The blame-game in Pakistan cricket circuit continues with former international Aamir Sohail claiming that it was due to Wasim Akram’s ‘captaincy drama’ that Pakistan didn’t win a single ICC World Cup post the 1992 edition till the year 2003. Akram, reacting to the allegations, said that he gets depressed when people say such negative things about him.

The legendary left-arm seamer further said that he hung his boots from cricket 17 years ago and people still bring his name up to grab the eyeballs.&nbsp;

“I get depressed when I hear such negative things being said about me. I retired from cricket 17 years ago but people still take my name to further their own interests”, Akram said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everyone-has-regrets-in-their-life-tainted-pakistan-pacer-mohammad-asif-opens-up-on-spot-fixing-scandal-296534" hreflang="en">'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal</a>

Sohail had claimed there was absolute chaos after the success in the 1992 World Cup and the authorities, deliberately, used to put Akram in charge of captaincy before the World Cups. Sohail cited the example of former Pakistan skipper Saleem Malik as he said he was a successful captain but was removed from the duty unnecessarily.&nbsp;

“It’s very simple. Put the 1992 World Cup to one side and talk about the 1996 World Cup. In 1995, Ramiz Raja was captain. Saleem Malik was the captain before that, he was very successful and if he could have spent one more year as captain then Wasim would not have been leading the side,” Aamir had said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thought-of-committing-suicide-three-times-due-to-personal-problems-stress-mohammed-shami-296530" hreflang="en">Thought of committing suicide three times due to personal problems, stress: Mohammed Shami</a>

“If you look at what happened till 2003, there was this persistence before every World Cup to remove the captain and put Wasim Akram in that role,” the southpaw claimed.

Meanwhile, people continue to point out fingers in the Pakistan cricket fraternity for poor performances and authoritative changes in the board without coming into a mutual conclusion over the betterment of the game in the country.&nbsp;

The blame-game in Pakistan cricket circuit continues with former international Aamir Sohail claiming that it was due to Wasim Akram’s ‘captaincy drama’ that Pakistan didn’t win a single ICC World Cup post the 1992 edition till the year 2003.

The blame-game in Pakistan cricket circuit continues with former international Aamir Sohail claiming that it was due to Wasim Akram’s ‘captaincy drama’ that Pakistan didn’t win a single ICC World Cup post the 1992 edition till the year 2003. Akram, reacting to the allegations, said that he gets depressed when people say such negative things about him. The legendary left-arm seamer further said that he hung his boots from cricket 17 years ago and people still bring his name up to grab the eyeballs. “I get depressed when I hear such negative things being said about me. I retired from cricket 17 years ago but people still take my name to further their own interests”, Akram said. ALSO READ: 'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal Sohail had claimed there was absolute chaos after the success in the 1992 World Cup and the authorities, deliberately, used to put Akram in charge of captaincy before the World Cups. Sohail cited the example of former Pakistan skipper Saleem Malik as he said he was a successful captain but was removed from the duty unnecessarily. “It’s very simple. Put the 1992 World Cup to one side and talk about the 1996 World Cup. In 1995, Ramiz Raja was captain. Saleem Malik was the captain before that, he was very successful and if he could have spent one more year as captain then Wasim would not have been leading the side,” Aamir had said. ALSO READ: Thought of committing suicide three times due to personal problems, stress: Mohammed Shami “If you look at what happened till 2003, there was this persistence before every World Cup to remove the captain and put Wasim Akram in that role,” the southpaw claimed. Meanwhile, people continue to point out fingers in the Pakistan cricket fraternity for poor performances and authoritative changes in the board without coming into a mutual conclusion over the betterment of the game in the country.

'I get depressed when...' - Pakistan's Wasim Akram reacts to Aamir Sohail's allegations

Former India cricketer and father of Yuvraj Singh, Yograj Singh has time and time again emphasized on how his son was kicked out from the Indian team. Now, Yograj has claimed that both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli back-stabbed Yuvraj during his playing days which resulted in the southpaw falling down in the pecking order. Yograj further blamed the selectors for ‘betraying’ Yuvraj.&nbsp;

Yograj revealed that he had met Indian head coach Ravi Shastri recently while adding that he told the former Indian all-rounder that all great players should get a send-off on the basis of their service to the country.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/solution-for-saliva-conundrum-kookaburras-wax-applicator-to-allow-bowlers-shine-ball-artificially-296815" hreflang="en">Solution for saliva conundrum? Kookaburra’s wax applicator to allow bowlers shine ball artificially</a>

<h2>"Many have backstabbed him and it hurts"</h2>

“Along with these two, I would say that even the selectors betrayed him. I had met Ravi recently. He asked me for a photograph. I called him and pointed out that all great players should get a send-off based on their performances. When Dhoni, Kohli or Rohit retire, I would request the board to give them a good send-off as they have done so much for Indian cricket. Many have backstabbed him and it hurts,” Yograj told a news portal. &nbsp;

Yograj went on to blame former Indian selector Sarandeep Singh while taking a sly dig at the BCCI for appointing less-experienced selectors. Yograj claimed that Sarandeep used to go to meetings and say Yuvraj should be dropped and added that everyone was worried about Yuvraj’s good performances on the pitch.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-ipl-doesnt-happen-for-first-time-in-13-years-harbhajan-singh-throws-his-weight-on-future-of-showpiece-tournament-296773" hreflang="en">'If IPL doesn't happen for first time in 13 years...' - Harbhajan Singh throws his weight on future of showpiece tournament</a>

“Indian selector Sharandeep Singh, he used to go to meetings and say that Yuvraj should be dropped. Such people are appointed as selectors who do not know ABC of cricket. What do you expect from them? It hurts when someone backstabs you. Everybody was worried about what would happen to them if Yuvraj continues to perform,” Yograj added.

Yuvraj, one of the finest white-ball cricketers ever and orchestrator of India’s World Cup wins in 2007 and 2011, hung his boots on June 10, 2019. Fans and former cricketers were left flabbergasted on the fact that the southpaw didn’t get a deserved farewell following his service for the team and country.

Former India cricketer and father of Yuvraj Singh, Yograj Singh has time and time again emphasized on how his son was kicked out from the Indian team. Now, Yograj has claimed that both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli back-stabbed Yuvraj during his playing days which resulted in the southpaw falling down in the pecking order.

Former India cricketer and father of Yuvraj Singh, Yograj Singh has time and time again emphasized on how his son was kicked out from the Indian team. Now, Yograj has claimed that both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli back-stabbed Yuvraj during his playing days which resulted in the southpaw falling down in the pecking order. Yograj further blamed the selectors for ‘betraying’ Yuvraj. Yograj revealed that he had met Indian head coach Ravi Shastri recently while adding that he told the former Indian all-rounder that all great players should get a send-off on the basis of their service to the country. ALSO READ: Solution for saliva conundrum? Kookaburra’s wax applicator to allow bowlers shine ball artificially "Many have backstabbed him and it hurts" “Along with these two, I would say that even the selectors betrayed him. I had met Ravi recently. He asked me for a photograph. I called him and pointed out that all great players should get a send-off based on their performances. When Dhoni, Kohli or Rohit retire, I would request the board to give them a good send-off as they have done so much for Indian cricket. Many have backstabbed him and it hurts,” Yograj told a news portal. Yograj went on to blame former Indian selector Sarandeep Singh while taking a sly dig at the BCCI for appointing less-experienced selectors. Yograj claimed that Sarandeep used to go to meetings and say Yuvraj should be dropped and added that everyone was worried about Yuvraj’s good performances on the pitch. ALSO READ: 'If IPL doesn't happen for first time in 13 years...' - Harbhajan Singh throws his weight on future of showpiece tournament “Indian selector Sharandeep Singh, he used to go to meetings and say that Yuvraj should be dropped. Such people are appointed as selectors who do not know ABC of cricket. What do you expect from them? It hurts when someone backstabs you. Everybody was worried about what would happen to them if Yuvraj continues to perform,” Yograj added. Yuvraj, one of the finest white-ball cricketers ever and orchestrator of India’s World Cup wins in 2007 and 2011, hung his boots on June 10, 2019. Fans and former cricketers were left flabbergasted on the fact that the southpaw didn’t get a deserved farewell following his service for the team and country.

'It hurts' - Yograj Singh claims MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and selectors back-stabbed Yuvraj Singh

Australian cricket ball manufacturer Kookaburra is working on wax applicator that will allow players to shine the ball without using saliva or sweat while minimising the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Generally, players shine one side of the ball and roughen up the other to make the ball swing in the air in a bid to deceive the batsman with the movement. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to give another body blow with the usage of saliva and sweat is expected to be ban in the wake of the global crisis. &nbsp;

As per the guidelines released by Australian Institute of Sport, last week, rubbing of spit or sweat into the ball’s surface is banned in one of the conditions for the gentlemen’s game to resume.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-ipl-doesnt-happen-for-first-time-in-13-years-harbhajan-singh-throws-his-weight-on-future-of-showpiece-tournament-296773" hreflang="en">'If IPL doesn't happen for first time in 13 years...' - Harbhajan Singh throws his weight on future of showpiece tournament</a>

Kookaburra said the wax applicator could provide a solution but is in “very early-stage product development.”

“At Kookaburra we are committed to continuous improvement and innovation in the game we love,” general manager David Orchard told AFP.

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic we are always looking for solutions to allow our game to be played safely by all cricketing communities around the world,” he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ecb-terminates-contracts-of-players-signed-up-for-the-hundred-296763" hreflang="en">ECB terminates contracts of players signed up for ‘The Hundred’</a>

Cricket, like other sports, is suspended around the world due to the pandemic and the wax applicator would need approval from governing bodies before the resumption of play.

Kookaburra’s plan involves using a sponge to apply wax to the ball and then shine it as per the requirement of the bowler or the fielding team.

The present law strictly prohibits the use of artificial substances to change the condition of the ball and is regarded as a taboo in the world of cricket. Over the years, bowlers and fielders have been accused of using jelly, resin, lozenges, bottle tops, grit and sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball to their advantage.&nbsp;

Australian cricket ball manufacturer Kookaburra is working on wax applicator that will allow players to shine the ball without using saliva or sweat while minimising the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Australian cricket ball manufacturer Kookaburra is working on wax applicator that will allow players to shine the ball without using saliva or sweat while minimising the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Generally, players shine one side of the ball and roughen up the other to make the ball swing in the air in a bid to deceive the batsman with the movement. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to give another body blow with the usage of saliva and sweat is expected to be ban in the wake of the global crisis. As per the guidelines released by Australian Institute of Sport, last week, rubbing of spit or sweat into the ball’s surface is banned in one of the conditions for the gentlemen’s game to resume. ALSO READ: 'If IPL doesn't happen for first time in 13 years...' - Harbhajan Singh throws his weight on future of showpiece tournament Kookaburra said the wax applicator could provide a solution but is in “very early-stage product development.” “At Kookaburra we are committed to continuous improvement and innovation in the game we love,” general manager David Orchard told AFP. “As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic we are always looking for solutions to allow our game to be played safely by all cricketing communities around the world,” he said. ALSO READ: ECB terminates contracts of players signed up for ‘The Hundred’ Cricket, like other sports, is suspended around the world due to the pandemic and the wax applicator would need approval from governing bodies before the resumption of play. Kookaburra’s plan involves using a sponge to apply wax to the ball and then shine it as per the requirement of the bowler or the fielding team. The present law strictly prohibits the use of artificial substances to change the condition of the ball and is regarded as a taboo in the world of cricket. Over the years, bowlers and fielders have been accused of using jelly, resin, lozenges, bottle tops, grit and sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball to their advantage.

Solution for saliva conundrum? Kookaburra’s wax applicator to allow bowlers shine ball artificially

With cricket taking a backseat due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a sense of uncertainty as in whether major upcoming tournaments will go as scheduled. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has already been postponed indefinitely whereas there are question marks on the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November. Veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is of the view that international players won’t be travelling in the near future to play cricket while adding he will be absolutely fine if the authorities decide not to conduct the IPL this year.&nbsp;

Harbhajan further said that cricket can’t be forced in amid the current situation while adding the game can wait as human life comes first.

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“Travelling from and to will be restricted in many countries in the coming months. I don’t see international players travelling in the near future. I do not know what decisions the (Indian) government and BCCI take on the future of IPL. Honestly, even if IPL doesn’t happen for the first time in 13 years I think that is fine. We can’t force to have cricket seeing the serious situation we all are in. Human life comes first, cricket can wait,” Bhajji told a leading daily.

Harbhajan, who would have been playing for CSK in the 13th edition of the IPL if everything was normal. The 39-year-old said that he is not even thinking of cricket and the main agenda in his books is to save lives and practice solidarity.&nbsp;

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“This is a testing time for everyone. Honestly, I am not even thinking about cricket at the moment. Saving lives and practicing solidarity are the most important things on my agenda. When we began the CSK camp in the beginning of March we didn’t anticipate this as we had large crowds coming in even for practice sessions. Within days and weeks the world turned upside down; nobody is talking about cricket or sports. Everybody is just concerned about saving lives,” he said.

Meanwhile, speculations are rife that the BCCI is looking for an alternate window to conduct the IPL later in the year 2020. 
&nbsp;

With cricket taking a backseat due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a sense of uncertainty as in whether major upcoming tournaments will go as scheduled. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has already been postponed indefinitely whereas there are question marks on the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November.

With cricket taking a backseat due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a sense of uncertainty as in whether major upcoming tournaments will go as scheduled. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 has already been postponed indefinitely whereas there are question marks on the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November. Veteran Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh is of the view that international players won’t be travelling in the near future to play cricket while adding he will be absolutely fine if the authorities decide not to conduct the IPL this year. Harbhajan further said that cricket can’t be forced in amid the current situation while adding the game can wait as human life comes first. ALSO READ: ECB terminates contracts of players signed up for ‘The Hundred’ “Travelling from and to will be restricted in many countries in the coming months. I don’t see international players travelling in the near future. I do not know what decisions the (Indian) government and BCCI take on the future of IPL. Honestly, even if IPL doesn’t happen for the first time in 13 years I think that is fine. We can’t force to have cricket seeing the serious situation we all are in. Human life comes first, cricket can wait,” Bhajji told a leading daily. Harbhajan, who would have been playing for CSK in the 13th edition of the IPL if everything was normal. The 39-year-old said that he is not even thinking of cricket and the main agenda in his books is to save lives and practice solidarity. ALSO READ: No spitting, no fans: Baseball restarts South Korea's sports season “This is a testing time for everyone. Honestly, I am not even thinking about cricket at the moment. Saving lives and practicing solidarity are the most important things on my agenda. When we began the CSK camp in the beginning of March we didn’t anticipate this as we had large crowds coming in even for practice sessions. Within days and weeks the world turned upside down; nobody is talking about cricket or sports. Everybody is just concerned about saving lives,” he said. Meanwhile, speculations are rife that the BCCI is looking for an alternate window to conduct the IPL later in the year 2020.

'If IPL doesn't happen for first time in 13 years...' - Harbhajan Singh throws his weight on future of showpiece tournament

Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has said that the country can deal with the challenge of getting all the participating for the ICC T20 World Cup but the real issue for the authority is whether it is worth having the showpiece event behind closed doors.&nbsp;

Travel restrictions and lockdown measures have put question marks over the commencement of the ICC T20 World Cup and even India’s tour of Australia. Reportedly, Cricket Australia is looking at a massive loss of 300 million Australian dollars if the schedule is disrupted due to coronavirus.&nbsp; 
Colbeck has said he would love to see the Test series between India and Australia go ahead as per schedule. He further emphasized on the issue of World Cup being played in empty stadiums as he said world cricket will have to look into the matter closely as well.

"I'd love to see an Australia-India Test series this summer and I'd really like to be able to see the World Cup go-ahead.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/would-be-devastating-if-india-dont-tour-australia-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-296584" hreflang="en">"Would be devastating if India don’t tour Australia due to COVID-19 pandemic"</a>

"... the issue is not so much the teams as the crowds and that's probably one of the hurdles we really have to consider and probably one that world cricket will look at pretty closely as well," Colbeck told in a radio show on Monday.

Furthermore, Colbeck said bringing in teams, staff and broadcasters won’t be an issue for Australia and the authorities could work on protocols with appropriate quarantine and bio-security measures for the tournament.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everyone-has-regrets-in-their-life-tainted-pakistan-pacer-mohammad-asif-opens-up-on-spot-fixing-scandal-296534" hreflang="en">'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal</a>

"We all know the difference in the atmosphere ... but in a team sense I'd like to think that we can build some protocols with the cooperation of the sport and the players, that's going to be extremely important, with appropriate quarantine and biosecurity protocols to see if we can make the competition go ahead."

While T20 World Cup is scheduled for an October 18 start, India's tour of Australia will begin with a T20 tri-series in October and end with a four-match Test series in December.

Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has said that the country can deal with the challenge of getting all the participating for the ICC T20 World Cup but the real issue for the authority is whether it is worth having the showpiece event behind closed doors.

Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has said that the country can deal with the challenge of getting all the participating for the ICC T20 World Cup but the real issue for the authority is whether it is worth having the showpiece event behind closed doors. Travel restrictions and lockdown measures have put question marks over the commencement of the ICC T20 World Cup and even India’s tour of Australia. Reportedly, Cricket Australia is looking at a massive loss of 300 million Australian dollars if the schedule is disrupted due to coronavirus. Colbeck has said he would love to see the Test series between India and Australia go ahead as per schedule. He further emphasized on the issue of World Cup being played in empty stadiums as he said world cricket will have to look into the matter closely as well. "I'd love to see an Australia-India Test series this summer and I'd really like to be able to see the World Cup go-ahead. ALSO READ: "Would be devastating if India don’t tour Australia due to COVID-19 pandemic" "... the issue is not so much the teams as the crowds and that's probably one of the hurdles we really have to consider and probably one that world cricket will look at pretty closely as well," Colbeck told in a radio show on Monday. Furthermore, Colbeck said bringing in teams, staff and broadcasters won’t be an issue for Australia and the authorities could work on protocols with appropriate quarantine and bio-security measures for the tournament. ALSO READ: 'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal "We all know the difference in the atmosphere ... but in a team sense I'd like to think that we can build some protocols with the cooperation of the sport and the players, that's going to be extremely important, with appropriate quarantine and biosecurity protocols to see if we can make the competition go ahead." While T20 World Cup is scheduled for an October 18 start, India's tour of Australia will begin with a T20 tri-series in October and end with a four-match Test series in December.

Would love to see T20 World Cup go ahead, Ind-Aus series played: Australia Sports Minister Richard Colbeck

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is known for being straightforward and this time he has hailed his former captain Anil Kumble and his short yet prolific captaincy.&nbsp;

Gambhir said in an interview: "Sehwag and I were having dinner when Kumble walked in and said that you guys will open throughout the series no matter what. Even if you get 8 ducks it doesn't matter. I have never heard such words from anyone in my career. So, if I have to give my life to someone, it would be Anil Kumble. Those words are still in my heart."&nbsp;

Kumble has been the captain for the Indian cricket team in Tests, he won three and lost five tests. He is also the highest wicket-taker for the Indian team by scalping 619 wickets.&nbsp;

Gambhir was in the best of his performance in Test cricket under Kumble, he scored his career-best 206 versus Australia.&nbsp;

He also added that Kumble could have earned many records to his name is he had captained the team for a longer duration. He said: "Had he captained India for a longer duration like Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli, he would have made many records."

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is known for being straightforward and this time he has hailed his former captain Anil Kumble and his short yet prolific captaincy.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is known for being straightforward and this time he has hailed his former captain Anil Kumble and his short yet prolific captaincy. Gambhir said in an interview: "Sehwag and I were having dinner when Kumble walked in and said that you guys will open throughout the series no matter what. Even if you get 8 ducks it doesn't matter. I have never heard such words from anyone in my career. So, if I have to give my life to someone, it would be Anil Kumble. Those words are still in my heart." Kumble has been the captain for the Indian cricket team in Tests, he won three and lost five tests. He is also the highest wicket-taker for the Indian team by scalping 619 wickets. Gambhir was in the best of his performance in Test cricket under Kumble, he scored his career-best 206 versus Australia. He also added that Kumble could have earned many records to his name is he had captained the team for a longer duration. He said: "Had he captained India for a longer duration like Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli, he would have made many records."

'If I have to give my life to someone, it would be Anil Kumble': Gautam Gambhir

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne on Monday said that he and his teammates would be “pretty devastated” if India don’t tour Australia later in the year 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. India is set to head Down Under in the month of October to play a T20I tri-series followed by a four-match Test series in December.&nbsp;

There are plenty of talks going on surrounding India’s tour of Australia given the current travel restrictions in the country until September. &nbsp; 
Replying to a question about the tour in an online press conference, Labuschagne said: “Well it would mean that we are not playing cricket which is pretty devastating for me, the rest of the team and for the country.”

Before India’s tour Down Under, Australia are scheduled to host the T20 World Cup starting October 18, however, there are dark clouds hovering around the mega event given the uncertainty due to global crisis. While Australia has reported just over 6,800 positive cases with less than 100 casualties in the country, Labuschange lauded the Australian healthcare system and the way they have tackled the virus thus far.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thought-of-committing-suicide-three-times-due-to-personal-problems-stress-mohammed-shami-296530" hreflang="en">Thought of committing suicide three times due to personal problems, stress: Mohammed Shami</a>

“Australia has done very well with the quarantine and isolation, so we’ve been able to get our number down relatively quickly. With a limited amount of deaths and our healthcare system has been so good during this time,” he said.

“Hopefully because of all that good work we can actually get India over here in 3-4 months or 4-5 months,” Labusachgne added.&nbsp;

“Everything is changing so quickly so it’s really hard to put my finger on how everything’s going to pan out. Hopefully, it does pan out well but if it doesn’t it will be very disappointing.” In the meantime, the 25-year-old, who has enjoyed a breakout year in Tests and ODIs, is working on sharpening his skills during this forced break.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everyone-has-regrets-in-their-life-tainted-pakistan-pacer-mohammad-asif-opens-up-on-spot-fixing-scandal-296534" hreflang="en">'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal</a>

The classy batsman, touted to be Steve Smith heir for Australia, further said that the current phase is unprecedented and best time to review your game and come out as a better player.&nbsp;

“This time is quite unique and has never happened before. It’s a good opportunity to make sure you’re learning from the situation and reviewing your game and understanding what you can continue to do to get better as a player.” 
&nbsp;

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne on Monday said that he and his teammates would be “pretty devastated” if India don’t tour Australia later in the year 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne on Monday said that he and his teammates would be “pretty devastated” if India don’t tour Australia later in the year 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. India is set to head Down Under in the month of October to play a T20I tri-series followed by a four-match Test series in December. There are plenty of talks going on surrounding India’s tour of Australia given the current travel restrictions in the country until September. Replying to a question about the tour in an online press conference, Labuschagne said: “Well it would mean that we are not playing cricket which is pretty devastating for me, the rest of the team and for the country.” Before India’s tour Down Under, Australia are scheduled to host the T20 World Cup starting October 18, however, there are dark clouds hovering around the mega event given the uncertainty due to global crisis. While Australia has reported just over 6,800 positive cases with less than 100 casualties in the country, Labuschange lauded the Australian healthcare system and the way they have tackled the virus thus far. ALSO READ: Thought of committing suicide three times due to personal problems, stress: Mohammed Shami “Australia has done very well with the quarantine and isolation, so we’ve been able to get our number down relatively quickly. With a limited amount of deaths and our healthcare system has been so good during this time,” he said. “Hopefully because of all that good work we can actually get India over here in 3-4 months or 4-5 months,” Labusachgne added. “Everything is changing so quickly so it’s really hard to put my finger on how everything’s going to pan out. Hopefully, it does pan out well but if it doesn’t it will be very disappointing.” In the meantime, the 25-year-old, who has enjoyed a breakout year in Tests and ODIs, is working on sharpening his skills during this forced break. ALSO READ: 'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal The classy batsman, touted to be Steve Smith heir for Australia, further said that the current phase is unprecedented and best time to review your game and come out as a better player. “This time is quite unique and has never happened before. It’s a good opportunity to make sure you’re learning from the situation and reviewing your game and understanding what you can continue to do to get better as a player.”

"Would be devastating if India don’t tour Australia due to COVID-19 pandemic"

Rated one of the finest pacers in the world of cricket, Indian speedster Mohammed Shami recently opened up about his own and his family’s fears in the past to Rohit Sharma during an Instagram Live session. Shami, during the interaction, revealed that he contemplated suicide thrice in 2018 which, for him, was marred by allegations of domestic violence.

Shami revealed his family members were scared that he would have jumped off the balcony and hence, they were on high alert 24 hours to make sure everything is fine with him.

"I think if my family had not supported me back then I would have lost my cricket. I thought of committing suicide three times during that period due to severe stress," said Shami.

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"I was not thinking about cricket at all. We were living on the 24th floor. They were scared I might jump from the balcony."

Shami’s annual central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, in 2018, was also withheld due to domestic violence allegations, only to be reinstated later.

Shami’s injury, that saw him spend more than a year on sidelines, was also subject to debates and saw him gain weight. The ace Indian seamer said his family and friends helped him bounce back from the setback and regain his focus on cricket.&nbsp;

ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-i-can-question-someones-incompetency-shoaib-akhtar-gives-scathing-statement-after-pcbs-legal-advisor-sends-legal-notice-296129" hreflang="en">Watch - 'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice</a>

"My two or three friends used to stay with me for 24 hours (during my days of depression). My parents asked me to focus on cricket to recover from that phase and not think about anything else," he said.

"I started training then and sweated it out a lot at an academy in Dehradun.

"Then my family explained that every problem has a solution no matter how big the problem. My brother supported me a lot."

Shami made a strong comeback in the year 2019 and took the world cricket by storm. He was one of the leading wicket takers in Test cricket and also picked up 14 wickets in four matches including a hat-trick in the ICC World Cup 2019.&nbsp;

Shami has claimed 180 wickets in 49 Tests and 144 scalps in 77 one-day internationals since making his debut for India in 2013. 
&nbsp;

Rated one of the finest pacers in the world of cricket, Indian speedster Mohammed Shami recently opened up about his own and his family’s fears in the past to Rohit Sharma during an Instagram Live session.

Rated one of the finest pacers in the world of cricket, Indian speedster Mohammed Shami recently opened up about his own and his family’s fears in the past to Rohit Sharma during an Instagram Live session. Shami, during the interaction, revealed that he contemplated suicide thrice in 2018 which, for him, was marred by allegations of domestic violence. Shami revealed his family members were scared that he would have jumped off the balcony and hence, they were on high alert 24 hours to make sure everything is fine with him. "I think if my family had not supported me back then I would have lost my cricket. I thought of committing suicide three times during that period due to severe stress," said Shami. ALSO READ: When will I see you again? Sport bids to step out of virus shadow "I was not thinking about cricket at all. We were living on the 24th floor. They were scared I might jump from the balcony." Shami’s annual central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, in 2018, was also withheld due to domestic violence allegations, only to be reinstated later. Shami’s injury, that saw him spend more than a year on sidelines, was also subject to debates and saw him gain weight. The ace Indian seamer said his family and friends helped him bounce back from the setback and regain his focus on cricket. ALSO: Watch - 'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice "My two or three friends used to stay with me for 24 hours (during my days of depression). My parents asked me to focus on cricket to recover from that phase and not think about anything else," he said. "I started training then and sweated it out a lot at an academy in Dehradun. "Then my family explained that every problem has a solution no matter how big the problem. My brother supported me a lot." Shami made a strong comeback in the year 2019 and took the world cricket by storm. He was one of the leading wicket takers in Test cricket and also picked up 14 wickets in four matches including a hat-trick in the ICC World Cup 2019. Shami has claimed 180 wickets in 49 Tests and 144 scalps in 77 one-day internationals since making his debut for India in 2013.

Thought of committing suicide three times due to personal problems, stress: Mohammed Shami

Despite several controversies and bans, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif is regarded as one of the most skilful bowlers to have taken to the cricket field. Asif, who last played for Pakistan in August 2010, has now opened up on the spot-fixing scandal and his seven-year-ban which ended his career for the Green Army.&nbsp;

Opening up on his career, Asif said that his ambition was to finish his career on a better not while adding he does have regrets to not fulfilling his potential and become one of the legends of the game. However, Asif is of the view that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) resurrected everyone’s career who were indulged in fixing, before and after him, but never gave him a second chance to make a comeback. &nbsp;

“Of course. My ambition was to finish my career on a better note and I do have regrets. But that's a different story. I think whatever happened it had to happen and that's okay. Everyone has regrets in their life and a few want to talk about them, but I think I am fine. Everyone makes mistakes and I did too,” Asif told ESPNCricinfo.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thought-of-committing-suicide-three-times-due-to-personal-problems-stress-mohammed-shami-296530" hreflang="en">Thought of committing suicide three times due to personal problems, stress: Mohammed Shami</a>

“Players had been indulging in fixing before me [in 2010] and even after me. But those before me are working with PCB and there are few after me still playing. Everyone was given a second chance and there are few who never got the same treatment [as me]. PCB never tried to save me regardless of the fact that I am the kind of bowler who was highly regarded by everyone in the world. But anyway I'm not sitting around brooding about the past or hung up on it,” the Pakistan pacer added.&nbsp;

Asif, apart from several doping controversies, was banned for seven years for deliberately bowling no-balls during the England versus Pakistan Test in Lord’s in 2010. On 19 August 2015, the ICC suspended its previous orders and allowed Asif to play all formats of the game, effective as of 2 September 2015.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-i-can-question-someones-incompetency-shoaib-akhtar-gives-scathing-statement-after-pcbs-legal-advisor-sends-legal-notice-296129" hreflang="en">'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice</a>

However, Asif reckons he made his career count in whatever matches he played for Pakistan as he adds that it was due to his talent and skill that world-class batsmen still remember and talks about him.&nbsp;

“What happened is history. However much I played in my career, I made it count, duniya hila ke rakh de thi (I shook up the world). That is more important for me to think about. Even today, so many years later, the best batsmen in the world still remember me and they talk about me. Just think how big the impact was that I had on the world. So this is what makes me proud - that there is a reason KP, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla talk highly about me. That is what makes me happy,” Asif said. 
&nbsp;

Despite several controversies and bans, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif is regarded as one of the most skilful bowlers to have taken to the cricket field. Asif, who last played for Pakistan in August 2010, has now opened up on the spot-fixing scandal and his seven-year-ban which ended his career for the Green Army.

Despite several controversies and bans, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif is regarded as one of the most skilful bowlers to have taken to the cricket field. Asif, who last played for Pakistan in August 2010, has now opened up on the spot-fixing scandal and his seven-year-ban which ended his career for the Green Army. Opening up on his career, Asif said that his ambition was to finish his career on a better not while adding he does have regrets to not fulfilling his potential and become one of the legends of the game. However, Asif is of the view that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) resurrected everyone’s career who were indulged in fixing, before and after him, but never gave him a second chance to make a comeback. “Of course. My ambition was to finish my career on a better note and I do have regrets. But that's a different story. I think whatever happened it had to happen and that's okay. Everyone has regrets in their life and a few want to talk about them, but I think I am fine. Everyone makes mistakes and I did too,” Asif told ESPNCricinfo. ALSO READ: Thought of committing suicide three times due to personal problems, stress: Mohammed Shami “Players had been indulging in fixing before me [in 2010] and even after me. But those before me are working with PCB and there are few after me still playing. Everyone was given a second chance and there are few who never got the same treatment [as me]. PCB never tried to save me regardless of the fact that I am the kind of bowler who was highly regarded by everyone in the world. But anyway I'm not sitting around brooding about the past or hung up on it,” the Pakistan pacer added. Asif, apart from several doping controversies, was banned for seven years for deliberately bowling no-balls during the England versus Pakistan Test in Lord’s in 2010. On 19 August 2015, the ICC suspended its previous orders and allowed Asif to play all formats of the game, effective as of 2 September 2015. ALSO READ: 'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice However, Asif reckons he made his career count in whatever matches he played for Pakistan as he adds that it was due to his talent and skill that world-class batsmen still remember and talks about him. “What happened is history. However much I played in my career, I made it count, duniya hila ke rakh de thi (I shook up the world). That is more important for me to think about. Even today, so many years later, the best batsmen in the world still remember me and they talk about me. Just think how big the impact was that I had on the world. So this is what makes me proud - that there is a reason KP, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla talk highly about me. That is what makes me happy,” Asif said.

'Everyone has regrets in their life' - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif opens up on spot-fixing scandal

The Virat Kohli-led Team India has lost their numero uno spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time since October 2016 with Australia taking over the charge atop the rankings chart. The International Cricket Council on Friday announced the latest Test rankings in which Australia are the leaders followed by New Zealand and India at number two and three respectively.&nbsp;

The latest rankings rate all matches played since May 2019 at 100 per cent whereas the matches player in previous two years at 50 per cent. The Tim Paine-led Baggy Greens have 116 points under their belt whereas New Zealand (115) remains a close second while India drops to the third spot with 114 points to their name. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mitchell-marsh-awarded-australia-contract-marcus-stoinis-usman-khawaja-among-6-axed-295789" hreflang="en">Mitchell Marsh awarded Australia contract, Marcus Stoinis, Usman Khawaja among 6 axed</a>

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Australia 
India 
 
BREAKING: Australia are the new No.1 in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Test Team Rankings following an annual update <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCRankings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCRankings</a> <a href="https://t.co/0V0KP3f6dA">pic.twitter.com/0V0KP3f6dA</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1256101049968070656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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With just two points separating the top three sides, this is the second closes the top three teams have been in the Test ranking since it was launched way back in 2003. The closest for the top three teams in the longest format of the game was in January 2016 when India had led Aussies and South Africa by just one point. While England stood at number four, South Africa witnessed the biggest drop and are now below Sri Lanka at the sixth spot. Pakistan, West Indies, Afghanistan and Bangladesh complete top 10 in order.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virus-forces-delay-of-english-crickets-hundred-until-2021-295885" hreflang="en">Virus forces delay of English cricket's Hundred until 2021</a>

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England, the 2019 <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cricketworldcup</a> winners, have retained the No.1 spot in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCRankings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCRankings</a> <a href="https://t.co/hGkbXFkFhS">pic.twitter.com/hGkbXFkFhS</a>
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In ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, World champions England continue to rule the charts while increasing their lead over India from six to eight points. New Zealand are in third place with top 10 remaining unchanged.&nbsp;

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More excellent news for 🇦🇺 fans! 
 
Australia are No.1 in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings for the first time ever. 
 
They've displaced from the top spot!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCRankings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCRankings</a> <a href="https://t.co/LrOerV0GKH">pic.twitter.com/LrOerV0GKH</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1256102306338267136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In T20Is, Pakistan are no longer the top-ranked side with Australia replacing them atop the standings. The Aaron Finch-led outfit is followed by England and India respectively with the previous top-ranked team, Pakistan dropping to number 4.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Virat Kohli-led Team India has lost their numero uno spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time since October 2016 with Australia taking over the charge atop the rankings chart.

The Virat Kohli-led Team India has lost their numero uno spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time since October 2016 with Australia taking over the charge atop the rankings chart. The International Cricket Council on Friday announced the latest Test rankings in which Australia are the leaders followed by New Zealand and India at number two and three respectively. The latest rankings rate all matches played since May 2019 at 100 per cent whereas the matches player in previous two years at 50 per cent. The Tim Paine-led Baggy Greens have 116 points under their belt whereas New Zealand (115) remains a close second while India drops to the third spot with 114 points to their name. ALSO READ: Mitchell Marsh awarded Australia contract, Marcus Stoinis, Usman Khawaja among 6 axed Australia India BREAKING: Australia are the new No.1 in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Team Rankings following an annual update #ICCRankings pic.twitter.com/0V0KP3f6dA — ICC (@ICC) May 1, 2020 × With just two points separating the top three sides, this is the second closes the top three teams have been in the Test ranking since it was launched way back in 2003. The closest for the top three teams in the longest format of the game was in January 2016 when India had led Aussies and South Africa by just one point. While England stood at number four, South Africa witnessed the biggest drop and are now below Sri Lanka at the sixth spot. Pakistan, West Indies, Afghanistan and Bangladesh complete top 10 in order. ALSO READ: Virus forces delay of English cricket's Hundred until 2021 England, the 2019 @cricketworldcup winners, have retained the No.1 spot in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings #ICCRankings pic.twitter.com/hGkbXFkFhS — ICC (@ICC) May 1, 2020 × In ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, World champions England continue to rule the charts while increasing their lead over India from six to eight points. New Zealand are in third place with top 10 remaining unchanged. More excellent news for 🇦🇺 fans! Australia are No.1 in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings for the first time ever. They've displaced from the top spot!#ICCRankings pic.twitter.com/LrOerV0GKH — ICC (@ICC) May 1, 2020 × In T20Is, Pakistan are no longer the top-ranked side with Australia replacing them atop the standings. The Aaron Finch-led outfit is followed by England and India respectively with the previous top-ranked team, Pakistan dropping to number 4.

India lose top spot in ICC Test rankings for first time since October 2016; Australia the new world No. 1 in Tests and T20Is

England pacer Jofra Archer made a scintillating international debut for England in the year 2019. The Barbadian-born speedster firstly tormented Pakistan before taking the ICC World Cup 2019 by storm and following it up with a phenomenal outing in the Ashes 2019. However, Archer is not popular only for his exploits on the cricket field but his activity on social media platform Twitter.&nbsp;

Archer’s tweets from the past have glaring similarity with incidents happening in the present and many of his old tweets have resurfaced on the micro-blogging platform which has some similarity with the present.&nbsp;

As soon as Indian Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday extended the lockdown period by another two weeks till May 17, Archer’s tweet from 2013 started to gain traction.

In this&nbsp;particular tweet, dating back to September 13, 2013, Archer had written: “These two weeks gonne take forever to go by.”

ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-i-can-question-someones-incompetency-shoaib-akhtar-gives-scathing-statement-after-pcbs-legal-advisor-sends-legal-notice-296129" hreflang="en">Watch - 'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice</a>

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These two weeks gonne take forever to go by
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/378522652161630208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2013</a></blockquote>
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3 weeks at home isn’t enough
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) <a href="https://twitter.com/JofraArcher/status/922277359377580035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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And Indian cricket fans started bombarding the tweet with retweets and replies.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://t.co/SDIFiRdMnP">pic.twitter.com/SDIFiRdMnP</a>
— Mogambo (@UberHandle) <a href="https://twitter.com/UberHandle/status/1256215271460798464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/nMrPV3DqK4">pic.twitter.com/nMrPV3DqK4</a>
— Counter Sadhu (@SadhuMaharaj16) <a href="https://twitter.com/SadhuMaharaj16/status/1256215457217933312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Can you tell me when will this end finally? Already frustrated with life.
— Deval Shah (@DevalShah555) <a href="https://twitter.com/DevalShah555/status/1256211789467041798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Archer hits the bullseye again
— amit pandey (@amitpan62680204) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitpan62680204/status/1256209551554052096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the lockdown phase in India which had come into effect on March 24 was extended till May 3 during an address to the nation by PM Modi. The extension is now due to last till May 17 after another extension on Friday.&nbsp;

"After a comprehensive review and in view of the lockdown measures having led to significant gains in the COVID-19 situation in the country, MHA has issued an order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 today to further extend the lockdown period of two weeks beyond May 4," the notice said.

"The guidelines have permitted considerable relaxations in the districts falling in the Green and Orange Zones," it said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indias-home-ministry-extends-lockdown-by-two-weeks-till-may-17-296127" hreflang="en">COVID-19: India's home ministry extends lockdown by two weeks till May 17</a>

"Those districts which are neither defined as Red or Green shall be classified as Orange Zones."

"The classification of districts into Red, Green, and Orange will be shared by the ministry," it said, adding,"it would be shared on a weekly basis with States and Union Territories."

England pacer Jofra Archer made a scintillating international debut for England in the year 2019. The Barbadian-born speedster firstly tormented Pakistan before taking the ICC World Cup 2019 by storm and following it up with a phenomenal outing in the Ashes 2019.

England pacer Jofra Archer made a scintillating international debut for England in the year 2019. The Barbadian-born speedster firstly tormented Pakistan before taking the ICC World Cup 2019 by storm and following it up with a phenomenal outing in the Ashes 2019. However, Archer is not popular only for his exploits on the cricket field but his activity on social media platform Twitter. Archer’s tweets from the past have glaring similarity with incidents happening in the present and many of his old tweets have resurfaced on the micro-blogging platform which has some similarity with the present. As soon as Indian Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday extended the lockdown period by another two weeks till May 17, Archer’s tweet from 2013 started to gain traction. In this particular tweet, dating back to September 13, 2013, Archer had written: “These two weeks gonne take forever to go by.” ALSO: Watch - 'I can question someone's incompetency': Shoaib Akhtar gives scathing statement after PCB's legal advisor sends legal notice These two weeks gonne take forever to go by — Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) September 13, 2013 × 3 weeks at home isn’t enough — Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) October 23, 2017 × And Indian cricket fans started bombarding the tweet with retweets and replies. pic.twitter.com/SDIFiRdMnP — Mogambo (@UberHandle) May 1, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/nMrPV3DqK4 — Counter Sadhu (@SadhuMaharaj16) May 1, 2020 × Can you tell me when will this end finally? Already frustrated with life. — Deval Shah (@DevalShah555) May 1, 2020 × Archer hits the bullseye again — amit pandey (@amitpan62680204) May 1, 2020 × Meanwhile, the lockdown phase in India which had come into effect on March 24 was extended till May 3 during an address to the nation by PM Modi. The extension is now due to last till May 17 after another extension on Friday. "After a comprehensive review and in view of the lockdown measures having led to significant gains in the COVID-19 situation in the country, MHA has issued an order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 today to further extend the lockdown period of two weeks beyond May 4," the notice said. "The guidelines have permitted considerable relaxations in the districts falling in the Green and Orange Zones," it said. ALSO READ: COVID-19: India's home ministry extends lockdown by two weeks till May 17 "Those districts which are neither defined as Red or Green shall be classified as Orange Zones." "The classification of districts into Red, Green, and Orange will be shared by the ministry," it said, adding,"it would be shared on a weekly basis with States and Union Territories."

'Two weeks gonna take forever to go by' - Jofra Archer's tweet from 2013 resurfaces as India extends lockdown till May 17

Former South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs has decided to donate the iconic bat from the historic match between South Africa and Australia which was played at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg in the year 2006. The match is regarded as one of the best of all-times due to the number of runs scored by both the sides (434 by Australia, 438 by South Africa). Gibbs, who was adjudged Man of the Match for his blistering 175 off 111 laced with 21 boundaries and seven sixes, has decided to auction his bat used in that match in a bid to raise funds for the battle against COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

“Supersport showing the #438 game. The bat I used that day will be up for auction to raise funds for covid. Kept it all these years,” Gibbs tweeted on Friday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/match-fixing-former-pcb-chairman-alleges-wasim-akram-offered-atta-ur-rahman-to-underperform-in-a-match-296072" hreflang="en">Match fixing? Former PCB chairman alleges Wasim Akram offered Atta-ur-Rahman to underperform in a match</a>

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Supersport showing the #438 game . The bat i used that day will be up for auction to raise funds for covid. Kept it all these years. <a href="https://t.co/VyGyAzKVSn">pic.twitter.com/VyGyAzKVSn</a>
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) <a href="https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1256179385876590592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Johannesburg ODI between South Africa and Australia, also the last match of the five-match ODI series, was a perfect example of a humdinger.

Batting first, Aussie batsmen smoked Proteas bowling attack all over the park to register a world-record score of 434-4 in 50 overs with Ricky Ponting hammering 164 runs. The likes of Michael Hussey (81 off 51), Simon Katich (79 off 90), Adam Gilchrist (55 off 44) and Andrew Symonds (27* off 13) made a mockery out of the South African bowling attack to post a mountainous total on the board.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shoaib-akhtar-faces-defamation-criminal-proceedings-from-pcbs-legal-advisor-tafazzul-rizvi-296060" hreflang="en">Shoaib Akhtar faces defamation, criminal proceedings from PCB's legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi</a>

South Africa, while chasing 435, lost opener Boeta Dippenaar (1) for cheap and when it looked like things were grim for the hosts, Gibbs and Graeme Smith took the charge in the middle and whacked a quality bowling attack of Australia. While Gibbs went on to score 175, Smith smashed a 55-ball 90 followed by Mark Boucher’s 50 not out off 43. It was Boucher who scored a boundary off Lee in the second-last delivery of the final over to register the memorable win. But it was Gibbs, who did the heavy lifting.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs has decided to donate the iconic bat from the historic match between South Africa and Australia which was played at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg in the year 2006.

Former South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs has decided to donate the iconic bat from the historic match between South Africa and Australia which was played at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg in the year 2006. The match is regarded as one of the best of all-times due to the number of runs scored by both the sides (434 by Australia, 438 by South Africa). Gibbs, who was adjudged Man of the Match for his blistering 175 off 111 laced with 21 boundaries and seven sixes, has decided to auction his bat used in that match in a bid to raise funds for the battle against COVID-19 pandemic. “Supersport showing the #438 game. The bat I used that day will be up for auction to raise funds for covid. Kept it all these years,” Gibbs tweeted on Friday. ALSO READ: Match fixing? Former PCB chairman alleges Wasim Akram offered Atta-ur-Rahman to underperform in a match Supersport showing the #438 game . The bat i used that day will be up for auction to raise funds for covid. Kept it all these years. pic.twitter.com/VyGyAzKVSn — Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) May 1, 2020 × The Johannesburg ODI between South Africa and Australia, also the last match of the five-match ODI series, was a perfect example of a humdinger. Batting first, Aussie batsmen smoked Proteas bowling attack all over the park to register a world-record score of 434-4 in 50 overs with Ricky Ponting hammering 164 runs. The likes of Michael Hussey (81 off 51), Simon Katich (79 off 90), Adam Gilchrist (55 off 44) and Andrew Symonds (27* off 13) made a mockery out of the South African bowling attack to post a mountainous total on the board. ALSO READ: Shoaib Akhtar faces defamation, criminal proceedings from PCB's legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi South Africa, while chasing 435, lost opener Boeta Dippenaar (1) for cheap and when it looked like things were grim for the hosts, Gibbs and Graeme Smith took the charge in the middle and whacked a quality bowling attack of Australia. While Gibbs went on to score 175, Smith smashed a 55-ball 90 followed by Mark Boucher’s 50 not out off 43. It was Boucher who scored a boundary off Lee in the second-last delivery of the final over to register the memorable win. But it was Gibbs, who did the heavy lifting.

Herschelle Gibbs to auction his bat from historic South Africa vs Australia, Johannesburg ODI to raise funds for COVID-19 relief

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Khalid Mahmood has alleged that former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram offered former medium-pacer Atta-ur-Rehman money to underperform during a match. Mahmood has revealed that it was Rahman who confessed to him that Akram had offered him money to play below par during a match while adding that due to pressure from one of the players, Rahman changed his statement.&nbsp;

Talking to Geo News on Thursday, Mahmood further revealed that Rehman had also submitted an affidavit relating to this matter in the court but was afraid that he would get into trouble if he made a statement in the court.&nbsp;

The former chairman further stated that Atta later suddenly retracted from his statement in court. “I believe one of the players pressurised him to change his statement,” said Khalid.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shoaib-akhtar-faces-defamation-and-criminal-proceedings-from-tafazzul-rizvi-as-pcbs-legal-advisor-demands-unconditional-apology-pkr-100-million-and-retraction-of-statement-296060" hreflang="en">Shoaib Akhtar faces defamation and criminal proceedings from Tafazzul Rizvi as PCB's legal advisor demands unconditional apology, PKR 100 million and retraction of statement</a>

“Atta-ur-Rehman was afraid that he would get into trouble if he made a statement in court,” said Khalid Mahmood.

The former PCB chairman said that Rahman’s statement on match-fixing against Akram was absolutely true but he denied his own statement in fear.

“His statement on fixing against Wasim was true but he denied it.”

Mahmood went on to claim that three matches from the 1999 World Cup were suspicious as he claimed there was something fishy in Pakistan’s defeats against Bangladesh, India and Australia in the summit clash.&nbsp;

Khalid also revealed that three matches of the 1999 World Cup were dubious. “Three matches of Pakistan’s 1999 World Cup were doubtful,” said Khalid while adding, “there was something fishy in Pakistan defeats against Bangladesh, India and Australia in the final.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ross-taylor-wins-kiwi-crickets-top-gong-eyes-world-cup-exit-in-india-296046" hreflang="en">Ross Taylor wins Kiwi cricket's top gong, eyes World Cup exit in India</a>

Mahmood stated that Pakistan could have never gone down against Bangladesh but it happened. He further claimed that Pakistan’s defeat to India in the ’99 edition of the World Cup was not ‘fair’ as he alleged that the Green Army didn’t play a ‘fair game’ in the showpiece event.

Khalid stated that Pakistan could have never lost to Bangladesh but it went down. “Pakistan could never lose to Bangladesh but lost,” he observed.

“Pakistan’s 1999 World Cup match against Indian was also not ‘fair’,” he believed. Pakistan also did not play a “fair game” in the World Cup final against Australia, Khalid concluded. 
&nbsp;

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Khalid Mahmood has alleged that former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram offered former medium-pacer Atta-ur-Rehman money to underperform during a match.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Khalid Mahmood has alleged that former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram offered former medium-pacer Atta-ur-Rehman money to underperform during a match. Mahmood has revealed that it was Rahman who confessed to him that Akram had offered him money to play below par during a match while adding that due to pressure from one of the players, Rahman changed his statement. Talking to Geo News on Thursday, Mahmood further revealed that Rehman had also submitted an affidavit relating to this matter in the court but was afraid that he would get into trouble if he made a statement in the court. The former chairman further stated that Atta later suddenly retracted from his statement in court. “I believe one of the players pressurised him to change his statement,” said Khalid. ALSO READ: Shoaib Akhtar faces defamation and criminal proceedings from Tafazzul Rizvi as PCB's legal advisor demands unconditional apology, PKR 100 million and retraction of statement “Atta-ur-Rehman was afraid that he would get into trouble if he made a statement in court,” said Khalid Mahmood. The former PCB chairman said that Rahman’s statement on match-fixing against Akram was absolutely true but he denied his own statement in fear. “His statement on fixing against Wasim was true but he denied it.” Mahmood went on to claim that three matches from the 1999 World Cup were suspicious as he claimed there was something fishy in Pakistan’s defeats against Bangladesh, India and Australia in the summit clash. Khalid also revealed that three matches of the 1999 World Cup were dubious. “Three matches of Pakistan’s 1999 World Cup were doubtful,” said Khalid while adding, “there was something fishy in Pakistan defeats against Bangladesh, India and Australia in the final.” ALSO READ: Ross Taylor wins Kiwi cricket's top gong, eyes World Cup exit in India Mahmood stated that Pakistan could have never gone down against Bangladesh but it happened. He further claimed that Pakistan’s defeat to India in the ’99 edition of the World Cup was not ‘fair’ as he alleged that the Green Army didn’t play a ‘fair game’ in the showpiece event. Khalid stated that Pakistan could have never lost to Bangladesh but it went down. “Pakistan could never lose to Bangladesh but lost,” he observed. “Pakistan’s 1999 World Cup match against Indian was also not ‘fair’,” he believed. Pakistan also did not play a “fair game” in the World Cup final against Australia, Khalid concluded.

Match fixing? Former PCB chairman alleges Wasim Akram offered Atta-ur-Rahman to underperform in a match

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has landed himself in trouble again after Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi slapped a criminal and defamation suit against the Rawalpindi Express for his alleged comments against him on a YouTube video.

Rizvi, who is a long-serving legal advisor of PCB, confirmed that he has initiated defamation and a criminal suit against Akhtar while lodging a formal complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency under its cyber-crime laws.&nbsp;

In the legal notice sent to Akhtar, Rizvi highlighted legal charges and punishments awarded to the former fast-bowler throughout his career. He also demanded that he retracts his statements, tenders an unconditional apology, pays PKR 100 million in damages and refrains from repeating and making defamatory remarks against the lawyer in the future.

Akhtar had posted a video following the three-year ban imposed on Umar Akmal for not reporting corrupt approaches but ended up irking the Pakistan Bar Council, which cautioned him to be careful in what he says. The Pakistan Bar Council, in a statement, stated that it was disappointed by the comments made by Akthar towards Rizvi.&nbsp;

"Shoaib Akhtar should be very careful in his discussions on matters pertaining to the legal community," the statement said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ross-taylor-wins-kiwi-crickets-top-gong-eyes-world-cup-exit-in-india-296046" hreflang="en">Ross Taylor wins Kiwi cricket's top gong, eyes World Cup exit in India</a>

The PCB, whereas, in a statement said it was disappointed by Akhtar’s selection of words while publicly commenting about the PCB’s legal department and advisor.&nbsp;

"The language used by Akhtar was highly inappropriate and disrespectful, and cannot be condoned in any civilised society. The PCB's legal advisor, Mr Taffazul Rizvi, in his own discretion, has initiated defamation and criminal proceedings against Shoaib Akhtar, while the PCB too reserves its rights."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-lose-top-spot-in-icc-test-rankings-for-first-time-since-october-2016-australia-the-new-world-no-1-in-tests-and-t20is-296033" hreflang="en">India lose top spot in ICC Test rankings for first time since October 2016; Australia the new world No. 1 in Tests and T20Is</a>

Akthar, in his video, had defended Umar while slamming the three-year-ban imposed by the Disciplinary Panel of the PCB. However, Akhtar had mocked Rizvi and questioned his legal experience while commenting that he always complicate matters between players and board.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan skipper Younis Khan, defended Akhtar for his comments on Rizvi as he said he stands with Akhtar.&nbsp;

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What a befitting and bitter truth spoken by <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shoaib100mph</a>! It takes a backbone to be simply uncompromisingly forthright. Time for <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRealPCB</a> to honestly evaluate his remarks for the betterment of Pakistan Cricket and its players. I stand by with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShoaibAkhtar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShoaibAkhtar</a>. <a href="https://t.co/VuVYIYpcgi">pic.twitter.com/VuVYIYpcgi</a>
— Younus Khan (@YounusK75) <a href="https://twitter.com/YounusK75/status/1255568463411757056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/YounusK75?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YounusK75</a> for further substantiating my claim. <a href="https://t.co/IH4JsVbDuW">https://t.co/IH4JsVbDuW</a>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1255965031121985538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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What a befitting and bitter truth spoken by @shoaib100mph! It takes a backbone to be simply uncompromisingly forthright. Time for @TheRealPC to honestly evaluate his remarks for the betterment of Pakistan Cricket and its players. I stand by with #ShoaibAkhtar. 
&nbsp;

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has landed himself in trouble again after Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi slapped a criminal and defamation suit against the Rawalpindi Express for his alleged comments against him on a YouTube video.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has landed himself in trouble again after Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi slapped a criminal and defamation suit against the Rawalpindi Express for his alleged comments against him on a YouTube video. Rizvi, who is a long-serving legal advisor of PCB, confirmed that he has initiated defamation and a criminal suit against Akhtar while lodging a formal complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency under its cyber-crime laws. In the legal notice sent to Akhtar, Rizvi highlighted legal charges and punishments awarded to the former fast-bowler throughout his career. He also demanded that he retracts his statements, tenders an unconditional apology, pays PKR 100 million in damages and refrains from repeating and making defamatory remarks against the lawyer in the future. Akhtar had posted a video following the three-year ban imposed on Umar Akmal for not reporting corrupt approaches but ended up irking the Pakistan Bar Council, which cautioned him to be careful in what he says. The Pakistan Bar Council, in a statement, stated that it was disappointed by the comments made by Akthar towards Rizvi. "Shoaib Akhtar should be very careful in his discussions on matters pertaining to the legal community," the statement said. ALSO READ: Ross Taylor wins Kiwi cricket's top gong, eyes World Cup exit in India The PCB, whereas, in a statement said it was disappointed by Akhtar’s selection of words while publicly commenting about the PCB’s legal department and advisor. "The language used by Akhtar was highly inappropriate and disrespectful, and cannot be condoned in any civilised society. The PCB's legal advisor, Mr Taffazul Rizvi, in his own discretion, has initiated defamation and criminal proceedings against Shoaib Akhtar, while the PCB too reserves its rights." ALSO READ: India lose top spot in ICC Test rankings for first time since October 2016; Australia the new world No. 1 in Tests and T20Is Akthar, in his video, had defended Umar while slamming the three-year-ban imposed by the Disciplinary Panel of the PCB. However, Akhtar had mocked Rizvi and questioned his legal experience while commenting that he always complicate matters between players and board. Former Pakistan skipper Younis Khan, defended Akhtar for his comments on Rizvi as he said he stands with Akhtar. What a befitting and bitter truth spoken by @shoaib100mph! It takes a backbone to be simply uncompromisingly forthright. Time for @TheRealPCB to honestly evaluate his remarks for the betterment of Pakistan Cricket and its players. I stand by with #ShoaibAkhtar. pic.twitter.com/VuVYIYpcgi — Younus Khan (@YounusK75) April 29, 2020 × Thank you @YounusK75 for further substantiating my claim. https://t.co/IH4JsVbDuW — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) April 30, 2020 × What a befitting and bitter truth spoken by @shoaib100mph! It takes a backbone to be simply uncompromisingly forthright. Time for @TheRealPC to honestly evaluate his remarks for the betterment of Pakistan Cricket and its players. I stand by with #ShoaibAkhtar.

Shoaib Akhtar faces defamation, criminal proceedings from PCB's legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi

Veteran batsman Ross Taylor won New Zealand Cricket's top award for the third time Friday and vowed to bat on until the 2023 World Cup in India.

The 36-year-old was awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal in a virtual ceremony held online because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Taylor was a key part of the Black Caps' run to a second consecutive World Cup final last July, where they lost to England on the back of an obscure boundary countback rule.

In the past 12 months, he also became New Zealand's most prolific Test run-scorer and entered the record books as the first cricketer to play 100 internationals in all three formats.

"It's been an amazing year, it's been full of ups and downs," he said.

After back-to-back defeats in World Cup deciders, Taylor is hoping it's third time lucky as he targets the 2023 tournament to be held in India.

"The biggest thing, I think, is the hunger and the mental motivation to keep getting better, if that's still there then age is just a number," he told reporters.

Taylor said he would remain with the Black Caps as long as he felt he deserved his spot and was contributing to the team.

"I'll see if I can get to (age) 38 or 39, which will be the next World Cup, and we'll see from there," he said.

Taylor made his international debut in 2006 and has since played 101 Tests, 232 one-dayers and 100 T20s.

Veteran batsman Ross Taylor won New Zealand Cricket's top award for the third time Friday and vowed to bat on until the 2023 World Cup in India. The 36-year-old was awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal in a virtual ceremony held online because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Veteran batsman Ross Taylor won New Zealand Cricket's top award for the third time Friday and vowed to bat on until the 2023 World Cup in India. The 36-year-old was awarded the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal in a virtual ceremony held online because of COVID-19 restrictions. Taylor was a key part of the Black Caps' run to a second consecutive World Cup final last July, where they lost to England on the back of an obscure boundary countback rule. In the past 12 months, he also became New Zealand's most prolific Test run-scorer and entered the record books as the first cricketer to play 100 internationals in all three formats. "It's been an amazing year, it's been full of ups and downs," he said. After back-to-back defeats in World Cup deciders, Taylor is hoping it's third time lucky as he targets the 2023 tournament to be held in India. "The biggest thing, I think, is the hunger and the mental motivation to keep getting better, if that's still there then age is just a number," he told reporters. Taylor said he would remain with the Black Caps as long as he felt he deserved his spot and was contributing to the team. "I'll see if I can get to (age) 38 or 39, which will be the next World Cup, and we'll see from there," he said. Taylor made his international debut in 2006 and has since played 101 Tests, 232 one-dayers and 100 T20s.

Ross Taylor wins Kiwi cricket's top gong, eyes World Cup exit in India

Cricket fans were left surprised to see media reports stating that retired South African batsman AB de Villiers has been offered to lead the Proteas once again in the international circuit. However, the swashbuckling right-handed batsman came out quickly on social media platform Twitter to falsify the claims that he has been offered the captaincy role of the South African national team. South Africa’s Director of Cricket and former skipper, Graeme Smith was also quick to quash the reports as he termed it ‘fake news’&nbsp;

“Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone,” De Villiers tweeted on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1255480361766846464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“Sorry this is absolute #FakeNews,” Smith followed.&nbsp;

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Sorry this is absolute <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FakeNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FakeNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/zaasJprRGf">https://t.co/zaasJprRGf</a>
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) <a href="https://twitter.com/GraemeSmith49/status/1255480554855772166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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There have been plenty of talks surrounding AB de Villiers’ return to international cricket and both Mr. 360 and the South African board including head coach Mark Boucher have been pretty open about the matter. However, ABD has always stated that he wants to prove his form and fitness before donning the national colours. But what is the truth behind the whole story of AB de Villiers being offered to lead the South African side again? A news agency had misquoted de Villiers from his interview in Star Sports’ show ‘Cricket Connected’ and from there the entire story escalated.&nbsp;

So what is the true story? De Villiers was brutally honest in the show as he explained why he wants to prove his fitness and form before coming out of international retirement and play for South Africa again. The stylish batsman further stated that with COVID-19 pandemic postponing or cancelling every series and tournament, it is hard to say when cricket will resume and at what state he will be, at that point of time, in regards to his fitness and overall game. De Villiers further revealed that he has had a conversation with Boucher regarding a possible return during Mzansi Super League while adding he wants to be 100 per cent sure about everything before committing to play for the Proteas.&nbsp;

<h2>Here’s the full transcript of AB de Villiers’ interview in Star Sports’ Cricket Connected:</h2>

Q: When can you see yourself playing for South Africa again?

AB de Villiers: It is a tough question and I don’t have an honest answer yet. What I can share with you guys is that the desire is there from my side. The desire to get me involved with the Proteas have been shown by Cricket South Africa as well. With Mark Boucher as Coach and Graeme Smith as Director, they are keen to get me involved which is very pleasing to hear. I hope everything works out and there a few things that need to fall in place. The most important thing to me is I have to be in the tip-top form and I have to be better than the player next to me. If I deserve a spot in the side it becomes easy for me to feel like I deserve to be in the side and I have earned my spot. I have not been in the Proteas side for a while and I think that is important for myself and for other people as well to see if I am still good enough to play them. Secondly, my fitness and health. Who knows where will I be in 6-12 months’ time with this virus and my desire to play in 12 months’ time I don’t know what is going to happen with the schedule. It is very difficult to lock yourself in 12 months down the line, that I wouldn’t want to do because I know I might sick myself and some other people who rely on me to play. We will see what happens for now. I feel like my desire to play again. I am hungry now to perform I always wanted to play for SA and it has been privilege and honour to wear your country’s badge on your heart hopefully that happens again and I will do everything I can to give myself that opportunity again. 
&nbsp; 
Yes, I had some discussions with Mark Boucher during the Mzansi Super League in SA. We had a lot of fun with the Tshwane Spartans the team that I played for. With Boucher as a coach, I really enjoyed my time there. Boucher is a born leader he is a natural leader. When he speaks you listen because he says the right things at the right time but secondly he backs with 147 test matches for SA a lot of ODIs and a lot of experience playing international cricket. When I listen to him I do feel like there is always something to learn so I really enjoy him as a coach and we started talking about my enjoyment for the game which he could see on my face when I was playing for his team, he asked me where does this come from and why do you have so much energy and why do love the game so much doesn’t it mean you have a story to tell at the international level. I told him I have never closed that book I always wanted to play I had some obstacles to cover in the last 3-4 years from a personal point of view. I always loved playing cricket and always loved hitting the cricket ball there were a lot of other factors involved me not contributing the game as much as I should have. Playing for his team there were no admin issues like that at all from the outside point of view all I could do is focus on my cricket I really enjoyed my time with Tshwane Spartans especially with the young players sharing my experiences with them, I truly felt I had a purpose and a big role to play in the team. So hopefully I can have that role again moving forward and who knows it will be for proteas under Boucher as a coach. As I said before if everything falls in place I will get that opportunity again. 
&nbsp; 
Yes, that is my worry the schedule for the next 12 months is unclear the virus is hitting and what is going to happen with the cricket schedule around the world. That is one of my big worries and reasons why I am not committing to any cricket at the moment. I have always been a person who tries to be in now as much as possible, for now, it is important for me to think there might be a possibility that I could play for SA again for me it is important to be as fit as possible send time on the treadmill be at the gym making sure that I am fitter stronger and healthier to the person next to me whoever is going to be my competition. Once I get an opportunity to go outside my house is to start hitting the cricket ball and to get into that form that I was in 2015 and let's say in the latter half of my career when I was playing cricket I really want to get into that form of playing cricket I quickly as I can. I want to focus but there is a lot of uncertainty in terms of scheduling of cricket over the next 12 months we will have to see what is going to happen. 
&nbsp; 
Yes, things might change if the tournament might get postponed to 2021, I don’t know honestly it is something I don’t want to commit to at the moment, because of the past experiences really getting hurt in the past by committing to certain things I wasn’t 100% sure of. Not communicating to the right people at the right time. I really want to get right this time once I feel I am 100% ready to commit to avail myself to SA for T20 WC whenever that happens with good communication to Mark Boucher, Graeme Smith and whoever to communicate with then I will get to a point where ok let’s put it out there I am 100% available without getting picked or not but I am prepared to put myself out there and give it a full go.

<img alt="AB de Villiers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0454b11e-8e2c-448c-88de-1dada78cd9be" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_M146T.jpg" /> 
&nbsp; 
Q: Have I learnt any new skills in the lockdown period? 
&nbsp; 
ABD: To be honest not really, but life has changed a lot. To stay in the vicinity of my house we have got a small garden, it’s been frustrating with me being an outdoors person I love outdoors I love my space and freedom. We have discovered that with good strong routine and you really feel like you have got some kind of purpose. I have got a new workout, I have got a small gym in my home where I run a lot on my treadmill and I have the basics when it comes to dumbbells and I have mats to do my floor exercise as well. So I have kept myself busy with that I have got 2 toddlers 3 and 5 yrs old and they have kept me busy. We do a little bit of school that we do online and my wife and I, we work throughout the day with our toddlers and with cooking making some nice food and at night when the kids are off to sleep we have an hour or two to ourselves we watch a bit of TV series that keeps us busy and entertaining. The most important for me and my wife this lockdown has been the health and a good routine. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Cricket fans were left surprised to see media reports stating that retired South African batsman AB de Villiers has been offered to lead the Proteas once again in the international circuit.

Cricket fans were left surprised to see media reports stating that retired South African batsman AB de Villiers has been offered to lead the Proteas once again in the international circuit. However, the swashbuckling right-handed batsman came out quickly on social media platform Twitter to falsify the claims that he has been offered the captaincy role of the South African national team. South Africa’s Director of Cricket and former skipper, Graeme Smith was also quick to quash the reports as he termed it ‘fake news’ “Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone,” De Villiers tweeted on Wednesday. Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone. — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) April 29, 2020 × “Sorry this is absolute #FakeNews,” Smith followed. Sorry this is absolute #FakeNews https://t.co/zaasJprRGf — Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) April 29, 2020 × There have been plenty of talks surrounding AB de Villiers’ return to international cricket and both Mr. 360 and the South African board including head coach Mark Boucher have been pretty open about the matter. However, ABD has always stated that he wants to prove his form and fitness before donning the national colours. But what is the truth behind the whole story of AB de Villiers being offered to lead the South African side again? A news agency had misquoted de Villiers from his interview in Star Sports’ show ‘Cricket Connected’ and from there the entire story escalated. So what is the true story? De Villiers was brutally honest in the show as he explained why he wants to prove his fitness and form before coming out of international retirement and play for South Africa again. The stylish batsman further stated that with COVID-19 pandemic postponing or cancelling every series and tournament, it is hard to say when cricket will resume and at what state he will be, at that point of time, in regards to his fitness and overall game. De Villiers further revealed that he has had a conversation with Boucher regarding a possible return during Mzansi Super League while adding he wants to be 100 per cent sure about everything before committing to play for the Proteas. Here’s the full transcript of AB de Villiers’ interview in Star Sports’ Cricket Connected: Q: When can you see yourself playing for South Africa again? AB de Villiers: It is a tough question and I don’t have an honest answer yet. What I can share with you guys is that the desire is there from my side. The desire to get me involved with the Proteas have been shown by Cricket South Africa as well. With Mark Boucher as Coach and Graeme Smith as Director, they are keen to get me involved which is very pleasing to hear. I hope everything works out and there a few things that need to fall in place. The most important thing to me is I have to be in the tip-top form and I have to be better than the player next to me. If I deserve a spot in the side it becomes easy for me to feel like I deserve to be in the side and I have earned my spot. I have not been in the Proteas side for a while and I think that is important for myself and for other people as well to see if I am still good enough to play them. Secondly, my fitness and health. Who knows where will I be in 6-12 months’ time with this virus and my desire to play in 12 months’ time I don’t know what is going to happen with the schedule. It is very difficult to lock yourself in 12 months down the line, that I wouldn’t want to do because I know I might sick myself and some other people who rely on me to play. We will see what happens for now. I feel like my desire to play again. I am hungry now to perform I always wanted to play for SA and it has been privilege and honour to wear your country’s badge on your heart hopefully that happens again and I will do everything I can to give myself that opportunity again. Yes, I had some discussions with Mark Boucher during the Mzansi Super League in SA. We had a lot of fun with the Tshwane Spartans the team that I played for. With Boucher as a coach, I really enjoyed my time there. Boucher is a born leader he is a natural leader. When he speaks you listen because he says the right things at the right time but secondly he backs with 147 test matches for SA a lot of ODIs and a lot of experience playing international cricket. When I listen to him I do feel like there is always something to learn so I really enjoy him as a coach and we started talking about my enjoyment for the game which he could see on my face when I was playing for his team, he asked me where does this come from and why do you have so much energy and why do love the game so much doesn’t it mean you have a story to tell at the international level. I told him I have never closed that book I always wanted to play I had some obstacles to cover in the last 3-4 years from a personal point of view. I always loved playing cricket and always loved hitting the cricket ball there were a lot of other factors involved me not contributing the game as much as I should have. Playing for his team there were no admin issues like that at all from the outside point of view all I could do is focus on my cricket I really enjoyed my time with Tshwane Spartans especially with the young players sharing my experiences with them, I truly felt I had a purpose and a big role to play in the team. So hopefully I can have that role again moving forward and who knows it will be for proteas under Boucher as a coach. As I said before if everything falls in place I will get that opportunity again. Yes, that is my worry the schedule for the next 12 months is unclear the virus is hitting and what is going to happen with the cricket schedule around the world. That is one of my big worries and reasons why I am not committing to any cricket at the moment. I have always been a person who tries to be in now as much as possible, for now, it is important for me to think there might be a possibility that I could play for SA again for me it is important to be as fit as possible send time on the treadmill be at the gym making sure that I am fitter stronger and healthier to the person next to me whoever is going to be my competition. Once I get an opportunity to go outside my house is to start hitting the cricket ball and to get into that form that I was in 2015 and let's say in the latter half of my career when I was playing cricket I really want to get into that form of playing cricket I quickly as I can. I want to focus but there is a lot of uncertainty in terms of scheduling of cricket over the next 12 months we will have to see what is going to happen. Yes, things might change if the tournament might get postponed to 2021, I don’t know honestly it is something I don’t want to commit to at the moment, because of the past experiences really getting hurt in the past by committing to certain things I wasn’t 100% sure of. Not communicating to the right people at the right time. I really want to get right this time once I feel I am 100% ready to commit to avail myself to SA for T20 WC whenever that happens with good communication to Mark Boucher, Graeme Smith and whoever to communicate with then I will get to a point where ok let’s put it out there I am 100% available without getting picked or not but I am prepared to put myself out there and give it a full go. Q: Have I learnt any new skills in the lockdown period? ABD: To be honest not really, but life has changed a lot. To stay in the vicinity of my house we have got a small garden, it’s been frustrating with me being an outdoors person I love outdoors I love my space and freedom. We have discovered that with good strong routine and you really feel like you have got some kind of purpose. I have got a new workout, I have got a small gym in my home where I run a lot on my treadmill and I have the basics when it comes to dumbbells and I have mats to do my floor exercise as well. So I have kept myself busy with that I have got 2 toddlers 3 and 5 yrs old and they have kept me busy. We do a little bit of school that we do online and my wife and I, we work throughout the day with our toddlers and with cooking making some nice food and at night when the kids are off to sleep we have an hour or two to ourselves we watch a bit of TV series that keeps us busy and entertaining. The most important for me and my wife this lockdown has been the health and a good routine.

No, AB de Villiers hasn't been offered South Africa captaincy; Here's what Mr. 360 had said about his possible return to international cricket

English cricket's controversial new Hundred competition has been delayed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, cricket chiefs announced on Thursday.

The new 100-balls-per-side format, to be played by eight franchises rather than the established 18 first-class counties, had been due to start in July.

But with the English season delayed until at least July 1, with any matches after that likely to be played behind closed doors, the England and Wales Cricket Board has decided to hold the Hundred over until next year.

"The situation we find ourselves in as a country means that delivery of the Hundred will not be possible this summer," ECB chief executive Tom Harrison in a statement.

"Whilst we are naturally disappointed that we won't get to realise our ambitions this year, the Hundred will go ahead in 2021 when we are safely able to deliver everything we intended to help grow the game."

The ECB's statement stressed that an event with no fans "directly contradicts the competition's goal to attract a broader audience."

Global travel restrictions also mean it is not possible for star players from other countries to take part.

<h2>- New fans -</h2>

The ECB have long insisted the Hundred, which they hoped to launch off the back of England's success in winning last year's World Cup on home soil, would attract a new audience vital to safeguarding cricket's future.

But many voices within English cricket have been opposed to the competition from the outset, arguing there is no space for a new format in an already congested calendar.

They say many of the ECB's aims could be achieved with better support for the existing Twenty20 Blast.

Even before the pandemic, the ECB had itself forecast the Hundred would make a loss in its first five seasons.

Costs in the first year, including the £1.3 million ($1.6 million) paid to each county, were estimated at £58 million, against an income of £51 million.

But Harrison, one of the prime movers behind the Hundred, said Thursday: "As we emerge from the fallout of COVID-19, there will be an even greater need for the Hundred.&nbsp;

"Our survival as a game, long-term, will be dependent on our ability to recover financially and continue our ambition to build on cricket's growing fan base.&nbsp;

"That need has not gone anyway, if anything, it is now more critical."

Harrison was equally adamant the tournament would be a financial success in the long run.&nbsp;

"The Hundred will create millions in revenues for the game, through hosting fees, hospitality and ticket sales, as well as delivering £25 million in annual financial distributions to all first-class counties and MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club)," he said.&nbsp;

"Its role in driving participation alongside supporting the development of the women's game will be material in generating take-up of our game across country-wide communities."

English cricket's controversial new Hundred competition has been delayed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, cricket chiefs announced on Thursday. The new 100-balls-per-side format, to be played by eight franchises rather than the established 18 first-class counties, had been due to start in July.

English cricket's controversial new Hundred competition has been delayed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, cricket chiefs announced on Thursday. The new 100-balls-per-side format, to be played by eight franchises rather than the established 18 first-class counties, had been due to start in July. But with the English season delayed until at least July 1, with any matches after that likely to be played behind closed doors, the England and Wales Cricket Board has decided to hold the Hundred over until next year. "The situation we find ourselves in as a country means that delivery of the Hundred will not be possible this summer," ECB chief executive Tom Harrison in a statement. "Whilst we are naturally disappointed that we won't get to realise our ambitions this year, the Hundred will go ahead in 2021 when we are safely able to deliver everything we intended to help grow the game." The ECB's statement stressed that an event with no fans "directly contradicts the competition's goal to attract a broader audience." Global travel restrictions also mean it is not possible for star players from other countries to take part. - New fans - The ECB have long insisted the Hundred, which they hoped to launch off the back of England's success in winning last year's World Cup on home soil, would attract a new audience vital to safeguarding cricket's future. But many voices within English cricket have been opposed to the competition from the outset, arguing there is no space for a new format in an already congested calendar. They say many of the ECB's aims could be achieved with better support for the existing Twenty20 Blast. Even before the pandemic, the ECB had itself forecast the Hundred would make a loss in its first five seasons. Costs in the first year, including the £1.3 million ($1.6 million) paid to each county, were estimated at £58 million, against an income of £51 million. But Harrison, one of the prime movers behind the Hundred, said Thursday: "As we emerge from the fallout of COVID-19, there will be an even greater need for the Hundred. "Our survival as a game, long-term, will be dependent on our ability to recover financially and continue our ambition to build on cricket's growing fan base. "That need has not gone anyway, if anything, it is now more critical." Harrison was equally adamant the tournament would be a financial success in the long run. "The Hundred will create millions in revenues for the game, through hosting fees, hospitality and ticket sales, as well as delivering £25 million in annual financial distributions to all first-class counties and MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club)," he said. "Its role in driving participation alongside supporting the development of the women's game will be material in generating take-up of our game across country-wide communities."

Virus forces delay of English cricket's Hundred until 2021

Rohit Sharma’s rise in the world of cricket has been narrated by his willow. The swashbuckling Mumbai batsman broke into the team as a middle-order batsman in 2008 after impressing in the domestic circuit. He made his mark while playing in the middle-order for India but missed the bus for the 2011 World Cup, which India won, due to inconsistent run with the bat.&nbsp;

But since, then it has been a roller-coaster ride for the ‘Hitman’, who has cemented his place as one of the greatest openers in the limited-overs circuit. He is also regarded as a fine captain after leading Mumbai Indians to a record four IPL titles while captaining India in numerous matches.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mitchell-marsh-awarded-australia-contract-marcus-stoinis-usman-khawaja-among-6-axed-295789" hreflang="en">Mitchell Marsh awarded Australia contract, Marcus Stoinis, Usman Khawaja among 6 axed</a>

As Rohit is celebrating his 33rd birthday on Thursday, we take a look at a unique feat held by the Hitman in T20 cricket. Rohit is the only Indian player to have scored a century and taken a hat-trick in the history of Indian Premier League. &nbsp;

In the inaugural edition of IPL, Rohit was bought by Deccan Chargers for $7,50,000. Rohit went on to score 404 runs at a strike-rate of 147.98 but failed to continue his performance in the next edition of the cash-rich tournament. However, the elegant batsman did pick-up a hat-trick against Mumbai Indians, a team with whom he would go onto create&nbsp;history.

Rohit dismissed Abishek Nayar, Harbhajan Singh and JP Duminy against Mumbai Indians and ended with figures of 2-0-6-4. Deccan Chargers further went on to win the IPL title that season whereas Rohit was named Emerging Player of the Year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-is-no-comparison-shoaib-akthar-says-imran-nazir-was-more-talented-than-virender-sehwag-295489" hreflang="en">'There is no comparison' - Shoaib Akthar says Imran Nazir was more talented than Virender Sehwag</a>

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Rohit, has since never looked back and went on to create a legacy of his own.&nbsp;

Rohit Sharma’s rise in the world of cricket has been narrated by his willow. The swashbuckling Mumbai batsman broke into the team as a middle-order batsman in 2008 after impressing in the domestic circuit.

Rohit Sharma’s rise in the world of cricket has been narrated by his willow. The swashbuckling Mumbai batsman broke into the team as a middle-order batsman in 2008 after impressing in the domestic circuit. He made his mark while playing in the middle-order for India but missed the bus for the 2011 World Cup, which India won, due to inconsistent run with the bat. But since, then it has been a roller-coaster ride for the ‘Hitman’, who has cemented his place as one of the greatest openers in the limited-overs circuit. He is also regarded as a fine captain after leading Mumbai Indians to a record four IPL titles while captaining India in numerous matches. ALSO READ: Mitchell Marsh awarded Australia contract, Marcus Stoinis, Usman Khawaja among 6 axed As Rohit is celebrating his 33rd birthday on Thursday, we take a look at a unique feat held by the Hitman in T20 cricket. Rohit is the only Indian player to have scored a century and taken a hat-trick in the history of Indian Premier League. In the inaugural edition of IPL, Rohit was bought by Deccan Chargers for $7,50,000. Rohit went on to score 404 runs at a strike-rate of 147.98 but failed to continue his performance in the next edition of the cash-rich tournament. However, the elegant batsman did pick-up a hat-trick against Mumbai Indians, a team with whom he would go onto create history. Rohit dismissed Abishek Nayar, Harbhajan Singh and JP Duminy against Mumbai Indians and ended with figures of 2-0-6-4. Deccan Chargers further went on to win the IPL title that season whereas Rohit was named Emerging Player of the Year. ALSO READ: 'There is no comparison' - Shoaib Akthar says Imran Nazir was more talented than Virender Sehwag × Rohit, has since never looked back and went on to create a legacy of his own.

Happy Birthday Rohit Sharma: When 'Hitman' scalped a hat-trick against Mumbai Indians in IPL

There were some shocking exclusions from Cricket Australia’s list of 20 nationally contracted players on Thursday as the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, among others were missing from the core group of Australian players. While all-rounder Mitchell Marsh found his way back to the centrally contracted players’ list, his elder brother Shaun was axed from the list.&nbsp;

The Australian national selectors picked a group of players loaded with limited-overs talent in a bid to reflect on Australia’s forthcoming schedule including the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November.

"With many of the squad crossing into all three formats it gives us the benefit of being able to add in specialists depending on the opposition and the conditions," chief selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ab-de-villiers-graeme-smith-dismiss-reports-stating-mr-360-was-offered-proteas-captaincy-295572" hreflang="en">AB de Villiers, Graeme Smith dismiss reports stating Mr. 360 was offered Proteas captaincy</a>

"The depth of this squad and the success of the past 12 months gives us that solid base."

The likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile and Marcus Harris were also missing from Australia’s centrally contracted players’ list.

"As is always the case there are unlucky omissions but, however, because you are not on the list does not mean you cannot be selected to represent Australia," Hohns said.

While Mitch Marsh found his name on the list after his omission from it last year as Hohns said "he has a lot of international cricket ahead of him as a batting all-rounder".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-warner-says-england-tour-highly-unlikely-295475" hreflang="en">Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely'</a>

Australia’s young maestro Marnus Labuschagne was among the new faces along with Joe Burns, Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson and Matthew Wade with Hohns heaping praise on all of the latest inductees.

"Marnus's rise has been meteoric and well documented," Hohns said.

"Joe has been a good Test match player, Ashton Agar's form in T20 internationals has been exceptional, while Kane Richardson has been outstanding in the T20 and one-day games."

Australia contracted players: Ashton Agar, Joe Burns, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa. 
&nbsp;

There were some shocking exclusions from Cricket Australia’s list of 20 nationally contracted players on Thursday as the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, among others were missing from the core group of Australian players.

There were some shocking exclusions from Cricket Australia’s list of 20 nationally contracted players on Thursday as the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, among others were missing from the core group of Australian players. While all-rounder Mitchell Marsh found his way back to the centrally contracted players’ list, his elder brother Shaun was axed from the list. The Australian national selectors picked a group of players loaded with limited-overs talent in a bid to reflect on Australia’s forthcoming schedule including the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November. "With many of the squad crossing into all three formats it gives us the benefit of being able to add in specialists depending on the opposition and the conditions," chief selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement. ALSO READ: AB de Villiers, Graeme Smith dismiss reports stating Mr. 360 was offered Proteas captaincy "The depth of this squad and the success of the past 12 months gives us that solid base." The likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile and Marcus Harris were also missing from Australia’s centrally contracted players’ list. "As is always the case there are unlucky omissions but, however, because you are not on the list does not mean you cannot be selected to represent Australia," Hohns said. While Mitch Marsh found his name on the list after his omission from it last year as Hohns said "he has a lot of international cricket ahead of him as a batting all-rounder". ALSO READ: Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely' Australia’s young maestro Marnus Labuschagne was among the new faces along with Joe Burns, Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson and Matthew Wade with Hohns heaping praise on all of the latest inductees. "Marnus's rise has been meteoric and well documented," Hohns said. "Joe has been a good Test match player, Ashton Agar's form in T20 internationals has been exceptional, while Kane Richardson has been outstanding in the T20 and one-day games." Australia contracted players: Ashton Agar, Joe Burns, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Mitchell Marsh awarded Australia contract, Marcus Stoinis, Usman Khawaja among 6 axed

Veteran batsman David Warner believes Australia's upcoming limited-overs tour of England will be scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Australians were scheduled to play three one-dayers and three Twenty20 matches against England in July, although changes to the English country cricket season now make that impossible.

There was speculation the tour could be delayed until September but Warner was doubtful it would go ahead.

"At the moment it's highly unlikely we're going to go over there given what's happened in England," Warner told cricket.com.au.

He said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's infection with COVID-19 showed the gravity of the problem in the host nation.

"He's back up on his feet now and that's fantastic news, but there's a lot more to this than just sport being played," Warner added.

Australia have already cancelled a two-Test tour of Bangladesh in June, and a limited-overs home series against Zimbabwe is also in doubt.

Australia are due to host the Twenty20 World Cup in October-November, for which the International Cricket Council has said it is "exploring all options".

Cricket Australia is particularly keen to go ahead with a Test series against India due to be played after the T20 tournament, warning this month it could lose hundreds of millions of dollars if it was scrapped.

Veteran batsman David Warner believes Australia's upcoming limited-overs tour of England will be scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Australians were scheduled to play three one-dayers and three Twenty20 matches against England in July, although changes to the English country cricket season now make that impossible.

Veteran batsman David Warner believes Australia's upcoming limited-overs tour of England will be scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Australians were scheduled to play three one-dayers and three Twenty20 matches against England in July, although changes to the English country cricket season now make that impossible. There was speculation the tour could be delayed until September but Warner was doubtful it would go ahead. "At the moment it's highly unlikely we're going to go over there given what's happened in England," Warner told cricket.com.au. He said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's infection with COVID-19 showed the gravity of the problem in the host nation. "He's back up on his feet now and that's fantastic news, but there's a lot more to this than just sport being played," Warner added. Australia have already cancelled a two-Test tour of Bangladesh in June, and a limited-overs home series against Zimbabwe is also in doubt. Australia are due to host the Twenty20 World Cup in October-November, for which the International Cricket Council has said it is "exploring all options". Cricket Australia is particularly keen to go ahead with a Test series against India due to be played after the T20 tournament, warning this month it could lose hundreds of millions of dollars if it was scrapped.

Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely'

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has asked retired-cricketer AB de Villiers ‘to lead the national side once again’ with Mr. 360 contemplating a return to international cricket for the Proteas, media reports stated on Wednesday.&nbsp;However, the former South African skipper&nbsp;has rubbished such reports. De Villiers, who is regarded as one of the finest batsmen to have played the game, called it a day from international cricket in May 2018 but there has been a lot of talks surrounding his return to the national team.

"Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone," he tweeted.

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Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1255480361766846464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Whereas, Graeme Smith wrote: "Sorry this is absolute <a data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FakeNews?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#FakeNews"</a>

De Villiers was rumoured to return to South African team before the ICC T20 World Cup but the COVID-19 pandemic has shattered all the plans. ABD is of the view that he wants to be better than other players waiting for a chance in the playing XI while adding that he wants to show that he is still good enough to be in the team rather than taking up a spot based on his reputation.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-warner-says-england-tour-highly-unlikely-295475" hreflang="en">Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely'</a>

“The desire is there from my side to play for South Africa and have been asked by Cricket South Africa to lead the Proteas again,” the 36-year-old De Villiers, who played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s,was quoted as saying in several reports.&nbsp;

“The most important thing to me is that I have got to be in top form and I have got to be better than the player next to me. If I feel I deserve my spot in the side, it becomes much easier for me to feel that I should be part of the playing XI,” he said.

“I have not been part of the Proteas for a while and I feel that it’s important for myself and for other people to see that I am still good enough to be there,” he added as per reports.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-is-no-comparison-shoaib-akthar-says-imran-nazir-was-more-talented-than-virender-sehwag-295489" hreflang="en">'There is no comparison' - Shoaib Akthar says Imran Nazir was more talented than Virender Sehwag</a>

South Africa coach Mark Boucher had earlier said that De Villiers would be considered for the national team only if he proves he is “best man for the job”.

“However, with the virus going around, I don’t know what’s going to happen with the schedule,” he signed off.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has asked retired-cricketer AB de Villiers ‘to lead the national side once again’ with Mr. 360 contemplating a return to international cricket for the Proteas, media reports stated on Wednesday.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has asked retired-cricketer AB de Villiers ‘to lead the national side once again’ with Mr. 360 contemplating a return to international cricket for the Proteas, media reports stated on Wednesday. However, the former South African skipper has rubbished such reports. De Villiers, who is regarded as one of the finest batsmen to have played the game, called it a day from international cricket in May 2018 but there has been a lot of talks surrounding his return to the national team. "Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone," he tweeted. Reports suggesting Cricket SA have asked me to lead the Proteas are just not true. It's hard to know what to believe these days. Crazy times. Stay safe everyone. — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) April 29, 2020 × Whereas, Graeme Smith wrote: "Sorry this is absolute #FakeNews" De Villiers was rumoured to return to South African team before the ICC T20 World Cup but the COVID-19 pandemic has shattered all the plans. ABD is of the view that he wants to be better than other players waiting for a chance in the playing XI while adding that he wants to show that he is still good enough to be in the team rather than taking up a spot based on his reputation. ALSO READ: Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely' “The desire is there from my side to play for South Africa and have been asked by Cricket South Africa to lead the Proteas again,” the 36-year-old De Villiers, who played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s,was quoted as saying in several reports. “The most important thing to me is that I have got to be in top form and I have got to be better than the player next to me. If I feel I deserve my spot in the side, it becomes much easier for me to feel that I should be part of the playing XI,” he said. “I have not been part of the Proteas for a while and I feel that it’s important for myself and for other people to see that I am still good enough to be there,” he added as per reports. ALSO READ: 'There is no comparison' - Shoaib Akthar says Imran Nazir was more talented than Virender Sehwag South Africa coach Mark Boucher had earlier said that De Villiers would be considered for the national team only if he proves he is “best man for the job”. “However, with the virus going around, I don’t know what’s going to happen with the schedule,” he signed off.

AB de Villiers, Graeme Smith dismiss reports stating Mr. 360 was offered Proteas captaincy

One of the finest and versatile actors, Irrfan Khan, on Wednesday breathed his last at the age of 53 in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital, where he was admitted on Tuesday and was being treated for a colon infection. The sudden loss of Irrfan leaves a huge void in the world of cinema as he was regarded as one of the finest gems not only in India but around the world. While many are aware of Irrfan Khan's splendid work in movies, not many know that he wanted to become a professional cricketer and it was due to lack of just Rs 600 that he failed to pursue a career out of it.&nbsp;.&nbsp;

Irrfan was selected for CK Nayudu Trophy – one of the coveted domestic tournaments in India – but as he didn’t have Rs 600 to pay his entry fee at that time, he decided not to pursue it further. Irrfan, in 2014, had admitted about his love for cricket while revealing his sister gave him Rs 300 to get admission in the National School of Drama.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-lost-one-of-those-rare-gems-from-tendulkar-to-sehwag-sports-fraternity-mourn-irrfan-khans-death-295509" hreflang="en">From Tendulkar to Sehwag, sports fraternity mourn Irrfan Khan's death</a>

“I played cricket. I wanted to become a cricketer. I was an all-rounder and the youngest one in my team in Jaipur. I wanted to make a career out of it. I was selected for the CK Nayudu tournament I think and then I needed money and didn’t know who to ask. That day I decided I cannot pursue it. I couldn’t have asked for Rs 600 at that time,” Irrfan had said in an interview to a leading daily in 2014.

“I needed Rs 300 for National School of Drama, which was difficult for me. My sister finally got it for me,” he revealed.

Irrfan had even compared the movie and cricket industries as the versatile actor stated that the entertainment industry provides a longer career than in cricket. Irrfan had further slammed the T20 version of cricket for spoiling the gentlemen’s game.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/top-hard-hitting-dialogues-of-the-versatile-actor-irrfan-khan-295484">Top hard-hitting dialogues of the versatile actor Irrfan Khan</a>

“Giving up cricket was a conscious decision. There are only 11 players in the whole country. Actors mein koi limit nahin hai! There is no age limit in acting… jitna mehnat karoge....You yourself are your own weapon,” he said.

“Cricket ka down hona bhi chahiye! It is a waste of time. Compared to the charm and the drama of a Test match…this T20… it is raping the game. All kinds of goof-ups are happening,” he had said back in 2014.

Irrfan had taken a break from acting in 2018 when he was first diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour. He returned to India in 2019 to work in 'Angrezi Medium' which released earlier this year. Irrfan is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar, and two sons Babil and Ayan.

One of the finest and versatile actors, Irrfan Khan, on Wednesday breathed his last at the age of 53 in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital, where he was admitted on Tuesday and was being treated for a colon infection.

One of the finest and versatile actors, Irrfan Khan, on Wednesday breathed his last at the age of 53 in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital, where he was admitted on Tuesday and was being treated for a colon infection. The sudden loss of Irrfan leaves a huge void in the world of cinema as he was regarded as one of the finest gems not only in India but around the world. While many are aware of Irrfan Khan's splendid work in movies, not many know that he wanted to become a professional cricketer and it was due to lack of just Rs 600 that he failed to pursue a career out of it. . Irrfan was selected for CK Nayudu Trophy – one of the coveted domestic tournaments in India – but as he didn’t have Rs 600 to pay his entry fee at that time, he decided not to pursue it further. Irrfan, in 2014, had admitted about his love for cricket while revealing his sister gave him Rs 300 to get admission in the National School of Drama. ALSO READ: From Tendulkar to Sehwag, sports fraternity mourn Irrfan Khan's death “I played cricket. I wanted to become a cricketer. I was an all-rounder and the youngest one in my team in Jaipur. I wanted to make a career out of it. I was selected for the CK Nayudu tournament I think and then I needed money and didn’t know who to ask. That day I decided I cannot pursue it. I couldn’t have asked for Rs 600 at that time,” Irrfan had said in an interview to a leading daily in 2014. “I needed Rs 300 for National School of Drama, which was difficult for me. My sister finally got it for me,” he revealed. Irrfan had even compared the movie and cricket industries as the versatile actor stated that the entertainment industry provides a longer career than in cricket. Irrfan had further slammed the T20 version of cricket for spoiling the gentlemen’s game. ALSO READ: Top hard-hitting dialogues of the versatile actor Irrfan Khan “Giving up cricket was a conscious decision. There are only 11 players in the whole country. Actors mein koi limit nahin hai! There is no age limit in acting… jitna mehnat karoge....You yourself are your own weapon,” he said. “Cricket ka down hona bhi chahiye! It is a waste of time. Compared to the charm and the drama of a Test match…this T20… it is raping the game. All kinds of goof-ups are happening,” he had said back in 2014. Irrfan had taken a break from acting in 2018 when he was first diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour. He returned to India in 2019 to work in 'Angrezi Medium' which released earlier this year. Irrfan is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar, and two sons Babil and Ayan.

'I was an all-rounder' - Short of Rs 600, how Irrfan Khan gave up cricket to pursue acting

Former India opener Virender Sehwag is regarded as one of the finest to have played cricket across formats. The swashbuckling right-handed batsman changed the way cricket and batting was perceived by players and fans during his playing days with his explosive style of batting. However, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar is of the view that one Pakistani opener was way more talented than Sehwag but couldn’t fulfil his potential while blaming Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his downfall.&nbsp;

Akhtar has named Imran Nazir as more talented than Nazir but added that the Pakistani batsman didn’t have the brain to capitalize on his extreme talent. Akhtar further revealed that he had asked the Pakistan team management to play Nazir regularly following but they didn’t listen to his advice. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-warner-says-england-tour-highly-unlikely-295475" hreflang="en">Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely'</a>

“I don’t think Imran Nazir had the brain that Sehwag had. I don’t think Sehwag had the talent that Imran Nazir had. There is no comparison with regards to talent. We tried to contain him a little. When he hit a brutal hundred against India in a match, I asked them to play Imran Nazir consistently but they didn’t listen," Akhtar was quoted as saying on a TV show by Cricket Pakistan.

“It is unfortunate that we do not know how to take care of our brands. We could have had a player better than Virender Sehwag in Imran Nazir. He had all the shots while also being a good fielder. We could have utilised him brilliantly but we just couldn’t,” he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-might-not-see-any-live-sport-for-4-5-months-sunil-gavaskar-gives-his-take-on-resumption-of-sporting-action-295351" hreflang="en">'We might not see any live sport for 4-5 months' - Sunil Gavaskar gives his take on resumption of sporting action</a>

Nazir, who managed to play 8 Tests, 79 ODIs and 25 T20Is for Pakistan, amassing 427, 1895 and 500 runs in the three formats respectively, was backed by Javed Miandad a lot and Akhtar revealed how the former Pakistan skipper helped Nazir during his initial days.

“Whenever Imran Nazir played well, it was because of Javed Miandad. He would be in the dressing room and trying to get him to play. Whenever he played a bad shot Javed bhai would send him a message in order to keep him focused,” Akhtar said. 
&nbsp;

Former India opener Virender Sehwag is regarded as one of the finest to have played cricket across formats. The swashbuckling right-handed batsman changed the way cricket and batting was perceived by players and fans during his playing days with his explosive style of batting.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag is regarded as one of the finest to have played cricket across formats. The swashbuckling right-handed batsman changed the way cricket and batting was perceived by players and fans during his playing days with his explosive style of batting. However, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar is of the view that one Pakistani opener was way more talented than Sehwag but couldn’t fulfil his potential while blaming Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his downfall. Akhtar has named Imran Nazir as more talented than Nazir but added that the Pakistani batsman didn’t have the brain to capitalize on his extreme talent. Akhtar further revealed that he had asked the Pakistan team management to play Nazir regularly following but they didn’t listen to his advice. ALSO READ: Australia's Warner says England tour 'highly unlikely' “I don’t think Imran Nazir had the brain that Sehwag had. I don’t think Sehwag had the talent that Imran Nazir had. There is no comparison with regards to talent. We tried to contain him a little. When he hit a brutal hundred against India in a match, I asked them to play Imran Nazir consistently but they didn’t listen," Akhtar was quoted as saying on a TV show by Cricket Pakistan. “It is unfortunate that we do not know how to take care of our brands. We could have had a player better than Virender Sehwag in Imran Nazir. He had all the shots while also being a good fielder. We could have utilised him brilliantly but we just couldn’t,” he added. ALSO READ: 'We might not see any live sport for 4-5 months' - Sunil Gavaskar gives his take on resumption of sporting action Nazir, who managed to play 8 Tests, 79 ODIs and 25 T20Is for Pakistan, amassing 427, 1895 and 500 runs in the three formats respectively, was backed by Javed Miandad a lot and Akhtar revealed how the former Pakistan skipper helped Nazir during his initial days. “Whenever Imran Nazir played well, it was because of Javed Miandad. He would be in the dressing room and trying to get him to play. Whenever he played a bad shot Javed bhai would send him a message in order to keep him focused,” Akhtar said.

'There is no comparison' - Shoaib Akthar says Imran Nazir was more talented than Virender Sehwag

The 2019-20 season of France’s top-flight football Ligue 1 and second-division Ligue 2 are set to be cancelled on Tuesday with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe ready to announce that football matches, even behind closed doors, will not be allowed before August.&nbsp;

Earlier, UEFA had set a deadline of August 2 for domestic leagues to be completed and French Professional Football League (LFP had announced plans for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 to resume on June 17.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-you-are-worse-than-coronavirus-you-are-poison-chris-gayle-slams-ex-windies-teammate-ramnaresh-sarwan-295328" hreflang="en">Watch: 'You are worse than coronavirus, you are poison' - Chris Gayle slams ex-Windies teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan</a>

However, with French prime minister set to announce that football matches will not be authorized to resume before August as part of their next stage of lockdown beyond May 11.

While the league and some clubs may want to resume training after May 11, the French government doesn’t see at as an absolute priority.

Furthermore, the LFP are planning to meet in May in a bid to finalise the standings for the season and which teams should be promoted and relegated.

Before the season was halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19, PSG, Marseille and Rennes occupied the UEFA Champions League whereas Lille are taking the Europa League spot. Nimes, Amiens and Toulouse are in the relegation zone. Whereas in Ligue 2, Lorient and Lens are in promotion spots.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-gives-premier-league-and-other-european-leagues-may-25-deadline-for-restart-proposals-295339" hreflang="en">UEFA gives Premier League and other European leagues May 25 deadline for restart proposals</a>

Meanwhile, PSG players have rejected a pay cut with negotiations stalling between board and players.

Even the president of French scientific council on coronavirus, Jean-Paul Delgraissy, was absolutely against the resumption of live football amid the pandemic.&nbsp;

'The answer for the moment is no, since all the places where there can be a significant public will not be open from May 11,' he said.&nbsp; 
'We give ourselves a few weeks. We are watching what is happening.'

 
&nbsp;

The 2019-20 season of France’s top-flight football Ligue 1 and second-division Ligue 2 are set to be cancelled on Tuesday with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe ready to announce that football matches, even behind closed doors, will not be allowed before August.

The 2019-20 season of France’s top-flight football Ligue 1 and second-division Ligue 2 are set to be cancelled on Tuesday with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe ready to announce that football matches, even behind closed doors, will not be allowed before August. Earlier, UEFA had set a deadline of August 2 for domestic leagues to be completed and French Professional Football League (LFP had announced plans for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 to resume on June 17. ALSO READ: Watch: 'You are worse than coronavirus, you are poison' - Chris Gayle slams ex-Windies teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan However, with French prime minister set to announce that football matches will not be authorized to resume before August as part of their next stage of lockdown beyond May 11. While the league and some clubs may want to resume training after May 11, the French government doesn’t see at as an absolute priority. Furthermore, the LFP are planning to meet in May in a bid to finalise the standings for the season and which teams should be promoted and relegated. Before the season was halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19, PSG, Marseille and Rennes occupied the UEFA Champions League whereas Lille are taking the Europa League spot. Nimes, Amiens and Toulouse are in the relegation zone. Whereas in Ligue 2, Lorient and Lens are in promotion spots. ALSO READ: UEFA gives Premier League and other European leagues May 25 deadline for restart proposals Meanwhile, PSG players have rejected a pay cut with negotiations stalling between board and players. Even the president of French scientific council on coronavirus, Jean-Paul Delgraissy, was absolutely against the resumption of live football amid the pandemic. 'The answer for the moment is no, since all the places where there can be a significant public will not be open from May 11,' he said. 'We give ourselves a few weeks. We are watching what is happening.'

Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 set to be cancelled with French government ready to announce no football until August

The COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out the entire sporting calendar, leaving fans and sportspersons with no live action at all. Athletes have taken to social media platforms to keep their fans engaged. However, there are reports surfacing that sporting action might witness resumption soon but behind closed doors. Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on the resumption of live matches.

Gavaskar is of the view that sporting authorities would be certainly banging their heads in frustration over the halt in sporting action while adding there are many intelligent people who would come up with some sort of solution in a bid to keep every party happy.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-have-spoken-to-prithvi-about-life-on-and-off-the-pitch-sachin-tendulkar-295346" hreflang="en">I have spoken to Prithvi about life on and off the pitch: Sachin Tendulkar</a>

The former India skipper further said that with how things are going, fans and sportspersons might be deprived of any sort of live action for four to five months more which is going to be tough for both fans and players.&nbsp;

"Officials of all the various sporting federations would certainly be banging their heads together to find a solution and I am sure there are many intelligent people in there to be able to come up with some sort of a solution which will keep everybody happy but it's not gonna be easy,” Gavaskar told a leading news portal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-you-are-worse-than-coronavirus-you-are-poison-chris-gayle-slams-ex-windies-teammate-ramnaresh-sarwan-295328" hreflang="en">Watch: 'You are worse than coronavirus, you are poison' - Chris Gayle slams ex-Windies teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan</a>

He further opined, "Certainly yes. the way things are going we might not be able to see any live sport for maybe 4-5 months. that's gonna be tough not just on the current players but also those who follow sport. There are so many fans of different sports," added the former right-hander.

While IPL 2020 has been indefinitely postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there are major question marks on whether Australia will be able to host the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November. 
&nbsp;

The COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out the entire sporting calendar, leaving fans and sportspersons with no live action at all. Athletes have taken to social media platforms to keep their fans engaged.

The COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out the entire sporting calendar, leaving fans and sportspersons with no live action at all. Athletes have taken to social media platforms to keep their fans engaged. However, there are reports surfacing that sporting action might witness resumption soon but behind closed doors. Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has given his take on the resumption of live matches. Gavaskar is of the view that sporting authorities would be certainly banging their heads in frustration over the halt in sporting action while adding there are many intelligent people who would come up with some sort of solution in a bid to keep every party happy. ALSO READ: I have spoken to Prithvi about life on and off the pitch: Sachin Tendulkar The former India skipper further said that with how things are going, fans and sportspersons might be deprived of any sort of live action for four to five months more which is going to be tough for both fans and players. "Officials of all the various sporting federations would certainly be banging their heads together to find a solution and I am sure there are many intelligent people in there to be able to come up with some sort of a solution which will keep everybody happy but it's not gonna be easy,” Gavaskar told a leading news portal. ALSO READ: Watch: 'You are worse than coronavirus, you are poison' - Chris Gayle slams ex-Windies teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan He further opined, "Certainly yes. the way things are going we might not be able to see any live sport for maybe 4-5 months. that's gonna be tough not just on the current players but also those who follow sport. There are so many fans of different sports," added the former right-hander. While IPL 2020 has been indefinitely postponed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there are major question marks on whether Australia will be able to host the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in October-November.

'We might not see any live sport for 4-5 months' - Sunil Gavaskar gives his take on resumption of sporting action

He has been a model sportsman all his life and it was hardly a surprise when Sachin Tendulkar became a guide to the young Prithvi Shaw, helping him deal with life on 22 yards and off it during a rough patch.

The 20-year-old Shaw had a sensational Test debut as the second youngest Test centurion from India before an ankle injury and a failed dope test kept him out for 16 months.

Some disciplinary issues have also been talked about quite often in Indian cricket circles for some time now.

It was at this point that Tendulkar came into the picture and mentored Shaw as he negotiated a very precarious phase of life during which nascent careers can go southbound.

"Yes, it's true. I have had a number of interactions over the years with Prithvi. He is a very talented player and I am happy to help him. I spoke to him about cricket and also about life beyond cricket field," Tendulkar told PTI during an interaction.

However, Tendulkar was not comfortable when asked what exactly was discussed during his multiple sessions with Shaw.

"I believe if a youngster has approached me and sought guidance, there should be an element of confidentiality attached to it, at least from my side. So, I would not like to tell you what the discussions were," the iconic batsman said.

But Shaw, of late, has been very vocal about the guidance he got from the senior Mumbikar.

"That's fine. If Prithvi wants to speak about it, it's his choice."

Tendulkar said that he has always been open to guiding youngsters who would seek him out individually.

And there are a number of others, with whom he speaks on a one-on-one basis apart from Shaw.

"I have spoken and guided a lot of youngsters at an individual level. I have maintained that if anyone feels that I can be of any help in guiding them about their game, I am always open to the idea," the maestro said.

Not only Shaw, even India captain Virat Kohli sought Tendulkar's suggestions as recently as the Pink Ball Test against Bangladesh in November last year.

"I spoke to Sachin paaji on the evening of the first day and he made a very interesting point as well. Probably with the pink ball, you have to treat the second session like the morning session when it's getting darker and the ball starts to swing and seam.

"So first session you invariably play like you play from lunch to tea in a normal timing Test match, then the second session would be like a morning session and the last session is like that evening session," Kohli, who became India's first pink ball centurion, told mediapersons.&nbsp;

He has been a model sportsman all his life and it was hardly a surprise when Sachin Tendulkar became a guide to the young Prithvi Shaw, helping him deal with life on 22 yards and off it during a rough patch.

He has been a model sportsman all his life and it was hardly a surprise when Sachin Tendulkar became a guide to the young Prithvi Shaw, helping him deal with life on 22 yards and off it during a rough patch. The 20-year-old Shaw had a sensational Test debut as the second youngest Test centurion from India before an ankle injury and a failed dope test kept him out for 16 months. Some disciplinary issues have also been talked about quite often in Indian cricket circles for some time now. It was at this point that Tendulkar came into the picture and mentored Shaw as he negotiated a very precarious phase of life during which nascent careers can go southbound. "Yes, it's true. I have had a number of interactions over the years with Prithvi. He is a very talented player and I am happy to help him. I spoke to him about cricket and also about life beyond cricket field," Tendulkar told PTI during an interaction. However, Tendulkar was not comfortable when asked what exactly was discussed during his multiple sessions with Shaw. "I believe if a youngster has approached me and sought guidance, there should be an element of confidentiality attached to it, at least from my side. So, I would not like to tell you what the discussions were," the iconic batsman said. But Shaw, of late, has been very vocal about the guidance he got from the senior Mumbikar. "That's fine. If Prithvi wants to speak about it, it's his choice." Tendulkar said that he has always been open to guiding youngsters who would seek him out individually. And there are a number of others, with whom he speaks on a one-on-one basis apart from Shaw. "I have spoken and guided a lot of youngsters at an individual level. I have maintained that if anyone feels that I can be of any help in guiding them about their game, I am always open to the idea," the maestro said. Not only Shaw, even India captain Virat Kohli sought Tendulkar's suggestions as recently as the Pink Ball Test against Bangladesh in November last year. "I spoke to Sachin paaji on the evening of the first day and he made a very interesting point as well. Probably with the pink ball, you have to treat the second session like the morning session when it's getting darker and the ball starts to swing and seam. "So first session you invariably play like you play from lunch to tea in a normal timing Test match, then the second session would be like a morning session and the last session is like that evening session," Kohli, who became India's first pink ball centurion, told mediapersons.

I have spoken to Prithvi about life on and off the pitch: Sachin Tendulkar

West Indies legend Chris Gayle’s contract with Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise Jamaica Tallawahs came to an end after following termination of the contract. Gayle, who has been one of the biggest crowd attractions in T20 leagues all around the world, went on a rant on social media platform YouTube as he called former Windies teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan a ‘snake’ and ‘worse than coronavirus’.

Gayle didn’t have problem finding suitors following the termination of the contract with Jamaica Tallawahs as he signed a deal with St. Lucia ahead of CPL 2020 but the swashbuckling southpaw didn’t mince his words while calling out Sarwan, who is the assistant coach at Jamaica Tallawahs, for allegedly plotting his move out of the franchise.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/three-year-ban-very-harsh-umar-will-definitely-challenge-it-kamran-akmal-295305" hreflang="en">Three-year ban 'very harsh', Umar will 'definitely' challenge it: Kamran Akmal</a>

“Sarwan, you are worse than the coronavirus right now,” Gayle said in of the videos he posted on his official YouTube channel. “What transpired with the Tallawahs, you had a big part to play. Sarwan, you were the one who gave a big speech on my birthday party about how far we have come. Sarwan, you are a snake. You know, you are not the most loved person in the Caribbean. You are so vindictive, you are still immature, you are back-stabbing.”

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Gayle further admitted that there were troubles with his contract with Tallawahs which meant the CPL franchise had to let him go. However, he revealed that Sarwan was targeting the head coach’s job as he called Sarwan a ‘evil’, ‘wicked and ‘poison’.&nbsp;

“In everybody’s eyes, you acted as if you were this saint, this good person,” Gayle continued his rant.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-mike-tysons-business-partner-alki-david-confident-of-acquiring-naming-rights-of-barcelonas-nou-camp-says-ready-to-help-the-club-in-every-possible-way-295293" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Mike Tyson's business partner Alki David confident of acquiring naming rights of Barcelona's Nou Camp, says "ready to help the club in every possible way"</a>

“Sarwan, you’re evil, you’re wicked, you’re poison. You let a thing like this transpire.”

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Gayle had won CPL trophies with Jamaica Tallawahs in 2013 and 2016 before signing back for the franchise in the year 2020.

“When I left the Tallawahs [after the 2016 season], it was a high-spirited team,” Gayle said. “The amount of complaints I get when I wasn’t there, the amount of problems they had with Sarwan, [Andre] Russell was the captain at the time; the amount of problems Sarwan and the captain have, keeping meetings behind the captain’s back and these sort of things. That’s the kind of person Sarwan is.

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“You are no good. You are despicable. You want the franchise, have it. There’s no Gayle. You run the show.”&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

West Indies legend Chris Gayle’s contract with Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise Jamaica Tallawahs came to an end after following termination of the contract.

West Indies legend Chris Gayle’s contract with Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise Jamaica Tallawahs came to an end after following termination of the contract. Gayle, who has been one of the biggest crowd attractions in T20 leagues all around the world, went on a rant on social media platform YouTube as he called former Windies teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan a ‘snake’ and ‘worse than coronavirus’. Gayle didn’t have problem finding suitors following the termination of the contract with Jamaica Tallawahs as he signed a deal with St. Lucia ahead of CPL 2020 but the swashbuckling southpaw didn’t mince his words while calling out Sarwan, who is the assistant coach at Jamaica Tallawahs, for allegedly plotting his move out of the franchise. ALSO READ: Three-year ban 'very harsh', Umar will 'definitely' challenge it: Kamran Akmal “Sarwan, you are worse than the coronavirus right now,” Gayle said in of the videos he posted on his official YouTube channel. “What transpired with the Tallawahs, you had a big part to play. Sarwan, you were the one who gave a big speech on my birthday party about how far we have come. Sarwan, you are a snake. You know, you are not the most loved person in the Caribbean. You are so vindictive, you are still immature, you are back-stabbing.” × Gayle further admitted that there were troubles with his contract with Tallawahs which meant the CPL franchise had to let him go. However, he revealed that Sarwan was targeting the head coach’s job as he called Sarwan a ‘evil’, ‘wicked and ‘poison’. “In everybody’s eyes, you acted as if you were this saint, this good person,” Gayle continued his rant. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Mike Tyson's business partner Alki David confident of acquiring naming rights of Barcelona's Nou Camp, says "ready to help the club in every possible way" “Sarwan, you’re evil, you’re wicked, you’re poison. You let a thing like this transpire.” × Gayle had won CPL trophies with Jamaica Tallawahs in 2013 and 2016 before signing back for the franchise in the year 2020. “When I left the Tallawahs [after the 2016 season], it was a high-spirited team,” Gayle said. “The amount of complaints I get when I wasn’t there, the amount of problems they had with Sarwan, [Andre] Russell was the captain at the time; the amount of problems Sarwan and the captain have, keeping meetings behind the captain’s back and these sort of things. That’s the kind of person Sarwan is. × “You are no good. You are despicable. You want the franchise, have it. There’s no Gayle. You run the show.”

Watch: 'You are worse than coronavirus, you are poison' - Chris Gayle slams ex-Windies teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal was handed a lengthy three-year ban for not reporting corrupt approaches. Veteran Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman, and Umar’s brother, Kamran Akmal has been left surprised by the length of the ban as he termed the verdict ‘very harsh’ while adding that Umar will “definitely challenge it”.

Kamran confirmed that his brother will approach every possible forum to appeal against the three-year-ban. The veteran batsman said in past, players have received shorter bans for similar offences and Umar’s ban is hard to understand.&nbsp;

“I am definitely surprised at the harsh punishment given to Umar. A three- year ban is very harsh. He will definitely approach every available forum to appeal against this ban,” Kamran said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-umar-akmal-banned-for-3-years-from-all-forms-of-cricket-for-breaching-anti-corruption-code-295108" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Umar Akmal banned for 3 years from all forms of cricket for breaching anti-corruption code</a>

“Definitely it is hard to understand because other players in the past have got short bans for similar offences. Yet Umar has got such a harsh punishment.” Akmal was referring to Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Nawaz who were banned for short periods after not reporting corrupt approaches made to them.

Kamran said Umar would consider hiring a legal counsel to file his appeal after presenting his own case in Monday’s hearing. PCB was represented by legal counsel Tafazzul Rizvi.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-likely-to-be-postponed-no-ipl-this-year-shoaib-akhtar-gives-his-take-as-covid-19-continues-to-hit-sporting-world-295141" hreflang="en">'T20 World Cup likely to be postponed, no IPL this year' - Shoaib Akhtar gives his take as COVID-19 continues to hit sporting world</a>

“Umar admitted to the charges but tried to justify himself and the judge also gave him a chance several times to review his position which he didn’t,” Rizvi said.

&nbsp;Umar was charged on two counts of not reporting offers made to him to spot-fix in Pakistan Super League. Justice (retd) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan imposed a three-year-ban on Umar while a detailed order will be released later.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal was handed a lengthy three-year ban for not reporting corrupt approaches. Veteran Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman, and Umar’s brother, Kamran Akmal has been left surprised by the length of the ban as he termed the verdict ‘very harsh’ while adding that Umar will “definitely challenge it”.

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal was handed a lengthy three-year ban for not reporting corrupt approaches. Veteran Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman, and Umar’s brother, Kamran Akmal has been left surprised by the length of the ban as he termed the verdict ‘very harsh’ while adding that Umar will “definitely challenge it”. Kamran confirmed that his brother will approach every possible forum to appeal against the three-year-ban. The veteran batsman said in past, players have received shorter bans for similar offences and Umar’s ban is hard to understand. “I am definitely surprised at the harsh punishment given to Umar. A three- year ban is very harsh. He will definitely approach every available forum to appeal against this ban,” Kamran said. ALSO READ: Pakistan's Umar Akmal banned for 3 years from all forms of cricket for breaching anti-corruption code “Definitely it is hard to understand because other players in the past have got short bans for similar offences. Yet Umar has got such a harsh punishment.” Akmal was referring to Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Nawaz who were banned for short periods after not reporting corrupt approaches made to them. Kamran said Umar would consider hiring a legal counsel to file his appeal after presenting his own case in Monday’s hearing. PCB was represented by legal counsel Tafazzul Rizvi. ALSO READ: 'T20 World Cup likely to be postponed, no IPL this year' - Shoaib Akhtar gives his take as COVID-19 continues to hit sporting world “Umar admitted to the charges but tried to justify himself and the judge also gave him a chance several times to review his position which he didn’t,” Rizvi said. Umar was charged on two counts of not reporting offers made to him to spot-fix in Pakistan Super League. Justice (retd) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan imposed a three-year-ban on Umar while a detailed order will be released later.

Three-year ban 'very harsh', Umar will 'definitely' challenge it: Kamran Akmal

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar remains to be one of the most active cricketers to be vocal about the issues surrounding COVID-19 and cricket post the pandemic. While Akhtar was the one to propose a bilateral series between India and Pakistan to raise funds to combat the dreaded virus, the Rawalpindi Express has now given his take on the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) and ICC T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

IPL 2020 was postponed indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas there has been no call taken on the T20 World Cup with speculations surrounding the showpiece event continues to garner eyeballs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-umar-akmal-banned-for-3-years-from-all-forms-of-cricket-for-breaching-anti-corruption-code-295108" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Umar Akmal banned for 3 years from all forms of cricket for breaching anti-corruption code</a>

Now, Akhtar has said that the T20 World Cup is likely to be postponed&nbsp;due to coronavirus while adding that he feels there will be no IPL this year as well. Akhtar further said it is the best time for cricketers to work on their immune system and come back with the same intensity once the action resumes.&nbsp;

“T20 World Cup, starting October 18 is likely to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I also feel that there will be no IPL this year due to the pandemic. But this break is the best time for the cricketers to work on their immune system and get back with the same intensity and vigour when the sporting action resumes,” Shoaib Akhtar told fans during his live session.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcbs-virat-kohli-ab-de-villiers-put-memorabilia-from-ipl-2016-on-auction-to-raise-funds-in-battle-against-covid-19-295042" hreflang="en">RCB's Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers put memorabilia from IPL 2016 on auction to raise funds in battle against COVID-19</a>

Akthar further praised the Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi-led Indian government for being quick to enforce a country-wide lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, Akhtar once again reiterated that it is high time to have a good bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan through sport.

“It is high time when we can have a good bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan through sport. Lockdown was the best decision taken by the Modi-led government in India. That is the only way you can contain a pandemic like this,” the Rawalpindi Express added. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar remains to be one of the most active cricketers to be vocal about the issues surrounding COVID-19 and cricket post the pandemic.

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar remains to be one of the most active cricketers to be vocal about the issues surrounding COVID-19 and cricket post the pandemic. While Akhtar was the one to propose a bilateral series between India and Pakistan to raise funds to combat the dreaded virus, the Rawalpindi Express has now given his take on the fate of Indian Premier League (IPL) and ICC T20 World Cup. IPL 2020 was postponed indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas there has been no call taken on the T20 World Cup with speculations surrounding the showpiece event continues to garner eyeballs. ALSO READ: Pakistan's Umar Akmal banned for 3 years from all forms of cricket for breaching anti-corruption code Now, Akhtar has said that the T20 World Cup is likely to be postponed due to coronavirus while adding that he feels there will be no IPL this year as well. Akhtar further said it is the best time for cricketers to work on their immune system and come back with the same intensity once the action resumes. “T20 World Cup, starting October 18 is likely to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I also feel that there will be no IPL this year due to the pandemic. But this break is the best time for the cricketers to work on their immune system and get back with the same intensity and vigour when the sporting action resumes,” Shoaib Akhtar told fans during his live session. ALSO READ: RCB's Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers put memorabilia from IPL 2016 on auction to raise funds in battle against COVID-19 Akthar further praised the Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi-led Indian government for being quick to enforce a country-wide lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, Akhtar once again reiterated that it is high time to have a good bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan through sport. “It is high time when we can have a good bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan through sport. Lockdown was the best decision taken by the Modi-led government in India. That is the only way you can contain a pandemic like this,” the Rawalpindi Express added.

'T20 World Cup likely to be postponed, no IPL this year' - Shoaib Akhtar gives his take as COVID-19 continues to hit sporting world

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has been banned from all forms of cricket by Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel, Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan on Monday for breach of two anti-corruption code of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Akmal has been banned from cricket for three years after the disciplinary committee ruled that the Pakistan batsman failed to report multiple approaches by corrupt elements while violating Article 2.4.4 of the PCB's code of conduct on two occasions.

PCB Director Anti-Corruption &amp; Security, Lt Col Asif Mahmood "PCB doesn’t take any pleasure in seeing a promising cricketer being declared ineligible for 3 years, but this is again a reminder to all who think they can get away by breaching the anti-corruption code"

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-is-not-war-should-be-played-between-india-and-pakistan-saqlain-mushtaq-throws-his-weight-behind-indo-pak-bilateral-series-295028" hreflang="en">Cricket is not war; should be played between India and Pakistan - Saqlain Mushtaq throws his weight behind Indo-Pak bilateral series</a>

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Umar Akmal handed three-year ban from all cricket by Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel Mr Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan.
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCBMedia/status/1254731556205334529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The PCB reportedly had Akmal confessing being in touch with bookies, on tape, which gave no other option to Akmal besides accepting the offence. Apparently, the PCB had confiscated Akmal’s mobile phone.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcbs-virat-kohli-ab-de-villiers-put-memorabilia-from-ipl-2016-on-auction-to-raise-funds-in-battle-against-covid-19-295042" hreflang="en">RCB's Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers put memorabilia from IPL 2016 on auction to raise funds in battle against COVID-19</a>

Akmal accepting his mistake was expected to provide him with some relief in terms of the length of the ban similar to that of Mohammad Irfan. However, the three-year-ban has ended those expectations. His ban is effective from February 20, when he was provisionally suspended by the board under its anti-corruption code, which states a player must report being approached to fix games.&nbsp;

Article 2.4.4 of the code reads: “Failing to disclose to the PCB vigilance and security department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the participant to engage in corrupt conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code”.

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has been banned from all forms of cricket by Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel, Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan on Monday for breach of two anti-corruption code of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has been banned from all forms of cricket by Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel, Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan on Monday for breach of two anti-corruption code of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Akmal has been banned from cricket for three years after the disciplinary committee ruled that the Pakistan batsman failed to report multiple approaches by corrupt elements while violating Article 2.4.4 of the PCB's code of conduct on two occasions. PCB Director Anti-Corruption & Security, Lt Col Asif Mahmood "PCB doesn’t take any pleasure in seeing a promising cricketer being declared ineligible for 3 years, but this is again a reminder to all who think they can get away by breaching the anti-corruption code" ALSO READ: Cricket is not war; should be played between India and Pakistan - Saqlain Mushtaq throws his weight behind Indo-Pak bilateral series Umar Akmal handed three-year ban from all cricket by Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel Mr Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan. — PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) April 27, 2020 × The PCB reportedly had Akmal confessing being in touch with bookies, on tape, which gave no other option to Akmal besides accepting the offence. Apparently, the PCB had confiscated Akmal’s mobile phone. ALSO READ: RCB's Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers put memorabilia from IPL 2016 on auction to raise funds in battle against COVID-19 Akmal accepting his mistake was expected to provide him with some relief in terms of the length of the ban similar to that of Mohammad Irfan. However, the three-year-ban has ended those expectations. His ban is effective from February 20, when he was provisionally suspended by the board under its anti-corruption code, which states a player must report being approached to fix games. Article 2.4.4 of the code reads: “Failing to disclose to the PCB vigilance and security department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the participant to engage in corrupt conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code”.

Pakistan's Umar Akmal banned for 3 years from all forms of cricket for breaching anti-corruption code

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