The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday confirmed that as many as 13 personnel involed in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> have been tested positive for COVID-19 including two players. Earlier, there were reports that around 10 personnel have tested positive only from the Chennai Super Kings camp but there have been no sorts of confirmation regarding that.

However, BCCI has now confirmed, without naming any player or franchise, that total of 13 personnel have returned positive after the RT-PCR COVID-19 tests.

BCCI confirmed that total of 1,988 tests were carried out between August 20 and 28 out of which 13 have tested positive while adding all the affected people as well as their close contacts are asymptomatic and have been isolated from their team members. They are being monitored by IPL Medical Team.

Earlier, in what came as a massive blow, Chennai Super Kings stalwart Suresh Raina pulled out of IPL 2020 due to personel reason. And it remains to be seen if CSK opt for a replacement for 'Chinna Thala'. The exact reason for Raina pulling out of IPL 2020 is not yet known.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-to-miss-ipl-2020-due-to-personal-reasons-323862" hreflang="en">Suresh Raina to miss IPL 2020 due to personal reasons</a>

<h2>Full statement from BCCI on COVID-19 testing:</h2>

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put in place stringent health and safety protocols for the Dream11 Indian Premier League 2020 Season, which is scheduled to start from September 19th in the UAE.

Accordingly, upon landing in the UAE, all the participants have followed a mandatory testing and quarantine programme. Total of 1,988 RT-PCR COVID tests were carried out between August 20th – 28th across all participant groups in the UAE. These groups include Players, Support Staff, Team Management, BCCI Staff, IPL Operational team, Hotel and ground transport Staff.

13 personnel have tested positive of which 2 are players. All the affected personnel as well as their close contacts are asymptomatic and have been isolated from other team members. They are being monitored by the IPL Medical Team.

As per the IPL 2020 Health and Safety Protocols testing on all participants will be conducted regularly throughout the IPL 2020 Season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday confirmed that as many as 13 personnel involed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 have been tested positive for COVID-19 including two players.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday confirmed that as many as 13 personnel involed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 have been tested positive for COVID-19 including two players. Earlier, there were reports that around 10 personnel have tested positive only from the Chennai Super Kings camp but there have been no sorts of confirmation regarding that. However, BCCI has now confirmed, without naming any player or franchise, that total of 13 personnel have returned positive after the RT-PCR COVID-19 tests. BCCI confirmed that total of 1,988 tests were carried out between August 20 and 28 out of which 13 have tested positive while adding all the affected people as well as their close contacts are asymptomatic and have been isolated from their team members. They are being monitored by IPL Medical Team. Earlier, in what came as a massive blow, Chennai Super Kings stalwart Suresh Raina pulled out of IPL 2020 due to personel reason. And it remains to be seen if CSK opt for a replacement for 'Chinna Thala'. The exact reason for Raina pulling out of IPL 2020 is not yet known. ALSO READ: Suresh Raina to miss IPL 2020 due to personal reasons Full statement from BCCI on COVID-19 testing: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put in place stringent health and safety protocols for the Dream11 Indian Premier League 2020 Season, which is scheduled to start from September 19th in the UAE. Accordingly, upon landing in the UAE, all the participants have followed a mandatory testing and quarantine programme. Total of 1,988 RT-PCR COVID tests were carried out between August 20th – 28th across all participant groups in the UAE. These groups include Players, Support Staff, Team Management, BCCI Staff, IPL Operational team, Hotel and ground transport Staff. 13 personnel have tested positive of which 2 are players. All the affected personnel as well as their close contacts are asymptomatic and have been isolated from other team members. They are being monitored by the IPL Medical Team. As per the IPL 2020 Health and Safety Protocols testing on all participants will be conducted regularly throughout the IPL 2020 Season.

IPL 2020: BCCI confirms 13 positive COVID-19 cases after initial rounds of testing

Eoin Morgan believes England must field their strongest Twenty20 side as often as possible if they are to triumph at next year's T20 World Cup and replicate their 50-over global triumph.

The coronavirus pandemic has led England to name separate red-ball and white-ball squads this season, with the likes of all-format stars such as Test captain Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer missing from a three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan at Old Trafford starting Friday.

They will also be without another member of the side that won the 50-over World Cup last year, with opening batsman Jason Roy missing because of a side injury.

If COVID-19 -- which has already seen the T20 World Cup scheduled for Australia this year held over until 2021 in India -- continues to upset the global cricket calendar, England may well persist with separate squads&nbsp;

And Morgan, while encouraged by the chance to give the likes of batsmen Dawid Malan and Tom Banton a chance to stake a claim, he insists England must field their first-choice team as often as they can if they are to enjoy more success at a major world tournament. &nbsp;

"This is another opportunity for guys who would potentially sit outside that 15 to try and present their best case moving forward for winter tours and the World Cup next year," white-ball captain Morgan told reporters on Thursday.

But he added: "One of the challenges between now and the World Cup is going to be getting our strongest team on the park as often as we can to define (their) roles.

"We will only know our strongest positions after we have guys achieving in those roles.

The Dublin-born batsman said he wanted to see the first-choice side in action as often as possible.

"I don't think we can have a scenario where we can play the majority of our games with a half-strength team and then expect to go into a World Cup as contenders when guys don't know their roles or haven't been familiarised with them," he said.

<h2>- Haider debut -</h2>

Pakistan could give a Twenty20 debut to teenage batsman Haider Ali.

"He is an exciting talent and has been doing well in practice," said the tourists' captain Babar Azam.

"We will definitely want to give him a chance as and when it comes."

For Babar, Friday's match means a quick change in formats after his unbeaten fifty helped Pakistan to a draw in the third Test against England earlier this week, although the travelling side lost the series 1-0.

"It's really difficult to come from red-ball to white-ball," said Babar, one of the world's leading batsmen.

"But T20 specific players have been practising so the aim is to win the series.

"We are positive about the series and will not take England lightly. They have good white-ball players."

Eoin Morgan believes England must field their strongest Twenty20 side as often as possible if they are to triumph at next year's T20 World Cup and replicate their 50-over global triumph.

Eoin Morgan believes England must field their strongest Twenty20 side as often as possible if they are to triumph at next year's T20 World Cup and replicate their 50-over global triumph. The coronavirus pandemic has led England to name separate red-ball and white-ball squads this season, with the likes of all-format stars such as Test captain Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer missing from a three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan at Old Trafford starting Friday. They will also be without another member of the side that won the 50-over World Cup last year, with opening batsman Jason Roy missing because of a side injury. If COVID-19 -- which has already seen the T20 World Cup scheduled for Australia this year held over until 2021 in India -- continues to upset the global cricket calendar, England may well persist with separate squads And Morgan, while encouraged by the chance to give the likes of batsmen Dawid Malan and Tom Banton a chance to stake a claim, he insists England must field their first-choice team as often as they can if they are to enjoy more success at a major world tournament. "This is another opportunity for guys who would potentially sit outside that 15 to try and present their best case moving forward for winter tours and the World Cup next year," white-ball captain Morgan told reporters on Thursday. But he added: "One of the challenges between now and the World Cup is going to be getting our strongest team on the park as often as we can to define (their) roles. "We will only know our strongest positions after we have guys achieving in those roles. The Dublin-born batsman said he wanted to see the first-choice side in action as often as possible. "I don't think we can have a scenario where we can play the majority of our games with a half-strength team and then expect to go into a World Cup as contenders when guys don't know their roles or haven't been familiarised with them," he said. - Haider debut - Pakistan could give a Twenty20 debut to teenage batsman Haider Ali. "He is an exciting talent and has been doing well in practice," said the tourists' captain Babar Azam. "We will definitely want to give him a chance as and when it comes." For Babar, Friday's match means a quick change in formats after his unbeaten fifty helped Pakistan to a draw in the third Test against England earlier this week, although the travelling side lost the series 1-0. "It's really difficult to come from red-ball to white-ball," said Babar, one of the world's leading batsmen. "But T20 specific players have been practising so the aim is to win the series. "We are positive about the series and will not take England lightly. They have good white-ball players."

Morgan voices England T20 World Cup concerns ahead of Pakistan series

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)&nbsp;and the wider game will celebrate Women's Big Cricket Month across September. With England Women fixtures confirmed&nbsp;and with the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy set to get underway tomorrow, the month will be used to showcase stories in the women's game and encourage more women and girls to play, watch or attend cricket across the next 12 months.

Throughout September, cricket clubs and county boards will be encouraged to get involved by hosting events, and a&nbsp;landing page will be created on ECB's official website&nbsp;to shine a light on the great work being done across the cricket network, as well as&nbsp;to provide fans and players alike with the opportunity to register their interest for future events.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-to-liverpool-jurgen-klopp-gives-his-verdict-323743" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi to Liverpool? Jurgen Klopp gives his verdict</a>

In addition to the network running events across the country throughout September, the month will culminate in a profile weekend on September 26-27, with England Women set to be simulcast on free-to-air television for the first time since 1993 and the domestic Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final televised on Sky Sports.

ECB Managing Director of Women's Cricket, Clare Connor, said: "We said right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that our commitment to the women's game would not diminish, despite the obvious challenges facing the game. Women's Big Cricket Month is about marking that and celebrating all of the progress that has been made.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-members-of-chennai-super-kings-contingent-test-positive-for-covid-19-323710" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Members of Chennai Super Kings contingent test positive for COVID-19</a>

"We want Women's Big Cricket Month to demonstrate that we are as committed to our ambitions for women’s and girls’ cricket as we have ever been, we want it to tell the stories of some of the incredible people in the network driving the game forward and ultimately we want women and girls to know that cricket is a game for them at every level."

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the wider game will celebrate Women's Big Cricket Month across September. With England Women fixtures confirmed and with the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy set to get underway tomorrow, the month will be used to showcase stories in the women's game and encourage more women and girls to play, watch or attend cricket across the next 12 months.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the wider game will celebrate Women's Big Cricket Month across September. With England Women fixtures confirmed and with the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy set to get underway tomorrow, the month will be used to showcase stories in the women's game and encourage more women and girls to play, watch or attend cricket across the next 12 months. Throughout September, cricket clubs and county boards will be encouraged to get involved by hosting events, and a landing page will be created on ECB's official website to shine a light on the great work being done across the cricket network, as well as to provide fans and players alike with the opportunity to register their interest for future events. ALSO READ: Lionel Messi to Liverpool? Jurgen Klopp gives his verdict In addition to the network running events across the country throughout September, the month will culminate in a profile weekend on September 26-27, with England Women set to be simulcast on free-to-air television for the first time since 1993 and the domestic Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy final televised on Sky Sports. ECB Managing Director of Women's Cricket, Clare Connor, said: "We said right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that our commitment to the women's game would not diminish, despite the obvious challenges facing the game. Women's Big Cricket Month is about marking that and celebrating all of the progress that has been made. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Members of Chennai Super Kings contingent test positive for COVID-19 "We want Women's Big Cricket Month to demonstrate that we are as committed to our ambitions for women’s and girls’ cricket as we have ever been, we want it to tell the stories of some of the incredible people in the network driving the game forward and ultimately we want women and girls to know that cricket is a game for them at every level."

ECB to celebrate Women's Big Cricket Month across September

After the three-match Test series, England and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the T20I series opener at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday. While Pakistan will be boasted by some fresh faces, England are set to unleash their white-ball side led by skipper Eoin Morgan.&nbsp;

While this will be Pakistan’s first white-ball assignment since the restart, England have already faced Ireland and head to the series on the back of a successful outing against Ireland.&nbsp;

Babar Azam will be back leading the white-ball Pakistan team and will hope to turn the fortune after a 1-0 series defeat in the Test series. Whereas England will hope to continue their sensational white-ball form.&nbsp;

The weather is expected to ruin a bit of fun with rain gods expected to show up during the course of the match. However, with weather being extremely unpredictable in Manchester, we might even have a full game without any delay.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/morgan-voices-england-t20-world-cup-concerns-ahead-of-pakistan-series-323618" hreflang="en">Morgan voices England T20 World Cup concerns ahead of Pakistan series</a>

<h2>When will the England vs Pakistan 1st T20I begin?</h2>

The England vs Pakistan 1st T20I will begin at 10:30 PM IST on August 28. The toss will take place at 10:00 PM IST.

<h2>Where will the England vs Pakistan 1st T20I be played?</h2>

The England vs Pakistan 1st T20I match will be held at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester

<h2>Which channel will telecast the England vs Pakistan 1st T20I?</h2>

The England vs Pakistan 1st T20I will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of England vs Pakistan 1st T20I?</h2>

The live streaming of England vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be available on Sony’s streaming platform. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After the three-match Test series, England and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the T20I series opener at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday. While Pakistan will be boasted by some fresh faces, England are set to unleash their white-ball side led by skipper Eoin Morgan.

After the three-match Test series, England and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the T20I series opener at the Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday. While Pakistan will be boasted by some fresh faces, England are set to unleash their white-ball side led by skipper Eoin Morgan. While this will be Pakistan’s first white-ball assignment since the restart, England have already faced Ireland and head to the series on the back of a successful outing against Ireland. Babar Azam will be back leading the white-ball Pakistan team and will hope to turn the fortune after a 1-0 series defeat in the Test series. Whereas England will hope to continue their sensational white-ball form. The weather is expected to ruin a bit of fun with rain gods expected to show up during the course of the match. However, with weather being extremely unpredictable in Manchester, we might even have a full game without any delay. ALSO READ: Morgan voices England T20 World Cup concerns ahead of Pakistan series When will the England vs Pakistan 1st T20I begin? The England vs Pakistan 1st T20I will begin at 10:30 PM IST on August 28. The toss will take place at 10:00 PM IST. Where will the England vs Pakistan 1st T20I be played? The England vs Pakistan 1st T20I match will be held at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester Which channel will telecast the England vs Pakistan 1st T20I? The England vs Pakistan 1st T20I will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India How to watch the live streaming of England vs Pakistan 1st T20I? The live streaming of England vs Pakistan 1st T20I will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

England vs Pakistan, 1st T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch ENG vs PAK match?

Members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) contingent have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the much-awaited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, scheduled to start from September 19. CSK were to start their training sessions from Friday but postponed it till September 1 after it was found that 12 members of CSK contingent tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus.&nbsp;

While reports say that as many as members have tested positive for COVID-19, there has been no official confirmation about it either from CSK or the BCCI. According to a report in TOI, members had tested positive after they landed in Dubai, their base for IPL 2020. The names of the player or staff who tested positive for the dreaded virus are not yet known.&nbsp;

WION has learned that no support staff member has tested positive and only a member of social media team and two net bowlers have returned positive. An official statement is likely to be released by CSK shortly.

As a result of positive cases, CSK will now have to extend their quarantine period for another week. It was earlier reported that they have extended their quarantine phase till September 1. Chennai Super Kings have reached Dubai on August 21 and completed their mandatory six-day quarantine period put in place by IPL.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-chennai-super-kings-extend-quarantine-period-to-commence-training-from-september-1-323701" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Chennai Super Kings extend quarantine period, to commence training from September 1</a>

The report says that that the entire CSK squad, including support staff and officials, underwent their fourth COVID-19 test on Friday. The results of the latest tests will come out on Saturday.&nbsp;

A source though said that CSK had taken all the necessary precautions upon reaching Dubai. "Even when football started in Europe, a few players had tested positive. So with eight IPL teams and over 1000 members, this was a possibility. This could have happened to any team. It is just unlucky that it has happened to CSK despite taking all kinds of precautions," the source told TOI on Friday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-kkr-and-mi-to-start-training-after-relaxation-of-abu-dhabi-quarantine-norms-323654" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: KKR and MI to start training after relaxation of Abu Dhabi quarantine norms</a>

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is scheduled to kick-start from September 19. 
&nbsp;

Members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) contingent have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, scheduled to start from September 19.

Members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) contingent have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, scheduled to start from September 19. CSK were to start their training sessions from Friday but postponed it till September 1 after it was found that 12 members of CSK contingent tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. While reports say that as many as members have tested positive for COVID-19, there has been no official confirmation about it either from CSK or the BCCI. According to a report in TOI, members had tested positive after they landed in Dubai, their base for IPL 2020. The names of the player or staff who tested positive for the dreaded virus are not yet known. WION has learned that no support staff member has tested positive and only a member of social media team and two net bowlers have returned positive. An official statement is likely to be released by CSK shortly. As a result of positive cases, CSK will now have to extend their quarantine period for another week. It was earlier reported that they have extended their quarantine phase till September 1. Chennai Super Kings have reached Dubai on August 21 and completed their mandatory six-day quarantine period put in place by IPL. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Chennai Super Kings extend quarantine period, to commence training from September 1 The report says that that the entire CSK squad, including support staff and officials, underwent their fourth COVID-19 test on Friday. The results of the latest tests will come out on Saturday. A source though said that CSK had taken all the necessary precautions upon reaching Dubai. "Even when football started in Europe, a few players had tested positive. So with eight IPL teams and over 1000 members, this was a possibility. This could have happened to any team. It is just unlucky that it has happened to CSK despite taking all kinds of precautions," the source told TOI on Friday. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: KKR and MI to start training after relaxation of Abu Dhabi quarantine norms The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is scheduled to kick-start from September 19.

IPL 2020: Members of Chennai Super Kings contingent test positive for COVID-19

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> outfit Chennai Super Kings have extended their quarantine period and will now commence their training camp from September 1. CSK reached Dubai on August 21 and were slated to start their training camp on Friday but have now extended their quarantine phase put in place by the IPL.&nbsp;

However, there is no confirmation on why CSK have opted to extend their quarantine period and stay indoors at the team hotel in Dubai.

As per IPL’s COVID-19 SOP, all the franchise will have to undergo three tests on Day 1, 3 and 5 upon landing in Dubai and can start training only after all test come out negative.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-kkr-and-mi-to-start-training-after-relaxation-of-abu-dhabi-quarantine-norms-323654" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: KKR and MI to start training after relaxation of Abu Dhabi quarantine norms</a>

As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, other teams are also monitoring developments in the CSK camp and one franchise official have urged the IPL to issue an advisory to all the teams to update about COVID-19 test results on all teams.

The latest development means that Chennai Super Kings will be the last team to commence training for IPL 2020 after Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab already completed their training sessions. Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians are set to hold their first training session on Friday whereas Delhi Capitals will start training on Saturday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-left-arm-seamer-daniel-sams-replaces-jason-roy-in-delhi-capitals-323511" hreflang="en">Australian left-arm seamer Daniel Sams replaces Jason Roy in Delhi Capitals</a>

Chennai Super Kings, before jetting off to the UAE, held a short conditioning camp for the domestic players in Chennai from August 15-20 and was attended by the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma among others.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is set to start from September 19 with the final scheduled to be played on Novmber 10 in the UAE.

Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Chennai Super Kings have extended their quarantine period and will now commence their training camp from September 1. CSK reached Dubai on August 21 and were slated to start their training camp on Friday but have now extended their quarantine phase put in place by the IPL.

Indian Premier League (IPL) outfit Chennai Super Kings have extended their quarantine period and will now commence their training camp from September 1. CSK reached Dubai on August 21 and were slated to start their training camp on Friday but have now extended their quarantine phase put in place by the IPL. However, there is no confirmation on why CSK have opted to extend their quarantine period and stay indoors at the team hotel in Dubai. As per IPL’s COVID-19 SOP, all the franchise will have to undergo three tests on Day 1, 3 and 5 upon landing in Dubai and can start training only after all test come out negative. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: KKR and MI to start training after relaxation of Abu Dhabi quarantine norms As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, other teams are also monitoring developments in the CSK camp and one franchise official have urged the IPL to issue an advisory to all the teams to update about COVID-19 test results on all teams. The latest development means that Chennai Super Kings will be the last team to commence training for IPL 2020 after Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab already completed their training sessions. Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians are set to hold their first training session on Friday whereas Delhi Capitals will start training on Saturday. ALSO READ: Australian left-arm seamer Daniel Sams replaces Jason Roy in Delhi Capitals Chennai Super Kings, before jetting off to the UAE, held a short conditioning camp for the domestic players in Chennai from August 15-20 and was attended by the likes of MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma among others. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is set to start from September 19 with the final scheduled to be played on Novmber 10 in the UAE.

IPL 2020: Chennai Super Kings extend quarantine period, to commence training from September 1

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League</a>&nbsp;(IPL) franchises Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are set to commence their training camp in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Friday after relaxation of quarantine rules for both the franchises. Due to rising cases of COVID-19 in Abu Dhabi, the quarantine rules are stricter in comparison to Dubai norms.

While Dubai has only seven-day quarantine period, Abu Dhabi has a 14-day phase of self-isolation, which worried both KKR and MI. However, the quarantine period was given relaxation by KKR and MI after consultation between the BCCI and Emirates Cricket Board.&nbsp;

Six franchises are staying in Dubai hotels and MI and KKR have found base in Abu Dhabi. Many teams have started their practice sessions in Dubai with MI and KKR set to commence their practice from Friday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/morgan-voices-england-t20-world-cup-concerns-ahead-of-pakistan-series-323618" hreflang="en">Morgan voices England T20 World Cup concerns ahead of Pakistan series</a>

On Wednesday, one of the MI staff had appealed to the BCCI to allow them to train after completion of a seven-day quarantine phase.

The two teams – KKR and MI – can now conduct their first practice session in Abu Dhabi on Friday evening. Mumbai Indians are staying in the St Regis Saadiyatisland Resort.

The likes of Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals were the first franchises to start their training sessions are teams gear up for the much-awaited IPL 2020 in UAE.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-looking-forward-to-learn-from-russell-says-kkrs-tom-banton-323514" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Looking forward to learn from Russell, says KKR's Tom Banton</a>

Interestingly, the schedule for IPL 2020 is yet to be announced and there is much anticipation surrounding the fixture list. However, going by Rohit Sharma’s congratulatory message on MS Dhoni’s retirement post, Chennai Super Kings might face Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2020 season opener on September 19. The final of IPL 2020 is scheduled to be held on November 10.

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are set to commence their training camp in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Friday after relaxation of quarantine rules for both the franchises.

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are set to commence their training camp in Abu Dhabi, UAE on Friday after relaxation of quarantine rules for both the franchises. Due to rising cases of COVID-19 in Abu Dhabi, the quarantine rules are stricter in comparison to Dubai norms. While Dubai has only seven-day quarantine period, Abu Dhabi has a 14-day phase of self-isolation, which worried both KKR and MI. However, the quarantine period was given relaxation by KKR and MI after consultation between the BCCI and Emirates Cricket Board. Six franchises are staying in Dubai hotels and MI and KKR have found base in Abu Dhabi. Many teams have started their practice sessions in Dubai with MI and KKR set to commence their practice from Friday. ALSO READ: Morgan voices England T20 World Cup concerns ahead of Pakistan series On Wednesday, one of the MI staff had appealed to the BCCI to allow them to train after completion of a seven-day quarantine phase. The two teams – KKR and MI – can now conduct their first practice session in Abu Dhabi on Friday evening. Mumbai Indians are staying in the St Regis Saadiyatisland Resort. The likes of Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals were the first franchises to start their training sessions are teams gear up for the much-awaited IPL 2020 in UAE. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Looking forward to learn from Russell, says KKR's Tom Banton Interestingly, the schedule for IPL 2020 is yet to be announced and there is much anticipation surrounding the fixture list. However, going by Rohit Sharma’s congratulatory message on MS Dhoni’s retirement post, Chennai Super Kings might face Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2020 season opener on September 19. The final of IPL 2020 is scheduled to be held on November 10.

IPL 2020: KKR and MI to start training after relaxation of Abu Dhabi quarantine norms

England are looking into the possibility of holding a training camp in the sub-continent for their Test squad ahead of planned tours of Sri Lanka and India.

Their red-ball side completed a 2020 home Test programme with a 1-0 win in a three-match series against Pakistan following a rain-marred drawn finale at Southampton on Tuesday.

That was the last of six Tests this season -- all played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic -- after England's 2-1 win over the West Indies last month.

But as Joe Root's side left their bio-secure bubble, there was no certainty as to when they will be in action again, with Covid-19 having upended the global cricket calendar.

England could be in Sri Lanka in January for a tour that was originally halted in March because of the virus outbreak before travelling to India for a Test series.

"It is nice to know that some form of preparation is being considered ahead of the winter tours if they take place and to give us a really good chance of competing if it is in sub-continent conditions," Root said.

"If not then we just have to make the most of what is available to us."

<h2>- Classy Crawley -</h2>

Whenever they next play Test cricket, England will probably find themselves having to work out who to drop in order to get Ben Stokes back in the side after he missed the final two matches of the Pakistan series to be with his ill father in New Zealand.

Zak Crawley made way for an extra seamer earlier in the season when a quad injury meant star all-rounder Stokes was unfit to bowl.

But having scored 267 -- his maiden Test century -- against Pakistan last week, the 22-year-old batsman is unlikely to be dropped again soon.

"I don't think when someone scores 267 it is going to give you too many headaches," said Root of Crawley.&nbsp;

"He has been left out of the team twice for the balance of the side so to come into the team twice and affect both games shows huge amounts of class, talent, skill, concentration and maturity.&nbsp;

"Hopefully it is a springboard and it is a shame there is no more Test cricket for him this summer because I'm sure he would have wanted to carry on this form."&nbsp;

None of England's Test squad have been considered for the upcoming three-match Twenty 20 series against Pakistan starting Friday, with the red and white-ball groups largely kept separate this season.

But while new-ball bowlers such as James Anderson and Stuart Broad are now Test specialists, World Cup-winning batsman Root remains an all-format player.

He has even expressed an interest in playing in county side Yorkshire's Twenty20 Blast opener on Thursday, a move could yet pave the way for Root's return to the limited overs squad for England's T20 and one-day international series at home to arch-rivals Australia next month.&nbsp;

"That is completely out my hands, I just want to make the most of this summer," said Root.&nbsp;

"It will be lovely to play some T20 cricket, whether that's for Yorkshire or England, I just want to play the most cricket I can from what is available.

"I'm already looking forward to getting back out there and hopefully scoring some runs."

England are looking into the possibility of holding a training camp in the sub-continent for their Test squad ahead of planned tours of Sri Lanka and India. Their red-ball side completed a 2020 home Test programme with a 1-0 win in a three-match series against Pakistan following a rain-marred drawn finale at Southampton on Tuesday.

England are looking into the possibility of holding a training camp in the sub-continent for their Test squad ahead of planned tours of Sri Lanka and India. Their red-ball side completed a 2020 home Test programme with a 1-0 win in a three-match series against Pakistan following a rain-marred drawn finale at Southampton on Tuesday. That was the last of six Tests this season -- all played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic -- after England's 2-1 win over the West Indies last month. But as Joe Root's side left their bio-secure bubble, there was no certainty as to when they will be in action again, with Covid-19 having upended the global cricket calendar. England could be in Sri Lanka in January for a tour that was originally halted in March because of the virus outbreak before travelling to India for a Test series. "It is nice to know that some form of preparation is being considered ahead of the winter tours if they take place and to give us a really good chance of competing if it is in sub-continent conditions," Root said. "If not then we just have to make the most of what is available to us." - Classy Crawley - Whenever they next play Test cricket, England will probably find themselves having to work out who to drop in order to get Ben Stokes back in the side after he missed the final two matches of the Pakistan series to be with his ill father in New Zealand. Zak Crawley made way for an extra seamer earlier in the season when a quad injury meant star all-rounder Stokes was unfit to bowl. But having scored 267 -- his maiden Test century -- against Pakistan last week, the 22-year-old batsman is unlikely to be dropped again soon. "I don't think when someone scores 267 it is going to give you too many headaches," said Root of Crawley. "He has been left out of the team twice for the balance of the side so to come into the team twice and affect both games shows huge amounts of class, talent, skill, concentration and maturity. "Hopefully it is a springboard and it is a shame there is no more Test cricket for him this summer because I'm sure he would have wanted to carry on this form." None of England's Test squad have been considered for the upcoming three-match Twenty 20 series against Pakistan starting Friday, with the red and white-ball groups largely kept separate this season. But while new-ball bowlers such as James Anderson and Stuart Broad are now Test specialists, World Cup-winning batsman Root remains an all-format player. He has even expressed an interest in playing in county side Yorkshire's Twenty20 Blast opener on Thursday, a move could yet pave the way for Root's return to the limited overs squad for England's T20 and one-day international series at home to arch-rivals Australia next month. "That is completely out my hands, I just want to make the most of this summer," said Root. "It will be lovely to play some T20 cricket, whether that's for Yorkshire or England, I just want to play the most cricket I can from what is available. "I'm already looking forward to getting back out there and hopefully scoring some runs."

England consider sub-continent training camp for Test squad

Talented English batsman Tom Banton, who impressed with his performances for Somerset in last year's T20 Blast, is looking forward to learn from star West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell during his Kolkata Knight Riders stint in the upcoming IPL.

Banton, who scored 549 runs from 13 matches at a strike rate of 161.47 in 2019 Vitality Blast, was bought by the Kolkata franchise for Rs 1 crore for the IPL which begins in the UAE on September 19.

"I'm particularly excited to play alongside Andre Russell and Pat Cummins. I watched Andre last year, and he played really well. Learning from someone like him will be really cool," Banton, who made his England debut in New Zealand and played in three T20Is, was quoted as saying in kkr.In.

Russell was the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2019, scoring 510 runs from 13 innings, averaging 56.66. He also picked up 11 wickets. 
The 21-year-old Banton said he's also excited to be with the likes of Shivam Mavi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shubman Gill, whom he has played against in his U-19 days.

"There are a few guys of my age ? (Shivam) Mavi, (Kamlesh) Nagarkoti and Shubman (Gill) - whom I have played against when I was younger. It would be great to see them again."

Banton played in the same U-19 World Cup in which Shubman was adjudged Man of the Tournament.

"I remember the Indians were a lot better than all of us in the (2018 Under-19) World Cup. I look up to those guys even now, and I am still good friends with some of them. Playing alongside Shubman at KKR will be pretty nice and I am really looking forward to it," he said.

"Honestly, just being part of the IPL is something I have been dreaming of since a very young age. I have been watching IPL every year. I have literally been glued to the IPL from the very first games in the years when it started."

The hockey player-turned cricketer loves to play innovative shots like reverse-slaps and scoops. He showed one such shot against Sam Curran in the Vitality Blast when he switched his grip and reverse-scooped for a six.

"I guess it probably comes from playing hockey. I was a drag flicker and used to play reverse there quite often. My dad used to play hockey and I kind of followed his footsteps," Banton, who played hockey from the age of three, said.

"I was 16-year-old, when things were getting more serious and I had to pick one sport and that's when I chose cricket."

The tall youngster has drawn regular comparisons with former England captain Kevin Pietersen.

"He (Pietersen) is one of the greatest players to have played from England. I have watched him while growing up and he was definitely an idol of mine. But honestly, I don't like to think so much, otherwise you get too far ahead of yourself," he said.

Talented English batsman Tom Banton, who impressed with his performances for Somerset in last year's T20 Blast, is looking forward to learn from star West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell during his Kolkata Knight Riders stint in the upcoming IPL.

Talented English batsman Tom Banton, who impressed with his performances for Somerset in last year's T20 Blast, is looking forward to learn from star West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell during his Kolkata Knight Riders stint in the upcoming IPL. Banton, who scored 549 runs from 13 matches at a strike rate of 161.47 in 2019 Vitality Blast, was bought by the Kolkata franchise for Rs 1 crore for the IPL which begins in the UAE on September 19. "I'm particularly excited to play alongside Andre Russell and Pat Cummins. I watched Andre last year, and he played really well. Learning from someone like him will be really cool," Banton, who made his England debut in New Zealand and played in three T20Is, was quoted as saying in kkr.In. Russell was the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2019, scoring 510 runs from 13 innings, averaging 56.66. He also picked up 11 wickets. The 21-year-old Banton said he's also excited to be with the likes of Shivam Mavi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shubman Gill, whom he has played against in his U-19 days. "There are a few guys of my age ? (Shivam) Mavi, (Kamlesh) Nagarkoti and Shubman (Gill) - whom I have played against when I was younger. It would be great to see them again." Banton played in the same U-19 World Cup in which Shubman was adjudged Man of the Tournament. "I remember the Indians were a lot better than all of us in the (2018 Under-19) World Cup. I look up to those guys even now, and I am still good friends with some of them. Playing alongside Shubman at KKR will be pretty nice and I am really looking forward to it," he said. "Honestly, just being part of the IPL is something I have been dreaming of since a very young age. I have been watching IPL every year. I have literally been glued to the IPL from the very first games in the years when it started." The hockey player-turned cricketer loves to play innovative shots like reverse-slaps and scoops. He showed one such shot against Sam Curran in the Vitality Blast when he switched his grip and reverse-scooped for a six. "I guess it probably comes from playing hockey. I was a drag flicker and used to play reverse there quite often. My dad used to play hockey and I kind of followed his footsteps," Banton, who played hockey from the age of three, said. "I was 16-year-old, when things were getting more serious and I had to pick one sport and that's when I chose cricket." The tall youngster has drawn regular comparisons with former England captain Kevin Pietersen. "He (Pietersen) is one of the greatest players to have played from England. I have watched him while growing up and he was definitely an idol of mine. But honestly, I don't like to think so much, otherwise you get too far ahead of yourself," he said.

IPL 2020: Looking forward to learn from Russell, says KKR's Tom Banton

Uncapped Australian left-arm seamer Daniel Sams, the top wicket-taker in last year's Big Bash League (BBL), will replace England opener Jason Roy in the Delhi Capitals squad for the upcoming IPL, starting on September 19 in the UAE.

Roy has pulled out of the upcoming three match T20I series against Pakistan due to a side strain, which effectively ruled him out of the IPL.

Sams' inclusion also gives dimension to the DC attack which only had right-arm pacers in their main squad.

On joining Delhi Capitals, Sams said, "The IPL is a huge platform for any cricketer, and back home, we all follow the tournament extremely closely every year.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 NEW SIGNING 🚨 
 
𝘋𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘭𝘭-𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘥 💙 
 
We're thrilled to welcome 🇦🇺 cricketer Daniel Sams to our DC family ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dream11IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dream11IPL</a> 😍 
 
Read: <a href="https://t.co/QXgDtUXXiv">https://t.co/QXgDtUXXiv</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeSams?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeSams</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YehHaiNayiDilli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YehHaiNayiDilli</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y9HnEMU9iV">pic.twitter.com/Y9HnEMU9iV</a>
— Delhi Capitals (Tweeting from 🇦🇪) (@DelhiCapitals) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiCapitals/status/1298992324941213696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"I feel fortunate to be a part of it this year, and I'm thankful to the Delhi Capitals management for giving me this opportunity. I can't wait to join the rest of the players in the UAE."

He will be joining fellow Australians Marcus Stoinis and Alex Carey at the Delhi Capitals.

Sams came into the limelight during last year's Big Bash League where he picked up 30 wickets in 17 games for the Sydney Thunders.&nbsp;

Uncapped Australian left-arm seamer Daniel Sams, the top wicket-taker in last year's Big Bash League (BBL), will replace England opener Jason Roy in the Delhi Capitals squad for the upcoming IPL, starting on September 19 in the UAE.

Uncapped Australian left-arm seamer Daniel Sams, the top wicket-taker in last year's Big Bash League (BBL), will replace England opener Jason Roy in the Delhi Capitals squad for the upcoming IPL, starting on September 19 in the UAE. Roy has pulled out of the upcoming three match T20I series against Pakistan due to a side strain, which effectively ruled him out of the IPL. Sams' inclusion also gives dimension to the DC attack which only had right-arm pacers in their main squad. On joining Delhi Capitals, Sams said, "The IPL is a huge platform for any cricketer, and back home, we all follow the tournament extremely closely every year. 🚨 NEW SIGNING 🚨 𝘋𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘭𝘭-𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘥 💙 We're thrilled to welcome 🇦🇺 cricketer Daniel Sams to our DC family ahead of #Dream11IPL 😍 Read: https://t.co/QXgDtUXXiv#WelcomeSams #YehHaiNayiDilli pic.twitter.com/Y9HnEMU9iV — Delhi Capitals (Tweeting from 🇦🇪) (@DelhiCapitals) August 27, 2020 × "I feel fortunate to be a part of it this year, and I'm thankful to the Delhi Capitals management for giving me this opportunity. I can't wait to join the rest of the players in the UAE." He will be joining fellow Australians Marcus Stoinis and Alex Carey at the Delhi Capitals. Sams came into the limelight during last year's Big Bash League where he picked up 30 wickets in 17 games for the Sydney Thunders.

Australian left-arm seamer Daniel Sams replaces Jason Roy in Delhi Capitals

Shane Warne’s baggy green cap has found home in the iconic Bradman Museum at Bowral in NSW Southern Highlands. Warne had auction his baggy green to raise funds for the bushfire appeal in January, 2020 when it was bought by the Commonwealth Bank for a whopping $1 million.

After being auction, Warne’s baggy green has toured all over Australia to boost spirits at schools, cricket clubs and community centres before the movement was stopped due to COVID-19 pandemic.

On Sir Donald Bradman’s birthday, on Thursday, the cap was housed in a collection of as many as thirty baggy greens dating back to the 1800s at the Bradman Museum.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/de-villiers-steyn-still-have-plenty-to-offer-rcbs-mike-hesson-323394" hreflang="en">De Villiers, Steyn still have plenty to offer: RCB's Mike Hesson</a>

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What a special way to celebrate The Don's birthday 🥳 
 
Just a couple of happy snaps from the offical Shane Warne Baggy Green Handover and launch of the History of the Baggy Green Exhibition. Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/CommBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CommBank</a> for their generosity today. Lots more to come, so stay tuned! <a href="https://t.co/w8vScCdj1H">pic.twitter.com/w8vScCdj1H</a>
— Bradman (@BradmanBowral) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradmanBowral/status/1298877231163310082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Bradman Museum exhibits Test caps owned by Australia’s Christina Matthews, Victor Trumper and Bradman himself. CBA’s chief executive Matt Comyn gave away the treasured cap to the museum as he said the cap is there for all cricket fans to enjoy while adding that it was the power of the Baggy Green to inspire and lift Australia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-pak-jason-roy-ruled-out-of-pakistan-t20is-323429" hreflang="en">ENG vs PAK: Jason Roy ruled out of Pakistan T20Is</a>

"I am delighted that CBA was able to secure Shane's cherished baggy green cap,” Comyn said.

"The cap not only raised more than $1 million for bushfire relief, it enabled us to raise further funds for the bushfire appeal, and now finds its home here at the Bradman Museum for all Australian cricket fans to enjoy," he said.

"Through the bank's contributions to disaster relief and the support of our customers, we contributed close to $20 million to support the community over the past financial year.

"Once again we see the power of the Baggy Green to inspire and lift our nation." 
&nbsp;

Shane Warne’s baggy green cap has found home in the iconic Bradman Museum at Bowral in NSW Southern Highlands. Warne had auction his baggy green to raise funds for the bushfire appeal in January, 2020 when it was bought by the Commonwealth Bank for a whopping $1 million.

Shane Warne’s baggy green cap has found home in the iconic Bradman Museum at Bowral in NSW Southern Highlands. Warne had auction his baggy green to raise funds for the bushfire appeal in January, 2020 when it was bought by the Commonwealth Bank for a whopping $1 million. After being auction, Warne’s baggy green has toured all over Australia to boost spirits at schools, cricket clubs and community centres before the movement was stopped due to COVID-19 pandemic. On Sir Donald Bradman’s birthday, on Thursday, the cap was housed in a collection of as many as thirty baggy greens dating back to the 1800s at the Bradman Museum. ALSO READ: De Villiers, Steyn still have plenty to offer: RCB's Mike Hesson What a special way to celebrate The Don's birthday 🥳 Just a couple of happy snaps from the offical Shane Warne Baggy Green Handover and launch of the History of the Baggy Green Exhibition. Thanks to @CommBank for their generosity today. Lots more to come, so stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/w8vScCdj1H — Bradman (@BradmanBowral) August 27, 2020 × The Bradman Museum exhibits Test caps owned by Australia’s Christina Matthews, Victor Trumper and Bradman himself. CBA’s chief executive Matt Comyn gave away the treasured cap to the museum as he said the cap is there for all cricket fans to enjoy while adding that it was the power of the Baggy Green to inspire and lift Australia. ALSO READ: ENG vs PAK: Jason Roy ruled out of Pakistan T20Is "I am delighted that CBA was able to secure Shane's cherished baggy green cap,” Comyn said. "The cap not only raised more than $1 million for bushfire relief, it enabled us to raise further funds for the bushfire appeal, and now finds its home here at the Bradman Museum for all Australian cricket fans to enjoy," he said. "Through the bank's contributions to disaster relief and the support of our customers, we contributed close to $20 million to support the community over the past financial year. "Once again we see the power of the Baggy Green to inspire and lift our nation."

Shane Warne's baggy green finds home in Bradman Museum after $1m fundraiser

England's Jason Roy has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting from August 28,&nbsp;after sustaining a left side strain.

The Surrey top-order batsman picked up the injury this week in the team’s preparation at Emirates Old Trafford and had a scan on Wednesday.

He will remain with the England set-up and will commence his rehabilitation programme looking ahead to the Australia white-ball series, which starts next month at The Ageas Bowl. No replacement has been announced by the ECB yet.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-consider-sub-continent-training-camp-for-test-squad-323366" hreflang="en">England consider sub-continent training camp for Test squad</a>

Roy has also reportedly pulled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but there has been no confirmation regarding the same either from Roy or his franchise Delhi Capitals. Roy has been one of the most consistent and dangerous batsmen in the white-ball circuit for England and his explosive batting has helped England win many matches.&nbsp;

<h2 data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">England v Pakistan, three-match T20I series: Full schedule:</h2>

1st IT20 v Pakistan: Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start)&nbsp;

2nd IT20 v Pakistan: Sunday 30 August at Emirates Old Trafford (2.15pm start)

3rd IT20 v Pakistan: Tuesday 1 September at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start)

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/de-villiers-steyn-still-have-plenty-to-offer-rcbs-mike-hesson-323394" hreflang="en">De Villiers, Steyn still have plenty to offer: RCB's Mike Hesson</a>

<h2 data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">England v Australia: Full Schedule</h2>

1st IT20 v Australia: Friday 4 September at The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start)&nbsp;

2nd IT20 v Australia: Sunday 6 September at The Ageas Bowl (2.15pm start)&nbsp;

3rd IT20 v Australia: Tuesday 8 September at The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start)

England's Jason Roy has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting from August 28, after sustaining a left side strain. The Surrey top-order batsman picked up the injury this week in the team’s preparation at Emirates Old Trafford and had a scan on Wednesday.

England's Jason Roy has been ruled out of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, starting from August 28, after sustaining a left side strain. The Surrey top-order batsman picked up the injury this week in the team’s preparation at Emirates Old Trafford and had a scan on Wednesday. He will remain with the England set-up and will commence his rehabilitation programme looking ahead to the Australia white-ball series, which starts next month at The Ageas Bowl. No replacement has been announced by the ECB yet. ALSO READ: England consider sub-continent training camp for Test squad Roy has also reportedly pulled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but there has been no confirmation regarding the same either from Roy or his franchise Delhi Capitals. Roy has been one of the most consistent and dangerous batsmen in the white-ball circuit for England and his explosive batting has helped England win many matches. England v Pakistan, three-match T20I series: Full schedule: 1st IT20 v Pakistan: Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start) 2nd IT20 v Pakistan: Sunday 30 August at Emirates Old Trafford (2.15pm start) 3rd IT20 v Pakistan: Tuesday 1 September at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start) ALSO READ: De Villiers, Steyn still have plenty to offer: RCB's Mike Hesson England v Australia: Full Schedule 1st IT20 v Australia: Friday 4 September at The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start) 2nd IT20 v Australia: Sunday 6 September at The Ageas Bowl (2.15pm start) 3rd IT20 v Australia: Tuesday 8 September at The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start)

ENG vs PAK: Jason Roy ruled out of Pakistan T20Is

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s team director Mike Hesson is of the view that South African veterans AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn still have plenty to offer at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> despite playing few matches in top-level cricket in recent times.

De Villiers had quit international cricket in 2018 but continues to participate in T20 tournaments and was last seen in 3TC Solidarity Cup organized by Cricket South Africa in July. Hesson recalled his performance in the 3TC Cup while lauding his form and class.&nbsp;

“Only a matter of weeks ago he took part in a match in South Africa and once again he was a standout player, having just come out of his living room. So that certainly showed the quality of player he is,” Hesson told a virtual media conference from Dubai on Wednesday.

“He’s had very, very good franchise tournaments around the world the last 12 months and he’s in good touch.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-royal-challengers-bangalore-to-have-personalised-training-approach-323206" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach</a>

“Physically, he’s feeling good and refreshed. And once again, he’s one of the few in the group that are absolutely chomping at the bit to get into training.”

Whereas express speedster Steyn, who retired from Test cricket in 2019 to extend his limited-overs career, has played just three T20I matches in 2020 in addition to the matches played in Pakistan Super League (PSL) before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

“He’s developing his game,” former New Zealand head coach Hesson said of the 37-year-old quick.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a>

“We saw some different deliveries that he’s been able to develop over the last six months. So he’s certainly not ready to retire yet, certainly very keen to make a contribution this IPL.”

IPL 2020 is scheduled to kickstart from September 19 with the final slated to be held on November 10 in the UAE. 
&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s team director Mike Hesson is of the view that South African veterans AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn still have plenty to offer at Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 despite playing few matches in top-level cricket in recent times.

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s team director Mike Hesson is of the view that South African veterans AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn still have plenty to offer at Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 despite playing few matches in top-level cricket in recent times. De Villiers had quit international cricket in 2018 but continues to participate in T20 tournaments and was last seen in 3TC Solidarity Cup organized by Cricket South Africa in July. Hesson recalled his performance in the 3TC Cup while lauding his form and class. “Only a matter of weeks ago he took part in a match in South Africa and once again he was a standout player, having just come out of his living room. So that certainly showed the quality of player he is,” Hesson told a virtual media conference from Dubai on Wednesday. “He’s had very, very good franchise tournaments around the world the last 12 months and he’s in good touch. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach “Physically, he’s feeling good and refreshed. And once again, he’s one of the few in the group that are absolutely chomping at the bit to get into training.” Whereas express speedster Steyn, who retired from Test cricket in 2019 to extend his limited-overs career, has played just three T20I matches in 2020 in addition to the matches played in Pakistan Super League (PSL) before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. “He’s developing his game,” former New Zealand head coach Hesson said of the 37-year-old quick. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell “We saw some different deliveries that he’s been able to develop over the last six months. So he’s certainly not ready to retire yet, certainly very keen to make a contribution this IPL.” IPL 2020 is scheduled to kickstart from September 19 with the final slated to be held on November 10 in the UAE.

De Villiers, Steyn still have plenty to offer: RCB's Mike Hesson

The spinners ran riot on both sides, but Kyle Mayers was brutal off the seamers to give the Barbados Tridents a total that proved well out of reach of a misfiring Jamaica Tallawahs batting lineup that badly missed the injured Andre Russell. All had looked lost after Mujeeb ur Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane had worked their magic, but Mayers smashed 29 off a Carlos Brathwaite over that proved absolutely pivotal.

Mujeeb did for both Tridents openers - an off-break turned big to trap Shai Hope LBW and a carrom ball to Johnson Charles took the edge for Tallawahs skipper Rovman Powell to take a good catch at slip.&nbsp; 
 
Veerasammy Permaul played his first game of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season replacing Russell, and he started well until Kyle Mayers lofted him for six over extra cover. Mayers repeated the trick off Edwards and the Tridents reached the Powerplay at 37/2. 
 
Holder lifted Permaul onto the rope at&nbsp;&nbsp;long-on, and Mayers took a liking to Powell in an over that went for 17. Brathwaite didn’t escape punishment as Mayers timed him over point, bringing up a 50 partnership off just 29 balls. Powell went to Lamichhane, whose googlies restricted Mayers and Holder to three off the 10th over. At halfway, the Tridents were 79/2.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-consider-sub-continent-training-camp-for-test-squad-323366" hreflang="en">England consider sub-continent training camp for Test squad</a>

20 balls later, that was 90/6. Brathwaite bounced out Holder, Rashid Khan’s promotion lasted two balls as he sliced a Lamichhane leg-break to backward point, Mujeeb skidded a carrom ball onto Corey Anderson’s stumps and Lamichhane beat Ashley Nurse’s slog-sweep with a googly.

Mujeeb could have had Mayers had a close LBW shout been given or had Glenn Phillips held a catch, but with the Afghan and Nepalese combining for 5/30, little did we know how crucial that would prove. Brathwaite disappeared to all parts as Mayers launched four Hero Maximums, and even good death bowling saw the Tridents end on a competitive looking total. 
 
Santner started superbly, bowling Phillips as part of a wicket-maiden. Chadwick Walton flayed Holder for four and pulled him for a Hero Maximum, but the Tridents captain nicked him off with a Test match-style seaming beauty. Santner followed up with another fine over, and the Tallawahs were 13/2 after three.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-postpones-games-after-bucks-boycott-other-sports-follow-suit-323363" hreflang="en">NBA postpones games after Bucks boycott, other sports follow suit</a> 
 
Walsh Jr went for just three runs, all due to misfields including a dropped catch. Blackwood’s first boundary was a thick inside edge off Holder, and the captain’s extra bounce did for his opposite number Rovman Powell who gloved down the leg-side to the keeper. 
 
At 22/3 off 5 overs, the Tallawahs were precariously placed, and that was before Rashid Khan came on for the last over of the Powerplay. The required run rate was now approaching nine an over. 
 
Walsh Jr spilled a tough caught-and-bowled off Blackwood, but finally got his first wicket of CPL 2020 as Asif holed out to long-off to plunge the Tallawahs into even deeper strife. The leg-spinner celebrated with a huge roar of delight. 
 
Ashley Nurse went for just five off two overs, and Walsh Jr beat Blackwood on both edges to leave the Tallawahs 36/4 needing 11 an over off the last 10 with three overs of Rashid still to face. In a familiar tale, the Tallawahs had failed to score off 44 of the first 60 balls. 
 
Things seemed to be picking up after the break. Bonner pulled Walsh Jr for the first boundary in 37 balls, Blackwood joined with a Hero Maximum to put a slight dent in Walsh Jr’s figures, and the two scored off every ball of Rashid’s second over including a boundary. 
 
But Santner’s return did the trick. Blackwood hit one big maximum over the sightscreen, but a slower ball deceived him into holing out to long-on. Rashid capped a horrible night for Brathwaite, pinning him LBW with a fast googly, and after a mini-recovery the Tallawahs were 68/6 off 14 and needed 13.5 an over. 
 
Santner finished a brilliant spell - 20 off his 24 balls were dot balls and a maximum was his only boundary conceded. Bonner hammered Raymon Reifer for a Hero Maximum, but Permaul took nine balls to get off the mark, and with the Tallawahs needing 17.25 an over, Bonner took it upon himself to farm the strike. 
 
Rashid ended the Tallawahs’ last faint hope, as Bonner tried to pull an unpullable ball and Anderson held the top-edge. Mujeeb deposited his countryman for a pair of Hero Maximums, but even so the required run rate at the end of the over was higher than when it started. 
 
Mujeeb continued his fun with a reverse hook off Nyeem Young, but the youngster made a contribution taking an excellent catch diving forward at deep point to give Reifer the wicket of the scratchy Permaul.

Reifer made it two when Mujeeb tried to reverse sweep a middle-stump yorker, and in the end the only thing missing for the Tridents was a wicket for Young. Russell or no Russell, the Tallawahs batters need to find some answers fast.

The spinners ran riot on both sides, but Kyle Mayers was brutal off the seamers to give the Barbados Tridents a total that proved well out of reach of a misfiring Jamaica Tallawahs batting lineup that badly missed the injured Andre Russell.

The spinners ran riot on both sides, but Kyle Mayers was brutal off the seamers to give the Barbados Tridents a total that proved well out of reach of a misfiring Jamaica Tallawahs batting lineup that badly missed the injured Andre Russell. All had looked lost after Mujeeb ur Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane had worked their magic, but Mayers smashed 29 off a Carlos Brathwaite over that proved absolutely pivotal. Mujeeb did for both Tridents openers - an off-break turned big to trap Shai Hope LBW and a carrom ball to Johnson Charles took the edge for Tallawahs skipper Rovman Powell to take a good catch at slip. Veerasammy Permaul played his first game of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season replacing Russell, and he started well until Kyle Mayers lofted him for six over extra cover. Mayers repeated the trick off Edwards and the Tridents reached the Powerplay at 37/2. Holder lifted Permaul onto the rope at long-on, and Mayers took a liking to Powell in an over that went for 17. Brathwaite didn’t escape punishment as Mayers timed him over point, bringing up a 50 partnership off just 29 balls. Powell went to Lamichhane, whose googlies restricted Mayers and Holder to three off the 10th over. At halfway, the Tridents were 79/2. ALSO READ: England consider sub-continent training camp for Test squad 20 balls later, that was 90/6. Brathwaite bounced out Holder, Rashid Khan’s promotion lasted two balls as he sliced a Lamichhane leg-break to backward point, Mujeeb skidded a carrom ball onto Corey Anderson’s stumps and Lamichhane beat Ashley Nurse’s slog-sweep with a googly. Mujeeb could have had Mayers had a close LBW shout been given or had Glenn Phillips held a catch, but with the Afghan and Nepalese combining for 5/30, little did we know how crucial that would prove. Brathwaite disappeared to all parts as Mayers launched four Hero Maximums, and even good death bowling saw the Tridents end on a competitive looking total. Santner started superbly, bowling Phillips as part of a wicket-maiden. Chadwick Walton flayed Holder for four and pulled him for a Hero Maximum, but the Tridents captain nicked him off with a Test match-style seaming beauty. Santner followed up with another fine over, and the Tallawahs were 13/2 after three. ALSO READ: NBA postpones games after Bucks boycott, other sports follow suit Walsh Jr went for just three runs, all due to misfields including a dropped catch. Blackwood’s first boundary was a thick inside edge off Holder, and the captain’s extra bounce did for his opposite number Rovman Powell who gloved down the leg-side to the keeper. At 22/3 off 5 overs, the Tallawahs were precariously placed, and that was before Rashid Khan came on for the last over of the Powerplay. The required run rate was now approaching nine an over. Walsh Jr spilled a tough caught-and-bowled off Blackwood, but finally got his first wicket of CPL 2020 as Asif holed out to long-off to plunge the Tallawahs into even deeper strife. The leg-spinner celebrated with a huge roar of delight. Ashley Nurse went for just five off two overs, and Walsh Jr beat Blackwood on both edges to leave the Tallawahs 36/4 needing 11 an over off the last 10 with three overs of Rashid still to face. In a familiar tale, the Tallawahs had failed to score off 44 of the first 60 balls. Things seemed to be picking up after the break. Bonner pulled Walsh Jr for the first boundary in 37 balls, Blackwood joined with a Hero Maximum to put a slight dent in Walsh Jr’s figures, and the two scored off every ball of Rashid’s second over including a boundary. But Santner’s return did the trick. Blackwood hit one big maximum over the sightscreen, but a slower ball deceived him into holing out to long-on. Rashid capped a horrible night for Brathwaite, pinning him LBW with a fast googly, and after a mini-recovery the Tallawahs were 68/6 off 14 and needed 13.5 an over. Santner finished a brilliant spell - 20 off his 24 balls were dot balls and a maximum was his only boundary conceded. Bonner hammered Raymon Reifer for a Hero Maximum, but Permaul took nine balls to get off the mark, and with the Tallawahs needing 17.25 an over, Bonner took it upon himself to farm the strike. Rashid ended the Tallawahs’ last faint hope, as Bonner tried to pull an unpullable ball and Anderson held the top-edge. Mujeeb deposited his countryman for a pair of Hero Maximums, but even so the required run rate at the end of the over was higher than when it started. Mujeeb continued his fun with a reverse hook off Nyeem Young, but the youngster made a contribution taking an excellent catch diving forward at deep point to give Reifer the wicket of the scratchy Permaul. Reifer made it two when Mujeeb tried to reverse sweep a middle-stump yorker, and in the end the only thing missing for the Tridents was a wicket for Young. Russell or no Russell, the Tallawahs batters need to find some answers fast.

CPL 2020: Mayers rises above as Tridents win spin-dominated contest

England's three-match Test series against Pakistan was blighted by poor weather but both sides will take positives from an absorbing contest which the home side won 1-0.

AFP Sport looks at some of the talking points from a hard-fought campaign played behind closed doors.

<h2>England's top-order young guns</h2>

Zak Crawley's stunning 267 in the third Test at Southampton was a remarkable innings -- the Kent batsman's maiden Test century was also the 10th highest score by any England player.

Crawley, batting at number three, is the latest member of a youthful England top-order to score a Test hundred, following fellow 22-year-old Ollie Pope (135 not out against South Africa in January) and 24-year-old opener Dom Sibley (centuries against South Africa and West Indies).

England, used to being bailed out with the bat by their all-rounders and lower order, are searching for consistency from their frontline batsmen.

While their three fledgling top-order batsmen are still in the early stages of their international careers, there are signs they all understand the importance of building a score and have no qualms about being patient if that is what is required to establish a strong position for the team.

<h2>Flat pitches a problem for England</h2>

The England pace trio of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes remains unrivalled in home conditions -- across six Tests this season, including the 2-1 series win over the West Indies, they have taken 62 wickets between them at a combined average of just 18 apiece.

But their form has relegated express fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, who has played just the one Test this season, to peripheral roles.

Away from home and without the Dukes ball, England's quicks have found it much harder to take wickets on generally less responsive surfaces.

And there was a concerning preview of what could await England during their next scheduled series in India when, on a slow Ageas Bowl pitch offering little movement, they took just two Pakistan wickets in 56 overs on Monday.

One mitigating factor was that all-rounder and partnership-breaker Ben Stokes missed the last two Tests to be with his ill father in New Zealand.

During their 2016/17 and 2017/18 tours of India and Australia, England conceded more than 600 runs four times in 10 Tests and, with off-spinner Dom Bess little used this season, the doubts over the effectiveness of their attack on flatter pitches remain.

<h2>Pakistan progress</h2>

Even though England ended up winning the series, it is easy to forget just how close Pakistan came to a victory in the first Test at Old Trafford.

The tourists, who had not played international cricket for several months because of the coronavirus pandemic, were the better side for much of the time in Manchester until, having reduced England to 117-5 chasing a target of 277, they were undone by a sixth-wicket partnership of 139 between Jos Buttler and Woakes.

But even though this was Pakistan's first series defeat by England in a decade, there were plenty of highlights for the tourists, with opener Shan Masood making 156 in Manchester and pace trio Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah all impressing at different stages.

Determined wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan hit two successive fifties and starred behind the stumps throughout in difficult conditions for glovemen, with the ball often deviating significantly after passing the stumps.

England's three-match Test series against Pakistan was blighted by poor weather but both sides will take positives from an absorbing contest which the home side won 1-0.

England's three-match Test series against Pakistan was blighted by poor weather but both sides will take positives from an absorbing contest which the home side won 1-0. AFP Sport looks at some of the talking points from a hard-fought campaign played behind closed doors. England's top-order young guns Zak Crawley's stunning 267 in the third Test at Southampton was a remarkable innings -- the Kent batsman's maiden Test century was also the 10th highest score by any England player. Crawley, batting at number three, is the latest member of a youthful England top-order to score a Test hundred, following fellow 22-year-old Ollie Pope (135 not out against South Africa in January) and 24-year-old opener Dom Sibley (centuries against South Africa and West Indies). England, used to being bailed out with the bat by their all-rounders and lower order, are searching for consistency from their frontline batsmen. While their three fledgling top-order batsmen are still in the early stages of their international careers, there are signs they all understand the importance of building a score and have no qualms about being patient if that is what is required to establish a strong position for the team. Flat pitches a problem for England The England pace trio of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes remains unrivalled in home conditions -- across six Tests this season, including the 2-1 series win over the West Indies, they have taken 62 wickets between them at a combined average of just 18 apiece. But their form has relegated express fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, who has played just the one Test this season, to peripheral roles. Away from home and without the Dukes ball, England's quicks have found it much harder to take wickets on generally less responsive surfaces. And there was a concerning preview of what could await England during their next scheduled series in India when, on a slow Ageas Bowl pitch offering little movement, they took just two Pakistan wickets in 56 overs on Monday. One mitigating factor was that all-rounder and partnership-breaker Ben Stokes missed the last two Tests to be with his ill father in New Zealand. During their 2016/17 and 2017/18 tours of India and Australia, England conceded more than 600 runs four times in 10 Tests and, with off-spinner Dom Bess little used this season, the doubts over the effectiveness of their attack on flatter pitches remain. Pakistan progress Even though England ended up winning the series, it is easy to forget just how close Pakistan came to a victory in the first Test at Old Trafford. The tourists, who had not played international cricket for several months because of the coronavirus pandemic, were the better side for much of the time in Manchester until, having reduced England to 117-5 chasing a target of 277, they were undone by a sixth-wicket partnership of 139 between Jos Buttler and Woakes. But even though this was Pakistan's first series defeat by England in a decade, there were plenty of highlights for the tourists, with opener Shan Masood making 156 in Manchester and pace trio Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah all impressing at different stages. Determined wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan hit two successive fifties and starred behind the stumps throughout in difficult conditions for glovemen, with the ball often deviating significantly after passing the stumps.

England v Pakistan: Three things we learned

Bowling greats Anil Kumble and Shane Warne welcomed James Anderson to the elite group of players who have taken 600 Test wickets as tributes to the England star poured in from around the cricketing world on Tuesday.

Anderson become the first fast bowler to reach the landmark when he had Pakistan's Azhar Ali caught by Joe Root on the final day of the third Test at Southampton.

He joins a trio of retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Australia's Warne (708) and India's Kumble (619).

"Congratulations @jimmy9 on your 600 wickets! Massive effort from a great fast bowler. Welcome to the club," Kumble tweeted.

Former Australia leg-spinner Warne said it was a "proud moment" for the England bowler.

"It's an outstanding achievement from Jimmy Anderson, and his longevity, and he should be extremely proud of what he has just done -- 156 Test matches is a lot of games," he said on Sky Sports.

Anderson's achievement has been 17 years and 156 appearances in the making, a journey that started when he dismissed Zimbabwe's Mark Vermeulen in 2003.

England paceman Stuart Broad, who has long been Anderson's strike partner, hailed his team-mate's longevity.

"You can't really put it into words, it's just phenomenal," Broad told the BBC.

"He has got better with age and is someone who has inspired me throughout my career, watching him.&nbsp;

"The last five years in particular, since leaving South Africa in 2016, he's just gone from strength to strength. He's a role model to follow for every English cricketer and young cricketer coming through."

Former Australia star Glenn McGrath has the second-most Test wickets by a fast bowler, with 563.

Hailing Anderson's landmark, McGrath told the BBC: "Absolutely incredible, I'm a big fan of Jimmy's. Just the fact he's still playing now, in his 156th Test match, which in itself is just incredible.

"The rigours, the stresses that fast bowlers put on their body day in day out, to turn around and front up and just work your backside off is just absolutely incredible.

"Looking through my career, the two that really stand out skill-wise is Jimmy and Wasim Akram. What they can do with the ball, to swing it both ways, it's a real art form."

Andrew Strauss, a former England captain and ex-teammate of Anderson's, told Sky Sports: "You look at that career, you look at that achievement and it is just extraordinary.&nbsp;

"James Anderson, himself, wouldn't believe it if you had said that a few years ago you would get to 600 Test wickets, you would play 156 Test matches and get 29 five-wicket hauls.&nbsp;

"There is still plenty of life in the old dog yet. It doesn't look like he is going anywhere. A great moment for him."

Bowling greats Anil Kumble and Shane Warne welcomed James Anderson to the elite group of players who have taken 600 Test wickets as tributes to the England star poured in from around the cricketing world on Tuesday.

Bowling greats Anil Kumble and Shane Warne welcomed James Anderson to the elite group of players who have taken 600 Test wickets as tributes to the England star poured in from around the cricketing world on Tuesday. Anderson become the first fast bowler to reach the landmark when he had Pakistan's Azhar Ali caught by Joe Root on the final day of the third Test at Southampton. He joins a trio of retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Australia's Warne (708) and India's Kumble (619). "Congratulations @jimmy9 on your 600 wickets! Massive effort from a great fast bowler. Welcome to the club," Kumble tweeted. Former Australia leg-spinner Warne said it was a "proud moment" for the England bowler. "It's an outstanding achievement from Jimmy Anderson, and his longevity, and he should be extremely proud of what he has just done -- 156 Test matches is a lot of games," he said on Sky Sports. Anderson's achievement has been 17 years and 156 appearances in the making, a journey that started when he dismissed Zimbabwe's Mark Vermeulen in 2003. England paceman Stuart Broad, who has long been Anderson's strike partner, hailed his team-mate's longevity. "You can't really put it into words, it's just phenomenal," Broad told the BBC. "He has got better with age and is someone who has inspired me throughout my career, watching him. "The last five years in particular, since leaving South Africa in 2016, he's just gone from strength to strength. He's a role model to follow for every English cricketer and young cricketer coming through." Former Australia star Glenn McGrath has the second-most Test wickets by a fast bowler, with 563. Hailing Anderson's landmark, McGrath told the BBC: "Absolutely incredible, I'm a big fan of Jimmy's. Just the fact he's still playing now, in his 156th Test match, which in itself is just incredible. "The rigours, the stresses that fast bowlers put on their body day in day out, to turn around and front up and just work your backside off is just absolutely incredible. "Looking through my career, the two that really stand out skill-wise is Jimmy and Wasim Akram. What they can do with the ball, to swing it both ways, it's a real art form." Andrew Strauss, a former England captain and ex-teammate of Anderson's, told Sky Sports: "You look at that career, you look at that achievement and it is just extraordinary. "James Anderson, himself, wouldn't believe it if you had said that a few years ago you would get to 600 Test wickets, you would play 156 Test matches and get 29 five-wicket hauls. "There is still plenty of life in the old dog yet. It doesn't look like he is going anywhere. A great moment for him."

Kumble, Warne welcome England's Anderson to '600 club'

Veteran West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo on Wednesday became the first bowler to scalp 500 wickets in T20 cricket after he sent Rahkeem Cornwall packing in the match Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 match between Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks.&nbsp;

Bravo, who is playing for TKR in CPL 2020, achieved the historic feat when Cornwall smashed the ball straight to Colin Munro at cover in the fourth over of the match. Munro, one of the safest hands, plucked the catch comfortably helping Bravo to reach the landmark.

In the list of bowlers with most T20 wickets, Bravo sits atop comfortably with Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga being second with 390 scalps whereas Sunil Narine has 383 wickets to his name.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pravin-tambe-48-becomes-first-indian-to-make-debut-in-cpl-323258" hreflang="en">Pravin Tambe, 48, becomes first Indian to make debut in CPL</a>

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Great catch from Munro, Jimbo's gone, and on his home ground DJ BRAVO MAKES HISTORY! 
 
500 T20 wickets. 100 Hero CPL wickets. Leading the way for the rest of the world for almost 15 years. Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/DJBravo47?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DJBravo47</a> on an epic achievement!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketPlayedLouder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketPlayedLouder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLZvTKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLZvTKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/diCUepOmWP">pic.twitter.com/diCUepOmWP</a>
— CPL T20 (@CPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPL/status/1298628639316160517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-royal-challengers-bangalore-to-have-personalised-training-approach-323206" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach</a>

Bravo has played for plethora of franchises in various T20 tournaments with the likes of Lahore Qalandars (PSL), Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars (BBL), Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings (IPL). The master of slower delivery was also a part of the West Indies teams that lifted the ICC T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016.

Bravo, who had called it quits from international cricket, made a comeback to the West Indies side in 2019 after Kieron Pollard took over captaincy with an aim of helping the Windies lift the T20 World Cup in 2020, which has been now postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. He played his first T20 match in 2006 while going on to represent West Indies in 40 Test and 164 ODIs. Besides 500 wickets in the format, Bravo has a staggering 6313 runs to his name at a strike rate of 127.

After CPL 2020, Bravo will be seen in IPL 2020 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). IPL 2020 is scheduled to start from September 19 in the UAE with the final slated to be played on November 10.

Veteran West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo on Wednesday became the first bowler to scalp 500 wickets in T20 cricket after he sent Rahkeem Cornwall packing in the match Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 match between Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks.

Veteran West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo on Wednesday became the first bowler to scalp 500 wickets in T20 cricket after he sent Rahkeem Cornwall packing in the match Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 match between Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks. Bravo, who is playing for TKR in CPL 2020, achieved the historic feat when Cornwall smashed the ball straight to Colin Munro at cover in the fourth over of the match. Munro, one of the safest hands, plucked the catch comfortably helping Bravo to reach the landmark. In the list of bowlers with most T20 wickets, Bravo sits atop comfortably with Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga being second with 390 scalps whereas Sunil Narine has 383 wickets to his name. ALSO READ: Pravin Tambe, 48, becomes first Indian to make debut in CPL Great catch from Munro, Jimbo's gone, and on his home ground DJ BRAVO MAKES HISTORY! 500 T20 wickets. 100 Hero CPL wickets. Leading the way for the rest of the world for almost 15 years. Congratulations @DJBravo47 on an epic achievement!#CPL20 #CricketPlayedLouder #SLZvTKR pic.twitter.com/diCUepOmWP — CPL T20 (@CPL) August 26, 2020 × ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach Bravo has played for plethora of franchises in various T20 tournaments with the likes of Lahore Qalandars (PSL), Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars (BBL), Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings (IPL). The master of slower delivery was also a part of the West Indies teams that lifted the ICC T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016. Bravo, who had called it quits from international cricket, made a comeback to the West Indies side in 2019 after Kieron Pollard took over captaincy with an aim of helping the Windies lift the T20 World Cup in 2020, which has been now postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. He played his first T20 match in 2006 while going on to represent West Indies in 40 Test and 164 ODIs. Besides 500 wickets in the format, Bravo has a staggering 6313 runs to his name at a strike rate of 127. After CPL 2020, Bravo will be seen in IPL 2020 for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). IPL 2020 is scheduled to start from September 19 in the UAE with the final slated to be played on November 10.

Dwayne Bravo becomes first bowler to scalp 500 T20 wickets

Pravin Tambe on Wednesday scripted history as he became the first Indian to debut in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) captain Kieron Pollard, during the toss, confirmed that Tambe will be making his debut for TKR in CPL 2020 against St Lucia Zouks and hence, the veteran leg-spinner became the first Indian to play in the T20 league based in the Caribbean.&nbsp;

Tambe has loads of experience under his belt as he earlier played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) while representing Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the now-defunct Gujarat Lions. He has also played in the T10 League.&nbsp;

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Welcome to the party, India! We're delighted to see Pravin Tambe in Hero CPL for the first time at 48 years young - what a story!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketPlayedLouder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketPlayedLouder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SLZvTKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SLZvTKR</a> <a href="https://t.co/x2P73Epz2G">pic.twitter.com/x2P73Epz2G</a>
— CPL T20 (@CPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPL/status/1298623141191835649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The 48-year-old put his name in the CPL 2020 draft after being disqualified by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to participate in IPL 2020 as he had earlier played in the T10 League, which is against the BCCI guidelines. As per BCCI rules, an Indian player can’t participate in overseas tournaments without retiring and hence, he was forced to pull out his name from IPL 2020 despite getting sold to Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020 auction, which took place in December 2019 in Kolkata, West Bengal. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/abu-dhabi-covid-19-cases-reason-behind-ipl-2020-schedule-delay-report-323175" hreflang="en">Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report</a>

After announcing his retirement, Tambe became eligible to participate in CPL and now makes his debut for Trinbago Knight Riders and continues to defy all the odds due to his age.&nbsp;

Talking about his numbers, the leggie has picked up 28 wickets in 33 matches with a good ecomony rate of 7.75 in IPL. He also holds an IPL hat-trick which he uniquely picked up in two deliveries (the third delivery being a wide).&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-royal-challengers-bangalore-to-have-personalised-training-approach-323206" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach</a>

Tambe would be looking to use his vast experience in CPL 2020 and prove his worth once again after impressing in plethora of tournaments in India and around the world. He can be seen playing for TKR in CPL 2020. 
&nbsp;

Pravin Tambe on Wednesday scripted history as he became the first Indian to debut in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) captain Kieron Pollard, during the toss, confirmed that Tambe will be making his debut for TKR in CPL 2020 against St Lucia Zouks and hence, the veteran leg-spinner became the first Indian to play in the T20 league based in the Caribbean.

Pravin Tambe on Wednesday scripted history as he became the first Indian to debut in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) captain Kieron Pollard, during the toss, confirmed that Tambe will be making his debut for TKR in CPL 2020 against St Lucia Zouks and hence, the veteran leg-spinner became the first Indian to play in the T20 league based in the Caribbean. Tambe has loads of experience under his belt as he earlier played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) while representing Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the now-defunct Gujarat Lions. He has also played in the T10 League. Welcome to the party, India! We're delighted to see Pravin Tambe in Hero CPL for the first time at 48 years young - what a story!#CPL20 #CricketPlayedLouder #SLZvTKR pic.twitter.com/x2P73Epz2G — CPL T20 (@CPL) August 26, 2020 × The 48-year-old put his name in the CPL 2020 draft after being disqualified by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to participate in IPL 2020 as he had earlier played in the T10 League, which is against the BCCI guidelines. As per BCCI rules, an Indian player can’t participate in overseas tournaments without retiring and hence, he was forced to pull out his name from IPL 2020 despite getting sold to Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2020 auction, which took place in December 2019 in Kolkata, West Bengal. ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report After announcing his retirement, Tambe became eligible to participate in CPL and now makes his debut for Trinbago Knight Riders and continues to defy all the odds due to his age. Talking about his numbers, the leggie has picked up 28 wickets in 33 matches with a good ecomony rate of 7.75 in IPL. He also holds an IPL hat-trick which he uniquely picked up in two deliveries (the third delivery being a wide). ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach Tambe would be looking to use his vast experience in CPL 2020 and prove his worth once again after impressing in plethora of tournaments in India and around the world. He can be seen playing for TKR in CPL 2020.

Pravin Tambe, 48, becomes first Indian to make debut in CPL

Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to commence training for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the bio-secure environment after completing their designated six-day quarantine period. The Virat Kohli-led outfit will introduce personalized training approach to prepare for IPL 2020, which is set to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.

As the RCB squad gears up to start training for IPL 2020, franchise’s Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson reckons that single training session for all the players won’t be a viable options given the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic, strict protocols and what each player has experienced over the last few months.

RCB, who are based in Dubai for IPL 2020, will begin their three-week training camp at the ICC Cricket Academy and will take up training and practice to gather the lost rhythm and demands of playing in the extreme heat in the UAE.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-test-rankings-crawley-anderson-soar-up-after-memorable-performances-323188" hreflang="en">ICC Test Rankings: Crawley, Anderson soar up after memorable performances</a>

Talking about the challenges for the season, Mike Hesson – Director of Cricket Operations, RCB said, “Players have spent the last few months in a variety of environments and are therefore in different stages of fitness and training, and hence a singular training approach is not the best route to start getting ready for the season. Our Support Staff team will continue working in a way that is flexible and offers personalised support. We have a highly skilled Support Staff team to nurture the players mentally, physically and emotionally to assist each players preparation so they are ready to play their best cricket.”

<img alt="Mike Hesson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c736c150-3a73-4779-9c6d-9acadf687d07" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mike%20Hesson%20%E2%80%93%20Director%20of%20Cricket%20Operations%2C%20RCB%20.JPG" />

Whereas RCB Head Coach Simon Katich said that they have planned several split-group sessions in a bid to give batsmen time to get back into flow after a long layoff while adding once everyone gets their rhythm back, collective sessions and practice matches can be conducted.

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-on-ipl-2020-csk-and-ms-dhoni-and-india-series-316501" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series</a>

Simon Katich, Head Coach, Royal Challengers Bangalore, said, “Given the unique circumstances, Covid- 19 has presented to everyone worldwide we are just extremely grateful to be in a position that we can get back to putting on a show for IPL in the UAE. Our preparations have revolved around giving the players at least 3 weeks to get back into the routine of training their skills and getting their bodies ready for the competition so they can build up gradually and try to minimise any injuries. We have several split- group sessions planned initially to help give the batsmen plenty of time getting volume in after such a long layoff. It also ties into helping mitigate any risks with Covid by not having the full squad training all at once either. Once everyone has got their touch and rhythm back with bat and ball, we will move into more competitive training before the scheduled practice matches and the start of the tournament.”&nbsp;

IPL 2020 starts from September 19 in the UAE with the final scheduled to be played in November 10.

Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to commence training for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the bio-secure environment after completing their designated six-day quarantine period.

Royal Challengers Bangalore are set to commence training for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in the bio-secure environment after completing their designated six-day quarantine period. The Virat Kohli-led outfit will introduce personalized training approach to prepare for IPL 2020, which is set to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. As the RCB squad gears up to start training for IPL 2020, franchise’s Director of Cricket Operations, Mike Hesson reckons that single training session for all the players won’t be a viable options given the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic, strict protocols and what each player has experienced over the last few months. RCB, who are based in Dubai for IPL 2020, will begin their three-week training camp at the ICC Cricket Academy and will take up training and practice to gather the lost rhythm and demands of playing in the extreme heat in the UAE. ALSO READ: ICC Test Rankings: Crawley, Anderson soar up after memorable performances Talking about the challenges for the season, Mike Hesson – Director of Cricket Operations, RCB said, “Players have spent the last few months in a variety of environments and are therefore in different stages of fitness and training, and hence a singular training approach is not the best route to start getting ready for the season. Our Support Staff team will continue working in a way that is flexible and offers personalised support. We have a highly skilled Support Staff team to nurture the players mentally, physically and emotionally to assist each players preparation so they are ready to play their best cricket.” Whereas RCB Head Coach Simon Katich said that they have planned several split-group sessions in a bid to give batsmen time to get back into flow after a long layoff while adding once everyone gets their rhythm back, collective sessions and practice matches can be conducted. ALSO WATCH: WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series Simon Katich, Head Coach, Royal Challengers Bangalore, said, “Given the unique circumstances, Covid- 19 has presented to everyone worldwide we are just extremely grateful to be in a position that we can get back to putting on a show for IPL in the UAE. Our preparations have revolved around giving the players at least 3 weeks to get back into the routine of training their skills and getting their bodies ready for the competition so they can build up gradually and try to minimise any injuries. We have several split- group sessions planned initially to help give the batsmen plenty of time getting volume in after such a long layoff. It also ties into helping mitigate any risks with Covid by not having the full squad training all at once either. Once everyone has got their touch and rhythm back with bat and ball, we will move into more competitive training before the scheduled practice matches and the start of the tournament.” IPL 2020 starts from September 19 in the UAE with the final scheduled to be played in November 10.

IPL 2020: Royal Challengers Bangalore to have personalised training approach

England batsman Zak Crawley’s massive 267 and fast bowler James Anderson’s match haul of seven wickets see the duo shoot up in the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after the drawn final Test against Pakistan in Southampton.

Crawley has ascended 53 spots to reach a career-best 28th position after recording the 10th highest individual score for England and their second highest maiden Test century. He had started the series in 95th position but his 320-run aggregate has made him the fourth best ranked England batsman after only eight Tests, behind Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Jos Buttler.

Anderson has moved back to the top-10 after briefly dropping out of it since the preceding home series against the West Indies. The formerly top-ranked bowler has gained six spots to reach eighth position after a Test that saw him grab his 29th five-wicket haul in the first innings and become the first fast bowler to 600 wickets with Azhar Ali’s scalp in the second innings.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/abu-dhabi-covid-19-cases-reason-behind-ipl-2020-schedule-delay-report-323175" hreflang="en">Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report</a>

Latest ICC Test Ranking of bowlers: 1. Pat Cummins - 904. 2. Stuart Broad - 845. 3. Neil Wagner - 843. 4. Tim Southee - 812. 5. Jason Holder - 810. 6. Kagiso Rabada - 802. 7. Mitchell Starc - 797. 8. James Anderson - 781.

Buttler is another England player to make notable progress in the latest rankings update after scoring a fine 152 in his side’s only innings of the Test. He has reached a career-best 637 rating points and 21st position, three off his best of 18th achieved in November 2018.

All-rounder Ben Stokes has ceded the top spot for all-rounders to Jason Holder after missing two Test matches, dropping one point behind the West Indies captain. For each Test missed, players lose one per cent each of their batting and bowling points with a cumulative effect of about two per cent on a player’s all-round rating.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-v-pakistan-three-things-we-learned-323147" hreflang="en">England v Pakistan: Three things we learned</a>

For Pakistan, captain Azhar’s return to form with a solid 141 in the first innings has seen him gain 11 places and reach 23rd position, while wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has gained three slots to reach 72nd position after a fighting half-century in the first innings.

Part-time spinners Fawad Alam and Asad Shafiq are in the top 100 for bowlers. Fawad has gained 22 slots to reach 94th position while Asad has moved up nine places to 100th place.

England batsman Zak Crawley’s massive 267 and fast bowler James Anderson’s match haul of seven wickets see the duo shoot up in the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after the drawn final Test against Pakistan in Southampton.

England batsman Zak Crawley’s massive 267 and fast bowler James Anderson’s match haul of seven wickets see the duo shoot up in the latest ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after the drawn final Test against Pakistan in Southampton. Crawley has ascended 53 spots to reach a career-best 28th position after recording the 10th highest individual score for England and their second highest maiden Test century. He had started the series in 95th position but his 320-run aggregate has made him the fourth best ranked England batsman after only eight Tests, behind Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Jos Buttler. Anderson has moved back to the top-10 after briefly dropping out of it since the preceding home series against the West Indies. The formerly top-ranked bowler has gained six spots to reach eighth position after a Test that saw him grab his 29th five-wicket haul in the first innings and become the first fast bowler to 600 wickets with Azhar Ali’s scalp in the second innings. ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report Latest ICC Test Ranking of bowlers: 1. Pat Cummins - 904. 2. Stuart Broad - 845. 3. Neil Wagner - 843. 4. Tim Southee - 812. 5. Jason Holder - 810. 6. Kagiso Rabada - 802. 7. Mitchell Starc - 797. 8. James Anderson - 781. Buttler is another England player to make notable progress in the latest rankings update after scoring a fine 152 in his side’s only innings of the Test. He has reached a career-best 637 rating points and 21st position, three off his best of 18th achieved in November 2018. All-rounder Ben Stokes has ceded the top spot for all-rounders to Jason Holder after missing two Test matches, dropping one point behind the West Indies captain. For each Test missed, players lose one per cent each of their batting and bowling points with a cumulative effect of about two per cent on a player’s all-round rating. ALSO READ: England v Pakistan: Three things we learned For Pakistan, captain Azhar’s return to form with a solid 141 in the first innings has seen him gain 11 places and reach 23rd position, while wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has gained three slots to reach 72nd position after a fighting half-century in the first innings. Part-time spinners Fawad Alam and Asad Shafiq are in the top 100 for bowlers. Fawad has gained 22 slots to reach 94th position while Asad has moved up nine places to 100th place.

ICC Test Rankings: Crawley, Anderson soar up after memorable performances

While all the franchises of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> has reached UAE, there is no announcement of the tournament schedule, which is set to start from September 19. While IPL Governing Council Chairman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-will-ipl-2020-schedule-release-brijesh-patel-spills-the-beans-322827">Brijesh Patel had earlier said that the schedule for IPL 2020 will be released by the end of the week</a>, it looks like fans may have to wait a bit longer to get a hang of the fixture list.

According to a report in The Hindu, due to spike in COVID-19 cases in the UAE, there is confusion over the availability of Abu Dhabi and hence, there is a delay in IPL 2020 schedule. Abu Dhabi’s regional authorities have made rapid test mandatory at entry point which will see the broadcast crew and other officials shell out an additional AED 50.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-lookback-list-of-winners-from-2008-to-2019-283765" hreflang="en">IPL Lookback: List of winners from 2008 to 2019!</a>

A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) team is in the UAE to make some final checks before locking onto the schedule and the Indian board is looking to find an immediate solution so that everyone is on the same page before the schedule is released. Reportedly, there are even talks of excluding Abu Dhabi as a venue and the latest development suggests the board may restrict the number of matches there.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-chris-gayle-tests-negative-for-covid-19-after-attending-usain-bolts-birthday-bash-322951" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash</a>

“It could be a case of two teams playing home and away games back to back, similar to 2011 ,” said an IPL insider. “As of now, Abu Dhabi could host a few matches only in the first half.”

Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are based in Abu Dhabi.

Earlier this week, BCCI’s Jay Shah wrote to state units that they won’t be able to attend “at least the beginning” of IPL 2020 due to strict bio-bubble protocols in place. However, the board is confident that during the business end of the tournament, members are likely to travel to the UAE if the travel restrictions are lifted.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/due-to-bio-bubble-restrictions-unable-to-invite-you-for-start-of-ipl-jay-shah-to-state-units-323025" hreflang="en">Due to bio-bubble restrictions, unable to invite you for start of IPL: Jay Shah to state units</a>

"While I am confident that we would be able to deliver a memorable tournament, I will be approaching the start of the tournament with a heavy heart as your absence would render the opening incomplete," BCCI secretary Shah wrote in an email to state units, which is in possession of PTI. 
&nbsp;

While all the franchises of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has reached UAE, there is no announcement of the tournament schedule, which is set to start from September 19.

While all the franchises of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has reached UAE, there is no announcement of the tournament schedule, which is set to start from September 19. While IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel had earlier said that the schedule for IPL 2020 will be released by the end of the week, it looks like fans may have to wait a bit longer to get a hang of the fixture list. According to a report in The Hindu, due to spike in COVID-19 cases in the UAE, there is confusion over the availability of Abu Dhabi and hence, there is a delay in IPL 2020 schedule. Abu Dhabi’s regional authorities have made rapid test mandatory at entry point which will see the broadcast crew and other officials shell out an additional AED 50. IN PICS | IPL Lookback: List of winners from 2008 to 2019! A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) team is in the UAE to make some final checks before locking onto the schedule and the Indian board is looking to find an immediate solution so that everyone is on the same page before the schedule is released. Reportedly, there are even talks of excluding Abu Dhabi as a venue and the latest development suggests the board may restrict the number of matches there. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash “It could be a case of two teams playing home and away games back to back, similar to 2011 ,” said an IPL insider. “As of now, Abu Dhabi could host a few matches only in the first half.” Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are based in Abu Dhabi. Earlier this week, BCCI’s Jay Shah wrote to state units that they won’t be able to attend “at least the beginning” of IPL 2020 due to strict bio-bubble protocols in place. However, the board is confident that during the business end of the tournament, members are likely to travel to the UAE if the travel restrictions are lifted. ALSO READ: Due to bio-bubble restrictions, unable to invite you for start of IPL: Jay Shah to state units "While I am confident that we would be able to deliver a memorable tournament, I will be approaching the start of the tournament with a heavy heart as your absence would render the opening incomplete," BCCI secretary Shah wrote in an email to state units, which is in possession of PTI.

Abu Dhabi COVID-19 cases reason behind IPL 2020 schedule delay: Report

England coach Chris Silverwood urged his side to "finish strong" and help get James Anderson to 600 Test wickets following a frustrating day against Pakistan at Southampton on Monday.

Anderson was left just one shy of becoming only the fourth bowler to reach the landmark figure as a combination of poor catching, bad weather and determined Pakistan batting thwarted him on the fourth day of the third Test.

Anderson, denied an early breakthrough when Jos Buttler dropped a routine chance to reprieve Shan Masood, returned for a third spell late in the day to have opener Abid Ali lbw for 42 after Masood had fallen lbw, playing no shot, to Stuart Broad.

Abid's dismissal took the 38-year-old Anderson to 599 Test wickets.

But that was as good as it got for Anderson, who ended a day cut short by bad light and rain with 1-18 from 12 overs.

<h2>- 'Amazing feat' -</h2>

"It is a massive achievement," said Silverwood of Anderson's looming milestone. "To have two bowlers above 500 Test wickets (Anderson and Broad) and Jimmy closing in on 600 is an amazing feat."&nbsp;

England are 1-0 up in a three-Test campaign and on the verge of a first Test series win against Pakistan in a decade.

They beat the West Indies 2-1 in the preceding series that marked international cricket's return from lockdown and are about to conclude a programme of six Tests in seven weeks, all played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I'm very proud of how they've handled themselves, being locked up for the best part of 10 weeks in the 'bubble' -- their attitude and effort has been fantastic," said Silverwood.

"To finish strong tomorrow and see Jimmy get his 600th would be fantastic.&nbsp;I want to win the game. That's my first and foremost."

Pakistan following on, were 100-2 -- still 210 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared -- at the close.

Azhar Ali, the Pakistan captain, was 29 not out following his first-innings century and Babar Azam unbeaten on four.

Abid, who faced 162 balls, said: "England have a world-class bowling attack but the plan was to bat longer and that's what I did.&nbsp;

"I should have stayed longer.

"Azhar played a good knock in the first innings and Babar is there so we still have hope of finishing on a high," he added.

No paceman has yet reached the landmark figure of 600 Test wickets.

The only bowlers ahead of the 38-year-old Anderson in the all-time list are three retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619).

Anderson started the day in sight of the select group after taking 5-56 -- his 29th five-wicket haul in 156 Tests -- during Pakistan's first-innings 273.

He might even have reached the landmark late on Sunday had not three catches been dropped off his bowling with the new ball.

Pakistan resumed a huge 310 runs behind a total built on Zak Crawley's 267 and Buttler's 152.

Azhar's superb 141 not out kept England at bay after Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday.

And there was more frustration for England when Masood, on three, edged Anderson only for the ball to hit Buttler on the thigh as he failed to get his gloves to a chance far less difficult than several catches he held on Sunday.

"No one means to drop them," said Silverwood. "Last night was gloomy but it's still not an excuse.

"And Jos's wobbled horrible" as it came to him, Silverwood added.&nbsp;

"We're out there every morning. So it's not like they're not working on it (catching)."

England coach Chris Silverwood urged his side to "finish strong" and help get James Anderson to 600 Test wickets following a frustrating day against Pakistan at Southampton on Monday.

England coach Chris Silverwood urged his side to "finish strong" and help get James Anderson to 600 Test wickets following a frustrating day against Pakistan at Southampton on Monday. Anderson was left just one shy of becoming only the fourth bowler to reach the landmark figure as a combination of poor catching, bad weather and determined Pakistan batting thwarted him on the fourth day of the third Test. Anderson, denied an early breakthrough when Jos Buttler dropped a routine chance to reprieve Shan Masood, returned for a third spell late in the day to have opener Abid Ali lbw for 42 after Masood had fallen lbw, playing no shot, to Stuart Broad. Abid's dismissal took the 38-year-old Anderson to 599 Test wickets. But that was as good as it got for Anderson, who ended a day cut short by bad light and rain with 1-18 from 12 overs. - 'Amazing feat' - "It is a massive achievement," said Silverwood of Anderson's looming milestone. "To have two bowlers above 500 Test wickets (Anderson and Broad) and Jimmy closing in on 600 is an amazing feat." England are 1-0 up in a three-Test campaign and on the verge of a first Test series win against Pakistan in a decade. They beat the West Indies 2-1 in the preceding series that marked international cricket's return from lockdown and are about to conclude a programme of six Tests in seven weeks, all played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic. "I'm very proud of how they've handled themselves, being locked up for the best part of 10 weeks in the 'bubble' -- their attitude and effort has been fantastic," said Silverwood. "To finish strong tomorrow and see Jimmy get his 600th would be fantastic. I want to win the game. That's my first and foremost." Pakistan following on, were 100-2 -- still 210 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared -- at the close. Azhar Ali, the Pakistan captain, was 29 not out following his first-innings century and Babar Azam unbeaten on four. Abid, who faced 162 balls, said: "England have a world-class bowling attack but the plan was to bat longer and that's what I did. "I should have stayed longer. "Azhar played a good knock in the first innings and Babar is there so we still have hope of finishing on a high," he added. No paceman has yet reached the landmark figure of 600 Test wickets. The only bowlers ahead of the 38-year-old Anderson in the all-time list are three retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619). Anderson started the day in sight of the select group after taking 5-56 -- his 29th five-wicket haul in 156 Tests -- during Pakistan's first-innings 273. He might even have reached the landmark late on Sunday had not three catches been dropped off his bowling with the new ball. Pakistan resumed a huge 310 runs behind a total built on Zak Crawley's 267 and Buttler's 152. Azhar's superb 141 not out kept England at bay after Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday. And there was more frustration for England when Masood, on three, edged Anderson only for the ball to hit Buttler on the thigh as he failed to get his gloves to a chance far less difficult than several catches he held on Sunday. "No one means to drop them," said Silverwood. "Last night was gloomy but it's still not an excuse. "And Jos's wobbled horrible" as it came to him, Silverwood added. "We're out there every morning. So it's not like they're not working on it (catching)."

Silverwood urges England to finish strong and see Anderson to 600th Test wickets

James Anderson on Tuesday became the first fast bowler and fourth bowler overall to pick up 600 Test wickets after the veteran England seamer dismissed Pakistan captain Azhar Ali to achieve the landmark at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.&nbsp;

Others in the list to have picked up 600 Test wickets or more are: Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619)

Anderson, who scalped a fifer in the first innings of the ongoing third Test against Pakistan, had to wait long for his 600th Test wicket after rain gods disrupted the flow of the game on Day 4 and aided to delayed start on Day 5 of the game.&nbsp;

<img alt="James Anderson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39ddf1b0-c9de-4f38-b727-4f75f6c9a4ef" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1WQ87B.jpg" />

<h2>James Anderson in Test cricket:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>100th Wicket – Kallis</li>
	<li>200th Wicket - Siddle</li>
	<li>300th Wicket - Fulton</li>
	<li>400th Wicket - Guptill</li>
	<li>500th Wicket - Brathwaite</li>
	<li>600th Wicket - Azhar Ali*</li>
</ul>

However, it didn’t take long for Anderson to complete the historic achievement as the England pacer bowled a length delivery only for Ali to edge it straight to Joe Root in the slip cordon as the English skipper took a comfortable reverse cup.&nbsp;

<h2>600th Test victim of bowlers:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Shane Warne - Marcus Trescothick in 2005</li>
	<li>Muralitharan - Khaled Mashud in 2006</li>
	<li>Anil Kumble - Andrew Symonds in 2008</li>
	<li>James Anderson - Azhar Ali in 2020</li>
</ul>

Anderson is regarded as one of the greatest pacers to have taken to the cricket field. While there may be some arguments that he hasn’t shine in sub-continents, statistics show he have turned around the theory since learning the trick of reverse swing after 2010.&nbsp;

<h2>Balls to 600th Test wicket &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

<ul>
	<li>33711 M Muralitharan</li>
	<li>33717 James Anderson</li>
	<li>34919 Shane Warne</li>
	<li>38496 Anil Kumble</li>
</ul>

The King of Swing has been a legendary servant for England cricket and have always lived up to the expectations and the latest achievement just prove how valuable Anderson has been to England and international cricket.&nbsp;

James Anderson on Tuesday became the first fast bowler and fourth bowler overall to pick up 600 Test wickets after the veteran England seamer dismissed Pakistan captain Azhar Ali to achieve the landmark at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

James Anderson on Tuesday became the first fast bowler and fourth bowler overall to pick up 600 Test wickets after the veteran England seamer dismissed Pakistan captain Azhar Ali to achieve the landmark at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. Others in the list to have picked up 600 Test wickets or more are: Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619) Anderson, who scalped a fifer in the first innings of the ongoing third Test against Pakistan, had to wait long for his 600th Test wicket after rain gods disrupted the flow of the game on Day 4 and aided to delayed start on Day 5 of the game. James Anderson in Test cricket: 100th Wicket – Kallis 200th Wicket - Siddle 300th Wicket - Fulton 400th Wicket - Guptill 500th Wicket - Brathwaite 600th Wicket - Azhar Ali* However, it didn’t take long for Anderson to complete the historic achievement as the England pacer bowled a length delivery only for Ali to edge it straight to Joe Root in the slip cordon as the English skipper took a comfortable reverse cup. 600th Test victim of bowlers: Shane Warne - Marcus Trescothick in 2005 Muralitharan - Khaled Mashud in 2006 Anil Kumble - Andrew Symonds in 2008 James Anderson - Azhar Ali in 2020 Anderson is regarded as one of the greatest pacers to have taken to the cricket field. While there may be some arguments that he hasn’t shine in sub-continents, statistics show he have turned around the theory since learning the trick of reverse swing after 2010. Balls to 600th Test wicket 33711 M Muralitharan 33717 James Anderson 34919 Shane Warne 38496 Anil Kumble The King of Swing has been a legendary servant for England cricket and have always lived up to the expectations and the latest achievement just prove how valuable Anderson has been to England and international cricket.

James Anderson becomes first pacer and fourth bowler to scalp 600 Test wickets

Australian spin legend Shane Warne has given an interesting suggestion to prolong James Anderson’s career by saying England should turn the right-arm seamer into a coach during away tours while playing him in home matches.&nbsp;

Anderson, who is at 599 Test wickets, is just a scalp away from becoming the fourth bowler to bag 600 Test wickets and the first pacer to the milestone but many have been talking about how long he can resist at the highest level.&nbsp;

Warne, who has 708 Test wickets to his name, is among the three men to go past the 600-Test wickets milestone and suggested that there might be a way to protect the legend of Anderson.&nbsp;

"Watching Jimmy [James Anderson], he's a class act. I'm interested to see how things pan out now he's 38," Shane Warne told Sky Sports.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tendulkar-comes-to-aid-of-ailing-ashraf-who-once-fixed-his-bats-323024" hreflang="en">Tendulkar comes to aid of ailing Ashraf who once fixed his bats</a>

Terming Anderson as "unplayable" in English conditions, Warne suggested, “You want Jimmy to play as long as he possibly can, so is there a way he could be bowling coach away from home? Then, in England, you say 'we want you to play for another three or four years.

"If you're picking your side here [in England], Anderson is your first pencilled in. Is he your first pencilled in overseas? I'm not sure.”

"How do you prolong his career? Is it to not play away and only in England? Or is it he's so good, you want him for every Test you play anywhere.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-mens-cwc-challenge-league-a-postponed-323017" hreflang="en">ICC Men's CWC Challenge League A postponed</a>

"I'm not sure what the right thing is to do. Jimmy is probably the only one that can answer that,” Warne said.

On the much-talked-about topic of retirement, Warne, who retired from Test cricket in 2007 at the age of 37 said, “That's the best thing - to go out on top, when people think you can still play for longer. Because then they miss what you brought to the table, miss watching you play.

"If you play too long, people start saying, 'he should retire, he's not at his best'.” 
&nbsp;

Australian spin legend Shane Warne has given an interesting suggestion to prolong James Anderson’s career by saying England should turn the right-arm seamer into a coach during away tours while playing him in home matches.

Australian spin legend Shane Warne has given an interesting suggestion to prolong James Anderson’s career by saying England should turn the right-arm seamer into a coach during away tours while playing him in home matches. Anderson, who is at 599 Test wickets, is just a scalp away from becoming the fourth bowler to bag 600 Test wickets and the first pacer to the milestone but many have been talking about how long he can resist at the highest level. Warne, who has 708 Test wickets to his name, is among the three men to go past the 600-Test wickets milestone and suggested that there might be a way to protect the legend of Anderson. "Watching Jimmy [James Anderson], he's a class act. I'm interested to see how things pan out now he's 38," Shane Warne told Sky Sports. ALSO READ: Tendulkar comes to aid of ailing Ashraf who once fixed his bats Terming Anderson as "unplayable" in English conditions, Warne suggested, “You want Jimmy to play as long as he possibly can, so is there a way he could be bowling coach away from home? Then, in England, you say 'we want you to play for another three or four years. "If you're picking your side here [in England], Anderson is your first pencilled in. Is he your first pencilled in overseas? I'm not sure.” "How do you prolong his career? Is it to not play away and only in England? Or is it he's so good, you want him for every Test you play anywhere. ALSO READ: ICC Men's CWC Challenge League A postponed "I'm not sure what the right thing is to do. Jimmy is probably the only one that can answer that,” Warne said. On the much-talked-about topic of retirement, Warne, who retired from Test cricket in 2007 at the age of 37 said, “That's the best thing - to go out on top, when people think you can still play for longer. Because then they miss what you brought to the table, miss watching you play. "If you play too long, people start saying, 'he should retire, he's not at his best'.”

Player in England, bowling coach for away tour: Warne's suggestion to prolong Anderson's career

Officials of BCCI's state units won't be able to attend "at least the beginning" of the IPL because of the strict bio-bubble in place for the tournament beginning September 19 in the UAE, board secretary Jay Shah informed the member associations on Tuesday.

Shah is confident that by the business end of the tournament, some of the travel restrictions will be relaxed, making it easier for members to travel to the UAE. The IPL final will be played on November 10.

BCCI inviting officials from its state units for the IPL ceremony and play-offs is conventional practice it follows, whether the tournament is held in India or abroad.

"While I am confident that we would be able to deliver a memorable tournament, I will be approaching the start of the tournament with a heavy heart as your absence would render the opening incomplete," BCCI secretary Shah wrote in an email to state units, which is in possession of PTI.

"As you are aware, the BCCI invites its former Office Bearers and the Presidents and Secretaries of all its state units to the IPL opening game and league matches as well as for the finals," Shah wrote.

The tournament is taking place in the UAE due to the COVID-19 situation in India and anyone part of the event needs to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the BCCI. At the moment, all teams are undergoing a mandatory six-day quarantine following their arrival last week.

"...Owing to some stringent restrictions on the movement of people and on account of the protocols put in place by us which includes the creation of several bio-secure bubbles to minimize the damage caused by COVID-19, we would not be able to have our annual gathering, at least at the beginning of the tournament," Shah wrote.

"The restriction on physical presence is the best way to avoid contracting and spreading the deadly virus and after a long-fought battle, this is yet another sacrifice that we are forced to make," the board secretary further wrote.

Shah made it clear that if situation improves in November, the members could be invited for the play-offs.

"I am hopeful that till the time we reach the playoff week, we would have more relaxations on travel and interactions, which would allow us to have you all travel to the UAE," Shah assured.

He agreed that IPL is also a forum for discussing all board related matters.

"Over the years, the IPL games have proved to be a fantastic platform for all of us to get together to witness some exhilarating cricket and also to exchange thoughts and ideas about the upcoming season and discuss matters related to the Board.

"However, as we take our first steps towards the resumption of cricket, let me assure you that we are pulling out all stops and making every effort to secure your presence for the crucial playoff stage of the IPL," Shah said.

Shah also thanked the members for pulling through in these tough times.

"Lastly, I wish to apprise you about the fact that we are aware of the difficulties that you are facing in these times and I assure you that all necessary steps would be taken by us in consultation with you, to alleviate those difficulties at the appropriate stage.

"The strength of the BCCI lies in its members and the matters of policy would only be firmed up with your inputs and upon the approval of the General Body," Shah concluded.&nbsp;

Officials of BCCI's state units won't be able to attend "at least the beginning" of the IPL because of the strict bio-bubble in place for the tournament beginning September 19 in the UAE, board secretary Jay Shah informed the member associations on Tuesday.

Officials of BCCI's state units won't be able to attend "at least the beginning" of the IPL because of the strict bio-bubble in place for the tournament beginning September 19 in the UAE, board secretary Jay Shah informed the member associations on Tuesday. Shah is confident that by the business end of the tournament, some of the travel restrictions will be relaxed, making it easier for members to travel to the UAE. The IPL final will be played on November 10. BCCI inviting officials from its state units for the IPL ceremony and play-offs is conventional practice it follows, whether the tournament is held in India or abroad. "While I am confident that we would be able to deliver a memorable tournament, I will be approaching the start of the tournament with a heavy heart as your absence would render the opening incomplete," BCCI secretary Shah wrote in an email to state units, which is in possession of PTI. "As you are aware, the BCCI invites its former Office Bearers and the Presidents and Secretaries of all its state units to the IPL opening game and league matches as well as for the finals," Shah wrote. The tournament is taking place in the UAE due to the COVID-19 situation in India and anyone part of the event needs to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the BCCI. At the moment, all teams are undergoing a mandatory six-day quarantine following their arrival last week. "...Owing to some stringent restrictions on the movement of people and on account of the protocols put in place by us which includes the creation of several bio-secure bubbles to minimize the damage caused by COVID-19, we would not be able to have our annual gathering, at least at the beginning of the tournament," Shah wrote. "The restriction on physical presence is the best way to avoid contracting and spreading the deadly virus and after a long-fought battle, this is yet another sacrifice that we are forced to make," the board secretary further wrote. Shah made it clear that if situation improves in November, the members could be invited for the play-offs. "I am hopeful that till the time we reach the playoff week, we would have more relaxations on travel and interactions, which would allow us to have you all travel to the UAE," Shah assured. He agreed that IPL is also a forum for discussing all board related matters. "Over the years, the IPL games have proved to be a fantastic platform for all of us to get together to witness some exhilarating cricket and also to exchange thoughts and ideas about the upcoming season and discuss matters related to the Board. "However, as we take our first steps towards the resumption of cricket, let me assure you that we are pulling out all stops and making every effort to secure your presence for the crucial playoff stage of the IPL," Shah said. Shah also thanked the members for pulling through in these tough times. "Lastly, I wish to apprise you about the fact that we are aware of the difficulties that you are facing in these times and I assure you that all necessary steps would be taken by us in consultation with you, to alleviate those difficulties at the appropriate stage. "The strength of the BCCI lies in its members and the matters of policy would only be firmed up with your inputs and upon the approval of the General Body," Shah concluded.

Due to bio-bubble restrictions, unable to invite you for start of IPL: Jay Shah to state units

Ashraf Chaudhary once fixed his damaged bats and now Sachin Tendulkar has taken it upon himself to help the ailing bat repairer who has been hospitalised for considerable amount of time.

"Ashraf Chacha" as he is known in cricketing circles, has been admitted to the Savla hospital since last 12 days due to diabetes and midzone pneumonia related complications.

The bat maker's close friend Prashant Jethmalani, told PTI on Tuesday, "Tendulkar came forward and has spoken to Ashraf Chacha. He has also helped him financially. A major chunk of the finances has been donated by the legendary batsman."

Ashraf has fixed bats of several noted cricketers including Tendulkar, Virat Kohli but fell on hard times due to COVID-19 as both health and business took a beating.

He is an ever-present figure inside the Wankhede stadium during international and IPL matches.

Even international players like Australian Steve Smith, West Indian Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard have all hit sixes with bats mended by Ashraf Chacha.

The bat maker owns a shop M Ashraf Bro, which is situated at Dhobi Talao in South Mumbai and there have been times when he has repaired bats for free just for his love for the game and the players.

Ashraf Chaudhary once fixed his damaged bats and now Sachin Tendulkar has taken it upon himself to help the ailing bat repairer who has been hospitalised for considerable amount of time.

Ashraf Chaudhary once fixed his damaged bats and now Sachin Tendulkar has taken it upon himself to help the ailing bat repairer who has been hospitalised for considerable amount of time. "Ashraf Chacha" as he is known in cricketing circles, has been admitted to the Savla hospital since last 12 days due to diabetes and midzone pneumonia related complications. The bat maker's close friend Prashant Jethmalani, told PTI on Tuesday, "Tendulkar came forward and has spoken to Ashraf Chacha. He has also helped him financially. A major chunk of the finances has been donated by the legendary batsman." Ashraf has fixed bats of several noted cricketers including Tendulkar, Virat Kohli but fell on hard times due to COVID-19 as both health and business took a beating. He is an ever-present figure inside the Wankhede stadium during international and IPL matches. Even international players like Australian Steve Smith, West Indian Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard have all hit sixes with bats mended by Ashraf Chacha. The bat maker owns a shop M Ashraf Bro, which is situated at Dhobi Talao in South Mumbai and there have been times when he has repaired bats for free just for his love for the game and the players.

Tendulkar comes to aid of ailing Ashraf who once fixed his bats

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the postponement of the second event of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League A due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The second of three Challenge League A events which form part of the pathway to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 was rescheduled from March and was due to take place between 30 September and 10 October in Malaysia.

As part of the ICC’s comprehensive contingency planning process across all ICC events and after consultation with Members and with the relevant government and public health authorities, the decision has been taken to postpone the fixtures.

Canada, Denmark, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore, Vanuatu were due to play 15 List A matches aiming to gain points and places in the Challenge League A table. Canada currently top the table ahead of Singapore on net run rate, with both teams on eight points. At the completion of the Challenge League A fixtures, the top team will qualify for the Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-Off. For more information on qualifying for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 click here.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nada-plans-to-conduct-50-tests-in-ipl-dhoni-kohlis-samples-could-be-taken-322984" hreflang="en">NADA plans to conduct 50 tests in IPL; Dhoni, Kohli's samples could be taken</a>

ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We have decided to postpone the second series of the ICC Men’s CWC Challenge League A that was due to take place in Malaysia next month. The ICC’s priority continues to be to protect the well-being of players, coaches, officials, fans and the whole cricket community. As a result of this we have fully assessed the situation in partnership with the Malaysia Cricket Association and participating Members with ongoing international travel restrictions, global health concerns still prominent and on government and public health authority advice in relation to COVID-19 we have decided to postpone the event.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-chris-gayle-tests-negative-for-covid-19-after-attending-usain-bolts-birthday-bash-322951" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash</a>

“With the additional time giving to us due to the rescheduling of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to October and November of 2023, we will now work with hosts and participating Members to find an appropriate window where the qualification pathway fixtures can be safely and practically rescheduled.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the postponement of the second event of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League A due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the postponement of the second event of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League A due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The second of three Challenge League A events which form part of the pathway to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 was rescheduled from March and was due to take place between 30 September and 10 October in Malaysia. As part of the ICC’s comprehensive contingency planning process across all ICC events and after consultation with Members and with the relevant government and public health authorities, the decision has been taken to postpone the fixtures. Canada, Denmark, Malaysia, Qatar, Singapore, Vanuatu were due to play 15 List A matches aiming to gain points and places in the Challenge League A table. Canada currently top the table ahead of Singapore on net run rate, with both teams on eight points. At the completion of the Challenge League A fixtures, the top team will qualify for the Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-Off. For more information on qualifying for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 click here. ALSO READ: NADA plans to conduct 50 tests in IPL; Dhoni, Kohli's samples could be taken ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We have decided to postpone the second series of the ICC Men’s CWC Challenge League A that was due to take place in Malaysia next month. The ICC’s priority continues to be to protect the well-being of players, coaches, officials, fans and the whole cricket community. As a result of this we have fully assessed the situation in partnership with the Malaysia Cricket Association and participating Members with ongoing international travel restrictions, global health concerns still prominent and on government and public health authority advice in relation to COVID-19 we have decided to postpone the event. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash “With the additional time giving to us due to the rescheduling of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to October and November of 2023, we will now work with hosts and participating Members to find an appropriate window where the qualification pathway fixtures can be safely and practically rescheduled.”

ICC Men's CWC Challenge League A postponed

With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) coming under the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), the players set to participate in the much-awaited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> will have to undergo random doping tests throughout the course of the season with the anti-doping agency planning 50 tests. The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni among other top stars in the cash-rich tournament could be tested this season.

As per reports, NADA has put five ‘Dope Control Stations’ and both ‘in-competition’ and ‘out of competition’ tests will be done on players. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and related health protocols make collection of samples a tricky task.

NADA hasn’t chalked out the possibility of blood-sample collection even though urine samples are generally taken for dope tests. The report states that NADA DCO’s will be encouraged to take samples of leading Indian cricketers including the likes of Kohli, Dhoni, Rohit and others. But 50 tests seem a tad bit low with so many players participating in a tournament that will run for around two months.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-chris-gayle-tests-negative-for-covid-19-after-attending-usain-bolts-birthday-bash-322951" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash</a>

A total of three teams -- comprising of NADA officials and DCOs -- will be sent to UAE in three batches.

"The first batch will leave in the first week of September. Before their departure, all team members will be tested for Covid-19. Upon their arrival in the UAE, they will be tested again."

Players, under unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic, will have to undergo COVID-19 tests on a regular basis. The dope tests by NADA to ensure no player has taken banned substance will only increase the pressure on players.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/silverwood-urges-england-to-finish-strong-and-see-anderson-to-600th-test-wickets-322924" hreflang="en">Silverwood urges England to finish strong and see Anderson to 600th Test wickets</a>

Furthermore, players need to be careful about not breaching the protocols including the bio-secure bubble that could put the entire IPL 2020 in trouble.&nbsp;

We've done quite well to get to Dubai safe and sound firstly. We've followed what's been told to us and I would expect everyone to be on the same page in terms of securing the bubble at all times and making sure that nothing is compromised because one mistake from any of us could literally spoil the whole tournament and none of us want to do that," Kohli said during a RCB virtual team meeting. &nbsp;

With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) coming under the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), the players set to participate in the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 will have to undergo random doping tests throughout the course of the season with the anti-doping agency planning 50 tests.

With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) coming under the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), the players set to participate in the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 will have to undergo random doping tests throughout the course of the season with the anti-doping agency planning 50 tests. The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni among other top stars in the cash-rich tournament could be tested this season. As per reports, NADA has put five ‘Dope Control Stations’ and both ‘in-competition’ and ‘out of competition’ tests will be done on players. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and related health protocols make collection of samples a tricky task. NADA hasn’t chalked out the possibility of blood-sample collection even though urine samples are generally taken for dope tests. The report states that NADA DCO’s will be encouraged to take samples of leading Indian cricketers including the likes of Kohli, Dhoni, Rohit and others. But 50 tests seem a tad bit low with so many players participating in a tournament that will run for around two months. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Chris Gayle tests negative for COVID-19 after attending Usain Bolt's birthday bash A total of three teams -- comprising of NADA officials and DCOs -- will be sent to UAE in three batches. "The first batch will leave in the first week of September. Before their departure, all team members will be tested for Covid-19. Upon their arrival in the UAE, they will be tested again." Players, under unprecedented circumstances surrounding COVID-19 pandemic, will have to undergo COVID-19 tests on a regular basis. The dope tests by NADA to ensure no player has taken banned substance will only increase the pressure on players. ALSO READ: Silverwood urges England to finish strong and see Anderson to 600th Test wickets Furthermore, players need to be careful about not breaching the protocols including the bio-secure bubble that could put the entire IPL 2020 in trouble. We've done quite well to get to Dubai safe and sound firstly. We've followed what's been told to us and I would expect everyone to be on the same page in terms of securing the bubble at all times and making sure that nothing is compromised because one mistake from any of us could literally spoil the whole tournament and none of us want to do that," Kohli said during a RCB virtual team meeting.

NADA plans to conduct 50 tests in IPL; Dhoni, Kohli's samples could be taken

Another excellent St Lucia Zouks bowling performance ensured Roston Chase’s backs-to-the-wall fifty was not in vain, as Chemar Holder bowled a brilliant last over to deny the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who looked to have recovered from a rocky start through the flashing blade of Nicholas Pooran.

With all three previous games on this track won by the team batting first, Daren Sammy chose to set a target. Kimani Melius announced himself on Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) debut with a glorious Hero Maximum off Chandrapaul Hemraj but was caught at mid-off trying to repeat the trick off Imran Tahir. 
 
Tahir didn’t stop there, as he had Mark Deyal dropped first ball and caught second, both by Ashmead Nedd. Nedd started solidly with the ball, but Chase clubbed Keemo Paul for six to add some gloss to the Zouks’ Powerplay score of 37/2. 
 
Amazon Warriors captain Chris Green used five bowlers in the first seven overs including two overs from himself, culminating in him yorking Andre Fletcher. Nedd got the deserved wicket of Najibullah Zadran, whose mishit saw him caught on the boundary for a duck. 
 
A lot now rested on Chase and Mohammad Nabi, and the Bajan took three boundaries off Odean Smith’s first over. The two were cautious initially against the spinners, and the Zouks were a middling 67/4 at halfway. 
 
Paul and Smith conceded just one boundary each, and Nedd finished his spell beautifully. Nabi briefly broke free with an enormous Hero Maximum and a powerful four off Green, but he was beaten in the flight by Tahir and gave the skipper a straightforward catch. 
 
Chase brought up his second T20 fifty off 40 balls, and in his first game for the Zouks, Javelle Glenn got off the mark with a lovely cover-drive. But Paul was dismissed for just two, and with four overs to go, the Zouks needed an acceleration. Chase provided it, launching Tahir straight and swinging Paul through square leg, and Glenn settled himself with a boundary of his own. 
 
Green gave Smith the last over, and his pace proved effective as Glenn and Chase fell in consecutive balls. There was to be no hat-trick, but the over was reward for the bowler and captain’s persistence, and the Zouks’ total seemed below-par. 
 
Their bowling however was anything but. Nabi bowled a superb first over, and two Scott Kuggeleijn short balls saw King caught behind for 1 and Shimron Hetmyer top-edging to square leg for 4 to leave the Amazon Warriors two down in the second over.

The Amazon Warriors predicament got even worse when Ross Taylor top-edged a reverse paddle-sweep off the back of the bat into his own helmet and was caught, giving Nabi a first wicket. Even a Hemraj six off Chase couldn’t put much gloss on a Powerplay of 19/3. 
 
Pooran was lucky to pick up four off a Kesrick Williams short ball, but there was nothing lucky about the authoritative pull for six that followed. Holder was wayward, with wides, a no-ball and a deft steer through third man, and a 15 run over took the Amazon Warriors to 59/3 at halfway. 
 
Hemraj struggled for timing throughout, and eventually spooned a leading edge off Williams which was well caught by Chase. Sammy showed faith in Holder, who recovered after being crashed for four by the promoted Paul, but two boundaries in a 12 run over from Pooran put a slight dent in Nabi’s still excellent figures. 
 
The Zouks got sloppy in the next over, as an overthrow brought up Pooran’s 50 off 32 balls&nbsp;&nbsp;and Sammy dropped a very simple catch. Pooran then top-edged over the keeper’s head for four to bring the required rate under 9. 
 
Chase ensured Pooran couldn’t find a boundary, but the Amazon Warriors’ number five made up for that off Williams to take his team into the last four overs needing 39. Paul clobbered a Hero Maximum off Chase’s last ball and brought up the 50 partnership, but he picked out Nabi at deep midwicket in the next over. 
 
Sherfane Rutherford blasted his second ball for six to dent Kuggeleijn’s figures. The equation seemed to have swung dramatically in the Zouks favour when Pooran bottom-edged a Williams slower ball onto his stumps, but the Warriors burgled 8 off the last four balls of the 19th including a botched run-out to leave Rutherford on strike and 13 to win off the last over, to be bowled by Holder. 
 
Holder responded magnificently. He flattened Rutherford’s off-stump with a pinpoint yorker, then he had captain Green caught behind, and a bowler who’d gone for 30 off his first 3 overs sealed the win with 2/2, showing the world why West Indian cricket is so excited about him and giving the Zouks a third straight win ahead of the move to Port-of-Spain.

Another excellent St Lucia Zouks bowling performance ensured Roston Chase’s backs-to-the-wall fifty was not in vain, as Chemar Holder bowled a brilliant last over to deny the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who looked to have recovered from a rocky start through the flashing blade of Nicholas Pooran.

Another excellent St Lucia Zouks bowling performance ensured Roston Chase’s backs-to-the-wall fifty was not in vain, as Chemar Holder bowled a brilliant last over to deny the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who looked to have recovered from a rocky start through the flashing blade of Nicholas Pooran. With all three previous games on this track won by the team batting first, Daren Sammy chose to set a target. Kimani Melius announced himself on Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) debut with a glorious Hero Maximum off Chandrapaul Hemraj but was caught at mid-off trying to repeat the trick off Imran Tahir. Tahir didn’t stop there, as he had Mark Deyal dropped first ball and caught second, both by Ashmead Nedd. Nedd started solidly with the ball, but Chase clubbed Keemo Paul for six to add some gloss to the Zouks’ Powerplay score of 37/2. Amazon Warriors captain Chris Green used five bowlers in the first seven overs including two overs from himself, culminating in him yorking Andre Fletcher. Nedd got the deserved wicket of Najibullah Zadran, whose mishit saw him caught on the boundary for a duck. A lot now rested on Chase and Mohammad Nabi, and the Bajan took three boundaries off Odean Smith’s first over. The two were cautious initially against the spinners, and the Zouks were a middling 67/4 at halfway. Paul and Smith conceded just one boundary each, and Nedd finished his spell beautifully. Nabi briefly broke free with an enormous Hero Maximum and a powerful four off Green, but he was beaten in the flight by Tahir and gave the skipper a straightforward catch. Chase brought up his second T20 fifty off 40 balls, and in his first game for the Zouks, Javelle Glenn got off the mark with a lovely cover-drive. But Paul was dismissed for just two, and with four overs to go, the Zouks needed an acceleration. Chase provided it, launching Tahir straight and swinging Paul through square leg, and Glenn settled himself with a boundary of his own. Green gave Smith the last over, and his pace proved effective as Glenn and Chase fell in consecutive balls. There was to be no hat-trick, but the over was reward for the bowler and captain’s persistence, and the Zouks’ total seemed below-par. Their bowling however was anything but. Nabi bowled a superb first over, and two Scott Kuggeleijn short balls saw King caught behind for 1 and Shimron Hetmyer top-edging to square leg for 4 to leave the Amazon Warriors two down in the second over. The Amazon Warriors predicament got even worse when Ross Taylor top-edged a reverse paddle-sweep off the back of the bat into his own helmet and was caught, giving Nabi a first wicket. Even a Hemraj six off Chase couldn’t put much gloss on a Powerplay of 19/3. Pooran was lucky to pick up four off a Kesrick Williams short ball, but there was nothing lucky about the authoritative pull for six that followed. Holder was wayward, with wides, a no-ball and a deft steer through third man, and a 15 run over took the Amazon Warriors to 59/3 at halfway. Hemraj struggled for timing throughout, and eventually spooned a leading edge off Williams which was well caught by Chase. Sammy showed faith in Holder, who recovered after being crashed for four by the promoted Paul, but two boundaries in a 12 run over from Pooran put a slight dent in Nabi’s still excellent figures. The Zouks got sloppy in the next over, as an overthrow brought up Pooran’s 50 off 32 balls and Sammy dropped a very simple catch. Pooran then top-edged over the keeper’s head for four to bring the required rate under 9. Chase ensured Pooran couldn’t find a boundary, but the Amazon Warriors’ number five made up for that off Williams to take his team into the last four overs needing 39. Paul clobbered a Hero Maximum off Chase’s last ball and brought up the 50 partnership, but he picked out Nabi at deep midwicket in the next over. Sherfane Rutherford blasted his second ball for six to dent Kuggeleijn’s figures. The equation seemed to have swung dramatically in the Zouks favour when Pooran bottom-edged a Williams slower ball onto his stumps, but the Warriors burgled 8 off the last four balls of the 19th including a botched run-out to leave Rutherford on strike and 13 to win off the last over, to be bowled by Holder. Holder responded magnificently. He flattened Rutherford’s off-stump with a pinpoint yorker, then he had captain Green caught behind, and a bowler who’d gone for 30 off his first 3 overs sealed the win with 2/2, showing the world why West Indian cricket is so excited about him and giving the Zouks a third straight win ahead of the move to Port-of-Spain.

CPL 2020: Chemar holds his nerve as Chase is too much for Guyana

Mohammad Rizwan insisted all was far from lost for Pakistan after they were made to follow-on 310 runs behind in the third Test against England despite a superb unbeaten century from captain Azhar Ali.

Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday's third day before Azhar's 141 not out guided them to a total of 273.

Rizwan played his part with a defiant 53 during a sixth-wicket partnership of 138 with Azhar that kept England at bay.

Nevertheless, Pakistan were still left a huge 310 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared that saw Zak Crawley, whose 267 was his maiden Test century, and Jos Buttler (152) put on 359 for the fifth wicket. &nbsp;

It was no surprise when, amid an uncertain forecast, England captain Joe Root enforced the follow-on.

But the umpires then decided the light was too dark for Pakistan to begin their second innings even though the Ageas Bowl floodlights were on, a move that ended the day's play.

England great James Anderson took 5-56 as he moved on to 598 Test wickets and the 38-year-old would have become the first paceman to 600 had not three catches been dropped off him after he had taken the new ball. &nbsp;

Pakistan, 1-0 down in a three-match contest and facing a first series defeat by England in a decade, will now do well to escape with a draw.

But wicketkeeper Rizwan, demonstrating the same defiance he'd shown at the crease, told reporters: "We have a few batsmen who can score big, if we can take a 150-run lead then it will be tough for England."

England's Dom Bess, however, said: "We're in a great position. There's a little bit of weather around, but you'd like to think with the bowling attack we have, that we can produce the goods."

<h2>- 'Fighting innings' -</h2>

Under-pressure skipper Azhar had managed just 38 runs in three previous innings this series yet on Sunday he became just the fifth Pakistan batsman to score 6,000 Test runs.

Azhar, an lbw candidate for much of this series, generally kept his head still as he tried to avoid playing round his front pad.

He batted for nearly seven hours, facing 272 balls, with 21 fours in what was his 17th century in 81 Tests.

"If you watched this innings closely, it was a superb innings," said Rizwan. "He worked on his head position...This was a fighting innings."

Anderson, who'd reduced Pakistan to 24-3 overnight, needed just six balls Sunday to have the struggling Asad Shafiq edging limply to Root at first slip.

That took Anderson to 597 Test wickets, with the only bowlers to have taken 600 a trio of retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619).

<h2>- 'Anderson's the GOAT' -</h2>

"He's the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) isn't he?," said Bess of Anderson. "The GOAT of bowling and England's greatest.

"I guess there was chat about potential retirement and then he comes back and absolutely tears it up. That just shows how good he is."

Bess himself had Fawad Alam well caught by wicketkeeper Buttler who, by his own admission, had under-performed behind the stumps this season.

Rizwan, impressive with both gloves and bat this series, went to a second successive fifty by lofting Bess for six before he was well caught down the legside by Buttler.

"I work hard and I have belief that I carry to the crease," said Rizwan.&nbsp;

"I don't care what the score is and who is bowling because I know I have done the hard work and the Almighty will reward me for my hard work."

Mohammad Rizwan insisted all was far from lost for Pakistan after they were made to follow-on 310 runs behind in the third Test against England despite a superb unbeaten century from captain Azhar Ali.

Mohammad Rizwan insisted all was far from lost for Pakistan after they were made to follow-on 310 runs behind in the third Test against England despite a superb unbeaten century from captain Azhar Ali. Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday's third day before Azhar's 141 not out guided them to a total of 273. Rizwan played his part with a defiant 53 during a sixth-wicket partnership of 138 with Azhar that kept England at bay. Nevertheless, Pakistan were still left a huge 310 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared that saw Zak Crawley, whose 267 was his maiden Test century, and Jos Buttler (152) put on 359 for the fifth wicket. It was no surprise when, amid an uncertain forecast, England captain Joe Root enforced the follow-on. But the umpires then decided the light was too dark for Pakistan to begin their second innings even though the Ageas Bowl floodlights were on, a move that ended the day's play. England great James Anderson took 5-56 as he moved on to 598 Test wickets and the 38-year-old would have become the first paceman to 600 had not three catches been dropped off him after he had taken the new ball. Pakistan, 1-0 down in a three-match contest and facing a first series defeat by England in a decade, will now do well to escape with a draw. But wicketkeeper Rizwan, demonstrating the same defiance he'd shown at the crease, told reporters: "We have a few batsmen who can score big, if we can take a 150-run lead then it will be tough for England." England's Dom Bess, however, said: "We're in a great position. There's a little bit of weather around, but you'd like to think with the bowling attack we have, that we can produce the goods." - 'Fighting innings' - Under-pressure skipper Azhar had managed just 38 runs in three previous innings this series yet on Sunday he became just the fifth Pakistan batsman to score 6,000 Test runs. Azhar, an lbw candidate for much of this series, generally kept his head still as he tried to avoid playing round his front pad. He batted for nearly seven hours, facing 272 balls, with 21 fours in what was his 17th century in 81 Tests. "If you watched this innings closely, it was a superb innings," said Rizwan. "He worked on his head position...This was a fighting innings." Anderson, who'd reduced Pakistan to 24-3 overnight, needed just six balls Sunday to have the struggling Asad Shafiq edging limply to Root at first slip. That took Anderson to 597 Test wickets, with the only bowlers to have taken 600 a trio of retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619). - 'Anderson's the GOAT' - "He's the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) isn't he?," said Bess of Anderson. "The GOAT of bowling and England's greatest. "I guess there was chat about potential retirement and then he comes back and absolutely tears it up. That just shows how good he is." Bess himself had Fawad Alam well caught by wicketkeeper Buttler who, by his own admission, had under-performed behind the stumps this season. Rizwan, impressive with both gloves and bat this series, went to a second successive fifty by lofting Bess for six before he was well caught down the legside by Buttler. "I work hard and I have belief that I carry to the crease," said Rizwan. "I don't care what the score is and who is bowling because I know I have done the hard work and the Almighty will reward me for my hard work."

Rizwan adamant Pakistan can save Test despite following-on 310 runs behind England

With just three weeks to go for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the schedule of the T20 tournament, which is set to take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. While fans are eagerly waiting for the schedule to release, IPL Governing Council Chairman has spilled beans on when they can expect the fixture list to be out.&nbsp;

Franchises have reached the UAE and are observing the seven-day self-isolation procedure in line with the UAE government’s COVID-19 protocols and will soon start practicing for the much-awaited IPL 2020.&nbsp;

Currently, the IPL GC members along with the IMG team of event managers are in the UAE to finalise the remaining details for the cash-rich tournament. The BCCI wants everything to be checked thoroughly before taking a final call in regards to the IPL 2020 schedule.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/covid-19-impact-future-group-no-longer-part-of-ipls-central-pool-of-sponsorship-322786" hreflang="en">COVID-19 Impact: Future Group no longer part of IPL's central pool of sponsorship</a>

IPL GC Chairman Brijesh Patel said that the franchises are looking at every details including recee of the venues while adding that schedule can be expected before the end of this week.&nbsp;

“We know it is getting delayed but teams are taking stock of everything including recee of the venues. Stay assured schedules will be released before the end of this week”, Brijesh Patel told InsideSport.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday gave a glimpse of how the virtual team meetings will take place in IPL 2020 as every team member including the likes of Mike Hesson, Simon Katich, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers among others, attended the meeting via video-conference.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dinesh-karthik-opines-on-mankading-says-giving-warning-is-accepted-as-spirit-of-cricket-322738" hreflang="en">Dinesh Karthik opines on 'Mankading', says 'giving warning is accepted as spirit of cricket'</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sneak peek into RCB’s first virtual team meeting of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> after landing in the UAE, with <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachHesson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachHesson</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> and Simon Katich welcoming the team and addressing them on an exciting season that’s right around the corner! 💻🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoldDiaries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoldDiaries</a> <a href="https://t.co/VA4jY7HylN">pic.twitter.com/VA4jY7HylN</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1297843786140094465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The IPL 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10 in the UAE.

With just three weeks to go for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the schedule of the T20 tournament, which is set to take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.

With just three weeks to go for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the schedule of the T20 tournament, which is set to take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. While fans are eagerly waiting for the schedule to release, IPL Governing Council Chairman has spilled beans on when they can expect the fixture list to be out. Franchises have reached the UAE and are observing the seven-day self-isolation procedure in line with the UAE government’s COVID-19 protocols and will soon start practicing for the much-awaited IPL 2020. Currently, the IPL GC members along with the IMG team of event managers are in the UAE to finalise the remaining details for the cash-rich tournament. The BCCI wants everything to be checked thoroughly before taking a final call in regards to the IPL 2020 schedule. ALSO READ: COVID-19 Impact: Future Group no longer part of IPL's central pool of sponsorship IPL GC Chairman Brijesh Patel said that the franchises are looking at every details including recee of the venues while adding that schedule can be expected before the end of this week. “We know it is getting delayed but teams are taking stock of everything including recee of the venues. Stay assured schedules will be released before the end of this week”, Brijesh Patel told InsideSport. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday gave a glimpse of how the virtual team meetings will take place in IPL 2020 as every team member including the likes of Mike Hesson, Simon Katich, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers among others, attended the meeting via video-conference. ALSO READ: Dinesh Karthik opines on 'Mankading', says 'giving warning is accepted as spirit of cricket' Sneak peek into RCB’s first virtual team meeting of #IPL2020 after landing in the UAE, with @CoachHesson, @imVkohli and Simon Katich welcoming the team and addressing them on an exciting season that’s right around the corner! 💻🤩#PlayBold #BoldDiaries pic.twitter.com/VA4jY7HylN — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) August 24, 2020 × The IPL 2020 is set to commence from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10 in the UAE.

When will IPL 2020 schedule release? Brijesh Patel spills the beans

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