe old age of 42 but 'the doctor''s drive and determination remain undimmed as he leaves a factory team for the first time since 2002 for Yamaha's satellite SRT stable. The seven-time MotoGP world champion is optimistic the switch will trigger an upturn in results after his worst season in 2020 left him in 15th in the riders' standings with two races missed due to coronavirus. Whether this is his swansong season depends in large part on his track performance. "It is not an easy decision. I will decide during the summer break, in the middle of the season," he told motogp.com. "My decision will be based on results. If I am strong, can fight for podiums and victories, I will continue another year." Rossi's teammate is Franco Morbidelli, a graduate from Rossi's VR46 academy. The 2020 runner-up describes his mentor as "like a big brother". Rossi is counting on their close friendship to withstand the natural rivalry that develops between riders on the same team. "To fight and still be friends we will need to have a real friendship. It won’t be easy, but I think we can do it."

<h2>Mir - the consistent champion</h2>

Marquez's premature exit opened the way for a thrilling topsy-turvy title tussle last year with Joan Mir landing the spoils in the penultimate race a week after finally claiming his first MotoGP victory and ending a winless run stretching back to 2017 when he was crowned Moto3 world champion. Credited for his consistency the Suzuki rider from Mallorca can be expected to put up a resilient title defence against a slew of serious challengers. Among them France's Fabio Quartararo who takes Rossi's place in the Yamaha factory team. He marked himself down as a future champion with wins in the first two races before bike issues put a spanner in his bid to become France's first MotoGP champion. He told AFP from his home in Andorra in February: "I'm ready to win the championship. In 2019, I made the podium, last year some wins, all that's missing is the final step, to be champion of the world."

<h2>Testing times</h2>

Australian Jack Miller will have plenty to say in the title race based on the evidence of pre-season testing at Losail this month. Miller's Ducati led the times with the fastest lap - 1min 53.183 - ever recorded at the track. &nbsp;A trio of Yamahas belonging to Maverick Vinales, Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli were hot on his heels with Miller's Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia completing the top five.

The 2021 MotoGP season sparks into life in Qatar on Sunday. AFP Sport looks at five talking points ahead of the curtain-raiser at the Losail International circuit: Lights on One year on after the Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the first round of the MotoGP championship in Qatar the gulf state's Losail International Circuit takes centre stage with back-to-back night races on Sunday and again on April 4 to get the 2021 campaign off to an atmospheric and theatrical floodlit start.

The 2021 MotoGP season sparks into life in Qatar on Sunday. AFP Sport looks at five talking points ahead of the curtain-raiser at the Losail International circuit: Lights on One year on after the Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the first round of the MotoGP championship in Qatar the gulf state's Losail International Circuit takes centre stage with back-to-back night races on Sunday and again on April 4 to get the 2021 campaign off to an atmospheric and theatrical floodlit start. Qatar, which hosted pre-season testing, has offered coronavirus vaccines to the entire paddock. The MotoGP circus then moves on to the Algarve in Portugal for the third leg of a 19-race calendar, with two further races in the United States and Argentina expected to be slotted in towards the end of the year. Practice for Sunday's opener gets underway on Thursday. Marquez missing The six-time MotoGP world champion is the notable absentee from Qatar's double header. His season-ending crash in the first race last year led to three bouts of surgery on his fractured right arm, the last in December, and left the way clear for his fellow Spaniard Joan Mir to claim his crown. The 28-year-old pulled out of this weekend's curtain-raiser on Monday, saying that although his recovery was going well he required more time before returning to the day job. With his next medical check-up on April 12 that suggests Portugal's third leg on April 18 as a target for his overdue return. The Honda star has downplayed his chances of reclaiming his throne this term: "The objective is to get on a motorbike, have fun again and from there find a good level and fight for podiums and victories. How long will that take? I don't know." A change but no rest for the doctor Valentino Rossi is entering his 26th year of competition at the ripe old age of 42 but 'the doctor''s drive and determination remain undimmed as he leaves a factory team for the first time since 2002 for Yamaha's satellite SRT stable. The seven-time MotoGP world champion is optimistic the switch will trigger an upturn in results after his worst season in 2020 left him in 15th in the riders' standings with two races missed due to coronavirus. Whether this is his swansong season depends in large part on his track performance. "It is not an easy decision. I will decide during the summer break, in the middle of the season," he told motogp.com. "My decision will be based on results. If I am strong, can fight for podiums and victories, I will continue another year." Rossi's teammate is Franco Morbidelli, a graduate from Rossi's VR46 academy. The 2020 runner-up describes his mentor as "like a big brother". Rossi is counting on their close friendship to withstand the natural rivalry that develops between riders on the same team. "To fight and still be friends we will need to have a real friendship. It won’t be easy, but I think we can do it." Mir - the consistent champion Marquez's premature exit opened the way for a thrilling topsy-turvy title tussle last year with Joan Mir landing the spoils in the penultimate race a week after finally claiming his first MotoGP victory and ending a winless run stretching back to 2017 when he was crowned Moto3 world champion. Credited for his consistency the Suzuki rider from Mallorca can be expected to put up a resilient title defence against a slew of serious challengers. Among them France's Fabio Quartararo who takes Rossi's place in the Yamaha factory team. He marked himself down as a future champion with wins in the first two races before bike issues put a spanner in his bid to become France's first MotoGP champion. He told AFP from his home in Andorra in February: "I'm ready to win the championship. In 2019, I made the podium, last year some wins, all that's missing is the final step, to be champion of the world." Testing times Australian Jack Miller will have plenty to say in the title race based on the evidence of pre-season testing at Losail this month. Miller's Ducati led the times with the fastest lap - 1min 53.183 - ever recorded at the track. A trio of Yamahas belonging to Maverick Vinales, Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli were hot on his heels with Miller's Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia completing the top five.

Five talking points ahead of 2021 MotoGP season

India on Tuesday defeated England by 66 runs in the first ODI at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Krunal Pandya, KL Rahul starred with the bat whereas it was Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur who changed the dynamics of the game with the ball as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

England, after winning the toss, invited India to bat first in Pune. The opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan was off to a cautious start but picked up the tempo steadily as they stitched a 64-run opening stand. While Rohit departed for 28, skipper Virat Kohli took the charge in the middle. Dhawan ended up scoring 98 and Kohli scored 56 while becoming the fastest to score 10,000 international runs on home soil.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-odi-bcci-gives-update-on-rohit-sharma-and-shreyas-iyers-injury-372582" hreflang="en">1st ODI: BCCI gives update on Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer's injury</a>

A late flourish by KL Rahul and debutant Krunal Pandya, who also scored the fastest 50 on debut in ODI, helped the Men in Blue post a mammoth score of 317/5 in 50 overs. For England, Ben Stokes ended up with three wickets while Mark Wood scalped two.&nbsp;

Chasing 318, England were off to a blistering start as Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow scored 135 in just 14.2 overs. At a time when England were looking comfortable with their chase, Indian bowlers bounced back with a couple of&nbsp;quick wickets and sent Ben Stokes (1), Eoin Morgan (22) and Jos Buttler (2) back to the hut.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-one-is-for-my-dad-krunal-pandya-gets-emotional-after-smashing-fastest-ever-50-on-odi-debut-watch-372550" hreflang="en">This one is for my dad: Krunal Pandya gets emotional after smashing fastest-ever 50 on ODI debut - Watch</a>

Sam Curran and Sam Billings tried to take the game deep but the Indian bowlers found their mojo back as the game approached the last 20 overs. Debutant Prasidh Krishna ended up with four wickets and best figures by an Indian on ODI debut. India&nbsp;were&nbsp;quick to wrap up the tail-enders as they sealed a superb 66 run win in the first ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The second ODI between India and England is scheduled for Friday at the same venue.&nbsp;

India on Tuesday defeated England by 66 runs in the first ODI at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Krunal Pandya, KL Rahul starred with the bat whereas it was Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur who changed the dynamics of the game with the ball as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

India on Tuesday defeated England by 66 runs in the first ODI at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Krunal Pandya, KL Rahul starred with the bat whereas it was Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur who changed the dynamics of the game with the ball as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. England, after winning the toss, invited India to bat first in Pune. The opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan was off to a cautious start but picked up the tempo steadily as they stitched a 64-run opening stand. While Rohit departed for 28, skipper Virat Kohli took the charge in the middle. Dhawan ended up scoring 98 and Kohli scored 56 while becoming the fastest to score 10,000 international runs on home soil. ALSO READ: 1st ODI: BCCI gives update on Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer's injury A late flourish by KL Rahul and debutant Krunal Pandya, who also scored the fastest 50 on debut in ODI, helped the Men in Blue post a mammoth score of 317/5 in 50 overs. For England, Ben Stokes ended up with three wickets while Mark Wood scalped two. Chasing 318, England were off to a blistering start as Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow scored 135 in just 14.2 overs. At a time when England were looking comfortable with their chase, Indian bowlers bounced back with a couple of quick wickets and sent Ben Stokes (1), Eoin Morgan (22) and Jos Buttler (2) back to the hut. ALSO READ: This one is for my dad: Krunal Pandya gets emotional after smashing fastest-ever 50 on ODI debut - Watch Sam Curran and Sam Billings tried to take the game deep but the Indian bowlers found their mojo back as the game approached the last 20 overs. Debutant Prasidh Krishna ended up with four wickets and best figures by an Indian on ODI debut. India were quick to wrap up the tail-enders as they sealed a superb 66 run win in the first ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI between India and England is scheduled for Friday at the same venue.

1st ODI: Debutants Krunal Pandya, Prasidh Krishna grab eyeballs as India defeat England by 66 runs

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