World number two Rafael Nadal on Tuesday confirmed that he will not defend his US Open title this year at the iconic Flushing Meadows as he cited concerns surrounding COVID-19. Nadal joined women’s world number one Australian Ashleigh Barty in skipping the tournament due to coronavirus concers.&nbsp;

"After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year's U.S. Open," Nadal said on Twitter here "The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don't have control of it.

“We know that the reduced tennis calendar is barbaric this year after 4 months stopped with no play, I understand and thank (everyone) for the efforts they are putting in to make it happen. We have just seen the announcement of Madrid not being played this year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-masters-tennis-cancelled-due-to-covid-318300" hreflang="en">Madrid Masters tennis cancelled due to COVID</a>

“This is a decision I never wanted to take but I have decided to follow my heart this time and for the time being I rather not travel.”

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After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year’s US Open. The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don’t have control of it.
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The Madrid Open, which was scheduled to be held from September 12-20, was called off on Tuesday amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the Spanish capital. Whereas, the United States has the highest tally in the world with more than 4.7 million coronavirus cases with around 156,000 deaths.&nbsp;

World number one Novak Djokovic headlines the men’s list for US Open 2020 along with last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev with other top 10 players including Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-expects-some-top-male-players-to-skip-us-open-2020-317253" hreflang="en">Andy Murray expects 'some top male players' to skip US Open 2020</a>

Notably, Swiss ace Roger Federer will also be absent after he underwent a knee surgery in June that ended his 2020 season.

Nine of the top 10 women’s players, including 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and holder Bianca Andreescu, are on the entry list along with 2018 champion Naomi Osaka.

Organisers said the seedings would be announced closer to the start of the tournament which is scheduled for Aug. 31.

World number two Rafael Nadal on Tuesday confirmed that he will not defend his US Open title this year at the iconic Flushing Meadows as he cited concerns surrounding COVID-19.

World number two Rafael Nadal on Tuesday confirmed that he will not defend his US Open title this year at the iconic Flushing Meadows as he cited concerns surrounding COVID-19. Nadal joined women’s world number one Australian Ashleigh Barty in skipping the tournament due to coronavirus concers. "After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year's U.S. Open," Nadal said on Twitter here "The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don't have control of it. “We know that the reduced tennis calendar is barbaric this year after 4 months stopped with no play, I understand and thank (everyone) for the efforts they are putting in to make it happen. We have just seen the announcement of Madrid not being played this year. ALSO READ: Madrid Masters tennis cancelled due to COVID “This is a decision I never wanted to take but I have decided to follow my heart this time and for the time being I rather not travel.” After many thoughts I have decided not to play this year’s US Open. The situation is very complicated worldwide, the COVID-19 cases are increasing, it looks like we still don’t have control of it. — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) August 4, 2020 × The Madrid Open, which was scheduled to be held from September 12-20, was called off on Tuesday amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the Spanish capital. Whereas, the United States has the highest tally in the world with more than 4.7 million coronavirus cases with around 156,000 deaths. World number one Novak Djokovic headlines the men’s list for US Open 2020 along with last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev with other top 10 players including Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev. ALSO READ: Andy Murray expects 'some top male players' to skip US Open 2020 Notably, Swiss ace Roger Federer will also be absent after he underwent a knee surgery in June that ended his 2020 season. Nine of the top 10 women’s players, including 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and holder Bianca Andreescu, are on the entry list along with 2018 champion Naomi Osaka. Organisers said the seedings would be announced closer to the start of the tournament which is scheduled for Aug. 31.

Rafael Nadal skips US Open citing COVID-19 concerns

Tottenham Hotspur defender Danny Rose has said he is tired of racial discrimination after being regularly stopped by police and asked if his car is stolen.

The 30-year-old England international said he has had similar experiences for the last 15 years.

“The last time, last week, when I’d just been at my mum’s house, I had pulled up in a car park so the engine was off,” he told the Second Captains podcast.

“The police pulled in and they brought a riot van, three police cars and questioned me. They said they’d had a report that a car had not been driving correctly.

“I’m like: ‘So why does that make it my car?’ I got my ID out and they breathalysed me. It’s just one of those things to me now. Each time it’s: ‘Is this car stolen? Where did you get it from? Can you prove that you bought this car.’”

Rose said such incidents had made him sceptical about the prospects of lasting change.

“I just give up with hoping that things will change because that’s some people’s mentality towards racism.”

Rose said last year that he could not wait to leave football because he had had enough of the racism in the game.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Danny Rose has said he is tired of racial discrimination after being regularly stopped by police and asked if his car is stolen. The 30-year-old England international said he has had similar experiences for the last 15 years.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Danny Rose has said he is tired of racial discrimination after being regularly stopped by police and asked if his car is stolen. The 30-year-old England international said he has had similar experiences for the last 15 years. “The last time, last week, when I’d just been at my mum’s house, I had pulled up in a car park so the engine was off,” he told the Second Captains podcast. “The police pulled in and they brought a riot van, three police cars and questioned me. They said they’d had a report that a car had not been driving correctly. “I’m like: ‘So why does that make it my car?’ I got my ID out and they breathalysed me. It’s just one of those things to me now. Each time it’s: ‘Is this car stolen? Where did you get it from? Can you prove that you bought this car.’” Rose said such incidents had made him sceptical about the prospects of lasting change. “I just give up with hoping that things will change because that’s some people’s mentality towards racism.” Rose said last year that he could not wait to leave football because he had had enough of the racism in the game.

Spurs' Rose says tired of police stopping him to ask if car is stolen

Liverpool's principal owner John W Henry says being part of the club's triumphs in the past 14 months has been the highlight of his career despite his multiple successes with the Boston Red Sox.

Since June 2019, Jurgen Klopp's team have won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and, after a 30-year wait, the English league title.

Henry's Fenway Sports Group also owns baseball franchise the Boston Red Sox, who ended their own 86-year trophy drought with a World Series victory in 2004, following up with further wins in 2007, 2013 and 2018.

But the American believes what Liverpool have achieved surpasses those achievements.

"The fact that we are champions of England, champions of Europe, the Club World Cup, the Super Cup is just an extraordinary accomplishment by this organisation and by these players," he told liverpoolfc.com.

"To be involved with that, to have been a part of it has really been the capstone of my career and I think all of us who have been a part of Fenway Sports Group."

Henry thanked the players and staff, highlighting the impact of Klopp and the team around him.

"I could go on and on about Jurgen and how his heart is larger than his frame, how his enthusiasm affects all of us positively every day," he said.

As Klopp plots more successes, veteran Liverpool midfielder James Milner has warned his team-mates it would be "criminal" for them to lose focus after their Premier League triumph.

The players are currently on a break before pre-season begins but Milner, who also won two titles in three years with Manchester City, says they have to be switched on when they return.

"I think it's getting that balance right. We have to enjoy it because we know how hard it is to win trophies," the 34-year-old told Liverpool's website.

"We've been very good to do it but also lucky to win the amount of trophies we have had this year.

"Trent (Alexander-Arnold) thinks it's absolutely easy, he just turns up and wins trophies every year but I can assure you, with the amount of years I've had in my career, it's not that easy."

He warned his teammates against letting their standards drop.

"We have a couple of weeks to enjoy this and enjoy being champions and then, as soon as next season starts, it's down to the fans to carry on enjoying it and enjoy being champions for us," he said.

Liverpool's principal owner John W Henry says being part of the club's triumphs in the past 14 months has been the highlight of his career despite his multiple successes with the Boston Red Sox.

Liverpool's principal owner John W Henry says being part of the club's triumphs in the past 14 months has been the highlight of his career despite his multiple successes with the Boston Red Sox. Since June 2019, Jurgen Klopp's team have won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and, after a 30-year wait, the English league title. Henry's Fenway Sports Group also owns baseball franchise the Boston Red Sox, who ended their own 86-year trophy drought with a World Series victory in 2004, following up with further wins in 2007, 2013 and 2018. But the American believes what Liverpool have achieved surpasses those achievements. "The fact that we are champions of England, champions of Europe, the Club World Cup, the Super Cup is just an extraordinary accomplishment by this organisation and by these players," he told liverpoolfc.com. "To be involved with that, to have been a part of it has really been the capstone of my career and I think all of us who have been a part of Fenway Sports Group." Henry thanked the players and staff, highlighting the impact of Klopp and the team around him. "I could go on and on about Jurgen and how his heart is larger than his frame, how his enthusiasm affects all of us positively every day," he said. As Klopp plots more successes, veteran Liverpool midfielder James Milner has warned his team-mates it would be "criminal" for them to lose focus after their Premier League triumph. The players are currently on a break before pre-season begins but Milner, who also won two titles in three years with Manchester City, says they have to be switched on when they return. "I think it's getting that balance right. We have to enjoy it because we know how hard it is to win trophies," the 34-year-old told Liverpool's website. "We've been very good to do it but also lucky to win the amount of trophies we have had this year. "Trent (Alexander-Arnold) thinks it's absolutely easy, he just turns up and wins trophies every year but I can assure you, with the amount of years I've had in my career, it's not that easy." He warned his teammates against letting their standards drop. "We have a couple of weeks to enjoy this and enjoy being champions and then, as soon as next season starts, it's down to the fans to carry on enjoying it and enjoy being champions for us," he said.

Liverpool owner speaks of pride after 'extraordinary' trophy run

Cricket matches between England and Pakistan have often been a fraught affair, with rows over umpiring, ball-tampering, abandoned fixtures and a spot-fixing scandal all contributing to a tense relationship.

Below AFP Sport looks back at five of the biggest rows ahead of the first Test between the two sides at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday:

<h2>1956: The umpire and the bucket of water</h2>

Pakistani umpire Idris Baig was 'kidnapped' by England players, taken to the team hotel in Peshawar and doused with two buckets of water.

The late Donald Carr, the England captain, dismissed the incident as a prank after some questionable decisions against the tourists.

But what was intended as a joke has often been cited as the root cause of many a subsequent rows.

<h2>1987: Mike Gatting and Shakoor Rana</h2>

The Faisalabad Test of 1987 became infamous for perhaps the most heated of all on-field arguments when Pakistani umpire Shakoor Rana accused the visitors' captain Mike Gatting of illegally moving a fielder late on the second day.

Gatting, who was adamant he had done nothing wrong, responded to being a called a "cheat" by Rana by confronting the square-leg umpire and the two men were soon pointing fingers at each other's chests.

Rana refused to stand on the third day, meaning there was no play, but after a rest day and shortly ahead of the fourth day's play, Gatting presented the umpire with a scribbled apology.

<h2>1992: Swing suspicions</h2>

Reverse swing was still a relatively new concept in English cricket at the time but it was used to great effect by touring Pakistan pacemen Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.

But their success, which the England bowlers failed to match, attracted suspicions of illegal ball-tampering and matters came to a head during a one-day international at Lord's.

Bad weather meant the game went into a second day when a trio of English officials -- on-field umpires Ken Palmer and John Hampshire together with third umpire Don Oslear -- ordered the ball be changed under Law 42, which deals with the condition of the ball.

Administrators, horrified by a possible scandal, refused to announce publicly why the ball had been changed -- something that angered Pakistan, who then had to confront numerous allegations.

Meanwhile home batsman Allan Lamb gave an interview to the Daily Mirror headlined "How Pakistan Cheat at Cricket".

<h2>2006: Forfeit at the Oval</h2>

England were bystanders as Pakistan became the first team in 129 years and 1,814 fixtures to forfeit a Test match.

The incident began on the fourth afternoon at the Oval when experienced Australian umpire Darrell Hair tapped his shoulder to indicate five penalty runs, signalling he had found the Pakistanis guilty of ball-tampering.

The angry tourists refused to take the field after tea and Hair, together with West Indian umpire Billy Doctrove took that to mean they had forfeited the match which, after hours of confusion,was awarded to England.

This match marked the beginning of the end of Hair's time as a top umpire after it later emerged he had offered to resign in exchange for $500,000.

<h2>2010: Trott and Riaz clash at Lord's</h2>

Pakistan's tour was already mired in controversy following the spot-fixing scandal in that year's Lord's Test when, in a newspaper sting operation then captain Salman Butt instructed pacemen Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asid to bowl deliberate no-balls.

The trio were all later banned and jailed.

When the teams returned to the 'Home of Cricket' for a one-day international, England's Jonathan Trott and Pakistan's Wahab Riaz had to be separated in the nets after exchanging angry words.

Wahab is in Pakistan's squad for the upcoming series, with the now retired Trott an England batting consultant.

Cricket matches between England and Pakistan have often been a fraught affair, with rows over umpiring, ball-tampering, abandoned fixtures and a spot-fixing scandal all contributing to a tense relationship.

Cricket matches between England and Pakistan have often been a fraught affair, with rows over umpiring, ball-tampering, abandoned fixtures and a spot-fixing scandal all contributing to a tense relationship. Below AFP Sport looks back at five of the biggest rows ahead of the first Test between the two sides at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday: 1956: The umpire and the bucket of water Pakistani umpire Idris Baig was 'kidnapped' by England players, taken to the team hotel in Peshawar and doused with two buckets of water. The late Donald Carr, the England captain, dismissed the incident as a prank after some questionable decisions against the tourists. But what was intended as a joke has often been cited as the root cause of many a subsequent rows. 1987: Mike Gatting and Shakoor Rana The Faisalabad Test of 1987 became infamous for perhaps the most heated of all on-field arguments when Pakistani umpire Shakoor Rana accused the visitors' captain Mike Gatting of illegally moving a fielder late on the second day. Gatting, who was adamant he had done nothing wrong, responded to being a called a "cheat" by Rana by confronting the square-leg umpire and the two men were soon pointing fingers at each other's chests. Rana refused to stand on the third day, meaning there was no play, but after a rest day and shortly ahead of the fourth day's play, Gatting presented the umpire with a scribbled apology. 1992: Swing suspicions Reverse swing was still a relatively new concept in English cricket at the time but it was used to great effect by touring Pakistan pacemen Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. But their success, which the England bowlers failed to match, attracted suspicions of illegal ball-tampering and matters came to a head during a one-day international at Lord's. Bad weather meant the game went into a second day when a trio of English officials -- on-field umpires Ken Palmer and John Hampshire together with third umpire Don Oslear -- ordered the ball be changed under Law 42, which deals with the condition of the ball. Administrators, horrified by a possible scandal, refused to announce publicly why the ball had been changed -- something that angered Pakistan, who then had to confront numerous allegations. Meanwhile home batsman Allan Lamb gave an interview to the Daily Mirror headlined "How Pakistan Cheat at Cricket". 2006: Forfeit at the Oval England were bystanders as Pakistan became the first team in 129 years and 1,814 fixtures to forfeit a Test match. The incident began on the fourth afternoon at the Oval when experienced Australian umpire Darrell Hair tapped his shoulder to indicate five penalty runs, signalling he had found the Pakistanis guilty of ball-tampering. The angry tourists refused to take the field after tea and Hair, together with West Indian umpire Billy Doctrove took that to mean they had forfeited the match which, after hours of confusion,was awarded to England. This match marked the beginning of the end of Hair's time as a top umpire after it later emerged he had offered to resign in exchange for $500,000. 2010: Trott and Riaz clash at Lord's Pakistan's tour was already mired in controversy following the spot-fixing scandal in that year's Lord's Test when, in a newspaper sting operation then captain Salman Butt instructed pacemen Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asid to bowl deliberate no-balls. The trio were all later banned and jailed. When the teams returned to the 'Home of Cricket' for a one-day international, England's Jonathan Trott and Pakistan's Wahab Riaz had to be separated in the nets after exchanging angry words. Wahab is in Pakistan's squad for the upcoming series, with the now retired Trott an England batting consultant.

Five great England-Pakistan flare-ups

Indian players and support staff will have to return negative for COVID-19 at least five times before they start training in the UAE and subsequently will be tested every fifth day during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">IPL</a>, according to a draft prepared by the BCCI.

A BCCI official told PTI that all Indian players and support staff will have to undergo two COVID-19 RT-PCR tests, 24 hours apart, a week before joining the 14-day quarantine period with their respective teams in India.

If any individual tests positive, he will go into a 14-day quarantine. After the quarantine, he will be required to undergo two more COVID-19 RT-PCR tests within a space of 24 hours and if they come negative, that person will be cleared to fly to UAE for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL </a>beginning November 19.

"Following their arrival in the UAE, the players and support staff will have to return at least three negative tests during a week's quarantine and if they are negative, they can enter the bio-bubble and start training.

"There could be minor changes to this protocol depending on the feedback from the teams but there will not be any compromise on players and team officials' safety," the official said.

During the first week in the UAE, the players and team officials will not be allowed to meet each other in the hotel and they can only do so after they test negative thrice, following which they will be cleared to enter the tournament bio-bubble and start training.

What happens to foreign players who fly in directly to the UAE?

"All overseas players and support staff also need to undergo two COVID-19 RT-PCR tests before flying in to the UAE and can only fly if the tests are negative. If not, then the same 14-day quarantine period and two negative tests to be able to fly to the UAE," said the official.

The players and support staff will be tested on day 1, day 3 and day 6 of their quarantine in the UAE and after clearing that, they will be tested every fifth day during the 53-day event.

Over and above the BCCI testing protocol, the teams can do more tests on their own and additional tests may also be conducted under the rules put in place by the UAE government.

The teams have been told to not fly out before August 20 so that they can carry out the necessary testing protocols and the quarantine drill if needed.

The BCCI has left it to the teams to decide on the travel of partners and families of the players but they too will have to follow strict bio-secure protocols if they wish to accompany the cricketers and support staff.

The families will not be permitted to meet anyone outside the bio-bubble and will have to practice social distancing while interacting with other families and the players, that too with a facemask on.

"The families will also not be allowed to enter the PMOA (players and match officials area) and field of play at any time during the training and matches.

"And anyone who breaches the bio-secure protocols, will have to be in self-isolation for seven days and return two negative tests on day 6 and 7 to be allowed to re-enter the bio-bubble," the official added.

Forced out of India due to the rising coronavirus case count here, the IPL will allow unlimited COVID-19 replacements considering the delicate health safety situation across the globe.

Indian players and support staff will have to return negative for COVID-19 at least five times before they start training in the UAE and subsequently will be tested every fifth day during the IPL, according to a draft prepared by the BCCI.

Indian players and support staff will have to return negative for COVID-19 at least five times before they start training in the UAE and subsequently will be tested every fifth day during the IPL, according to a draft prepared by the BCCI. A BCCI official told PTI that all Indian players and support staff will have to undergo two COVID-19 RT-PCR tests, 24 hours apart, a week before joining the 14-day quarantine period with their respective teams in India. If any individual tests positive, he will go into a 14-day quarantine. After the quarantine, he will be required to undergo two more COVID-19 RT-PCR tests within a space of 24 hours and if they come negative, that person will be cleared to fly to UAE for the IPL beginning November 19. "Following their arrival in the UAE, the players and support staff will have to return at least three negative tests during a week's quarantine and if they are negative, they can enter the bio-bubble and start training. "There could be minor changes to this protocol depending on the feedback from the teams but there will not be any compromise on players and team officials' safety," the official said. During the first week in the UAE, the players and team officials will not be allowed to meet each other in the hotel and they can only do so after they test negative thrice, following which they will be cleared to enter the tournament bio-bubble and start training. What happens to foreign players who fly in directly to the UAE? "All overseas players and support staff also need to undergo two COVID-19 RT-PCR tests before flying in to the UAE and can only fly if the tests are negative. If not, then the same 14-day quarantine period and two negative tests to be able to fly to the UAE," said the official. The players and support staff will be tested on day 1, day 3 and day 6 of their quarantine in the UAE and after clearing that, they will be tested every fifth day during the 53-day event. Over and above the BCCI testing protocol, the teams can do more tests on their own and additional tests may also be conducted under the rules put in place by the UAE government. The teams have been told to not fly out before August 20 so that they can carry out the necessary testing protocols and the quarantine drill if needed. The BCCI has left it to the teams to decide on the travel of partners and families of the players but they too will have to follow strict bio-secure protocols if they wish to accompany the cricketers and support staff. The families will not be permitted to meet anyone outside the bio-bubble and will have to practice social distancing while interacting with other families and the players, that too with a facemask on. "The families will also not be allowed to enter the PMOA (players and match officials area) and field of play at any time during the training and matches. "And anyone who breaches the bio-secure protocols, will have to be in self-isolation for seven days and return two negative tests on day 6 and 7 to be allowed to re-enter the bio-bubble," the official added. Forced out of India due to the rising coronavirus case count here, the IPL will allow unlimited COVID-19 replacements considering the delicate health safety situation across the globe.

Players to be tested every 5th day during IPL, seven-day quarantine for kin who breaches bio-bubble

Football clubs in Germany's top two divisions on Tuesday agreed to plans drawn up by the league which could allow the partial return of fans to stadiums from mid-September, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Under the plans proposed by the German Football League (DFL) for the new season, which starts on September 18, the clubs agreed on four key points.

Fans would only be allowed to sit, tickets would be personalised so spectators could be traced, alcohol at matches would be banned until October and there will be no away fans until the end of the year.

The plan is however subject to approval by German authorities, with health ministers of the country's 16 states to meet on Monday over the issue.

Germany has recorded 211,281 cases and 9,156 deaths due to the coronavirus, and in April began easing curbs imposed to halt transmission.&nbsp;

But fears are growing over a second wave as daily number of new infections&nbsp;was steadily climbing again, in recent weeks hitting levels not seen since May.

"The priority in Germany at the moment is not full stadiums, but people's health," said Christian Seifert, chief executive of the Bundesliga after a virtual meeting of the clubs.

"When and how many spectators are allowed to return to the stadiums is not a decision for the DFL to make."

The league's plans for fans to return has been the subject of debate among politicians and virologists in Germany.

Several fan groups have also criticised the plans, fearing long-term restrictions of their rights.

However, the league insists any changes would only be temporary while the pandemic continues to be a factor.

Seifert says the rate of infection must be taken into account and "should by no means be underestimated".

"Professional football can only return to normality in stages," he added.

"We will have to regain normality in small steps. We cannot go from zero to 100."

After a two-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final nine rounds of last season's Bundesliga matches were completed behind closed doors in late June.

Amid tight hygiene measures, Germany was the first country to restart its league season which paved the way for other top European leagues to follow suit.

However, Bundesliga clubs lose millions of euros in match day revenue for each game played in front of empty stands and are eager to welcome fans back.

For example, Borussia Dortmund, who finished second to champions Bayern Munich last season, are planning to have up to 15,000 fans for home games next season.

On a typical match day in Dortmund, over 81,000 spectators would fill Signal Iduna Park.

However, Seifert said even a figure of 10,000 at matches would be hard to justify with large events banned in Germany until October 31.

"Nobody at the DFL will require a specific number of fans," he said.

Football clubs in Germany's top two divisions on Tuesday agreed to plans drawn up by the league which could allow the partial return of fans to stadiums from mid-September, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Football clubs in Germany's top two divisions on Tuesday agreed to plans drawn up by the league which could allow the partial return of fans to stadiums from mid-September, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Under the plans proposed by the German Football League (DFL) for the new season, which starts on September 18, the clubs agreed on four key points. Fans would only be allowed to sit, tickets would be personalised so spectators could be traced, alcohol at matches would be banned until October and there will be no away fans until the end of the year. The plan is however subject to approval by German authorities, with health ministers of the country's 16 states to meet on Monday over the issue. Germany has recorded 211,281 cases and 9,156 deaths due to the coronavirus, and in April began easing curbs imposed to halt transmission. But fears are growing over a second wave as daily number of new infections was steadily climbing again, in recent weeks hitting levels not seen since May. "The priority in Germany at the moment is not full stadiums, but people's health," said Christian Seifert, chief executive of the Bundesliga after a virtual meeting of the clubs. "When and how many spectators are allowed to return to the stadiums is not a decision for the DFL to make." The league's plans for fans to return has been the subject of debate among politicians and virologists in Germany. Several fan groups have also criticised the plans, fearing long-term restrictions of their rights. However, the league insists any changes would only be temporary while the pandemic continues to be a factor. Seifert says the rate of infection must be taken into account and "should by no means be underestimated". "Professional football can only return to normality in stages," he added. "We will have to regain normality in small steps. We cannot go from zero to 100." After a two-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final nine rounds of last season's Bundesliga matches were completed behind closed doors in late June. Amid tight hygiene measures, Germany was the first country to restart its league season which paved the way for other top European leagues to follow suit. However, Bundesliga clubs lose millions of euros in match day revenue for each game played in front of empty stands and are eager to welcome fans back. For example, Borussia Dortmund, who finished second to champions Bayern Munich last season, are planning to have up to 15,000 fans for home games next season. On a typical match day in Dortmund, over 81,000 spectators would fill Signal Iduna Park. However, Seifert said even a figure of 10,000 at matches would be hard to justify with large events banned in Germany until October 31. "Nobody at the DFL will require a specific number of fans," he said.

German football clubs agree plans to allow fans to return next month

Eoin Morgan on Tuesday surpassed former Indian captain MS Dhoni to become the player with most sixes in international cricket as captain. Morgan blasted one over the square-leg boundary to achieve the feat as he now has 212 sixes to his name whereas Dhoni had 211 while captaining Indian cricket team.&nbsp;

After Morgan (212*) and Dhoni (211), former Australian captain Ricky Ponting headlines the list with 171 sixes while former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum had 170 maximums under his belt. Moreover, Morgan has taken just 163 matches to shatter the record books.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/five-great-england-pakistan-flare-ups-318040" hreflang="en">Five great England-Pakistan flare-ups</a>

<h2>Most sixes as captain in international cricket:</h2>

212 - Eoin Morgan (163 matches)

211 - MS Dhoni (332)

171 - Ricky Ponting (324)

170 - Brendon McCullum (121)

135 - AB de Villiers (124)

England captain Morgan has managed to continue his rich run of form since 2018 and has been constantly among the runs for his side. Not only did he led England to their maiden 50-over World Cup triumph in 2019, the southpaw played some crucial knocks in the showpiece tournament including a splendid 148-run knock against Afghanistan.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-pak-misbah-ul-haq-pakistan-must-be-ready-from-word-go-against-england-317894" hreflang="en">Misbah-ul-Haq: Pakistan must be ready from word 'go' against England</a>

Morgan was among the runs in the first ODI against Ireland as well where his 36 not-out helped England start the series on a winning note. Following a rare duck in the second ODI, Morgan came strong in the final match and completed his half-century in just 39 deliveries.&nbsp;

England would be eyeing a clean-sweep against Ireland after winning first two matches of the series.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Eoin Morgan on Tuesday surpassed former Indian captain MS Dhoni to become the player with most sixes in international cricket as captain. Morgan blasted one over the square-leg boundary to achieve the feat as he now has 212 sixes to his name whereas Dhoni had 211 while captaining Indian cricket team.

Eoin Morgan on Tuesday surpassed former Indian captain MS Dhoni to become the player with most sixes in international cricket as captain. Morgan blasted one over the square-leg boundary to achieve the feat as he now has 212 sixes to his name whereas Dhoni had 211 while captaining Indian cricket team. After Morgan (212*) and Dhoni (211), former Australian captain Ricky Ponting headlines the list with 171 sixes while former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum had 170 maximums under his belt. Moreover, Morgan has taken just 163 matches to shatter the record books. ALSO READ: Five great England-Pakistan flare-ups Most sixes as captain in international cricket: 212 - Eoin Morgan (163 matches) 211 - MS Dhoni (332) 171 - Ricky Ponting (324) 170 - Brendon McCullum (121) 135 - AB de Villiers (124) England captain Morgan has managed to continue his rich run of form since 2018 and has been constantly among the runs for his side. Not only did he led England to their maiden 50-over World Cup triumph in 2019, the southpaw played some crucial knocks in the showpiece tournament including a splendid 148-run knock against Afghanistan. ALSO READ: Misbah-ul-Haq: Pakistan must be ready from word 'go' against England Morgan was among the runs in the first ODI against Ireland as well where his 36 not-out helped England start the series on a winning note. Following a rare duck in the second ODI, Morgan came strong in the final match and completed his half-century in just 39 deliveries. England would be eyeing a clean-sweep against Ireland after winning first two matches of the series.

Eoin Morgan surpasses MS Dhoni to achieve major record in international cricket

Spain’s World Cup-winning captain and goalkeeper Ike Casillas on Tuesday announced his retirement while ending a trophy-laded career spanning over two decades. The former Real Madrid skipper had called time on his five-year spell with Portuguese club FC Porto in June 2020 after his contract with the club expired.

Aged 39, Casillas has not played competitive football since suffering a heart attack during a training session last year.&nbsp;

"The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not where it takes you, because that comes with work and effort alone," Casillas said on Twitter.

“I think I can say, without hesitation, that the path I have taken is the one I dreamt about."

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Lo importante es el camino que recorres y la gente que te acompaña, no el destino al que te lleva, porque eso con trabajo y esfuerzo, llega solo y creo que puedo decir, sin dudar, que ha sido el camino y el destino soñado <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Grac1as?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Grac1as</a> <a href="https://t.co/xb8ucs9REh">pic.twitter.com/xb8ucs9REh</a>
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) <a href="https://twitter.com/IkerCasillas/status/1290604618205073410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Casillas was majorly handed a role as Porto’s technical staff while being also included in the first-team squad. However, the Spaniard never made into the matchday squad.

He led Spain’s golden generation that won World Cup in 2010 as well as two back-to-back Euro in 2008 and 2012, making it one of the greatest football teams of all time.

The left-footed shotstopper made his senior debut in 1999 after coming through Real Madrid’s youth system at the age of 18 and went on to make a whopping 725 appearance for Los Blancos in over 16 seasons, winning five La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League three times.

Casillas was never given a farewell he deserved in Real Madrid as he made a tearful exit in 2015 after announcing his departure from his boyhood club, a move for which the Spanish club was heavily criticized.&nbsp;

"The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football joined us at the age of 9," Real Madrid said in a statement here on Tuesday.

“He was formed here and defended our shirt for 25 years, becoming one of our most emblematic captains of all time. Iker Casillas earned the love of madridismo and is a symbol of the values that Real Madrid represents.”

Casillas holds the record for most appearances in UEFA Champions League – 177 – as well as most clean sheets in the history of the competition – 57.

Spain’s World Cup-winning captain and goalkeeper Ike Casillas on Tuesday announced his retirement while ending a trophy-laded career spanning over two decades. The former Real Madrid skipper had called time on his five-year spell with Portuguese club FC Porto in June 2020 after his contract with the club expired.

Spain’s World Cup-winning captain and goalkeeper Ike Casillas on Tuesday announced his retirement while ending a trophy-laded career spanning over two decades. The former Real Madrid skipper had called time on his five-year spell with Portuguese club FC Porto in June 2020 after his contract with the club expired. Aged 39, Casillas has not played competitive football since suffering a heart attack during a training session last year. "The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not where it takes you, because that comes with work and effort alone," Casillas said on Twitter. “I think I can say, without hesitation, that the path I have taken is the one I dreamt about." Lo importante es el camino que recorres y la gente que te acompaña, no el destino al que te lleva, porque eso con trabajo y esfuerzo, llega solo y creo que puedo decir, sin dudar, que ha sido el camino y el destino soñado #Grac1as pic.twitter.com/xb8ucs9REh — Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) August 4, 2020 × Casillas was majorly handed a role as Porto’s technical staff while being also included in the first-team squad. However, the Spaniard never made into the matchday squad. He led Spain’s golden generation that won World Cup in 2010 as well as two back-to-back Euro in 2008 and 2012, making it one of the greatest football teams of all time. The left-footed shotstopper made his senior debut in 1999 after coming through Real Madrid’s youth system at the age of 18 and went on to make a whopping 725 appearance for Los Blancos in over 16 seasons, winning five La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League three times. Casillas was never given a farewell he deserved in Real Madrid as he made a tearful exit in 2015 after announcing his departure from his boyhood club, a move for which the Spanish club was heavily criticized. "The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football joined us at the age of 9," Real Madrid said in a statement here on Tuesday. “He was formed here and defended our shirt for 25 years, becoming one of our most emblematic captains of all time. Iker Casillas earned the love of madridismo and is a symbol of the values that Real Madrid represents.” Casillas holds the record for most appearances in UEFA Champions League – 177 – as well as most clean sheets in the history of the competition – 57.

Spain and Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas announces retirement

Australia's October Twenty20 series against the West Indies was called off Tuesday, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the international sporting calendar.

It follows the postponement of the T20 World Cup, scheduled for October-November in Australia, and this month's one-day international series against Zimbabwe.

Cricket Australia said the&nbsp;three-match West Indies series had been intended as a warm-up to the T20 World Cup, but could no longer serve that purpose.

"In light of this&nbsp;development... it has been agreed to postpone the matches," CA said in a statement.

The series will be take place ahead of the rescheduled T20 World Cup, on dates yet to be decided in either 2021 or 2022.

Australia is currently struggling with a second wave of coronavirus infections and its international borders remain closed, with arrivals required to undergo 14-day quarantine.

Despite the logistical difficulties, Cricket Australia insists a money-spinning four-Test series against India in December-January will proceed.

They have been less vocal about the fate of the first-ever Test match between Australia and Afghanistan, which is due to be held in Perth in late November.

Australia's October Twenty20 series against the West Indies was called off Tuesday, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the international sporting calendar.

Australia's October Twenty20 series against the West Indies was called off Tuesday, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the international sporting calendar. It follows the postponement of the T20 World Cup, scheduled for October-November in Australia, and this month's one-day international series against Zimbabwe. Cricket Australia said the three-match West Indies series had been intended as a warm-up to the T20 World Cup, but could no longer serve that purpose. "In light of this development... it has been agreed to postpone the matches," CA said in a statement. The series will be take place ahead of the rescheduled T20 World Cup, on dates yet to be decided in either 2021 or 2022. Australia is currently struggling with a second wave of coronavirus infections and its international borders remain closed, with arrivals required to undergo 14-day quarantine. Despite the logistical difficulties, Cricket Australia insists a money-spinning four-Test series against India in December-January will proceed. They have been less vocal about the fate of the first-ever Test match between Australia and Afghanistan, which is due to be held in Perth in late November.

West Indies T20 series in Australia called off, paves way for IPL-bound players

Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has welcomed the move of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-sponsors-vivo-likely-to-make-ipl-exit-as-panic-grips-bcci-report-318112">Chinese mobile giant Vivo pulling out as title sponsors of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>. Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general of CAIT, on Tuesday said the pressure applied against the Chinese mobile manufacturer by CAIT has forced them to pull of the cash-rich T20 tournament.

As per reports, Vivo has decided to pull out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">IPL 2020</a> as title sponsor due to political tensions between India and China. The negative trend on social media following the announcement of IPL 2020 dates also played a crucial role in Vivo pulling it out of the deal. However, the Chinese mobile giant has told the BCCI that it would be open to coming back in next edition of IPL, in 2021, in a bid to honour the contract which runs until 2023.

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Succumbing to the pressure applied by <a href="https://twitter.com/CAITIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CAITIndia</a> over the last two days &amp; a strong <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/boycottChina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#boycottChina</a> sentiment built over the last 45 days, Chinese telecom giant Vivo has decided to pull out as title sponsor for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a>. This is a great victory for all citizens.Byte of <a href="https://twitter.com/praveendel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@praveendel</a>🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/PMNbl9LEXZ">pic.twitter.com/PMNbl9LEXZ</a>
— Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) (@CAITIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAITIndia/status/1290613696473886722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Chinese mobile manufacturer Vivo pays the BCCI a whopping Rs 440 crore annually for a five-year-deal which they sealed in 2017 after successfully bidding a mind-boggling Rs 2,199 crores in 2017. It is also being reported that Vivo was looking for a pay-cut for the 13th edition of IPL but the BCCI didn’t agree to it.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipls-million-dollar-chinese-connection-317927" hreflang="en">IPL's million-dollar Chinese connection</a>

Now as things stand, BCCI is set to have a new title sponsor for IPL 2020, which is scheduled to be hosted by the UAE from September 19 to November 10.

Whereas, Khandelwal has also urged the BCCI to sever ties with all Chinese companies associated with the IPL or BCCI. Other companies involved in the IPL with Chinese links are Paytm, Swiggy, Dream11. Even franchises have attracted Chinese sponsorship.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-sponsors-vivo-likely-to-make-ipl-exit-as-panic-grips-bcci-report-318112" hreflang="en">Chinese sponsors Vivo likely to make IPL exit as panic grips BCCI: Report</a>

The Indian government has already banned 59 Chinese mobile applications after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the Galwan Valley clash on June 15. The incident was the biggest confrontation between the two militaries since 1967. 
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Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has welcomed the move of Chinese mobile giant Vivo pulling out as title sponsors of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general of CAIT, on Tuesday said the pressure applied against the Chinese mobile manufacturer by CAIT has forced them to pull of the cash-rich T20 tournament.

Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has welcomed the move of Chinese mobile giant Vivo pulling out as title sponsors of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Praveen Khandelwal, secretary-general of CAIT, on Tuesday said the pressure applied against the Chinese mobile manufacturer by CAIT has forced them to pull of the cash-rich T20 tournament. As per reports, Vivo has decided to pull out of the IPL 2020 as title sponsor due to political tensions between India and China. The negative trend on social media following the announcement of IPL 2020 dates also played a crucial role in Vivo pulling it out of the deal. However, the Chinese mobile giant has told the BCCI that it would be open to coming back in next edition of IPL, in 2021, in a bid to honour the contract which runs until 2023. Succumbing to the pressure applied by @CAITIndia over the last two days & a strong #boycottChina sentiment built over the last 45 days, Chinese telecom giant Vivo has decided to pull out as title sponsor for #IPL2020. This is a great victory for all citizens.Byte of @praveendel🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/PMNbl9LEXZ — Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) (@CAITIndia) August 4, 2020 × Chinese mobile manufacturer Vivo pays the BCCI a whopping Rs 440 crore annually for a five-year-deal which they sealed in 2017 after successfully bidding a mind-boggling Rs 2,199 crores in 2017. It is also being reported that Vivo was looking for a pay-cut for the 13th edition of IPL but the BCCI didn’t agree to it. ALSO READ: IPL's million-dollar Chinese connection Now as things stand, BCCI is set to have a new title sponsor for IPL 2020, which is scheduled to be hosted by the UAE from September 19 to November 10. Whereas, Khandelwal has also urged the BCCI to sever ties with all Chinese companies associated with the IPL or BCCI. Other companies involved in the IPL with Chinese links are Paytm, Swiggy, Dream11. Even franchises have attracted Chinese sponsorship. ALSO READ: Chinese sponsors Vivo likely to make IPL exit as panic grips BCCI: Report The Indian government has already banned 59 Chinese mobile applications after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the Galwan Valley clash on June 15. The incident was the biggest confrontation between the two militaries since 1967.

IPL 2020: Confederation of All India Traders welcomes VIVO withdrawal as title sponsor

As soon as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> was confirmed after the completion of IPL Governing Council meeting on Sunday, anger grew on social media platforms regarding the sponsors for the tournament, especially the ones with Chinese links, given the political tensions between India and China. Now, IPL and Vivo are set to sever ties, at least for the 13th edition of IPL, given the outrage and&nbsp;negativity on social media platforms.&nbsp;

While fans were happy to know that the best T20 tournament in the world is going to take place after continuous postponement due to COVID-19 pandemic, many were left disappointed to know that the BCCI decided to continue its contract with Chinese companies, including the title sponsor – Vivo – a Chinese mobile manufacturing giant.&nbsp;

As per a report in TOI, one of the franchise called up other seven franchises on Monday evening to inform them that the league’s title sponsors – Vivo – are on the cusp on exiting, at least for the 13th edition of IPL, scheduled to take place from September 19 to November 10 in the UAE.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipls-million-dollar-chinese-connection-317927" hreflang="en">IPL's million-dollar Chinese connection</a>

Vivo India has been the central of widespread criticism on social media after the BCCI said it would be retaining all its sponsors for the 2020 edition of the tournament. The BCCI too was hit by criticism.

Furthermore, the Indian government has already banned a speficin number of Chinese applications given the border skirmish between the two countries. The report also stated that the Indian board is “miffed” that one franchise took it upon itself to convery the development without consulting it with the BCCI.

"Was it not the franchise's duty to consult with BCCI first?" ask those in the know as per TOI.

Now, the immediate focus of the BCCI shifts to finding a suitable replacement for Vivo, should the exit be confirmed. An official decision is likely in the next 24 hours but the franchises have been left worrid about compensation.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-on-ipl-2020-csk-and-ms-dhoni-and-india-series-316501" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series</a>

Vivo India had bagged the IPL title sponsorship rights in 2017 for Rs 2199 crore, committing to pay the league approximately Rs 440 crore every season, for a five-year deal.

As per the report, Vivo India are also looking to walk away from the contract given the massive negativity towards the brand in the Indian social media circuit.

"Even if the Board can get a replacement at 50% of the value, it'll be an achievement. Anything more than that will actually be a shot in the arm. Let's hope things settle amicably. The IPL has been planned and everything's set," industry stakeholders opined as per the report. 
&nbsp;

As soon as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 was confirmed after the completion of IPL Governing Council meeting on Sunday, anger grew on social media platforms regarding the sponsors for the tournament, especially the ones with Chinese links, given the political tensions between India and China.

As soon as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 was confirmed after the completion of IPL Governing Council meeting on Sunday, anger grew on social media platforms regarding the sponsors for the tournament, especially the ones with Chinese links, given the political tensions between India and China. Now, IPL and Vivo are set to sever ties, at least for the 13th edition of IPL, given the outrage and negativity on social media platforms. While fans were happy to know that the best T20 tournament in the world is going to take place after continuous postponement due to COVID-19 pandemic, many were left disappointed to know that the BCCI decided to continue its contract with Chinese companies, including the title sponsor – Vivo – a Chinese mobile manufacturing giant. As per a report in TOI, one of the franchise called up other seven franchises on Monday evening to inform them that the league’s title sponsors – Vivo – are on the cusp on exiting, at least for the 13th edition of IPL, scheduled to take place from September 19 to November 10 in the UAE. ALSO READ: IPL's million-dollar Chinese connection Vivo India has been the central of widespread criticism on social media after the BCCI said it would be retaining all its sponsors for the 2020 edition of the tournament. The BCCI too was hit by criticism. Furthermore, the Indian government has already banned a speficin number of Chinese applications given the border skirmish between the two countries. The report also stated that the Indian board is “miffed” that one franchise took it upon itself to convery the development without consulting it with the BCCI. "Was it not the franchise's duty to consult with BCCI first?" ask those in the know as per TOI. Now, the immediate focus of the BCCI shifts to finding a suitable replacement for Vivo, should the exit be confirmed. An official decision is likely in the next 24 hours but the franchises have been left worrid about compensation. ALSO READ: WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series Vivo India had bagged the IPL title sponsorship rights in 2017 for Rs 2199 crore, committing to pay the league approximately Rs 440 crore every season, for a five-year deal. As per the report, Vivo India are also looking to walk away from the contract given the massive negativity towards the brand in the Indian social media circuit. "Even if the Board can get a replacement at 50% of the value, it'll be an achievement. Anything more than that will actually be a shot in the arm. Let's hope things settle amicably. The IPL has been planned and everything's set," industry stakeholders opined as per the report.

Chinese sponsors Vivo likely to make IPL exit as panic grips BCCI: Report

Former WWE Superstar turned Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson has teamed up with his ex-wife Dany Garcia and investment company RedBird Capital Partners to buy the XFL for $15 million, hours before the bankrupt American football league was set to be auctioned off.

Johsnon, Garcia and RedBird Capitals Partners were selected as the winning bidder for “substantially all of the assets of Alpha Entertainment LLC” - parent company of the XFL.

The XFL, a reboot of the 2001 league, had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April, one month after it had to call off the remainder of the season due to COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-club-that-gave-usain-bolt-trial-chance-face-uncertain-future-318068" hreflang="en">Australian club that gave Usain Bolt trial chance face uncertain future</a>

“We are grateful for today’s outcome. This is a Hollywood ending to our sale process and it is an exciting new chapter for the league,” XFL president and COO Jeffrey Pollack said in a statement on Monday.

“(They) are a dream team ownership group and the XFL is in the best possible hands going forward.”

However, the transcation to buy the XFL is subject to bankruptcy court approval at a hearing on Friday. XFL 2.0 is the brainchild of Vince McMahon and was the second attempt by the WWE CEO to provide an NFL alternative to American football lovers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-owner-speaks-of-pride-after-extraordinary-trophy-run-318045" hreflang="en">Liverpool owner speaks of pride after 'extraordinary' trophy run</a>

Popularly known as ‘The Rock’, Johnson is famous for his roles in popular movie franchises such as the ‘Fast &amp; Furious’ and ‘Jumanji’.

“With gratitude and passion I’ve built a career with my own two hands and will apply these callouses to our @xfl2020 brand,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “Excited to create something special for the fans!”

The 48-year-old was a college football player at the University of Miami who went undrafted in the 1995 NFL Draft before he eventually switched to wrestling. 
&nbsp;

Former WWE Superstar turned Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson has teamed up with his ex-wife Dany Garcia and investment company RedBird Capital Partners to buy the XFL for $15 million, hours before the bankrupt American football league was set to be auctioned off.

Former WWE Superstar turned Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson has teamed up with his ex-wife Dany Garcia and investment company RedBird Capital Partners to buy the XFL for $15 million, hours before the bankrupt American football league was set to be auctioned off. Johsnon, Garcia and RedBird Capitals Partners were selected as the winning bidder for “substantially all of the assets of Alpha Entertainment LLC” - parent company of the XFL. The XFL, a reboot of the 2001 league, had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April, one month after it had to call off the remainder of the season due to COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Australian club that gave Usain Bolt trial chance face uncertain future “We are grateful for today’s outcome. This is a Hollywood ending to our sale process and it is an exciting new chapter for the league,” XFL president and COO Jeffrey Pollack said in a statement on Monday. “(They) are a dream team ownership group and the XFL is in the best possible hands going forward.” However, the transcation to buy the XFL is subject to bankruptcy court approval at a hearing on Friday. XFL 2.0 is the brainchild of Vince McMahon and was the second attempt by the WWE CEO to provide an NFL alternative to American football lovers. ALSO READ: Liverpool owner speaks of pride after 'extraordinary' trophy run Popularly known as ‘The Rock’, Johnson is famous for his roles in popular movie franchises such as the ‘Fast & Furious’ and ‘Jumanji’. “With gratitude and passion I’ve built a career with my own two hands and will apply these callouses to our @xfl2020 brand,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “Excited to create something special for the fans!” The 48-year-old was a college football player at the University of Miami who went undrafted in the 1995 NFL Draft before he eventually switched to wrestling.

American football: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Garcia and RedBird buy XFL for $15 million

England have already sealed the three-match ODI series against Ireland and the Eoin Morgan-led outfit would be eyeing a clean sweep when they take to the field at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday for the final match of the series.&nbsp;

Ireland after getting thumped in the first ODI did put up a fight in the second match but England’s long-tail and depth in the batting order helped them overcome the top-order failure to win the match comfortably, courtesy a splendid partnership between Sam Billings and David Willey.&nbsp;

England might make a few changes to their playing XI while giving opportunities to those who haven’t played in the series so far. For Ireland, injuries have come thick and fast and possibilities are high that the visitors could play some fresh faces in the playing XI.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/five-great-england-pakistan-flare-ups-318040" hreflang="en">Five great England-Pakistan flare-ups</a>

<h2>England vs Ireland 3rd ODI: All you need to know</h2>

When will the England vs Ireland 3rd 1st ODI begin?

The England vs Ireland 3rd ODI will begin at 6:30 PM IST on August 4. The toss will take place at 6:00 PM IST.

Where will the England vs Ireland 3rd ODI be played?

The England vs Ireland 3rd ODI match will be held at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.

Which channel will telecast the England vs Ireland 3rd ODI?

The England vs Ireland 3rd ODI will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India

How to watch the live streaming of England vs Ireland 3rd ODI?

The live streaming of England vs Ireland 3rd ODI will be available on Sony’s streaming platform. 
&nbsp;

England have already sealed the three-match ODI series against Ireland and the Eoin Morgan-led outfit would be eyeing a clean sweep when they take to the field at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday for the final match of the series.

England have already sealed the three-match ODI series against Ireland and the Eoin Morgan-led outfit would be eyeing a clean sweep when they take to the field at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday for the final match of the series. Ireland after getting thumped in the first ODI did put up a fight in the second match but England’s long-tail and depth in the batting order helped them overcome the top-order failure to win the match comfortably, courtesy a splendid partnership between Sam Billings and David Willey. England might make a few changes to their playing XI while giving opportunities to those who haven’t played in the series so far. For Ireland, injuries have come thick and fast and possibilities are high that the visitors could play some fresh faces in the playing XI. ALSO READ: Five great England-Pakistan flare-ups England vs Ireland 3rd ODI: All you need to know When will the England vs Ireland 3rd 1st ODI begin? The England vs Ireland 3rd ODI will begin at 6:30 PM IST on August 4. The toss will take place at 6:00 PM IST. Where will the England vs Ireland 3rd ODI be played? The England vs Ireland 3rd ODI match will be held at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. Which channel will telecast the England vs Ireland 3rd ODI? The England vs Ireland 3rd ODI will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India How to watch the live streaming of England vs Ireland 3rd ODI? The live streaming of England vs Ireland 3rd ODI will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

England vs Ireland, 3rd ODI Live Streaming: When and where to watch ENG vs IRE match?

Former Australian batsman Michael Slater reckons that Indian captain Virat Kohli has bonded well with head coach Ravi Shastri as they both are of strong personalities. Under Kohli and Shastri, India have achieved greater success in recent years including the historic Test series win Down Under against Australia in 2018/19.

Slater is of the view that both Kohli and Shastri have their hearts on their sleeve while adding the latter is a big personality. The former Aussie batter further said that the duo has worked so well and their relationship has helped Indian cricket’s tempo.

“Ravi and Virat probably challenge each other enough but there is such respect between them that it works,” Slater said on the show Cricket Connected.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipls-million-dollar-chinese-connection-317927" hreflang="en">IPL's million-dollar Chinese connection</a>

“If Ravi is nodding his head when Virat is speaking and vice versa, the rest of them even if they don’t agree would be nodding their heads,” Slater added.

“Both of them have their heart on their sleeve. I have worked with Ravi for so long in the commentary box, so I have got to know him and he was one of my great mates when we worked together. He is a big personality,” he further said.

“But obviously there are subtle differences that allows them to really work well together. But it has been a great synergy and a great relationship and I think it has helped Indian cricket’s tempo,” he added.

Whereas former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra is of the view that their relationship work because Shastri gives ample space to Kohli to express himself.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-saliva-ban-to-red-cards-for-coughing-changes-brought-by-covid-19-in-the-world-of-sports-317914">From saliva ban to red cards for coughing: Changes brought by COVID-19 in the world of sports</a>

“Ravi Shastri gives Virat Kohli his space, that he needs. Virat Kohli knows the type of person Ravi Shastri is and what can be extracted from him,” Nehra said on the same show.

“Ravi Shastri is a great motivator, that is Ravi bhai’s strength. He gives you a lot of confidence. If you are stuck in quicksand till your neck, he will ask you to push with your hands twice and you would come out. Virat Kohli also likes leading from the front. Both have similar personalities. So, it is very good between the two of them,” he added. 
&nbsp;

Former Australian batsman Michael Slater reckons that Indian captain Virat Kohli has bonded well with head coach Ravi Shastri as they both are of strong personalities.

Former Australian batsman Michael Slater reckons that Indian captain Virat Kohli has bonded well with head coach Ravi Shastri as they both are of strong personalities. Under Kohli and Shastri, India have achieved greater success in recent years including the historic Test series win Down Under against Australia in 2018/19. Slater is of the view that both Kohli and Shastri have their hearts on their sleeve while adding the latter is a big personality. The former Aussie batter further said that the duo has worked so well and their relationship has helped Indian cricket’s tempo. “Ravi and Virat probably challenge each other enough but there is such respect between them that it works,” Slater said on the show Cricket Connected. ALSO READ: IPL's million-dollar Chinese connection “If Ravi is nodding his head when Virat is speaking and vice versa, the rest of them even if they don’t agree would be nodding their heads,” Slater added. “Both of them have their heart on their sleeve. I have worked with Ravi for so long in the commentary box, so I have got to know him and he was one of my great mates when we worked together. He is a big personality,” he further said. “But obviously there are subtle differences that allows them to really work well together. But it has been a great synergy and a great relationship and I think it has helped Indian cricket’s tempo,” he added. Whereas former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra is of the view that their relationship work because Shastri gives ample space to Kohli to express himself. IN PICS | From saliva ban to red cards for coughing: Changes brought by COVID-19 in the world of sports “Ravi Shastri gives Virat Kohli his space, that he needs. Virat Kohli knows the type of person Ravi Shastri is and what can be extracted from him,” Nehra said on the same show. “Ravi Shastri is a great motivator, that is Ravi bhai’s strength. He gives you a lot of confidence. If you are stuck in quicksand till your neck, he will ask you to push with your hands twice and you would come out. Virat Kohli also likes leading from the front. Both have similar personalities. So, it is very good between the two of them,” he added.

‘Both have their...’: Michael Slater on why Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri is a hit pair

Australian football club Central Coast Mariners, who gave a chance to Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt for the much-talked-about trial in 2018, face an uncertain future with its chairman/owners revealing that he is leaving the club.

Mike Charlesworth, who helped Central Coast Mariners from financial ruin in 2013, said he would sell majority of his stake or hand it back to the A-League if he could find a buyer.&nbsp;

“After 10 years of involvement with the Mariners, I feel the time is right for me to now step aside and to look for a new investor to take on the ownership of the Club,” the Briton said in a club statement.

The Mariners, who defeated Melbourne Victory 3-2 in Western Sydney on Monday, are finishing bottom for the fourth time in five campaigns.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-owner-speaks-of-pride-after-extraordinary-trophy-run-318045" hreflang="en">Liverpool owner speaks of pride after 'extraordinary' trophy run</a>

However, Mariners Chief Executive Shaun Mielekamp is “optimistic” that a buyer would be found to keep the team on the Central Coast but conceded the future was unknown.

Cherlesworth’s chairmanship commenced in 2013 with an immediate triumph as the Mariners claimed the maiden trophy under Graham Arnold. But since then, it has been a downward spiral for the club with the chairman angering the fans for running the team on a shoestring budget.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spurs-rose-says-tired-of-police-stopping-him-to-ask-if-car-is-stolen-318046" hreflang="en">Spurs' Rose says tired of police stopping him to ask if car is stolen</a>

The Mariners enjoyed a brief surge of global publicity when eight-times Olympic champion Bolt came to the sleepy Central Coast in eastern New South Wales state but the Jamaican was unable to agree terms and left after a few months.

England-based Charlesworth told Australian broadcaster SBS that he had tried to bring in investment from European clubs but the COVID-19 pandemic had changed everything.

“Everyone is suffering from top to bottom but even more so the small to medium-sized clubs,” he said.

“The global market has been very hard hit.”

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Australian football club Central Coast Mariners, who gave a chance to Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt for the much-talked-about trial in 2018, face an uncertain future with its chairman/owners revealing that he is leaving the club.

Australian football club Central Coast Mariners, who gave a chance to Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt for the much-talked-about trial in 2018, face an uncertain future with its chairman/owners revealing that he is leaving the club. Mike Charlesworth, who helped Central Coast Mariners from financial ruin in 2013, said he would sell majority of his stake or hand it back to the A-League if he could find a buyer. “After 10 years of involvement with the Mariners, I feel the time is right for me to now step aside and to look for a new investor to take on the ownership of the Club,” the Briton said in a club statement. The Mariners, who defeated Melbourne Victory 3-2 in Western Sydney on Monday, are finishing bottom for the fourth time in five campaigns. ALSO READ: Liverpool owner speaks of pride after 'extraordinary' trophy run However, Mariners Chief Executive Shaun Mielekamp is “optimistic” that a buyer would be found to keep the team on the Central Coast but conceded the future was unknown. Cherlesworth’s chairmanship commenced in 2013 with an immediate triumph as the Mariners claimed the maiden trophy under Graham Arnold. But since then, it has been a downward spiral for the club with the chairman angering the fans for running the team on a shoestring budget. ALSO READ: Spurs' Rose says tired of police stopping him to ask if car is stolen The Mariners enjoyed a brief surge of global publicity when eight-times Olympic champion Bolt came to the sleepy Central Coast in eastern New South Wales state but the Jamaican was unable to agree terms and left after a few months. England-based Charlesworth told Australian broadcaster SBS that he had tried to bring in investment from European clubs but the COVID-19 pandemic had changed everything. “Everyone is suffering from top to bottom but even more so the small to medium-sized clubs,” he said. “The global market has been very hard hit.” (With inputs from Reuters)

Australian club that gave Usain Bolt trial chance face uncertain future

FIFA president Gianni Infantino will continue in his post, world football's governing body insisted Sunday, as they blasted the launch of Swiss criminal proceedings against him.

"There was and is absolutely no reason to open any investigation because nothing remotely criminal has happened and there is nothing at all to suggest any form of criminal wrongdoing," FIFA said in a media release.

"The FIFA president will continue to fully assume his functions within FIFA and fulfil his duties and will continue to cooperate with the authorities in Switzerland and around the world."

Special prosecutor Stefan Keller started proceedings on Thursday as part of an investigation into suspected collusion between Infantino and Switzerland's attorney general Michael Lauber, the country's top prosecutor.

Lauber, who offered his resignation on July 24, was in charge of Switzerland's probe into the towering corruption scandal that exploded at the heart of Zurich-based FIFA in 2015.

But he was forced to recuse himself from the investigation in June 2019, following media revelations that he had held several undeclared meetings with Infantino during the probe.

Swiss authorities said Keller "reached the conclusion that... there are indications of criminal conduct" in relation to meetings between Infantino, Lauber and another official, Rinaldo Arnold, in 2016 and 2017.

"This concerns abuse of public office, breach of official secrecy, assisting offenders and incitement to these acts," the authorities said.

<h2>- Categorical denial -</h2>

FIFA hit back on Sunday, accusing Keller of having brought forward no legal grounds for his probe.

"Keller has presented no serious elements or legal basis for the opening of any investigation and lacks any detail as to the substance of the case.

"FIFA and the FIFA president categorically deny any implication or suggestion that the FIFA president would ever have attempted to exert any form of improper influence" on Lauber.

FIFA said it was "not illegal anywhere in the world" to meet a prosecutor.

It said the meeting between Infantino and Lauber was "entirely logical" given that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) was conducting investigations in more than 20 cases in FIFA-related matters.

The organisation said such meetings or contacts were "routine" during an investigation.

It said the point of the meeting was to offer FIFA's "full support" for the investigations, and Infantino attended in "good faith".

"FIFA was trying to restore trust in the institution at that time," it said, finding itself "in a disastrous situation and at risk of being designated a criminal organisation by the US authorities".

FIFA said that "in no way whatsoever" were the meetings secret, and they had been arranged by the OAG.

<h2>- 'No obligation' to keep minutes -</h2>

FIFA claimed that meeting a prosecutor was "the best guarantee that any such meeting is legitimate".

It also insisted there was "no obligation" on the FIFA president to keep minutes of such meetings.

Switzerland has pursued a number of cases since a raid on a luxury hotel in Zurich in May 2015 led to the arrests of a several FIFA executives and exposed an allegedly corrupt underbelly in world football.

In total, more than 20 FIFA proceedings have been opened in Switzerland over the past five years into allegations of corruption and vote-buying, and allegations over the awarding of television rights contracts.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino will continue in his post, world football's governing body insisted Sunday, as they blasted the launch of Swiss criminal proceedings against him.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino will continue in his post, world football's governing body insisted Sunday, as they blasted the launch of Swiss criminal proceedings against him. "There was and is absolutely no reason to open any investigation because nothing remotely criminal has happened and there is nothing at all to suggest any form of criminal wrongdoing," FIFA said in a media release. "The FIFA president will continue to fully assume his functions within FIFA and fulfil his duties and will continue to cooperate with the authorities in Switzerland and around the world." Special prosecutor Stefan Keller started proceedings on Thursday as part of an investigation into suspected collusion between Infantino and Switzerland's attorney general Michael Lauber, the country's top prosecutor. Lauber, who offered his resignation on July 24, was in charge of Switzerland's probe into the towering corruption scandal that exploded at the heart of Zurich-based FIFA in 2015. But he was forced to recuse himself from the investigation in June 2019, following media revelations that he had held several undeclared meetings with Infantino during the probe. Swiss authorities said Keller "reached the conclusion that... there are indications of criminal conduct" in relation to meetings between Infantino, Lauber and another official, Rinaldo Arnold, in 2016 and 2017. "This concerns abuse of public office, breach of official secrecy, assisting offenders and incitement to these acts," the authorities said. - Categorical denial - FIFA hit back on Sunday, accusing Keller of having brought forward no legal grounds for his probe. "Keller has presented no serious elements or legal basis for the opening of any investigation and lacks any detail as to the substance of the case. "FIFA and the FIFA president categorically deny any implication or suggestion that the FIFA president would ever have attempted to exert any form of improper influence" on Lauber. FIFA said it was "not illegal anywhere in the world" to meet a prosecutor. It said the meeting between Infantino and Lauber was "entirely logical" given that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) was conducting investigations in more than 20 cases in FIFA-related matters. The organisation said such meetings or contacts were "routine" during an investigation. It said the point of the meeting was to offer FIFA's "full support" for the investigations, and Infantino attended in "good faith". "FIFA was trying to restore trust in the institution at that time," it said, finding itself "in a disastrous situation and at risk of being designated a criminal organisation by the US authorities". FIFA said that "in no way whatsoever" were the meetings secret, and they had been arranged by the OAG. - 'No obligation' to keep minutes - FIFA claimed that meeting a prosecutor was "the best guarantee that any such meeting is legitimate". It also insisted there was "no obligation" on the FIFA president to keep minutes of such meetings. Switzerland has pursued a number of cases since a raid on a luxury hotel in Zurich in May 2015 led to the arrests of a several FIFA executives and exposed an allegedly corrupt underbelly in world football. In total, more than 20 FIFA proceedings have been opened in Switzerland over the past five years into allegations of corruption and vote-buying, and allegations over the awarding of television rights contracts.

Infantino staying on as FIFA blasts Swiss probe

After an enforced hiatus of almost five months, the UEFA Champions League and Europa League resume this week in order to clear up the last remaining business in a troubled season.

Both competitions were frozen in March as the coronavirus pandemic took hold across the continent, and while European football's governing body acted swiftly to move Euro 2020 back a year, for a long time it was unclear how it would manage to complete its two landmark club competitions.

In the end the solution was to set up two mini tournaments bringing all teams together in one place from the quarter-finals onwards, with all ties being decided in one-off matches behind closed doors.

And so the Champions League will move to Lisbon for the 'Final Eight' starting on August 12 and ending with the final at Benfica's Estadio da Luz on August 23.

The Europa League, meanwhile, will be played to a conclusion at a series of venues in western Germany, with the last eight beginning on August 10 and the final in Cologne on August 21.

"I believed it from the first moment," said the UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin recently when asked if he ever doubted it would be possible to play the tournaments to a conclusion.

"You should always be optimistic, and if something like this crisis happens, you must have a plan ready.

"At the present time, we will be playing matches without spectators until further notice. We will not take any risks."

<h2>- UEFA not worried -</h2>

There is, though, no question of further changes being made to the formats despite concerns about an increase in Covid-19 cases in and around Lisbon, and more recent worries in Germany about a rise in cases there.

UEFA also recently insisted it was "confident" there would be no more delays despite cases of coronavirus emerging among players at Real Madrid and Sevilla.

It is, in any case, now or never.

Indeed, the preliminary round of next season's Champions League begins next Saturday, the same day Bayern Munich entertain Chelsea and Napoli visit Barcelona in their outstanding last 16 second legs.

Before that, Manchester City defend a 2-1 first-leg lead at home against Real on Friday as Pep Guardiola's side target Champions League glory on the back of the club's success at getting a two-year ban from the competition overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The winner of that tie will face Juventus or Lyon in the quarter-finals in Lisbon.

<h2>- Wolves' longest year -</h2>

It is the Europa League which is first up, though, with the last 16 being completed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Two ties -- Inter Milan against Getafe and Sevilla against Roma -- will go ahead as one-off ties in Germany as the first legs were never played.

Six second legs will also be played with the winners heading to Germany for the last eight.

Among the ties to be completed is Manchester United's against Austrian side LASK, which will be a formality for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team after they won 5-0 in the first leg in March.

Their form since the Premier League resumed in mid-June has been excellent and they have already sealed a place in the 2020-21 Champions League, but now they want to finish this never-ending season with a trophy.

"Now our focus is on the Europa League because this is a really good trophy and we want to win," Bruno Fernandes told MUTV.

"I came to Manchester to win trophies. We need to play every game to win. If we go into the Europa League and win every game, we know we'll win the trophy."

United, Europa League winners in 2017, could yet find themselves facing Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in the semi-finals in Cologne on August 16 should both teams get there.

Wolves entertain Greek champions Olympiakos on Thursday having drawn 1-1 in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Their campaign started more than a year ago now, with a 2-0 win over Northern Irish side Crusaders in the second qualifying round on July 25, 2019.

Extending it by another couple of weeks would do them no harm.

After an enforced hiatus of almost five months, the UEFA Champions League and Europa League resume this week in order to clear up the last remaining business in a troubled season.

After an enforced hiatus of almost five months, the UEFA Champions League and Europa League resume this week in order to clear up the last remaining business in a troubled season. Both competitions were frozen in March as the coronavirus pandemic took hold across the continent, and while European football's governing body acted swiftly to move Euro 2020 back a year, for a long time it was unclear how it would manage to complete its two landmark club competitions. In the end the solution was to set up two mini tournaments bringing all teams together in one place from the quarter-finals onwards, with all ties being decided in one-off matches behind closed doors. And so the Champions League will move to Lisbon for the 'Final Eight' starting on August 12 and ending with the final at Benfica's Estadio da Luz on August 23. The Europa League, meanwhile, will be played to a conclusion at a series of venues in western Germany, with the last eight beginning on August 10 and the final in Cologne on August 21. "I believed it from the first moment," said the UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin recently when asked if he ever doubted it would be possible to play the tournaments to a conclusion. "You should always be optimistic, and if something like this crisis happens, you must have a plan ready. "At the present time, we will be playing matches without spectators until further notice. We will not take any risks." - UEFA not worried - There is, though, no question of further changes being made to the formats despite concerns about an increase in Covid-19 cases in and around Lisbon, and more recent worries in Germany about a rise in cases there. UEFA also recently insisted it was "confident" there would be no more delays despite cases of coronavirus emerging among players at Real Madrid and Sevilla. It is, in any case, now or never. Indeed, the preliminary round of next season's Champions League begins next Saturday, the same day Bayern Munich entertain Chelsea and Napoli visit Barcelona in their outstanding last 16 second legs. Before that, Manchester City defend a 2-1 first-leg lead at home against Real on Friday as Pep Guardiola's side target Champions League glory on the back of the club's success at getting a two-year ban from the competition overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The winner of that tie will face Juventus or Lyon in the quarter-finals in Lisbon. - Wolves' longest year - It is the Europa League which is first up, though, with the last 16 being completed on Wednesday and Thursday. Two ties -- Inter Milan against Getafe and Sevilla against Roma -- will go ahead as one-off ties in Germany as the first legs were never played. Six second legs will also be played with the winners heading to Germany for the last eight. Among the ties to be completed is Manchester United's against Austrian side LASK, which will be a formality for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team after they won 5-0 in the first leg in March. Their form since the Premier League resumed in mid-June has been excellent and they have already sealed a place in the 2020-21 Champions League, but now they want to finish this never-ending season with a trophy. "Now our focus is on the Europa League because this is a really good trophy and we want to win," Bruno Fernandes told MUTV. "I came to Manchester to win trophies. We need to play every game to win. If we go into the Europa League and win every game, we know we'll win the trophy." United, Europa League winners in 2017, could yet find themselves facing Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in the semi-finals in Cologne on August 16 should both teams get there. Wolves entertain Greek champions Olympiakos on Thursday having drawn 1-1 in the first leg of their last-16 tie. Their campaign started more than a year ago now, with a 2-0 win over Northern Irish side Crusaders in the second qualifying round on July 25, 2019. Extending it by another couple of weeks would do them no harm.

Champions League ready to resume, at long last

Some of Australia's top women's cricketers Monday blasted a decision by India to schedule its T20 Challenge during the Big Bash League as a "huge shame" and "sad for the game".

Indian cricket bosses on Sunday said the women's T20 Challenge will take place in the United Arab Emirates, comprising three teams with four matches during the playoff week of the cash-rich and globally popular men's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a>.

That would see it clash with the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), widely considered the top women's Twenty20 tournament, which is due to be held between October 17 and November 29.

It would effectively mean Indian players will not be available for the WBBL while overseas stars face having to pick between the competitions.

"So during the WBBL... cool," Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy tweeted sarcastically.

"So the Indian players who've already signed wbbl contracts will do what? And all the international marquee players that will be in aus for wbbl? Good luck with it..."

Fellow Australian Jess Jonassen, the world's top-ranked one-day bowler, was equally bemused, saying "I have no words for this", while batting stalwart Rachael Haynes said "If true, it's a shame".

"While the game continues to grow, premier domestic competitions do not need to compete against each other," Haynes added.&nbsp;

Trailblazing former New Zealand captain Suzie Bates echoed similar sentiments.

"What a huge shame for both the WBBL and WIPL competitions there is a clash," she said.

Both the IPL and T20 Challenge, also known as the women's IPL, have had to be rescheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

They were due to be played earlier in the year with the new dates finally set after the postponement of the men's T20 World Cup, which was scheduled to start in Australia in October.

Some of Australia's top women's cricketers Monday blasted a decision by India to schedule its T20 Challenge during the Big Bash League as a "huge shame" and "sad for the game".

Some of Australia's top women's cricketers Monday blasted a decision by India to schedule its T20 Challenge during the Big Bash League as a "huge shame" and "sad for the game". Indian cricket bosses on Sunday said the women's T20 Challenge will take place in the United Arab Emirates, comprising three teams with four matches during the playoff week of the cash-rich and globally popular men's Indian Premier League (IPL). That would see it clash with the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), widely considered the top women's Twenty20 tournament, which is due to be held between October 17 and November 29. It would effectively mean Indian players will not be available for the WBBL while overseas stars face having to pick between the competitions. "So during the WBBL... cool," Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy tweeted sarcastically. "So the Indian players who've already signed wbbl contracts will do what? And all the international marquee players that will be in aus for wbbl? Good luck with it..." Fellow Australian Jess Jonassen, the world's top-ranked one-day bowler, was equally bemused, saying "I have no words for this", while batting stalwart Rachael Haynes said "If true, it's a shame". "While the game continues to grow, premier domestic competitions do not need to compete against each other," Haynes added. Trailblazing former New Zealand captain Suzie Bates echoed similar sentiments. "What a huge shame for both the WBBL and WIPL competitions there is a clash," she said. Both the IPL and T20 Challenge, also known as the women's IPL, have had to be rescheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic. They were due to be played earlier in the year with the new dates finally set after the postponement of the men's T20 World Cup, which was scheduled to start in Australia in October.

Australian women stars slam timing of India's T20 Challenge

Lewis Hamilton limped to a record seventh British Grand Prix victory with his heart in mouth and a prayer on his lips after a dramatic last-lap puncture turned his Mercedes into a three-wheeler on Sunday.

In an astonishing end to a race he had dominated from pole position, the six-times world champion nursed his stricken Mercedes across the line to stretch his Formula One world championship lead to 30 points.

“I have definitely never experienced anything like that on the last lap,” said Hamilton after inspecting his barely-attached front left tyre.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished second, but could have won had he not pitted for fresh tyres in a successful late bid to score an extra point for the fastest lap, assuming victory was out of reach.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was third, another surprise for a team struggling for performance.

Hamilton’s team mate and closest rival Valtteri Bottas failed to score after also suffering a late puncture and finishing 11th, despite a one-two finish for the pair having looked a nailed-on certainty until late in the race.

“Up until that last lap everything was relatively smooth sailing,” said Hamilton of a race that was already extraordinary for the absence of spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I heard that his (Bottas’s) tyre went and I was just looking at mine and everything seemed fine. The car was still turning no problem... Those last few laps I started to back off and then just down the straight it just deflated.

“That was definitely a heart in the mouth kind of feeling... I was just praying to get around and not be too slow. I nearly didn’t get around the last few corners. Thank God we did.”

The victory was the 87th of Hamilton’s F1 career — leaving him four short of Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91 — and his third in a row. It was also probably his greatest escape.

Verstappen’s race engineer summed it up over the team radio: “He’s a lucky boy.”.

The Dutch driver said he was happy with second place and brushed aside talk of a missed win in a race with two safety car periods.

“I could also pick up a puncture and then you lose a lot more,” he said. It’s so easy to say afterwards we should have just continued. But who would have said Lewis would have got the puncture?

“I don’t regret anything. I think we made the right decision.”

Mercedes, chasing a seventh successive title double, have won all four races this season.

<h2>RICCIARDO FOURTH</h2>

Australian Daniel Ricciardo was fourth for Renault, ahead of future McLaren team mate Lando Norris, whose own team mate - Carlos Sainz - also had a puncture.

Frenchman Esteban Ocon ensured Renault’s double points finish in sixth, with compatriot Pierre Gasly seventh for AlphaTauri and British-based Thai Alexander Albon riding a rollercoaster of a race to eighth place.

Canadian Lance Stroll was ninth for Racing Point, and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel took the final point.

The next round, the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix to mark Silverstone’s hosting of the first world championship race in 1950, is at the same circuit next weekend. But it will struggle to match Sunday’s sensation.

Only 19 of the 20 drivers started, with Racing Point stand-in Nico Hulkenberg failing to make it out of the garage due to power unit problems.

The German was replacing Mexican Sergio Perez, in quarantine after testing positive for the new coronavirus earlier in the week.All the drivers took part before the start in a stance against racism, with Hamilton one of 13 taking a knee as the other seven stood behind.

A World War Two Spitfire fighter plane flew overhead afterwards in a gesture of thanks for Britain’s National Health Service.

Lewis Hamilton limped to a record seventh British Grand Prix victory with his heart in mouth and a prayer on his lips after a dramatic last-lap puncture turned his Mercedes into a three-wheeler on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton limped to a record seventh British Grand Prix victory with his heart in mouth and a prayer on his lips after a dramatic last-lap puncture turned his Mercedes into a three-wheeler on Sunday. In an astonishing end to a race he had dominated from pole position, the six-times world champion nursed his stricken Mercedes across the line to stretch his Formula One world championship lead to 30 points. “I have definitely never experienced anything like that on the last lap,” said Hamilton after inspecting his barely-attached front left tyre. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished second, but could have won had he not pitted for fresh tyres in a successful late bid to score an extra point for the fastest lap, assuming victory was out of reach. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was third, another surprise for a team struggling for performance. Hamilton’s team mate and closest rival Valtteri Bottas failed to score after also suffering a late puncture and finishing 11th, despite a one-two finish for the pair having looked a nailed-on certainty until late in the race. “Up until that last lap everything was relatively smooth sailing,” said Hamilton of a race that was already extraordinary for the absence of spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I heard that his (Bottas’s) tyre went and I was just looking at mine and everything seemed fine. The car was still turning no problem... Those last few laps I started to back off and then just down the straight it just deflated. “That was definitely a heart in the mouth kind of feeling... I was just praying to get around and not be too slow. I nearly didn’t get around the last few corners. Thank God we did.” The victory was the 87th of Hamilton’s F1 career — leaving him four short of Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91 — and his third in a row. It was also probably his greatest escape. Verstappen’s race engineer summed it up over the team radio: “He’s a lucky boy.”. The Dutch driver said he was happy with second place and brushed aside talk of a missed win in a race with two safety car periods. “I could also pick up a puncture and then you lose a lot more,” he said. It’s so easy to say afterwards we should have just continued. But who would have said Lewis would have got the puncture? “I don’t regret anything. I think we made the right decision.” Mercedes, chasing a seventh successive title double, have won all four races this season. RICCIARDO FOURTH Australian Daniel Ricciardo was fourth for Renault, ahead of future McLaren team mate Lando Norris, whose own team mate - Carlos Sainz - also had a puncture. Frenchman Esteban Ocon ensured Renault’s double points finish in sixth, with compatriot Pierre Gasly seventh for AlphaTauri and British-based Thai Alexander Albon riding a rollercoaster of a race to eighth place. Canadian Lance Stroll was ninth for Racing Point, and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel took the final point. The next round, the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix to mark Silverstone’s hosting of the first world championship race in 1950, is at the same circuit next weekend. But it will struggle to match Sunday’s sensation. Only 19 of the 20 drivers started, with Racing Point stand-in Nico Hulkenberg failing to make it out of the garage due to power unit problems. The German was replacing Mexican Sergio Perez, in quarantine after testing positive for the new coronavirus earlier in the week.All the drivers took part before the start in a stance against racism, with Hamilton one of 13 taking a knee as the other seven stood behind. A World War Two Spitfire fighter plane flew overhead afterwards in a gesture of thanks for Britain’s National Health Service.

Hamilton takes record seventh British GP win on three wheels

England have the luxury of six specialist pacemen in their 14-man squad for this week's first Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford -- a welcome "headache" for captain Joe Root.

The skipper can call on veteran new-ball partners James Anderson and Stuart Broad, the express pace of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood and the impressive Sam Curran and Chris Woakes.

The hosts rotated their quicks during last month's 2-1 series win over the West Indies which, together with the upcoming campaign against Pakistan, forms a programme of six Tests in seven weeks.

That is a particularly tough schedule for fast bowlers in a season cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

England's management has argued no paceman can play all six Tests, with the restrictions imposed by maintaining a bio-secure "bubble" requiring several options to be immediately at hand.

But it is an issue they will need to handle with care given they have now lost the opener in eight of their past 10 multi-match Test series, which for all their resilience could prove costly if it happens against Pakistan.

Broad revealed on Sunday he felt "so low" after being omitted from the West Indies opener that he considered retiring.

The recalled Broad responded with 16 wickets at a miserly average of under 11 in the next two matches as he joined long-standing England new-ball colleague Anderson as one of a select group of seven bowlers to have taken 500 Test wickets.

At 34, and bowling a generally fuller length which makes his ability to move the ball late off the seam an even more challenging proposition, Broad is in arguably the best form of his career.

Anderson, four years older and a swing bowler who thrives in home conditions, is closing in on 600 Test wickets, with England's all-time leading bowler clearly not done yet.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Raw pace -</h2>

&nbsp;

World Cup winners Archer and Wood provide England with the option of genuine 90-miles-per-hour-plus pace, with speed through the air an asset even when pitch and overhead conditions favour the batsmen.

Then there is Curran, whose left-arm angle adds variety to an otherwise all right-arm attack. The Surrey bowler has won every Test he has played in at home.

Woakes, who took 5-50 in the West Indies decider, has a better home average than either Broad or Anderson, with his 81 Test wickets in England coming at just 22 apiece.

Woakes is now more inclined to deploy a sharp bouncer, which makes it harder for batsmen to routinely push forward in the hope of blunting his movement.

That still leaves the pace bowling of star all-rounder Ben Stokes who, as he showed before guiding England to an astounding one-wicket win with a brilliant century during last year's Headingley Test against Australia, can also drag his side back into matches by sheer force of personality with the ball.

But the West Indies finale may serve as a model for England.

Stokes was unfit to bowl, although he featured as a batsman, and that meant England deployed Anderson, Broad, Archer and Woakes in an attack featuring spinner Dom Bess after omitting batsman Zak Crawley.

England could now drop Bess or still play four specialist quicks even if Stokes is fit to bowl for the first Test, which starts at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

There were times when Archer, who clearly thrives on responsibility, was relegated to the role of first and second change during the West Indies finale and appeared to bowl accordingly.

Archer was making his return after missing the second Test due to a breach of coronavirus protocols.

It may be, however, that even Anderson and Broad will have to accept they cannot always be the "main men" from now on.

England often appear so obsessed with the Ashes that the opponent in front of them becomes relegated to a warm-up act for their next confrontation with Australia.

But this season's compressed schedule may have inadvertently given England a template for how to regain the urn Down Under in 2021/22. &nbsp;

"With the talent that's waiting in the wings it's an exciting place to be and long may those headaches continue," said Root.

England have the luxury of six specialist pacemen in their 14-man squad for this week's first Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford -- a welcome "headache" for captain Joe Root.

England have the luxury of six specialist pacemen in their 14-man squad for this week's first Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford -- a welcome "headache" for captain Joe Root. The skipper can call on veteran new-ball partners James Anderson and Stuart Broad, the express pace of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood and the impressive Sam Curran and Chris Woakes. The hosts rotated their quicks during last month's 2-1 series win over the West Indies which, together with the upcoming campaign against Pakistan, forms a programme of six Tests in seven weeks. That is a particularly tough schedule for fast bowlers in a season cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. England's management has argued no paceman can play all six Tests, with the restrictions imposed by maintaining a bio-secure "bubble" requiring several options to be immediately at hand. But it is an issue they will need to handle with care given they have now lost the opener in eight of their past 10 multi-match Test series, which for all their resilience could prove costly if it happens against Pakistan. Broad revealed on Sunday he felt "so low" after being omitted from the West Indies opener that he considered retiring. The recalled Broad responded with 16 wickets at a miserly average of under 11 in the next two matches as he joined long-standing England new-ball colleague Anderson as one of a select group of seven bowlers to have taken 500 Test wickets. At 34, and bowling a generally fuller length which makes his ability to move the ball late off the seam an even more challenging proposition, Broad is in arguably the best form of his career. Anderson, four years older and a swing bowler who thrives in home conditions, is closing in on 600 Test wickets, with England's all-time leading bowler clearly not done yet. - Raw pace - World Cup winners Archer and Wood provide England with the option of genuine 90-miles-per-hour-plus pace, with speed through the air an asset even when pitch and overhead conditions favour the batsmen. Then there is Curran, whose left-arm angle adds variety to an otherwise all right-arm attack. The Surrey bowler has won every Test he has played in at home. Woakes, who took 5-50 in the West Indies decider, has a better home average than either Broad or Anderson, with his 81 Test wickets in England coming at just 22 apiece. Woakes is now more inclined to deploy a sharp bouncer, which makes it harder for batsmen to routinely push forward in the hope of blunting his movement. That still leaves the pace bowling of star all-rounder Ben Stokes who, as he showed before guiding England to an astounding one-wicket win with a brilliant century during last year's Headingley Test against Australia, can also drag his side back into matches by sheer force of personality with the ball. But the West Indies finale may serve as a model for England. Stokes was unfit to bowl, although he featured as a batsman, and that meant England deployed Anderson, Broad, Archer and Woakes in an attack featuring spinner Dom Bess after omitting batsman Zak Crawley. England could now drop Bess or still play four specialist quicks even if Stokes is fit to bowl for the first Test, which starts at Old Trafford on Wednesday. There were times when Archer, who clearly thrives on responsibility, was relegated to the role of first and second change during the West Indies finale and appeared to bowl accordingly. Archer was making his return after missing the second Test due to a breach of coronavirus protocols. It may be, however, that even Anderson and Broad will have to accept they cannot always be the "main men" from now on. England often appear so obsessed with the Ashes that the opponent in front of them becomes relegated to a warm-up act for their next confrontation with Australia. But this season's compressed schedule may have inadvertently given England a template for how to regain the urn Down Under in 2021/22. "With the talent that's waiting in the wings it's an exciting place to be and long may those headaches continue," said Root.

England pace aces create 'headache' for Root ahead of Pakistan Tests

It is the biggest cricket tournament of the year. The Indian Premier League. A festival for the fans. A money minter for the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) - the biggest cricket board in the world.

But, the IPL is facing boycott calls this year. Because, the BCCI won’t dump a Chinese sponsor. Vivo – a Chinese smartphone company is the title sponsor of the tournament. Come September - its logo will be plastered all over IPL venues in the UAE.

At a time - when China isn’t willing to back down from the border. After the PLA launched an unprovoked attack on Indian soldiers. 20 Indian soldiers had died in June. India retaliated --- by punishing Chinese companies. Indian citizens are boycotting Chinese products.

But India’s biggest cricket tournament - will not dump Vivo. A Chinese brand.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-in-uae-from-match-timings-to-womens-ipl-key-takeaways-from-ipl-gc-meeting-317694" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 in UAE: From match timings to women's IPL - Key takeaways from IPL GC meeting</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/boycottipl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#boycottipl</a> 
I'm a huge IPL fan, especially <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a>. But I won't watch until they change this decision.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hozsz7yzuO">pic.twitter.com/Hozsz7yzuO</a>
— Soham Parmar (@Defier_52) <a href="https://twitter.com/Defier_52/status/1289988276183371776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Indian Premier League (IPL) is a business &amp; those running this biz are insensitive towards the nation and it’s security concerns. Whole world is boycotting China, IPL is sheltering them. They should understand that nothing is above nation, not even cricket. Ppl may <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/6nyjJ1nCSE">https://t.co/6nyjJ1nCSE</a>
— ASHWANI MAHAJAN (@ashwani_mahajan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwani_mahajan/status/1290000344928227329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottIPL</a> 
 
Shame on you <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/8a6IYebjzL">pic.twitter.com/8a6IYebjzL</a>
— Raghu shukla 🇮🇳👳 (@Raghushukla13) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raghushukla13/status/1290061876957650944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Needless to say - this decision hasn’t gone down well with a large section of Indians. From the politicians to citizens, they all have slammed the BCCI. The opposition has latched onto the issue to take on the government. On twitter, angry fans started a hashtag -- boycott IPL.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-marnus-labuschagne-thriving-to-be-the-best-316956" hreflang="en">Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best</a>

Confederation of All India Traders have written to the government. The letter has gone to Home Minister Amit shah --- as well as External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. They claim that BCCI decision “smacks of its lust for money”. The confederation wants the permission to the BCCI withdrawn.

The IPL starts on the 19th of September. The tournament will be moved to the UAE this year. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah will be the three venues for the money-spinning tournament.

<h2>Why can’t the BCCI dump Vivo?</h2>

Since 2018 --- the board received close to INR 3,300 crores for media rights. More than 400 million dollars. It earns 700 crores in sponsorships. That's 93 million dollars. Vivo pays the board 440 crores for the title sponsorship per year. Or 58 million dollars. All of this, doesn’t go into BCCI’s pocket.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-opens-up-on-england-and-india-series-ipl-2020-injuries-and-more-316469" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more</a>

Half of the revenue from the IPL. is distributed to the eight franchises. After doing that --- the BCCI is left with around two thousand crores as income. Or 265 million dollars.

That’s the kind of money that the BCCI makes from the tournament. It can afford to let go of the 440 crores from Vivo.

But, it hasn’t. Reportedly, it was too late for the BCCI to take a call. There are also fears of legal liabilities too. In 2018, Vivo had secured the title sponsorship for the IPL for five years. With a mammoth bid of INR 2,199 crores. That's close to $300 million.

Allegedly - the exit clause in the contract favours the Chinese company.&nbsp;Cricket is more than a sport for India. It is a religion. You must have heard that often.

But, it is also a diplomatic tool. Used to send a message to India’s adversaries. The Indian cricket team doesn’t play with Pakistan. Pakistani players are banned from the IPL.

In 2017, Pakistani commentators were banned too. Why can’t Chinese sponsors be given the boot? How much money is enough for the richest cricket board in the world?

According to a report --- the BCCI had more than five thousand crores as cash and bank balances in its 2018 balance sheets.

That's more than 600 million dollars. A little more than two thousand crores was in the form of fixed deposits. In comparison, the money from the vivo sponsorship is pocket change. Something that the bcci won’t miss from its balance sheets. 
&nbsp;

It is the biggest cricket tournament of the year. The Indian Premier League. A festival for the fans. A money minter for the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) - the biggest cricket board in the world.

It is the biggest cricket tournament of the year. The Indian Premier League. A festival for the fans. A money minter for the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) - the biggest cricket board in the world. But, the IPL is facing boycott calls this year. Because, the BCCI won’t dump a Chinese sponsor. Vivo – a Chinese smartphone company is the title sponsor of the tournament. Come September - its logo will be plastered all over IPL venues in the UAE. At a time - when China isn’t willing to back down from the border. After the PLA launched an unprovoked attack on Indian soldiers. 20 Indian soldiers had died in June. India retaliated --- by punishing Chinese companies. Indian citizens are boycotting Chinese products. But India’s biggest cricket tournament - will not dump Vivo. A Chinese brand. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 in UAE: From match timings to women's IPL - Key takeaways from IPL GC meeting #boycottipl I'm a huge IPL fan, especially @mipaltan. But I won't watch until they change this decision.#IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/Hozsz7yzuO — Soham Parmar (@Defier_52) August 2, 2020 × Indian Premier League (IPL) is a business & those running this biz are insensitive towards the nation and it’s security concerns. Whole world is boycotting China, IPL is sheltering them. They should understand that nothing is above nation, not even cricket. Ppl may #BoycottIPL https://t.co/6nyjJ1nCSE — ASHWANI MAHAJAN (@ashwani_mahajan) August 2, 2020 × #BoycottIPL Shame on you @BCCI pic.twitter.com/8a6IYebjzL — Raghu shukla 🇮🇳👳 (@Raghushukla13) August 2, 2020 × Needless to say - this decision hasn’t gone down well with a large section of Indians. From the politicians to citizens, they all have slammed the BCCI. The opposition has latched onto the issue to take on the government. On twitter, angry fans started a hashtag -- boycott IPL. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best Confederation of All India Traders have written to the government. The letter has gone to Home Minister Amit shah --- as well as External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. They claim that BCCI decision “smacks of its lust for money”. The confederation wants the permission to the BCCI withdrawn. The IPL starts on the 19th of September. The tournament will be moved to the UAE this year. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah will be the three venues for the money-spinning tournament. Why can’t the BCCI dump Vivo? Since 2018 --- the board received close to INR 3,300 crores for media rights. More than 400 million dollars. It earns 700 crores in sponsorships. That's 93 million dollars. Vivo pays the board 440 crores for the title sponsorship per year. Or 58 million dollars. All of this, doesn’t go into BCCI’s pocket. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more Half of the revenue from the IPL. is distributed to the eight franchises. After doing that --- the BCCI is left with around two thousand crores as income. Or 265 million dollars. That’s the kind of money that the BCCI makes from the tournament. It can afford to let go of the 440 crores from Vivo. But, it hasn’t. Reportedly, it was too late for the BCCI to take a call. There are also fears of legal liabilities too. In 2018, Vivo had secured the title sponsorship for the IPL for five years. With a mammoth bid of INR 2,199 crores. That's close to $300 million. Allegedly - the exit clause in the contract favours the Chinese company. Cricket is more than a sport for India. It is a religion. You must have heard that often. But, it is also a diplomatic tool. Used to send a message to India’s adversaries. The Indian cricket team doesn’t play with Pakistan. Pakistani players are banned from the IPL. In 2017, Pakistani commentators were banned too. Why can’t Chinese sponsors be given the boot? How much money is enough for the richest cricket board in the world? According to a report --- the BCCI had more than five thousand crores as cash and bank balances in its 2018 balance sheets. That's more than 600 million dollars. A little more than two thousand crores was in the form of fixed deposits. In comparison, the money from the vivo sponsorship is pocket change. Something that the bcci won’t miss from its balance sheets.

IPL's million-dollar Chinese connection

From saliva ban to red cards for coughing: Changes brought by COVID-19 in the world of sports

Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq has asked his side to get off to a winning start in their impending three-match Test series against England as the former skipper said that every player must be at their best “right from the word go.”

England have had a consistent run in losing series openers in eight of their last 10 Test series, including the defeat in 2-1 series win over the West Indies that marked international cricket’s return from the COVID-19 lockdown.&nbsp;

Old Trafford will be the hunting ground for both the sides, the same venue where England thumped Jason Holder’s men recently.&nbsp;

Misbah, addressing the reporters via video-conference, suggested England would have the momentum going into the series: "We should be ready for an England team that have already had three matches of experience and they won their last two Test matches.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-retains-chinese-sponsors-for-ipl-despite-political-tensions-between-two-countries-317854" hreflang="en">BCCI retains Chinese sponsors for IPL despite political tensions between two countries</a>

"We have to really come in this Test series right from the word 'go' at our best if we want to win a Test series or a Test match here.&nbsp;

"We are aware that England have a slight advantage but if we are alert and go 100 percent in the first Test match, that is the only way we can beat England, otherwise we will find ourselves in difficulty."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bccis-sops-on-resumption-of-training-consent-form-age-bracket-headline-100-page-guidelines-317834" hreflang="en">BCCI's SOPs on resumption of training: Consent form, age bracket headline 100-page guidelines</a>

Pakistan have played two intra-squad warm-up matches to get into the rhythm with praises flowing in for the Pakistani pace attack. However, Misbah is of the view that the batsmen would need to perform well to give a chance to the bowlers.

"It's always tough with the Duke ball in England where the ball moves around off the seam and also in the air," Misbah said.

"But this is where you can really fight and our batting looked in great shape in the last two series. We played in Pakistan but even in Australia we managed to score good runs in almost every innings.&nbsp;

"Shan Masood, Abid Ali scored centuries in previous series (at home to Bangladesh in February and at home to Sri Lanka in December). Conditions are different but still confidence plays a huge role in your mind when you're coming from a series where you scored runs.&nbsp;

"Azhar (Ali) got a hundred (too, against Sri Lanka).

"In 2016 Asad Shafiq scored runs here, Babar Azam last time performed here in 2018 (when Pakistan drew a two-match series in England 1-1) and the way he's batting at the moment, he's confident and playing well."

The England versus Pakistan three-match Test series is set to start from August 5. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq has asked his side to get off to a winning start in their impending three-match Test series against England as the former skipper said that every player must be at their best “right from the word go.

Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq has asked his side to get off to a winning start in their impending three-match Test series against England as the former skipper said that every player must be at their best “right from the word go.” England have had a consistent run in losing series openers in eight of their last 10 Test series, including the defeat in 2-1 series win over the West Indies that marked international cricket’s return from the COVID-19 lockdown. Old Trafford will be the hunting ground for both the sides, the same venue where England thumped Jason Holder’s men recently. Misbah, addressing the reporters via video-conference, suggested England would have the momentum going into the series: "We should be ready for an England team that have already had three matches of experience and they won their last two Test matches. ALSO READ: BCCI retains Chinese sponsors for IPL despite political tensions between two countries "We have to really come in this Test series right from the word 'go' at our best if we want to win a Test series or a Test match here. "We are aware that England have a slight advantage but if we are alert and go 100 percent in the first Test match, that is the only way we can beat England, otherwise we will find ourselves in difficulty." ALSO READ: BCCI's SOPs on resumption of training: Consent form, age bracket headline 100-page guidelines Pakistan have played two intra-squad warm-up matches to get into the rhythm with praises flowing in for the Pakistani pace attack. However, Misbah is of the view that the batsmen would need to perform well to give a chance to the bowlers. "It's always tough with the Duke ball in England where the ball moves around off the seam and also in the air," Misbah said. "But this is where you can really fight and our batting looked in great shape in the last two series. We played in Pakistan but even in Australia we managed to score good runs in almost every innings. "Shan Masood, Abid Ali scored centuries in previous series (at home to Bangladesh in February and at home to Sri Lanka in December). Conditions are different but still confidence plays a huge role in your mind when you're coming from a series where you scored runs. "Azhar (Ali) got a hundred (too, against Sri Lanka). "In 2016 Asad Shafiq scored runs here, Babar Azam last time performed here in 2018 (when Pakistan drew a two-match series in England 1-1) and the way he's batting at the moment, he's confident and playing well." The England versus Pakistan three-match Test series is set to start from August 5.

Misbah-ul-Haq: Pakistan must be ready from word 'go' against England

Frank Lampard has called on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> to give Chelsea a fair start to next season, saying the September 12 launch date is "too early" for his players.

The Blues lost Saturday's FA Cup final 2-1 to London rivals Arsenal but are still not finished with the current campaign.

Lampard's side take on Bayern Munich on Saturday in the rescheduled second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie, trailing 3-0 from the first leg.

Even if they exit the competition, Chelsea will have just 35 days before the new season is due to begin.&nbsp;

Manchester City are also still in the Champions League, the final of which is scheduled for August 23, while Manchester United and Wolves are involved in the Europa League, which ends on August 21.

It is understood that when Premier League clubs agreed a September 12 start date, it was also clear there would need to be at least a 30-day break for Chelsea and any of the other teams playing in the end-of-season European competitions.

Lampard lost Willian and Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the eve of the FA Cup final to injury and Cesar Azpilicueta and goalscorer Christian Pulisic during the game to hamstring problems.

"Even in a worst-case scenario, we don't go through against Bayern, the 12th feels too early for me for the players to start playing again," said the Chelsea boss.

"The players need a break. That is why we have pulled two hamstrings and had players pull out of the game before this."

Lampard implored the Premier League to make sure clubs start the next season with a level playing field.

"I would like to think the Premier League would look seriously at that," he said.

"Hopefully they give us a fair start next season. We deserve to be (given a fair start) as a Premier League club competing in the Champions League."

Frank Lampard has called on the Premier League to give Chelsea a fair start to next season, saying the September 12 launch date is "too early" for his players. The Blues lost Saturday's FA Cup final 2-1 to London rivals Arsenal but are still not finished with the current campaign.

Frank Lampard has called on the Premier League to give Chelsea a fair start to next season, saying the September 12 launch date is "too early" for his players. The Blues lost Saturday's FA Cup final 2-1 to London rivals Arsenal but are still not finished with the current campaign. Lampard's side take on Bayern Munich on Saturday in the rescheduled second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie, trailing 3-0 from the first leg. Even if they exit the competition, Chelsea will have just 35 days before the new season is due to begin. Manchester City are also still in the Champions League, the final of which is scheduled for August 23, while Manchester United and Wolves are involved in the Europa League, which ends on August 21. It is understood that when Premier League clubs agreed a September 12 start date, it was also clear there would need to be at least a 30-day break for Chelsea and any of the other teams playing in the end-of-season European competitions. Lampard lost Willian and Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the eve of the FA Cup final to injury and Cesar Azpilicueta and goalscorer Christian Pulisic during the game to hamstring problems. "Even in a worst-case scenario, we don't go through against Bayern, the 12th feels too early for me for the players to start playing again," said the Chelsea boss. "The players need a break. That is why we have pulled two hamstrings and had players pull out of the game before this." Lampard implored the Premier League to make sure clubs start the next season with a level playing field. "I would like to think the Premier League would look seriously at that," he said. "Hopefully they give us a fair start next season. We deserve to be (given a fair start) as a Premier League club competing in the Champions League."

Lampard calls for 'fair' treatment for tired Chelsea

Football players can be shown direct red or yellow cards for deliberately coughing at opponents or match referees under new guidelines issues by Engand’s Football Association (FA) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The instructions to referees taking charge of matches when COVID-19 restrictions are in place will come into force immediately while being applied at all levels of the game.

The FA document for referees stated that action should be taken when "the referee is certain someone deliberately, and from close range, coughed into the face of an opponent or match official..." while adding that the offence would fall under the category of "using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures" under which a player can be booked by the match official.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/infantino-staying-on-as-fifa-blasts-swiss-probe-317798" hreflang="en">Infantino staying on as FIFA blasts Swiss probe</a>

"If the incident was not severe enough to merit a sending-off, a caution could be issued for 'unsporting behaviour - shows a lack of respect for the game'."&nbsp;

The document further said that referees must not book “routine” coughing while reminding players to avoid spitting on the ground – even though it doesn’t fall under an act of misconduct with many players in various top European leagues spotted spitting on the pitch regularly.

The full ruling said: 'Where the referee is certain that someone deliberately, and from close range, coughed into the face of an opponent or match official . . . the referee should take action under the law 12 "using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-ready-to-resume-at-long-last-317797" hreflang="en">Champions League ready to resume, at long last</a>

'The action of moving the head/mouth towards someone and then coughing would fall within the "spirit" and general definition of a gesture which is "a movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning".

'If the incident was not severe enough to merit a sending-off, a caution could be issued for "unsporting behaviour — shows a lack of respect for the game".'&nbsp;

Notably, before the suspension of football due to COVID-19 pandemic, Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa was seen deliberately coughing at media personnel as an apparent prank after the Spanish outfit defeated Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. 
&nbsp;

Football players can be shown direct red or yellow cards for deliberately coughing at opponents or match referees under new guidelines issues by Engand’s Football Association (FA) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Football players can be shown direct red or yellow cards for deliberately coughing at opponents or match referees under new guidelines issues by Engand’s Football Association (FA) amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The instructions to referees taking charge of matches when COVID-19 restrictions are in place will come into force immediately while being applied at all levels of the game. The FA document for referees stated that action should be taken when "the referee is certain someone deliberately, and from close range, coughed into the face of an opponent or match official..." while adding that the offence would fall under the category of "using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures" under which a player can be booked by the match official. ALSO READ: Infantino staying on as FIFA blasts Swiss probe "If the incident was not severe enough to merit a sending-off, a caution could be issued for 'unsporting behaviour - shows a lack of respect for the game'." The document further said that referees must not book “routine” coughing while reminding players to avoid spitting on the ground – even though it doesn’t fall under an act of misconduct with many players in various top European leagues spotted spitting on the pitch regularly. The full ruling said: 'Where the referee is certain that someone deliberately, and from close range, coughed into the face of an opponent or match official . . . the referee should take action under the law 12 "using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures". ALSO READ: Champions League ready to resume, at long last 'The action of moving the head/mouth towards someone and then coughing would fall within the "spirit" and general definition of a gesture which is "a movement of part of the body, especially a hand or the head, to express an idea or meaning". 'If the incident was not severe enough to merit a sending-off, a caution could be issued for "unsporting behaviour — shows a lack of respect for the game".' Notably, before the suspension of football due to COVID-19 pandemic, Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa was seen deliberately coughing at media personnel as an apparent prank after the Spanish outfit defeated Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

COVID-19 change in Football: Red cards for deliberate coughing at opponent or referee

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday retained all the sponsors of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> including the Chinese brands. Following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-in-uae-from-match-timings-to-womens-ipl-key-takeaways-from-ipl-gc-meeting-317694">IPL Governing Council meeting</a> which decided on certain important factors including the logistics and match timings, the board decided not to sever ties with major sponsors including Chinese companies despite the recent political tensions between the two countries.

Chinese sponsorship in the IPL became talk of the country in the wake of clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh in June. While BCCI did tweet that it will meet to review IPL’s various sponsorship deals but the meeting never took place before the IPL GC met on Sunday.&nbsp;

“Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL’s various sponsorship deals,” IPL had tweeted on June 19.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-in-uae-from-match-timings-to-womens-ipl-key-takeaways-from-ipl-gc-meeting-317694" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 in UAE: From match timings to women's IPL - Key takeaways from IPL GC meeting</a>

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Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL’s various sponsorship deals 🇮🇳
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One of the main reasons behind retaining Chinese sponsors in IPL 2020 is the difficulty to find new sponsors with similar financial proposals during these tough times.&nbsp;

"All I can say is that all our sponsors are with us. Hopefully, you can read between the lines," a Governing Council member was quoted as saying by PTI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bccis-sops-on-resumption-of-training-consent-form-age-bracket-headline-100-page-guidelines-317834" hreflang="en">BCCI's SOPs on resumption of training: Consent form, age bracket headline 100-page guidelines</a>

Vivo – the principle sponsor of IPL – had signed a five-year deal in 2017 with the BCCI to the tune of Rs 2,199 crores. BCCI’s decision comes amid calls of ‘Boycott Chinese Products’ from all over the country after Galwan Valley clash where 20 Indian soldiers were martyred.

"We said we will review sponsorship. Review means that we need to check all the modalities of the contract. If the 'Exit Clause' favours VIVO more, why should we terminate a Rs 440 crore per year contract. We will only terminate if 'Exit Clause' favours us," a Board official had told PTI.

While Indian government has already banned 59 Chinese applications including some of the top social media platforms, to counter threat posed by these applications to country’s “sovereignty and security”, the BCCI decided to oblige to the current contract.

Other key decisions taken in the IPL GC meeting on Sunday were the match timings with evening games now set to start from 7:30 PM IST. The squads have also been restricted to 24-per-franchise with COVID-19 substitutions a llowed.The matches will be played at three venues in the UAE - Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday retained all the sponsors of the Indian Premier League (IPL) including the Chinese brands. Following the IPL Governing Council meeting which decided on certain important factors including the logistics and match timings, the board decided not to sever ties with major sponsors including Chinese companies despite the recent political tensions between the two countries.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday retained all the sponsors of the Indian Premier League (IPL) including the Chinese brands. Following the IPL Governing Council meeting which decided on certain important factors including the logistics and match timings, the board decided not to sever ties with major sponsors including Chinese companies despite the recent political tensions between the two countries. Chinese sponsorship in the IPL became talk of the country in the wake of clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh in June. While BCCI did tweet that it will meet to review IPL’s various sponsorship deals but the meeting never took place before the IPL GC met on Sunday. “Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL’s various sponsorship deals,” IPL had tweeted on June 19. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 in UAE: From match timings to women's IPL - Key takeaways from IPL GC meeting Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL’s various sponsorship deals 🇮🇳 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 19, 2020 × One of the main reasons behind retaining Chinese sponsors in IPL 2020 is the difficulty to find new sponsors with similar financial proposals during these tough times. "All I can say is that all our sponsors are with us. Hopefully, you can read between the lines," a Governing Council member was quoted as saying by PTI. ALSO READ: BCCI's SOPs on resumption of training: Consent form, age bracket headline 100-page guidelines Vivo – the principle sponsor of IPL – had signed a five-year deal in 2017 with the BCCI to the tune of Rs 2,199 crores. BCCI’s decision comes amid calls of ‘Boycott Chinese Products’ from all over the country after Galwan Valley clash where 20 Indian soldiers were martyred. "We said we will review sponsorship. Review means that we need to check all the modalities of the contract. If the 'Exit Clause' favours VIVO more, why should we terminate a Rs 440 crore per year contract. We will only terminate if 'Exit Clause' favours us," a Board official had told PTI. While Indian government has already banned 59 Chinese applications including some of the top social media platforms, to counter threat posed by these applications to country’s “sovereignty and security”, the BCCI decided to oblige to the current contract. Other key decisions taken in the IPL GC meeting on Sunday were the match timings with evening games now set to start from 7:30 PM IST. The squads have also been restricted to 24-per-franchise with COVID-19 substitutions a llowed.The matches will be played at three venues in the UAE - Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

BCCI retains Chinese sponsors for IPL despite political tensions between two countries

Players will have to sign a consent form before the resumption of training at their respective centres, the BCCI conveyed to the state associations in its 100-page-long Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs), which also stopped anyone over 60 years of age and individuals with medical conditions from taking part in camps.

"The health and safety of players, staff and stakeholders will be the sole responsibility of respective State Cricket Associations," read the BCCI guidelines on resumption of cricket, which is in WION’s possession.

In the consent form, players have to acknowledge the risks involved with the resumption of training amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shaken the entire world. The 2019-20 Indian domestic season ending March but the upcoming season is set to be truncated due to rising cases of coronavirus. The season, in normal circumstances, usually starts in August.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-god-shoaib-akhtar-recalls-facing-sachin-tendulkar-for-the-first-time-317814" hreflang="en">'This is God?' - Shoaib Akhtar recalls facing Sachin Tendulkar for the first time</a>

Support staff, officials and ground staff over 60 years of age and individuals with underlying medical conditions won’t be allowed to attend training camps until “suitable guidelines are issued by the Government”. The players will have to adhere to strict safety protocols be it travelling or training.

Before the start of the training camps, the medial team will need to get travel and medical history of past two weeks of all players and staff via online questionnaire. Any player or staff suspected with COVID-19-like symptoms will have to undergo PCR tests.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-in-uae-from-match-timings-to-womens-ipl-key-takeaways-from-ipl-gc-meeting-317694" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 in UAE: From match timings to women's IPL - Key takeaways from IPL GC meeting</a>

"Two tests one day apart (Day 1 &amp; Day 3) should be done to account for false negatives. If both the test results are negative, only then they should be included in the camp," read the SOPs.

Furthermore, players will need to wear a N95 mask on the way to the stadium with encouragement to wear eyewear as well in public places and during training.

"A webinar before commencement and in-person education workshop on Day 1 of the camp must be conducted by the CMO (Chief Medical Officer) for all players &amp; staff..."

Players will have to sign a consent form before the resumption of training at their respective centres, the BCCI conveyed to the state associations in its 100-page-long Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs), which also stopped anyone over 60 years of age and individuals with medical conditions from taking part in camps.

Players will have to sign a consent form before the resumption of training at their respective centres, the BCCI conveyed to the state associations in its 100-page-long Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs), which also stopped anyone over 60 years of age and individuals with medical conditions from taking part in camps. "The health and safety of players, staff and stakeholders will be the sole responsibility of respective State Cricket Associations," read the BCCI guidelines on resumption of cricket, which is in WION’s possession. In the consent form, players have to acknowledge the risks involved with the resumption of training amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shaken the entire world. The 2019-20 Indian domestic season ending March but the upcoming season is set to be truncated due to rising cases of coronavirus. The season, in normal circumstances, usually starts in August. ALSO READ: 'This is God?' - Shoaib Akhtar recalls facing Sachin Tendulkar for the first time Support staff, officials and ground staff over 60 years of age and individuals with underlying medical conditions won’t be allowed to attend training camps until “suitable guidelines are issued by the Government”. The players will have to adhere to strict safety protocols be it travelling or training. Before the start of the training camps, the medial team will need to get travel and medical history of past two weeks of all players and staff via online questionnaire. Any player or staff suspected with COVID-19-like symptoms will have to undergo PCR tests. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 in UAE: From match timings to women's IPL - Key takeaways from IPL GC meeting "Two tests one day apart (Day 1 & Day 3) should be done to account for false negatives. If both the test results are negative, only then they should be included in the camp," read the SOPs. Furthermore, players will need to wear a N95 mask on the way to the stadium with encouragement to wear eyewear as well in public places and during training. "A webinar before commencement and in-person education workshop on Day 1 of the camp must be conducted by the CMO (Chief Medical Officer) for all players & staff..."

BCCI's SOPs on resumption of training: Consent form, age bracket headline 100-page guidelines

The battle between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar enthralled cricket fans during their playing days. The face-off between two top cricketers at the peak of their powers was nothing short of feast for cricket lovers. While many a times Tendulkar came out on top, there were moments when Akhtar dominated with his extreme pace.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar recalled bowling to Sachin Tendulkar for the first time as he explained the build-up to the match in 1999 where India and Pakistan locked horns at the Eden Gardens.&nbsp;

Akhtar recalled that there was certain hype surrounding Tendulkar as everyone portrayed him as ‘God’ while adding that motivated him to get him dismissed in the first delivery, which he did.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-in-uae-from-match-timings-to-womens-ipl-key-takeaways-from-ipl-gc-meeting-317694">IPL 2020 in UAE: Key takeaways from IPL Governing Council meeting</a>

“I heard Sachin was the God. I said this is a God?. He didn’t recognize me, and I didn’t recognize him. He was in his own attitude and I was in my attitude. But I wanted to get him out on the first ball and that happened,” Akhtar told ARY News on Saturday.

Akhtar, who has been among the headlines for his controversial statements, had taken a jibe at the BCCI following the postponement of T20 World Cup while dragging ‘Monkeygate’ controversy to support his point.&nbsp;

“Sometimes they get easy wickets in Melbourne, at times someone calls another person a monkey but gets saved, the talk goes to boycotting the series. I am asking the Australians, where are their ethics?” Akhtar said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-women-stars-slam-timing-of-indias-t20-challenge-317796" hreflang="en">Australian women stars slam timing of India's T20 Challenge</a>

Akhtar had bowled Tendulkar on the very first ball in 1999 Kolkata test where the duo was locking horns for the first time. Akhtar went on to dismiss VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Venkatesh Prasad to mark his presence against India and finished with good figures of 4/71 in the first innings before picking another four in the second. Pakistan ultimately won the Test by 46 runs. 
&nbsp;

The battle between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar enthralled cricket fans during their playing days. The face-off between two top cricketers at the peak of their powers was nothing short of feast for cricket lovers.

The battle between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar enthralled cricket fans during their playing days. The face-off between two top cricketers at the peak of their powers was nothing short of feast for cricket lovers. While many a times Tendulkar came out on top, there were moments when Akhtar dominated with his extreme pace. Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar recalled bowling to Sachin Tendulkar for the first time as he explained the build-up to the match in 1999 where India and Pakistan locked horns at the Eden Gardens. Akhtar recalled that there was certain hype surrounding Tendulkar as everyone portrayed him as ‘God’ while adding that motivated him to get him dismissed in the first delivery, which he did. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 in UAE: Key takeaways from IPL Governing Council meeting “I heard Sachin was the God. I said this is a God?. He didn’t recognize me, and I didn’t recognize him. He was in his own attitude and I was in my attitude. But I wanted to get him out on the first ball and that happened,” Akhtar told ARY News on Saturday. Akhtar, who has been among the headlines for his controversial statements, had taken a jibe at the BCCI following the postponement of T20 World Cup while dragging ‘Monkeygate’ controversy to support his point. “Sometimes they get easy wickets in Melbourne, at times someone calls another person a monkey but gets saved, the talk goes to boycotting the series. I am asking the Australians, where are their ethics?” Akhtar said. ALSO READ: Australian women stars slam timing of India's T20 Challenge Akhtar had bowled Tendulkar on the very first ball in 1999 Kolkata test where the duo was locking horns for the first time. Akhtar went on to dismiss VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and Venkatesh Prasad to mark his presence against India and finished with good figures of 4/71 in the first innings before picking another four in the second. Pakistan ultimately won the Test by 46 runs.

'This is God?' - Shoaib Akhtar recalls facing Sachin Tendulkar for the first time

The Indian Premier League Governing Council meeting which took place on Sunday decided on a certain major things related to the tournament. The IPL 2020 is set to start on September 19 with the final now lined up on November 10 contrary to as earlier proposed on November 8, subject to necessary approval by Indian government.&nbsp;

While the dates are now zeroed in for September 19 to November 10, Women’s IPL or the Challengers Trophy is also set to take place in the UAE, most likely in between the play-offs and the final. .&nbsp;

As learned by WION, IPL 2020 squads will have just 24 players per franchise with back-ups ready, in case someone gets injured. Another major point discussed in the IPL Governing Council meeting was the current sponsors including Chinese companies but the board decided to make no changes to it with franchises and IPL set to oblige to the current contract.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-marnus-labuschagne-thriving-to-be-the-best-316956" hreflang="en">Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best</a>&nbsp;

The matches have been pushed forward with IPL 2020 matches set to start at 7:30 PM (Indian Standard Time) against the previous 8:00 IST time. The IPL GC has also zeroed in on the logistics with an announcement regarding the same expected soon from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Also, there will be as many as 10 double headers in the tournament.&nbsp;

Matches will be played behind closed doors with a possibility of reduced crowd later in the tournament. The franchises are set to depart to the UAE on August 27.

There is another meeting scheduled with the franchises after which the final schedule for the tournament could be announced.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-opens-up-on-england-and-india-series-ipl-2020-injuries-and-more-316469" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more</a>

<h2>Key takeaways from IPL Governing Council meeting:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>IPL 2020 start date: September 19</li>
	<li>IPL 2020 final: 10 November</li>
	<li>Squad strength: 24 per franchises (players)</li>
	<li>Women’s IPL given nod</li>
	<li>7:30 PM IST start time</li>
	<li>10 double headers 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The Indian Premier League Governing Council meeting which took place on Sunday decided on a certain major things related to the tournament. The IPL 2020 is set to start on September 19 with the final now lined up on November 10 contrary to as earlier proposed on November 8, subject to necessary approval by Indian government.

The Indian Premier League Governing Council meeting which took place on Sunday decided on a certain major things related to the tournament. The IPL 2020 is set to start on September 19 with the final now lined up on November 10 contrary to as earlier proposed on November 8, subject to necessary approval by Indian government. While the dates are now zeroed in for September 19 to November 10, Women’s IPL or the Challengers Trophy is also set to take place in the UAE, most likely in between the play-offs and the final. . As learned by WION, IPL 2020 squads will have just 24 players per franchise with back-ups ready, in case someone gets injured. Another major point discussed in the IPL Governing Council meeting was the current sponsors including Chinese companies but the board decided to make no changes to it with franchises and IPL set to oblige to the current contract. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best The matches have been pushed forward with IPL 2020 matches set to start at 7:30 PM (Indian Standard Time) against the previous 8:00 IST time. The IPL GC has also zeroed in on the logistics with an announcement regarding the same expected soon from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Also, there will be as many as 10 double headers in the tournament. Matches will be played behind closed doors with a possibility of reduced crowd later in the tournament. The franchises are set to depart to the UAE on August 27. There is another meeting scheduled with the franchises after which the final schedule for the tournament could be announced. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more Key takeaways from IPL Governing Council meeting: IPL 2020 start date: September 19 IPL 2020 final: 10 November Squad strength: 24 per franchises (players) Women’s IPL given nod 7:30 PM IST start time 10 double headers

IPL 2020 in UAE: From match timings to women's IPL - Key takeaways from IPL GC meeting

Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's brace in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from the Wembley clash:

<h3>Irreplacable Aubameyang</h3>

In what could be his last game for Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang showed why the Gunners must do everything in their power to keep the Gabon forward.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season and has been linked with a move amid reports he wants to play for a club in the Champions League.

Coach Mikel Arteta insists Aubameyang wants to stay, but he also conceded winning the FA Cup would be a useful way to show him the club are heading in the right direction.

Arsenal did their part and it was Aubameyang who provided the crucial cutting edge.

The first African player to start an FA Cup final as captain, Aubameyang became the second oldest player to score for Arsenal in the showpiece.

With Arsenal trailing to Christian Pulisic's early goal, Aubameyang's blistering break left Cesar Azpilicueta trailing in his wake.

Azpilicueta responded by tugging at Aubameyang's shoulder and the forward made the most of the contact as he tumbled in the area to win a penalty that he dispatched with a ruthless efficiency.

Aubameyang won the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund in 2017, scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot.

Once again, he would be the star, but this time it was his skill and improvisation that proved decisive as he jinked past Kurt Zouma and clipped a fine finish over Willy Caballero in the 67th minute.

<h2>Chelsea hamstrung by Pulisic injury</h2>

Christian Pulisic had emerged as a key figure for Chelsea since the coronavirus hiatus, but a day that started on a high for the United States winger ended in agony.

It has been that kind of turbulent season for Pulisic, whose first year with Chelsea started slowly amid injuries and poor form before bursting into life.

He was on the scoresheet after just five minutes, with his 11th goal of the season.

Drifting into central midfield to take possession, Pulisic slipped a precise pass to Mason Mount and carried on his run into the Arsenal penalty area, where he took Olivier Giroud's flick and slotted past Emiliano Martinez.

Pulisic was the first American to score in the FA Cup final but disaster struck in the 49th minute when he raced away for a shot that was interrupted when he felt his hamstring twang.

Immediately grabbing the injured area, Pulisic was helped off the pitch.

Without the pace of Pulisic to keep Arsenal's defence on the back foot, Frank Lampard's side were bereft of a cutting edge in the final third as the trophy slipped from their grasp.

<h2>Arteta bolsters growing reputation</h2>

Mikel Arteta enhanced his reputation as one of the Premier League's brightest young managers with another tactical masterclass.

Having out-witted his mentor Pep Guardiola in Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final success against Manchester City, Arteta showed his acumen again to leave Chelsea boss Frank Lampard out of answers.

Arteta's use of long passes into the channels behind Chelsea's two attacking full-backs exposed the flaw in Lampard's defensive system and led directly to Aubameyang's equaliser.

Leading Arsenal to their 14th FA Cup success -- which brings them a place in next season's Europa League -- showed the 38-year-old Spaniard is the man to restore the club's tattered reputation.

Arsenal may have endured their lowest league finish for a quarter of a century this season as Arteta battled to steady the ship following Unai Emery's sacking in December.

But he has won over his players with a direct approach to discipline -- banishing malcontents Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi -- and his astute game-plans.

Winning the FA Cup will buy Arteta time to continue his rebuild and it was fitting his first trophy as Arsenal manager came in the tournament that brought the last major silverware of Gunners legend Arsene Wenger's reign.

&nbsp;

Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's brace in the FA Cup final on Saturday. AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from the Wembley clash: Irreplacable Aubameyang In what could be his last game for Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang showed why the Gunners must do everything in their power to keep the Gabon forward.

Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's brace in the FA Cup final on Saturday. AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from the Wembley clash: Irreplacable Aubameyang In what could be his last game for Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang showed why the Gunners must do everything in their power to keep the Gabon forward. The 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season and has been linked with a move amid reports he wants to play for a club in the Champions League. Coach Mikel Arteta insists Aubameyang wants to stay, but he also conceded winning the FA Cup would be a useful way to show him the club are heading in the right direction. Arsenal did their part and it was Aubameyang who provided the crucial cutting edge. The first African player to start an FA Cup final as captain, Aubameyang became the second oldest player to score for Arsenal in the showpiece. With Arsenal trailing to Christian Pulisic's early goal, Aubameyang's blistering break left Cesar Azpilicueta trailing in his wake. Azpilicueta responded by tugging at Aubameyang's shoulder and the forward made the most of the contact as he tumbled in the area to win a penalty that he dispatched with a ruthless efficiency. Aubameyang won the German Cup with Borussia Dortmund in 2017, scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot. Once again, he would be the star, but this time it was his skill and improvisation that proved decisive as he jinked past Kurt Zouma and clipped a fine finish over Willy Caballero in the 67th minute. Chelsea hamstrung by Pulisic injury Christian Pulisic had emerged as a key figure for Chelsea since the coronavirus hiatus, but a day that started on a high for the United States winger ended in agony. It has been that kind of turbulent season for Pulisic, whose first year with Chelsea started slowly amid injuries and poor form before bursting into life. He was on the scoresheet after just five minutes, with his 11th goal of the season. Drifting into central midfield to take possession, Pulisic slipped a precise pass to Mason Mount and carried on his run into the Arsenal penalty area, where he took Olivier Giroud's flick and slotted past Emiliano Martinez. Pulisic was the first American to score in the FA Cup final but disaster struck in the 49th minute when he raced away for a shot that was interrupted when he felt his hamstring twang. Immediately grabbing the injured area, Pulisic was helped off the pitch. Without the pace of Pulisic to keep Arsenal's defence on the back foot, Frank Lampard's side were bereft of a cutting edge in the final third as the trophy slipped from their grasp. Arteta bolsters growing reputation Mikel Arteta enhanced his reputation as one of the Premier League's brightest young managers with another tactical masterclass. Having out-witted his mentor Pep Guardiola in Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final success against Manchester City, Arteta showed his acumen again to leave Chelsea boss Frank Lampard out of answers. Arteta's use of long passes into the channels behind Chelsea's two attacking full-backs exposed the flaw in Lampard's defensive system and led directly to Aubameyang's equaliser. Leading Arsenal to their 14th FA Cup success -- which brings them a place in next season's Europa League -- showed the 38-year-old Spaniard is the man to restore the club's tattered reputation. Arsenal may have endured their lowest league finish for a quarter of a century this season as Arteta battled to steady the ship following Unai Emery's sacking in December. But he has won over his players with a direct approach to discipline -- banishing malcontents Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi -- and his astute game-plans. Winning the FA Cup will buy Arteta time to continue his rebuild and it was fitting his first trophy as Arsenal manager came in the tournament that brought the last major silverware of Gunners legend Arsene Wenger's reign.

Three things we learned from the FA Cup final

An emotional Nick Kyrgios pulled out of the US Open Sunday, for "the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives", while pleading with players who attend to not be selfish and act responsibly.

His decision follows fellow Australian and world number one Ashleigh Barty last week withdrawing from the Grand Slam in New York, citing "significant risks" from the coronavirus pandemic.

"Dear Tennis, I will not be playing this year at the US Open. It hurts me at my core," Kyrgios, who has consistently called out fellow competitors for not taking the virus seriously enough, said in a video posted on Twitter.

"But I'm sitting out for the people, for my Aussies, for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives, for all of you."

More than 150,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United States, with over 4.5 million infections since the beginning of the pandemic.

The opinionated Kyrgios, ranked just 40 but a major drawcard, last month blasted the ATP as "selfish" for pressing ahead with plans for the US Open, which is scheduled to start on August 31.

He tempered criticism of organisers in a passionate letter read during the video, saying he had "no problem" with it being held, citing the need to keep people such as restaurant workers, cleaners, and locker room attendants in work.

But Kyrgios had strong words for some of the top names in the game, in a veiled jab at those who took part in Novak Djokovic's recent ill-fated Adria Tour exhibition, where there was minimal social distancing and players went nightclubbing.

"Tennis players, you have to act in the interests of each other and work together," said the Australian.

"You can't be dancing on tables, money-grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting an exhibition -- that's just so selfish.

"Think of the other people for once, that's what this virus is about. It doesn't care about your world ranking or how much money you have in the bank. Act responsibly."

- 'Stupidity' blasted -

Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive for COVID-19 after the Adria Tour and Kyrgios has since waged a running battle with some of those who played, including Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem, blasting their "stupidity" and risky behaviour.

The US Tennis Association (USTA) on Friday said they were confident in their safety plans for the event, which will take place in a bubble quarantine setting without spectators.

The tennis season has been at a standstill since mid-March due to the virus outbreak worldwide, with Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II.

Calendars have been reshuffled with the WTA tour scheduled to restart on Monday in Palermo, Italy, although a player, who has not been officially identified, tested positive for coronavirus and pulled out.

The men are set to get back under way at the Western and Southern Open, a tune-up event for the US Open from August 20-28 in a quarantine environment without spectators at Flushing Meadows.

World number one Djokovic, the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion, and second-ranked Rafael Nadal, the current US Open champion, were among entries for that event, signalling their likely intent to play the Grand Slam.

Serena Williams was also confirmed, but missing from the entry list was Barty, world number two Simona Halep, the current Wimbledon champion, fifth-rated Elina Svitolina and last year's US Open champion, sixth-ranked Bianca Andreescu.

 
mp/hr/dh

 
© Agence France-Presse

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An emotional Nick Kyrgios pulled out of the US Open Sunday, for "the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives", while pleading with players who attend to not be selfish and act responsibly.

An emotional Nick Kyrgios pulled out of the US Open Sunday, for "the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives", while pleading with players who attend to not be selfish and act responsibly. His decision follows fellow Australian and world number one Ashleigh Barty last week withdrawing from the Grand Slam in New York, citing "significant risks" from the coronavirus pandemic. "Dear Tennis, I will not be playing this year at the US Open. It hurts me at my core," Kyrgios, who has consistently called out fellow competitors for not taking the virus seriously enough, said in a video posted on Twitter. "But I'm sitting out for the people, for my Aussies, for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives, for all of you." More than 150,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United States, with over 4.5 million infections since the beginning of the pandemic. The opinionated Kyrgios, ranked just 40 but a major drawcard, last month blasted the ATP as "selfish" for pressing ahead with plans for the US Open, which is scheduled to start on August 31. He tempered criticism of organisers in a passionate letter read during the video, saying he had "no problem" with it being held, citing the need to keep people such as restaurant workers, cleaners, and locker room attendants in work. But Kyrgios had strong words for some of the top names in the game, in a veiled jab at those who took part in Novak Djokovic's recent ill-fated Adria Tour exhibition, where there was minimal social distancing and players went nightclubbing. "Tennis players, you have to act in the interests of each other and work together," said the Australian. "You can't be dancing on tables, money-grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting an exhibition -- that's just so selfish. "Think of the other people for once, that's what this virus is about. It doesn't care about your world ranking or how much money you have in the bank. Act responsibly." - 'Stupidity' blasted - Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all tested positive for COVID-19 after the Adria Tour and Kyrgios has since waged a running battle with some of those who played, including Alexander Zverev and Dominic Thiem, blasting their "stupidity" and risky behaviour. The US Tennis Association (USTA) on Friday said they were confident in their safety plans for the event, which will take place in a bubble quarantine setting without spectators. The tennis season has been at a standstill since mid-March due to the virus outbreak worldwide, with Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II. Calendars have been reshuffled with the WTA tour scheduled to restart on Monday in Palermo, Italy, although a player, who has not been officially identified, tested positive for coronavirus and pulled out. The men are set to get back under way at the Western and Southern Open, a tune-up event for the US Open from August 20-28 in a quarantine environment without spectators at Flushing Meadows. World number one Djokovic, the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion, and second-ranked Rafael Nadal, the current US Open champion, were among entries for that event, signalling their likely intent to play the Grand Slam. Serena Williams was also confirmed, but missing from the entry list was Barty, world number two Simona Halep, the current Wimbledon champion, fifth-rated Elina Svitolina and last year's US Open champion, sixth-ranked Bianca Andreescu. mp/hr/dh © Agence France-Presse

Kyrgios pulls out of US Open, pleads with players not to be 'selfish'

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