<p>A lot has been said about MS Dhoni’s future with the Indian cricket team since he last played for the Men in Blue in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019. Dhoni was supposed to return to the cricket field in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but the current situation surrounding the novel coronavirus has torn apart every plan-sheet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former Indian skipper and a legend of the gentlemen’s game, Sunil Gavaskar has opined on whether he sees Dhoni in the Team India squad for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2020 which is scheduled to be played in Australia in the month of October.</p>

<p>Gavaskar has said that even though he would like to see Dhoni playing in the T20 World Cup, it is highly unlikely that he would be slotted into the squad. Gavaskar further said that Team India has moved on from Dhoni.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sports-minister-kiren-rijiju-provides-update-on-future-of-ipl-2020-287530">Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju provides update on future of IPL 2020</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>"It’s highly unlikely to happen"</strong></h2>

<p>Commenting on why Dhoni hasn’t announced his retirement despite taking such a lengthy sabbatical from the game, Gavaskar said that Dhoni is not someone who will make a big announcement while adding he thinks the veteran gloveman will silently walk away from the gentlemen’s game.</p>

<p>“I would certainly like to see Dhoni in India’s World Cup squad but it’s highly unlikely to happen. The team has moved on. Dhoni is not someone to make big announcements so I reckon he would silently retire from the game,” Gavaskar told a news daily.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kevin-pietersen-reaches-out-to-india-on-coronavirus-awareness-in-hindi-287538">Kevin Pietersen reaches out to India on coronavirus awareness in Hindi</a></strong></p>

<p>While there have been mixed opinions relating to whether Dhoni should make Team India comeback or not, domestic legend Wasim Jaffer said that it is a no-brainer to pick Dhoni as he would bring experience and expertise behind the stumps while supporting the likes of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Jaffer said that Dhoni’s addition would add an extra dimension to the Indian squad.</p>


A lot has been said about MS Dhoni’s future with the Indian cricket team since he last played for the Men in Blue in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019. Dhoni was supposed to return to the cricket field in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but the current situation surrounding the novel coronavirus has torn apart every plan-sheet.

A lot has been said about MS Dhoni’s future with the Indian cricket team since he last played for the Men in Blue in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019. Dhoni was supposed to return to the cricket field in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but the current situation surrounding the novel coronavirus has torn apart every plan-sheet. Former Indian skipper and a legend of the gentlemen’s game, Sunil Gavaskar has opined on whether he sees Dhoni in the Team India squad for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2020 which is scheduled to be played in Australia in the month of October. Gavaskar has said that even though he would like to see Dhoni playing in the T20 World Cup, it is highly unlikely that he would be slotted into the squad. Gavaskar further said that Team India has moved on from Dhoni. ALSO READ: Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju provides update on future of IPL 2020 "It’s highly unlikely to happen" Commenting on why Dhoni hasn’t announced his retirement despite taking such a lengthy sabbatical from the game, Gavaskar said that Dhoni is not someone who will make a big announcement while adding he thinks the veteran gloveman will silently walk away from the gentlemen’s game. “I would certainly like to see Dhoni in India’s World Cup squad but it’s highly unlikely to happen. The team has moved on. Dhoni is not someone to make big announcements so I reckon he would silently retire from the game,” Gavaskar told a news daily. ALSO READ: Kevin Pietersen reaches out to India on coronavirus awareness in Hindi While there have been mixed opinions relating to whether Dhoni should make Team India comeback or not, domestic legend Wasim Jaffer said that it is a no-brainer to pick Dhoni as he would bring experience and expertise behind the stumps while supporting the likes of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Jaffer said that Dhoni’s addition would add an extra dimension to the Indian squad.

Should MS Dhoni play in ICC T20 World Cup 2020? Sunil Gavaskar gives his take

<p>With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the sporting calendar has been massively disrupted. All the major tournaments and sporting events have been either postponed or cancelled keeping the safety and welfare of all involved in the respective events. The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 was suspended until April 15 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and it remains to be seen whether the cash-rich tournament will take place with the situation surrounding the deadly virus escalating with each passing day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sports Minister, Kiren Rijiju provided an update on IPL 2020 as he said the government will come up with a new set of advisory after April 15. Rijiju further said the matter surrounding IPL 2020 includes the safety of citizens as there will be thousands of spectators watching the mega event while adding that hence, the advisory is not just for sporting bodies or athletes but for every citizen of India.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-2020-tokyo-olympics-happen-india-will-have-to-participate-irrespective-of-any-threat-ioa-official-287363">If 2020 Tokyo Olympics happen, India will have to participate irrespective of any threat: IOA official</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Government to come up with new advisory and guidelines after April 15</strong></h2>

<p>"After April 15 the government will come up with new advisory and guidelines according to the situation. BCCI is a body that looks after cricket which is not an Olympic sport. But here it is not the question of the sporting event alone but a question of the safety of the citizens. In an event, there will be thousands of spectators. So it is not just for the sports bodies or sportspersons it is for every citizen of the country," Rijiju said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-the-need-of-the-hour-is-to-virat-kohli-anushka-sharma-urge-people-to-act-together-against-covid-19-287514">'The need of the hour is to..' - Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma urge people to act together against COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the BCCI has already said that it will continue to evaluate the situation surrounding the novel coronavirus and take a call as things develop. While a complete IPL 2020 looks unlikely, a truncated version of the tournament is on the cards given the situation improves in the coming days or weeks.</p>

<p>As of Friday, at least 195 positive COVID-19 cases, including 32 foreigners, have been reported in India.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the sporting calendar has been massively disrupted. All the major tournaments and sporting events have been either postponed or cancelled keeping the safety and welfare of all involved in the respective events.

With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the sporting calendar has been massively disrupted. All the major tournaments and sporting events have been either postponed or cancelled keeping the safety and welfare of all involved in the respective events. The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 was suspended until April 15 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and it remains to be seen whether the cash-rich tournament will take place with the situation surrounding the deadly virus escalating with each passing day. Sports Minister, Kiren Rijiju provided an update on IPL 2020 as he said the government will come up with a new set of advisory after April 15. Rijiju further said the matter surrounding IPL 2020 includes the safety of citizens as there will be thousands of spectators watching the mega event while adding that hence, the advisory is not just for sporting bodies or athletes but for every citizen of India. ALSO READ: If 2020 Tokyo Olympics happen, India will have to participate irrespective of any threat: IOA official Government to come up with new advisory and guidelines after April 15 "After April 15 the government will come up with new advisory and guidelines according to the situation. BCCI is a body that looks after cricket which is not an Olympic sport. But here it is not the question of the sporting event alone but a question of the safety of the citizens. In an event, there will be thousands of spectators. So it is not just for the sports bodies or sportspersons it is for every citizen of the country," Rijiju said. ALSO READ: 'The need of the hour is to..' - Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma urge people to act together against COVID-19 Meanwhile, the BCCI has already said that it will continue to evaluate the situation surrounding the novel coronavirus and take a call as things develop. While a complete IPL 2020 looks unlikely, a truncated version of the tournament is on the cards given the situation improves in the coming days or weeks. As of Friday, at least 195 positive COVID-19 cases, including 32 foreigners, have been reported in India.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju provides update on future of IPL 2020

<p>Former England captain Kevin Pietersen on Friday urged Indian citizens to follow government directions on self-isolation to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, posting a message in Hindi with some help from his former IPL teammate Sreevats Goswami.</p>

<p>The 39-year-old took to Twitter to say "Greetings India. Everyone is united in the fight against coronavirus and that everyone should listen to their government's instructions and stay at home for a few days. This is time to be smart."</p>

<p>"Namaste India, hum sab corona virus ko harane mein ek saath hai , hum sab apne apne sarkar ki baat ka nirdes kare aur ghar me kuch Dino ke liye rahe , yeh samay hai hosiyaar rahene ka .App sabhi ko der sara pyaar," Pietersen tweeted in Hindi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Namaste india hum sab corona virus ko harane mein ek saath hai , hum sab apne apne sarkar ki baat ka nirdes kare aur ghar me kuch Dino ke liye rahe , yeh samay hai hosiyaar rahene ka .App sabhi ko der sara pyaar<br />
<br />
My Hindi teacher - <a href="https://twitter.com/shreevats1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shreevats1</a></p>
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1240903502345486336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He credited Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Goswami for teaching him Hindi. Both have played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.<br />
The coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 2,00,000 people worldwide and led to over 9,000 deaths. In India more than 190 have tested positive so far and four have died.</p>

<p>The country's health ministry has repeatedly advised people to stay at home and on Thursday Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated a nationwide self-imposed curfew on Sunday to help the containment efforts.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Pietersen visited the Kaziranga National Park in Assam to shoot a documentary on rhino conservation. He had lauded India's efforts in a series of tweets.</p>

<p>"The rhino population in India is BOOMING! Africa should take note! Face with monocle. Saving these iconic species CAN be done and IS being done here! Bravo, India!"</p>

<p>"India has given me so much over the last 15yrs &amp; to be able to visit somewhere so remote and so spectacular today, just made my trip. I'm so much happier, that we can film a doc celebrating the beauty of #IncredibleIndia!" he had tweeted.</p>


Former England captain Kevin Pietersen on Friday urged Indian citizens to follow government directions on self-isolation to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, posting a message in Hindi with some help from his former IPL teammate Sreevats Goswami.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen on Friday urged Indian citizens to follow government directions on self-isolation to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, posting a message in Hindi with some help from his former IPL teammate Sreevats Goswami. The 39-year-old took to Twitter to say "Greetings India. Everyone is united in the fight against coronavirus and that everyone should listen to their government's instructions and stay at home for a few days. This is time to be smart." "Namaste India, hum sab corona virus ko harane mein ek saath hai , hum sab apne apne sarkar ki baat ka nirdes kare aur ghar me kuch Dino ke liye rahe , yeh samay hai hosiyaar rahene ka .App sabhi ko der sara pyaar," Pietersen tweeted in Hindi. Namaste india hum sab corona virus ko harane mein ek saath hai , hum sab apne apne sarkar ki baat ka nirdes kare aur ghar me kuch Dino ke liye rahe , yeh samay hai hosiyaar rahene ka .App sabhi ko der sara pyaar My Hindi teacher - @shreevats1 — Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) March 20, 2020 × He credited Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Goswami for teaching him Hindi. Both have played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. The coronavirus pandemic has infected more than 2,00,000 people worldwide and led to over 9,000 deaths. In India more than 190 have tested positive so far and four have died. The country's health ministry has repeatedly advised people to stay at home and on Thursday Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated a nationwide self-imposed curfew on Sunday to help the containment efforts. Earlier this month, Pietersen visited the Kaziranga National Park in Assam to shoot a documentary on rhino conservation. He had lauded India's efforts in a series of tweets. "The rhino population in India is BOOMING! Africa should take note! Face with monocle. Saving these iconic species CAN be done and IS being done here! Bravo, India!" "India has given me so much over the last 15yrs & to be able to visit somewhere so remote and so spectacular today, just made my trip. I'm so much happier, that we can film a doc celebrating the beauty of #IncredibleIndia!" he had tweeted.

Kevin Pietersen reaches out to India on coronavirus awareness in Hindi

<p>At a time when the entire sporting world has come to an unusual halt amid the coronavirus pandemic, players have decided to go into self-isolation in a bid to maintain social distancing as per health advisory. Veteran South African pacer Dale Steyn, who returned back home mid-way from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020, which was postponed just ahead of semi-finals of the tournament, said the matter surrounding the COVID-19 escalated within 24-48 hours and suddenly it became the biggest thing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel a pandemic, foreign players plying trade in PSL 2020 decided to fly back home even the tournament was called off. Steyn said he didn’t want to break any protocol and leave cricket in Pakistan in jeopardy because of ‘something stupid’ and hence, he followed the advisory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-cricket-players-and-support-staff-go-into-self-isolation-after-returning-from-australia-287346">New Zealand cricket players and support staff go into self-isolation after returning from Australia</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>As the week went on, everything just seemed to escalate</strong></h2>

<p>“It happened really quickly. I was in Pakistan but it was raining [Steyn played for Islamabad United]. We were under that kind of hotel arrest - advised not to go out and wander the streets, which is totally fine; I don't want to break protocol and [have] something happen and be blamed for cricket never being played in Pakistan again because I did something stupid!” Steyn told a leading cricket portal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“As the week went on, everything just seemed to escalate. In the space of 24-48 hours, we went from nobody talking about coronavirus to, suddenly, everyone had a hand sanitiser and it was the biggest thing,” the veteran Proteas speedster added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-cant-look-beyond-ms-dhoni-if-he-is-fit-and-firing-wasim-jaffer-287325">Team India can't look beyond MS Dhoni if he is fit and firing: Wasim Jaffer</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, Steyn urged everyone to follow the health advisory and maintain personal hygiene. He added by saying that helping yourself is the best possible way to curb the COVID-19.</p>

<p>“Stay healthy, wash your hands, look after yourself, don't be greedy. Right now they are saying old people are really struggling, so if in a position to help, rather help them than help yourself. Pretty simple, really,” Steyn concluded.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


At a time when the entire sporting world has come to an unusual halt amid the coronavirus pandemic, players have decided to go into self-isolation in a bid to maintain social distancing as per health advisory.

At a time when the entire sporting world has come to an unusual halt amid the coronavirus pandemic, players have decided to go into self-isolation in a bid to maintain social distancing as per health advisory. Veteran South African pacer Dale Steyn, who returned back home mid-way from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020, which was postponed just ahead of semi-finals of the tournament, said the matter surrounding the COVID-19 escalated within 24-48 hours and suddenly it became the biggest thing. With World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel a pandemic, foreign players plying trade in PSL 2020 decided to fly back home even the tournament was called off. Steyn said he didn’t want to break any protocol and leave cricket in Pakistan in jeopardy because of ‘something stupid’ and hence, he followed the advisory. ALSO READ: New Zealand cricket players and support staff go into self-isolation after returning from Australia As the week went on, everything just seemed to escalate “It happened really quickly. I was in Pakistan but it was raining [Steyn played for Islamabad United]. We were under that kind of hotel arrest - advised not to go out and wander the streets, which is totally fine; I don't want to break protocol and [have] something happen and be blamed for cricket never being played in Pakistan again because I did something stupid!” Steyn told a leading cricket portal. “As the week went on, everything just seemed to escalate. In the space of 24-48 hours, we went from nobody talking about coronavirus to, suddenly, everyone had a hand sanitiser and it was the biggest thing,” the veteran Proteas speedster added. ALSO READ: Team India can't look beyond MS Dhoni if he is fit and firing: Wasim Jaffer Furthermore, Steyn urged everyone to follow the health advisory and maintain personal hygiene. He added by saying that helping yourself is the best possible way to curb the COVID-19. “Stay healthy, wash your hands, look after yourself, don't be greedy. Right now they are saying old people are really struggling, so if in a position to help, rather help them than help yourself. Pretty simple, really,” Steyn concluded.

'Everything just seemed to escalate...' - Dale Steyn shares his experience in Pakistan amid coronavirus scare

<p class="MsoNormal">All the players and coaching staff of the New Zealand cricket team have been put under 14-day self-isolation following their return to their homeland from Australia amid the coronavirus pandemic. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Thursday confirmed that all the 15 players and staff members who returned from Australia last weekend have been put under lockdown at their respective residences following Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s statement on March 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The New Zealand prime minister had directed all the travelers to self-isolate for at least 14 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic even if they arrive in the country ahead of Saturday’s cut-off time.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-urges-everyone-to-draw-lessons-from-test-cricket-to-tackle-covid-19-287309">Sachin Tendulkar urges everyone to draw lessons from Test cricket to tackle COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>New Zealand cricket players go into self-isolation</strong></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">“They [Black Caps players and touring staff] have all gone into self-isolation. We’ve passed on all the details about what self-isolation means and as far as we know they’re all following it strictly,” NZC public affairs manager, Richard Boock said.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">New Zealand and Australia had started the Chappell-Hadlee series behind closed doors but the three-match ODI series was called off after the completion of the first ODI which Australia won by 71 runs at the empty Sydney Cricket Ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-cant-look-beyond-ms-dhoni-if-he-is-fit-and-firing-wasim-jaffer-287325">Team India can't look beyond MS Dhoni if he is fit and firing: Wasim Jaffer</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While there were reports that Kiwi speedster Lockie Ferguson had shown symptoms of COVID-19, he tested negative and was eventually sent back to New Zealand immediately.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, all sporting events have been either cancelled or postponed amid the coronavirus scare. However, the good news in this dire situation is that no cricketer has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus thus far.&nbsp;<br />
<o:p></o:p></p>


All the players and coaching staff of the New Zealand cricket team have been put under 14-day self-isolation following their return to their homeland from Australia amid the coronavirus pandemic.

All the players and coaching staff of the New Zealand cricket team have been put under 14-day self-isolation following their return to their homeland from Australia amid the coronavirus pandemic. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Thursday confirmed that all the 15 players and staff members who returned from Australia last weekend have been put under lockdown at their respective residences following Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s statement on March 18. The New Zealand prime minister had directed all the travelers to self-isolate for at least 14 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic even if they arrive in the country ahead of Saturday’s cut-off time. ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar urges everyone to draw lessons from Test cricket to tackle COVID-19 New Zealand cricket players go into self-isolation “They [Black Caps players and touring staff] have all gone into self-isolation. We’ve passed on all the details about what self-isolation means and as far as we know they’re all following it strictly,” NZC public affairs manager, Richard Boock said. New Zealand and Australia had started the Chappell-Hadlee series behind closed doors but the three-match ODI series was called off after the completion of the first ODI which Australia won by 71 runs at the empty Sydney Cricket Ground. ALSO READ: Team India can't look beyond MS Dhoni if he is fit and firing: Wasim Jaffer While there were reports that Kiwi speedster Lockie Ferguson had shown symptoms of COVID-19, he tested negative and was eventually sent back to New Zealand immediately. Meanwhile, all sporting events have been either cancelled or postponed amid the coronavirus scare. However, the good news in this dire situation is that no cricketer has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus thus far.

New Zealand cricket players and support staff go into self-isolation after returning from Australia

<p class="MsoNormal">There has been a lot of talks surrounding split captaincy in the Indian cricket team. While Virat Kohli has done tremendously well in leading the Men in Blue across formats, there have been calls to make Rohit Sharma the skipper of the T20I side. Former chairman of selectors – MSK Prasad – was of the view that there’s no point in the change of captaincy as leadership brings the best of Kohli. And now Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has responded to the calls that the Indian cricket team should adopt to the split captaincy system which has seen the likes of Australia and England reach greater heights.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Rajkumar opined that split captaincy culture is not there in Indian cricket while adding as long as Kohli is capable of leading the team and is performing well at the same time, then he should continue leading Team India across formats. However, Rajkumar did praise Rohit for his captaincy in the Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-cant-look-beyond-ms-dhoni-if-he-is-fit-and-firing-wasim-jaffer-287325">Team India can't look beyond MS Dhoni if he is fit and firing: Wasim Jaffer</a></strong></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>"I don't think there is split captaincy culture here"</strong></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">“As long as Virat is capable and if the team is doing well in all three formats......I don't think there is split captaincy culture here (Indian cricket). I think that he should continue as long as he is performing well. Rohit Sharma is a brilliant captain. He has won IPL four times and is a brilliant captain in T20 format but as far as captaining India team goes, Virat Kohli is doing well and he should continue as captain,” Rajkumar told a leading media outlet.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier, Prasad had said if the skipper of Indian team is the number one batsman in all formats then there should be no problem in him leading the team while adding that Kohli’s strategies have worked wonders for the Men in Blue in all formats of the game.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sachin-tendulkar-urges-everyone-to-draw-lessons-from-test-cricket-to-tackle-covid-19-287309">Sachin Tendulkar urges everyone to draw lessons from Test cricket to tackle COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“I don't agree with it (having different captains in different formats). Virat loves captaincy and captaincy brings best out of Virat. His performances haven't dropped because of captaincy. And when our captain is number 1 batsman in all formats......what's the problem? He has been coming up world-class performances across formats. His strategy is working well in all formats,” Prasad had earlier said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, with the cricketing action coming to an unusual halt due to the novel coronavirus, it remains to be seen when the matches resume in the gentlemen’s game.<br />
<o:p></o:p></p>


There has been a lot of talks surrounding split captaincy in the Indian cricket team. While Virat Kohli has done tremendously well in leading the Men in Blue across formats, there have been calls to make Rohit Sharma the skipper of the T20I side.

There has been a lot of talks surrounding split captaincy in the Indian cricket team. While Virat Kohli has done tremendously well in leading the Men in Blue across formats, there have been calls to make Rohit Sharma the skipper of the T20I side. Former chairman of selectors – MSK Prasad – was of the view that there’s no point in the change of captaincy as leadership brings the best of Kohli. And now Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has responded to the calls that the Indian cricket team should adopt to the split captaincy system which has seen the likes of Australia and England reach greater heights. Rajkumar opined that split captaincy culture is not there in Indian cricket while adding as long as Kohli is capable of leading the team and is performing well at the same time, then he should continue leading Team India across formats. However, Rajkumar did praise Rohit for his captaincy in the Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians. ALSO READ: Team India can't look beyond MS Dhoni if he is fit and firing: Wasim Jaffer "I don't think there is split captaincy culture here" “As long as Virat is capable and if the team is doing well in all three formats......I don't think there is split captaincy culture here (Indian cricket). I think that he should continue as long as he is performing well. Rohit Sharma is a brilliant captain. He has won IPL four times and is a brilliant captain in T20 format but as far as captaining India team goes, Virat Kohli is doing well and he should continue as captain,” Rajkumar told a leading media outlet. Earlier, Prasad had said if the skipper of Indian team is the number one batsman in all formats then there should be no problem in him leading the team while adding that Kohli’s strategies have worked wonders for the Men in Blue in all formats of the game. ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar urges everyone to draw lessons from Test cricket to tackle COVID-19 “I don't agree with it (having different captains in different formats). Virat loves captaincy and captaincy brings best out of Virat. His performances haven't dropped because of captaincy. And when our captain is number 1 batsman in all formats......what's the problem? He has been coming up world-class performances across formats. His strategy is working well in all formats,” Prasad had earlier said. Meanwhile, with the cricketing action coming to an unusual halt due to the novel coronavirus, it remains to be seen when the matches resume in the gentlemen’s game.

'Rohit Sharma is a brilliant skipper but...' - Virat Kohli's childhood coach opines on spit captaincy calls in Indian cricket team

<p>The transitional phase in South African cricket has seen the Proteas go through a topsy-turvy curve in the last year or so. While the likes of Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir, JP Duminy are some of the players to have bowed out of the gentlemen's game since the conclusion of ICC World Cup 2019, but what had hurt Proteas the most was the retirement of batting maestro AB de Villiers back in 2018.</p>

<p>There has been plenty of talks surrounding de Villiers making his international comeback for South Africa in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2020 scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October 2020. While head coach Mark Boucher and captain Quinton de Kock have often opened up about their willingness to bring Mr 360 back in the squad, nothing has been done officially.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-african-cricketers-in-self-isolation-after-aborted-tour-of-india-287218">South African cricketers in self-isolation after aborted tour of India</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about his comeback plan to the international circuit, de Villiers said he will sit down with the team management after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 while adding his complete focus is on helping Royal Challengers Bangalore.</p>

<p>“Let’s wait and see what happens. My focus is on the Indian Premier League at the moment and helping Royal Challengers Bangalore realise our full potential. Then we will sit down and have a look at the rest of the year and see what is possible,” de Villiers said to a leading news agency.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/planet-is-asking-us-to-be-more-responsible-towards-society-ravichandran-ashwin-appeals-for-social-distancing-to-curb-coronavirus-287203">Planet is asking us to be more responsible towards society: Ravichandran Ashwin appeals for social distancing to curb coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>While de Villiers did try and make a comeback in the ICC World Cup 2019 but his proposal was rejected by the South Africa team management and eventually the Proteas experienced a torrid outing in the quadrennial event. Touching upon his decision to retire early in his career, de Villiers said he wanted to see his wife and two young sons more and strike a balance between family and cricket.</p>

<p>“Each player must consider his own circumstances and make his own decision. I reached a point where I wanted to see more of my wife and two young sons and seek a reasonable balance between family and cricket. The mental and physical demands on the leading players are massive these days, but each player must decide what he can and can’t do,” de Villiers said.</p>


The transitional phase in South African cricket has seen the Proteas go through a topsy-turvy curve in the last year or so. While the likes of Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir, JP Duminy are some of the players to have bowed out of the gentlemen's game since the conclusion of ICC World Cup 2019, but what had hurt Proteas the most was the retirement of batting maestro AB de Villiers back in 2018.

The transitional phase in South African cricket has seen the Proteas go through a topsy-turvy curve in the last year or so. While the likes of Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir, JP Duminy are some of the players to have bowed out of the gentlemen's game since the conclusion of ICC World Cup 2019, but what had hurt Proteas the most was the retirement of batting maestro AB de Villiers back in 2018. There has been plenty of talks surrounding de Villiers making his international comeback for South Africa in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2020 scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October 2020. While head coach Mark Boucher and captain Quinton de Kock have often opened up about their willingness to bring Mr 360 back in the squad, nothing has been done officially. ALSO READ: South African cricketers in self-isolation after aborted tour of India Talking about his comeback plan to the international circuit, de Villiers said he will sit down with the team management after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 while adding his complete focus is on helping Royal Challengers Bangalore. “Let’s wait and see what happens. My focus is on the Indian Premier League at the moment and helping Royal Challengers Bangalore realise our full potential. Then we will sit down and have a look at the rest of the year and see what is possible,” de Villiers said to a leading news agency. ALSO READ: Planet is asking us to be more responsible towards society: Ravichandran Ashwin appeals for social distancing to curb coronavirus While de Villiers did try and make a comeback in the ICC World Cup 2019 but his proposal was rejected by the South Africa team management and eventually the Proteas experienced a torrid outing in the quadrennial event. Touching upon his decision to retire early in his career, de Villiers said he wanted to see his wife and two young sons more and strike a balance between family and cricket. “Each player must consider his own circumstances and make his own decision. I reached a point where I wanted to see more of my wife and two young sons and seek a reasonable balance between family and cricket. The mental and physical demands on the leading players are massive these days, but each player must decide what he can and can’t do,” de Villiers said.

'My focus is on...' - AB de Villiers breaks his silence on South Africa comeback

<p>Members of the South African cricket team have been told to undergo a 14-day period of self-isolation and social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus following their return from an aborted tour of India.</p>

<p>The players arrived back in South Africa on Wednesday ten days after departing on a tour during which they played no cricket.</p>

<p>The first of three scheduled one-day internationals was abandoned without a ball bowled because of rain and the remaining two were cancelled.</p>

<p>Dr Shuaib Manjra, Cricket South Africa’s medical officer, who accompanied the team on the tour, during which they stayed in or travelled through Dubai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Kolkata, said the cancellation had been decided because of the rapid change in the global coronavirus situation.</p>

<p>“CSA had engaged in a risk assessment before the tour,” said Dr Manjra. “We deemed the risk to be very low. While on tour the world became a different place and we had to take cognisance of the fact that there was a change in the global environment.”</p>

<p>He said the risks were re-assessed, especially the possibility of borders being closed. “Ultimately the players’ frame of mind was the determining factor,” he said, adding the players had been concerned about their families and what was happening in South Africa.</p>

<p>Dr Manjra said the team had effectively been in isolation in India and had travelled on chartered flights and coaches in a sanitised environment.</p>

<p>But he said it had been decided to follow expert guidance on prevention of the spread of the virus.</p>

<p>“We’ve educated the players about the disease,” he said. “We’ve recommended that all players self-isolate and social-distance themselves for a minimum of 14 days to protect people around them and their communities.”</p>

<p>England’s tour of Sri Lanka has also been postponed as the coronavirus pandemic has virtually wiped out the global sporting calendar for the next few months.</p>


Members of the South African cricket team have been told to undergo a 14-day period of self-isolation and social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus following their return from an aborted tour of India.

Members of the South African cricket team have been told to undergo a 14-day period of self-isolation and social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus following their return from an aborted tour of India. The players arrived back in South Africa on Wednesday ten days after departing on a tour during which they played no cricket. The first of three scheduled one-day internationals was abandoned without a ball bowled because of rain and the remaining two were cancelled. Dr Shuaib Manjra, Cricket South Africa’s medical officer, who accompanied the team on the tour, during which they stayed in or travelled through Dubai, Delhi, Dharamsala, Lucknow and Kolkata, said the cancellation had been decided because of the rapid change in the global coronavirus situation. “CSA had engaged in a risk assessment before the tour,” said Dr Manjra. “We deemed the risk to be very low. While on tour the world became a different place and we had to take cognisance of the fact that there was a change in the global environment.” He said the risks were re-assessed, especially the possibility of borders being closed. “Ultimately the players’ frame of mind was the determining factor,” he said, adding the players had been concerned about their families and what was happening in South Africa. Dr Manjra said the team had effectively been in isolation in India and had travelled on chartered flights and coaches in a sanitised environment. But he said it had been decided to follow expert guidance on prevention of the spread of the virus. “We’ve educated the players about the disease,” he said. “We’ve recommended that all players self-isolate and social-distance themselves for a minimum of 14 days to protect people around them and their communities.” England’s tour of Sri Lanka has also been postponed as the coronavirus pandemic has virtually wiped out the global sporting calendar for the next few months.

South African cricketers in self-isolation after aborted tour of India

<p>At least 51 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India including 122 Indian nationals and 25 foreign nationals. The COVID-19 continues to spread like a wildfire and that has left shredded the daily routine of everyone into pieces. While the sporting world continues to stay grounded with an unusual halt&nbsp;due to the coronavirus pandemic, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took to Twitter to urge his fellow citizens to follow all the steps to contain the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashwin has been one of the vocal cricketers in highlighting the threat posed by the deadly COVID-19. &nbsp;Ashwin, in his tweet, wrote that the planet is challenging the human race and is asking everyone to be more responsible towards society. The Indian spinner further said that it is time to be honest and confine ourselves for the sake of other people around us.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/monkeygate-was-probably-the-lowest-ricky-ponting-reveals-lowest-point-of-his-career-287178">'Monkeygate was probably the lowest' - Ricky Ponting reveals lowest point of his career</a></strong></p>

<p>“The planet is challenging the human race, asking us if we can be responsible towards the society, it’s asking us if we can be honest and confine ourselves for another person's sake. Thinking face some very difficult questions to answer. Stay safe and answer the questions Folded hands#coronavirusindia,” Ashwin tweeted on Wednesday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The planet is challenging the human race, asking us if we can be responsible towards the society, it’s asking us if we can be honest and confine ourselves for another persons sake. some very difficult questions to answer. Stay safe and answer the questions <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirusindia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirusindia</a></p>
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1240215473595117570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guys-wash-your-hands-kl-rahul-reminds-shreyas-iyer-hardik-pandya-about-health-advisory-on-coronavirus-287159">'Guys, wash your hands' - KL Rahul reminds Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya about health advisory on coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>As the world continues to fight against the dreaded coronavirus, it is suggested by all medical experts to stay confined and maintain social distancing. The sporting calendar has been torn apart by the novel COVID-19 with almost every major leagues and tournaments, across sports, getting either cancelled or postponed.</p>


At least 51 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India including 122 Indian nationals and 25 foreign nationals. The COVID-19 continues to spread like a wildfire and that has left shredded the daily routine of everyone into pieces.

At least 51 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India including 122 Indian nationals and 25 foreign nationals. The COVID-19 continues to spread like a wildfire and that has left shredded the daily routine of everyone into pieces. While the sporting world continues to stay grounded with an unusual halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took to Twitter to urge his fellow citizens to follow all the steps to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Ashwin has been one of the vocal cricketers in highlighting the threat posed by the deadly COVID-19. Ashwin, in his tweet, wrote that the planet is challenging the human race and is asking everyone to be more responsible towards society. The Indian spinner further said that it is time to be honest and confine ourselves for the sake of other people around us. ALSO READ: 'Monkeygate was probably the lowest' - Ricky Ponting reveals lowest point of his career “The planet is challenging the human race, asking us if we can be responsible towards the society, it’s asking us if we can be honest and confine ourselves for another person's sake. Thinking face some very difficult questions to answer. Stay safe and answer the questions Folded hands#coronavirusindia,” Ashwin tweeted on Wednesday. The planet is challenging the human race, asking us if we can be responsible towards the society, it’s asking us if we can be honest and confine ourselves for another persons sake. some very difficult questions to answer. Stay safe and answer the questions #coronavirusindia — Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 18, 2020 × ALSO READ: 'Guys, wash your hands' - KL Rahul reminds Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya about health advisory on coronavirus As the world continues to fight against the dreaded coronavirus, it is suggested by all medical experts to stay confined and maintain social distancing. The sporting calendar has been torn apart by the novel COVID-19 with almost every major leagues and tournaments, across sports, getting either cancelled or postponed.

Planet is asking us to be more responsible towards society: Ravichandran Ashwin appeals for social distancing to curb coronavirus

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


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

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

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

<p>Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is currently recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow, which he damaged while playing in the Australian T20 league. With no cricketing action amid the coronavirus pandemic, Maxwell took some time off to spend quality moments with his beloved fans while preparing for his upcoming wedding. Earlier, Maxwell had announced his engagement to Indian origin girlfriend Vini Raman. Maxwell and Vini got engaged just after the completion of Big Bash League (BBL) 2019-20 where he led Melbourne Stars to the summit clash.</p>

<p>Maxwell has been dating Vini for some time now. The swashbuckling Aussie all-rounder's girlfriend is a pharmacist based in Melbourne and was last seen in the Australian Cricket Awards. Vini took to photo-blogging platform Instagram to post a photograph with Maxwell, where the duo is seen in Indian attire, as she announced that they celebrated their Indian engagement on Saturday (March 14).</p>

<p>“Last night we celebrated our Indian engagement and I gave @gmaxi_32 a little teaser of what the wedding will be like. Shout out to both of our incredible families &amp; all our friends who came to celebrate with us on such short notice – we are so grateful to be surrounded by some pretty amazing people,” she captioned her post.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9taXQkpEtc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Last night we celebrated our Indian engagement and I gave @gmaxi_32 a little teaser of what the wedding will be like Shout out to both of our incredible families &amp; all our friends who came to celebrate with us on such short notice - we are so grateful to be surrounded by some pretty amazing people Can’t wait to get our hands on more photos from @shevan_j_photography H&amp;M - who else but ... @lajeenartistry Venue - @lincoln_of_toorak Catering - @tandooriflames Mandap - @rupalis_mandaps_melbourne Henna - @fadziiesmehndiandbeauty Lehgna - @gbcreations_ Arm candy - @gmaxi_32 </a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vini.raman/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> VINI</a> (@vini.raman) on <time datetime="2020-03-14T09:47:29+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 14, 2020 at 2:47am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Maxwell was supposed to play for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but the cash-rich tournament was suspended till April 15 amid the coronavirus pandemic. While the BCCI is optimistic about kickstarting IPL 2015 after April 15, Maxwell will be looking to take the charge with the willow to stake a claim in the Australian side ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October 2020.</p>


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Pakistan Super League 2020 semis postponed amid coronavirus outbreak

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the BCCI to shut down its headquarter in Mumbai from Tuesday with its employees being told to work from home. It has been learnt that the employees have been asked to "work from home" with all the cricketing operations already being suspended till further notice.</p>

<p>"The BCCI employees were today notified that the headquarters at the Wankhede Stadium will be shut down in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. All the staffers have been told to work from home," a top source from the Board told PTI on conditions of anonymity.</p>

<p>The BCCI has already postponed the IPL-13 till April 15 along with all other domestic tournaments, including the Irani Cup and women's Challenger Trophy.<br />
India has so far reported 114 positive cases with two deaths. The global death toll has crossed 6,000 and the number of infected is over 160,000</p>


The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the BCCI to shut down its headquarter in Mumbai from Tuesday with its employees being told to work from home. It has been learnt that the employees have been asked to "work from home" with all the cricketing operations already being suspended till further notice.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the BCCI to shut down its headquarter in Mumbai from Tuesday with its employees being told to work from home. It has been learnt that the employees have been asked to "work from home" with all the cricketing operations already being suspended till further notice. "The BCCI employees were today notified that the headquarters at the Wankhede Stadium will be shut down in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. All the staffers have been told to work from home," a top source from the Board told PTI on conditions of anonymity. The BCCI has already postponed the IPL-13 till April 15 along with all other domestic tournaments, including the Irani Cup and women's Challenger Trophy. India has so far reported 114 positive cases with two deaths. The global death toll has crossed 6,000 and the number of infected is over 160,000

BCCI to shut down office, employees told to work from home

<p>Bangladesh's upcoming cricket tour of Pakistan was postponed on Monday as the coronavirus pandemic plays havoc with sports events across the globe.</p>

<p>Bangladesh were due to play a one-day international on April 1 followed by a Test, as Pakistan slowly re-emerges as a host for international cricket after a decade of isolation.</p>

<p>"The Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket boards have decided to postpone the upcoming one-day International and Test in Karachi for a later date," said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a statement.</p>

<p>The PCB has also indefinitely postponed the domestic Pakistan Cup tournament, which was scheduled to start on March 25.</p>

<p>The announcement comes days after Pakistan began holding the remaining matches of its domestic cricket league in empty stadiums to prevent the transmission of the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan has recorded fewer than 100 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, and no deaths.</p>

<p>Officials have tested fewer than 1,000 potential cases in the country of about 215 million people, where healthcare is frequently inadequate.</p>

<p>A deadly 2009 attack on a convoy carrying Sri Lanka's team halted international cricket tours to Pakistan, but visits are gradually resuming following an improvement in security.</p>


Bangladesh's upcoming cricket tour of Pakistan was postponed on Monday as the coronavirus pandemic plays havoc with sports events across the globe. Bangladesh were due to play a one-day international on April 1 followed by a Test, as Pakistan slowly re-emerges as a host for international cricket after a decade of isolation.

Bangladesh's upcoming cricket tour of Pakistan was postponed on Monday as the coronavirus pandemic plays havoc with sports events across the globe. Bangladesh were due to play a one-day international on April 1 followed by a Test, as Pakistan slowly re-emerges as a host for international cricket after a decade of isolation. "The Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket boards have decided to postpone the upcoming one-day International and Test in Karachi for a later date," said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a statement. The PCB has also indefinitely postponed the domestic Pakistan Cup tournament, which was scheduled to start on March 25. The announcement comes days after Pakistan began holding the remaining matches of its domestic cricket league in empty stadiums to prevent the transmission of the virus. Pakistan has recorded fewer than 100 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, and no deaths. Officials have tested fewer than 1,000 potential cases in the country of about 215 million people, where healthcare is frequently inadequate. A deadly 2009 attack on a convoy carrying Sri Lanka's team halted international cricket tours to Pakistan, but visits are gradually resuming following an improvement in security.

Pakistan postpones Bangladesh ODI and Test fixtures amid coronavirus pandemic

<p>As the novel coronavirus continues to spread like wildfire, the world of sports has taken a massive hit. A plethora of sporting events have been either cancelled or postponed including the India versus South Africa ODI series and much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While the three-match ODI series has been cancelled and the Proteas players will leave India in the earliest flight available, IPL 2020 has been suspended till April 15.</p>

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly reacted for the first time since the postponement of IPL 2020 as the former Indian skipper said everyone's safety is the utmost priority for the cricket board while adding sticking to the postponement is the best possible option.</p>

<h2><strong>"Everyone's safety is our priority"</strong></h2>

<p>"Let us stick to postponement as for now. Everyone's safety is our priority," BCCI president Ganguly said on the postponement of IPL 2020 on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on IPL 2020 postponement: Let us stick to postponement as for now. Everyone's safety is our priority <a href="https://t.co/WvGU3zcfJJ">pic.twitter.com/WvGU3zcfJJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1238475033258782721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel coronavirus a pandemic, the entire sporting calendar has been left shattered. Tournaments like UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Premier League, England tour of Sri Lanka, Australian Grand Prix, ATP men's tour, Indian Super League 2019-20 final, Kolkata derby, among a few being either suspended or postponed, the onus was on BCCI to decide on the future of IPL 2020 and the apex cricket board decided to suspend it till April 15.</p>

<p>The BCCI's decision came after the Sports Ministry's advisory to all National Sports Federations to follow the Health Ministry's advisory and avoid large gatherings in sports events.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Indian government had announced the cancellation of all regular visas to India except diplomatic and official visas from March 13, which had put the participation of foreign players under dark clouds. However, with the IPL Governing Council meeting set to be held on March 14 (Saturday), it will be interesting to see what conclusion they come, along with all IPL franchises, regarding the scheduling and timings of the matches&nbsp;</p>


As the novel coronavirus continues to spread like wildfire, the world of sports has taken a massive hit. A plethora of sporting events have been either cancelled or postponed including the India versus South Africa ODI series and much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread like wildfire, the world of sports has taken a massive hit. A plethora of sporting events have been either cancelled or postponed including the India versus South Africa ODI series and much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. While the three-match ODI series has been cancelled and the Proteas players will leave India in the earliest flight available, IPL 2020 has been suspended till April 15. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly reacted for the first time since the postponement of IPL 2020 as the former Indian skipper said everyone's safety is the utmost priority for the cricket board while adding sticking to the postponement is the best possible option. "Everyone's safety is our priority" "Let us stick to postponement as for now. Everyone's safety is our priority," BCCI president Ganguly said on the postponement of IPL 2020 on Friday. BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on IPL 2020 postponement: Let us stick to postponement as for now. Everyone's safety is our priority pic.twitter.com/WvGU3zcfJJ — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2020 × With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the novel coronavirus a pandemic, the entire sporting calendar has been left shattered. Tournaments like UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Premier League, England tour of Sri Lanka, Australian Grand Prix, ATP men's tour, Indian Super League 2019-20 final, Kolkata derby, among a few being either suspended or postponed, the onus was on BCCI to decide on the future of IPL 2020 and the apex cricket board decided to suspend it till April 15. The BCCI's decision came after the Sports Ministry's advisory to all National Sports Federations to follow the Health Ministry's advisory and avoid large gatherings in sports events. Earlier, the Indian government had announced the cancellation of all regular visas to India except diplomatic and official visas from March 13, which had put the participation of foreign players under dark clouds. However, with the IPL Governing Council meeting set to be held on March 14 (Saturday), it will be interesting to see what conclusion they come, along with all IPL franchises, regarding the scheduling and timings of the matches

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly reacts to the postponement of IPL 2020

<p>Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson has been cleared of the coronavirus and rejoined his teammates at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.</p>

<p>Richardson, who returned from South Africa with the ODI squad this week, was isolated and tested as a precaution after developing a mild sore throat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Cricket Australia website said Richardson has been cleared of coronavirus after he returned a negative result to COVID-19 testing.</p>

<p>He was released from his hotel room quarantine to travel to the SCG to join the rest of the squad for the opening ODI against New Zealand.</p>

<p>Fans have been barred from the game in Sydney to curb the spread of the coronavirus, which has shut down a swathe of sporting events including this week's Australian Grand Prix.</p>


Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson has been cleared of the coronavirus and rejoined his teammates at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. Richardson, who returned from South Africa with the ODI squad this week, was isolated and tested as a precaution after developing a mild sore throat.

Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson has been cleared of the coronavirus and rejoined his teammates at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. Richardson, who returned from South Africa with the ODI squad this week, was isolated and tested as a precaution after developing a mild sore throat. The Cricket Australia website said Richardson has been cleared of coronavirus after he returned a negative result to COVID-19 testing. He was released from his hotel room quarantine to travel to the SCG to join the rest of the squad for the opening ODI against New Zealand. Fans have been barred from the game in Sydney to curb the spread of the coronavirus, which has shut down a swathe of sporting events including this week's Australian Grand Prix.

Australian pacer Kane Richardson cleared of coronavirus

<p>Australia crushed New Zealand by 71 runs in the first one day international at an empty Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.</p>

<p>After New Zealand earlier kept the home side to 258 for seven, the Australian bowling attack dominated the Kiwi batsmen to dismiss the visitors for 187 in the 41st over.</p>

<p>Cricket Australia barred spectators from the match in response to the coronavirus pandemic, leading to the strange sight of players acknowledging milestones to empty grandstands.</p>

<p>It was also revealed that Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson was in quarantine early in the day and had been tested for the virus after feeling unwell.</p>

<p>However, he was subsequently cleared of the virus and returned to the ground to rejoin his teammates.</p>

<p>Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and chose to bat, with the home side at one stage looking at a score in excess of 300 following a superb opening partnership from Finch and David Warner.</p>

<p>But once Warner (67) and Finch (60) were dismissed, the Australian innings lost momentum and New Zealand clawed their way back into the game, despite a late flourish from Marnus Labuschagne, who made 56 from just 52 deliveries.</p>

<p>New Zealand must have given themselves a good chance of taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but some superb Australian bowling in the first 10 overs meant the visitors were always behind in the run chase.</p>

<p>None of the New Zealand batsmen was able to dominate -- Martin Guptill top scored with 40 -- and wickets fell at regular intervals as Australia took control.</p>

<p>The victory will come as a welcome boost to the Australians, who had lost their last five ODIs in series losses to South Africa and India.</p>

<p>Test spearhead Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers with 3-25, while allrounder Mitchell Marsh claimed 3-29.</p>

<p>Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood both picked up two wickets in an impressive team display.</p>

<p>Earlier, New Zealand spinners Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi reined Australia in after Finch and Warner's bright start.</p>

<p>Warner brought up a chanceless half-century but soon began to struggle when New Zealand's fastest bowler, Lockie Ferguson, came round the wicket and he eventually fell when he was beaten by pace and sliced a Ferguson thunderbolt to mid-on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Santner struck next when Finch got a faint edge to keeper Tom Latham to leave Australia 145 for two.</p>

<p>He then rocked the home side when he bowled Steve Smith (14) with the addition of only one run.</p>

<p>Leg-spinner Sodhi was expensive early but he adjusted his length and claimed the next three wickets to give New Zealand hope of chasing down the Australian total under the SCG lights.</p>

<p>The second match will take place on Sunday, also at the SCG.</p>


Australia crushed New Zealand by 71 runs in the first one day international at an empty Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. After New Zealand earlier kept the home side to 258 for seven, the Australian bowling attack dominated the Kiwi batsmen to dismiss the visitors for 187 in the 41st over.

Australia crushed New Zealand by 71 runs in the first one day international at an empty Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. After New Zealand earlier kept the home side to 258 for seven, the Australian bowling attack dominated the Kiwi batsmen to dismiss the visitors for 187 in the 41st over. Cricket Australia barred spectators from the match in response to the coronavirus pandemic, leading to the strange sight of players acknowledging milestones to empty grandstands. It was also revealed that Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson was in quarantine early in the day and had been tested for the virus after feeling unwell. However, he was subsequently cleared of the virus and returned to the ground to rejoin his teammates. Australian skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and chose to bat, with the home side at one stage looking at a score in excess of 300 following a superb opening partnership from Finch and David Warner. But once Warner (67) and Finch (60) were dismissed, the Australian innings lost momentum and New Zealand clawed their way back into the game, despite a late flourish from Marnus Labuschagne, who made 56 from just 52 deliveries. New Zealand must have given themselves a good chance of taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but some superb Australian bowling in the first 10 overs meant the visitors were always behind in the run chase. None of the New Zealand batsmen was able to dominate -- Martin Guptill top scored with 40 -- and wickets fell at regular intervals as Australia took control. The victory will come as a welcome boost to the Australians, who had lost their last five ODIs in series losses to South Africa and India. Test spearhead Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers with 3-25, while allrounder Mitchell Marsh claimed 3-29. Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood both picked up two wickets in an impressive team display. Earlier, New Zealand spinners Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi reined Australia in after Finch and Warner's bright start. Warner brought up a chanceless half-century but soon began to struggle when New Zealand's fastest bowler, Lockie Ferguson, came round the wicket and he eventually fell when he was beaten by pace and sliced a Ferguson thunderbolt to mid-on. Santner struck next when Finch got a faint edge to keeper Tom Latham to leave Australia 145 for two. He then rocked the home side when he bowled Steve Smith (14) with the addition of only one run. Leg-spinner Sodhi was expensive early but he adjusted his length and claimed the next three wickets to give New Zealand hope of chasing down the Australian total under the SCG lights. The second match will take place on Sunday, also at the SCG.

Australia crush New Zealand in first ODI by 71 runs

<p>The ongoing India versus South Africa, three-match ODI series has been called off amid coronavirus pandemic. While the first ODI of the three-match rubber was abandoned without a ball being bowled in Dharamsala on Thursday, the remaining two matches of the series were to be held in Lucknow and Kolkata on March 15 and 18 respectively.</p>

<p>However, both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have collectively decided to cancel the series. The Proteas players will leave India at the earliest available flight after coming to Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) along with Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday announced to reschedule the ongoing ODI series in view of the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) outbreak. Cricket South Africa will visit India at a later date to play 3 One-day Internationals. The BCCI-CSA will jointly work out the revised schedule," the BCCI said in a statement on Friday.</p>

<p>Both the remaining ODIs of the three-match series were to be held behind closed doors amid the coronavirus outbreak but with the situation deteriorating, the BCCI has decided to call off the series completely keeping the health and well being of the players and staffs in mind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Friday, the board decided to suspend IPL 2020 till April 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the IPL Governing Council meeting is scheduled to be held on March 14 (Saturday), it will be interesting to see what final decision the board takes along with all the franchises while keeping the scheduling and logistics in mind.</p>


The ongoing India versus South Africa, three-match ODI series has been called off amid coronavirus pandemic. While the first ODI of the three-match rubber was abandoned without a ball being bowled in Dharamsala on Thursday, the remaining two matches of the series were to be held in Lucknow and Kolkata on March 15 and 18 respectively.

The ongoing India versus South Africa, three-match ODI series has been called off amid coronavirus pandemic. While the first ODI of the three-match rubber was abandoned without a ball being bowled in Dharamsala on Thursday, the remaining two matches of the series were to be held in Lucknow and Kolkata on March 15 and 18 respectively. However, both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have collectively decided to cancel the series. The Proteas players will leave India at the earliest available flight after coming to Delhi. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) along with Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday announced to reschedule the ongoing ODI series in view of the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) outbreak. Cricket South Africa will visit India at a later date to play 3 One-day Internationals. The BCCI-CSA will jointly work out the revised schedule," the BCCI said in a statement on Friday. Both the remaining ODIs of the three-match series were to be held behind closed doors amid the coronavirus outbreak but with the situation deteriorating, the BCCI has decided to call off the series completely keeping the health and well being of the players and staffs in mind. Earlier on Friday, the board decided to suspend IPL 2020 till April 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the IPL Governing Council meeting is scheduled to be held on March 14 (Saturday), it will be interesting to see what final decision the board takes along with all the franchises while keeping the scheduling and logistics in mind.

India versus South Africa ODI series called off amid coronavirus pandemic

<p>With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the Delhi government has banned all sporting activities, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 matches and other conferences until further notice, announced Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday (March 13). The Delhi government's ban will be specific to events where gatherings of 200 people or more are likely. However, this comes as a major blow to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL Governing Council ahead of their meeting on March 14 (Saturday).</p>

<p>"Thousands of people will come for these events, from all over. There is no way to know who is coming, where they are coming from and no way to control their arrival. It takes only one person to spread this disease, to be a carrier," Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said.</p>

<p>"For this reason, the government has decided to ban these events. Right now, social distancing is the best solution. We have asked all District Magistrates and Sub-District Magistrates to follow all orders from the Health Department," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sports gatherings including IPL prohibited in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/ALLf7J1NUo">pic.twitter.com/ALLf7J1NUo</a></p>
— Satyendar Jain (@SatyendarJain) <a href="https://twitter.com/SatyendarJain/status/1238357521980522496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Future of IPL 2020 unclear?</strong></h2>

<p>Even though it is yet unclear whether IPL 2020 matches will be allowed to take place in empty stadiums, as it will happen in the remaining two ODIs of the India vs South Africa ODI series. Meanwhile, Delhi have followed Maharashtra's footstep where the state government has banned ticket sales of IPL 2020.</p>

<p>However, it will be interesting to see the outcome of the IPL Governing Council meeting which will be held on March 14 (Saturday). All the IPL franchises have been invited to the meeting and it is highly likely that the cash-rich tournament will be pushed back with more afternoon matches and doubleheaders to be played.&nbsp;</p>


With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the Delhi government has banned all sporting activities, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 matches and other conferences until further notice, announced Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday (March 13).

With the novel coronavirus spreading like a wildfire, the Delhi government has banned all sporting activities, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 matches and other conferences until further notice, announced Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday (March 13). The Delhi government's ban will be specific to events where gatherings of 200 people or more are likely. However, this comes as a major blow to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL Governing Council ahead of their meeting on March 14 (Saturday). "Thousands of people will come for these events, from all over. There is no way to know who is coming, where they are coming from and no way to control their arrival. It takes only one person to spread this disease, to be a carrier," Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said. "For this reason, the government has decided to ban these events. Right now, social distancing is the best solution. We have asked all District Magistrates and Sub-District Magistrates to follow all orders from the Health Department," he added. Sports gatherings including IPL prohibited in Delhi pic.twitter.com/ALLf7J1NUo — Satyendar Jain (@SatyendarJain) March 13, 2020 × Future of IPL 2020 unclear? Even though it is yet unclear whether IPL 2020 matches will be allowed to take place in empty stadiums, as it will happen in the remaining two ODIs of the India vs South Africa ODI series. Meanwhile, Delhi have followed Maharashtra's footstep where the state government has banned ticket sales of IPL 2020. However, it will be interesting to see the outcome of the IPL Governing Council meeting which will be held on March 14 (Saturday). All the IPL franchises have been invited to the meeting and it is highly likely that the cash-rich tournament will be pushed back with more afternoon matches and doubleheaders to be played.

No IPL 2020, other sports event to be held in Delhi amid coronavirus outbreak: Manish Sisodia

<p>The Delhi government's refusal to allow any IPL matches in the city owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the BCCI's woes with the board now looking for alternate venues in "willing" states to conduct a closed-door edition.</p>

<p>Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday said that the national capital will not have any sporting events for a month to contain the spread of the deadly infection that has sent the world into turmoil with close to 5,000 deaths so far.</p>

<p>The IPL is due to start on March 29 in Mumbai and Delhi's first game was to be on March 30. "All sports gatherings will be banned, including the IPL, in wake of the coronavirus threat," Sisodia said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The BCCI responded by listing the alternate venues that could play host. Delhi is home to the Delhi Capital IPL franchise. "Lucknow has been wanting to host IPL matches for a while now. If it's a closed-door tournament, it really doesn't matter where it is played," a BCCI source said.</p>

<p>Before Delhi, Karnataka has also expressed its unwillingness to host IPL matches, while Maharashtra have banned the sale of tickets.</p>


The Delhi government's refusal to allow any IPL matches in the city owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the BCCI's woes with the board now looking for alternate venues in "willing" states to conduct a closed-door edition.

The Delhi government's refusal to allow any IPL matches in the city owing to the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the BCCI's woes with the board now looking for alternate venues in "willing" states to conduct a closed-door edition. Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday said that the national capital will not have any sporting events for a month to contain the spread of the deadly infection that has sent the world into turmoil with close to 5,000 deaths so far. The IPL is due to start on March 29 in Mumbai and Delhi's first game was to be on March 30. "All sports gatherings will be banned, including the IPL, in wake of the coronavirus threat," Sisodia said. The BCCI responded by listing the alternate venues that could play host. Delhi is home to the Delhi Capital IPL franchise. "Lucknow has been wanting to host IPL matches for a while now. If it's a closed-door tournament, it really doesn't matter where it is played," a BCCI source said. Before Delhi, Karnataka has also expressed its unwillingness to host IPL matches, while Maharashtra have banned the sale of tickets.

BCCI explores alternate venues after Delhi shuts doors on IPL matches due to coronavirus

<p>Pakistan cricket authorities appeared Thursday to brush off fears for the coronavirus pandemic as it prepared to host several Pakistan Super League matches in the bustling commercial hub of Karachi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The city of at least 15 million people is set to host five Twenty20 league games starting Thursday evening at the national stadium, which can hold up to 30,000 spectators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision to move ahead with the league comes as anxiety escalated globally about the potential of unchecked transmission of the virus at big sports events.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sporting events around the world have been cancelled or postponed over the virus, including the suspension of NBA games in North America.</p>

<p>Social media users in Pakistan voiced concerns over authorities continuing to host games despite a rise in coronavirus cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Still trying to understand why PSL hasn't been canceled during a GLOBAL PANDEMIC," tweeted Pakistan novelist Fatima Bhutto.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"World's best sports events are cancelled but in Pakistan flight operations are still going on, PSL is still not banned... Where we're headed?" added Twitter user Asim Siddiq.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, officials insisted the situation was under control.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, officials encouraged fans attending games to wash their hands and refrain from hugging, shaking hands and spitting.</p>

<p>"We have ensured all kinds of safety measures at the PSL matches, so the people can enjoy cricket," said Murtaza Wahab, the provincial government spokesman.</p>

<p>"Spectators would be scanned and they would be able to wash and sanitise their hands before entering into the stadium."</p>

<p>Pakistan has recorded just 20 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus -- including several in Karachi -- but no deaths, according to Mumtaz Ali Khan from the National Institute of Health.</p>

<p>However, there are fears that officials have yet to test large swathes of the population in earnest due to a lack of resources and decades of underinvestment in the country’s health sector.</p>

<p>This year’s PSL tournament is the first in the league’s five-year history to in its entirety on home soil.</p>

<p>Previous seasons saw a portion of matches held in the United Arab Emirates over security fears.</p>


Pakistan cricket authorities appeared Thursday to brush off fears for the coronavirus pandemic as it prepared to host several Pakistan Super League matches in the bustling commercial hub of Karachi.

Pakistan cricket authorities appeared Thursday to brush off fears for the coronavirus pandemic as it prepared to host several Pakistan Super League matches in the bustling commercial hub of Karachi. The city of at least 15 million people is set to host five Twenty20 league games starting Thursday evening at the national stadium, which can hold up to 30,000 spectators. The decision to move ahead with the league comes as anxiety escalated globally about the potential of unchecked transmission of the virus at big sports events. Sporting events around the world have been cancelled or postponed over the virus, including the suspension of NBA games in North America. Social media users in Pakistan voiced concerns over authorities continuing to host games despite a rise in coronavirus cases. "Still trying to understand why PSL hasn't been canceled during a GLOBAL PANDEMIC," tweeted Pakistan novelist Fatima Bhutto. "World's best sports events are cancelled but in Pakistan flight operations are still going on, PSL is still not banned... Where we're headed?" added Twitter user Asim Siddiq. However, officials insisted the situation was under control. In a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, officials encouraged fans attending games to wash their hands and refrain from hugging, shaking hands and spitting. "We have ensured all kinds of safety measures at the PSL matches, so the people can enjoy cricket," said Murtaza Wahab, the provincial government spokesman. "Spectators would be scanned and they would be able to wash and sanitise their hands before entering into the stadium." Pakistan has recorded just 20 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus -- including several in Karachi -- but no deaths, according to Mumtaz Ali Khan from the National Institute of Health. However, there are fears that officials have yet to test large swathes of the population in earnest due to a lack of resources and decades of underinvestment in the country’s health sector. This year’s PSL tournament is the first in the league’s five-year history to in its entirety on home soil. Previous seasons saw a portion of matches held in the United Arab Emirates over security fears.

Pakistan pushes ahead with PSL 2020 despite coronavirus fears

<p>Rain washed out the first one-day international between India and South Africa without a ball being bowled in Dharamsala on Thursday -- and the next two games could be held in empty stadiums because of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>Morning rain over the Himalayan hill town forced a delay of the toss, and returned in the afternoon leaving umpires with no choice but to call the game off.</p>

<p>It is the second successive international to have been washed out at Dharamsala after a Twenty20 match between the same opponents was abandoned without a ball being bowled in September.</p>

<p>This three-match series has gone ahead despite the coronavirus outbreak that has prompted the cancellation of top sporting events across the globe.</p>

<p>But the next two matches in Lucknow on Sunday and Kolkata on March 18 could be played behind closed doors after the Indian government advised sports bodies to hold events in empty stadiums because of the pandemic.</p>

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India made no immediate announcement of its plans for the games.</p>


Rain washed out the first one-day international between India and South Africa without a ball being bowled in Dharamsala on Thursday -- and the next two games could be held in empty stadiums because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rain washed out the first one-day international between India and South Africa without a ball being bowled in Dharamsala on Thursday -- and the next two games could be held in empty stadiums because of the coronavirus pandemic. Morning rain over the Himalayan hill town forced a delay of the toss, and returned in the afternoon leaving umpires with no choice but to call the game off. It is the second successive international to have been washed out at Dharamsala after a Twenty20 match between the same opponents was abandoned without a ball being bowled in September. This three-match series has gone ahead despite the coronavirus outbreak that has prompted the cancellation of top sporting events across the globe. But the next two matches in Lucknow on Sunday and Kolkata on March 18 could be played behind closed doors after the Indian government advised sports bodies to hold events in empty stadiums because of the pandemic. The Board of Control for Cricket in India made no immediate announcement of its plans for the games.

Rain washes out first India-South Africa one-day international

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidJpPrZtWtBtPH" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Bangladesh Cricket Board on Sunday announced that Tamim Iqbal will take charge for the Bangladesh side in the ODIs after Mashrafe Mortaza was relieved from his leadership duties after the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first challenge that Tamim will face is against Pakistan for a single ODI match set to take place on April 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tamim Iqbal is no new to captaincy role as he led the Tigers against Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series last July (During Mortaza's absence). He even led his team in a Test match against New Zealand in January 2017.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Snaps of Bangladesh team's practice session today at SBNCS ahead of the 2-match T20I series against Zimbabwe starting from tomorrow (March 9). <a href="https://t.co/Vrh8DHps1j">pic.twitter.com/Vrh8DHps1j</a></p>
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<p>Bangladesh Cricket Board's president Nazmul Hasan told reporters that he looks forward to Tamim continuing this role for a long time, unlike the past where the board chose captain according to the series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The board has unanimously selected Tamim Iqbal as our new ODI captain," Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan announced at a press conference after a meeting of the governing body's board of directors.</p>

<p>"We thought of appointing a captain for a short duration and then giving the job to someone else next year. But we finally decided against a short-term appointment. We hope Tamim would serve for the long term," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following this decision, Shakib Al Hasan and Mortaza have been dropped from BCB's centrally contracted players' list.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>BCB's list of centrally contracted players:</strong>&nbsp;Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Mithun, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Naim Sheikh, Tamim Iqbal Khan, Liton Kumer Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque Shawrab, Nayeem Hasan, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, Mahmudullah, Shaifuddin, Mistafizur Rahman.</p>


Bangladesh Cricket Board on Sunday announced that Tamim Iqbal will take charge for the Bangladesh side in the ODIs after Mashrafe Mortaza was relieved from his leadership duties after the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh Cricket Board on Sunday announced that Tamim Iqbal will take charge for the Bangladesh side in the ODIs after Mashrafe Mortaza was relieved from his leadership duties after the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. The first challenge that Tamim will face is against Pakistan for a single ODI match set to take place on April 1. Tamim Iqbal is no new to captaincy role as he led the Tigers against Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series last July (During Mortaza's absence). He even led his team in a Test match against New Zealand in January 2017. Snaps of Bangladesh team's practice session today at SBNCS ahead of the 2-match T20I series against Zimbabwe starting from tomorrow (March 9). pic.twitter.com/Vrh8DHps1j — Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 8, 2020 × Bangladesh Cricket Board's president Nazmul Hasan told reporters that he looks forward to Tamim continuing this role for a long time, unlike the past where the board chose captain according to the series. "The board has unanimously selected Tamim Iqbal as our new ODI captain," Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan announced at a press conference after a meeting of the governing body's board of directors. "We thought of appointing a captain for a short duration and then giving the job to someone else next year. But we finally decided against a short-term appointment. We hope Tamim would serve for the long term," he added. Following this decision, Shakib Al Hasan and Mortaza have been dropped from BCB's centrally contracted players' list. BCB's list of centrally contracted players: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Mithun, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Naim Sheikh, Tamim Iqbal Khan, Liton Kumer Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque Shawrab, Nayeem Hasan, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, Mahmudullah, Shaifuddin, Mistafizur Rahman.

Tamim Iqbal to lead Bangladesh in ODIs, Mortaza and Shakib dropped from centrally contracted players' list

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