<p>Real Mallorca's Luka Romero made history on Wednesday by becoming the youngest player ever to play in La Liga, aged 15 years and 219 days.</p>

<p>After training with Mallorca's senior team for the first time on June 1, Romero, who plays as an attacking midfielder, came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute of his team's 2-0 loss at Real Madrid.</p>

<p>"It was an unforgettable moment," Romero wrote on Twitter after the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thank you to everyone on the technical staff and at Real Mallorca for giving me this opportunity. I will never forget this day. It was a shame to lose but we keep believing."</p>

<p>Romero beat the record held for 81 years by Francisco Bao Rodriguez, known as 'Sanson', who played on December 31, 1939 aged 15 and 255 days for Celta Vigo against Sevilla.</p>

<p>Mallorca coach Vicente Moreno was seen talking to Romero before he brought the youngster on as a substitute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I tried to just keep him calm," Moreno said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I put my hand on his heart and I could tell it was beating very fast, which is normal for a kid of his age. He deserved to play and that's the reason he came on.</p>

<p>"We don't look at age. He has been training well and this seemed the best way to increase his motivation. His a great player and I think in the future he will give us a lot."</p>

<p>Romero was born in Mexico and could also play for Spain but his family is Argentinian and he has already represented Argentina at under-15 level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My whole family is Argentinian and my dream is to wear the national team's colours," Romero told the Argentinian Football Association in 2018.</p>

<p>Romero also had trials with Barcelona but joined Mallorca in 2011.</p>

<p>He is left-footed and has been likened to Spanish midfielder David Silva by Mallorca's assistant coach Dani Pendin.</p>

<p>After coming through the club's youth teams, he was an unused substitute against&nbsp;Villarreal&nbsp;and Leganes&nbsp;before finally being given his chance against Madrid.</p>

<p>"He is left-footed, fast, clever, mischievous, competitive ... the prototype of the Argentinian number 10," Pendin said in an interview with Spanish sports daily As last week.</p>

<p>"We have seen him develop since he was 12-years-old, but we did not want to build him up too fast because you have to take care of him.</p>

<p>"We saw him playing, he was doing incredible things in his age category, but physically he had not quite finished his growth and that could bring him problems if he came up against first division players too early.</p>

<p>"Today, when we see his feet, his body, we see that he is starting to form. And the fact that his father was a footballer also helps him a lot."</p>

<p>Mallorca are fighting relegation in La Liga. They sit 18th, three points away from safety with seven games left to play.</p>


Real Mallorca's Luka Romero made history on Wednesday by becoming the youngest player ever to play in La Liga, aged 15 years and 219 days. After training with Mallorca's senior team for the first time on June 1, Romero, who plays as an attacking midfielder, came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute of his team's 2-0 loss at Real Madrid.

Real Mallorca's Luka Romero made history on Wednesday by becoming the youngest player ever to play in La Liga, aged 15 years and 219 days. After training with Mallorca's senior team for the first time on June 1, Romero, who plays as an attacking midfielder, came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute of his team's 2-0 loss at Real Madrid. "It was an unforgettable moment," Romero wrote on Twitter after the game. "Thank you to everyone on the technical staff and at Real Mallorca for giving me this opportunity. I will never forget this day. It was a shame to lose but we keep believing." Romero beat the record held for 81 years by Francisco Bao Rodriguez, known as 'Sanson', who played on December 31, 1939 aged 15 and 255 days for Celta Vigo against Sevilla. Mallorca coach Vicente Moreno was seen talking to Romero before he brought the youngster on as a substitute. "I tried to just keep him calm," Moreno said. "I put my hand on his heart and I could tell it was beating very fast, which is normal for a kid of his age. He deserved to play and that's the reason he came on. "We don't look at age. He has been training well and this seemed the best way to increase his motivation. His a great player and I think in the future he will give us a lot." Romero was born in Mexico and could also play for Spain but his family is Argentinian and he has already represented Argentina at under-15 level. "My whole family is Argentinian and my dream is to wear the national team's colours," Romero told the Argentinian Football Association in 2018. Romero also had trials with Barcelona but joined Mallorca in 2011. He is left-footed and has been likened to Spanish midfielder David Silva by Mallorca's assistant coach Dani Pendin. After coming through the club's youth teams, he was an unused substitute against Villarreal and Leganes before finally being given his chance against Madrid. "He is left-footed, fast, clever, mischievous, competitive ... the prototype of the Argentinian number 10," Pendin said in an interview with Spanish sports daily As last week. "We have seen him develop since he was 12-years-old, but we did not want to build him up too fast because you have to take care of him. "We saw him playing, he was doing incredible things in his age category, but physically he had not quite finished his growth and that could bring him problems if he came up against first division players too early. "Today, when we see his feet, his body, we see that he is starting to form. And the fact that his father was a footballer also helps him a lot." Mallorca are fighting relegation in La Liga. They sit 18th, three points away from safety with seven games left to play.

Luka Romero, 15, becomes youngest ever Liga player

<p>When Liverpool were last crowned English champions, in April 1990, Margaret Thatcher was prime minister and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> was two years away from its glitzy launch.</p>

<p>Now Jurgen Klopp's runaway leaders are a Manchester City stumble away from once again ruling the roost after seeing off Crystal Palace 4-0 on Wednesday.</p>

<p>If City fail to beat Chelsea on Thursday, then it will all be over.</p>

<p>In 1990 it was business as usual for Kenny Dalglish's dominant Reds, who had finished in the top two every year since 1973, apart from one season.</p>

<p>Their triumph came a year after the trauma of the Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans after a terrace crush.</p>

<p>Off the pitch, Britain was in the final months of Thatcher's long premiership.</p>

<p>Fierce opposition to the ruling Conservative Party's plans for a "poll tax", which included riots in London, contributed to her downfall in&nbsp;November 1990.</p>

<p>Britain still faced a threat from the Irish Republican Army and was heading for an economic recession.</p>

<h2>- Liverpool change -</h2>

<p>The city of Liverpool suffered high unemployment and rioting during the turbulent 1980s.</p>

<p>Joe Moran, professor of English and cultural history at Liverpool John Moores University, said northern cities suffered during Britain's accelerated economic transformation under Thatcher from a traditional manufacturing base towards a more service-based, consumer-oriented economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Liverpool's long-term decline as a port exacerbated the problems.</p>

<p>"The year 1990 wasn't the bleakest year in the city's history but it was just coming out of it," said Moran.</p>

<p>"Hillsborough happened a year before and it wasn't really until the mid-1990s that the city was being transformed, partly because it was coming out of recession, and through European funding.</p>

<p>"Winning the title, it was more important because the city was going through quite a hard time."</p>

<h2>- TV riches -</h2>

<p>The football landscape was also radically different three decades ago, with the English game yet to be flooded with the TV riches that came with the launch of the Premier League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bryan Robson remained the most expensive footballer traded between English clubs, nine years after his £1.5 million ($1.9 million) transfer from West Brom to Manchester United.</p>

<p>Moran said the 1990 World Cup in Italy was a catalyst for the "complete transformation" of football.</p>

<p>"I think the commercial changes to football since 1990 are in some ways a more extreme version of what happened in society," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They were a sort of turbo-capitalism, a hyper-mercenary trade" in which a small group of clubs powered away from the rest financially.</p>

<p>Manchester United, under Alex Ferguson, were in prime position to take advantage of the money flooding into the game, establishing a dominance to match Liverpool's in the previous two decades.</p>

<p>But they are just one of seven different clubs who have won the English top-flight since 1990 on a list that includes Blackburn and Leicester.</p>

<p>Joe Blott, chairman of the Spirit of Shankly supporters group, says Liverpool's last title is a fading memory.</p>

<p>"You have to be about 40 years of age to remember the last time Liverpool won it," he said. "There's almost a generation-and-a-half of fans who are waiting to see Liverpool win the league for the first time.</p>

<p>Blott, 59, said the game itself had changed from a national league to a "global commodity".</p>

<p>Chelsea, backed by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, and Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City have invested huge sums to win seven Premier League titles in the last 10 years.</p>

<p>Liverpool are also now American-owned, but Blott believes the Fenway Sports Group has invested wisely after the troubled days under previous American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.</p>

<p>Blott reserves special praise for Klopp, who he says has produced a side that mixes flair and steel to stand alongside the great teams of the past.</p>

<p>"At the moment we have got for the first time since the heady days of winning everything the Holy Trinity of manager, players and fans pulling in the same way," he said.</p>

<p>"He just gets us," he said, talking about Klopp. "He's immersed in the Scouse, Liverpool mentality. He understands what it's like to be a football fan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He ensures everyone is part of the victories, part of the losses. If ever there was a son of (former manager Bill) Shankly it's certainly Klopp."</p>


When Liverpool were last crowned English champions, in April 1990, Margaret Thatcher was prime minister and the Premier League was two years away from its glitzy launch.

When Liverpool were last crowned English champions, in April 1990, Margaret Thatcher was prime minister and the Premier League was two years away from its glitzy launch. Now Jurgen Klopp's runaway leaders are a Manchester City stumble away from once again ruling the roost after seeing off Crystal Palace 4-0 on Wednesday. If City fail to beat Chelsea on Thursday, then it will all be over. In 1990 it was business as usual for Kenny Dalglish's dominant Reds, who had finished in the top two every year since 1973, apart from one season. Their triumph came a year after the trauma of the Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans after a terrace crush. Off the pitch, Britain was in the final months of Thatcher's long premiership. Fierce opposition to the ruling Conservative Party's plans for a "poll tax", which included riots in London, contributed to her downfall in November 1990. Britain still faced a threat from the Irish Republican Army and was heading for an economic recession. - Liverpool change - The city of Liverpool suffered high unemployment and rioting during the turbulent 1980s. Joe Moran, professor of English and cultural history at Liverpool John Moores University, said northern cities suffered during Britain's accelerated economic transformation under Thatcher from a traditional manufacturing base towards a more service-based, consumer-oriented economy. Liverpool's long-term decline as a port exacerbated the problems. "The year 1990 wasn't the bleakest year in the city's history but it was just coming out of it," said Moran. "Hillsborough happened a year before and it wasn't really until the mid-1990s that the city was being transformed, partly because it was coming out of recession, and through European funding. "Winning the title, it was more important because the city was going through quite a hard time." - TV riches - The football landscape was also radically different three decades ago, with the English game yet to be flooded with the TV riches that came with the launch of the Premier League. Bryan Robson remained the most expensive footballer traded between English clubs, nine years after his £1.5 million ($1.9 million) transfer from West Brom to Manchester United. Moran said the 1990 World Cup in Italy was a catalyst for the "complete transformation" of football. "I think the commercial changes to football since 1990 are in some ways a more extreme version of what happened in society," he said. "They were a sort of turbo-capitalism, a hyper-mercenary trade" in which a small group of clubs powered away from the rest financially. Manchester United, under Alex Ferguson, were in prime position to take advantage of the money flooding into the game, establishing a dominance to match Liverpool's in the previous two decades. But they are just one of seven different clubs who have won the English top-flight since 1990 on a list that includes Blackburn and Leicester. Joe Blott, chairman of the Spirit of Shankly supporters group, says Liverpool's last title is a fading memory. "You have to be about 40 years of age to remember the last time Liverpool won it," he said. "There's almost a generation-and-a-half of fans who are waiting to see Liverpool win the league for the first time. Blott, 59, said the game itself had changed from a national league to a "global commodity". Chelsea, backed by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, and Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City have invested huge sums to win seven Premier League titles in the last 10 years. Liverpool are also now American-owned, but Blott believes the Fenway Sports Group has invested wisely after the troubled days under previous American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. Blott reserves special praise for Klopp, who he says has produced a side that mixes flair and steel to stand alongside the great teams of the past. "At the moment we have got for the first time since the heady days of winning everything the Holy Trinity of manager, players and fans pulling in the same way," he said. "He just gets us," he said, talking about Klopp. "He's immersed in the Scouse, Liverpool mentality. He understands what it's like to be a football fan. "He ensures everyone is part of the victories, part of the losses. If ever there was a son of (former manager Bill) Shankly it's certainly Klopp."

New generation of Liverpool fans prepares for title glory

<p class="MsoNormal">Australia and New Zealand on Thursday were selected hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as the two nations pipped Colombia. Australia and New Zealand’s bid was helped by the withdrawal of rival nations. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Japan, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa had earlier pulled out from their bid to host the tournament in 2023 and Colombia was the only strong bid to have sustained till the final round before being left behind by the joint bid of Australia and New Zealand.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/qatar-confirms-first-virus-death-among-world-cup-workforce-308607" hreflang="en">Qatar confirms first virus death among World Cup workforce</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">OFFICIAL<br />
<br />
Australia and New Zealand are hosting the 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWWC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFAWWC</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsOne</a> <a href="https://t.co/c4qMuhBTfI">pic.twitter.com/c4qMuhBTfI</a></p>
— Football Federation Australia (@FFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FFA/status/1276180264289353736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The joint bid submitted by Football Federation Australia and New Zealand Football received 22 of the 35 valid votes cast by the FIFA Council members in the first ballot, with the Colombian Football Association having obtained 13 votes.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jessi-combs-posthumously-named-fastest-woman-on-earth-by-guinness-world-records-308525" hreflang="en">Jessi Combs posthumously named Fastest Woman on Earth by Guinness World Records</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the first 32-team women’s World Cup, increasing from 24 nations who competed in the 2021 event in France, won by the United States. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Australia and New Zealand bid was given the highest score, of 4.1 out of five, in an evaluation by world football's governing body published earlier this month.<o:p></o:p></p>


Australia and New Zealand on Thursday were selected hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as the two nations pipped Colombia. Australia and New Zealand’s bid was helped by the withdrawal of rival nations.

Australia and New Zealand on Thursday were selected hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as the two nations pipped Colombia. Australia and New Zealand’s bid was helped by the withdrawal of rival nations. Japan, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa had earlier pulled out from their bid to host the tournament in 2023 and Colombia was the only strong bid to have sustained till the final round before being left behind by the joint bid of Australia and New Zealand. ALSO READ: Qatar confirms first virus death among World Cup workforce OFFICIAL Australia and New Zealand are hosting the 2023 @FIFAWWC! #AsOne pic.twitter.com/c4qMuhBTfI — Football Federation Australia (@FFA) June 25, 2020 × The joint bid submitted by Football Federation Australia and New Zealand Football received 22 of the 35 valid votes cast by the FIFA Council members in the first ballot, with the Colombian Football Association having obtained 13 votes. ALSO READ: Jessi Combs posthumously named Fastest Woman on Earth by Guinness World Records The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the first 32-team women’s World Cup, increasing from 24 nations who competed in the 2021 event in France, won by the United States. The Australia and New Zealand bid was given the highest score, of 4.1 out of five, in an evaluation by world football's governing body published earlier this month.

Australia and New Zealand to host FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

<p>World no. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic’s parents have defended their son while accusing another tennis player – Grigor Dimitrov – for spreading the COVID-19 virus at a series of exhibition matches hosted by Djokovic himself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Djokovic and his wife tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday with the 17-time Grand Slam winner apologizing online for the catastrophe following the Adria Tour events, which witnessed some of the top tennis stars from various countries participate in matches played in Serbia and Croatia. The crowd were allowed to attend the matches with no social distancing measures in place.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world</a></strong></p>

<p>Djokovic’s father has now blamed Grigor Dimitrov for the cancellation of Adria Tour. Dimitrov is one of the three other players to have tested positive in the last few days. However, there is no evidence that Dimitrov was the one to spread the virus to others.</p>

<p>“Why did it happen? Because that man probably came sick, who knows from where,” Srdjan Djokovic told RTL Croatia TV. “He didn’t test here, he tested somewhere else … I think that’s not fair.</p>

<p>“He inflicted damage to both Croatia and to us as a family in Serbia,” Srdjan Djokovic said. “Nobody is feeling well because of this situation.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/adria-tour-latest-series-of-gaffes-from-novak-djokovic-308316" hreflang="en">Adria Tour: Latest series of gaffes from Novak Djokovic</a></strong></p>

<p>Dimitrov was the first Adria Tour player to test positive for the dreaded virus and was followed by Borna Coris and Viktor Troicki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We were wrong and it was too soon,” wrote Djokovic, who has previously said he was against taking a vaccine for the virus even if it became mandatory to travel.</p>

<p>Whereas, Djokovic’s mother said that her son and his wife Jelena are feeling fine but are suffering due to worldwide criticism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is horrible what is being written, but we are used to it,” Dijana Djokovic told the Belgrade Blic daily newspaper.</p>

<p>The Adria Tour mishap puts question marks on the US Open scheduled to start August 31 behind closed doors.</p>


World no. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic’s parents have defended their son while accusing another tennis player – Grigor Dimitrov – for spreading the COVID-19 virus at a series of exhibition matches hosted by Djokovic himself.

World no. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic’s parents have defended their son while accusing another tennis player – Grigor Dimitrov – for spreading the COVID-19 virus at a series of exhibition matches hosted by Djokovic himself. Djokovic and his wife tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday with the 17-time Grand Slam winner apologizing online for the catastrophe following the Adria Tour events, which witnessed some of the top tennis stars from various countries participate in matches played in Serbia and Croatia. The crowd were allowed to attend the matches with no social distancing measures in place. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world Djokovic’s father has now blamed Grigor Dimitrov for the cancellation of Adria Tour. Dimitrov is one of the three other players to have tested positive in the last few days. However, there is no evidence that Dimitrov was the one to spread the virus to others. “Why did it happen? Because that man probably came sick, who knows from where,” Srdjan Djokovic told RTL Croatia TV. “He didn’t test here, he tested somewhere else … I think that’s not fair. “He inflicted damage to both Croatia and to us as a family in Serbia,” Srdjan Djokovic said. “Nobody is feeling well because of this situation.” ALSO READ: Adria Tour: Latest series of gaffes from Novak Djokovic Dimitrov was the first Adria Tour player to test positive for the dreaded virus and was followed by Borna Coris and Viktor Troicki. “We were wrong and it was too soon,” wrote Djokovic, who has previously said he was against taking a vaccine for the virus even if it became mandatory to travel. Whereas, Djokovic’s mother said that her son and his wife Jelena are feeling fine but are suffering due to worldwide criticism. “It is horrible what is being written, but we are used to it,” Dijana Djokovic told the Belgrade Blic daily newspaper. The Adria Tour mishap puts question marks on the US Open scheduled to start August 31 behind closed doors.

'That man probably came sick' - Novak Djokovic's parents accuse Grigor Dimitrov of spreading coronavirus at Adria Tour

<p>World Cup organisers in Qatar reported the first coronavirus death of a worker involved in construction of 2022 tournament venues on Thursday.</p>

<p>A source close to the Qatari tournament organisers told AFP that 1,102 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed among workers at tournament projects with 121 infections still active.</p>

<p>First reported by the newly relaunched Doha News, a site popular among expatriates in Qatar, the victim was an engineer in his fifties who had no underlying medical conditions.</p>

<p>Qatar has one of the highest per capita infection rates in the world with 3.3 percent of its 2.75 million population having tested positive.</p>

<p>Most have since recovered with only 17,591 active cases reported in the latest official statistics alongside 104 deaths.</p>

<p>"Sadly, on June 11, 2020, a 51-year-old specialist engineer employed by the contractor Conspel, tragically died after contracting COVID-19," the Qatari organisation responsible for organising the 2022 tournament said in a statement.</p>

<p>"He had worked on Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy projects since October 2019 and had no underlying health issues. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends."</p>

<p>His nationality was not disclosed.</p>

<p>The Qatari organisers reported the first infections among its workforce on April 15 with five cases across three stadium projects.</p>

<p>Work continues at 2022 sites but has slowed to allow virus containment measures including screening and social distancing to be observed with Qatari officials saying preparations are nevertheless more than 80 percent complete.</p>

<p>Organisers have removed all high-risk workers from projects on full pay, undertake temperature checks on workers twice daily, and imposed distancing rules in dining halls and staff transport to limit the virus' spread.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Construction at infrastructure to stage the tournament continued through the crisis even as Qatar halted non-essential retail and mosques, parks and restaurants closed.</p>

<p>Qatar has begun a cautious reopening programme with socially distanced worship permitted in some Mosques and non-essential retail permitted.</p>

<p>Cafes and restaurants are due to reopen subject to strict controls from July 1.</p>

<p>The timings of the competition, due to be held in November and December of 2022, remain unchanged by the coronavirus pandemic which has already forced the postponement of the European football championships and the Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both will now take place in 2021. &nbsp;</p>


World Cup organisers in Qatar reported the first coronavirus death of a worker involved in construction of 2022 tournament venues on Thursday. A source close to the Qatari tournament organisers told AFP that 1,102 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed among workers at tournament projects with 121 infections still active.

World Cup organisers in Qatar reported the first coronavirus death of a worker involved in construction of 2022 tournament venues on Thursday. A source close to the Qatari tournament organisers told AFP that 1,102 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed among workers at tournament projects with 121 infections still active. First reported by the newly relaunched Doha News, a site popular among expatriates in Qatar, the victim was an engineer in his fifties who had no underlying medical conditions. Qatar has one of the highest per capita infection rates in the world with 3.3 percent of its 2.75 million population having tested positive. Most have since recovered with only 17,591 active cases reported in the latest official statistics alongside 104 deaths. "Sadly, on June 11, 2020, a 51-year-old specialist engineer employed by the contractor Conspel, tragically died after contracting COVID-19," the Qatari organisation responsible for organising the 2022 tournament said in a statement. "He had worked on Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy projects since October 2019 and had no underlying health issues. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends." His nationality was not disclosed. The Qatari organisers reported the first infections among its workforce on April 15 with five cases across three stadium projects. Work continues at 2022 sites but has slowed to allow virus containment measures including screening and social distancing to be observed with Qatari officials saying preparations are nevertheless more than 80 percent complete. Organisers have removed all high-risk workers from projects on full pay, undertake temperature checks on workers twice daily, and imposed distancing rules in dining halls and staff transport to limit the virus' spread. Construction at infrastructure to stage the tournament continued through the crisis even as Qatar halted non-essential retail and mosques, parks and restaurants closed. Qatar has begun a cautious reopening programme with socially distanced worship permitted in some Mosques and non-essential retail permitted. Cafes and restaurants are due to reopen subject to strict controls from July 1. The timings of the competition, due to be held in November and December of 2022, remain unchanged by the coronavirus pandemic which has already forced the postponement of the European football championships and the Tokyo Olympics. Both will now take place in 2021.

Qatar confirms first virus death among World Cup workforce

<p>Helped by the withdrawal of rival candidates, a joint bid by Australia and New Zealand is expected to be awarded the hosting rights for the 2023 women's World Cup by FIFA on Thursday.</p>

<p>With Japan pulling out earlier this week to follow Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and a joint Korean bid in falling by the wayside, only Colombia stand in the way of the strong bid of Australia and New Zealand.</p>

<p>The 2023 tournament is set to be the first 32-team women's World Cup, up from the 24 nations who competed at last year's finals in France, won by the United States.</p>

<p>Thursday's decision at a video-conference meeting of the 37 members of the FIFA Council comes with football, and global sport in general, struggling to get back on its feet in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>The Australia and New Zealand bid was given the highest score, of 4.1 out of five, in an evaluation by world football's governing body published earlier this month.</p>

<p>It was followed by Japan, on 3.9, but the Japanese bid was withdrawn on Monday, with the head of the country's football association noting that key support was moving towards Australia and New Zealand. In addition, Kozo Tajima admitted that Japan's focus was on hosting next year's Olympics in Tokyo.</p>

<p>"I sensed resistance against hosting two top events in the same country in a short period of time, which was reinforced by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic," Tajima said in a statement.</p>

<p>FIFA's evaluation report gave Colombia a score of just 2.8 out of five as it raised doubts about the ability to provide investment required to carry out "necessary improvements".</p>

<p>In contrast, the Australia/New Zealand bid "provides a variety of very good options in terms of sporting and general infrastructure. It would also appear to present the most commercially favourable proposition".</p>

<p>The joint proposal would see games played in 13 venues across 12 cities, with the opening match at Eden Park in Auckland and the final in Sydney.&nbsp;Seven cities in Australia would host games, and five in New Zealand.</p>

<p>"When you look at our bid, we think it ticks a lot of the boxes," Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou told AFP in an interview this week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>- Colombia doubts -</h2>

<p>Colombia plans to use 10 venues with the opening match and final in Bogota. All are existing stadiums, but one -- in Cucuta in the north of the country by the Venezuelan border -- requires "significant renovation work".</p>

<p>The FIFA report also highlighted security worries.</p>

<p>"Although there has been a significant reduction in domestic terrorism, some concerns remain in terms of the potential impact of crime on tournament stakeholders," the FIFA report states.</p>

<p>Thursday's meeting will also raise the issue of the international calendar in the men's game, given the havoc caused by the global health crisis.</p>

<p>Among the issues is the future of the next Africa Cup of Nations, due to be played in Cameroon in early 2021.</p>

<p>After playing in the northern hemisphere summer at last year's tournament in Egypt, the Confederation of African Football plans to revert to the middle of the European season.</p>

<p>FIFA president Gianni Infantino also needs to find a way forward for the potentially lucrative, expanded Club World Cup, which he is having difficulty fitting into the calendar.</p>

<p>The event was due to be played in 2021 but has been postponed to avoid a clash with the rescheduled Euro 2020 and the Copa America.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Helped by the withdrawal of rival candidates, a joint bid by Australia and New Zealand is expected to be awarded the hosting rights for the 2023 women's World Cup by FIFA on Thursday.

Helped by the withdrawal of rival candidates, a joint bid by Australia and New Zealand is expected to be awarded the hosting rights for the 2023 women's World Cup by FIFA on Thursday. With Japan pulling out earlier this week to follow Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and a joint Korean bid in falling by the wayside, only Colombia stand in the way of the strong bid of Australia and New Zealand. The 2023 tournament is set to be the first 32-team women's World Cup, up from the 24 nations who competed at last year's finals in France, won by the United States. Thursday's decision at a video-conference meeting of the 37 members of the FIFA Council comes with football, and global sport in general, struggling to get back on its feet in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The Australia and New Zealand bid was given the highest score, of 4.1 out of five, in an evaluation by world football's governing body published earlier this month. It was followed by Japan, on 3.9, but the Japanese bid was withdrawn on Monday, with the head of the country's football association noting that key support was moving towards Australia and New Zealand. In addition, Kozo Tajima admitted that Japan's focus was on hosting next year's Olympics in Tokyo. "I sensed resistance against hosting two top events in the same country in a short period of time, which was reinforced by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic," Tajima said in a statement. FIFA's evaluation report gave Colombia a score of just 2.8 out of five as it raised doubts about the ability to provide investment required to carry out "necessary improvements". In contrast, the Australia/New Zealand bid "provides a variety of very good options in terms of sporting and general infrastructure. It would also appear to present the most commercially favourable proposition". The joint proposal would see games played in 13 venues across 12 cities, with the opening match at Eden Park in Auckland and the final in Sydney. Seven cities in Australia would host games, and five in New Zealand. "When you look at our bid, we think it ticks a lot of the boxes," Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou told AFP in an interview this week. - Colombia doubts - Colombia plans to use 10 venues with the opening match and final in Bogota. All are existing stadiums, but one -- in Cucuta in the north of the country by the Venezuelan border -- requires "significant renovation work". The FIFA report also highlighted security worries. "Although there has been a significant reduction in domestic terrorism, some concerns remain in terms of the potential impact of crime on tournament stakeholders," the FIFA report states. Thursday's meeting will also raise the issue of the international calendar in the men's game, given the havoc caused by the global health crisis. Among the issues is the future of the next Africa Cup of Nations, due to be played in Cameroon in early 2021. After playing in the northern hemisphere summer at last year's tournament in Egypt, the Confederation of African Football plans to revert to the middle of the European season. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also needs to find a way forward for the potentially lucrative, expanded Club World Cup, which he is having difficulty fitting into the calendar. The event was due to be played in 2021 but has been postponed to avoid a clash with the rescheduled Euro 2020 and the Copa America.

FIFA tipped to award 2023 women's World Cup to joint Australia and New Zealand bid

<p>Jofra Archer will join England's training camp at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday after his latest test for the coronavirus returned a negative result.</p>

<p>Fast bowler Archer was initially delayed from joining up with 29 other England cricketers in Southampton after he reported a member of his household feeling unwell on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The 25-year-old Sussex paceman had shown no symptoms and was among a wholly negative batch of 702 test results announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board this week.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, the Barbados-born quick was required to undergo an additional test on Wednesday.</p>

<p>But an ECB statement issued Thursday said: "Jofra Archer has tested negative for COVID-19. He will join the England camp at Ageas Bowl later today and will be free to start training tomorrow (Friday) with the rest of the group."</p>

<p>England are assembling at the Ageas Bowl ahead of a three-Test series against the West Indies that is set to start at Hampshire's headquarters on July 8 -- the first major international cricket match since lockdown.</p>


Jofra Archer will join England's training camp at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday after his latest test for the coronavirus returned a negative result. Fast bowler Archer was initially delayed from joining up with 29 other England cricketers in Southampton after he reported a member of his household feeling unwell on Tuesday.

Jofra Archer will join England's training camp at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday after his latest test for the coronavirus returned a negative result. Fast bowler Archer was initially delayed from joining up with 29 other England cricketers in Southampton after he reported a member of his household feeling unwell on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Sussex paceman had shown no symptoms and was among a wholly negative batch of 702 test results announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board this week. Nevertheless, the Barbados-born quick was required to undergo an additional test on Wednesday. But an ECB statement issued Thursday said: "Jofra Archer has tested negative for COVID-19. He will join the England camp at Ageas Bowl later today and will be free to start training tomorrow (Friday) with the rest of the group." England are assembling at the Ageas Bowl ahead of a three-Test series against the West Indies that is set to start at Hampshire's headquarters on July 8 -- the first major international cricket match since lockdown.

Archer to join England camp after second negative virus test

<p>Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka are among the exempt players for this year's US Open announced Thursday by the US Golf Association.</p>

<p>Woods, a 15-time major champion, and Koepka, seeking a third consecutive PGA Championship victory in August, will join defending champion Gary Woodland among 11 US Open winners set to compete in the 120th US Open on September 17-20 at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, New York.</p>

<p>World number one Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, Britain's Justin Rose and Germany's Martin Kaymer will join fellow US Open winners Woods, Koepka, Woodland, Lucas Glover, Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson and Jordan Spieth.</p>

<p>The coronavirus pandemic forced a postponement of the US Open from its traditional June dates and wiped out all qualifying for the tournament, forcing the USGA to determine exempt categories for entry into the major championship.</p>

<p>"The decision to cancel local and final qualifying for this year's US Open was deeply disappointing, but we are pleased to still provide the world's best professional and amateur players the opportunity to compete for this historic and coveted championship," said USGA senior managing director of championships John Bodenhamer said.</p>

<p>"The exemption categories for this year's championship at Winged Foot Golf Club were carefully developed to mirror a representative US Open field and we are excited that players will still have an opportunity to earn a place in the field through a variety of categories."</p>

<p>The US Open will be played following the scheduled conclusion of the 2019-20 US PGA Tour season and as the second major event of the year after the PGA, with the British Open having been canceled and the Masters pushed back from April to November due to the deadly virus outbreak.</p>

<p>Entries will be accepted from July 15 through August 26.</p>

<p>The USGA has not given up on having at least a limited number of spectators at the event, to be staged in what had been the first major US epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak.</p>

<h2>- Mickelson makes it in -</h2>

<p>This year's US Open will include the top 70 players in the world golf rankings as of March 15 instead of the usual top 60.</p>

<p>That expansion will allow 50-year-old Phil Mickelson, who was 61st in the March 15 edition of the rankings, to compete in the event. The six-time US Open runner-up needs a victory in the event to complete a career Grand Slam.</p>

<p>Players can also earn a berth in the lineup through performances in the last six scheduled US PGA events of the current season, which resumed two weeks ago after a three-month hiatus.</p>

<p>The top five players on the final US PGA FedEx Cup season points list, the top 10 in aggregate points from the first five events on the European Tour's UK Swing and the top five on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour's regular season points and finals lists will be exempt into the US Open.</p>

<p>The final 2019 Order of Merit categories for the Japan Golf Tour, Sunshine Tour, Asian Tour and Australasia Tour will help to complete a field of 144 players at the suburban New York layout.</p>

<p>Six amateurs are currently exempt and the top seven World Amateur Golf Rankings point leaders from August 19 not otherwise exempt will be added to the field.</p>

<p>An average of 15 amateurs have competed in the past five US Opens, including 2018 US Amateur winner Viktor Hovland, a Norwegian who shared 12th last year at Pebble Beach.</p>

<p>Exemptions remain unchanged for winners in several USGA events as well as for winners of the other majors, the Players Championship and BMW PGA Championship.</p>

<p>Other spots to fill the field will be taken from the August 23 edition of the world golf rankings.</p>


Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka are among the exempt players for this year's US Open announced Thursday by the US Golf Association.

Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods and four-time major winner Brooks Koepka are among the exempt players for this year's US Open announced Thursday by the US Golf Association. Woods, a 15-time major champion, and Koepka, seeking a third consecutive PGA Championship victory in August, will join defending champion Gary Woodland among 11 US Open winners set to compete in the 120th US Open on September 17-20 at Winged Foot in Mamaroneck, New York. World number one Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, Britain's Justin Rose and Germany's Martin Kaymer will join fellow US Open winners Woods, Koepka, Woodland, Lucas Glover, Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson and Jordan Spieth. The coronavirus pandemic forced a postponement of the US Open from its traditional June dates and wiped out all qualifying for the tournament, forcing the USGA to determine exempt categories for entry into the major championship. "The decision to cancel local and final qualifying for this year's US Open was deeply disappointing, but we are pleased to still provide the world's best professional and amateur players the opportunity to compete for this historic and coveted championship," said USGA senior managing director of championships John Bodenhamer said. "The exemption categories for this year's championship at Winged Foot Golf Club were carefully developed to mirror a representative US Open field and we are excited that players will still have an opportunity to earn a place in the field through a variety of categories." The US Open will be played following the scheduled conclusion of the 2019-20 US PGA Tour season and as the second major event of the year after the PGA, with the British Open having been canceled and the Masters pushed back from April to November due to the deadly virus outbreak. Entries will be accepted from July 15 through August 26. The USGA has not given up on having at least a limited number of spectators at the event, to be staged in what had been the first major US epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak. - Mickelson makes it in - This year's US Open will include the top 70 players in the world golf rankings as of March 15 instead of the usual top 60. That expansion will allow 50-year-old Phil Mickelson, who was 61st in the March 15 edition of the rankings, to compete in the event. The six-time US Open runner-up needs a victory in the event to complete a career Grand Slam. Players can also earn a berth in the lineup through performances in the last six scheduled US PGA events of the current season, which resumed two weeks ago after a three-month hiatus. The top five players on the final US PGA FedEx Cup season points list, the top 10 in aggregate points from the first five events on the European Tour's UK Swing and the top five on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour's regular season points and finals lists will be exempt into the US Open. The final 2019 Order of Merit categories for the Japan Golf Tour, Sunshine Tour, Asian Tour and Australasia Tour will help to complete a field of 144 players at the suburban New York layout. Six amateurs are currently exempt and the top seven World Amateur Golf Rankings point leaders from August 19 not otherwise exempt will be added to the field. An average of 15 amateurs have competed in the past five US Opens, including 2018 US Amateur winner Viktor Hovland, a Norwegian who shared 12th last year at Pebble Beach. Exemptions remain unchanged for winners in several USGA events as well as for winners of the other majors, the Players Championship and BMW PGA Championship. Other spots to fill the field will be taken from the August 23 edition of the world golf rankings.

Tiger, Koepka, McIlroy among exempt golfers for US Open

<p>The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked the ICC to get written assurances from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that the team would face no issues while getting visas to play in the T20 World Cup 2021 and ICC World Cup 2023 scheduled to be hosted by India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PCB CEO Wasim Khan said that the board has asked the ICC for visa assurance while also hinting that the T20 World Cup 2020 is likely to be postponed. Khan further said that the tournament could be postponed to 2022 if the showpiece event gets deferred.</p>

<p>“We are also looking at the fact that the ICC World Cups are to be hosted in India in 2021 and 2023 and we have already asked the ICC to give us written assurances from BCCI that we will not face any problems getting visas and clearance to play in India,” PCB CEO Wasim Khan said in an interview on the Youtube Cricket Baaz Channel.</p>

<p>“The big question now is when the World T20 is held in 2021 will it be hosted by Australia or India as India has the hosting rights for the already scheduled World T20 Cup in 2021.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-claiming-sri-lanka-sold-2011-wc-final-to-india-lankan-minister-says-its-his-suspicion-308491" hreflang="en">After claiming Sri Lanka 'sold' 2011 WC final to India, Lankan minister says it's his 'suspicion'</a></strong></p>

<p>“The way things are, the gap available in 2022 will be used to accommodate the 2020 World T20 if it is not held this year.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan said that in last few years, many Pakistan sports teams have been denied clearance by the Indian government to play in India. “That is why we have asked for the advance assurances. But eventually it is an ICC event and it is their responsibility to ensure we as a full member and signatory of the participants’ agreement go and play in these ICC events.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/leeds-united-remove-osama-bin-laden-cut-out-from-stands-after-howler-308454" hreflang="en">Leeds United remove Osama bin Laden cut out from stands after howler</a></strong></p>

<p>Khan also said that relations between Pakistan and India give no chance to bilateral cricket resuming again between the two neighbours.</p>

<p>“We have a good relationship with the BCCI but we know realistically a bilateral series is not possible in the foreseeable future,” he said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked the ICC to get written assurances from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that the team would face no issues while getting visas to play in the T20 World Cup 2021 and ICC World Cup 2023 scheduled to be hosted by India.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked the ICC to get written assurances from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that the team would face no issues while getting visas to play in the T20 World Cup 2021 and ICC World Cup 2023 scheduled to be hosted by India. PCB CEO Wasim Khan said that the board has asked the ICC for visa assurance while also hinting that the T20 World Cup 2020 is likely to be postponed. Khan further said that the tournament could be postponed to 2022 if the showpiece event gets deferred. “We are also looking at the fact that the ICC World Cups are to be hosted in India in 2021 and 2023 and we have already asked the ICC to give us written assurances from BCCI that we will not face any problems getting visas and clearance to play in India,” PCB CEO Wasim Khan said in an interview on the Youtube Cricket Baaz Channel. “The big question now is when the World T20 is held in 2021 will it be hosted by Australia or India as India has the hosting rights for the already scheduled World T20 Cup in 2021. ALSO READ: After claiming Sri Lanka 'sold' 2011 WC final to India, Lankan minister says it's his 'suspicion' “The way things are, the gap available in 2022 will be used to accommodate the 2020 World T20 if it is not held this year.” Khan said that in last few years, many Pakistan sports teams have been denied clearance by the Indian government to play in India. “That is why we have asked for the advance assurances. But eventually it is an ICC event and it is their responsibility to ensure we as a full member and signatory of the participants’ agreement go and play in these ICC events.” ALSO READ: Leeds United remove Osama bin Laden cut out from stands after howler Khan also said that relations between Pakistan and India give no chance to bilateral cricket resuming again between the two neighbours. “We have a good relationship with the BCCI but we know realistically a bilateral series is not possible in the foreseeable future,” he said.

PCB seeks written assurance from BCCI on player visas for two World Cups in India

<p>Dominic Thiem has followed Novak Djokovic by&nbsp;apologising for his conduct in the much-talked-about Adria Tour following which four tennis players have tested positive for coronavirus including Djokovic himself.</p>

<p>Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Viktor Troicki and Borna Coric have been tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of exhibition events in Serbia and Croatia. While crowds were allowed to witness the return of tennis, social distancing and health safety measures were tossed out of the window with players embracing at the net, playing basketball together and partying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thiem was the winner of the Belgrade leg of Adria Tour at Djokovic’s tennis centre by Danube river. However, the 26-year-old has now realized the devastating effect of Tour on the world of tennis with severe backlash from the community.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>I am extremely sorry: Dominic Thiem</strong></h2>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/adria-tour-latest-series-of-gaffes-from-novak-djokovic-308316" hreflang="en">Adria Tour: Latest series of gaffes from Novak Djokovic</a></strong></p>

<p>“We played without an audience for weeks, so we have been more than happy about the fans at the event,” Thiem said in an Instagram post. “We trusted the Serbian government’s corona rules, but we have been too optimistic.</p>

<p>“Our behaviour was a mistake, we acted too euphorically. I am extremely sorry.”</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CB2bvHBlA_f/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Dominic Thiem (@domithiem)</a> on <time datetime="2020-06-25T07:58:13+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 25, 2020 at 12:58am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Even though players didn’t break government protocols during the tournament, it allowed everyone to witness how a casual approach towards the virus could turn into a catastrophe.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world</a></strong></p>

<p>Thiem didn’t play in Zadar due to his commitment with Ultimate Tennis Showdown, which is being held on weekends at the Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy in France.</p>

<p>“I’ve now got tested five times within the last ten days and the result was always negative. I wish everyone who is infected all the best and quick recovery,” Thiem added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Dominic Thiem has followed Novak Djokovic by apologising for his conduct in the much-talked-about Adria Tour following which four tennis players have tested positive for coronavirus including Djokovic himself.

Dominic Thiem has followed Novak Djokovic by apologising for his conduct in the much-talked-about Adria Tour following which four tennis players have tested positive for coronavirus including Djokovic himself. Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Viktor Troicki and Borna Coric have been tested positive for COVID-19 after the completion of exhibition events in Serbia and Croatia. While crowds were allowed to witness the return of tennis, social distancing and health safety measures were tossed out of the window with players embracing at the net, playing basketball together and partying. Thiem was the winner of the Belgrade leg of Adria Tour at Djokovic’s tennis centre by Danube river. However, the 26-year-old has now realized the devastating effect of Tour on the world of tennis with severe backlash from the community. I am extremely sorry: Dominic Thiem ALSO READ: Adria Tour: Latest series of gaffes from Novak Djokovic “We played without an audience for weeks, so we have been more than happy about the fans at the event,” Thiem said in an Instagram post. “We trusted the Serbian government’s corona rules, but we have been too optimistic. “Our behaviour was a mistake, we acted too euphorically. I am extremely sorry.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dominic Thiem (@domithiem) on Jun 25, 2020 at 12:58am PDT × Even though players didn’t break government protocols during the tournament, it allowed everyone to witness how a casual approach towards the virus could turn into a catastrophe. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world Thiem didn’t play in Zadar due to his commitment with Ultimate Tennis Showdown, which is being held on weekends at the Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy in France. “I’ve now got tested five times within the last ten days and the result was always negative. I wish everyone who is infected all the best and quick recovery,” Thiem added.

'We acted too euphorically, I am extremely sorry': Dominic Thiem apologises over Adria Tour mishap

<p>The venue for the match between Manchester City and Liverpool on July 2 has been confirmed by the Manchester City Council and the much-awaited showdown will take place at the Etihad Stadium. This was the only <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> game to have not confirmed to be held at the original home venue following the UK’s football policing statement in May that six fixtures may need to be played at neutral venues.</p>

<p>However, following a meeting of Manchester City Council’s safety advisory group on Thursday, the Etihad Stadium was given the nod for the match between the Blues and inevitable <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> champions Liverpool.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Council's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) for the Etihad Stadium met this morning (Thursday, June 25) to review the upcoming fixture between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC," Manchester City Council confirmed in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/that-man-probably-came-sick-novak-djokovics-parents-accuse-grigor-dimitrov-for-spreading-coronavirus-at-adria-tour-308472" hreflang="en">'That man probably came sick' - Novak Djokovic's parents accuse Grigor Dimitrov for spreading coronavirus at Adria Tour</a></strong></p>

<p>"Following the most recent round of Premier League fixtures which have all taken place behind closed doors, the SAG has signalled it has no objections to the above fixture taking place at the Etihad Stadium as planned at 8.15 pm, Thursday, July 2. As with all other Premier League matches this fixture will take place behind closed doors, with no fans present."</p>

<p>The matches which were to be held at neutral venues, in the initial list of fixtures, had Merseyside derby, Man City’s home game against Newcastle, Manchester United’s game against Sheffield United and Newcastle vs Liverpool on July 26 and the match between Liverpool and Man City in which the Reds can clinch the title.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/leeds-united-remove-osama-bin-laden-cut-out-from-stands-after-howler-308454" hreflang="en">Leeds United remove Osama bin Laden cut out from stands after howler</a></strong></p>

<p>Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had earlier hoped that the encounter would be played at the Etihad Stadium due to logistical easiness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I would prefer [that] it is in Manchester," Klopp said. "Otherwise it would be really difficult to organise. I don't exactly know how that would be but, [because] it will not be in Liverpool, it means we have to go somewhere where we [both clubs] need a hotel probably.</p>

<p>"We don't know how it would be organised. That is an issue but apart from that, we play where people send us to."<br />
Meanwhile, Liverpool could win the title if Man City lose their game against Chelsea on Thursday.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The venue for the match between Manchester City and Liverpool on July 2 has been confirmed by the Manchester City Council and the much-awaited showdown will take place at the Etihad Stadium.

The venue for the match between Manchester City and Liverpool on July 2 has been confirmed by the Manchester City Council and the much-awaited showdown will take place at the Etihad Stadium. This was the only Premier League game to have not confirmed to be held at the original home venue following the UK’s football policing statement in May that six fixtures may need to be played at neutral venues. However, following a meeting of Manchester City Council’s safety advisory group on Thursday, the Etihad Stadium was given the nod for the match between the Blues and inevitable Premier League champions Liverpool. "The Council's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) for the Etihad Stadium met this morning (Thursday, June 25) to review the upcoming fixture between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC," Manchester City Council confirmed in a statement. ALSO READ: 'That man probably came sick' - Novak Djokovic's parents accuse Grigor Dimitrov for spreading coronavirus at Adria Tour "Following the most recent round of Premier League fixtures which have all taken place behind closed doors, the SAG has signalled it has no objections to the above fixture taking place at the Etihad Stadium as planned at 8.15 pm, Thursday, July 2. As with all other Premier League matches this fixture will take place behind closed doors, with no fans present." The matches which were to be held at neutral venues, in the initial list of fixtures, had Merseyside derby, Man City’s home game against Newcastle, Manchester United’s game against Sheffield United and Newcastle vs Liverpool on July 26 and the match between Liverpool and Man City in which the Reds can clinch the title. ALSO READ: Leeds United remove Osama bin Laden cut out from stands after howler Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had earlier hoped that the encounter would be played at the Etihad Stadium due to logistical easiness. "I would prefer [that] it is in Manchester," Klopp said. "Otherwise it would be really difficult to organise. I don't exactly know how that would be but, [because] it will not be in Liverpool, it means we have to go somewhere where we [both clubs] need a hotel probably. "We don't know how it would be organised. That is an issue but apart from that, we play where people send us to." Meanwhile, Liverpool could win the title if Man City lose their game against Chelsea on Thursday.

Premier League: Venue for Manchester City vs Liverpool announced

<p>Jet-car racer Jessi Combs posthumously became The World’s Fastest Woman, according to Guinness World Records. Combs died last summer in Oregon in an attempt to beat a land speed record after a mechanical failure in the front wheel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guinness announced that Combs as the fastest woman while announcing that the land speed record in the female category was achieved by her in the Alvord Desert in the USA.</p>

<h2><strong>"Jessi is the first person to break this record in more than 40 years"</strong></h2>

<p>"The fastest land speed record (female) is 841.338 kph (522.783 mph), and was achieved by Jessi Combs (USA) in the Alvord Desert, Oregon, USA, on 27 August 2019," the Guinness announcement reads. "Jessi is the first person to break this record in more than 40 years."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/that-man-probably-came-sick-novak-djokovics-parents-accuse-grigor-dimitrov-for-spreading-coronavirus-at-adria-tour-308472" hreflang="en">'That man probably came sick' - Novak Djokovic's parents accuse Grigor Dimitrov for spreading coronavirus at Adria Tour</a></strong></p>

<p>Combs, 39, was driving her ‘North American Eagle’ – a 56-foot-long jet-powered car when she died while attempting to top the woman’s land speed record of 512.7 miles an hour. Combs now is officially the fastest woman on earth as he broke the record held by Kitty O’Neil in the Alvord Desert in 1976.</p>

<p>Before her death, Combs, in an Instagram post, had made her intention clear.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It may seem a little crazy to walk directly into the line of fire ... those who are willing, are those who achieve great things," she said. "People say I’m crazy. I say thank you ;)"</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/connor-to-be-first-female-mcc-president-in-233-years-308445" hreflang="en">Connor to be first female MCC president in 233 years</a></strong></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1j8g4_F2UB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">It may seem a little crazy to walk directly into the line of fire... those who are willing, are those who achieve great things. . . People say I’m crazy. I say thank you ;) . . . #fastestwomanonearth #almost #fasterthanfast #jetcar #afterburner #landpseed @landspeed763 #iwillgofaster #gottabreak512 #aimingfor619 #currentlyat483 #northamericaneagle #i❤️afterburners</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thejessicombs/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Jessi Combs</a> (@thejessicombs) on <time datetime="2019-08-24T21:22:20+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 24, 2019 at 2:22pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>During her attempt to achieve the world record, there was a mechanical failure in the front wheel, most likely caused by striking an object on the desert, as per Harney County Sherriff’s Office. Unfortunately, the front wheel failure shattered the front wheel assembly when the car was at a speed of more than 500mph.</p>

<p>Combs earned the nickname of ‘fastest woman on four wheels’ after setting a record of 398 mph during SuperSpeed Challenger in 2013. She attempted to beat the record in 2018 but failed to do so with a mechanical error ending her attempt early.</p>


Jet-car racer Jessi Combs posthumously became The World’s Fastest Woman, according to Guinness World Records. Combs died last summer in Oregon in an attempt to beat a land speed record after a mechanical failure in the front wheel.

Jet-car racer Jessi Combs posthumously became The World’s Fastest Woman, according to Guinness World Records. Combs died last summer in Oregon in an attempt to beat a land speed record after a mechanical failure in the front wheel. Guinness announced that Combs as the fastest woman while announcing that the land speed record in the female category was achieved by her in the Alvord Desert in the USA. "Jessi is the first person to break this record in more than 40 years" "The fastest land speed record (female) is 841.338 kph (522.783 mph), and was achieved by Jessi Combs (USA) in the Alvord Desert, Oregon, USA, on 27 August 2019," the Guinness announcement reads. "Jessi is the first person to break this record in more than 40 years." ALSO READ: 'That man probably came sick' - Novak Djokovic's parents accuse Grigor Dimitrov for spreading coronavirus at Adria Tour Combs, 39, was driving her ‘North American Eagle’ – a 56-foot-long jet-powered car when she died while attempting to top the woman’s land speed record of 512.7 miles an hour. Combs now is officially the fastest woman on earth as he broke the record held by Kitty O’Neil in the Alvord Desert in 1976. Before her death, Combs, in an Instagram post, had made her intention clear. "It may seem a little crazy to walk directly into the line of fire ... those who are willing, are those who achieve great things," she said. "People say I’m crazy. I say thank you ;)" ALSO READ: Connor to be first female MCC president in 233 years View this post on Instagram It may seem a little crazy to walk directly into the line of fire... those who are willing, are those who achieve great things. . . People say I’m crazy. I say thank you ;) . . . #fastestwomanonearth #almost #fasterthanfast #jetcar #afterburner #landpseed @landspeed763 #iwillgofaster #gottabreak512 #aimingfor619 #currentlyat483 #northamericaneagle #i❤️afterburners A post shared by Jessi Combs (@thejessicombs) on Aug 24, 2019 at 2:22pm PDT × During her attempt to achieve the world record, there was a mechanical failure in the front wheel, most likely caused by striking an object on the desert, as per Harney County Sherriff’s Office. Unfortunately, the front wheel failure shattered the front wheel assembly when the car was at a speed of more than 500mph. Combs earned the nickname of ‘fastest woman on four wheels’ after setting a record of 398 mph during SuperSpeed Challenger in 2013. She attempted to beat the record in 2018 but failed to do so with a mechanical error ending her attempt early.

Jessi Combs posthumously named Fastest Woman on Earth by Guinness World Records

<p>After accusing that the ICC 2011 World Cup final was “sold” by “certain parties”, former Sri Lanka sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has now called his claim a “suspicion” that he wants to be investigated thoroughly, nine years after MS Dhoni-led Team India lifted the coveted trophy in Mumbai.</p>

<p>The Sri Lankan government has ordered an enquiry for the claims by Aluthgamage with a special investigation unit recording Aluthgamage’s statement on Wednesday. Apparently, he told the investigation team that he was only suspicious of fixing.</p>

<p>"I want my suspicion investigated," Aluthgamage told reporters.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/parents-started-thinking-about-inculcating-values-of-sport-after-1983-triumph-kapil-dev-308446" hreflang="en">Parents started thinking about inculcating values of sport after 1983 triumph: Kapil Dev</a></strong></p>

<p>"I gave to the Police, a copy of the complaint I lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC) on 30 October 2011 regarding the said allegation as then Sports Minister," he said.</p>

<p>Aluthgamage has alleged that Sri Lanka “sold” the game to India and his claims were ridiculed by former Lankan captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene as the duo demanded evidence from him.</p>

<p>"Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister," Aluthgamage, who was the sports minister at the time, had stated.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/connor-to-be-first-female-mcc-president-in-233-years-308445" hreflang="en">Connor to be first female MCC president in 233 years</a></strong></p>

<p>"He needs to take his 'evidence' to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated thoroughly," Sangakkara tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He needs to take his “evidence” to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated throughly <a href="https://t.co/51w2J5Jtpc">https://t.co/51w2J5Jtpc</a></p>
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) <a href="https://twitter.com/KumarSanga2/status/1273578234718957568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jayawardene, also a former captain who scored a hundred in that game, ridiculed the charge.</p>

<p>"Is the elections around the corner...Like the circus has started...Names and evidence?" he asked in a tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When some one accuses that we sold the 2011 WC naturaly it’s a big deal cus we don’t know how one could fix a match and not be part of the playing 11? Hopefully we will get enlightened after 9 years...😃👍 <a href="https://t.co/cmBtle5dNE">https://t.co/cmBtle5dNE</a></p>
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahelaJay/status/1273984356206252035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aluthgamage had cleared that no players were involved in fixing the result, “but certain parties were”.</p>

<p>Even Aravinda de Silva, a former icon who was the then chief selector of Lankan side, has urged the BCCI to conduct its own investigation and put all the claims and rumours to bed.</p>


After accusing that the ICC 2011 World Cup final was “sold” by “certain parties”, former Sri Lanka sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has now called his claim a “suspicion” that he wants to be investigated thoroughly, nine years after MS Dhoni-led Team India lifted the coveted trophy in Mumbai.

After accusing that the ICC 2011 World Cup final was “sold” by “certain parties”, former Sri Lanka sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has now called his claim a “suspicion” that he wants to be investigated thoroughly, nine years after MS Dhoni-led Team India lifted the coveted trophy in Mumbai. The Sri Lankan government has ordered an enquiry for the claims by Aluthgamage with a special investigation unit recording Aluthgamage’s statement on Wednesday. Apparently, he told the investigation team that he was only suspicious of fixing. "I want my suspicion investigated," Aluthgamage told reporters. ALSO READ: Parents started thinking about inculcating values of sport after 1983 triumph: Kapil Dev "I gave to the Police, a copy of the complaint I lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC) on 30 October 2011 regarding the said allegation as then Sports Minister," he said. Aluthgamage has alleged that Sri Lanka “sold” the game to India and his claims were ridiculed by former Lankan captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene as the duo demanded evidence from him. "Today I am telling you that we sold the 2011 world cup, I said this when I was the sports minister," Aluthgamage, who was the sports minister at the time, had stated. ALSO READ: Connor to be first female MCC president in 233 years "He needs to take his 'evidence' to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated thoroughly," Sangakkara tweeted. He needs to take his “evidence” to the ICC and the Anti corruption and Security Unit so the claims can be investigated throughly https://t.co/51w2J5Jtpc — Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) June 18, 2020 × Jayawardene, also a former captain who scored a hundred in that game, ridiculed the charge. "Is the elections around the corner...Like the circus has started...Names and evidence?" he asked in a tweet. When some one accuses that we sold the 2011 WC naturaly it’s a big deal cus we don’t know how one could fix a match and not be part of the playing 11? Hopefully we will get enlightened after 9 years...😃👍 https://t.co/cmBtle5dNE — Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) June 19, 2020 × Aluthgamage had cleared that no players were involved in fixing the result, “but certain parties were”. Even Aravinda de Silva, a former icon who was the then chief selector of Lankan side, has urged the BCCI to conduct its own investigation and put all the claims and rumours to bed.

After claiming Sri Lanka 'sold' 2011 WC final to India, Lankan minister says it's his 'suspicion'

<p>There was a massive uproar on social media when a cardboard cut of former al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was spotted in the stands at Elland Road as the image went viral on Twitter. With matches being played behind closed doors as efforts continue to curb the spread of COVID-19, many clubs have used cardboard cuts of fans to fill out the empty seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the photograph of bin Laden went viral, Leeds took quick action and have now removed the cardboard cutout of the former al Qaeda leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leeds have said that they will “ensure there are no more offensive images” in the stands before Saturday’s game against Fulham.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/luka-romero-15-becomes-youngest-ever-liga-player-308442" hreflang="en">Luka Romero, 15, becomes youngest ever Liga player</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bin laden.. how can the staff be ok with displaying that regardless if it was paid for? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lufc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lufc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/crowdie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#crowdie</a> <a href="https://t.co/abpqkBA6Bt">pic.twitter.com/abpqkBA6Bt</a></p>
— Seb (@seb_marsden) <a href="https://twitter.com/seb_marsden/status/1275776906944819200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bin Laden on the front row at Elland Road😂😂 <a href="https://t.co/5Pt2PLbpJf">pic.twitter.com/5Pt2PLbpJf</a></p>
— Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) <a href="https://twitter.com/AwayDays_/status/1275835223310307328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fans sent in selfies to Leeds United for crowd boards while matches are played behind closed doors. Anyone recognise The supporter on the front row? (Someone sent Osama Bin Laden) 🤦‍♀️🤦 <a href="https://t.co/qRjdgdYjps">pic.twitter.com/qRjdgdYjps</a></p>
— Anonymous Journalist (@AnonymousJourn9) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnonymousJourn9/status/1275874223895064577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Some weird cardboard cuts have been spotted all across the world matches with Australian media recently reporting, earlier this month, that a cutout of British serial killer Harold Shipman was spotted in the stands in a match between Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League game.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-generation-of-liverpool-fans-prepares-for-title-glory-308439" hreflang="en">New generation of Liverpool fans prepares for title glory</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Football have Bin Laden. Rugby League has Harold Shipman (in Australia!) <a href="https://t.co/KqiihZDl3A">pic.twitter.com/KqiihZDl3A</a></p>
— Phil Newsom (@Newsom_13) <a href="https://twitter.com/Newsom_13/status/1275830859195613185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>While artificial crowd sound has taken over the natural chants by fans in the stadiums, cardboard cuts and fans joining in via video-conference have become a new norm in the world of sports.</p>

<p>across sports have already said that feeling in front of empty stands doesn’t give the usual kick during matches but most of them are of the view that it should be continued unless it is safe to welcome the fans back in the stadiums.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>


There was a massive uproar on social media when a cardboard cut of former al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was spotted in the stands at Elland Road as the image went viral on Twitter.

There was a massive uproar on social media when a cardboard cut of former al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was spotted in the stands at Elland Road as the image went viral on Twitter. With matches being played behind closed doors as efforts continue to curb the spread of COVID-19, many clubs have used cardboard cuts of fans to fill out the empty seats. After the photograph of bin Laden went viral, Leeds took quick action and have now removed the cardboard cutout of the former al Qaeda leader. Leeds have said that they will “ensure there are no more offensive images” in the stands before Saturday’s game against Fulham. ALSO READ: Luka Romero, 15, becomes youngest ever Liga player Bin laden.. how can the staff be ok with displaying that regardless if it was paid for? #lufc #crowdie pic.twitter.com/abpqkBA6Bt — Seb (@seb_marsden) June 24, 2020 × Bin Laden on the front row at Elland Road😂😂 pic.twitter.com/5Pt2PLbpJf — Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) June 24, 2020 × Fans sent in selfies to Leeds United for crowd boards while matches are played behind closed doors. Anyone recognise The supporter on the front row? (Someone sent Osama Bin Laden) 🤦‍♀️🤦 pic.twitter.com/qRjdgdYjps — Anonymous Journalist (@AnonymousJourn9) June 24, 2020 × Some weird cardboard cuts have been spotted all across the world matches with Australian media recently reporting, earlier this month, that a cutout of British serial killer Harold Shipman was spotted in the stands in a match between Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League game. ALSO READ: New generation of Liverpool fans prepares for title glory Football have Bin Laden. Rugby League has Harold Shipman (in Australia!) pic.twitter.com/KqiihZDl3A — Phil Newsom (@Newsom_13) June 24, 2020 × While artificial crowd sound has taken over the natural chants by fans in the stadiums, cardboard cuts and fans joining in via video-conference have become a new norm in the world of sports. across sports have already said that feeling in front of empty stands doesn’t give the usual kick during matches but most of them are of the view that it should be continued unless it is safe to welcome the fans back in the stadiums.

Leeds United remove Osama bin Laden cut out from stands after howler

<p>Harry Kane believes he is as fit as he has ever been after netting his first goal of 2020 as Tottenham kickstarted their challenge for a Champions League place next season with a 2-0 win over West Ham on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The England captain looked far more like his old self after a laboured performance in his first appearance for six months against Manchester United on Friday, and was rewarded with a goal eight minutes from time.</p>

<p>"I'm in good shape. I've been working very hard through my rehab, lockdown and training. I feel as fit as I probably ever have done before," Kane, who had surgery on a hamstring injury prior to the season's shutdown due to coronavirus, told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>"When you have been out for six months it is just getting that feeling back on the pitch. You can train as much as you want but being out here is totally different."</p>

<p>Tomas Soucek's own goal had opened the scoring as West Ham remain precariously poised outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.</p>

<p>But Hammers boss David Moyes was furious the opener was not ruled out for a handball by Davinson Sanchez as he flicked a corner into Soucek's path.</p>

<p>"I can't believe they have ruled that as a goal," said Moyes. "Who is on VAR tonight? He needs subbed I know that. That's the rules."</p>

<p>Jose Mourinho's men were well worthy of a first win in eight games dating back to February.</p>

<p>Victory takes Spurs to within six points of the top four and within one of Manchester United in fifth.</p>

<p>Should Manchester City's appeal against a two-season ban from European competitions not prove successful, fifth would be good enough to qualify for the 2020/21 Champions League.</p>

<p>"I am happy with the result, the clean sheet, it means the team is more solid, the players have less doubts," said Mourinho.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In keeping with many of the 14 games since the Premier League's restart seven days ago, this was another slow burner as Spurs took time to start picking holes in West Ham's rearguard.</p>

<p>Son Heung-min thought he had broken the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a smart finish at Lukasz Fabianski's near post, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.</p>

<p>Mourinho launched an impassioned defence of his record of working with world-class strikers on the eve of the game after criticism that his playing style could see Kane look for pastures new.</p>

<p>And Kane had no shortage of opportunities after the break as his near post flick was turned behind by Fabianksi before he fired wide after sprinting the full length of the field as Spurs broke dangerously from a West Ham corner.</p>

<p>"He has been phenomenal in lockdown, he did amazing work at home and he is in the condition to help the team," added Mourinho.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In between times, Pablo Fornals dragged wide West Ham's big chance to go in front and aid their battle to beat the drop.</p>

<p>Moyes's men were undone by one of their own when Soucek unwittingly turned a corner into his own net 26 minutes from time.</p>

<p>Jarrod Bowen smashed a shot against the post as the visitors suddenly had to alter their gameplan of containing Tottenham to look for an equaliser.</p>

<p>But in doing so, they left themselves exposed at the back and Kane timed his run perfectly from a Son pass before coolly slotting past Fabianski and collapsing to the ground in a mixture of relief and exhaustion.</p>

<p>"I probably should have scored one other but it was nice to put that one away," added Kane.</p>

<p>"As a striker it's what you want to do. You want to score goals and want to help win the games."</p>


Harry Kane believes he is as fit as he has ever been after netting his first goal of 2020 as Tottenham kickstarted their challenge for a Champions League place next season with a 2-0 win over West Ham on Tuesday.

Harry Kane believes he is as fit as he has ever been after netting his first goal of 2020 as Tottenham kickstarted their challenge for a Champions League place next season with a 2-0 win over West Ham on Tuesday. The England captain looked far more like his old self after a laboured performance in his first appearance for six months against Manchester United on Friday, and was rewarded with a goal eight minutes from time. "I'm in good shape. I've been working very hard through my rehab, lockdown and training. I feel as fit as I probably ever have done before," Kane, who had surgery on a hamstring injury prior to the season's shutdown due to coronavirus, told Sky Sports. "When you have been out for six months it is just getting that feeling back on the pitch. You can train as much as you want but being out here is totally different." Tomas Soucek's own goal had opened the scoring as West Ham remain precariously poised outside the relegation zone only on goal difference. But Hammers boss David Moyes was furious the opener was not ruled out for a handball by Davinson Sanchez as he flicked a corner into Soucek's path. "I can't believe they have ruled that as a goal," said Moyes. "Who is on VAR tonight? He needs subbed I know that. That's the rules." Jose Mourinho's men were well worthy of a first win in eight games dating back to February. Victory takes Spurs to within six points of the top four and within one of Manchester United in fifth. Should Manchester City's appeal against a two-season ban from European competitions not prove successful, fifth would be good enough to qualify for the 2020/21 Champions League. "I am happy with the result, the clean sheet, it means the team is more solid, the players have less doubts," said Mourinho. In keeping with many of the 14 games since the Premier League's restart seven days ago, this was another slow burner as Spurs took time to start picking holes in West Ham's rearguard. Son Heung-min thought he had broken the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a smart finish at Lukasz Fabianski's near post, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Mourinho launched an impassioned defence of his record of working with world-class strikers on the eve of the game after criticism that his playing style could see Kane look for pastures new. And Kane had no shortage of opportunities after the break as his near post flick was turned behind by Fabianksi before he fired wide after sprinting the full length of the field as Spurs broke dangerously from a West Ham corner. "He has been phenomenal in lockdown, he did amazing work at home and he is in the condition to help the team," added Mourinho. In between times, Pablo Fornals dragged wide West Ham's big chance to go in front and aid their battle to beat the drop. Moyes's men were undone by one of their own when Soucek unwittingly turned a corner into his own net 26 minutes from time. Jarrod Bowen smashed a shot against the post as the visitors suddenly had to alter their gameplan of containing Tottenham to look for an equaliser. But in doing so, they left themselves exposed at the back and Kane timed his run perfectly from a Son pass before coolly slotting past Fabianski and collapsing to the ground in a mixture of relief and exhaustion. "I probably should have scored one other but it was nice to put that one away," added Kane. "As a striker it's what you want to do. You want to score goals and want to help win the games."

'Fitter than ever' Kane strikes to keep Tottenham in Champions League chase

<p>"First love cannot be forgotten," is how one member of Kapil Dev's team describes India's debut cricket World Cup win in 1983 -- a victory that aroused passions so fierce they would change the game forever.</p>

<p>When 'Kapil Devils' stunned the West Indies at Lord's, the traditional home of cricket, it triggered an obsession with the sport in India and created its biggest market -- ultimately making India's board the richest and most powerful in the world.</p>

<p>India was previously a hockey-loving nation, owing to their five Olympic gold medals between 1948 and 1980. But on June 25, 1983, India's cricketers became world-beaters.</p>

<p>Nobody saw the victory coming, after India came into the one-day tournament with just one win -- against East Africa -- in the previous two editions.</p>

<p>"We never, ever imagined we would reach the quarter-final or the knockout stage," Syed Kirmani, the team's flamboyant wicketkeeper-batsman, told AFP.</p>

<p>"A few of my colleagues in that team had expressed themselves that 'we are going to have fun, enjoy ourselves and that's it'.</p>

<p>"But we laid a very strong foundation by winning the Cup. It is like the first love cannot be forgotten. Thirty-seven years have gone, people still remember our victory."</p>

<p>He added: "The younger generation are also keen to know when we won the first World Cup and who were the players. Oh God, it is a fantastic, nostalgic feeling."</p>

<h2>- Watershed moment -</h2>

<p>India's run to the title is soon to get the Bollywood treatment, with popular actor Ranveer Singh playing Dev.</p>

<p>MS Dhoni later led India to the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup title in 2007 and their second ODI world trophy in 2011, but the victory in England will always remain a watershed moment.</p>

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India is now the wealthiest association in the game and players like Sunil Gavaskar, part of the 1983 team, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have been instrumental in taking Indian cricket to greater heights.</p>

<p>"The board started getting commercial benefits only after the World Cup win and for us it was a game-changer," Sunil Valson, who was part of the 14-member squad, told AFP.</p>

<p>"Understand nowadays whenever the Indian team goes for a World Cup the expectations are so high on them. But in '83 nobody expected it, but the way we played was just amazing.</p>

<p>"'83 will be '83, that changed the passion, the trend. Money came into the sport much later, but certainly it was a great victory that came against any expectations."</p>

<h2>- 'One man's genius' -</h2>

<p>India were reeling at 17 for five in a crucial group match against Zimbabwe when Dev's unbeaten 175 won the game and proved to be the turning point for their campaign.</p>

<p>Kapil's Devils outplayed hosts England in the semi-finals and then defended a modest total of 183 in the title clash.</p>

<p>Roger Binny, who sent back West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd for eight in the final, said Dev's leadership and India's all-rounders were key to the team's success.</p>

<p>"I think it has got be the all-rounders. If you see the scores in all the matches, contributions came from the latter half of the team," Binny told AFP.</p>

<p>"Definitely one strong point was (Dev's) captaincy. Also when we beat the West Indies in the first game in Manchester, that lifted the spirit of the guys."</p>

<p>Veteran journalist Ayaz Memon, one of the half-a-dozen Indian journalists that travelled to the World Cup's third edition, said optimism was non-existent at the start.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Expectations were zero when we went, because India's past record in the World Cups had been dismal," Memon told AFP.</p>

<p>"I did not even see the first match, India v West Indies, because I thought they would lose easily, but a lot of things conspired to make it India's tournament.</p>

<p>"I was witness to Kapil Dev's innings at Tunbridge Wells (against Zimbabwe). BBC was on one-day strike, so there was no radio or TV commentary.&nbsp;One man's genius gave India the direction to go for glory. It lifted up the self-belief in the team."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added: "In 1983, what India did was turn the game upside completely on its head in the power matrix. Suddenly you found India were champions, therefore their participation in the sport became greater and bigger."</p>


"First love cannot be forgotten," is how one member of Kapil Dev's team describes India's debut cricket World Cup win in 1983 -- a victory that aroused passions so fierce they would change the game forever.

"First love cannot be forgotten," is how one member of Kapil Dev's team describes India's debut cricket World Cup win in 1983 -- a victory that aroused passions so fierce they would change the game forever. When 'Kapil Devils' stunned the West Indies at Lord's, the traditional home of cricket, it triggered an obsession with the sport in India and created its biggest market -- ultimately making India's board the richest and most powerful in the world. India was previously a hockey-loving nation, owing to their five Olympic gold medals between 1948 and 1980. But on June 25, 1983, India's cricketers became world-beaters. Nobody saw the victory coming, after India came into the one-day tournament with just one win -- against East Africa -- in the previous two editions. "We never, ever imagined we would reach the quarter-final or the knockout stage," Syed Kirmani, the team's flamboyant wicketkeeper-batsman, told AFP. "A few of my colleagues in that team had expressed themselves that 'we are going to have fun, enjoy ourselves and that's it'. "But we laid a very strong foundation by winning the Cup. It is like the first love cannot be forgotten. Thirty-seven years have gone, people still remember our victory." He added: "The younger generation are also keen to know when we won the first World Cup and who were the players. Oh God, it is a fantastic, nostalgic feeling." - Watershed moment - India's run to the title is soon to get the Bollywood treatment, with popular actor Ranveer Singh playing Dev. MS Dhoni later led India to the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup title in 2007 and their second ODI world trophy in 2011, but the victory in England will always remain a watershed moment. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is now the wealthiest association in the game and players like Sunil Gavaskar, part of the 1983 team, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have been instrumental in taking Indian cricket to greater heights. "The board started getting commercial benefits only after the World Cup win and for us it was a game-changer," Sunil Valson, who was part of the 14-member squad, told AFP. "Understand nowadays whenever the Indian team goes for a World Cup the expectations are so high on them. But in '83 nobody expected it, but the way we played was just amazing. "'83 will be '83, that changed the passion, the trend. Money came into the sport much later, but certainly it was a great victory that came against any expectations." - 'One man's genius' - India were reeling at 17 for five in a crucial group match against Zimbabwe when Dev's unbeaten 175 won the game and proved to be the turning point for their campaign. Kapil's Devils outplayed hosts England in the semi-finals and then defended a modest total of 183 in the title clash. Roger Binny, who sent back West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd for eight in the final, said Dev's leadership and India's all-rounders were key to the team's success. "I think it has got be the all-rounders. If you see the scores in all the matches, contributions came from the latter half of the team," Binny told AFP. "Definitely one strong point was (Dev's) captaincy. Also when we beat the West Indies in the first game in Manchester, that lifted the spirit of the guys." Veteran journalist Ayaz Memon, one of the half-a-dozen Indian journalists that travelled to the World Cup's third edition, said optimism was non-existent at the start. "Expectations were zero when we went, because India's past record in the World Cups had been dismal," Memon told AFP. "I did not even see the first match, India v West Indies, because I thought they would lose easily, but a lot of things conspired to make it India's tournament. "I was witness to Kapil Dev's innings at Tunbridge Wells (against Zimbabwe). BBC was on one-day strike, so there was no radio or TV commentary. One man's genius gave India the direction to go for glory. It lifted up the self-belief in the team." He added: "In 1983, what India did was turn the game upside completely on its head in the power matrix. Suddenly you found India were champions, therefore their participation in the sport became greater and bigger."

'First love' - how 1983 World Cup win triggered India's obsession with cricket

<p>Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero underwent knee surgery under Dr Ramon Cugat in Barcelona on Wednesday as the Argentina international said that the operation went well. Aguero injured his knee during the match against Burnley and was substituted by teammate Gabriel Jesus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Man City went on to defeat Burnley 5-0 in what was a thumping performance by the defending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> champions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While manager Pep Guardiola initially said that the injury doesn’t look good, Man City would be encouraged by the high probability of Aguero being available for knockout stages of UEFA Champions League given the Blues advance to the Final 8. Guardiola earlier feared the 32-year-old could miss the rest of the league season which ends in July.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-david-luiz-signs-arsenal-contract-extension-308197" hreflang="en">Premier League: David Luiz signs Arsenal contract extension</a></strong></p>

<p>“Everything went well, and I’ll soon begin recovery,” Aguero said on Twitter with a photograph of himself lying in a hospital bed.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Todo salió bien y pronto comenzaré con la recuperación. Muchas gracias al Dr. Cugat y a su equipo y a todos por tanto apoyo//Everything went well, and I'll soon begin recovery. A big thanks to Dr Cugat and his team – and to all of you for your support 🤟🏽 <a href="https://t.co/Frm07cN3WF">pic.twitter.com/Frm07cN3WF</a></p>
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) <a href="https://twitter.com/aguerosergiokun/status/1275788839437598724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“After the surgery... he will tell us with more accuracy when he can come back,” he told reporters ahead of Thursday’s game at Chelsea.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fitter-than-ever-kane-strikes-to-keep-tottenham-in-champions-league-chase-308158" hreflang="en">'Fitter than ever' Kane strikes to keep Tottenham in Champions League chase</a></strong></p>

<p>Aguero flew to Barcelona on Tuesday to see specialist doctor Damon Cugat and City would be optimistic for his return in August, when Champions League resumes.</p>

<p>City lead 2-1 against Real Madrid in the first leg of their round of 16 match&nbsp;and would be hoping to enter the last eight of the elite competition which will be held in Lison, Portugal.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero underwent knee surgery under Dr Ramon Cugat in Barcelona on Wednesday as the Argentina international said that the operation went well.

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero underwent knee surgery under Dr Ramon Cugat in Barcelona on Wednesday as the Argentina international said that the operation went well. Aguero injured his knee during the match against Burnley and was substituted by teammate Gabriel Jesus. Man City went on to defeat Burnley 5-0 in what was a thumping performance by the defending Premier League champions. While manager Pep Guardiola initially said that the injury doesn’t look good, Man City would be encouraged by the high probability of Aguero being available for knockout stages of UEFA Champions League given the Blues advance to the Final 8. Guardiola earlier feared the 32-year-old could miss the rest of the league season which ends in July. ALSO READ: Premier League: David Luiz signs Arsenal contract extension “Everything went well, and I’ll soon begin recovery,” Aguero said on Twitter with a photograph of himself lying in a hospital bed. Todo salió bien y pronto comenzaré con la recuperación. Muchas gracias al Dr. Cugat y a su equipo y a todos por tanto apoyo//Everything went well, and I'll soon begin recovery. A big thanks to Dr Cugat and his team – and to all of you for your support 🤟🏽 pic.twitter.com/Frm07cN3WF — Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) June 24, 2020 × “After the surgery... he will tell us with more accuracy when he can come back,” he told reporters ahead of Thursday’s game at Chelsea. ALSO READ: 'Fitter than ever' Kane strikes to keep Tottenham in Champions League chase Aguero flew to Barcelona on Tuesday to see specialist doctor Damon Cugat and City would be optimistic for his return in August, when Champions League resumes. City lead 2-1 against Real Madrid in the first leg of their round of 16 match and would be hoping to enter the last eight of the elite competition which will be held in Lison, Portugal.

Sergio Aguero's knee surgery goes well, expected to return in August

<p>He may be a 17-time grand slam champion, world number 1 and on-course to become the most successful men's tennis player of all time. But Novak Djokovic's stock has taken a real pounding during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;The fallout from the Adria Tour is the latest in a series of gaffes from the Serbian over the last 3 months - and his position as the leader of the ATP players council now seems untenable.</p>

<h2>Boneheaded...Irresponsible...Disastrous...Shocking...</h2>

<p>These are just some of the words that have been used to describe Novak Djokovic and his ill-fated Adria Tour over the last week...</p>

<p>The catastrophe had seemed inevitable ever since the first images of the opening leg in Belgrade hit the internet - packed stands, Kids’ Day celebrations, players hugging and high-fiving each other despite the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/novak-djokovics-faulty-serve-to-the-tennis-world-308282" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world</a></strong></p>

<p>And it predictably struck in Zadar this past weekend - as 2 coaches and 4 players including Djokovic himself tested positive for the coronavirus...</p>

<p>After his initial defiance - the Serbian tried to save face with an apology in which he conceded it was too soon to host the charity event without any distancing measures - but the damage had already been done.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even Djokovic’s good friend Andy Murray had no way to defend him - particularly over this party in a Belgrade night club, where forget distancing - the players were dancing around shirtless.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wasnt-a-surprise-really-andy-murray-reacts-to-novak-djokovic-testing-positive-for-coronavirus-308223" hreflang="en">'Wasn't a surprise really': Andy Murray reacts to Novak Djokovic testing positive for coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>Murray said - “in hindsight, with what’s happened there, it is not a good look. When you are going through a time like this, it’s important any of the top athletes around the world should be showing that we are taking this extremely seriously, knowing that we are using social distancing measures and whatever it is"</p>

<p>All through the lockdown - Djokovic has found himself on the wrong side of the coronavirus debate...</p>

<p>In April he said he was opposed to the idea of vaccinations - and was slammed by the Serbian health authority for fueling conspiracy theories...</p>

<p>His ignorance of science has been on display in numerous social media chats with a charlatan - with Djokovic going as far as to say that the 'power of prayer' could purify polluted water.</p>

<p>Even Djokovic’s wife Jelena - who has also tested positive - promoted a tin-foil theory linking 5-g technology to the coronavirus - that was flagged as false information by Instagram.</p>

<p>The Djoker has always held controversial opinions - but now his leadership as the head of the ATP players’ council is also under question.</p>

<p>"I don't know. Honestly, when I sit in those meetings, I don't know how they -- how it really works and how they get to those positions but, put it this way, I don't think he (Novak Djokovic) should be having a players' party and dancing all over each other and then two very good tennis players have tested positive. He should feel some responsibility in his event and how it's transpired really</p>

<p>Criticism of Djokovic from his fellow players began earlier this month when he opposed the u-s open going ahead over what he called 'extreme protocols'...</p>

<p>The Serbian was also accused of missing key player council meetings with the ATP about safety and tennis's plans to return to action in order to play football.</p>

<p>Last year - he was instrumental in the exit of ATP chief executive Chris Kermode...prompting such concern from Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that they decided to rejoin the 10-man council and provide a powerful contrarian view...&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now that his Adria Tour has single-handedly jeopardised the return of tour-level tennis - it is inconceivable for Djokovic to be allowed to continue as the chief representative of the interests of all the players.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


He may be a 17-time grand slam champion, world number 1 and on-course to become the most successful men's tennis player of all time. But Novak Djokovic's stock has taken a real pounding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He may be a 17-time grand slam champion, world number 1 and on-course to become the most successful men's tennis player of all time. But Novak Djokovic's stock has taken a real pounding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fallout from the Adria Tour is the latest in a series of gaffes from the Serbian over the last 3 months - and his position as the leader of the ATP players council now seems untenable. Boneheaded...Irresponsible...Disastrous...Shocking... These are just some of the words that have been used to describe Novak Djokovic and his ill-fated Adria Tour over the last week... The catastrophe had seemed inevitable ever since the first images of the opening leg in Belgrade hit the internet - packed stands, Kids’ Day celebrations, players hugging and high-fiving each other despite the COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world And it predictably struck in Zadar this past weekend - as 2 coaches and 4 players including Djokovic himself tested positive for the coronavirus... After his initial defiance - the Serbian tried to save face with an apology in which he conceded it was too soon to host the charity event without any distancing measures - but the damage had already been done. Even Djokovic’s good friend Andy Murray had no way to defend him - particularly over this party in a Belgrade night club, where forget distancing - the players were dancing around shirtless. ALSO READ: 'Wasn't a surprise really': Andy Murray reacts to Novak Djokovic testing positive for coronavirus Murray said - “in hindsight, with what’s happened there, it is not a good look. When you are going through a time like this, it’s important any of the top athletes around the world should be showing that we are taking this extremely seriously, knowing that we are using social distancing measures and whatever it is" All through the lockdown - Djokovic has found himself on the wrong side of the coronavirus debate... In April he said he was opposed to the idea of vaccinations - and was slammed by the Serbian health authority for fueling conspiracy theories... His ignorance of science has been on display in numerous social media chats with a charlatan - with Djokovic going as far as to say that the 'power of prayer' could purify polluted water. Even Djokovic’s wife Jelena - who has also tested positive - promoted a tin-foil theory linking 5-g technology to the coronavirus - that was flagged as false information by Instagram. The Djoker has always held controversial opinions - but now his leadership as the head of the ATP players’ council is also under question. "I don't know. Honestly, when I sit in those meetings, I don't know how they -- how it really works and how they get to those positions but, put it this way, I don't think he (Novak Djokovic) should be having a players' party and dancing all over each other and then two very good tennis players have tested positive. He should feel some responsibility in his event and how it's transpired really Criticism of Djokovic from his fellow players began earlier this month when he opposed the u-s open going ahead over what he called 'extreme protocols'... The Serbian was also accused of missing key player council meetings with the ATP about safety and tennis's plans to return to action in order to play football. Last year - he was instrumental in the exit of ATP chief executive Chris Kermode...prompting such concern from Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that they decided to rejoin the 10-man council and provide a powerful contrarian view... Now that his Adria Tour has single-handedly jeopardised the return of tour-level tennis - it is inconceivable for Djokovic to be allowed to continue as the chief representative of the interests of all the players.

Adria Tour: Latest series of gaffes from Novak Djokovic

<p>Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been delayed from joining the England squad after he underwent a precautionary test for COVID-19 when a member of his household felt unwell last weekend, the England and Wales Cricket Board said.</p>

<p>Archer was supposed to link up with the England team, who are going into isolation head of their test series against West Indies, in Southampton on Tuesday.</p>

<p>“Archer, and members of his household, have tested negative for COVID-19,” the ECB said. “He will have a second test tomorrow (Wednesday), and if he tests negative, he will join up with the training group on Thursday.”</p>

<p>The first test starts in Southampton on July 8 and Archer said on Monday that he was fit and ready for the three-match series after battling an elbow injury.</p>


Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been delayed from joining the England squad after he underwent a precautionary test for COVID-19 when a member of his household felt unwell last weekend, the England and Wales Cricket Board said.

Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been delayed from joining the England squad after he underwent a precautionary test for COVID-19 when a member of his household felt unwell last weekend, the England and Wales Cricket Board said. Archer was supposed to link up with the England team, who are going into isolation head of their test series against West Indies, in Southampton on Tuesday. “Archer, and members of his household, have tested negative for COVID-19,” the ECB said. “He will have a second test tomorrow (Wednesday), and if he tests negative, he will join up with the training group on Thursday.” The first test starts in Southampton on July 8 and Archer said on Monday that he was fit and ready for the three-match series after battling an elbow injury.

Archer delays joining England squad after taking precautionary COVID-19 test

<p>Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, for the first time, opened up regarding approaches from bookies that led to his suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last year. Shakib said that he took approaches casually while revealing the anti-corruption officer knew everything about the revelations.</p>

<p>Shakib further said he got just a one-year ban as he helped in the investigation while adding he could have banned for five or 10 years if he hadn’t helped them.</p>

<p>"I took the approaches too casually. When I met the anti-corruption guy and told them and they knew everything," Shakib was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-cancel-sri-lanka-cricket-tour-due-to-virus-308289" hreflang="en">Bangladesh cancel Sri Lanka cricket tour due to virus</a></strong></p>

<p>"Gave them all the evidence and they knew everything that happened... To be honest, that's the only reason I was banned for a year, otherwise, I'd have been banned for five or 10 years."</p>

<p>Shakib was suspended for failing to report corrupt approaches as the all-rounder said he regrets the “silly mistakes”. He said he shouldn’t have made this decision to not report the approaches.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-mohammad-hafeez-tests-negative-in-second-covid-19-test-308190" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez tests negative in second COVID-19 test</a></strong></p>

<p>"But I think that was a silly mistake I made. Because with my experience and the number of international matches I've played and the amount of ICC's anti-corruption code of conduct classes I took, I shouldn't have made that decision (to not report), to be honest," Shakib said.</p>

<p>"I regret that. And I think no one should take such messages or calls (from bookies) lightly or leave it away... We must inform the ICC ACSU guy to be on the safe side and that's the lesson I learned, and I think I learned a big lesson."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan's ban ends on October 29 this year.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, for the first time, opened up regarding approaches from bookies that led to his suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last year.

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, for the first time, opened up regarding approaches from bookies that led to his suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last year. Shakib said that he took approaches casually while revealing the anti-corruption officer knew everything about the revelations. Shakib further said he got just a one-year ban as he helped in the investigation while adding he could have banned for five or 10 years if he hadn’t helped them. "I took the approaches too casually. When I met the anti-corruption guy and told them and they knew everything," Shakib was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. ALSO READ: Bangladesh cancel Sri Lanka cricket tour due to virus "Gave them all the evidence and they knew everything that happened... To be honest, that's the only reason I was banned for a year, otherwise, I'd have been banned for five or 10 years." Shakib was suspended for failing to report corrupt approaches as the all-rounder said he regrets the “silly mistakes”. He said he shouldn’t have made this decision to not report the approaches. ALSO READ: Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez tests negative in second COVID-19 test "But I think that was a silly mistake I made. Because with my experience and the number of international matches I've played and the amount of ICC's anti-corruption code of conduct classes I took, I shouldn't have made that decision (to not report), to be honest," Shakib said. "I regret that. And I think no one should take such messages or calls (from bookies) lightly or leave it away... We must inform the ICC ACSU guy to be on the safe side and that's the lesson I learned, and I think I learned a big lesson." Meanwhile, Shakib Al Hasan's ban ends on October 29 this year.

'That was a silly mistake I made' - Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan opens up on ICC ban

<p>Bangladesh have formally called off their Test series in Sri Lanka because of the coronavirus pandemic, officials in Colombo said Wednesday.</p>

<p>The Bangladesh team was due to play three Tests in late July, but the tour was in doubt because of the worrying spread of COVID-19 across South Asia.</p>

<p>The Sri Lankan cricket board said Bangladesh had pulled out due to "the lack of preparation for its players, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic".</p>

<p>Former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza -- who remains in the Test squad -- and left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam tested positive for the virus Saturday.</p>

<p>This is the second international engagement to be taken off Sri Lanka's cricket calendar this month.</p>

<p>India pulled out of a&nbsp;limited-overs series scheduled for late June.</p>

<p>The Sri Lankan cricket team started its second residential training camp in Kandy on Monday to prepare for the Twenty20 world cup in Australia in September.</p>

<p>The island nation has reported 11 virus deaths and some 1,998 infections. It has eased lockdown measures and resumed economic activity.</p>

<p>Bangladesh, meanwhile, has confirmed over 122,660 infections and more than 1,500 deaths from the coronavirus so far. The country restarted economic activities after lifting a months-long virus lockdown at the end of May even as cases continued to rise.</p>


Bangladesh have formally called off their Test series in Sri Lanka because of the coronavirus pandemic, officials in Colombo said Wednesday. The Bangladesh team was due to play three Tests in late July, but the tour was in doubt because of the worrying spread of COVID-19 across South Asia.

Bangladesh have formally called off their Test series in Sri Lanka because of the coronavirus pandemic, officials in Colombo said Wednesday. The Bangladesh team was due to play three Tests in late July, but the tour was in doubt because of the worrying spread of COVID-19 across South Asia. The Sri Lankan cricket board said Bangladesh had pulled out due to "the lack of preparation for its players, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic". Former Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza -- who remains in the Test squad -- and left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam tested positive for the virus Saturday. This is the second international engagement to be taken off Sri Lanka's cricket calendar this month. India pulled out of a limited-overs series scheduled for late June. The Sri Lankan cricket team started its second residential training camp in Kandy on Monday to prepare for the Twenty20 world cup in Australia in September. The island nation has reported 11 virus deaths and some 1,998 infections. It has eased lockdown measures and resumed economic activity. Bangladesh, meanwhile, has confirmed over 122,660 infections and more than 1,500 deaths from the coronavirus so far. The country restarted economic activities after lifting a months-long virus lockdown at the end of May even as cases continued to rise.

Bangladesh cancel Sri Lanka cricket tour due to virus

<p>Iconic tennis star Andy Murray has said that he was not surprised to see world no.1 Novak Djokovic test positive for COVID_19 following the completion of the first leg of the Adria Tour.&nbsp;Djokovic was the fourth player to have tested positive for COVID-19 after Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki who all discovered they have coronavirus</p>

<p>Social distancing was hardly followed when the first leg of the Adria Tour took place in Serbia and Croatia. Initially, Djokovic had dismissed criticism of the event as he insisted the rules in those countries were followed.</p>

<p>However, the Adria Tour has now been cancelled with Djokovic and his wife testing positive for coronavirus. Djokovic will spend 14 days in isolation with his family.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-deeply-sorry-we-were-wrong-novak-djokovic-issues-apology-on-adria-tour-after-testing-positive-for-coronavirus-308169" hreflang="en">'I am deeply sorry, we were wrong' - Novak Djokovic issues apology on Adria Tour after testing positive for coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>Whereas Andy Murray, who defeated Liam Broady 6-2, 6-2 in the Battle of Brits at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, was critical of the Adria Tour as he said he was not surprised to see the positive tests after seeing videos of the players partying.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>I don't think it was a surprise really: Andy Murray on Novak Djokovic testing positive for COVID-19</strong></h2>

<p>“I would say first I hope him and his wife are well and that they recover. And everyone who is affected," Murray said.</p>

<p>“But in hindsight, it was obviously something that shouldn't have gone ahead. I don't think it was a surprise really after seeing some of the videos at the players party and the kid's day. There was no social distancing in place. We are trying the best that we can here too.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-reacts-as-novak-djokovic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-posts-video-of-tennis-players-partying-after-adria-tour-307992" hreflang="en">Nick Kyrgios reacts as Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19, posts video of tennis players partying after Adria Tour</a></strong></p>

<p>“Some people said it could put the US Open in doubt. And it may well do. I think all of the players now will be extremely aware of this and the coronavirus doesn't care who we are and what we do and we have to observe the rules.</p>

<p>“I don't think it has been a great look for tennis.</p>

<p>"The only positive is that until it is safe to do so, we have no fans at the event to reduce the risk as much as possible.”</p>

<p>Djokovic has since apologized for putting everyone in danger while admitting it was too early to conduct the event.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Iconic tennis star Andy Murray has said that he was not surprised to see world no.1 Novak Djokovic test positive for COVID_19 following the completion of the first leg of the Adria Tour.

Iconic tennis star Andy Murray has said that he was not surprised to see world no.1 Novak Djokovic test positive for COVID_19 following the completion of the first leg of the Adria Tour. Djokovic was the fourth player to have tested positive for COVID-19 after Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki who all discovered they have coronavirus Social distancing was hardly followed when the first leg of the Adria Tour took place in Serbia and Croatia. Initially, Djokovic had dismissed criticism of the event as he insisted the rules in those countries were followed. However, the Adria Tour has now been cancelled with Djokovic and his wife testing positive for coronavirus. Djokovic will spend 14 days in isolation with his family. ALSO READ: 'I am deeply sorry, we were wrong' - Novak Djokovic issues apology on Adria Tour after testing positive for coronavirus Whereas Andy Murray, who defeated Liam Broady 6-2, 6-2 in the Battle of Brits at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, was critical of the Adria Tour as he said he was not surprised to see the positive tests after seeing videos of the players partying. I don't think it was a surprise really: Andy Murray on Novak Djokovic testing positive for COVID-19 “I would say first I hope him and his wife are well and that they recover. And everyone who is affected," Murray said. “But in hindsight, it was obviously something that shouldn't have gone ahead. I don't think it was a surprise really after seeing some of the videos at the players party and the kid's day. There was no social distancing in place. We are trying the best that we can here too. ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios reacts as Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19, posts video of tennis players partying after Adria Tour “Some people said it could put the US Open in doubt. And it may well do. I think all of the players now will be extremely aware of this and the coronavirus doesn't care who we are and what we do and we have to observe the rules. “I don't think it has been a great look for tennis. "The only positive is that until it is safe to do so, we have no fans at the event to reduce the risk as much as possible.” Djokovic has since apologized for putting everyone in danger while admitting it was too early to conduct the event.

'Wasn't a surprise really': Andy Murray reacts to Novak Djokovic testing positive for coronavirus

<p>Brazilian defender David Luiz has signed a new one-year contract with Arsenal, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> club announced on Wednesday. Arsenal, who are struggling on the fitness and form front, will look to have an inspired show from the veteran defender after a horror show against Man City where he was sent off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 33-year-old Brazilian international had signed for Arsenal in 2019 from Chelsea on a one-year deal which will now end in the year 2021.</p>

<p>Arsenal technical director hailed Luiz’s influence on and off the pitch ignoring all the criticism coming his way as he said his involvement helps everyone.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fitter-than-ever-kane-strikes-to-keep-tottenham-in-champions-league-chase-308158" hreflang="en">'Fitter than ever' Kane strikes to keep Tottenham in Champions League chase</a></strong></p>

<p>"David is a really important player for us," he told the club website.</p>

<p>"He has played most of our matches this season and has been important for the team. His passing, his communication with the team on and off the pitch -- he helps everyone."</p>

<p>Arsenal also announced that Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares’ have signed permanent deals with Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos’ extending contract until the end of 2019/20 season/</p>

<p>"I am really happy that we will have these players in our squad for the future," said Edu.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/an-innovative-and-unique-way-to-scout-fresh-talents-307903" hreflang="en">An innovative and unique way to scout fresh talents</a></strong></p>

<p>"They have been part of the long-term technical plan (manager) Mikel (Arteta) and I have developed. They bring the right balance to our squad."</p>

<p>Arsenal have had a poor resumption of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> with two defeats on the trot against Man City and Brighton &amp; Hove Albion. Players have looked unfit and sluggish in the first two Arsenal games since resumption but manager Mikel</p>

<p>Arteta would hope to bring something positive on the table in the coming weeks and pull out the Gunners from their misery as Arsenal remain 10th in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> table.</p>


Brazilian defender David Luiz has signed a new one-year contract with Arsenal, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday. Arsenal, who are struggling on the fitness and form front, will look to have an inspired show from the veteran defender after a horror show against Man City where he was sent off.

Brazilian defender David Luiz has signed a new one-year contract with Arsenal, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday. Arsenal, who are struggling on the fitness and form front, will look to have an inspired show from the veteran defender after a horror show against Man City where he was sent off. The 33-year-old Brazilian international had signed for Arsenal in 2019 from Chelsea on a one-year deal which will now end in the year 2021. Arsenal technical director hailed Luiz’s influence on and off the pitch ignoring all the criticism coming his way as he said his involvement helps everyone. ALSO READ: 'Fitter than ever' Kane strikes to keep Tottenham in Champions League chase "David is a really important player for us," he told the club website. "He has played most of our matches this season and has been important for the team. His passing, his communication with the team on and off the pitch -- he helps everyone." Arsenal also announced that Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares’ have signed permanent deals with Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos’ extending contract until the end of 2019/20 season/ "I am really happy that we will have these players in our squad for the future," said Edu. ALSO READ: An innovative and unique way to scout fresh talents "They have been part of the long-term technical plan (manager) Mikel (Arteta) and I have developed. They bring the right balance to our squad." Arsenal have had a poor resumption of Premier League with two defeats on the trot against Man City and Brighton & Hove Albion. Players have looked unfit and sluggish in the first two Arsenal games since resumption but manager Mikel Arteta would hope to bring something positive on the table in the coming weeks and pull out the Gunners from their misery as Arsenal remain 10th in the Premier League table.

Premier League: David Luiz signs Arsenal contract extension

<p>The much-talked-about <strong>Asia Cup 2020</strong> will go ahead as per the schedule later in the year in either Sri Lanka or the UAE, <strong>Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan</strong> said on Wednesday. Speculations are rife that the event could be scrapped to make a window for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but Khan dismissed the rumours as he said Asia Cup will be held when Pakistan return from England on September 2.</p>

<p>"The Asia Cup will go ahead. The Pakistan team returns from England on 2nd September so we can have the tournament in September or October," he said at a media conference.</p>

<h2><strong>"If they (Sri Lanka) can't do it, then UAE is also ready" - PCB CEO Wasim Khan</strong></h2>

<p>"There are some things which will only get clear in the due course of time. We are hopeful of having the Asia Cup because Sri Lanka has not had too many cases of the Coronavirus. If they can't do it, then UAE is also ready," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-board-meet-nomination-process-for-next-chairman-is-primary-agenda-308175" hreflang="en">ICC Board Meet: Nomination process for next chairman is primary agenda</a></strong></p>

<p>Khan further confirmed that the PCB is working on options if the T20 World Cup gets postponed to a later date. He even added that the board was looking at a window in November to complete the remaining five matches of Pakistan Super League.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are to go to New Zealand in December after hosting Zimbabwe at home. South Africa are ready to tour in January-February to play two or three Tests and some T20 matches," he disclosed.</p>

<p>On bilateral ties with India, the PCB CEO said that there was no possibility of a series in the near future with India.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-love-how-1983-world-cup-win-triggered-indias-obsession-with-cricket-308157" hreflang="en">'First love' - how 1983 World Cup win triggered India's obsession with cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>"Sadly we need to forget about playing India for the time being. It is sad for us and even the BCCI as they have to get permission from their government. It is not realistic for either side right now to think about playing against each other," he said.</p>

<p>"...The PCB has done its contingency planning and looked at our financial affairs for next two to three years. We are also trying to diversify our commercial streams so that we are not reliant only on ICC shares," he added.</p>


The much-talked-about Asia Cup 2020 will go ahead as per the schedule later in the year in either Sri Lanka or the UAE, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan said on Wednesday.

The much-talked-about Asia Cup 2020 will go ahead as per the schedule later in the year in either Sri Lanka or the UAE, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan said on Wednesday. Speculations are rife that the event could be scrapped to make a window for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 but Khan dismissed the rumours as he said Asia Cup will be held when Pakistan return from England on September 2. "The Asia Cup will go ahead. The Pakistan team returns from England on 2nd September so we can have the tournament in September or October," he said at a media conference. "If they (Sri Lanka) can't do it, then UAE is also ready" - PCB CEO Wasim Khan "There are some things which will only get clear in the due course of time. We are hopeful of having the Asia Cup because Sri Lanka has not had too many cases of the Coronavirus. If they can't do it, then UAE is also ready," he added. ALSO READ: ICC Board Meet: Nomination process for next chairman is primary agenda Khan further confirmed that the PCB is working on options if the T20 World Cup gets postponed to a later date. He even added that the board was looking at a window in November to complete the remaining five matches of Pakistan Super League. "We are to go to New Zealand in December after hosting Zimbabwe at home. South Africa are ready to tour in January-February to play two or three Tests and some T20 matches," he disclosed. On bilateral ties with India, the PCB CEO said that there was no possibility of a series in the near future with India. ALSO READ: 'First love' - how 1983 World Cup win triggered India's obsession with cricket "Sadly we need to forget about playing India for the time being. It is sad for us and even the BCCI as they have to get permission from their government. It is not realistic for either side right now to think about playing against each other," he said. "...The PCB has done its contingency planning and looked at our financial affairs for next two to three years. We are also trying to diversify our commercial streams so that we are not reliant only on ICC shares," he added.

Asia Cup 2020 will be played in either Sri Lanka or UAE: PCB CEO Wasim Khan

<p>Veteran Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez was one of seven players to have tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday following Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) round of testing ahead of England tour. Hafeez underwent another test in his personal capacity with the report now coming as negative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistan all-rounder took to social media platform Twitter to post the report of his test as he said that along with him, every member of his family have been tested negative for coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“After Tested positive COVID-19 acc to PCB testing Report yesterday,as 2nd opinion &amp; for satisfaction I personally went to Test it again along with my family and here I along with my all family members are reported Negetive Alham du Lillah. May Allah keep us all safe,” wrote Hafeez on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2020-will-be-played-in-either-sri-lanka-or-uae-pcb-ceo-wasim-khan-308177" hreflang="en">Asia Cup 2020 will be played in either Sri Lanka or UAE: PCB CEO Wasim Khan</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After Tested positive COVID-19 acc to PCB testing Report yesterday,as 2nd opinion &amp; for satisfaction I personally went to Test it again along with my family and here I along with my all family members are reported Negetive Alham du Lillah. May Allah keep us all safe 🤲🏼 <a href="https://t.co/qy0QgUvte0">pic.twitter.com/qy0QgUvte0</a></p>
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) <a href="https://twitter.com/MHafeez22/status/1275689746765840395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hafeez was one of the seven players to have tested positive for coronavirus within the Pakistan squad announced for the tour of England with the others being: Fakhar Zaman, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan and Wahab Riaz. One of the masseurs of the team was also tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-deeply-sorry-we-were-wrong-novak-djokovic-issues-apology-on-adria-tour-after-testing-positive-for-coronavirus-308169" hreflang="en">'I am deeply sorry, we were wrong' - Novak Djokovic issues apology on Adria Tour after testing positive for coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>While the incident puts question marks on the reliability of testing and opens up window for other players to undergo testing in their personal capacity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday, the PCB announced that Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan tested positive with Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari’s results coming as negative.</p>

<p>The players and staff, who have tested negative, will gather in a bio-secure environment in Lahore on June 24 in a bid to undergo another round of testing on June 25. Those who test negative on June 25 will depart for Manchester, the United Kingdom on a chartered flight.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Veteran Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez was one of seven players to have tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday following Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) round of testing ahead of England tour.

Veteran Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez was one of seven players to have tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday following Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) round of testing ahead of England tour. Hafeez underwent another test in his personal capacity with the report now coming as negative. The Pakistan all-rounder took to social media platform Twitter to post the report of his test as he said that along with him, every member of his family have been tested negative for coronavirus. “After Tested positive COVID-19 acc to PCB testing Report yesterday,as 2nd opinion & for satisfaction I personally went to Test it again along with my family and here I along with my all family members are reported Negetive Alham du Lillah. May Allah keep us all safe,” wrote Hafeez on Twitter. ALSO READ: Asia Cup 2020 will be played in either Sri Lanka or UAE: PCB CEO Wasim Khan After Tested positive COVID-19 acc to PCB testing Report yesterday,as 2nd opinion & for satisfaction I personally went to Test it again along with my family and here I along with my all family members are reported Negetive Alham du Lillah. May Allah keep us all safe 🤲🏼 pic.twitter.com/qy0QgUvte0 — Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) June 24, 2020 × Hafeez was one of the seven players to have tested positive for coronavirus within the Pakistan squad announced for the tour of England with the others being: Fakhar Zaman, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan and Wahab Riaz. One of the masseurs of the team was also tested positive for the dreaded virus. ALSO READ: 'I am deeply sorry, we were wrong' - Novak Djokovic issues apology on Adria Tour after testing positive for coronavirus While the incident puts question marks on the reliability of testing and opens up window for other players to undergo testing in their personal capacity. Earlier on Monday, the PCB announced that Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan tested positive with Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari’s results coming as negative. The players and staff, who have tested negative, will gather in a bio-secure environment in Lahore on June 24 in a bid to undergo another round of testing on June 25. Those who test negative on June 25 will depart for Manchester, the United Kingdom on a chartered flight.

Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez tests negative in second COVID-19 test

<p>Deliberation on the nomination process for its next chairman will top the agenda when the International Cricket Council's all-powerful Board converges via video-conference on Thursday.</p>

<p>With the ICC already making it clear that a final decision on the fate of this year's T20 World Cup will be taken next month, the primary agenda of discussion will be the nomination process for the chairman's election. The post is currently held by India's Shashank Manohar.</p>

<p>"I am still not sure whether the date of election (or selection) will be announced tomorrow or not. Obviously the primary agenda is discussion on the nomination process for Shashank Manohar's replacement," an ICC board member, privy to the developments, told PTI on conditions of anonymity.</p>

<p>"Obviously, since the members will meet, they will update (the board) about the situation in their respective countries. However, no concrete announcement is expected," the source added.</p>

<p>Also, the board could be briefed on the investigations being carried on the leaks of classified e-mails, a member said.</p>

<p>For being in the running for the chairman's post, a member is required to have attended a minimum of two board meetings and also needs to be nominated by a current or past director (board member) of the representative country.</p>

<p>An ICC Board comprises chairman, 12 Test playing nations, three associate members (Malaysia, Scotland and Singapore as per this turn), independent female director (Indra Nooyi) and chief executive Manu Sawhney.<br />
The Chief Executive doesn't have a vote in case of election.</p>

<p>As of now, former ECB chairman Colin Graves is the front-runner to replace Shashank Manohar as the chairman of the world body but one can't rule out BCCI president Sourav Ganguly either.</p>

<p>Neither Ganguly nor BCCI have outrightly negated the possibility of his candidature.</p>

<p>But a lot would depend on whether the Supreme Court of India accepts the Interim Application of the BCCI which pleads that the mandatory cooling off period after six years in office be waived off for Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah.</p>

<p>Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani has already ruled himself out of contention during a media interaction earlier in the week where he said that his priority is cricket in his country.</p>

<p>It is learnt that it won't be a bad idea for Ganguly to throw his hat in the ring in case the cooling off period is not waived off.</p>

<p>"We still don't know whether Sourav Ganguly has any political ambitions or not. If he has, he can always be the ICC chairman for a year and then be a BJP chief ministerial candidate for the state assembly elections in West Bengal in 2021," a BCCI insider said.</p>

<p>However, as of now Ganguly is unlikely to contest if he is not a unanimous choice for the post.</p>


Deliberation on the nomination process for its next chairman will top the agenda when the International Cricket Council's all-powerful Board converges via video-conference on Thursday.

Deliberation on the nomination process for its next chairman will top the agenda when the International Cricket Council's all-powerful Board converges via video-conference on Thursday. With the ICC already making it clear that a final decision on the fate of this year's T20 World Cup will be taken next month, the primary agenda of discussion will be the nomination process for the chairman's election. The post is currently held by India's Shashank Manohar. "I am still not sure whether the date of election (or selection) will be announced tomorrow or not. Obviously the primary agenda is discussion on the nomination process for Shashank Manohar's replacement," an ICC board member, privy to the developments, told PTI on conditions of anonymity. "Obviously, since the members will meet, they will update (the board) about the situation in their respective countries. However, no concrete announcement is expected," the source added. Also, the board could be briefed on the investigations being carried on the leaks of classified e-mails, a member said. For being in the running for the chairman's post, a member is required to have attended a minimum of two board meetings and also needs to be nominated by a current or past director (board member) of the representative country. An ICC Board comprises chairman, 12 Test playing nations, three associate members (Malaysia, Scotland and Singapore as per this turn), independent female director (Indra Nooyi) and chief executive Manu Sawhney. The Chief Executive doesn't have a vote in case of election. As of now, former ECB chairman Colin Graves is the front-runner to replace Shashank Manohar as the chairman of the world body but one can't rule out BCCI president Sourav Ganguly either. Neither Ganguly nor BCCI have outrightly negated the possibility of his candidature. But a lot would depend on whether the Supreme Court of India accepts the Interim Application of the BCCI which pleads that the mandatory cooling off period after six years in office be waived off for Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani has already ruled himself out of contention during a media interaction earlier in the week where he said that his priority is cricket in his country. It is learnt that it won't be a bad idea for Ganguly to throw his hat in the ring in case the cooling off period is not waived off. "We still don't know whether Sourav Ganguly has any political ambitions or not. If he has, he can always be the ICC chairman for a year and then be a BJP chief ministerial candidate for the state assembly elections in West Bengal in 2021," a BCCI insider said. However, as of now Ganguly is unlikely to contest if he is not a unanimous choice for the post.

ICC Board Meet: Nomination process for next chairman is primary agenda

<p>World No. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, issued an apology while admitting it was too early to hold the much-talked-about Adria Tour which he organized with his brother in the Balkans last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the first leg of Adria Tour was completed last week, a catastrophe has struck the tennis world with Borna Coric, Grigor Dimitrov, Viktor Troicki and Djokovic himself tested positive for coronavirus. All the mentioned stars were the participants in the vent held in Belgrade and Zadar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am so deeply sorry our tournament has caused harm. Everything the organisers and I did the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions," Djokovic said in a fresh statement on his official Twitter handle.</p>

<p>"We believed the tournament met all health protocols and the health of our region seemed in good condition to finally unite people for philanthropic reasons. We were wrong and it was too soon. I can't express enough how sorry I am for this and every case of infection," he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-reacts-as-novak-djokovic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-posts-video-of-tennis-players-partying-after-adria-tour-307992" hreflang="en">Nick Kyrgios reacts as Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19, posts video of tennis players partying after Adria Tour</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Novak Djokovic's statement after being tested positive for coronavirus</strong></h2>

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— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1275493253375238144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The remainder of the Adria Tour has been called off after the news broke out that Djokovic and his wife tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you attended the Adria Tour or were around any attendees please get tested and practice social distancing. For those in Belgrade and Zadar, we will be sharing health resources in the immediate future.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serbian-tennis-ace-novak-djokovic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-307966" hreflang="en">Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>"The rest of the tournament has been cancelled and we will remain focussed on all those who have been affected. I pray for everyone's full recovery," the Serbian said.</p>

<p>Djokovic has been central to widespread criticism for organising the Adria Tour, where crowds were allowed with players and staff maintaining absolutely no social distancing protocols. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been one of the players who spoke out against organising the tournament and bashed Djokovic after his test came out as positive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the latest mishap following the Adria Tour casts fresh doubts on the resumption of tennis.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


World No. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, issued an apology while admitting it was too early to hold the much-talked-about Adria Tour which he organized with his brother in the Balkans last week.

World No. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, issued an apology while admitting it was too early to hold the much-talked-about Adria Tour which he organized with his brother in the Balkans last week. Since the first leg of Adria Tour was completed last week, a catastrophe has struck the tennis world with Borna Coric, Grigor Dimitrov, Viktor Troicki and Djokovic himself tested positive for coronavirus. All the mentioned stars were the participants in the vent held in Belgrade and Zadar. "I am so deeply sorry our tournament has caused harm. Everything the organisers and I did the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions," Djokovic said in a fresh statement on his official Twitter handle. "We believed the tournament met all health protocols and the health of our region seemed in good condition to finally unite people for philanthropic reasons. We were wrong and it was too soon. I can't express enough how sorry I am for this and every case of infection," he added. ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios reacts as Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19, posts video of tennis players partying after Adria Tour Novak Djokovic's statement after being tested positive for coronavirus pic.twitter.com/vR18zKhtL8 — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) June 23, 2020 × The remainder of the Adria Tour has been called off after the news broke out that Djokovic and his wife tested positive for the dreaded virus. "If you attended the Adria Tour or were around any attendees please get tested and practice social distancing. For those in Belgrade and Zadar, we will be sharing health resources in the immediate future. ALSO READ: Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19 "The rest of the tournament has been cancelled and we will remain focussed on all those who have been affected. I pray for everyone's full recovery," the Serbian said. Djokovic has been central to widespread criticism for organising the Adria Tour, where crowds were allowed with players and staff maintaining absolutely no social distancing protocols. Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been one of the players who spoke out against organising the tournament and bashed Djokovic after his test came out as positive. Meanwhile, the latest mishap following the Adria Tour casts fresh doubts on the resumption of tennis.

'I am deeply sorry, we were wrong' - Novak Djokovic issues apology on Adria Tour after testing positive for coronavirus

<p>All 20 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> sides have now had at least one experience of their 'new normal', adapting to empty stands and strict hygiene protocols to try and complete the season despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>There are also changes to how the game operates on the field with more substitutions, water breaks and a packed schedule of games altering managers' plans.</p>

<p>Yet, for all the disruption, much remained the same as Manchester City kept Liverpool waiting to seal the title and those at the other end of the table struggled to pull themselves clear of the relegation zone.</p>

<p>AFP Sports looks at five things we learned.</p>

<h2>- Slow starts -</h2>

<p>Of the 28 goals scored in the first 12 games, a mere eight have come in the first half as teams slowly get used to their new surroundings.</p>

<p>Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin reflected the feeling of many when he said playing a Merseyside derby against Liverpool with no atmosphere was "a little bit bizarre".</p>

<p>Players and managers are also wary of spending their energies too early after a three-month layoff and very little time training together to get up to speed.</p>

<h2>- Five substitutions -</h2>

<p>Another reason for a glut of late goals could be the impact made off the bench with coaches enjoying more choice than ever before.</p>

<p>Each team can make five substitutions with nine reserves on the bench to call on.</p>

<p>Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho bemoaned the temporary change will only serve to help "the powerful clubs" and broaden the gap between rich and poor.</p>

<p>Mourinho made just two changes as Spurs wilted in the final stages against Manchester United, who netted a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw on Friday.</p>

<p>United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer acknowledged he had "quality players to come on and make a difference" after Paul Pogba's introduction made a big impact, winning the penalty from which Bruno Fernandes levelled.</p>

<p>Frank Lampard's substitutions also proved pivotal as Chelsea came from behind to beat Aston Villa 2-1, with Christian Pulisic coming off the bench to equalise.</p>

<h2>- Unnecessary water breaks -</h2>

<p>Despite having an extra two substitutions, each side can still only stop the game three times to make changes.</p>

<p>That tinkering of the laws is designed to protect player welfare without continuously halting the flow of the game, but another new feature is doing just that.</p>

<p>A water break at the halfway point of each half has been implemented, no matter what temperature the game takes place in.</p>

<p>In practice, this has allowed managers an extra time out to get instructions across and often switch the momentum of the game.</p>

<h2>- More of the same -</h2>

<p>Silky football from City, a Merseyside derby stalemate, an Arsenal collapse and defensive calamities for Norwich, Bournemouth and Villa: the more things change, the more they stay the same.</p>

<p>City's title challenge to Liverpool was partly derailed by key injuries to Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte early in the campaign.</p>

<p>With a full compliment to now choose from, Pep Guardiola is spoiled for choice&nbsp;as he showed in making eight changes for Monday's 5-0 thrashing of Burnley.</p>

<p>Liverpool have still not lost a derby in 10 years, but a goalless draw at Goodison was also not so out of the ordinary. The last three Premier League meetings between the sides at Everton's home have now failed to produce a goal.</p>

<p>Aston Villa's 0-0 draw against Sheffield United is the only point any of the bottom four have picked up since the restart as all four fell to damaging home defeats this weekend.</p>

<h2>- Take a knee takes hold -</h2>

<p>After a 100-day wait for the Premier League to restart, it did so on one knee as all players, staff and referees took a knee before kick-off between Villa and Sheffield United.</p>

<p>Every game so far has followed in the same fashion as the Premier League has sent a strong message around the world in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign, although the start ot City's win over Burnley was marred by an aircraft circling the Etihad Stadium with a banner reading 'White lives matter Burnley'.</p>

<p>"It's powerful, it's given the movement global momentum to keep the conversation going," former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said of the Black Live Matters campaign.</p>

<p>However, pressure is now on the league to take action rather than make gestures.</p>

<p>The Premier League has so far resisted calls to introduce a NFL style "Rooney rule" that requires teams to interview ethnic minority candidates for senior coaching roles.</p>


All 20 Premier League sides have now had at least one experience of their 'new normal', adapting to empty stands and strict hygiene protocols to try and complete the season despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

All 20 Premier League sides have now had at least one experience of their 'new normal', adapting to empty stands and strict hygiene protocols to try and complete the season despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. There are also changes to how the game operates on the field with more substitutions, water breaks and a packed schedule of games altering managers' plans. Yet, for all the disruption, much remained the same as Manchester City kept Liverpool waiting to seal the title and those at the other end of the table struggled to pull themselves clear of the relegation zone. AFP Sports looks at five things we learned. - Slow starts - Of the 28 goals scored in the first 12 games, a mere eight have come in the first half as teams slowly get used to their new surroundings. Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin reflected the feeling of many when he said playing a Merseyside derby against Liverpool with no atmosphere was "a little bit bizarre". Players and managers are also wary of spending their energies too early after a three-month layoff and very little time training together to get up to speed. - Five substitutions - Another reason for a glut of late goals could be the impact made off the bench with coaches enjoying more choice than ever before. Each team can make five substitutions with nine reserves on the bench to call on. Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho bemoaned the temporary change will only serve to help "the powerful clubs" and broaden the gap between rich and poor. Mourinho made just two changes as Spurs wilted in the final stages against Manchester United, who netted a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw on Friday. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer acknowledged he had "quality players to come on and make a difference" after Paul Pogba's introduction made a big impact, winning the penalty from which Bruno Fernandes levelled. Frank Lampard's substitutions also proved pivotal as Chelsea came from behind to beat Aston Villa 2-1, with Christian Pulisic coming off the bench to equalise. - Unnecessary water breaks - Despite having an extra two substitutions, each side can still only stop the game three times to make changes. That tinkering of the laws is designed to protect player welfare without continuously halting the flow of the game, but another new feature is doing just that. A water break at the halfway point of each half has been implemented, no matter what temperature the game takes place in. In practice, this has allowed managers an extra time out to get instructions across and often switch the momentum of the game. - More of the same - Silky football from City, a Merseyside derby stalemate, an Arsenal collapse and defensive calamities for Norwich, Bournemouth and Villa: the more things change, the more they stay the same. City's title challenge to Liverpool was partly derailed by key injuries to Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte early in the campaign. With a full compliment to now choose from, Pep Guardiola is spoiled for choice as he showed in making eight changes for Monday's 5-0 thrashing of Burnley. Liverpool have still not lost a derby in 10 years, but a goalless draw at Goodison was also not so out of the ordinary. The last three Premier League meetings between the sides at Everton's home have now failed to produce a goal. Aston Villa's 0-0 draw against Sheffield United is the only point any of the bottom four have picked up since the restart as all four fell to damaging home defeats this weekend. - Take a knee takes hold - After a 100-day wait for the Premier League to restart, it did so on one knee as all players, staff and referees took a knee before kick-off between Villa and Sheffield United. Every game so far has followed in the same fashion as the Premier League has sent a strong message around the world in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign, although the start ot City's win over Burnley was marred by an aircraft circling the Etihad Stadium with a banner reading 'White lives matter Burnley'. "It's powerful, it's given the movement global momentum to keep the conversation going," former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said of the Black Live Matters campaign. However, pressure is now on the league to take action rather than make gestures. The Premier League has so far resisted calls to introduce a NFL style "Rooney rule" that requires teams to interview ethnic minority candidates for senior coaching roles.

Five takeaways from the Premier League weekend

<p>Australia's David Warner has warned against sledging Virat Kohli when India tour Australia this year, saying "trying to poke the bear" will only make the star batsman play better.</p>

<p>As cricket slowly gets back into action after coronavirus suspensions, India are slated to tour Australia for four Test matches in December-January in what is set to be a highlight of the year.</p>

<p>Warner, a lynchpin of Australia's batting attack, said he is looking forward to the confrontation but that he will steer clear of taunting India's captain.</p>

<p>"I thrive on the crowd, I thrive on people sort of going at me in the field. And getting into that battle," Warner told India Today television.</p>

<p>"I think Virat is quite similar, if you go a little bit at Virat he comes out harder with the bat and he plays amazing. We have seen that time and time again.</p>

<p>"There is no point in actually trying to poke the bear because at the end of the day if you do that it just fires up the person a bit more."</p>

<p>Last year India claimed their first Test series win in Australia after 71 years of trying.</p>

<p>Warner, who along with Steve Smith missed the series while they served a ball-tampering ban, said Australia are much better prepared this time.</p>

<p>"It's a much-anticipated return to Australia for India. I am excited, one to be selected and to be a part of that. Last time we were not bad but were beaten by a good team and their bowling was relentless," said Warner.</p>

<p>"Now, India has got the best batting line-up and our bowlers will like to target them."</p>

<p>Warner said he's also keen to play the lucrative Indian Premier League if the International Cricket Council postpones the T20 World Cup, scheduled to start October 18 in Australia.</p>

<p>The fate of the T20 showpiece will be decided next month and if the World Cup is sidelined, the delayed IPL could take its place. Cricket Australia has admitted the World Cup looks "unrealistic" this year as the pandemic lingers.</p>

<p>Warner, who is captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, said quarantine rules for foreigners entering Australia was one of many problems for the World Cup.</p>

<p>"The challenges around getting every single nation that participates in the World Cup into Australia, given the fact that we have the quarantine for 14 days... we have to obviously abide by those rules and obviously we await the decision from the ICC," Warner said.</p>

<p>He added: "I am definitely sure and positive that we (Australian players) will be able to come and play in the IPL if that replaces the World Cup schedule."</p>


Australia's David Warner has warned against sledging Virat Kohli when India tour Australia this year, saying "trying to poke the bear" will only make the star batsman play better.

Australia's David Warner has warned against sledging Virat Kohli when India tour Australia this year, saying "trying to poke the bear" will only make the star batsman play better. As cricket slowly gets back into action after coronavirus suspensions, India are slated to tour Australia for four Test matches in December-January in what is set to be a highlight of the year. Warner, a lynchpin of Australia's batting attack, said he is looking forward to the confrontation but that he will steer clear of taunting India's captain. "I thrive on the crowd, I thrive on people sort of going at me in the field. And getting into that battle," Warner told India Today television. "I think Virat is quite similar, if you go a little bit at Virat he comes out harder with the bat and he plays amazing. We have seen that time and time again. "There is no point in actually trying to poke the bear because at the end of the day if you do that it just fires up the person a bit more." Last year India claimed their first Test series win in Australia after 71 years of trying. Warner, who along with Steve Smith missed the series while they served a ball-tampering ban, said Australia are much better prepared this time. "It's a much-anticipated return to Australia for India. I am excited, one to be selected and to be a part of that. Last time we were not bad but were beaten by a good team and their bowling was relentless," said Warner. "Now, India has got the best batting line-up and our bowlers will like to target them." Warner said he's also keen to play the lucrative Indian Premier League if the International Cricket Council postpones the T20 World Cup, scheduled to start October 18 in Australia. The fate of the T20 showpiece will be decided next month and if the World Cup is sidelined, the delayed IPL could take its place. Cricket Australia has admitted the World Cup looks "unrealistic" this year as the pandemic lingers. Warner, who is captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, said quarantine rules for foreigners entering Australia was one of many problems for the World Cup. "The challenges around getting every single nation that participates in the World Cup into Australia, given the fact that we have the quarantine for 14 days... we have to obviously abide by those rules and obviously we await the decision from the ICC," Warner said. He added: "I am definitely sure and positive that we (Australian players) will be able to come and play in the IPL if that replaces the World Cup schedule."

Don't 'poke the bear' - Warner says Aussies shouldn't sledge Kohli

<p>The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson on Tuesday announced numerous measures to relax the lockdown in England but put question marks on the resumption of cricket by saying that “the ball is a natural vector of disease”.</p>

<h2><strong>The ball is a natural vector of disease: UK PM Boris Johnson</strong></h2>

<p>Johnson while responding to Conservative MP Greg Clarke, who in the wake of half of the summer cricket being lost asked if the gentlemen’s game could be given a nod for resumption now, said: “The problem with cricket, as everyone understands, is that the ball is a natural vector of disease - potentially, at any rate”.</p>

<p>Johnson further said that they are still working on to make cricket more COVID-secure but have been unable to change the guidance as of now.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hafeez-wahab-and-5-more-pakistan-players-test-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-of-england-tour-307998" hreflang="en">Hafeez, Wahab and 5 more Pakistan players test positive for COVID-19 ahead of England tour</a></strong></p>

<p>“We’ve been around it many times with our scientific friends. At the moment we’re still working on ways to make cricket more COVID-secure but we can’t change the guidance yet,” he added in the House of Commons.</p>

<p>He said: “Most leisure facilities and tourist attractions will reopen if they can do so safely, including outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades as well as libraries, social clubs and community centres.</p>

<p>“Close proximity’ venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools and spas will need to remain closed for now, as will bowling alleys and water parks”, he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serbian-tennis-ace-novak-djokovic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-307966" hreflang="en">Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Clarke is of the view that it is “absurd” that cricket can’t be played despite being one of the socially-distanced game for players as well as spectators during county matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Johnson’s comments come ahead of scheduled England’s three-match Test series against the West Indies, subject to government approval. The West Indies are already in the UK and have completed their isolation period.&nbsp;<br />
The three-match Test series between England and West Indies is scheduled to start from July 8.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson on Tuesday announced numerous measures to relax the lockdown in England but put question marks on the resumption of cricket by saying that “the ball is a natural vector of disease”.

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson on Tuesday announced numerous measures to relax the lockdown in England but put question marks on the resumption of cricket by saying that “the ball is a natural vector of disease”. The ball is a natural vector of disease: UK PM Boris Johnson Johnson while responding to Conservative MP Greg Clarke, who in the wake of half of the summer cricket being lost asked if the gentlemen’s game could be given a nod for resumption now, said: “The problem with cricket, as everyone understands, is that the ball is a natural vector of disease - potentially, at any rate”. Johnson further said that they are still working on to make cricket more COVID-secure but have been unable to change the guidance as of now. ALSO READ: Hafeez, Wahab and 5 more Pakistan players test positive for COVID-19 ahead of England tour “We’ve been around it many times with our scientific friends. At the moment we’re still working on ways to make cricket more COVID-secure but we can’t change the guidance yet,” he added in the House of Commons. He said: “Most leisure facilities and tourist attractions will reopen if they can do so safely, including outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades as well as libraries, social clubs and community centres. “Close proximity’ venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools and spas will need to remain closed for now, as will bowling alleys and water parks”, he added. ALSO READ: Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19 However, Clarke is of the view that it is “absurd” that cricket can’t be played despite being one of the socially-distanced game for players as well as spectators during county matches. Johnson’s comments come ahead of scheduled England’s three-match Test series against the West Indies, subject to government approval. The West Indies are already in the UK and have completed their isolation period. The three-match Test series between England and West Indies is scheduled to start from July 8.

'The ball is a natural vector of disease' - UK PM Boris Johnson says recreational cricket not safe to resume

<p>The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday confirmed that another seven players have tested positive for COVID-19 after three players on Monday, taking the total number of positive cases in the Pakistan squad to 10.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from seven players, a player support personnel was also tested positive from a total of 35 Tests. The PCB had organized the 35 tests in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar on Monday as Pakistan continues to gear up for the Test series against England.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-haider-ali-haris-rauf-and-shadab-khan-tested-covid-19-positive-ahead-of-england-tour-307795" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan tested COVID-19 positive ahead of England tour</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Players who have tested positive are:</strong> Fakhar Zaman, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan and Wahab Riaz</p>

<p><strong>Players who have tested negative are:</strong> Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Iftikhar Ahmad, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, and Yasir Shah</p>

<p><strong>Player Support Personnel, who has tested positive, is:</strong> Malang Ali (masseur)</p>

<p><strong>Player Support Personnel who have tested negative are:</strong> Mansoor Rana (manager), Misbah-ul-Haq (head coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant to head coach), Younis Khan (batting coach), Mushtaq Ahmed (spin bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Talha Butt (team analyst), Yasir Malik (strength and conditioning coach), Dr Sohail Saleem (team doctor), Lt Col (retd) Usman Riffat (security manager) and Raza Kitchlew (media and digital content manager).</p>

<p><strong>Not tested to date: </strong>Shoaib Malik, Cliffe Deacon and Waqar Younis</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serbian-tennis-ace-novak-djokovic-tests-positive-for-covid-19-307966" hreflang="en">Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier on Monday, the PCB announced that Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan tested positive with Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari’s results coming as negative.</p>

<p>The PCB medical panel is in touch with the concerned players and the masseur and they have been instructed to follow strict quarantine at their homes.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>What next for Pakistan?</h2>

<p>The players and staff, who have tested negative, will gather in a bio-secure environment in Lahore on June 24 in a bid to undergo another round of testing on June 25. Those who test negative on June 25 will depart for Manchester, the United Kingdom on a chartered flight. They will be tested again after arriving in the UK by ECB medical panel. Those who test negative there will observe quarantine as per the UK government’s guidelines but will be allowed to train and practice in the bio-secure facility.</p>

<p>PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “The recent positive tests of some of the fittest athletes, who had not shown any symptoms, clearly reflect the danger this virus possesses. As such, and on behalf of the PCB, I once again request the public to strictly adhere to all safety precautions as advised and recommended by the federal and provincial governments to ensure their health and safety as well as of their dear and near ones.</p>

<p>“As regards the players, who have tested positive, we will continue to monitor and support them, including conducting antibody tests, and as soon as they test negative, they will be flown to join the squad in England. At the moment, they have been advised to go into self-isolation so that they not only recover quickly but also prevent their other family members from being infected.</p>

<p>“The tour to England is very much on track and the side will depart as per schedule on 28 June. Fortunately, all the first-choice red-ball squad, barring Mohammad Rizwan, are negative, which means they can start training and practicing immediately &nbsp;after they have been tested and given the all clear when they arrive in England</p>

<p>“In the meantime, Misbah-ul-Haq is reviewing the training schedule in England and is firming up plans for reserve players to be tested as a backup.”</p>


The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday confirmed that another seven players have tested positive for COVID-19 after three players on Monday, taking the total number of positive cases in the Pakistan squad to 10.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday confirmed that another seven players have tested positive for COVID-19 after three players on Monday, taking the total number of positive cases in the Pakistan squad to 10. Apart from seven players, a player support personnel was also tested positive from a total of 35 Tests. The PCB had organized the 35 tests in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar on Monday as Pakistan continues to gear up for the Test series against England. ALSO READ: Pakistan's Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan tested COVID-19 positive ahead of England tour Players who have tested positive are: Fakhar Zaman, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan and Wahab Riaz Players who have tested negative are: Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Iftikhar Ahmad, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, and Yasir Shah Player Support Personnel, who has tested positive, is: Malang Ali (masseur) Player Support Personnel who have tested negative are: Mansoor Rana (manager), Misbah-ul-Haq (head coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant to head coach), Younis Khan (batting coach), Mushtaq Ahmed (spin bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Talha Butt (team analyst), Yasir Malik (strength and conditioning coach), Dr Sohail Saleem (team doctor), Lt Col (retd) Usman Riffat (security manager) and Raza Kitchlew (media and digital content manager). Not tested to date: Shoaib Malik, Cliffe Deacon and Waqar Younis ALSO READ: Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic tests positive for COVID-19 Earlier on Monday, the PCB announced that Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan tested positive with Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari’s results coming as negative. The PCB medical panel is in touch with the concerned players and the masseur and they have been instructed to follow strict quarantine at their homes. What next for Pakistan? The players and staff, who have tested negative, will gather in a bio-secure environment in Lahore on June 24 in a bid to undergo another round of testing on June 25. Those who test negative on June 25 will depart for Manchester, the United Kingdom on a chartered flight. They will be tested again after arriving in the UK by ECB medical panel. Those who test negative there will observe quarantine as per the UK government’s guidelines but will be allowed to train and practice in the bio-secure facility. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “The recent positive tests of some of the fittest athletes, who had not shown any symptoms, clearly reflect the danger this virus possesses. As such, and on behalf of the PCB, I once again request the public to strictly adhere to all safety precautions as advised and recommended by the federal and provincial governments to ensure their health and safety as well as of their dear and near ones. “As regards the players, who have tested positive, we will continue to monitor and support them, including conducting antibody tests, and as soon as they test negative, they will be flown to join the squad in England. At the moment, they have been advised to go into self-isolation so that they not only recover quickly but also prevent their other family members from being infected. “The tour to England is very much on track and the side will depart as per schedule on 28 June. Fortunately, all the first-choice red-ball squad, barring Mohammad Rizwan, are negative, which means they can start training and practicing immediately after they have been tested and given the all clear when they arrive in England “In the meantime, Misbah-ul-Haq is reviewing the training schedule in England and is firming up plans for reserve players to be tested as a backup.”

Hafeez, Wahab and 5 more Pakistan players test positive for COVID-19 ahead of England tour

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