For nearly three months football enthusiasts in Wuhan were left kicking their heels indoors as the coronavirus raged in the Chinese city at the epicentre of the outbreak.

But since the harsh lockdown on the city of 11 million people ended in early April amateur footballers have been gleefully ripping off their face masks and lacing up their boots again.

"It was a long time to be in lockdown so we had to do some exercise at home," said Wang Zijun, 42.

"I used to juggle the ball with my son at home and pass the ball to each other, and sometimes we went to the underground garage to do exercise."

Another player who finally enjoyed a run-out on a warm evening under floodlights said it was liberating to be able to kick a ball again with friends and team-mates.

They did so without their masks covering their faces, although some players kept them dangling around their necks.

"Before the lockdown was lifted everyone felt so oppressed," said the 45-year-old, who would only give the surname Wen.

"We need to do physical exercise. After the lockdown was lifted, we resumed training one time per week. I'm very happy."

Professional footballers were affected too.

Wang Shuang, a Wuhan native and star of China's women's team, who are pushing for a place at the Tokyo Olympics, resorted to kicking a ball against a wall on a roof.

Chinese Super League (CSL) team Wuhan Zall and third-tier Wuhan Three Towns have both returned to the central city after being forced to train elsewhere at the height of the outbreak.

The CSL season was supposed to begin on February 22 but has been indefinitely postponed by the health alert, which has since eased in China.

For nearly three months football enthusiasts in Wuhan were left kicking their heels indoors as the coronavirus raged in the Chinese city at the epicentre of the outbreak.

For nearly three months football enthusiasts in Wuhan were left kicking their heels indoors as the coronavirus raged in the Chinese city at the epicentre of the outbreak. But since the harsh lockdown on the city of 11 million people ended in early April amateur footballers have been gleefully ripping off their face masks and lacing up their boots again. "It was a long time to be in lockdown so we had to do some exercise at home," said Wang Zijun, 42. "I used to juggle the ball with my son at home and pass the ball to each other, and sometimes we went to the underground garage to do exercise." Another player who finally enjoyed a run-out on a warm evening under floodlights said it was liberating to be able to kick a ball again with friends and team-mates. They did so without their masks covering their faces, although some players kept them dangling around their necks. "Before the lockdown was lifted everyone felt so oppressed," said the 45-year-old, who would only give the surname Wen. "We need to do physical exercise. After the lockdown was lifted, we resumed training one time per week. I'm very happy." Professional footballers were affected too. Wang Shuang, a Wuhan native and star of China's women's team, who are pushing for a place at the Tokyo Olympics, resorted to kicking a ball against a wall on a roof. Chinese Super League (CSL) team Wuhan Zall and third-tier Wuhan Three Towns have both returned to the central city after being forced to train elsewhere at the height of the outbreak. The CSL season was supposed to begin on February 22 but has been indefinitely postponed by the health alert, which has since eased in China.

Football makes gleeful return to coronavirus-scarred Wuhan

The National Hockey League announced Tuesday it will abandon the rest of the regular season and proceed directly to a 24-team playoff staged in two hub cities.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the revised schedule would "produce a worthy Stanley Cup champion" after a season that has been put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

However Bettman offered no fixed date on when play would resume, while the two cities due to host the playoffs were also yet to be decided. Formal training camps won't open until July 1 at the earliest, he added.

The NHL season has been on pause since March 12 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and all players currently remain under league-mandated quarantine.

Bettman said 10 cities are in the running for the two hub centers, including seven from the US: Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh. The three Canadian cities are Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton.

Bettman said the league had drawn up a long-list of candidate cities in order to retain scheduling flexibility.

"We didn't want to get locked in. We don't want to go to a place where there is a lot of COVID-19 or we don't want to go to a place where we can't get the testing we need," he said.&nbsp;

"There is going to be extensive testing. It must be available on wide-scale basis without obstructing local needs."

<h2>- Border snag -</h2>

Although three Canadian cities are in the running, Bettman later told reporters that unless Canada lifts mandatory 14-day quarantine rules, the NHL will not be heading north of the US border.

"We don't need to make a decision today.&nbsp;We'll probably need to make one in three to four weeks, and at that point we would be able to better evaluate how COVID‑19 is in a particular place," Bettman said.&nbsp;

He reiterated earlier reports that the playoff format would begin with best-of-five series, but the Stanley Cup final would be the traditional best-of-seven.

"We anticipate playing into the late summer and early fall," he said.

Under the proposed schedule, the top four seeds in each conference would play a round robin tournament for first-round seedings.

The top four seeds in the Eastern Conference hub city would be the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers.&nbsp;

The top four Western Conference teams would be the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars.&nbsp;

The other 16 teams in both conferences would play in a best-of-five first round.&nbsp;

The rest of the bracketed playoff format for the Eastern Conference would have Pittsburgh (5) vs. Montreal (12), Carolina (six) vs. New York Rangers (11), the New York Islanders (seven) vs. Florida (10) and Toronto (eight) vs. Columbus (nine).

The Western matchups are Edmonton (5) vs. Chicago (12), Nashville (six) vs. Arizona (11), Vancouver (seven) vs. Minnesota (10) and Calgary (eight) vs. Winnipeg (nine).

Games will be played behind closed doors without fans in the buildings.&nbsp;

While the players and the NHL have agreed on a format, the NHL Players' Association has not formally approved any actual return to finish the season.

Bettman said the league and clubs will combine to spend millions of dollars conducting up to 30,000 tests for the players, coaches, officials and staff.

"You just do the math," he said. "Our medical advisors tell us that by the time we are doing this over the summer, it will be a relatively insignificant number relative to the number of tests that will be available."

The National Hockey League announced Tuesday it will abandon the rest of the regular season and proceed directly to a 24-team playoff staged in two hub cities. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the revised schedule would "produce a worthy Stanley Cup champion" after a season that has been put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic.

The National Hockey League announced Tuesday it will abandon the rest of the regular season and proceed directly to a 24-team playoff staged in two hub cities. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the revised schedule would "produce a worthy Stanley Cup champion" after a season that has been put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic. However Bettman offered no fixed date on when play would resume, while the two cities due to host the playoffs were also yet to be decided. Formal training camps won't open until July 1 at the earliest, he added. The NHL season has been on pause since March 12 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and all players currently remain under league-mandated quarantine. Bettman said 10 cities are in the running for the two hub centers, including seven from the US: Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh. The three Canadian cities are Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton. Bettman said the league had drawn up a long-list of candidate cities in order to retain scheduling flexibility. "We didn't want to get locked in. We don't want to go to a place where there is a lot of COVID-19 or we don't want to go to a place where we can't get the testing we need," he said. "There is going to be extensive testing. It must be available on wide-scale basis without obstructing local needs." - Border snag - Although three Canadian cities are in the running, Bettman later told reporters that unless Canada lifts mandatory 14-day quarantine rules, the NHL will not be heading north of the US border. "We don't need to make a decision today. We'll probably need to make one in three to four weeks, and at that point we would be able to better evaluate how COVID‑19 is in a particular place," Bettman said. He reiterated earlier reports that the playoff format would begin with best-of-five series, but the Stanley Cup final would be the traditional best-of-seven. "We anticipate playing into the late summer and early fall," he said. Under the proposed schedule, the top four seeds in each conference would play a round robin tournament for first-round seedings. The top four seeds in the Eastern Conference hub city would be the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers. The top four Western Conference teams would be the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars. The other 16 teams in both conferences would play in a best-of-five first round. The rest of the bracketed playoff format for the Eastern Conference would have Pittsburgh (5) vs. Montreal (12), Carolina (six) vs. New York Rangers (11), the New York Islanders (seven) vs. Florida (10) and Toronto (eight) vs. Columbus (nine). The Western matchups are Edmonton (5) vs. Chicago (12), Nashville (six) vs. Arizona (11), Vancouver (seven) vs. Minnesota (10) and Calgary (eight) vs. Winnipeg (nine). Games will be played behind closed doors without fans in the buildings. While the players and the NHL have agreed on a format, the NHL Players' Association has not formally approved any actual return to finish the season. Bettman said the league and clubs will combine to spend millions of dollars conducting up to 30,000 tests for the players, coaches, officials and staff. "You just do the math," he said. "Our medical advisors tell us that by the time we are doing this over the summer, it will be a relatively insignificant number relative to the number of tests that will be available."

NHL to restart with 24-team playoff in two hub cities

Joshua Kimmich described his winning goal as "brutally important" after Bayern Munich took a huge step towards an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday with a 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund to leave them seven points clear at the top with just six games left.

Kimmich's brilliant effort came just before half-time behind closed doors at Signal Iduna Park as hosts Dortmund missed the chance to turn up the heat on the Bavarians without the backing of their huge support.

"It was brutally important: I looked around to see if everyone understood how important it was," Kimmich said of his deft chip.

Kimmich's captain Manuel Neuer echoed the defensive midfielder's thoughts.

"That was a very important sign," said Neuer.

Bayern won 4-0 when the teams met in Munich in November and they kept up their excellent recent record against second-placed Dortmund.

"Now only Bayern can decide what happens," said frustrated Dortmund captain Mats Hummels.

"Sometimes, games are decided by brilliant moments and that was the case today."

Dortmund's star teenage striker, Erling Braut Haaland, who had scored ten goals in as many league games, failed to make an impact against Bayern's watertight defence before going off injured in the second half.

Jerome Boateng and David Alaba gave him no room, while Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in midfield made sure passes intended for him rarely met their mark. The Norway forward limped off with 20 minutes left after a heavy tackle from Boateng.

<h2>- Cleared chances -</h2>

Things might have been different, with Haaland coming close inside the first minute with an attempt that went through the legs of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer but was kicked off the line by Boateng.

At the other end, Lukasz Piszczek cleared a Serge Gnabry shot inches from the line, while moments later Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Buerki denied Kingsley Coman.

Bayern were in control, and Kimmich grabbed what proved to be the winner two minutes before half-time when he chipped Buerki from 20 yards.

It was the Germany international's third league goal from outside the box this season.

In an attempt to turn the game around, Dortmund coach Lucien Favre brought on midfield enforcer Emre Can at the start of the second half and added the pace of Jadon Sancho on the wing.

The home side had a shout for a penalty just before the hour mark when a Haaland shot was deflected wide by the arm of Boateng, but nothing was given.

Shortly after, Haaland limped off to be replaced by 17-year-old Giovanni Reyna.

In the dying stages, Favre brought on 2014 World Cup winner Mario Goetze, who is out of contract next month and set to leave, in the vain hope of grabbing an equaliser.

With time running out, Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski hit the post.

The league's top scorer then had a strong appeal for a late penalty waved away after a push in the area by Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji.

But the roars of celebration at the end came from the Bayern bench and echoed around the near-empty stadium.

<h2>- Leverkusen crash -</h2>

Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen dropped to fifth after being routed 4-1 at home by Wolfsburg, whose defender Marin Pongracic claimed two goals.

It was a shock defeat at home for Peter Bosz-coached Leverkusen who had won their previous 12 games.&nbsp;

Borussia Moenchengladbach climbed over Leverkusen into fourth with a goalless draw at second-from-bottom Werder Bremen, who are two points from safety.

Eintracht Frankfurt took a point at home in a 3-3 draw with Freiburg thanks to late goals by Timothy Chandler and Japan striker Daichi Kamada.

Third-placed RB Leipzig can draw level on points with Dortmund if they win on Wednesday at home to Hertha Berlin, who have won both games so far under new head coach Bruno Labbadia.

Leipzig will be without Danish striker Yussuf Poulsen, who is set to miss the rest of the season with injury.

Joshua Kimmich described his winning goal as "brutally important" after Bayern Munich took a huge step towards an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday with a 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund to leave them seven points clear at the top with just six games left.

Joshua Kimmich described his winning goal as "brutally important" after Bayern Munich took a huge step towards an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday with a 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund to leave them seven points clear at the top with just six games left. Kimmich's brilliant effort came just before half-time behind closed doors at Signal Iduna Park as hosts Dortmund missed the chance to turn up the heat on the Bavarians without the backing of their huge support. "It was brutally important: I looked around to see if everyone understood how important it was," Kimmich said of his deft chip. Kimmich's captain Manuel Neuer echoed the defensive midfielder's thoughts. "That was a very important sign," said Neuer. Bayern won 4-0 when the teams met in Munich in November and they kept up their excellent recent record against second-placed Dortmund. "Now only Bayern can decide what happens," said frustrated Dortmund captain Mats Hummels. "Sometimes, games are decided by brilliant moments and that was the case today." Dortmund's star teenage striker, Erling Braut Haaland, who had scored ten goals in as many league games, failed to make an impact against Bayern's watertight defence before going off injured in the second half. Jerome Boateng and David Alaba gave him no room, while Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in midfield made sure passes intended for him rarely met their mark. The Norway forward limped off with 20 minutes left after a heavy tackle from Boateng. - Cleared chances - Things might have been different, with Haaland coming close inside the first minute with an attempt that went through the legs of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer but was kicked off the line by Boateng. At the other end, Lukasz Piszczek cleared a Serge Gnabry shot inches from the line, while moments later Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Buerki denied Kingsley Coman. Bayern were in control, and Kimmich grabbed what proved to be the winner two minutes before half-time when he chipped Buerki from 20 yards. It was the Germany international's third league goal from outside the box this season. In an attempt to turn the game around, Dortmund coach Lucien Favre brought on midfield enforcer Emre Can at the start of the second half and added the pace of Jadon Sancho on the wing. The home side had a shout for a penalty just before the hour mark when a Haaland shot was deflected wide by the arm of Boateng, but nothing was given. Shortly after, Haaland limped off to be replaced by 17-year-old Giovanni Reyna. In the dying stages, Favre brought on 2014 World Cup winner Mario Goetze, who is out of contract next month and set to leave, in the vain hope of grabbing an equaliser. With time running out, Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski hit the post. The league's top scorer then had a strong appeal for a late penalty waved away after a push in the area by Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji. But the roars of celebration at the end came from the Bayern bench and echoed around the near-empty stadium. - Leverkusen crash - Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen dropped to fifth after being routed 4-1 at home by Wolfsburg, whose defender Marin Pongracic claimed two goals. It was a shock defeat at home for Peter Bosz-coached Leverkusen who had won their previous 12 games. Borussia Moenchengladbach climbed over Leverkusen into fourth with a goalless draw at second-from-bottom Werder Bremen, who are two points from safety. Eintracht Frankfurt took a point at home in a 3-3 draw with Freiburg thanks to late goals by Timothy Chandler and Japan striker Daichi Kamada. Third-placed RB Leipzig can draw level on points with Dortmund if they win on Wednesday at home to Hertha Berlin, who have won both games so far under new head coach Bruno Labbadia. Leipzig will be without Danish striker Yussuf Poulsen, who is set to miss the rest of the season with injury.

Bayern Munich down Dortmund to close on Bundesliga title

One of world football's fastest-rising young stars goes head-to-head with one of its most accomplished goalscorers on Tuesday as Erling Braut Haaland and Robert Lewandowski face off for the first time.

Borussia Dortmund host Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich in a top-of-the-table clash which will see 19-year-old Haaland and the man 12 years his senior both try to maintain remarkable runs of form.

Both players have scored exactly 41 goals in 35 matches in all competitions this season, although Haaland only joined Dortmund in January from Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg.

Bayern coach Hansi Flick, whose side are four points clear of Dortmund, believes close comparisons between the two are premature, but acknowledged Haaland's obvious ability.

"Haaland is in his first season... Robert has been evolving for several years at the top level," he said. "But Haaland has huge talent."

Before the Champions League was suspended in March due to the coronavirus, Haaland was second only to Lewandowski in the competition's goalscoring charts, one behind the Pole's tally of 11.

Lewandowski's haul included four goals in just 14 second-half minutes during a 6-0 group-stage rout of Red Star Belgrade last November, bringing back memories of his astonishing five goals in nine minutes against Wolfsburg in 2015.

Haaland scored eight goals for Salzburg in the group stage and two for Dortmund in their last-16 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain.

Lewandowski has netted 27 goals in 25 Bundesliga matches and is on track to be crowned the league's top-scorer for the fifth time in 10 seasons.

Haaland has netted 10 league goals in as many games but his ratio -- a goal every 69 minutes -- is even better than Lewandowski's 82 minutes.

<h2>- Discreet off the pitch -</h2>

Both Haaland and Lewandowski are discreet about their lives off the pitch and appear happier to let their goalscoring feats speak for themselves.

"He's one of those guys who's really into training," Dortmund defender Mats Hummels said of Haaland, who has a habit of giving short answers in interviews.

"I like the way he approaches work at his age," Hummels added.

Lewandowski is known for preferring to spend time in the gym rather than on the red carpet.

"In his head, he thinks about the right food, sleep and training: 24 hours a day," former Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said.

"He is always there, never injured, because he focuses on these things."

That focus perhaps allows the pair to be so ruthless in front of goal.

In January, Haaland became the first player to score a hat-trick as a substitute on their Bundesliga debut, and was also the third-youngest player, behind Wayne Rooney and Raul, to score a Champions League treble, aged 19 years and 58 days, last September.

Lewandowski is also remembered for some jaw-dropping individual performances among a career built on consistent goalscoring.

He set multiple records with his remarkable burst against Wolfsburg five years ago and also scored four goals when a Dortmund player in the 2013 Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.

Like Haaland, Lewandowski's first major European club was Dortmund, who he joined as a raw 20-year-old in 2010 from Polish side Lech Poznan for a fee of 4.5 million euros ($4.9 million).

He also wasted little time in breaking into the side and helped Dortmund win the 2011 and 2012 Bundesliga titles under Jurgen Klopp. He memorably scored a hat-trick against future employers Bayern in a 5-2 German Cup final thrashing in 2012.

Haaland has taken to life in Dortmund even more quickly than Lewandowski, though, scoring 13 goals in his first 13 games for the club, including the first goal of the resumed season in a 4-0 win against Schalke.

In contrast, Lewandowski could only manage nine goals in 43 appearances in his debut season in 2010/11.

The teenager has plenty still to do to emulate his older counterpart, though, as the Bayern star has since scored 326 club goals across the following nine campaigns.

But Lewandowski himself thinks Haaland could keep up his incredible form.

"Haaland has huge potential, but also time," he said. "If he works hard, he can become a better player and reach the top level."

One of world football's fastest-rising young stars goes head-to-head with one of its most accomplished goalscorers on Tuesday as Erling Braut Haaland and Robert Lewandowski face off for the first time.

One of world football's fastest-rising young stars goes head-to-head with one of its most accomplished goalscorers on Tuesday as Erling Braut Haaland and Robert Lewandowski face off for the first time. Borussia Dortmund host Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich in a top-of-the-table clash which will see 19-year-old Haaland and the man 12 years his senior both try to maintain remarkable runs of form. Both players have scored exactly 41 goals in 35 matches in all competitions this season, although Haaland only joined Dortmund in January from Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg. Bayern coach Hansi Flick, whose side are four points clear of Dortmund, believes close comparisons between the two are premature, but acknowledged Haaland's obvious ability. "Haaland is in his first season... Robert has been evolving for several years at the top level," he said. "But Haaland has huge talent." Before the Champions League was suspended in March due to the coronavirus, Haaland was second only to Lewandowski in the competition's goalscoring charts, one behind the Pole's tally of 11. Lewandowski's haul included four goals in just 14 second-half minutes during a 6-0 group-stage rout of Red Star Belgrade last November, bringing back memories of his astonishing five goals in nine minutes against Wolfsburg in 2015. Haaland scored eight goals for Salzburg in the group stage and two for Dortmund in their last-16 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain. Lewandowski has netted 27 goals in 25 Bundesliga matches and is on track to be crowned the league's top-scorer for the fifth time in 10 seasons. Haaland has netted 10 league goals in as many games but his ratio -- a goal every 69 minutes -- is even better than Lewandowski's 82 minutes. - Discreet off the pitch - Both Haaland and Lewandowski are discreet about their lives off the pitch and appear happier to let their goalscoring feats speak for themselves. "He's one of those guys who's really into training," Dortmund defender Mats Hummels said of Haaland, who has a habit of giving short answers in interviews. "I like the way he approaches work at his age," Hummels added. Lewandowski is known for preferring to spend time in the gym rather than on the red carpet. "In his head, he thinks about the right food, sleep and training: 24 hours a day," former Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said. "He is always there, never injured, because he focuses on these things." That focus perhaps allows the pair to be so ruthless in front of goal. In January, Haaland became the first player to score a hat-trick as a substitute on their Bundesliga debut, and was also the third-youngest player, behind Wayne Rooney and Raul, to score a Champions League treble, aged 19 years and 58 days, last September. Lewandowski is also remembered for some jaw-dropping individual performances among a career built on consistent goalscoring. He set multiple records with his remarkable burst against Wolfsburg five years ago and also scored four goals when a Dortmund player in the 2013 Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid. Like Haaland, Lewandowski's first major European club was Dortmund, who he joined as a raw 20-year-old in 2010 from Polish side Lech Poznan for a fee of 4.5 million euros ($4.9 million). He also wasted little time in breaking into the side and helped Dortmund win the 2011 and 2012 Bundesliga titles under Jurgen Klopp. He memorably scored a hat-trick against future employers Bayern in a 5-2 German Cup final thrashing in 2012. Haaland has taken to life in Dortmund even more quickly than Lewandowski, though, scoring 13 goals in his first 13 games for the club, including the first goal of the resumed season in a 4-0 win against Schalke. In contrast, Lewandowski could only manage nine goals in 43 appearances in his debut season in 2010/11. The teenager has plenty still to do to emulate his older counterpart, though, as the Bayern star has since scored 326 club goals across the following nine campaigns. But Lewandowski himself thinks Haaland could keep up his incredible form. "Haaland has huge potential, but also time," he said. "If he works hard, he can become a better player and reach the top level."

Young pretender Haaland takes on master Lewandowski for first time

Lyon will challenge the decision to end the Ligue 1 season early because of the coronavirus pandemic before the Council of State, France's highest administrative court, a club source told AFP on Monday.

The club criticised the April 30 ruling made by the French league (LFP) to declare the season over following an announcement by the government that football could not restart because of the health crisis.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas also wrote a letter Monday to France's prime minister and sports minister urging them to reconsider the decision, with the government expected to announce next week a further loosening of the lockdown.

"Could we imagine that 2 June is also a great opportunity to rectify the mistake concerning French football and to allow, with a health protocol used everywhere, a gradual resumption of training and, why not, a resumption of the 2019-20 season over the months of July or August?" Aulas said.

Lyon, who have reached this season's Champions League last 16, were left seventh in the standings and outside the European qualification places when the season was halted.

An administrative court in Paris has already rejected an appeal from the club.

The judge of the Paris administrative court "has logically retained... that the decisions taken by the league's board of directors on April 30 could only be challenged before the Council of State," the LFP said in a statement on Friday.

Lyon took objection to the LFP expressing satisfaction at the decision, replying via a statement of their own that "the administrative tribunal did not rule on the merits of the case".

"It in no way changes the nature and the basis of the action brought" by the club, Lyon said, warning they would take the matter to the Council of State on Monday.

Amiens, who are contesting their relegation to Ligue 2 and whose initial appeal was also turned down last week by the Paris court, indicated their plans to turn to the Council of State as well.

Lyon will challenge the decision to end the Ligue 1 season early because of the coronavirus pandemic before the Council of State, France's highest administrative court, a club source told AFP on Monday.

Lyon will challenge the decision to end the Ligue 1 season early because of the coronavirus pandemic before the Council of State, France's highest administrative court, a club source told AFP on Monday. The club criticised the April 30 ruling made by the French league (LFP) to declare the season over following an announcement by the government that football could not restart because of the health crisis. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas also wrote a letter Monday to France's prime minister and sports minister urging them to reconsider the decision, with the government expected to announce next week a further loosening of the lockdown. "Could we imagine that 2 June is also a great opportunity to rectify the mistake concerning French football and to allow, with a health protocol used everywhere, a gradual resumption of training and, why not, a resumption of the 2019-20 season over the months of July or August?" Aulas said. Lyon, who have reached this season's Champions League last 16, were left seventh in the standings and outside the European qualification places when the season was halted. An administrative court in Paris has already rejected an appeal from the club. The judge of the Paris administrative court "has logically retained... that the decisions taken by the league's board of directors on April 30 could only be challenged before the Council of State," the LFP said in a statement on Friday. Lyon took objection to the LFP expressing satisfaction at the decision, replying via a statement of their own that "the administrative tribunal did not rule on the merits of the case". "It in no way changes the nature and the basis of the action brought" by the club, Lyon said, warning they would take the matter to the Council of State on Monday. Amiens, who are contesting their relegation to Ligue 2 and whose initial appeal was also turned down last week by the Paris court, indicated their plans to turn to the Council of State as well.

Lyon take Ligue 1 appeal to Council of State

International cricket is on the verge of returning back to life with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) planning to host West Indies and Pakistan for a three-match Test series in July and August respectively. While ICC released guidelines in a bid to resume cricket, ECB is looking to create ‘bio-secure bubble’ for players to ensure safety and well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid has questioned the planning by ECB as the batting legend feels it would be impossible to follow the proposed 'bio-secure bubble plans' due to the hectic calendar in the world of cricket.&nbsp;

"It is a bit unrealistic to have things at the level the ECB is talking about. Obviously, the ECB is very keen to conduct these series because they have had no other cricket and it is right in the middle of the season. Even if they are potentially able to create a bubble and manage it in that way, I think it will be impossible for everyone to do it with the kind of calendar that we have, with the travelling that you do on tours and the number of people involved," Dravid said during webinar conducted in support of NGO, YUVA.

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Dravid further questioned the fate of a Test series or a tournament if a player tests positive in between a match in the longest format of the game. Dravid said the current rules will see the Public Health Department intervening and putting everyone in quarantine as the stalwart said everyone will need to work out a proper plan so the whole Test match or a tournament don’t get cancelled.&nbsp;

"All of us are hoping that things will evolve with time and get better once we have better medication. In case of the bio-bubble, you do all the testing, the quarantine and then on day two of the Test match, what if one player tests positive? What happens then? The rules, as they stand now, will see the Public Health Department coming in and putting everyone in quarantine,” Dravid asserted.

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"So that ends the Test match or the series and that ends all the expenses that were made to get everyone there and create that environment. We're going to have to work with the Health Department and Government authorities to find out a way in which even if a player tests positive, the whole tournament isn't cancelled," Dravid who currently heads the National Cricket Academy pointed out. 
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International cricket is on the verge of returning back to life with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) planning to host West Indies and Pakistan for a three-match Test series in July and August respectively.

International cricket is on the verge of returning back to life with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) planning to host West Indies and Pakistan for a three-match Test series in July and August respectively. While ICC released guidelines in a bid to resume cricket, ECB is looking to create ‘bio-secure bubble’ for players to ensure safety and well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid has questioned the planning by ECB as the batting legend feels it would be impossible to follow the proposed 'bio-secure bubble plans' due to the hectic calendar in the world of cricket. "It is a bit unrealistic to have things at the level the ECB is talking about. Obviously, the ECB is very keen to conduct these series because they have had no other cricket and it is right in the middle of the season. Even if they are potentially able to create a bubble and manage it in that way, I think it will be impossible for everyone to do it with the kind of calendar that we have, with the travelling that you do on tours and the number of people involved," Dravid said during webinar conducted in support of NGO, YUVA. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka Cricket planning to suspend drug-charged Shehan Madushanka's contract Dravid further questioned the fate of a Test series or a tournament if a player tests positive in between a match in the longest format of the game. Dravid said the current rules will see the Public Health Department intervening and putting everyone in quarantine as the stalwart said everyone will need to work out a proper plan so the whole Test match or a tournament don’t get cancelled. "All of us are hoping that things will evolve with time and get better once we have better medication. In case of the bio-bubble, you do all the testing, the quarantine and then on day two of the Test match, what if one player tests positive? What happens then? The rules, as they stand now, will see the Public Health Department coming in and putting everyone in quarantine,” Dravid asserted. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Fine with saliva ban, matches behind closed doors as it is for everyone's safety: Navdeep Saini "So that ends the Test match or the series and that ends all the expenses that were made to get everyone there and create that environment. We're going to have to work with the Health Department and Government authorities to find out a way in which even if a player tests positive, the whole tournament isn't cancelled," Dravid who currently heads the National Cricket Academy pointed out.

"What if a player tests positive in between a series or match?" - Rahul Dravid asks for better resumption strategy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has “successfully finished” cricket in the last decade and brought the gentlemen’s game down to its knees, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar said while launching a scathing attack on cricket’s global body.

Akhtar expressed his anguish at batting-friendly conditions in the limited-overs format, which has heavily favoured the batters of late. &nbsp;

"Can I tell you something bluntly? They (ICC) are finishing the cricket. I am openly saying that in last 10 years, ICC has successfully finished cricket, and I would say job well-done guys. Jo socha thaa apne woh kiya (You did what you intended to)," Akhtar told Manjrekar in a chat for ESPNCricinfo.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-suspends-shehan-madushanka-after-heroin-arrest-301148" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka suspends Shehan Madushanka after heroin arrest</a>

Akhtar is also of the view that the number of bouncers per over should be increased with two new balls and only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the better part of an ODI match as he rued contests like Sachin Tendulkar vs Shoaib Akhtar has been missing from cricket for a long time.

"I have been saying repeatedly that change bouncer rule (one per over). You have two new balls and four fielders outside. Please ask ICC whether, in the last 10 years, quality of cricket has gone up or gone down. Where are those Sachin versus Shoaib contests?"

On Tendulkar, Akhtar said he never got aggressive against the Master Blaster as they shared immense respect.&nbsp;

"But yes, I would try to outthink him. Like in the 2006 tour of Pakistan, I knew he had tennis elbow problems and he can't hook or pull me, so I bowled a barrage of bouncers to keep him quiet," Akhtar said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-if-a-player-tests-positive-in-between-a-series-or-match-rahul-dravid-asks-for-better-resumption-stategy-301091" hreflang="en">"What if a player tests positive in between a series or match?" - Rahul Dravid asks for better resumption stategy</a>

Akthar further said that he should be working in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a bid to produce tearaway fast bowlers for the country.&nbsp;

"People like me should have been in PCB and I would have produced fast bowlers. Fast bowlers should be like leopards which would hunt down its prey.

"I would have produced 12 fast bowlers and prepared them on every aspect, technique, mannerism, studies, diet, what to do with the body.

"I would have built a complete brand. You don't get fast bowlers from people who are by nature ghulaam (subservient)." 
&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has “successfully finished” cricket in the last decade and brought the gentlemen’s game down to its knees, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar said while launching a scathing attack on cricket’s global body.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has “successfully finished” cricket in the last decade and brought the gentlemen’s game down to its knees, former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar said while launching a scathing attack on cricket’s global body. Akhtar expressed his anguish at batting-friendly conditions in the limited-overs format, which has heavily favoured the batters of late. "Can I tell you something bluntly? They (ICC) are finishing the cricket. I am openly saying that in last 10 years, ICC has successfully finished cricket, and I would say job well-done guys. Jo socha thaa apne woh kiya (You did what you intended to)," Akhtar told Manjrekar in a chat for ESPNCricinfo. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka suspends Shehan Madushanka after heroin arrest Akhtar is also of the view that the number of bouncers per over should be increased with two new balls and only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the better part of an ODI match as he rued contests like Sachin Tendulkar vs Shoaib Akhtar has been missing from cricket for a long time. "I have been saying repeatedly that change bouncer rule (one per over). You have two new balls and four fielders outside. Please ask ICC whether, in the last 10 years, quality of cricket has gone up or gone down. Where are those Sachin versus Shoaib contests?" On Tendulkar, Akhtar said he never got aggressive against the Master Blaster as they shared immense respect. "But yes, I would try to outthink him. Like in the 2006 tour of Pakistan, I knew he had tennis elbow problems and he can't hook or pull me, so I bowled a barrage of bouncers to keep him quiet," Akhtar said. ALSO READ: "What if a player tests positive in between a series or match?" - Rahul Dravid asks for better resumption stategy Akthar further said that he should be working in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a bid to produce tearaway fast bowlers for the country. "People like me should have been in PCB and I would have produced fast bowlers. Fast bowlers should be like leopards which would hunt down its prey. "I would have produced 12 fast bowlers and prepared them on every aspect, technique, mannerism, studies, diet, what to do with the body. "I would have built a complete brand. You don't get fast bowlers from people who are by nature ghulaam (subservient)."

ICC has 'successfully finished' cricket in last 10 years: Shoaib Akhtar

Sri Lanka's cricket board Tuesday suspended pace bowler Shehan Madushanka from all forms of the game, two days after he was arrested allegedly in possession of heroin.

The right-arm bowler was stopped while driving with another person in a car on Sunday and found to have two grams of the drug, police said.

He took a hat-trick against Bangladesh on his one-day international debut in January 2018. He also played two T20 matches against Bangladesh in 2018, but has not played an international since due to injuries.

Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan de Silva said they suspended the 25-year-old pending an internal disciplinary inquiry. He was remanded into custody on Monday.

"We have suspended him with immediate effect and he also cannot take part in any form of the game," de Silva said.

Sri Lanka's cricket board Tuesday suspended pace bowler Shehan Madushanka from all forms of the game, two days after he was arrested allegedly in possession of heroin.

Sri Lanka's cricket board Tuesday suspended pace bowler Shehan Madushanka from all forms of the game, two days after he was arrested allegedly in possession of heroin. The right-arm bowler was stopped while driving with another person in a car on Sunday and found to have two grams of the drug, police said. He took a hat-trick against Bangladesh on his one-day international debut in January 2018. He also played two T20 matches against Bangladesh in 2018, but has not played an international since due to injuries. Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Mohan de Silva said they suspended the 25-year-old pending an internal disciplinary inquiry. He was remanded into custody on Monday. "We have suspended him with immediate effect and he also cannot take part in any form of the game," de Silva said.

Sri Lanka suspends Shehan Madushanka after heroin arrest

In what is being tipped as a possible showdown of Bundesliga 2019-20 season, second-placed Borussia Dortmund are set to host league leaders&nbsp;Bayern Munich at the iconic Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday. The top of the table clash, which is expected to garner a worldwide audience, will determine whether Bayern Munich extend their lead or Dortmund close the four-point gap in the German top-flight league.&nbsp;

Bayern Munich last lost a match in December 2019 and are on a 17-match run without a defeat whereas Dortmund have lost just a single match in their last eight in all competitions. The much-talked-about Der Klassiker will also be a face-off between two of the hottest strikers in world football – Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland. While Lewandowski has a stellar record in Der Klassiker, this will be Haaland’s first game against Bayern Munich while playing for Borussia Dortmund.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bournemouths-aaron-ramsdale-shocked-by-coronavirus-diagnosis-301134" hreflang="en">Bournemouth's Aaron Ramsdale shocked by coronavirus diagnosis</a>

<img alt="Lewandowski vs Haaland" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3034977-5eb1-46c2-8bfd-c480f1b3a89c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1S92X1.jpg" />

Bayern Munich’s away record has been splendid, to say the least with the Bavarians losing just two matches while drawing as many and winning nine while scoring 2.85 goals on average per game. In away matches, Bayern Munich have the tendency of scoring early goals and nearly a third of their away goals have come in the opening 15 minutes (12 out of 37).

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usain-bolt-savagely-replies-after-fan-challenges-him-to-break-his-own-world-record-in-next-olympics-301109" hreflang="en">Usain Bolt savagely replies after fan challenges him to break his own world record in next Olympics</a>

Hence, Dortmund will need to keep a close eye on their attackers, especially in the opening minutes of the game. 
Interestingly, the team to score first has lost three of the last four matches in Signal Iduna Park. Moreover, Dortmund have scored in each of their last 38 home games and playing matches behind closed doors hasn’t affected their form much.

Bayern are currently atop the Bundesliga table with 41 points off 27 matches with four defeats and as many draws. Whereas, Dortmund are a close second with 51 points in 27 matches including 17 victories, six draws and four defeats. 
&nbsp;

In what is being tipped as a possible showdown of Bundesliga 2019-20 season, second-placed Borussia Dortmund are set to host league leaders Bayern Munich at the iconic Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday.

In what is being tipped as a possible showdown of Bundesliga 2019-20 season, second-placed Borussia Dortmund are set to host league leaders Bayern Munich at the iconic Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday. The top of the table clash, which is expected to garner a worldwide audience, will determine whether Bayern Munich extend their lead or Dortmund close the four-point gap in the German top-flight league. Bayern Munich last lost a match in December 2019 and are on a 17-match run without a defeat whereas Dortmund have lost just a single match in their last eight in all competitions. The much-talked-about Der Klassiker will also be a face-off between two of the hottest strikers in world football – Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland. While Lewandowski has a stellar record in Der Klassiker, this will be Haaland’s first game against Bayern Munich while playing for Borussia Dortmund. ALSO READ: Bournemouth's Aaron Ramsdale shocked by coronavirus diagnosis Bayern Munich’s away record has been splendid, to say the least with the Bavarians losing just two matches while drawing as many and winning nine while scoring 2.85 goals on average per game. In away matches, Bayern Munich have the tendency of scoring early goals and nearly a third of their away goals have come in the opening 15 minutes (12 out of 37). ALSO READ: Usain Bolt savagely replies after fan challenges him to break his own world record in next Olympics Hence, Dortmund will need to keep a close eye on their attackers, especially in the opening minutes of the game. Interestingly, the team to score first has lost three of the last four matches in Signal Iduna Park. Moreover, Dortmund have scored in each of their last 38 home games and playing matches behind closed doors hasn’t affected their form much. Bayern are currently atop the Bundesliga table with 41 points off 27 matches with four defeats and as many draws. Whereas, Dortmund are a close second with 51 points in 27 matches including 17 victories, six draws and four defeats.

Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich, Der Klassiker, Preview: Top of table clash set to grip Bundesliga

Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale described finding out he had tested positive for coronavirus as "scary and worrying", despite displaying no symptoms.

The England under-21 international was one of two positive cases from the second round of testing carried out by Premier League clubs as they gear up for a return to action next month.

"It's definitely a shock -- I've not been in contact with anybody and I've now got it," Ramsdale told The Sun.

"I'm showing no symptoms so the fact that a healthy young person could potentially have it is definitely scary and worrying."

Ramsdale tested negative in the first round of testing and believes he must have contracted the virus while shopping.

"This last week, I've done the usual things like going to the supermarket and going to the petrol station to fill my car.

"Once you've contracted the virus, it shows in your blood.

"That was obviously not the case (after the first test) and it's been the three days between the two tests when I've contracted the virus.

"I've been just as careful as before on lockdown and it seems to be a shopping trip where I've caught it."

A total of eight cases of coronavirus among players and staff have been detected from 1,744 tests in the Premier League.

Results from a third round of testing will be revealed on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, captains and representatives of players and coaches will meet with the league later on Tuesday to discuss protocols on a return to contact training.

England's top-flight clubs will vote on proposals for a phased return to full training on Wednesday after new government guidelines cleared the way for "close contact" training.

Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale described finding out he had tested positive for coronavirus as "scary and worrying", despite displaying no symptoms. The England under-21 international was one of two positive cases from the second round of testing carried out by Premier League clubs as they gear up for a return to action next month.

Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale described finding out he had tested positive for coronavirus as "scary and worrying", despite displaying no symptoms. The England under-21 international was one of two positive cases from the second round of testing carried out by Premier League clubs as they gear up for a return to action next month. "It's definitely a shock -- I've not been in contact with anybody and I've now got it," Ramsdale told The Sun. "I'm showing no symptoms so the fact that a healthy young person could potentially have it is definitely scary and worrying." Ramsdale tested negative in the first round of testing and believes he must have contracted the virus while shopping. "This last week, I've done the usual things like going to the supermarket and going to the petrol station to fill my car. "Once you've contracted the virus, it shows in your blood. "That was obviously not the case (after the first test) and it's been the three days between the two tests when I've contracted the virus. "I've been just as careful as before on lockdown and it seems to be a shopping trip where I've caught it." A total of eight cases of coronavirus among players and staff have been detected from 1,744 tests in the Premier League. Results from a third round of testing will be revealed on Wednesday. Meanwhile, captains and representatives of players and coaches will meet with the league later on Tuesday to discuss protocols on a return to contact training. England's top-flight clubs will vote on proposals for a phased return to full training on Wednesday after new government guidelines cleared the way for "close contact" training.

Bournemouth's Aaron Ramsdale shocked by coronavirus diagnosis

Usain Bolt is regarded as one of the all-time great athletes to have participated in the Olympics. The former Jamaican sprinter, who is also the world record holder in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 × 100 metres relay, sparked comeback rumours after a fan challenged Bolt to make a return in the next Olympics and beat his world record. Surprisingly, Bolt replied to the social media user sending his fans and followers into a frenzy.&nbsp;

“I dare @usainbolt to go back to the next Olympics and beat his WR. Bet he can’t do it,” tweeted a fan to which Bolt replied: “How much u betting?”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-suspends-haiti-football-chief-accused-of-rape-301073" hreflang="en">FIFA suspends Haiti football chief accused of rape</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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I dare <a href="https://twitter.com/usainbolt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usainbolt</a> to go back to the next olympics and beat his WR. Bet he can’t do it
— Cian (@mzfitz_child) <a href="https://twitter.com/mzfitz_child/status/1264994984266268673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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How much u betting? <a href="https://t.co/29qIKz0ba4">https://t.co/29qIKz0ba4</a>
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) <a href="https://twitter.com/usainbolt/status/1265011561753649158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, after looking at the phenomenal response to his tweet, Bolt followed up with another post in which he hilariously asked his fans whether they really want him to see on the massage table.

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My peeps you all really want me to be that guy living on massage table <a href="https://t.co/WajF09Jrco">https://t.co/WajF09Jrco</a>
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) <a href="https://twitter.com/usainbolt/status/1265023835558023171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Bolt’s reply has garnered a lot of raised eyebrows with thousands of retweets with fans requesting Bolt to come back and give it another go in the grandest stage of them all.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/young-pretender-haaland-takes-on-master-lewandowski-for-first-time-301080" hreflang="en">Young pretender Haaland takes on master Lewandowski for first time</a>

Heading into the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Bolt was already the fastest man on earth after finishing 100m race in just 9.72 seconds. He surpassed every record by clocking 9.69 in the quadrennial event.

As per experts, Bolt could have clocked 9.55 had he continued with the same speed and not slow down to showboat in the race.

In the 2012 London Olympics, Bolt finished the 100m race in just 9.64 seconds which not only gave him a gold medal but also made him immortal. 
&nbsp; 
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Usain Bolt is regarded as one of the all-time great athletes to have participated in the Olympics. The former Jamaican sprinter, who is also the world record holder in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 × 100 metres relay, sparked comeback rumours after a fan challenged Bolt to make a return in the next Olympics and beat his world record.

Usain Bolt is regarded as one of the all-time great athletes to have participated in the Olympics. The former Jamaican sprinter, who is also the world record holder in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 × 100 metres relay, sparked comeback rumours after a fan challenged Bolt to make a return in the next Olympics and beat his world record. Surprisingly, Bolt replied to the social media user sending his fans and followers into a frenzy. “I dare @usainbolt to go back to the next Olympics and beat his WR. Bet he can’t do it,” tweeted a fan to which Bolt replied: “How much u betting?” ALSO READ: FIFA suspends Haiti football chief accused of rape I dare @usainbolt to go back to the next olympics and beat his WR. Bet he can’t do it — Cian (@mzfitz_child) May 25, 2020 × How much u betting? https://t.co/29qIKz0ba4 — Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) May 25, 2020 × However, after looking at the phenomenal response to his tweet, Bolt followed up with another post in which he hilariously asked his fans whether they really want him to see on the massage table. My peeps you all really want me to be that guy living on massage table https://t.co/WajF09Jrco — Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) May 25, 2020 × Bolt’s reply has garnered a lot of raised eyebrows with thousands of retweets with fans requesting Bolt to come back and give it another go in the grandest stage of them all. ALSO READ: Young pretender Haaland takes on master Lewandowski for first time Heading into the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Bolt was already the fastest man on earth after finishing 100m race in just 9.72 seconds. He surpassed every record by clocking 9.69 in the quadrennial event. As per experts, Bolt could have clocked 9.55 had he continued with the same speed and not slow down to showboat in the race. In the 2012 London Olympics, Bolt finished the 100m race in just 9.64 seconds which not only gave him a gold medal but also made him immortal.

Usain Bolt savagely replies after fan challenges him to break his own world record in next Olympics

FIFA on Monday suspended the president of Haiti's football federation for 90 days pending an investigation into allegations he sexually abused teenage girls at the national training center.

Yves Jean-Bart, 73, categorically denies accusations that he raped several young female footballers at a training facility outside Port-au-Prince over the course of the past five years.

"In accordance with articles 84 and 85 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, the investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has provisionally banned Mr Yves Jean-Bart, President of the Haitian Football Federation (FHF), from all football-related activities at both national and international level, for a period of 90 days," FIFA said Monday in a statement.

"This sanction has been imposed in connection with ongoing investigations concerning Mr Jean-Bart. Mr Jean-Bart was notified of the decision today. The provisional sanction comes into force immediately."

Haitian police have launched a probe into the allegations, first revealed late last month, and a judge has already summoned several federation employees to answer questions.

According to young women quoted in an article published by The Guardian in late April, Jean-Bart raped multiple underage players over the years.

Saying they had been pressured to remain silent, the alleged victims told the newspaper on condition of anonymity that at least two underage players had to get abortions after Jean-Bart assaulted them.

"We think that this is a good decision by FIFA because we realized that Yves Jean-Bart and his cartel can overshadow any judicial investigation," said Marie-Rosy Auguste Ducena of the National Network for the Defence of Human Rights (RNDDH).

Criticizing the code of silence that she says hangs over the sports industry, Ducena noted that "rumors of sexual bargains for football benefits have been circulating in the country for a long time."

Jean-Bart has led the country's football federation for&nbsp;two decades. His re-election in February for a sixth term was a mere formality -- he ran unopposed.

When contacted by AFP for comment, he did not respond.

FIFA on Monday suspended the president of Haiti's football federation for 90 days pending an investigation into allegations he sexually abused teenage girls at the national training center.

FIFA on Monday suspended the president of Haiti's football federation for 90 days pending an investigation into allegations he sexually abused teenage girls at the national training center. Yves Jean-Bart, 73, categorically denies accusations that he raped several young female footballers at a training facility outside Port-au-Prince over the course of the past five years. "In accordance with articles 84 and 85 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, the investigatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has provisionally banned Mr Yves Jean-Bart, President of the Haitian Football Federation (FHF), from all football-related activities at both national and international level, for a period of 90 days," FIFA said Monday in a statement. "This sanction has been imposed in connection with ongoing investigations concerning Mr Jean-Bart. Mr Jean-Bart was notified of the decision today. The provisional sanction comes into force immediately." Haitian police have launched a probe into the allegations, first revealed late last month, and a judge has already summoned several federation employees to answer questions. According to young women quoted in an article published by The Guardian in late April, Jean-Bart raped multiple underage players over the years. Saying they had been pressured to remain silent, the alleged victims told the newspaper on condition of anonymity that at least two underage players had to get abortions after Jean-Bart assaulted them. "We think that this is a good decision by FIFA because we realized that Yves Jean-Bart and his cartel can overshadow any judicial investigation," said Marie-Rosy Auguste Ducena of the National Network for the Defence of Human Rights (RNDDH). Criticizing the code of silence that she says hangs over the sports industry, Ducena noted that "rumors of sexual bargains for football benefits have been circulating in the country for a long time." Jean-Bart has led the country's football federation for two decades. His re-election in February for a sixth term was a mere formality -- he ran unopposed. When contacted by AFP for comment, he did not respond.

FIFA suspends Haiti football chief accused of rape

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is looking to suspend the contract of pacer Shehan Madhushanka after he was arrested for the possession of heroin. SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said while the board has not been officially informed about the incident but SLC will suspend Madhushanka if he carries a drug charge.

SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said, "We have not been officially informed on this yet. He is a contracted player. We will take action to suspend his contract if he carries a drug charge.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-cricket-star-held-on-drug-charge-300975" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka cricket star held on drug charge</a>

Madhushanka is the first contracted player to be remanded over a drug charge after the Sri Lankan international and his friend were arrested on May 23 for possessing heroin.

Kulyapitiya’s magistrate in the north-western province ordered Madhushanka to be remanded till June 2.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-fine-with-saliva-ban-matches-behind-closed-doors-as-it-is-for-everyones-safety-navdeep-saini-300955" hreflang="en">Exclusive | Fine with saliva ban, matches behind closed doors as it is for everyone's safety: Navdeep Saini</a>

The 25-year-old made a tear away start to his international career early in 2008 as he picked up an ODI hat-trick on debut against Bangladesh, making him the fourth bowler to achieve the feat in the history of ODI cricket.

However, his international appearances have been limited with only a single ODI match and two T20Is under his belt, all against Bangladesh. He has picked up three wickets in ODIs while scalping two in two T20Is for Sri Lanka.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is looking to suspend the contract of pacer Shehan Madhushanka after he was arrested for the possession of heroin. SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said while the board has not been officially informed about the incident but SLC will suspend Madhushanka if he carries a drug charge.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is looking to suspend the contract of pacer Shehan Madhushanka after he was arrested for the possession of heroin. SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said while the board has not been officially informed about the incident but SLC will suspend Madhushanka if he carries a drug charge. SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said, "We have not been officially informed on this yet. He is a contracted player. We will take action to suspend his contract if he carries a drug charge.” ALSO READ: Sri Lanka cricket star held on drug charge Madhushanka is the first contracted player to be remanded over a drug charge after the Sri Lankan international and his friend were arrested on May 23 for possessing heroin. Kulyapitiya’s magistrate in the north-western province ordered Madhushanka to be remanded till June 2. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Fine with saliva ban, matches behind closed doors as it is for everyone's safety: Navdeep Saini The 25-year-old made a tear away start to his international career early in 2008 as he picked up an ODI hat-trick on debut against Bangladesh, making him the fourth bowler to achieve the feat in the history of ODI cricket. However, his international appearances have been limited with only a single ODI match and two T20Is under his belt, all against Bangladesh. He has picked up three wickets in ODIs while scalping two in two T20Is for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Cricket planning to suspend drug-charged Shehan Madushanka's contract

Who was saying what in the Bundesliga this weekend:

"Mentally it was not easy, because we won the first match 8-0. We had at least 11 unmissable chances, and that's not bad against an opponent who play that deep."

-- Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann on Sunday's 5-0 rout of Mainz which followed an 8-0 romp in the first meeting between the two sides this season.

"We were extremely stupid at the start."&nbsp;

-- Schalke coach David Wagner after his team's 3-0 home loss to Augsburg.

"Down on the sidelines, we couldn't hear any fan chants (from Beckenbauer and Hoeness), we'll have to talk about that internally, I think!"

-- Thomas Mueller on having former Bayern presidents Franz Beckenbauer, 74, and Uli Hoeness, 68, watching in the stands - observing social distancing with empty seats between them and wearing face masks - during Saturday's 5-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

"We have 13,000 figures mounted on card, but we have had around 20,000&nbsp;orders."&nbsp;

-- Thomas Ludwig, a Borussia Moenchengladbach supporter, on the decision to install cardboard cut-out images of fans to fill empty seats after supporters were banned in the light of the coronavirus.

"It looks great, doesn't make any noise, but creates a certain atmosphere."&nbsp;

-- Gladbach right-back Stefan Lainer after playing in front of the silent figures.

"Obviously we love having the fans. There is nothing more beautiful than playing these matches against Dortmund here at Allianz Arena or Dortmund. But it's our job, and we will show that even without spectators we are able to play football with passion."

-- Bayern's Thomas Mueller on the absence of spectators at Tuesday's top of the table duel with Dortmund.

"We don't really know how to get into these games without spectators, but I expect us, and myself, to go to our limits anyway."

-- Mueller again

"He saved our lives. Who knows what would have happened if he hadn't reacted so quickly? That's why the goal celebrations went to him."

-- Dimitrij Nazarov of second division Erzgebirge Aue who hugged team manager Thomas Romeyke after scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win at Nuremburg. Romeyke doubles up as the team's bus driver and was widely praised for his quick-thinking at the wheel in a motorway accident on the way to the game.

"Of course, we are in a situation that the body is not used to. I'm not one hundred percent in shape, I'm still a bit short of breath. You will see in the next weeks that teams will lose control of the game more often."

-- Borussia Dortmund midfielder Thomas Delaney on the lack of match fitness after a two-month suspension of the league.

"It would have been fantastic if we could have played a game like that in front of 75,000 spectators. But I hope that the fans at least had fun in front of their TVs."&nbsp;

-- Hertha Berlin coach Bruno Labbadia after the 4-0 win over Union inside an eerily empty Olympic Stadium in the German capital.

Who was saying what in the Bundesliga this weekend: "Mentally it was not easy, because we won the first match 8-0. We had at least 11 unmissable chances, and that's not bad against an opponent who play that deep.

Who was saying what in the Bundesliga this weekend: "Mentally it was not easy, because we won the first match 8-0. We had at least 11 unmissable chances, and that's not bad against an opponent who play that deep." -- Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann on Sunday's 5-0 rout of Mainz which followed an 8-0 romp in the first meeting between the two sides this season. "We were extremely stupid at the start." -- Schalke coach David Wagner after his team's 3-0 home loss to Augsburg. "Down on the sidelines, we couldn't hear any fan chants (from Beckenbauer and Hoeness), we'll have to talk about that internally, I think!" -- Thomas Mueller on having former Bayern presidents Franz Beckenbauer, 74, and Uli Hoeness, 68, watching in the stands - observing social distancing with empty seats between them and wearing face masks - during Saturday's 5-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. "We have 13,000 figures mounted on card, but we have had around 20,000 orders." -- Thomas Ludwig, a Borussia Moenchengladbach supporter, on the decision to install cardboard cut-out images of fans to fill empty seats after supporters were banned in the light of the coronavirus. "It looks great, doesn't make any noise, but creates a certain atmosphere." -- Gladbach right-back Stefan Lainer after playing in front of the silent figures. "Obviously we love having the fans. There is nothing more beautiful than playing these matches against Dortmund here at Allianz Arena or Dortmund. But it's our job, and we will show that even without spectators we are able to play football with passion." -- Bayern's Thomas Mueller on the absence of spectators at Tuesday's top of the table duel with Dortmund. "We don't really know how to get into these games without spectators, but I expect us, and myself, to go to our limits anyway." -- Mueller again "He saved our lives. Who knows what would have happened if he hadn't reacted so quickly? That's why the goal celebrations went to him." -- Dimitrij Nazarov of second division Erzgebirge Aue who hugged team manager Thomas Romeyke after scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win at Nuremburg. Romeyke doubles up as the team's bus driver and was widely praised for his quick-thinking at the wheel in a motorway accident on the way to the game. "Of course, we are in a situation that the body is not used to. I'm not one hundred percent in shape, I'm still a bit short of breath. You will see in the next weeks that teams will lose control of the game more often." -- Borussia Dortmund midfielder Thomas Delaney on the lack of match fitness after a two-month suspension of the league. "It would have been fantastic if we could have played a game like that in front of 75,000 spectators. But I hope that the fans at least had fun in front of their TVs." -- Hertha Berlin coach Bruno Labbadia after the 4-0 win over Union inside an eerily empty Olympic Stadium in the German capital.

German Bundesliga: Who said what

Collated German Bundesliga results on Sunday:

Schalke 0 Augsburg 3 (Loewen 5, Bazee 76, Cordova 90+1)

Mainz 0 RB Leipzig 5 (Werner 11, 48, 75, Poulsen 23, Sabitzer 36)

Cologne 2 (Modeste 88, Cordoba 90) Fortuna Duesseldorf 2 (Karaman 41, Thommy 61)&nbsp;

Played Saturday

Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 (Thuram 52) Bayer Leverkusen 3 (Havertz 7, 58-pen, S. Bender 81) &nbsp;

Wolfsburg 0 Borussia Dortmund 2 (Guerreiro 32, Hakimi 78)

Freiburg 0 Werder Bremen 1 (Bittencourt 19)

Paderborn 1 (Srbeny 9) Hoffenheim 1 (Skov 4)

Bayern Munich 5 (Goretzka 17, Mueller 41, Lewandowski 46, Davies 61, Hinteregger 74-og) Eintracht Frankfurt 2 (Hinteregger 52, 55)

Friday

Hertha Berlin 4 (Ibisevic 51, Lukebakio 52, Cunha 61, Boyata 77) Union Berlin 0

Collated German Bundesliga results on Sunday: Schalke 0 Augsburg 3 (Loewen 5, Bazee 76, Cordova 90+1) Mainz 0 RB Leipzig 5 (Werner 11, 48, 75, Poulsen 23, Sabitzer 36) Cologne 2 (Modeste 88, Cordoba 90) Fortuna Duesseldorf 2 (Karaman 41, Thommy 61) Played Saturday Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 (Thuram 52) Bayer Leverkusen 3 (Havertz 7, 58-pen, S.

Collated German Bundesliga results on Sunday: Schalke 0 Augsburg 3 (Loewen 5, Bazee 76, Cordova 90+1) Mainz 0 RB Leipzig 5 (Werner 11, 48, 75, Poulsen 23, Sabitzer 36) Cologne 2 (Modeste 88, Cordoba 90) Fortuna Duesseldorf 2 (Karaman 41, Thommy 61) Played Saturday Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 (Thuram 52) Bayer Leverkusen 3 (Havertz 7, 58-pen, S. Bender 81) Wolfsburg 0 Borussia Dortmund 2 (Guerreiro 32, Hakimi 78) Freiburg 0 Werder Bremen 1 (Bittencourt 19) Paderborn 1 (Srbeny 9) Hoffenheim 1 (Skov 4) Bayern Munich 5 (Goretzka 17, Mueller 41, Lewandowski 46, Davies 61, Hinteregger 74-og) Eintracht Frankfurt 2 (Hinteregger 52, 55) Friday Hertha Berlin 4 (Ibisevic 51, Lukebakio 52, Cunha 61, Boyata 77) Union Berlin 0

Football: German Bundesliga results

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Sunday he hopes the resumed season will start on June 11 with the Seville derby, "one game for all of Spain".

"It is possible that on Thursday, June 11, we could have the first Liga game," Tebas told Movistar Plus television.&nbsp;

"We would like it to be the Seville derby -- Real Betis v Sevilla -- at 2200 (2000 GMT).

"It would be our hope to have a single league game" that day so that the teams "play exclusively for all of Spain, almost as a tribute and to what has happened."

Tebas confirmed that in the next few days there will be an official announcement concerning the restart date of the championship which was shelved in March because of the coronavirus.

"But what is certain is that it will be the weekend of the 12th."

On Saturday, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that La Liga could resume from its lockdown in the week beginning June 8.

All matches will be behind closed doors.

"The resumption of major professional sporting competitions and in particular La Liga will be allowed from the week of June 8," Sanchez told a press conference.

More than two months after the COVID-19 pandemic halted the season in Spain, players have begun training in small groups.

Barcelona sit top of the table, two points ahead of Real Madrid.

Clubs have 11 games left to play to finish the season, with the proposed final round to be completed by the end of July.&nbsp;

Despite the optimism for a season restart, Tebas insisted that fans should still be wary of the dangers posed by the pandemic.

"We must not run, we have to be very cautious," he added.

A compressed calendar would mean teams playing matches both in midweek and at weekends.

Players will also undergo tests for coronavirus the day before games and will have their temperatures taken before being allowed to enter stadiums.

La Liga's staggered training programme meant players began working individually at training grounds on May 4 and were able to expand into groups of up to 10 players this week.

The top flight was first suspended on March 12, the same day Real Madrid went into quarantine following the positive test of one of the club's basketball players.

But Tebas has been adamant the league must restart, having estimated that a cancellation of the season would cost clubs around one billion euros ($1.09 billion).

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Sunday he hopes the resumed season will start on June 11 with the Seville derby, "one game for all of Spain". "It is possible that on Thursday, June 11, we could have the first Liga game," Tebas told Movistar Plus television.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Sunday he hopes the resumed season will start on June 11 with the Seville derby, "one game for all of Spain". "It is possible that on Thursday, June 11, we could have the first Liga game," Tebas told Movistar Plus television. "We would like it to be the Seville derby -- Real Betis v Sevilla -- at 2200 (2000 GMT). "It would be our hope to have a single league game" that day so that the teams "play exclusively for all of Spain, almost as a tribute and to what has happened." Tebas confirmed that in the next few days there will be an official announcement concerning the restart date of the championship which was shelved in March because of the coronavirus. "But what is certain is that it will be the weekend of the 12th." On Saturday, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that La Liga could resume from its lockdown in the week beginning June 8. All matches will be behind closed doors. "The resumption of major professional sporting competitions and in particular La Liga will be allowed from the week of June 8," Sanchez told a press conference. More than two months after the COVID-19 pandemic halted the season in Spain, players have begun training in small groups. Barcelona sit top of the table, two points ahead of Real Madrid. Clubs have 11 games left to play to finish the season, with the proposed final round to be completed by the end of July. Despite the optimism for a season restart, Tebas insisted that fans should still be wary of the dangers posed by the pandemic. "We must not run, we have to be very cautious," he added. A compressed calendar would mean teams playing matches both in midweek and at weekends. Players will also undergo tests for coronavirus the day before games and will have their temperatures taken before being allowed to enter stadiums. La Liga's staggered training programme meant players began working individually at training grounds on May 4 and were able to expand into groups of up to 10 players this week. The top flight was first suspended on March 12, the same day Real Madrid went into quarantine following the positive test of one of the club's basketball players. But Tebas has been adamant the league must restart, having estimated that a cancellation of the season would cost clubs around one billion euros ($1.09 billion).

Liga boss wants June 11 Seville derby to restart season

The coronavirus may have struck shortly before the English cricket season was due to start but it threatens to have major implications for the game worldwide.&nbsp;

English officials still believe they can fit a full international programme of three-Test series against both the West Indies and Pakistan, as well as one-day internationals with Australia and Ireland, into a season that won't start until July 1 at the earliest.

But there is now an expectation matches will have to be played behind closed doors, in the short-term at least, as a way of stopping the spread of COVID-19.

That would, however, still allow the England and Wales Cricket Board to honour lucrative broadcast contracts and avoid the nightmare scenario of a completely wiped out season that could cost the organisation £380 million ($463 million).

Below AFP Sport looks at the key issues confronting cricket amid the pandemic.

<h2>Will teams go on tour?</h2>

-- West Indies and Pakistan, two of crickets less well-off major teams, have both made encouraging noises about touring England, subject to health concerns and appear to ready to factor a 14-day quarantine on arrival in Britain, because of UK government regulations, into their planning.

Matches are set to be played at 'bio-secure' venues such as Hampshire's Ageas Bowl or Old Trafford that have onsite hotels.

"We are trying to get to England early July so that we can get the quarantine done," said Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Wasim Khan.&nbsp;

Australia were meant to play three Twenty20s and three one-day internationals in July but may delay their visit to later in the season after seeing how the West Indies and Pakistan series pan out.

"Obviously we won't jeopardise the safety of the players," Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts told the Sydney Daily Telegraph.

"But the best test of that is the West Indian and Pakistan tours of England before we're due to tour. We hope they go off without a hitch."

<h2>What will cricket look like?</h2>

-- Even if a rescheduled series between England and the West Indies starts in July, the game itself will look very different.

Not only will there be no spectators but wicket celebrations such as 'high fives' are set to be banned according to International Cricket Council guidelines issued last week.&nbsp;

Umpires have also been instructed to wear gloves to minimise the risk of infection, with bowlers no longer handing their cap and sweater to officials for the same reason.

Another 'interim' measure, which still requires approval at a June vote, would see bowlers banned from using saliva to shine the ball to aid swing, although they will still be allowed to apply their own sweat.

Travel restrictions could see two umpires from a home nation stand in a Test for the first time since 1994 when the ICC started moving towards neutral officials to counter accusations of bias.

The ICC's cricket committee also said last week each team should be awarded an additional DRS review per innings.

Meanwhile, Chris Broad, the only Englishman on the ICC's elite panel of referees, may have to officiate in matches involving his son Stuart, the England fast bowler.&nbsp;

<h2>What will happen to the Twenty20 World Cup and IPL?</h2>

-- An ICC board meeting on Thursday May 28, could see the men's Twenty20 World Cup, due to held in Australia from October 18, postponed.

Problems over flying in 16 teams to Australia may be reason enough to delay the event by a year.

That would allow the already postponed franchise Indian Premier League, the world's wealthiest T20 competition, to go ahead in its place.

Manoj Badale, a part-owner of the Rajasthan Royals, told the London Daily Telegraph last month: "No IPL (in 2020) would be a big $600 million loss for the global cricket economy."

South African director of cricket Graeme Smith has called for India's Sourav Ganguly, a fellow former Test captain, to become the next ICC chairman.

The Proteas, hard hit by the low value of South Africa's rand, hope to host a three-match T20 series against India in August.

<h2>What does this mean for women's cricket?</h2>

-- The women's game was riding the crest of a wave after a crowd of over 86,000 in Melbourne saw hosts Australia beat India in the final of the T20 World Cup in March, shortly before global sport went into lockdown.

But Clare Connor, the ECB's managing director of women's cricket, has accepted her side of the game may have to be sacrificed completely in order for more lucrative men's matches to go ahead this season.

But there are hopes a series with South Africa could still take place in September.

The coronavirus may have struck shortly before the English cricket season was due to start but it threatens to have major implications for the game worldwide. English officials still believe they can fit a full international programme of three-Test series against both the West Indies and Pakistan, as well as one-day internationals with Australia and Ireland, into a season that won't start until July 1 at the earliest.

The coronavirus may have struck shortly before the English cricket season was due to start but it threatens to have major implications for the game worldwide. English officials still believe they can fit a full international programme of three-Test series against both the West Indies and Pakistan, as well as one-day internationals with Australia and Ireland, into a season that won't start until July 1 at the earliest. But there is now an expectation matches will have to be played behind closed doors, in the short-term at least, as a way of stopping the spread of COVID-19. That would, however, still allow the England and Wales Cricket Board to honour lucrative broadcast contracts and avoid the nightmare scenario of a completely wiped out season that could cost the organisation £380 million ($463 million). Below AFP Sport looks at the key issues confronting cricket amid the pandemic. Will teams go on tour? -- West Indies and Pakistan, two of crickets less well-off major teams, have both made encouraging noises about touring England, subject to health concerns and appear to ready to factor a 14-day quarantine on arrival in Britain, because of UK government regulations, into their planning. Matches are set to be played at 'bio-secure' venues such as Hampshire's Ageas Bowl or Old Trafford that have onsite hotels. "We are trying to get to England early July so that we can get the quarantine done," said Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Wasim Khan. Australia were meant to play three Twenty20s and three one-day internationals in July but may delay their visit to later in the season after seeing how the West Indies and Pakistan series pan out. "Obviously we won't jeopardise the safety of the players," Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts told the Sydney Daily Telegraph. "But the best test of that is the West Indian and Pakistan tours of England before we're due to tour. We hope they go off without a hitch." What will cricket look like? -- Even if a rescheduled series between England and the West Indies starts in July, the game itself will look very different. Not only will there be no spectators but wicket celebrations such as 'high fives' are set to be banned according to International Cricket Council guidelines issued last week. Umpires have also been instructed to wear gloves to minimise the risk of infection, with bowlers no longer handing their cap and sweater to officials for the same reason. Another 'interim' measure, which still requires approval at a June vote, would see bowlers banned from using saliva to shine the ball to aid swing, although they will still be allowed to apply their own sweat. Travel restrictions could see two umpires from a home nation stand in a Test for the first time since 1994 when the ICC started moving towards neutral officials to counter accusations of bias. The ICC's cricket committee also said last week each team should be awarded an additional DRS review per innings. Meanwhile, Chris Broad, the only Englishman on the ICC's elite panel of referees, may have to officiate in matches involving his son Stuart, the England fast bowler. What will happen to the Twenty20 World Cup and IPL? -- An ICC board meeting on Thursday May 28, could see the men's Twenty20 World Cup, due to held in Australia from October 18, postponed. Problems over flying in 16 teams to Australia may be reason enough to delay the event by a year. That would allow the already postponed franchise Indian Premier League, the world's wealthiest T20 competition, to go ahead in its place. Manoj Badale, a part-owner of the Rajasthan Royals, told the London Daily Telegraph last month: "No IPL (in 2020) would be a big $600 million loss for the global cricket economy." South African director of cricket Graeme Smith has called for India's Sourav Ganguly, a fellow former Test captain, to become the next ICC chairman. The Proteas, hard hit by the low value of South Africa's rand, hope to host a three-match T20 series against India in August. What does this mean for women's cricket? -- The women's game was riding the crest of a wave after a crowd of over 86,000 in Melbourne saw hosts Australia beat India in the final of the T20 World Cup in March, shortly before global sport went into lockdown. But Clare Connor, the ECB's managing director of women's cricket, has accepted her side of the game may have to be sacrificed completely in order for more lucrative men's matches to go ahead this season. But there are hopes a series with South Africa could still take place in September.

What now for cricket in 2020? Four key questions

Tiger Woods says while his surgically repaired back may never be 10-out-of-10 again, it won't stop him from being healthy and ready to go when the PGA Tour starts up again.

The 44-year-old Woods says he's been able to use the down time during the coronavirus pandemic to get himself in shape for an expected condensed fall golf season.&nbsp;

"It is going to be interesting," said Woods during a four-man charity golf tournament in Florida on Sunday. "I am used to trying to peak for majors in April, May, June and July, forever. Now this (COVID-19) has changed everything. It is fluid. It is on the fly."&nbsp;

Asked to rate how his back feels on a scale of one to 10, Woods said, "Well, let's just say 10 is not what it used to be."&nbsp;

PGA stars Woods and Phil Mickelson and two NFL quarterback legends Peyton Manning and Tom Brady squared off in an entertaining made-for-television charity golf event on Sunday that raised $20 million for coronavirus relief efforts.

The 18-hole match included nine holes of four-ball and nine holes of modified alternate shot, with on-course challenges for charitable funds.&nbsp;

Woods, who paired with Manning, showed no rust as they&nbsp;held off a back-nine rally from Mickelson and Brady for a one-up victory in the 18-hole match play format.

Sunday's event, called "The Match: Champions for Charity," &nbsp;was a rematch of sorts for Mickelson and Woods, who faced off in a similar charity event last year in Las Vegas. It also marked a return to the golf course for the both PGA stars due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The PGA Tour is on hiatus until June 11, when the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial is scheduled to begin in Texas.

The charity match was the first competitive golf for Woods since the Genesis Invitational on February 16, where he shot weekend rounds of 76-77 to finish in 68th place at the Riviera Country Club course.&nbsp;

He said the forced break has been refreshing and described his health as surprisingly good considering he has been taken out of his regular training regime.&nbsp;

"It is to nice be at home training each and every day," Woods said. "I get some treatment on it and get onto a routine basically.&nbsp;

"With this pandemic and everything that has happened, we (have) all been very careful and try to stay at home," he said.

Woods says he has enjoyed spending more time with his family and has added tennis to his workouts.&nbsp;

"It has been good in that regard because I have been able to spend a lot of time with my kids. We had a lot of fun. This is the most amount of tennis I have played ever."&nbsp;

The start of Sunday's match was delayed by rain that fell steadily throughout the majority of the round.

Woods helped offset the difficult playing conditions Sunday by taking advantage of competing on his home course, the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound.&nbsp;

"I am just trying to hit it in the right spots. I kind of know this place," he told a television interviewer early in his round.

The entertaining match featured plenty of friendly banter and trash talking going back and forth between four of North America's biggest sport stars.

Brady, who recently signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after winning six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots, made the shot of the day on the par-five seventh.

<h2>- Wardrobe malfunction -</h2>

Brady had been struggling for much of the first round, but his approach on No. 7 landed just past the hole before spinning wildly to the right and rolling into the centre of the cup.

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going," an obviously relieved Brady said of his first good shot of the day.

The shot was notable for another reason: it included a wardrobe malfunction. Brady also split his pants on the shot, resulting in a hasty costume change.

"There was so much torque on that swing," he joked.

The birdie also lightened the wallet of PGA golfer Brooks Koepka. When he saw Brady struggling early in the round, Koepka tweeted out a promise to donate $100,000 to charity if Brady could make a par on the front nine.

"Brooks owes me a little money," Brady said following his surprise birdie.

Tiger Woods says while his surgically repaired back may never be 10-out-of-10 again, it won't stop him from being healthy and ready to go when the PGA Tour starts up again.

Tiger Woods says while his surgically repaired back may never be 10-out-of-10 again, it won't stop him from being healthy and ready to go when the PGA Tour starts up again. The 44-year-old Woods says he's been able to use the down time during the coronavirus pandemic to get himself in shape for an expected condensed fall golf season. "It is going to be interesting," said Woods during a four-man charity golf tournament in Florida on Sunday. "I am used to trying to peak for majors in April, May, June and July, forever. Now this (COVID-19) has changed everything. It is fluid. It is on the fly." Asked to rate how his back feels on a scale of one to 10, Woods said, "Well, let's just say 10 is not what it used to be." PGA stars Woods and Phil Mickelson and two NFL quarterback legends Peyton Manning and Tom Brady squared off in an entertaining made-for-television charity golf event on Sunday that raised $20 million for coronavirus relief efforts. The 18-hole match included nine holes of four-ball and nine holes of modified alternate shot, with on-course challenges for charitable funds. Woods, who paired with Manning, showed no rust as they held off a back-nine rally from Mickelson and Brady for a one-up victory in the 18-hole match play format. Sunday's event, called "The Match: Champions for Charity," was a rematch of sorts for Mickelson and Woods, who faced off in a similar charity event last year in Las Vegas. It also marked a return to the golf course for the both PGA stars due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PGA Tour is on hiatus until June 11, when the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial is scheduled to begin in Texas. The charity match was the first competitive golf for Woods since the Genesis Invitational on February 16, where he shot weekend rounds of 76-77 to finish in 68th place at the Riviera Country Club course. He said the forced break has been refreshing and described his health as surprisingly good considering he has been taken out of his regular training regime. "It is to nice be at home training each and every day," Woods said. "I get some treatment on it and get onto a routine basically. "With this pandemic and everything that has happened, we (have) all been very careful and try to stay at home," he said. Woods says he has enjoyed spending more time with his family and has added tennis to his workouts. "It has been good in that regard because I have been able to spend a lot of time with my kids. We had a lot of fun. This is the most amount of tennis I have played ever." The start of Sunday's match was delayed by rain that fell steadily throughout the majority of the round. Woods helped offset the difficult playing conditions Sunday by taking advantage of competing on his home course, the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound. "I am just trying to hit it in the right spots. I kind of know this place," he told a television interviewer early in his round. The entertaining match featured plenty of friendly banter and trash talking going back and forth between four of North America's biggest sport stars. Brady, who recently signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after winning six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots, made the shot of the day on the par-five seventh. - Wardrobe malfunction - Brady had been struggling for much of the first round, but his approach on No. 7 landed just past the hole before spinning wildly to the right and rolling into the centre of the cup. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going," an obviously relieved Brady said of his first good shot of the day. The shot was notable for another reason: it included a wardrobe malfunction. Brady also split his pants on the shot, resulting in a hasty costume change. "There was so much torque on that swing," he joked. The birdie also lightened the wallet of PGA golfer Brooks Koepka. When he saw Brady struggling early in the round, Koepka tweeted out a promise to donate $100,000 to charity if Brady could make a par on the front nine. "Brooks owes me a little money," Brady said following his surprise birdie.

Woods-Manning prevail in star-studded match, raised $20m for charity

More than 200 football clubs have teamed up with Roma in a social media campaign to help the search for missing children around the world, the Serie A outfit said on Monday.

In a statement, Roma said that some of the game's biggest clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and European champions Liverpool, will publish on Twitter a video featuring missing children on Monday, which is International Missing Children's Day.

The initiative "aims to take advantage of the incredible reach of football clubs on Twitter to raise awareness about 101 children currently separated from their loved ones", the statement added.

Roma published a list of the clubs that had signed up, with 14 other Italian sides and a host of others from leagues around the world taking part in an initiative which stems from a campaign the 'Giallorossi' started last summer.

The Serie A outfit has been working with a series of missing persons organisations, publishing with every transfer announcement on their Twitter account a notice of a missing child.

The campaign has attracted plaudits and some success, with a number of the children featured in Roma's social media posts being found.

Roma said that they had set up Monday's initiative for the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children and had the backing of the European Club Association (ECA).

More than 200 football clubs have teamed up with Roma in a social media campaign to help the search for missing children around the world, the Serie A outfit said on Monday.

More than 200 football clubs have teamed up with Roma in a social media campaign to help the search for missing children around the world, the Serie A outfit said on Monday. In a statement, Roma said that some of the game's biggest clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and European champions Liverpool, will publish on Twitter a video featuring missing children on Monday, which is International Missing Children's Day. The initiative "aims to take advantage of the incredible reach of football clubs on Twitter to raise awareness about 101 children currently separated from their loved ones", the statement added. Roma published a list of the clubs that had signed up, with 14 other Italian sides and a host of others from leagues around the world taking part in an initiative which stems from a campaign the 'Giallorossi' started last summer. The Serie A outfit has been working with a series of missing persons organisations, publishing with every transfer announcement on their Twitter account a notice of a missing child. The campaign has attracted plaudits and some success, with a number of the children featured in Roma's social media posts being found. Roma said that they had set up Monday's initiative for the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children and had the backing of the European Club Association (ECA).

Over 200 clubs join Roma in missing children campaign

Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick says the absence of spectators for Tuesday's top-of-the-table Bundesliga clash at Borussia Dortmund will be a "missing factor".

Reigning champions Bayern thrashed second-placed Dortmund 4-0 last November in front of 75,000 fans at the Allianz Arena.

But the teams will meet again in Dortmund with the stands at Signal Iduna Park -- usually packed with 82,000 people -- empty after the Bundesliga became the first top European league to return, behind closed doors, following the coronavirus lockdown.

"It is a very special game," Flick said on Monday, with Bayern heading to Dortmund with a four-point lead.

"As a coach, there is no question that the fans are a missing factor."

Ten of the 18 league games since the restart have been won by the away team.

"The atmosphere can inspire any team. It is about how you can cope (without the support)," Flick added.

"You have to accept the current situation and can't look for an excuse."

Bayern have restarted were they left off in March, following up a 2-0 win at Union Berlin with a 5-2 hammering of Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

But Flick thinks Tuesday's clash will be a completely different test compared to their victory over Dortmund at the Allianz Arena last year.

"The conditions are very different compared to the first game," he said.

"We've also had a good run and every player is a little bit more motivated."

Flick confirmed that midfielder Thiago Alcantara will miss out with injury, but Leon Goretzka will deputise again having impressed against Eintracht.

Jerome Boateng is fit to play after shaking off a knock and is set to partner David Alaba at centre-back.

That would mean no place in the starting line-up for Bayern's record signing Lucas Hernandez, who cost 80 million euros ($87 million) and is back after an ankle injury.

Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick says the absence of spectators for Tuesday's top-of-the-table Bundesliga clash at Borussia Dortmund will be a "missing factor".

Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick says the absence of spectators for Tuesday's top-of-the-table Bundesliga clash at Borussia Dortmund will be a "missing factor". Reigning champions Bayern thrashed second-placed Dortmund 4-0 last November in front of 75,000 fans at the Allianz Arena. But the teams will meet again in Dortmund with the stands at Signal Iduna Park -- usually packed with 82,000 people -- empty after the Bundesliga became the first top European league to return, behind closed doors, following the coronavirus lockdown. "It is a very special game," Flick said on Monday, with Bayern heading to Dortmund with a four-point lead. "As a coach, there is no question that the fans are a missing factor." Ten of the 18 league games since the restart have been won by the away team. "The atmosphere can inspire any team. It is about how you can cope (without the support)," Flick added. "You have to accept the current situation and can't look for an excuse." Bayern have restarted were they left off in March, following up a 2-0 win at Union Berlin with a 5-2 hammering of Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. But Flick thinks Tuesday's clash will be a completely different test compared to their victory over Dortmund at the Allianz Arena last year. "The conditions are very different compared to the first game," he said. "We've also had a good run and every player is a little bit more motivated." Flick confirmed that midfielder Thiago Alcantara will miss out with injury, but Leon Goretzka will deputise again having impressed against Eintracht. Jerome Boateng is fit to play after shaking off a knock and is set to partner David Alaba at centre-back. That would mean no place in the starting line-up for Bayern's record signing Lucas Hernandez, who cost 80 million euros ($87 million) and is back after an ankle injury.

Bayern coach Flick bemoans lack of fans at 'special' Dortmund clash

Premier League clubs will vote on proposals for a return to contact training on Wednesday as the English top-flight seeks to take another step closer to resuming the season next month.

New UK government guidelines issued on Sunday allow for the return of "close contact" training, including tackling, to help players step up their match fitness ahead of a return to competitive action.

"This type of training would start with smaller 'clusters' of 2-3 athletes and eventually progress to larger groups of 4-12 athletes, and ultimately full team training," added the government advice.

Premier League clubs returned to training in small and socially distanced groups last week.

Players and managers are to be consulted in a meeting on Tuesday before the proposals are put to a vote of the 20 clubs.

Results of the latest round of COVID-19 testing, which is taking place on Monday and Tuesday, will also be published on Wednesday.

The small number of positive tests from the first two rounds of testing at Premier League clubs has raised hopes of a return in June.

Eight cases of coronavirus among players and staff have been detected from 1,744 tests in the Premier League.

In the Championship, just two positive tests were registered from 1,014 tests.

How to proceed in the event of a positive test once contact training has restarted is one of the topics that will be discussed by clubs later this week.

A targeted return date of June 12 was described by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters last week as a "staging post".

Players and coaches have argued they will need until at least the end of June to mitigate the risk of a spate of injuries after such a long layoff.

There has been no action in the Premier League since March 9.

However, the biggest hurdle to a return remains players' fears over their safety and that of their families due to the virus.

Watford captain Troy Deeney has not returned to training after three positive cases were registered by the Hornets over concerns he could spread the virus to his five-month-old son.

French World Cup winner N'Golo Kante has also been given permission by Chelsea to train at home.

Germany's Bundesliga has already managed to complete two rounds of fixtures since returning behind closed doors and there has been little player opposition to La Liga's plans to return in Spain from June 11.

"With what's happened in Germany, I've got no doubt the vote will go ahead and the clubs will vote to try to get phase two going," former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports.

"I also think there'll be a situation where more players will opt out, which is their prerogative, but with the success in Germany -- it's not been great, it's not the product we really like, with no fans there, but at least it's football -- I'll be very surprised if it doesn't go ahead."

Premier League clubs will vote on proposals for a return to contact training on Wednesday as the English top-flight seeks to take another step closer to resuming the season next month.

Premier League clubs will vote on proposals for a return to contact training on Wednesday as the English top-flight seeks to take another step closer to resuming the season next month. New UK government guidelines issued on Sunday allow for the return of "close contact" training, including tackling, to help players step up their match fitness ahead of a return to competitive action. "This type of training would start with smaller 'clusters' of 2-3 athletes and eventually progress to larger groups of 4-12 athletes, and ultimately full team training," added the government advice. Premier League clubs returned to training in small and socially distanced groups last week. Players and managers are to be consulted in a meeting on Tuesday before the proposals are put to a vote of the 20 clubs. Results of the latest round of COVID-19 testing, which is taking place on Monday and Tuesday, will also be published on Wednesday. The small number of positive tests from the first two rounds of testing at Premier League clubs has raised hopes of a return in June. Eight cases of coronavirus among players and staff have been detected from 1,744 tests in the Premier League. In the Championship, just two positive tests were registered from 1,014 tests. How to proceed in the event of a positive test once contact training has restarted is one of the topics that will be discussed by clubs later this week. A targeted return date of June 12 was described by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters last week as a "staging post". Players and coaches have argued they will need until at least the end of June to mitigate the risk of a spate of injuries after such a long layoff. There has been no action in the Premier League since March 9. However, the biggest hurdle to a return remains players' fears over their safety and that of their families due to the virus. Watford captain Troy Deeney has not returned to training after three positive cases were registered by the Hornets over concerns he could spread the virus to his five-month-old son. French World Cup winner N'Golo Kante has also been given permission by Chelsea to train at home. Germany's Bundesliga has already managed to complete two rounds of fixtures since returning behind closed doors and there has been little player opposition to La Liga's plans to return in Spain from June 11. "With what's happened in Germany, I've got no doubt the vote will go ahead and the clubs will vote to try to get phase two going," former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports. "I also think there'll be a situation where more players will opt out, which is their prerogative, but with the success in Germany -- it's not been great, it's not the product we really like, with no fans there, but at least it's football -- I'll be very surprised if it doesn't go ahead."

Premier League to vote on return of contact training

Veteran Indian batsman Suresh Raina has been pretty vocal about the lack of communication between the national selectors and players as the southpaw said that if any selector has problem regarding something then he should say it on his face rather than being silent on the matter.&nbsp;

Raina, who has been out of the national side for a while now, further said that the selectors didn’t give him any reason behind his exclusion following India’s series against England in 2018, which was his last appearance for the Men in Blue.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-fine-with-saliva-ban-matches-behind-closed-doors-as-it-is-for-everyones-safety-navdeep-saini-300955" hreflang="en">Exclusive | Fine with saliva ban, matches behind closed doors as it is for everyone's safety: Navdeep Saini</a>

“I feel somewhere communication should have happened, I’ve been saying that. Senior players have supported me, the selection&nbsp;isn’t in my hands. There have been many great selectors, Dilip Vengsarkar supported the players, Kiran More sir, there were many good selectors who used to communicate with players, be it a junior or senior,” Raina told FanCode.

“A selector has a right to tell face to face, I would prefer that because I’ve learnt it from my father and MS Dhoni. You say it on my face, if there’s a problem, I will solve it,” he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-west-indies-1st-test-likely-for-july-8-confident-tour-will-go-ahead-cwi-ceo-300918" hreflang="en">England vs West Indies 1st Test likely for July 8, confident tour will go ahead: CWI CEO</a>

Raina clarified that he doesn’t have any issues with senior players like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma but his problem is with selectors as he said that they should be more professional while adding players give their all for the country by working hard and staying away from family and deserve to get answers to these questions.&nbsp;

“Virat told me to improve my fitness, I did it, that’s why he made me play. Rohit always knew my talent. I don’t have any problem with any player, but as a selector, they should be more professional. I am not targetting anyone, I am just saying that sometimes you give so much to the country, you work so hard, stay away from the family, I personally think we should get answers to these questions,” said the left-hander. 
&nbsp;

Veteran Indian batsman Suresh Raina has been pretty vocal about the lack of communication between the national selectors and players as the southpaw said that if any selector has problem regarding something then he should say it on his face rather than being silent on the matter.

Veteran Indian batsman Suresh Raina has been pretty vocal about the lack of communication between the national selectors and players as the southpaw said that if any selector has problem regarding something then he should say it on his face rather than being silent on the matter. Raina, who has been out of the national side for a while now, further said that the selectors didn’t give him any reason behind his exclusion following India’s series against England in 2018, which was his last appearance for the Men in Blue. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Fine with saliva ban, matches behind closed doors as it is for everyone's safety: Navdeep Saini “I feel somewhere communication should have happened, I’ve been saying that. Senior players have supported me, the selection isn’t in my hands. There have been many great selectors, Dilip Vengsarkar supported the players, Kiran More sir, there were many good selectors who used to communicate with players, be it a junior or senior,” Raina told FanCode. “A selector has a right to tell face to face, I would prefer that because I’ve learnt it from my father and MS Dhoni. You say it on my face, if there’s a problem, I will solve it,” he added. ALSO READ: England vs West Indies 1st Test likely for July 8, confident tour will go ahead: CWI CEO Raina clarified that he doesn’t have any issues with senior players like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma but his problem is with selectors as he said that they should be more professional while adding players give their all for the country by working hard and staying away from family and deserve to get answers to these questions. “Virat told me to improve my fitness, I did it, that’s why he made me play. Rohit always knew my talent. I don’t have any problem with any player, but as a selector, they should be more professional. I am not targetting anyone, I am just saying that sometimes you give so much to the country, you work so hard, stay away from the family, I personally think we should get answers to these questions,” said the left-hander.

If there's a problem, say it on my face: Suresh Raina on selectors not communicating with senior players

Hockey icon Balbir Singh Senior, who died at 96 after battling multiple health issues, was on Monday cremated here with full state honours, with Punjab Sports Minister Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi declaring that the Mohali stadium will be named after the legendary player.

The mortal remains of the three-time Olympic gold medallist was consigned to flames at an electric crematorium here, with his maternal grandson Kabir performing the last rites in the presence of Sikh priests.

The legendary centre-forward is survived by his daughter Sushbir and three sons -- Kanwalbir, Karanbir, and Gurbir. 
His sons are settled in Canada and he lived here with his daughter Sushbir and grandson Kabir. Sushbir, along with close relatives, was present at the funeral.

Sodhi, who was also present at the funeral, said that Singh's demise was a big blow not just for the sporting world, but also for the nation as a whole.

He said the Mohali hockey stadium will be named after Singh.

Former Indian hockey team captain Pargat Singh was also present.

Senior officials of Punjab government and Chandigarh administration laid wreaths on Singh's mortal remains.

A police contingent fired three volley shots as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Singh's body was earlier brought from the Fortis hospital at Mohali to his residence at Sector 36 from where it was taken to the crematorium in a bedecked vehicle

Hockey icon Balbir Singh Senior, who died at 96 after battling multiple health issues, was on Monday cremated here with full state honours, with Punjab Sports Minister Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi declaring that the Mohali stadium will be named after the legendary player.

Hockey icon Balbir Singh Senior, who died at 96 after battling multiple health issues, was on Monday cremated here with full state honours, with Punjab Sports Minister Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi declaring that the Mohali stadium will be named after the legendary player. The mortal remains of the three-time Olympic gold medallist was consigned to flames at an electric crematorium here, with his maternal grandson Kabir performing the last rites in the presence of Sikh priests. The legendary centre-forward is survived by his daughter Sushbir and three sons -- Kanwalbir, Karanbir, and Gurbir. His sons are settled in Canada and he lived here with his daughter Sushbir and grandson Kabir. Sushbir, along with close relatives, was present at the funeral. Sodhi, who was also present at the funeral, said that Singh's demise was a big blow not just for the sporting world, but also for the nation as a whole. He said the Mohali hockey stadium will be named after Singh. Former Indian hockey team captain Pargat Singh was also present. Senior officials of Punjab government and Chandigarh administration laid wreaths on Singh's mortal remains. A police contingent fired three volley shots as a mark of respect to the departed soul. Singh's body was earlier brought from the Fortis hospital at Mohali to his residence at Sector 36 from where it was taken to the crematorium in a bedecked vehicle

Balbir Singh Senior cremated with state honours

Young Indian speedster Navdeep Saini has made a sparkling impact with his raw pace and ability to extract sharp bounce off the pitch. His ability to bowl quick besides deadly yorkers have made him one of the hottest pace bowling prospects in world cricket.&nbsp;

In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Navdeep Saini spoke on various topics ranging from the much-debated saliva ban, matches behind closed doors, the importance of Indian Premier League, Virat Kohli’s impact on his career and much more.

Subhayan Chakraborty: Navdeep, the big talking point is the ban on the usage of saliva. Will it really put an impact on bowlers?

Navdeep Saini: I don’t think it will put a real impact on bowlers. Yes, it will be a strange feeling for bowlers initially but everyone will get accustomed to the new rules and guidelines. Saliva ban is not only for a single bowler or a team, the rule is for everyone so I don’t think it will be an advantage or disadvantage for anyone. Players need to adapt as per the demand of the situation and hopefully, bowlers will come out stronger. &nbsp;

<img alt="Navdeep Saini" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01d7c9bb-77e8-4c26-8be8-7e61f07ceae4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1OR742.jpg" />

SC: And what about reverse swing…

NS: As I said, it will be tough for bowlers to get a hang of it initially. But still, we are allowed to use sweat to shine the ball. Yes, saliva has been the go-to option for bowlers to polish the ball but don’t think the ban should bother pacers much. It is for everyone’s safety and well-being.&nbsp;

SC: How tough will it be to police it, especially in domestic matches? Several players have already raised their concerns…

NS: Players have to take the onus on themselves. This rule is being implemented for everyone’s well-being. We are professionals and if it is being done for our own good then I don’t think players should look to use it for their benefit. Officials will have to be extra careful, of course. But more responsibility is on the players to not use saliva at all during matches.&nbsp;

SC: Another major talking point in the world of sports is empty stadiums. Do you think it will kill the energy of the matches?&nbsp;

NS: Whenever a player or team gets the backing of the crowd, they get naturally motivated to give their best shot. Yes, not having any crowd in matches will have a bit of effect on us players but as it has been implemented for our safety, I think that is the possible option available for the authorities. Everyone’s safety is the topmost priority for the organisers. But matches behind closed doors doesn’t mean players will not give their best effort to win matches, we take the field to make our country proud and will continue to do so.

&nbsp;<img alt="Navdeep Saini" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="051c799a-4075-4513-ac3f-91aeeeb07824" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1OM7P0_0.jpg" />

SC: There are reports of IPL getting a window later in the year…How important is IPL for cricketers?

NS: Not only IPL but every domestic tournament or international series is important for a player. The speciality of IPL is that players get to showcase their talent in front of the world. The entire world watches IPL and the attention players get from it is unreal. It works as a confidence booster for players and the experience youngsters get from sharing the dressing room and field with stalwarts in unparalleled. I feel&nbsp;IPL is the best platform to level up your game.&nbsp;

SC: How important a role has Virat Kohli played in your career?&nbsp;

<img alt="Navdeep Saini and Virat Kohli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f81bf6f-3b25-4693-b2d5-2838430adfb1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1G58RX.jpg" />

NS: Not only me but Virat Kohli is an inspiration for every budding sportsperson. The level of intensity and passion he brings to the game and his fitness can’t be compared to anyone. During my first year in Royal Challengers Bangalore, I didn’t play but it was a learning curve to just watch Virat Kohli so closely on and off-the-field. I remember my debut match, I was extremely nervous playing in front of a capacity crowd but then it was him who gave me the confidence to bowl in matches as I bowl in the nets, that’s a sign of a superb captain and that advice has stuck with me to date. He is a role model for everyone and deservedly so. 
&nbsp;

Young Indian speedster Navdeep Saini has made a sparkling impact with his raw pace and ability to extract sharp bounce off the pitch. His ability to bowl quick besides deadly yorkers have made him one of the hottest pace bowling prospects in world cricket.

Young Indian speedster Navdeep Saini has made a sparkling impact with his raw pace and ability to extract sharp bounce off the pitch. His ability to bowl quick besides deadly yorkers have made him one of the hottest pace bowling prospects in world cricket. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Subhayan Chakraborty, Navdeep Saini spoke on various topics ranging from the much-debated saliva ban, matches behind closed doors, the importance of Indian Premier League, Virat Kohli’s impact on his career and much more. Subhayan Chakraborty: Navdeep, the big talking point is the ban on the usage of saliva. Will it really put an impact on bowlers? Navdeep Saini: I don’t think it will put a real impact on bowlers. Yes, it will be a strange feeling for bowlers initially but everyone will get accustomed to the new rules and guidelines. Saliva ban is not only for a single bowler or a team, the rule is for everyone so I don’t think it will be an advantage or disadvantage for anyone. Players need to adapt as per the demand of the situation and hopefully, bowlers will come out stronger. SC: And what about reverse swing… NS: As I said, it will be tough for bowlers to get a hang of it initially. But still, we are allowed to use sweat to shine the ball. Yes, saliva has been the go-to option for bowlers to polish the ball but don’t think the ban should bother pacers much. It is for everyone’s safety and well-being. SC: How tough will it be to police it, especially in domestic matches? Several players have already raised their concerns… NS: Players have to take the onus on themselves. This rule is being implemented for everyone’s well-being. We are professionals and if it is being done for our own good then I don’t think players should look to use it for their benefit. Officials will have to be extra careful, of course. But more responsibility is on the players to not use saliva at all during matches. SC: Another major talking point in the world of sports is empty stadiums. Do you think it will kill the energy of the matches? NS: Whenever a player or team gets the backing of the crowd, they get naturally motivated to give their best shot. Yes, not having any crowd in matches will have a bit of effect on us players but as it has been implemented for our safety, I think that is the possible option available for the authorities. Everyone’s safety is the topmost priority for the organisers. But matches behind closed doors doesn’t mean players will not give their best effort to win matches, we take the field to make our country proud and will continue to do so. SC: There are reports of IPL getting a window later in the year…How important is IPL for cricketers? NS: Not only IPL but every domestic tournament or international series is important for a player. The speciality of IPL is that players get to showcase their talent in front of the world. The entire world watches IPL and the attention players get from it is unreal. It works as a confidence booster for players and the experience youngsters get from sharing the dressing room and field with stalwarts in unparalleled. I feel IPL is the best platform to level up your game. SC: How important a role has Virat Kohli played in your career? NS: Not only me but Virat Kohli is an inspiration for every budding sportsperson. The level of intensity and passion he brings to the game and his fitness can’t be compared to anyone. During my first year in Royal Challengers Bangalore, I didn’t play but it was a learning curve to just watch Virat Kohli so closely on and off-the-field. I remember my debut match, I was extremely nervous playing in front of a capacity crowd but then it was him who gave me the confidence to bowl in matches as I bowl in the nets, that’s a sign of a superb captain and that advice has stuck with me to date. He is a role model for everyone and deservedly so.

Exclusive | Fine with saliva ban, matches behind closed doors as it is for everyone's safety: Navdeep Saini

Sri Lankan police have detained international cricketer&nbsp;Shehan Madushanka on a charge of possessing heroin, officials said Monday.

Madushanka, 25, who took a hat-trick of wickets on his international debut in 2018, was remanded in custody for two weeks by a magistrate.

He was carrying just over two grams of heroin when detained in the town of Pannala on Sunday, a police official said.

Madushanka was stopped while driving with another person in a car during a nationwide coronavirus curfew, police said.

The right-arm pace bowler took a hat-trick against Bangladesh on his one-day international debut in January 2018. He also played two T20 matches against Bangladesh in 2018, but has not played an international since due to injuries.

Sri Lanka is due to relax its curfew from Tuesday, but police have arrested nearly 65,000 people for breaking the restrictions imposed on March 20.

Sri Lankan police have detained international cricketer Shehan Madushanka on a charge of possessing heroin, officials said Monday. Madushanka, 25, who took a hat-trick of wickets on his international debut in 2018, was remanded in custody for two weeks by a magistrate.

Sri Lankan police have detained international cricketer Shehan Madushanka on a charge of possessing heroin, officials said Monday. Madushanka, 25, who took a hat-trick of wickets on his international debut in 2018, was remanded in custody for two weeks by a magistrate. He was carrying just over two grams of heroin when detained in the town of Pannala on Sunday, a police official said. Madushanka was stopped while driving with another person in a car during a nationwide coronavirus curfew, police said. The right-arm pace bowler took a hat-trick against Bangladesh on his one-day international debut in January 2018. He also played two T20 matches against Bangladesh in 2018, but has not played an international since due to injuries. Sri Lanka is due to relax its curfew from Tuesday, but police have arrested nearly 65,000 people for breaking the restrictions imposed on March 20.

Sri Lanka cricket star held on drug charge

La Soufriere Hikers (LSH) are all set to battle it out against Fort Charlotte Strikers (FCS) in the second match of the day in Vincy T10 Premier League. While Fort Charlotte Strikers would be looking to open their account in the campaign with a win, La Soufriere Hikers would be banking on their winning run as the match promises to be a cracking contest.&nbsp;

LSH vs FCS in Vincy T10 Premier League is scheduled to be held at the Arnos Valley Sporting Complex in Kingstown. Some good players in both the sides are likely to result in headaches for Dream11 and fantasy gamers and for that, we have assembled a predicted playing XI for the match.&nbsp;

<h2>My Dream11 prediction for LSH vs FCS (Fort Charlotte Strikers vs La Soufriere Hikers), Vincy T10 Premier League:</h2>

Gidron Pope (C), Dillon Douglas (VC), Salvan Brown, Renrick Williams, Chelson Stowe, Jeremy Haywood, Kirton Lavia, Sealroy Williams, Othniel Lewis

La Soufriere Hikers Probable XI vs Fort Charlotte Strikers: Desron Maloney, Dean Browne, Dillon Douglas, Othneil Lewis, Salvan Brown, Rayan Williams, Rawdon Bentick, Kenson Dalzell, Jeremy Haywood, C Hackshaw, Kimson Dalzell

Fort Charlotte Strikers Probable XI vs La Soufriere Hikers: Kesrick Williams (Marquee), Hyron Shallow, Romel Currency, Kenneth Dember, Romario Bibby, Atticus Browne, Oziko Williams, Kimali Williams, Nigel Small/Joey Welcome, Kevin Abraham, Ray Charles

<h2>LSH vs FCS Squads</h2>

La Soufriere Hikers: Desron Maloney, Dean Browne, Dillon Douglas, Othneil Lewis, Salvan Brown, Rayan Williams, Rawdon Bentick, Casmus Hackshaw, Kenson Dalzell, Jeremy Haywood, Tilran Harry, Kimson Dalzell, Camano Cain.

Fort Charlotte Strikers: Keron Cottoy, Gidron Pope, Ray Jordan, Ronald Scott, Rasheed Frederick, Kirton Lavia, Jahiel Walters, Sealroy Williams, Olanzo Bellingy, Chelson Stowe, Kenroy Williams, Sylvan Spencer, Renrick Williams. 
&nbsp;

La Soufriere Hikers (LSH) are all set to battle it out against Fort Charlotte Strikers (FCS) in the second match of the day in Vincy T10 Premier League. While Fort Charlotte Strikers would be looking to open their account in the campaign with a win, La Soufriere Hikers would be banking on their winning run as the match promises to be a cracking contest.

La Soufriere Hikers (LSH) are all set to battle it out against Fort Charlotte Strikers (FCS) in the second match of the day in Vincy T10 Premier League. While Fort Charlotte Strikers would be looking to open their account in the campaign with a win, La Soufriere Hikers would be banking on their winning run as the match promises to be a cracking contest. LSH vs FCS in Vincy T10 Premier League is scheduled to be held at the Arnos Valley Sporting Complex in Kingstown. Some good players in both the sides are likely to result in headaches for Dream11 and fantasy gamers and for that, we have assembled a predicted playing XI for the match. My Dream11 prediction for LSH vs FCS (Fort Charlotte Strikers vs La Soufriere Hikers), Vincy T10 Premier League: Gidron Pope (C), Dillon Douglas (VC), Salvan Brown, Renrick Williams, Chelson Stowe, Jeremy Haywood, Kirton Lavia, Sealroy Williams, Othniel Lewis La Soufriere Hikers Probable XI vs Fort Charlotte Strikers: Desron Maloney, Dean Browne, Dillon Douglas, Othneil Lewis, Salvan Brown, Rayan Williams, Rawdon Bentick, Kenson Dalzell, Jeremy Haywood, C Hackshaw, Kimson Dalzell Fort Charlotte Strikers Probable XI vs La Soufriere Hikers: Kesrick Williams (Marquee), Hyron Shallow, Romel Currency, Kenneth Dember, Romario Bibby, Atticus Browne, Oziko Williams, Kimali Williams, Nigel Small/Joey Welcome, Kevin Abraham, Ray Charles LSH vs FCS Squads La Soufriere Hikers: Desron Maloney, Dean Browne, Dillon Douglas, Othneil Lewis, Salvan Brown, Rayan Williams, Rawdon Bentick, Casmus Hackshaw, Kenson Dalzell, Jeremy Haywood, Tilran Harry, Kimson Dalzell, Camano Cain. Fort Charlotte Strikers: Keron Cottoy, Gidron Pope, Ray Jordan, Ronald Scott, Rasheed Frederick, Kirton Lavia, Jahiel Walters, Sealroy Williams, Olanzo Bellingy, Chelson Stowe, Kenroy Williams, Sylvan Spencer, Renrick Williams.

LSH vs FCS, Vincy T10 Premier League, Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy cricket tips for Fort Charlotte Strikers vs La Soufriere Hikers

Opener Dean Elgar has expressed his interest in becoming South Africa's next Test captain, saying leadership comes naturally to him and he would think "long and hard" if approached for the job.

Du Plessis had resigned as Test captain in February and Quinton de Kock was expected to take the reins but Cricket South Africa ruled him out of the job, saying they don't want to overburden the wicketkeeper-batsman.

With a three-Test series scheduled against the West Indies in July, CSA is still figuring out the Test captaincy conundrum.

"It's definitely not an easy journey being a Test captain but I think leadership is something that comes extremely naturally to me," Elgar said during an interview with Cricket South Africa (CSA) which was released on Monday.

"I've captained teams in the past, right up from school level to provincial level and at franchise level. I enjoyed it extremely and if I was asked to take on the captaincy, it's definitely something I would think long and hard about because it would mean a lot to me."

The left-handed batsman, who had captained the 2006 U-19 World Cup team in Sri Lanka, was the stand-in skipper in the first Test against England in 2017 after regular captain Du Plessis had missed the match due to the birth of his first child.

Elgar had again captained South Africa against Pakistan in January last year when Du Plessis was penalised for slow over-rate in the second Test and was suspended for the third and final Test of the series.

Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj had earlier expressed their desires to captain South Africa.

Opener Dean Elgar has expressed his interest in becoming South Africa's next Test captain, saying leadership comes naturally to him and he would think "long and hard" if approached for the job.

Opener Dean Elgar has expressed his interest in becoming South Africa's next Test captain, saying leadership comes naturally to him and he would think "long and hard" if approached for the job. Du Plessis had resigned as Test captain in February and Quinton de Kock was expected to take the reins but Cricket South Africa ruled him out of the job, saying they don't want to overburden the wicketkeeper-batsman. With a three-Test series scheduled against the West Indies in July, CSA is still figuring out the Test captaincy conundrum. "It's definitely not an easy journey being a Test captain but I think leadership is something that comes extremely naturally to me," Elgar said during an interview with Cricket South Africa (CSA) which was released on Monday. "I've captained teams in the past, right up from school level to provincial level and at franchise level. I enjoyed it extremely and if I was asked to take on the captaincy, it's definitely something I would think long and hard about because it would mean a lot to me." The left-handed batsman, who had captained the 2006 U-19 World Cup team in Sri Lanka, was the stand-in skipper in the first Test against England in 2017 after regular captain Du Plessis had missed the match due to the birth of his first child. Elgar had again captained South Africa against Pakistan in January last year when Du Plessis was penalised for slow over-rate in the second Test and was suspended for the third and final Test of the series. Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj had earlier expressed their desires to captain South Africa.

Dean Elgar shows interest in becoming South Africa's Test captain

All my life, I have been honoured by people for my accomplishments as a hockey player. I completed a golden hat-trick at the Olympic Games and was blessed to have captained a victorious team at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne as well.

All my life, I have been honoured by people for my accomplishments as a hockey player. I completed a golden hat-trick at the Olympic Games and was blessed to have captained a victorious team at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne as well. I have received my fair share of adulation, but my biggest achievement was playing for an independent India. It was a great honour to bring pride to a sovereign country. In the earlier Games, the three gold medals had been won for British India and the Union Jack. I am glad that I was responsible in a small way for seeing that the tri-colour went up at the Olympics not once, but three times. Hockey was a very popular game before Independence and the hat-trick of gold medals at the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics contributed massively to its popularity. I too played the sport from a young age, but started out as a defender. I saw a newsreel from the 1936 Berlin Olympics and was greatly inspired to see Dhyan Chand scoring goals and the spectators applauding him. Watching that short film inspired me to follow in his footsteps, and I too dreamt of scoring goals. But for that to happen, I had to transition from the position of a full back to that of a centre forward. Whether it was destiny or luck, the transition from full back to centre forward happened soon. Around 1939, my cousin organized a private tournament called Basant Memorial. When two senior players turned up and wanted to play in my position as full-backs, I had to switch to a forward position. The transition was seamless and I scored multiple goals in every match. That was the end of my defending days. In later years, I would be known for terrorizing rival defences. Also Read: Rich tributes pour in as hockey legend Balbir Singh Sr passes away My father was a school teacher, and he wanted me to follow in his footsteps. Teachers were not paid well in those days of the British Raj, and he could not afford to send me to Lahore for higher studies. I enrolled in the Dayanand Mathura Das College in Moga, and studies took a back seat, with hockey taking over my waking hours. Hence, it came as no surprise when I failed my FA exams. Ultimately, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as had I continued I would have ended up as a teacher in some primary school in Moga and contributed to the family income. Once again, hockey came to my rescue. One of my father’s friends was a lecturer at the Sikh National College in Lahore, and he had seen me play in Moga while on leave. He offered to take me to Lahore so that I could complete my degree and play for the college team. My father immediately agreed as the fees as well as the boarding costs would be borne by the college. I made an instant mark and the team was promoted to the first division from the B-League. Sardar Harbail Singh of Amritsar’s Khalsa College saw me play during that tournament, and he approached my father, appealing to him to shift me from Lahore to Amritsar. My father initially refused, but later relented when he came to know that my heart was set on the move, as Khalsa College had a very formidable hockey team. It turned out to be one of the most astute decisions of my life as Harbail Sir, my mentor, polished my game and made me a much better player. He gave me personalized coaching for hours on target practice and drilled in me the importance of being present inside the striking circle at the opportune moment. I went on to finish my BA degree at Khalsa College and then enrolled in the MA course in English for a further two years as the college wanted me to continue playing for them. I was selected as the university captain, and under my leadership, we were all-India university champions for three years in a row from 1943 to 1945. My performance caught the eye of Sir John Bennet, inspector general of Punjab Police, and he ordered his subordinates to make sure I joined the police force to bolster the hockey team. However, I was not keen. My father had been jailed during the struggle for Independence. The police force in those days was part of the state that was locking up freedom fighters like my father. I ran away to Delhi to escape the clutches of the Punjab Police and joined the Central Public Works Department. I started playing for their hockey team, and as luck would have it, we started winning tournaments and my name appeared in newspapers as the main goal scorer! Sir John happened to read those reports and was extremely annoyed that I had slipped away. He dispatched a police party to Delhi and I was found, handcuffed and brought back in that state to Jalandhar Cantonment where a recruitment board was in progress. I was made to join Punjab Police as an assistant sub-inspector completely against my will. I was initially posted in Ludhiana and was later transferred to Ferozepur Cantonment. It is there that I met my idol, Dhyan Chand. He was a captain in the Indian Army, and because of his reputation, had not been sent to fight the World War which had just ended. I often got the chance to play against him in friendly matches that were arranged twice a month between the Army team, which he captained, and the Civil team, of which I was captain. We always won as we were much younger. Although Dhyan Chand’s best days were long gone, we could see why he had made a name for himself across the world. I was greatly impressed by his personality. He wasn’t at all arrogant and was, in fact, very gentle with everyone. Those are the very qualities I have tried to imbibe in my life, facilitated by spending after hours and hours with the great man. It was an absolute honour playing against this man who was known as the ‘Wizard’, and after our matches we used to sit together and share jokes. In his days, the standard of European Hockey was weak, but it does not take away from the fact that he was an extremely gifted player who scored lots of goals, thus becoming synonymous with Indian Hockey. I believed my performances for the Punjab team at the National Championship merited a call-up to the national squad for the 1948 Olympics. Inexplicably, that call never came despite my being the best centre forward in the country. Forty-eight players were invited to the camp, and only after the intervention of Richard John Carr, member of the 1932 Olympic gold-medal-winning team, was I asked to join two weeks after it began. Throughout the camp I was asked to play as an inside left even though everyone knew I was a centre forward. I was never one to question the wisdom of the coaches and became part of the twenty players selected for the 1948 Olympic Games in London, the first since 1936. There was a surprise waiting for me at Heathrow airport when I landed. Sir John was there to receive me. He had read about my inclusion in the Indian team and had come down especially to meet me. I was touched by this gesture. As he introduced me to his fellow officers and narrated the story of my induction into Punjab Police, he gave me a very important tip. ‘Remember, Balbir, in India the grounds are hard and the ball travels very fast. In England, our grounds are very slow, soggy and wet, and the ball stops before it comes to you. So do not wait for it, and run for the ball.’ It would turn out to be the advice that saw us win the gold. In the three preceding Olympic Games, India had marched under the Union Jack. At London in 1948, the Indian team marched under the tri-colour as a sovereign country at Wembley Stadium. It was a moment for the ages, coming as it did immediately after Independence. There we were, the reigning Olympic champions, walking out in the land of our former masters. Great Britain had fielded a hockey team at the Olympics after nearly three decades. They had not competed against the teams Dhyan Chand had played for, as a defeat would have been very embarrassing. The atmosphere in London at the Village was friendly. All the athletes were very courteous and the dining hall was where we all assembled during meal times to interact with each other. I must mention the efforts made by the British people to ensure the Games were a huge success. The rationing put in place during World War II was still in effect, but there was no shortage of food at the dining hall and not once did we hear or come across any sort of protests. We could see the damages London had suffered due to the bombing by the German planes, and it was an extremely brave decision on their part to offer to host the Olympics. It is that character of the people of Britain that made that Olympics a huge success. There were frequent invitations from British families to visit their homes, and despite the rationing they used to offer us meals. I was touched by their hospitality and warmth. It was difficult to believe that the same people had ruled us till a year ago and at times committed atrocities on us. The warmth lessened my internal pain to a certain degree. For reasons still unknown, I continued to be treated unfairly by the team management. I played the opening match of the hockey tournament against Argentina and scored six goals in a nine-goal rout. That was the only match I ended up playing till the final! I was benched for the match against Austria, and in the final group game against Spain, I warmed up and entered the field to bully-off as centre forward. My captain Kishen Lal called me back and informed me I would not be playing as Nandy Singh would lead the line instead. Nandy was an inside right and had never played centre forward before! Having topped our group, we were drawn to play Netherlands and the same drama repeated itself. I got on to the field but was asked to go back by the captain. I was seething at this public humiliation and could have created a fuss, but as a sportsperson, I decided to follow my captain’s orders and returned to the bench. It was only after intervention from India’s high commissioner to Great Britain, Krishna Menon, that I was selected to play in the final against Great Britain. Wembley was packed for the much-awaited clash between former rulers and subjects. Queen Elizabeth, who was Princess Elizabeth then, was in attendance as well. Chants of ‘C’mon GB’ echoed round the stadium, but I remained unfazed and scored in the seventh minute. That gave the handful of Indian supporters confidence, and they started imitating the locals and chanting, ‘C’mon India’. They were shy and naturally outnumbered by spectators who had come to see a British win. The local fans started to get quieter after I scored the second goal in the fifteenth minute. The tide turned then, and I was surprised to hear the same crowd now chant, ‘C’mon Balbir, score another goal.’ It reinforced my belief that they were a very sporting nation and they praised an opponent if they deemed it worthy. We went into the break 2–0 up but in the second half, I was asked to play in the midfield as centre half and was thus denied the opportunity to complete my hat-trick. Tarlochan Singh and Patrick Jensen also scored a goal each, and we won convincingly at 4–0. It was a huge win as not only did it reaffirm our superiority in the sport, but also showed we could survive at the top level despite the exodus of many talented players to Pakistan, which lost the bronze medal match to the Netherlands in a replay. Victory had never been sweeter. To stand in the middle of Wembley, see the tri-colour rise and hear the national anthem play was an out-of-the-world experience. Looking at the flag, I felt I was rising along with it, flying in the air. It may sound dramatic, but in 1948, it was all too real and a rare feeling. The realisation of what we had achieved hit us when we returned home. We had flown to London but returned on a ship. It was a twenty-six-day journey, and we reached Bombay during low tide. From the decks we could see the reception party waiting for us onshore with Indian fags. When we finally disembarked, it was on the shoulders of the crowd. The entire city was in a celebratory mood, and we enjoyed the adulation. I was more worried about my luggage though. I had bought a perambulator for my daughter who was born the same year and did not want it to get damaged! We travelled to Delhi by train, and at every station there was a crowd waiting for us with garlands. We would get off, be felicitated and then get back on the train, and the entire drama would repeat itself at the next station. In Delhi, we were felicitated by the Governor-General, C. Rajagopalachari. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was a keen follower of sports, and he used to drop in to watch our practice sessions at the National Stadium ahead of the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. ‘Go on and win, and do not lose,’ was his advice to us. And we ensured we did not let him down. We went through our entire pre-Olympic tour of Europe unbeaten and won all our matches. The confidence was high, and I was certain that this time there would be no one calling me back to sit on the bench; I had established myself firmly as part of the team. We played only three matches in the Helisnki Olympics. I scored a goal in our first game against Austria which we won 4–0. In the semi-final, I scored a hat-trick as we beat Britain 3–1. In the final, we thrashed Netherlands 6–1, which had emerged as a strong team in the preceding years. I scored five goals, and it is till date a world record for the most goals scored by an individual in an Olympic final. Unfortunately, no one called me a wizard! We were not the only ones celebrating in Helsinki. It was a momentous occasion when K. D. Jadhav won India’s first individual medal, a bronze in wrestling. He was a very friendly man and used to come to watch our matches as well. Perhaps his great achievement was overshadowed by our win, but over time, his legend has grown, with India only winning a second individual Olympic medal forty-four years later in Atlanta! Celebrating our fifth successive gold had to wait. Our coach Harbail Singh was a stickler for discipline and had a strict code of conduct in place. There were rules and regulations that barred us from drinking. A few players had started to venture out during our camp in Holland but the coach told us to cut it out, promising to get us back to Holland if we won the gold. He was true to his word when we did, and we had the freedom to celebrate our win on the condition that we didn’t do anything that would bring a bad name to the country. Anyone who crossed the line would never play for India again. Needless to say, we were careful not to get carried away. I had been chosen to carry the national flag at the opening ceremony in Helsinki despite being vice-captain to K.D. Singh ‘Babu’. Four years later, I received the ultimate honour when I was selected to captain the team and lead India out during the march-past. My father was very proud when my name was announced as captain and he wrote me a very affectionate letter: ‘Balbir, you have been selected as the captain. Have good relation with your team, respect every player and do not boss over them but act as a friend and teammate. Ask your friends to keep the tri-colour flying and remember to always play as a team.’ Armed with that inspirational letter, I set off for my third Olympics. Australia had no hockey grounds, and we played at the magnificent Melbourne Cricket Ground instead. Our first match was against Afghanistan and I scored five goals in that 14–0 win. Unfortunately, I was injured during that match, fracturing my right index finger when I was hit by a ball. I was in immense pain and the Games were as good as over for me. My hand was put in a plaster, and I was advised not to advertise it as it would give our opponents immense satisfaction to see the Indian captain injured. We sailed through the group stages with ease but were tested by Germany in the semi-finals, eventually coming away with a 1–0 win. In the final, we faced Pakistan in what would be the start of a great rivalry at the Olympics. I was not fit to play but was told that my presence was crucial to the team as Pakistan would assign two defenders to mark me, ensuring space for the other forwards to score. It was not in my interest to play but I did so because my team needed me. We won 1-0. I completed a hat-trick of golds at those Games. It was also independent India’s third consecutive gold medal. Another abiding memory of that special campaign was the dinner with Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. His wife had seen us win the gold in 1948 as Princess Elizabeth, and in Melbourne, he was the husband of the Queen. He was the chief guest at one of the functions, and six hockey captains had the opportunity to meet him. During that lunch party, while we were waiting at the dessert counter, I realized he was standing just behind me, and I stepped aside to ensure the correct protocol was maintained. He refused and was courteous enough to allow me to go first, saying that at the Olympics, protocol demanded the sportsperson came first! I could have made history by winning a fourth consecutive gold, but it was not to be. K.D. Singh ‘Babu’, my captain in 1952, was the chief coach. My form and fitness was very good, and there were reports in the newspapers that I was the frontrunner to lead the team again. The selection trials were to be held in Bombay, and Kishen Lal, Dhyan Chand and ‘Babu’ were the three who comprised the board. As I got ready to enter the ground for the match, I was asked to join them on the terrace. I was informed that I would not be playing as I had been included in the selection committee! I was very upset but it was not in my nature to question authority or to create a scene. Unfortunately, the team under Leslie Claudius lost the gold-medal match to Pakistan, bringing our great run to an end. I was at a function in rural Punjab, overseeing the security arrangements for Chief Minister Partap Singh Kairon when he announced that it was sad that India had lost. Pointing at me, he said it was unfortunate that the man who could have made a difference was standing in a police uniform at the rally. Four years later, there was another bitter pill to swallow. The camp for the Olympics was held in Jalandhar, and I was initially selected as the chief coach. I trained the team along with Gurcharan Singh for six weeks, and even received my official blazer with my name on it as chief coach. Sadly, on the last day of the camp the Hockey Federation announced the team and appointed a person who had nothing to do with it as chief coach! A trained team was hijacked, and I was left behind. Those were very difficult moments, but thankfully, I had the support at home to march on regardless of the setbacks that life threw at me. I owe a lot of my success to the contribution of three ladies in my life: my mother, my wife and my daughter. I got my strength from them. My wife was the rock who encouraged me to play and win. She would always be there to receive me when I returned victorious. She oversaw the construction of our bungalow after my retirement from the game. We named it Olympia. Over the years, many people dropped by to see me, including visiting foreign teams. They used to ask my wife if they could see the most special memento in my possession among all the trophies and medals I had won. My wife would bring out a huge bundle of white threads that naturally aroused their curiosity. It was the garlands that adoring fans had showered on me all through my playing days. The flowers had dried and fallen off and only the threads remained. Thank you, India, and thank you, the national flag. Thank you to my father who taught me to honour the country and the flag. I sincerely hope India regains the gold in hockey soon—it is a dream that I always hope and pray for.

Balbir Singh Dosanjh: The golden hattrick

Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief executive Johns Grave is confident about Windies’ tour of England for a three-match Test series in the month of July as international cricket gears up for resumption following a prolonged break due to COVID-19.

England, who are looking to host West Indies and Pakistan in July and August respectively, in what will the first international series to be played after the break. All international cricket has been suspended since March due to COVID-19 pandemic.

"From where we sit at the moment, based on the information we have, based on the fact that every day there are less and fewer cases in the UK everyone is getting increasingly confident that the tour will happen at some point," ESPNCricinfo quoted Grave as saying.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-now-for-cricket-in-2020-four-key-questions-300853" hreflang="en">What now for cricket in 2020? Four key questions</a>

Grave said that CWI board meeting is on May 28 and everyone needs to come on the same page in order to start with the logistic works of taking the team to the United Kingdom. Southampton and Old Trafford are the likely hosts for the three-match Test series in a ‘bio-secure’ environment.

"Our board meeting is on May 28. If the tour has to take place, by the start of June we would need to have the CWI board approval and support by then in order to get the charter flight logistics in place and select the players," he added.&nbsp;

"The current plan we are working to has the three Tests starting on July 8, July 16 and July 24. As for the venues, we believe it could be the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford, but we haven't had that formally confirmed yet," Grave said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-brings-positivity-hopefully-it-will-happen-shikhar-dhawan-300911" hreflang="en">IPL brings positivity, hopefully it will happen: Shikhar Dhawan</a>

"Players have concerns, but certainly I have had no feedback that a player has said, based on what we know now and what we have shared, that they won't tour. No-one has directly come out and said they won't tour, but we haven't formally asked them yet," he added.&nbsp;

England have already resumed training following the approval by the ECB as the &nbsp;country plans for a return of international cricket. 
&nbsp;

Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief executive Johns Grave is confident about Windies’ tour of England for a three-match Test series in the month of July as international cricket gears up for resumption following a prolonged break due to COVID-19.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief executive Johns Grave is confident about Windies’ tour of England for a three-match Test series in the month of July as international cricket gears up for resumption following a prolonged break due to COVID-19. England, who are looking to host West Indies and Pakistan in July and August respectively, in what will the first international series to be played after the break. All international cricket has been suspended since March due to COVID-19 pandemic. "From where we sit at the moment, based on the information we have, based on the fact that every day there are less and fewer cases in the UK everyone is getting increasingly confident that the tour will happen at some point," ESPNCricinfo quoted Grave as saying. ALSO READ: What now for cricket in 2020? Four key questions Grave said that CWI board meeting is on May 28 and everyone needs to come on the same page in order to start with the logistic works of taking the team to the United Kingdom. Southampton and Old Trafford are the likely hosts for the three-match Test series in a ‘bio-secure’ environment. "Our board meeting is on May 28. If the tour has to take place, by the start of June we would need to have the CWI board approval and support by then in order to get the charter flight logistics in place and select the players," he added. "The current plan we are working to has the three Tests starting on July 8, July 16 and July 24. As for the venues, we believe it could be the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford, but we haven't had that formally confirmed yet," Grave said. ALSO READ: IPL brings positivity, hopefully it will happen: Shikhar Dhawan "Players have concerns, but certainly I have had no feedback that a player has said, based on what we know now and what we have shared, that they won't tour. No-one has directly come out and said they won't tour, but we haven't formally asked them yet," he added. England have already resumed training following the approval by the ECB as the country plans for a return of international cricket.

England vs West Indies 1st Test likely for July 8, confident tour will go ahead: CWI CEO

Live cricket action continues in Vincy T10 Premier League as Salt Pond Breakers (SPB) are set to lock horns against Botanic Gardens Rangers (BGR) at the Arnos Valley Sporting Complex ion Kingstown. The 10-over match promises to be a cracking contest.

The Vincy T10 Premier League 2020 is the first-ever edition of the T10 tournament with six teams participating. &nbsp; 
For Dream11 and fantasy gamers, we have assembled a playing XI for the match between Salt Pond Breakers and Botanic Garden Rangers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vincy-t10-premier-league-full-squads-match-timings-live-streaming-details-300366">Vincy T10 Premier League: Full squads, match timings, live streaming details</a>

<h2>My Dream11 prediction for SPB vs BGR, Vincy T10 Premier League:</h2>

S Sween, S Ambris (VC), K Nedd, H Shallow, D Hector, K Abraham, J Layne, K Dember, K Williams ©, D Johnson, W Strough

<h2>SPB vs BGR Probable Playing11</h2>

Salt Pond Breakers: Seon Sween Sunil Ambris Rickford Walker Christoy John Kadir Nedd Jeremy Layne Urnel Thomas Javid Harry Delorn Johnson Wesrick Strough Benninton Stapleton

Botanic Gardens Rangers: Salvan Brown, Desron Maloney (C), Dillon Douglas, Dean Browne, Othneil Lewis, Rayan Williams, Rawdon Bentick, Kenson Dalzell, Casmus Hackshaw, Jeremy Haywood, Tilran Harry.

<h2>SPB vs BGR, Squads:</h2>

Botanic Gardens Rangers: Kesrick Williams, Hyron Shallow, Romel Currency, Kenneth Dember, Romario Bibby, Atticus Browne, Oziko Williams, Kimali Williams, Kevin Abraham, Nigel Small, Casnel Morris, Joey Welcome, Ray Charles.

Salt Pond Breakers:&nbsp;Sunil Ambris, Delorn Johnson, Rickford Walker, Donwell Hector, Jeremy Layne, Javid Harry, Benniton Stapleton, Kadir Nedd, Seon Sween, Wesrick Strough, Kevin Peters, Christroy John, Urnel Thomas.

Live cricket action continues in Vincy T10 Premier League as Salt Pond Breakers (SPB) are set to lock horns against Botanic Gardens Rangers (BGR) at the Arnos Valley Sporting Complex ion Kingstown.

Live cricket action continues in Vincy T10 Premier League as Salt Pond Breakers (SPB) are set to lock horns against Botanic Gardens Rangers (BGR) at the Arnos Valley Sporting Complex ion Kingstown. The 10-over match promises to be a cracking contest. The Vincy T10 Premier League 2020 is the first-ever edition of the T10 tournament with six teams participating. For Dream11 and fantasy gamers, we have assembled a playing XI for the match between Salt Pond Breakers and Botanic Garden Rangers. ALSO READ: Vincy T10 Premier League: Full squads, match timings, live streaming details My Dream11 prediction for SPB vs BGR, Vincy T10 Premier League: S Sween, S Ambris (VC), K Nedd, H Shallow, D Hector, K Abraham, J Layne, K Dember, K Williams ©, D Johnson, W Strough SPB vs BGR Probable Playing11 Salt Pond Breakers: Seon Sween Sunil Ambris Rickford Walker Christoy John Kadir Nedd Jeremy Layne Urnel Thomas Javid Harry Delorn Johnson Wesrick Strough Benninton Stapleton Botanic Gardens Rangers: Salvan Brown, Desron Maloney (C), Dillon Douglas, Dean Browne, Othneil Lewis, Rayan Williams, Rawdon Bentick, Kenson Dalzell, Casmus Hackshaw, Jeremy Haywood, Tilran Harry. SPB vs BGR, Squads: Botanic Gardens Rangers: Kesrick Williams, Hyron Shallow, Romel Currency, Kenneth Dember, Romario Bibby, Atticus Browne, Oziko Williams, Kimali Williams, Kevin Abraham, Nigel Small, Casnel Morris, Joey Welcome, Ray Charles. Salt Pond Breakers: Sunil Ambris, Delorn Johnson, Rickford Walker, Donwell Hector, Jeremy Layne, Javid Harry, Benniton Stapleton, Kadir Nedd, Seon Sween, Wesrick Strough, Kevin Peters, Christroy John, Urnel Thomas.

SPB vs BGR, Dream11 Prediction, Vincy Premier League: Fantasy cricket tips for Salt Pond Breakers and Botanic Gardens Rangers

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan is hoping that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is successfully held later in the year as the swashbuckling southpaw opined that the tournament brings a lot of positivity. The veteran batsman said that it is crucial for sports to come back to life in India as it improves the environment and mood.&nbsp;

“Hopefully, the IPL will happen. I always think in a positive manner. It will be really good if the tournament goes ahead... the security of everyone will need to be taken care of. If it happens, it will be really good as it brings a lot of positivity,” Dhawan told Sri Lanka allrounder Angelo Mathews in an Instagram live video chat.

“It’s very important that some sports return to improve the environment and mood... it will have a huge impact if the IPL returns.”

<img alt="Shikhar Dhawan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="797ab94a-cc4d-467e-a6e9-cb44269265c2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1FU6KP.jpg" />

Dhawan accepted that playing without any fans in the stadiums would not bring the same feeling in the IPL as they bring their own charm into games but added everyone would be hungry to perform and give their best on the field whenever live cricket returns. Earlier, Indian skipper Virat Kohli had said matches without crowd won’t have “same magic” in matches.&nbsp;

“Obviously, we are going to miss playing in front of a huge crowd if tournaments take place behind closed doors, the fans bring their own charm and aura, but at the same time, it would be an opportunity as we have been sitting at our homes for two months now,” the batsman added.

“Once we go back, we all will be very hungry to play and perform for our teams, it is going to be good fun, at the end of the day, when we are playing, it is always a good feeling.”

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan is hoping that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is successfully held later in the year as the swashbuckling southpaw opined that the tournament brings a lot of positivity.

Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan is hoping that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is successfully held later in the year as the swashbuckling southpaw opined that the tournament brings a lot of positivity. The veteran batsman said that it is crucial for sports to come back to life in India as it improves the environment and mood. “Hopefully, the IPL will happen. I always think in a positive manner. It will be really good if the tournament goes ahead... the security of everyone will need to be taken care of. If it happens, it will be really good as it brings a lot of positivity,” Dhawan told Sri Lanka allrounder Angelo Mathews in an Instagram live video chat. “It’s very important that some sports return to improve the environment and mood... it will have a huge impact if the IPL returns.” Dhawan accepted that playing without any fans in the stadiums would not bring the same feeling in the IPL as they bring their own charm into games but added everyone would be hungry to perform and give their best on the field whenever live cricket returns. Earlier, Indian skipper Virat Kohli had said matches without crowd won’t have “same magic” in matches. “Obviously, we are going to miss playing in front of a huge crowd if tournaments take place behind closed doors, the fans bring their own charm and aura, but at the same time, it would be an opportunity as we have been sitting at our homes for two months now,” the batsman added. “Once we go back, we all will be very hungry to play and perform for our teams, it is going to be good fun, at the end of the day, when we are playing, it is always a good feeling.”

IPL brings positivity, hopefully it will happen: Shikhar Dhawan

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