<p>Barcelona will bring legal action against a former vice-president who has made accusations of management corruption, the La Liga champions announced on Monday.</p>

<p>Last week Barcelona furiously denied accusations from Emili Rousaud, who was one of six directors to resign on Thursday, that someone at the club had "put their hands in the till".</p>

<p>"The Board of Directors categorically denies any action that could be described as corruption and have agreed to bring the corresponding criminal action accordingly," Barca said in a statement.</p>

<p>"FC Barcelona cannot tolerate allegations that seriously damage the institution's image. The criminal action to be taken is in defence of the honour of the club and its employees. The existence of an ongoing audit must put an end to this matter."</p>

<p>Rousaud's allegations focus on February's social media controversy, when Barcelona were accused of hiring a company called I3 Ventures to discredit opponents of the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu online, including players like Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If the auditors tell us the cost of these services is 100,000 euros and we have paid one million, it means someone has put their hand in the till," Rousaud told the programme RAC1 on Friday.</p>

<p>Bartomeu terminated the club's contract with I3 Ventures in February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barcelona added in their statement that an audit of the club's social media monitoring contracts being carried out by PriceWaterhouseCoopers was being slowed down by the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>"The current State of Alarm as a result of Covid-19 has had an impact on the development of certain analytical procedures," the statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement is the latest episode in a political crisis for the club under Bartomeu. All six resigning board members have called for the club's 2021 presidential election to be brought forward.</p>

<p>Rousaud had been appointed as a club vice-president in January and was seen as a leading candidate to succeed Bartomeu, who cannot stand again for the post.</p>

<p>Instead, Rousaud quit alongside fellow vice-president Enrique Tombas, as well as directors Silvio Elias, Josep Pont, Jordi Calsamiglia and Maria Teixidor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent months Bartomeu has been involved in a string of political spats being played out in public.</p>

<p>Messi reacted angrily in January to Eric Abidal, the club's technical secretary, suggesting the players were to blame for the sacking of coach Ernesto Valverde and last month, the Argentinian star criticised the club's handling of negotiations with the squad over pay cuts.&nbsp;</p>


Barcelona will bring legal action against a former vice-president who has made accusations of management corruption, the La Liga champions announced on Monday. Last week Barcelona furiously denied accusations from Emili Rousaud, who was one of six directors to resign on Thursday, that someone at the club had "put their hands in the till".

Barcelona will bring legal action against a former vice-president who has made accusations of management corruption, the La Liga champions announced on Monday. Last week Barcelona furiously denied accusations from Emili Rousaud, who was one of six directors to resign on Thursday, that someone at the club had "put their hands in the till". "The Board of Directors categorically denies any action that could be described as corruption and have agreed to bring the corresponding criminal action accordingly," Barca said in a statement. "FC Barcelona cannot tolerate allegations that seriously damage the institution's image. The criminal action to be taken is in defence of the honour of the club and its employees. The existence of an ongoing audit must put an end to this matter." Rousaud's allegations focus on February's social media controversy, when Barcelona were accused of hiring a company called I3 Ventures to discredit opponents of the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu online, including players like Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique. "If the auditors tell us the cost of these services is 100,000 euros and we have paid one million, it means someone has put their hand in the till," Rousaud told the programme RAC1 on Friday. Bartomeu terminated the club's contract with I3 Ventures in February. Barcelona added in their statement that an audit of the club's social media monitoring contracts being carried out by PriceWaterhouseCoopers was being slowed down by the coronavirus pandemic. "The current State of Alarm as a result of Covid-19 has had an impact on the development of certain analytical procedures," the statement read. The announcement is the latest episode in a political crisis for the club under Bartomeu. All six resigning board members have called for the club's 2021 presidential election to be brought forward. Rousaud had been appointed as a club vice-president in January and was seen as a leading candidate to succeed Bartomeu, who cannot stand again for the post. Instead, Rousaud quit alongside fellow vice-president Enrique Tombas, as well as directors Silvio Elias, Josep Pont, Jordi Calsamiglia and Maria Teixidor. In recent months Bartomeu has been involved in a string of political spats being played out in public. Messi reacted angrily in January to Eric Abidal, the club's technical secretary, suggesting the players were to blame for the sacking of coach Ernesto Valverde and last month, the Argentinian star criticised the club's handling of negotiations with the squad over pay cuts.

Barca announce legal action against ex-director who made 'corruption' allegations

<p>Retired track star Usain Bolt showed he's still a few steps ahead when he posted an AFP picture of him outstripping his rivals at the Beijing Olympics with the cheeky caption: "social distancing".</p>

<p>Bolt's post, featuring a picture by AFP photographer Nicolas Asfouri of the 2008 Olympics 100m final, blew up on social media, drawing more than half a million likes and 90,000 retweets.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Social Distancing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyEaster?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyEaster</a> <a href="https://t.co/lDCAsxkOAw">pic.twitter.com/lDCAsxkOAw</a></p>
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) <a href="https://twitter.com/usainbolt/status/1249708513066131457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>It showed the Jamaican crossing the finish line at the Bird's Nest stadium in a then-world record time of 9.69sec, glancing round from lane four as his despairing competitors trail two paces behind.</p>

<p>"Savage", commented one Twitter user, while New York Times journalist Christopher Clarey posted another picture of Bolt out in front on his own, captioned "self isolation".</p>

<p>Bolt's chest-thumping celebration in Beijing added to a legend that grew further when he won the 200m in another world-record time. He retired in 2017 with eight Olympic gold medals and the current 100m mark of 9.58sec, set in 2009.</p>

<p>Bolt, 33, has been encouraging Jamaicans to self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic, posting videos of himself exercising at home and juggling footballs with a friend. He also helped promote a major fundraiser, Telethon Jamaica.</p>

<p>After retiring from athletics, Bolt, a Manchester United fan, attempted to launch a career in football, and had a trial with Australia's Central Coast Mariners before contract talks failed.</p>


Retired track star Usain Bolt showed he's still a few steps ahead when he posted an AFP picture of him outstripping his rivals at the Beijing Olympics with the cheeky caption: "social distancing".

Retired track star Usain Bolt showed he's still a few steps ahead when he posted an AFP picture of him outstripping his rivals at the Beijing Olympics with the cheeky caption: "social distancing". Bolt's post, featuring a picture by AFP photographer Nicolas Asfouri of the 2008 Olympics 100m final, blew up on social media, drawing more than half a million likes and 90,000 retweets. Social Distancing #HappyEaster pic.twitter.com/lDCAsxkOAw — Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) April 13, 2020 × It showed the Jamaican crossing the finish line at the Bird's Nest stadium in a then-world record time of 9.69sec, glancing round from lane four as his despairing competitors trail two paces behind. "Savage", commented one Twitter user, while New York Times journalist Christopher Clarey posted another picture of Bolt out in front on his own, captioned "self isolation". Bolt's chest-thumping celebration in Beijing added to a legend that grew further when he won the 200m in another world-record time. He retired in 2017 with eight Olympic gold medals and the current 100m mark of 9.58sec, set in 2009. Bolt, 33, has been encouraging Jamaicans to self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic, posting videos of himself exercising at home and juggling footballs with a friend. He also helped promote a major fundraiser, Telethon Jamaica. After retiring from athletics, Bolt, a Manchester United fan, attempted to launch a career in football, and had a trial with Australia's Central Coast Mariners before contract talks failed.

Usain Bolt goes viral with 'social distancing' Olympic photo

<p>Football fans and concert-goers could be barred from seeing their favourite teams and bands play live in Germany for 18 months due to the coronavirus, according to a science expert.</p>

<p>Keeping Germany's stadiums and music venues closed until well into 2021 "would certainly be very wise" according to Gerald Haug, president of the Leopoldina Academy of Sciences, which advises Angela Merkel's government on measures to combat the virus.</p>

<p>In an interview aired by broadcaster ARD on Monday, Haug added that "as to whether it will last a year and a half, we have to wait and see - there are also more optimistic assessments of the situation.</p>

<p>"But it will certainly last several months more, it could go up to a year and a half."</p>

<p>The German Football League (DFL) suspended all Bundesliga matches on March 13 until at least April 30.</p>

<p>A decision on whether football can resume in early May, most likely in empty stadiums with fans locked out, has been pushed back a week until April 23, the DFL announced Tuesday.</p>

<p>The DFL would need the go-ahead from the health authorities for leagues to resume.</p>

<p>Having been closed since mid-March, concert halls and sports venues across Germany remain shut until further notice.</p>

<p>The Leopoldina Academy has advocated a "step-by-step" return to normal conditions if the figures for new contaminations "stabilise at a low level" and if "hygiene measures are maintained".</p>

<p>Just under 3,000 people have so far died due to the coronavirus in Germany.</p>


Football fans and concert-goers could be barred from seeing their favourite teams and bands play live in Germany for 18 months due to the coronavirus, according to a science expert.

Football fans and concert-goers could be barred from seeing their favourite teams and bands play live in Germany for 18 months due to the coronavirus, according to a science expert. Keeping Germany's stadiums and music venues closed until well into 2021 "would certainly be very wise" according to Gerald Haug, president of the Leopoldina Academy of Sciences, which advises Angela Merkel's government on measures to combat the virus. In an interview aired by broadcaster ARD on Monday, Haug added that "as to whether it will last a year and a half, we have to wait and see - there are also more optimistic assessments of the situation. "But it will certainly last several months more, it could go up to a year and a half." The German Football League (DFL) suspended all Bundesliga matches on March 13 until at least April 30. A decision on whether football can resume in early May, most likely in empty stadiums with fans locked out, has been pushed back a week until April 23, the DFL announced Tuesday. The DFL would need the go-ahead from the health authorities for leagues to resume. Having been closed since mid-March, concert halls and sports venues across Germany remain shut until further notice. The Leopoldina Academy has advocated a "step-by-step" return to normal conditions if the figures for new contaminations "stabilise at a low level" and if "hygiene measures are maintained". Just under 3,000 people have so far died due to the coronavirus in Germany.

German venues should stay shut for 18 months: expert

<p>Who would have imagined a time where there would be absolutely no Live sport for the fans to feast on? Who would have imagined stadiums turning into quarantine centres with dark clouds hovering on the resumption of any sort of sporting action? The world, in a time of dearth, looks towards a hero and the cricket world has found a superhero in the form of Rob Moody or many would know him by his YouTube channel ‘robelinda2’ – &nbsp;who has world’s biggest cricket video archive.</p>

<p>Not only cricket fans but current and former cricketers are bombarding Rob with requests, comments, appreciation and whatever follows for the tremendous work he is putting for the cricket community in general to keep everyone engaged with the game. A musician by profession, guitar teacher, cricket historian and a mega-fan of cricket, Rob’s mantra is simple: “If it’s available for everyone then put it there.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>It started with a gentle push and for loads of love for the game.</p>

<p>“My friends and I were discussing a match and my reply was ‘I have that footage with me’, so they just asked me to put it on YouTube. As I had no knowledge about how this platform worked, I simply put it and the response was brilliant. People started to request more videos and I kept on making them available. But since I didn’t know much about YouTube back then, I lost my first channel due to copyright infringement. Now I am more aware of things. It is great to see people enjoying archival footages and keeping themselves engaged with the game in such times,” Rob told WION from Melbourne.</p>

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="568" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-K8oOuI2k3E" width="757"></iframe></div>
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<p>Be it a super compilation of “14 Insane Yorkers by Waqar Younis”, “Sir Viv Richards Final Test Innings” or “1000th Wicket Of Shane Warne”, every “Gold” footage a cricket fan can ask for has been already assembled by Rob. His channel has&nbsp;709,871,877 views and the numbers are only increasing!&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have put like thousands of hours to record and store everything. I have around 30 DVD folders with 100 disks each. My workstation is full of hard drives, TBs of it! I am not even working at the moment but I have like 4TB of hard drives lying around, so you can imagine what amount of data is there. DVDs are risky. I have these few disks with me now and they are not working anymore, I haven’t even touched them in years!” Rob said.</p>

<p><img alt="Rob Moody" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64583c05-41df-45a6-ba06-959b5e786393" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rob2_0.JPG" /></p>

<p>With everyone stuck at home, desirobelinda2 has come as a massive rescue. Not only fans but cricketers like Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Shane Warne, Kevin Pietersen, Scott Styris, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Shoaib Akhtar, Aakash Chopra among many others, appreciating, requesting or opinionating on certain rare footages.&nbsp;However, Rob misses the daily life as he doesn’t earn a single penny for his highly-popular YouTube channel.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you Rob <a href="https://twitter.com/robelinda2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@robelinda2</a> for the memory. I played a bit too low then - improved later! <a href="https://t.co/bZR5qPtbMG">https://t.co/bZR5qPtbMG</a></p>
— Sir Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffreyBoycott/status/1249367947279249408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He was plumb in front :)</p>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1247516626657792006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>“I wound want to be doing something and earn. I don’t earn anything from my channel, it’s just sheer love for cricket. My guitar classes are shut, not playing music in cruise tips, everything has come to a halt. It is better for everyone to stay inside and do something productive by staying indoors. I am taking this time to fulfil more requests on Twitter and YouTube and also backing up some old footages as DVDs are not reliable at all. So yes, taking something good out of this situation,” Rob said.</p>

<p>“But yes, it’s good to see cricketers appreciating the work. Footages are special and have been collected with immense work.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="568" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GzjVDaRFLzg" width="757"></iframe></div>
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<p>Everyone has that special series which, for them changed the game forever. For Rob, it is Australia’s 2-1 victory over West Indies in 1995 where the Mark Taylor-led Baggy Greens ended a 20-year wait over the Men from the Caribbean</p>

<p>“That is a special series. We defeated mighty West Indies after a couple of decades. I have around 5-6 back-ups for it. Defeating West Indies back then was a big task and yes, Australia did it to everyone’s surprise. I will keep that footage forever with me, that is gold to me.”</p>

<p>Rob hasn’t had the opportunity to interact with any cricketers in person. “I would love to meet someone with a good knowledge of the game. Meeting the likes of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Michael Atherton, Michael Vaughan would be great if that’s a possibility one day. I would love to discuss the game with them.”</p>

<p>When you are dealing with televised footages then YouTube becomes a tricky place to upload videos. Three copyright strikes can take the entire channel away, forever. “I once got a strike while uploading 10-second footage of one Ian Bell drive, just one drive. The strike was just on the moment when the ball hit Bell’s bat. It’s crazy. I had to go back and edit those frames out, it was a frame by framework. Cricket boards are kind of okay with uploading footages prior to 1992 but that’s way back. It is tricky indeed.”</p>

<p><img alt="Rob Moody" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cbe36391-2055-4b11-8f1d-5cdf6ad3ed00" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rob4.JPG" /></p>

<p>Rob has even got a channel which is a tribute to him by Mainak named desi_robelinda, where footages from Team India’s matches, Indian domestic games and matches of sub-continent teams are in the majority. It is a priceless place to visit for cricket fans as well. “It’s pretty nice to have a tribute channel. But Mainak works equally hard in collecting and putting out the footages. We are in touch on a regular basis and help each other a lot. It’s good to see people with so much love for the game,” Rob said.</p>

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has left almost the entire world locked. Cricket fans flood Rob’s Twitter handle requesting him about rare footages. “When I am on the cruise, I don’t even get proper time to fulfil those requests, there are thousands of them. Now, I am trying to post as much videos as possible with literally nothing else to do now. It’s heartening to see the response but I hope everything is back to normal soon.</p>

<p>While it will take months for everything to come back to normalcy, cricket fans have new homes in robelinda2 and desi_robelinda. With an exhaustive amount of rare and special footages, fans are not only feasting by turning back the time machine, by the help of their superhero without cape, but are also learning to re-live moments which made the game so special. Thank you, Rob Moody, on behalf of cricket.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Who would have imagined a time where there would be absolutely no Live sport for the fans to feast on? Who would have imagined stadiums turning into quarantine centres with dark clouds hovering on the resumption of any sort of sporting action?

Who would have imagined a time where there would be absolutely no Live sport for the fans to feast on? Who would have imagined stadiums turning into quarantine centres with dark clouds hovering on the resumption of any sort of sporting action? The world, in a time of dearth, looks towards a hero and the cricket world has found a superhero in the form of Rob Moody or many would know him by his YouTube channel ‘robelinda2’ – who has world’s biggest cricket video archive. Not only cricket fans but current and former cricketers are bombarding Rob with requests, comments, appreciation and whatever follows for the tremendous work he is putting for the cricket community in general to keep everyone engaged with the game. A musician by profession, guitar teacher, cricket historian and a mega-fan of cricket, Rob’s mantra is simple: “If it’s available for everyone then put it there.” It started with a gentle push and for loads of love for the game. “My friends and I were discussing a match and my reply was ‘I have that footage with me’, so they just asked me to put it on YouTube. As I had no knowledge about how this platform worked, I simply put it and the response was brilliant. People started to request more videos and I kept on making them available. But since I didn’t know much about YouTube back then, I lost my first channel due to copyright infringement. Now I am more aware of things. It is great to see people enjoying archival footages and keeping themselves engaged with the game in such times,” Rob told WION from Melbourne. × Be it a super compilation of “14 Insane Yorkers by Waqar Younis”, “Sir Viv Richards Final Test Innings” or “1000th Wicket Of Shane Warne”, every “Gold” footage a cricket fan can ask for has been already assembled by Rob. His channel has 709,871,877 views and the numbers are only increasing! “I have put like thousands of hours to record and store everything. I have around 30 DVD folders with 100 disks each. My workstation is full of hard drives, TBs of it! I am not even working at the moment but I have like 4TB of hard drives lying around, so you can imagine what amount of data is there. DVDs are risky. I have these few disks with me now and they are not working anymore, I haven’t even touched them in years!” Rob said. With everyone stuck at home, desirobelinda2 has come as a massive rescue. Not only fans but cricketers like Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Shane Warne, Kevin Pietersen, Scott Styris, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Shoaib Akhtar, Aakash Chopra among many others, appreciating, requesting or opinionating on certain rare footages. However, Rob misses the daily life as he doesn’t earn a single penny for his highly-popular YouTube channel. Thank you Rob @robelinda2 for the memory. I played a bit too low then - improved later! https://t.co/bZR5qPtbMG — Sir Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) April 12, 2020 × He was plumb in front :) — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) April 7, 2020 × “I wound want to be doing something and earn. I don’t earn anything from my channel, it’s just sheer love for cricket. My guitar classes are shut, not playing music in cruise tips, everything has come to a halt. It is better for everyone to stay inside and do something productive by staying indoors. I am taking this time to fulfil more requests on Twitter and YouTube and also backing up some old footages as DVDs are not reliable at all. So yes, taking something good out of this situation,” Rob said. “But yes, it’s good to see cricketers appreciating the work. Footages are special and have been collected with immense work.” × Everyone has that special series which, for them changed the game forever. For Rob, it is Australia’s 2-1 victory over West Indies in 1995 where the Mark Taylor-led Baggy Greens ended a 20-year wait over the Men from the Caribbean “That is a special series. We defeated mighty West Indies after a couple of decades. I have around 5-6 back-ups for it. Defeating West Indies back then was a big task and yes, Australia did it to everyone’s surprise. I will keep that footage forever with me, that is gold to me.” Rob hasn’t had the opportunity to interact with any cricketers in person. “I would love to meet someone with a good knowledge of the game. Meeting the likes of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Michael Atherton, Michael Vaughan would be great if that’s a possibility one day. I would love to discuss the game with them.” When you are dealing with televised footages then YouTube becomes a tricky place to upload videos. Three copyright strikes can take the entire channel away, forever. “I once got a strike while uploading 10-second footage of one Ian Bell drive, just one drive. The strike was just on the moment when the ball hit Bell’s bat. It’s crazy. I had to go back and edit those frames out, it was a frame by framework. Cricket boards are kind of okay with uploading footages prior to 1992 but that’s way back. It is tricky indeed.” Rob has even got a channel which is a tribute to him by Mainak named desi_robelinda, where footages from Team India’s matches, Indian domestic games and matches of sub-continent teams are in the majority. It is a priceless place to visit for cricket fans as well. “It’s pretty nice to have a tribute channel. But Mainak works equally hard in collecting and putting out the footages. We are in touch on a regular basis and help each other a lot. It’s good to see people with so much love for the game,” Rob said. The COVID-19 pandemic has left almost the entire world locked. Cricket fans flood Rob’s Twitter handle requesting him about rare footages. “When I am on the cruise, I don’t even get proper time to fulfil those requests, there are thousands of them. Now, I am trying to post as much videos as possible with literally nothing else to do now. It’s heartening to see the response but I hope everything is back to normal soon. While it will take months for everything to come back to normalcy, cricket fans have new homes in robelinda2 and desi_robelinda. With an exhaustive amount of rare and special footages, fans are not only feasting by turning back the time machine, by the help of their superhero without cape, but are also learning to re-live moments which made the game so special. Thank you, Rob Moody, on behalf of cricket.

In time of no cricket, Rob Moody keeping the game alive

<p>Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini was discharged on Tuesday after three weeks in a Chinese hospital being treated for coronavirus, his club said.</p>

<p>The 32-year-old Shandong Luneng midfielder, the only player known to have contracted the disease in the Chinese Super League (CSL), will now spend 14 days in quarantine for further observation.</p>

<p>The Belgium international said on March 22 that he had tested positive for the virus, having just returned to China, but assured fans that he was feeling fine.</p>

<p>While in hospital in the city of Jinan, Fellaini posted videos of himself on Instagram exercising in his room.</p>

<p>"Fellaini was assessed and was deemed to have recovered, and was discharged today," Shandong said in a brief statement.</p>

<p>China, where the outbreak emerged in December, says that it has curbed the illness at home but is now worried about a second wave of infections from overseas.</p>

<p>Fellaini's positive test dealt a blow to the CSL's hopes of starting the season any time soon, after its February 22 start date was &nbsp;indefinitely postponed.</p>

<p>Fellaini, also formerly of Everton, joined Shandong from Manchester United in February last year for a reported 7.2 million euros.</p>

<p>He enjoyed a productive first season in China, scoring 12 goals in 34 matches and providing five assists.</p>


Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini was discharged on Tuesday after three weeks in a Chinese hospital being treated for coronavirus, his club said. The 32-year-old Shandong Luneng midfielder, the only player known to have contracted the disease in the Chinese Super League (CSL), will now spend 14 days in quarantine for further observation.

Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini was discharged on Tuesday after three weeks in a Chinese hospital being treated for coronavirus, his club said. The 32-year-old Shandong Luneng midfielder, the only player known to have contracted the disease in the Chinese Super League (CSL), will now spend 14 days in quarantine for further observation. The Belgium international said on March 22 that he had tested positive for the virus, having just returned to China, but assured fans that he was feeling fine. While in hospital in the city of Jinan, Fellaini posted videos of himself on Instagram exercising in his room. "Fellaini was assessed and was deemed to have recovered, and was discharged today," Shandong said in a brief statement. China, where the outbreak emerged in December, says that it has curbed the illness at home but is now worried about a second wave of infections from overseas. Fellaini's positive test dealt a blow to the CSL's hopes of starting the season any time soon, after its February 22 start date was indefinitely postponed. Fellaini, also formerly of Everton, joined Shandong from Manchester United in February last year for a reported 7.2 million euros. He enjoyed a productive first season in China, scoring 12 goals in 34 matches and providing five assists.

Marouane Fellaini out of Chinese hospital after coronavirus scare

<p>The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has been majorly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, WWE fans are in for relief as professional sports in Florida&nbsp;have gotten the nod to resume services following the decision by Florida Governor’s Office to categorize them under ‘essential services’. &nbsp;</p>

<p>WWE has been added to the same list consisting of grocery stores, hospitals, banks, restaurants, etc. The order to resume production of WWE states that professional sports and media production can only resume if the venue is closed to the general audience, which means the upcoming shows of WWE will be shot behind closed doors. The move to categorise WWE into ‘essential services’ was approved as it is extremely necessary to Florida’s economy, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-cristiano-ronaldo-turns-super-dad-uses-kids-as-weights-during-home-workout-292441" hreflang="en">Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo turns 'super dad', uses kids as weights during home workout!</a></strong></p>

<p>WWE on Monday resumed live shows after weeks of tapes events including the showpiece – WrestleMania 36. The fresh live shows are being produced with the use of their training facility in Orlando.</p>

<p>"We believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times," WWE said in a statement to a news portal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are producing content on a closed set with only essential personnel in attendance following appropriate guidelines while taking additional precautions to ensure the health and wellness of our performers and staff."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-postponed-indefinitely-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-bcci-sources-292429" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic: BCCI sources</a></strong></p>

<p>"As a brand that has been woven into the fabric of society, WWE and its Superstars bring families together and deliver a sense of hope, determination and perseverance," read the WWE statement.</p>

<p>Florida is under ‘Safer at Home’ order until April 30 due to COVID-19 pandemic and the order limits movement of citizens in a bid to curb the spread of dreaded coronavirus.</p>


The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has been majorly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, WWE fans are in for relief as professional sports in Florida have gotten the nod to resume services following the decision by Florida Governor’s Office to categorize them under ‘essential services’.

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has been majorly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, WWE fans are in for relief as professional sports in Florida have gotten the nod to resume services following the decision by Florida Governor’s Office to categorize them under ‘essential services’. WWE has been added to the same list consisting of grocery stores, hospitals, banks, restaurants, etc. The order to resume production of WWE states that professional sports and media production can only resume if the venue is closed to the general audience, which means the upcoming shows of WWE will be shot behind closed doors. The move to categorise WWE into ‘essential services’ was approved as it is extremely necessary to Florida’s economy, as per reports. MORE: Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo turns 'super dad', uses kids as weights during home workout! WWE on Monday resumed live shows after weeks of tapes events including the showpiece – WrestleMania 36. The fresh live shows are being produced with the use of their training facility in Orlando. "We believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times," WWE said in a statement to a news portal. "We are producing content on a closed set with only essential personnel in attendance following appropriate guidelines while taking additional precautions to ensure the health and wellness of our performers and staff." ALSO READ: IPL 2020 postponed indefinitely due to COVID-19 pandemic: BCCI sources "As a brand that has been woven into the fabric of society, WWE and its Superstars bring families together and deliver a sense of hope, determination and perseverance," read the WWE statement. Florida is under ‘Safer at Home’ order until April 30 due to COVID-19 pandemic and the order limits movement of citizens in a bid to curb the spread of dreaded coronavirus.

WWE categorised as 'essential service', resumes live televised shows

<p>Sportspersons have taken to unorthodox ways to train indoors as almost the entire world continues to remain under lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who is spending time with family at home in Funchal, Portugal weeks after being forced to self-isolate, found a new way to train indoors in a bid to keep himself fit for the resumption of footballing season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video posted by Ronaldo on his Instagram feed, the Portuguese stalwart was seen doing crunches when his children Eva and Mateo decided to disrupt his training regime. Spontaneous as always, Ronaldo asked them to help him complete his crunches-set but as the former continued with his workout, the twins clambered on top of him.</p>

<p>Ronaldo, who has set a benchmark in the world of fitness, turned their kids into weights and lifted them up, turn by turn, to complete a single-handed lift and two-handed lift sets while enjoying a gala time with his children.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barca-announce-legal-action-against-ex-director-who-made-corruption-allegations-292411" hreflang="en">Barca announce legal action against ex-director who made 'corruption' allegations</a></strong></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-6_3FugRaE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Kids, let the Dad do his work #stayhome #stayactive</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cristiano/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Cristiano Ronaldo</a> (@cristiano) on <time datetime="2020-04-13T12:57:43+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 13, 2020 at 5:57am PDT</time></p>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usain-bolt-goes-viral-with-social-distancing-olympic-photo-292407" hreflang="en">Usain Bolt goes viral with 'social distancing' Olympic photo</a></strong></p>

<p>Super dad, Ronaldo, in the video, showed how to strike a perfect balance to keep kids happy while not compromising on his workout schedule.&nbsp;<br />
Ronaldo has been training indoors in his mansion in Funchal and the former Manchester United forward has kept his fans engaged by posting his workout photographs and videos. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was in red-hot form before the coronavirus outbreak was reported in Italy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ronaldo has scored 21 goals for Juventus in Serie A including seven penalties and is second to Ciro Immobile (27) in the race for the Serie A top-scorer.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Sportspersons have taken to unorthodox ways to train indoors as almost the entire world continues to remain under lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who is spending time with family at home in Funchal, Portugal weeks after being forced to self-isolate, found a new way to train indoors in a bid to keep himself fit for the resumption of footballing season.

Sportspersons have taken to unorthodox ways to train indoors as almost the entire world continues to remain under lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who is spending time with family at home in Funchal, Portugal weeks after being forced to self-isolate, found a new way to train indoors in a bid to keep himself fit for the resumption of footballing season. In a video posted by Ronaldo on his Instagram feed, the Portuguese stalwart was seen doing crunches when his children Eva and Mateo decided to disrupt his training regime. Spontaneous as always, Ronaldo asked them to help him complete his crunches-set but as the former continued with his workout, the twins clambered on top of him. Ronaldo, who has set a benchmark in the world of fitness, turned their kids into weights and lifted them up, turn by turn, to complete a single-handed lift and two-handed lift sets while enjoying a gala time with his children. ALSO READ: Barca announce legal action against ex-director who made 'corruption' allegations View this post on Instagram Kids, let the Dad do his work #stayhome #stayactive A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) on Apr 13, 2020 at 5:57am PDT × ALSO READ: Usain Bolt goes viral with 'social distancing' Olympic photo Super dad, Ronaldo, in the video, showed how to strike a perfect balance to keep kids happy while not compromising on his workout schedule. Ronaldo has been training indoors in his mansion in Funchal and the former Manchester United forward has kept his fans engaged by posting his workout photographs and videos. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was in red-hot form before the coronavirus outbreak was reported in Italy. Ronaldo has scored 21 goals for Juventus in Serie A including seven penalties and is second to Ciro Immobile (27) in the race for the Serie A top-scorer.

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo turns 'super dad', uses kids as weights during home workout!

<p class="MsoNormal">Former Australian captain and one of the greats of the gentlemen’s game, Allan Border has said that he can’t imagine the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 to be played at empty stadiums. The showpiece event is scheduled to be hosted by Australia in the months of October and November but the COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions imposed by many countries to curb the spread of the dreaded coronavirus have left the future of the T20 World Cup hanging in balance.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The speculations are rife that the ICC T20 World Cup could either be postponed or cancelled given the situation surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. However, Border is of the view that with teams, support staff and everyone else associated with the tournament going around the country, it would be hard to not let people into the grounds. &nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“I just can’t imagine playing at empty stadiums ... it defies belief,” Border told a news portal.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/covid-19-former-pakistan-first-class-cricketer-zafar-sarfaraz-passes-away-after-testing-positive-for-coronavirus-292412" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Former Pakistan first-class cricketer Zafar Sarfaraz passes away after testing positive for coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Having teams, support staff and everyone else associated with the game wandering around the country, playing games of cricket, but you can’t let people into the grounds. I just can’t see it happening.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s either you play it and everyone just gets on with the job and we’re past this pandemic,” added Border.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“Or it just has to be cancelled and you try to fit it in somewhere else.”</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usain-bolt-goes-viral-with-social-distancing-olympic-photo-292407" hreflang="en">Usain Bolt goes viral with 'social distancing' Olympic photo</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier, Cricket Australia (CA) chief Kevin Roberts said that he is hoping that the ICC T20 World Cup could be played as planned and in under normal circumstances.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Cricket Australia chief Kevin Roberts had earlier said he is hoping that the T20 World Cup could be played as per schedule in normal circumstances.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“We’re really hoping that all forms of sport can be played again in a few weeks or a few months’ time,” Roberts said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“None of us are experts in this situation obviously, so our hope is that we’re back in very much normal circumstances come October and November when the men’s T20 World Cup is to be played.”<br />
<o:p></o:p></p>


Former Australian captain and one of the greats of the gentlemen’s game, Allan Border has said that he can’t imagine the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 to be played at empty stadiums.

Former Australian captain and one of the greats of the gentlemen’s game, Allan Border has said that he can’t imagine the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 to be played at empty stadiums. The showpiece event is scheduled to be hosted by Australia in the months of October and November but the COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions imposed by many countries to curb the spread of the dreaded coronavirus have left the future of the T20 World Cup hanging in balance. The speculations are rife that the ICC T20 World Cup could either be postponed or cancelled given the situation surrounding COVID-19 pandemic. However, Border is of the view that with teams, support staff and everyone else associated with the tournament going around the country, it would be hard to not let people into the grounds. “I just can’t imagine playing at empty stadiums ... it defies belief,” Border told a news portal. ALSO READ: COVID-19: Former Pakistan first-class cricketer Zafar Sarfaraz passes away after testing positive for coronavirus “Having teams, support staff and everyone else associated with the game wandering around the country, playing games of cricket, but you can’t let people into the grounds. I just can’t see it happening. “It’s either you play it and everyone just gets on with the job and we’re past this pandemic,” added Border. “Or it just has to be cancelled and you try to fit it in somewhere else.” ALSO READ: Usain Bolt goes viral with 'social distancing' Olympic photo Earlier, Cricket Australia (CA) chief Kevin Roberts said that he is hoping that the ICC T20 World Cup could be played as planned and in under normal circumstances. Cricket Australia chief Kevin Roberts had earlier said he is hoping that the T20 World Cup could be played as per schedule in normal circumstances. “We’re really hoping that all forms of sport can be played again in a few weeks or a few months’ time,” Roberts said. “None of us are experts in this situation obviously, so our hope is that we’re back in very much normal circumstances come October and November when the men’s T20 World Cup is to be played.”

Can't imagine ICC T20 World Cup happening in empty stadiums, it defies belief: Allan Border

<p>It may be two decades since the Hansie Cronje corruption scandal rocked cricket, but even now the ripples are still being felt.</p>

<p>This month marks the 20th anniversary of Cronje being stripped of the South Africa captaincy following an extraordinary sequence of events earlier in 2000.</p>

<p>In January, come the last day of a 'dead' Test against England (South Africa had already won the series) a draw seemed inevitable after rain had washed out three days' play.</p>

<p>Yet Cronje contrived a positive result by getting England captain Nasser Hussain to agree that both sides would forfeit an innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>England were left with a target of 249 for victory after Cronje declared and eventually won by two wickets.</p>

<p>Traditionalists were aghast at the interference with the 'proper' course of a Test, yet few were prepared for what was to come.</p>

<p>In April, Cronje's image as a religious sportsman -- he wore a bracelet inscribed with the words 'What Would Jesus Do?' -- was shattered for all time.</p>

<p>An AFP report, later confirmed by the New Delhi police, said the force had phone recordings of Cronje and an Indian bookmaker discussing predetermined Proteas' performances during their tour of India the previous month.</p>

<p>Such was Cronje's standing at home and abroad, the initial reaction was one of "shock and disbelief" according to one of South Africa's leading cricket writers.</p>

<p>It was a sentiment shared by Dr Ali Bacher, the managing director of the United Cricket Board, the forerunner of today's Cricket South Africa.</p>

<h2>- 'Look for another job' -</h2>

<p>"When AFP broke the story before the official press conference by the Delhi police, I remember the office receiving a call from Dr Bacher blasting the agency for ruining the reputation of one of South Africa's most iconic personalities," recalled Kuldip Lal, the Delhi-based cricket reporter behind the scoop.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He threatened to sue us. I thought to myself that if the story is incorrect, a few of us may need to look for another job."</p>

<p>But Cronje's partial confession a few days later led to a "feeling of relief" in AFP's Delhi bureau, with Lal adding: "To his credit, Dr Bacher called the office to apologise for his earlier outburst."</p>

<p>Cronje later confessed to several allegations at the South African government-appointed King Commission, including attempts to bribe Herschelle Gibbs and Henry Williams to underperform in a one-day international against India.</p>

<p>He also admitted to receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from bookmakers to prearrange certain conditions -- cricket's complexity means gambling coups are possible without 'fixing' the result -- with his Centurion effort netting him some $6,000 and a leather jacket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cronje, who insisted he'd never thrown a game, was later given a life ban from cricket yet his reputation remained high with both his former team-mates and the South African public alike.</p>

<p>For example batsman Daryll Cullinan, testified Cronje, who died in a 2002 plane crash, had offered the team $250,000 to throw a match before adding he still thought of him "as a great captain and a great leader".</p>

<p>Meanwhile separate national hearings and investigations led to life bans for Pakistan's Saleem Malik and India's Mohammad Azharuddin.</p>

<p>Yet their suspensions were among several punishments &nbsp;subsequently overturned, although for Malik and Azharuddin the initial sanctions effectively ended the careers of two world-class batsmen.</p>

<p>The International Cricket Council responded by creating a new anti-corruption unit led by Paul Condon, the former head of London's Metropolitan Police.</p>

<p>But it was desperately under-staffed and 10 years ago it was Britain's now defunct News of the World tabloid that exposed the willingness of Pakistan captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir to engage in spot-fixing.</p>

<p>Since then a beefed-up ACU, respected for its work in educating players about the dangers of corruption, has had a greater impact, with its investigations leading to New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent receiving a life ban for match-fixing in 2014.</p>

<p>But the rise of Twenty20 franchise leagues and the development of the sport beyond top level men's cricket have created new targets for fixers.</p>

<p>As has happened in tennis, they can now turn their attention to less high-profile areas of the game, where the financial rewards for players are far less and the temptation to cheat potentially all the greater.</p>

<p>One constant though is that betting on cricket in India, the sport's biggest market, is illegal, meaning there is no formal regulation, even though gambling on horseracing is not.</p>


It may be two decades since the Hansie Cronje corruption scandal rocked cricket, but even now the ripples are still being felt. This month marks the 20th anniversary of Cronje being stripped of the South Africa captaincy following an extraordinary sequence of events earlier in 2000.

It may be two decades since the Hansie Cronje corruption scandal rocked cricket, but even now the ripples are still being felt. This month marks the 20th anniversary of Cronje being stripped of the South Africa captaincy following an extraordinary sequence of events earlier in 2000. In January, come the last day of a 'dead' Test against England (South Africa had already won the series) a draw seemed inevitable after rain had washed out three days' play. Yet Cronje contrived a positive result by getting England captain Nasser Hussain to agree that both sides would forfeit an innings. England were left with a target of 249 for victory after Cronje declared and eventually won by two wickets. Traditionalists were aghast at the interference with the 'proper' course of a Test, yet few were prepared for what was to come. In April, Cronje's image as a religious sportsman -- he wore a bracelet inscribed with the words 'What Would Jesus Do?' -- was shattered for all time. An AFP report, later confirmed by the New Delhi police, said the force had phone recordings of Cronje and an Indian bookmaker discussing predetermined Proteas' performances during their tour of India the previous month. Such was Cronje's standing at home and abroad, the initial reaction was one of "shock and disbelief" according to one of South Africa's leading cricket writers. It was a sentiment shared by Dr Ali Bacher, the managing director of the United Cricket Board, the forerunner of today's Cricket South Africa. - 'Look for another job' - "When AFP broke the story before the official press conference by the Delhi police, I remember the office receiving a call from Dr Bacher blasting the agency for ruining the reputation of one of South Africa's most iconic personalities," recalled Kuldip Lal, the Delhi-based cricket reporter behind the scoop. "He threatened to sue us. I thought to myself that if the story is incorrect, a few of us may need to look for another job." But Cronje's partial confession a few days later led to a "feeling of relief" in AFP's Delhi bureau, with Lal adding: "To his credit, Dr Bacher called the office to apologise for his earlier outburst." Cronje later confessed to several allegations at the South African government-appointed King Commission, including attempts to bribe Herschelle Gibbs and Henry Williams to underperform in a one-day international against India. He also admitted to receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from bookmakers to prearrange certain conditions -- cricket's complexity means gambling coups are possible without 'fixing' the result -- with his Centurion effort netting him some $6,000 and a leather jacket. Cronje, who insisted he'd never thrown a game, was later given a life ban from cricket yet his reputation remained high with both his former team-mates and the South African public alike. For example batsman Daryll Cullinan, testified Cronje, who died in a 2002 plane crash, had offered the team $250,000 to throw a match before adding he still thought of him "as a great captain and a great leader". Meanwhile separate national hearings and investigations led to life bans for Pakistan's Saleem Malik and India's Mohammad Azharuddin. Yet their suspensions were among several punishments subsequently overturned, although for Malik and Azharuddin the initial sanctions effectively ended the careers of two world-class batsmen. The International Cricket Council responded by creating a new anti-corruption unit led by Paul Condon, the former head of London's Metropolitan Police. But it was desperately under-staffed and 10 years ago it was Britain's now defunct News of the World tabloid that exposed the willingness of Pakistan captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir to engage in spot-fixing. Since then a beefed-up ACU, respected for its work in educating players about the dangers of corruption, has had a greater impact, with its investigations leading to New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent receiving a life ban for match-fixing in 2014. But the rise of Twenty20 franchise leagues and the development of the sport beyond top level men's cricket have created new targets for fixers. As has happened in tennis, they can now turn their attention to less high-profile areas of the game, where the financial rewards for players are far less and the temptation to cheat potentially all the greater. One constant though is that betting on cricket in India, the sport's biggest market, is illegal, meaning there is no formal regulation, even though gambling on horseracing is not.

Twenty years on, cricket still reeling from Cronje scandal

<p>A month has now passed since the last football matches were played before packed stadiums in Europe, and the havoc wrought by the coronavirus pandemic means that nobody can say with any certainty when the sport might return.</p>

<p>A crowd of 50,000 filled Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow on Thursday, March 12 to see Rangers lose 3-1 to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League.</p>

<p>Other matches that night were played behind closed doors, or postponed altogether, as Italy announced its death toll from the virus had passed 1,000.</p>

<p>Fast forward 31 days and the figures make for grim reading throughout Europe, with Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom the worst hit. Countries across the continent are now weeks into restrictive lockdowns.</p>

<p>Nobody knows when sport will be allowed to restart behind closed doors let alone before crowds. The psychological impact of the current situation means many people may well now have second thoughts about mixing with vast crowds at a football match in future.</p>

<p>In any case, as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted when the Premier League season was suspended on March 13: "Today, football and football matches really aren't important at all."</p>

<p>Yet his club are among those who have been worst hit by the suspension, given that they stand on the brink of winning the English title for the first time in 30 years.</p>

<p>In England, football will not return until it is "safe and appropriate"to do so, authorities have said.</p>

<p>However, UEFA, the governing body for the game in Europe, has remained optimistic about the prospect of finishing the season and is working on the possibility of playing in July and August if need be.</p>

<p>Aleksander Ceferin, the UEFA president, has also said that there is "no way" Liverpool should be denied the Premier League title, and suggested that "in case the matches cannot be played, we will need to find a way".</p>

<p>Scrapping a season that was close to its conclusion would not make sense, but it remains to be seen if the campaign can resume.</p>

<h2>- 'Critical situation' -</h2>

<p>"No match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single human life," FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said.&nbsp;"It would be more than irresponsible to force competitions to resume if things are not 100 percent safe."</p>

<p>The damage caused by COVID-19 has been dramatic. Even players are not worrying about returning to action.</p>

<p>"It's not the thing I am worrying about. I am thinking about my family first and foremost and then about getting this sorted. This is a critical situation," Paris Saint-Germain's Pablo Sarabia told AFP.</p>

<p>Leading football players and figures -- from Juventus and France star Blaise Matuidi to Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta -- have tested positive for the virus. Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz died.</p>

<p>Euro 2020 was postponed by a year, as was the Copa America.</p>

<p>Players at top sides have taken pay cuts, of 70 percent in the case of Barcelona.</p>

<p>There has been an unseemly dispute in England after UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock called for Premier League players to accept wage cuts.</p>

<p>Wealthy English clubs have also faced a backlash for tapping into a government scheme allowing them to furlough non-playing staff. Liverpool performed a U-turn and apologised for having applied.</p>

<h2>- Profound changes? -</h2>

<p>However, those wealthy clubs cannot afford to do without the income they get from broadcasters. That is at the core of their desperation to complete this season.</p>

<p>In England, the cost to Premier League clubs of having to reimburse broadcasters for matches not played has been put at 762 million pounds ($951m).</p>

<p>While idle players are stuck at home, trying to follow fitness programmes in their front rooms or gardens, many wonder if football will be profoundly changed because of the financial impact of this crisis.</p>

<p>"The economy will be different and so will football. Maybe it will be better," Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti told Italy's Corriere dello Sport. That remains to be seen.</p>


A month has now passed since the last football matches were played before packed stadiums in Europe, and the havoc wrought by the coronavirus pandemic means that nobody can say with any certainty when the sport might return.

A month has now passed since the last football matches were played before packed stadiums in Europe, and the havoc wrought by the coronavirus pandemic means that nobody can say with any certainty when the sport might return. A crowd of 50,000 filled Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow on Thursday, March 12 to see Rangers lose 3-1 to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League. Other matches that night were played behind closed doors, or postponed altogether, as Italy announced its death toll from the virus had passed 1,000. Fast forward 31 days and the figures make for grim reading throughout Europe, with Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom the worst hit. Countries across the continent are now weeks into restrictive lockdowns. Nobody knows when sport will be allowed to restart behind closed doors let alone before crowds. The psychological impact of the current situation means many people may well now have second thoughts about mixing with vast crowds at a football match in future. In any case, as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted when the Premier League season was suspended on March 13: "Today, football and football matches really aren't important at all." Yet his club are among those who have been worst hit by the suspension, given that they stand on the brink of winning the English title for the first time in 30 years. In England, football will not return until it is "safe and appropriate"to do so, authorities have said. However, UEFA, the governing body for the game in Europe, has remained optimistic about the prospect of finishing the season and is working on the possibility of playing in July and August if need be. Aleksander Ceferin, the UEFA president, has also said that there is "no way" Liverpool should be denied the Premier League title, and suggested that "in case the matches cannot be played, we will need to find a way". Scrapping a season that was close to its conclusion would not make sense, but it remains to be seen if the campaign can resume. - 'Critical situation' - "No match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single human life," FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said. "It would be more than irresponsible to force competitions to resume if things are not 100 percent safe." The damage caused by COVID-19 has been dramatic. Even players are not worrying about returning to action. "It's not the thing I am worrying about. I am thinking about my family first and foremost and then about getting this sorted. This is a critical situation," Paris Saint-Germain's Pablo Sarabia told AFP. Leading football players and figures -- from Juventus and France star Blaise Matuidi to Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta -- have tested positive for the virus. Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz died. Euro 2020 was postponed by a year, as was the Copa America. Players at top sides have taken pay cuts, of 70 percent in the case of Barcelona. There has been an unseemly dispute in England after UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock called for Premier League players to accept wage cuts. Wealthy English clubs have also faced a backlash for tapping into a government scheme allowing them to furlough non-playing staff. Liverpool performed a U-turn and apologised for having applied. - Profound changes? - However, those wealthy clubs cannot afford to do without the income they get from broadcasters. That is at the core of their desperation to complete this season. In England, the cost to Premier League clubs of having to reimburse broadcasters for matches not played has been put at 762 million pounds ($951m). While idle players are stuck at home, trying to follow fitness programmes in their front rooms or gardens, many wonder if football will be profoundly changed because of the financial impact of this crisis. "The economy will be different and so will football. Maybe it will be better," Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti told Italy's Corriere dello Sport. That remains to be seen.

A month into lockdown, football forced to play waiting game

<p>With the COVID-19 pandemic shattering the entire sporting calendar, all eyes are on the future of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 which was earlier scheduled to start from March 29 before getting postponed till April 15. While almost the entire world is currently under lockdown to curb the spread of the dreaded COVID-19, there are major question marks on whether IPL 2020 will be played this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer Arun Dhumal has said that the board is not in a position to take a final take on the fate of IPL 2020 and it would be “too premature” to comment on whether the cash-rich tournament could be played in place of ICC T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in October-November in Australia.</p>

<p>"Right now, the picture is very hazy. We don't even know when the lockdown will end and if we don't know, how can we even have a meaningful discussion. Once we get clarity from the government, we can then sit and take fresh stock of the situation. Any speculation about its future will be premature," Dhumal told PTI.</p>

<p>"Everyone wants IPL to happen but let's have some clarity first."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nothing-is-in-favour-of-any-kind-of-sport-forget-ipl-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-292216" hreflang="en">Nothing is in favour of any kind of sport, forget IPL: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly</a></strong></p>

<p>The BCCI treasurer confirmed that there was no conference call on Monday between the office bearers on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We office-bearers are in constant touch. It's not just IPL but there is a huge amount of pending administrative work, legal issues that need to be studied. But there was no conference call scheduled today as there is nothing to discuss till current situation persists," Dhumal said.</p>

<p>He also provided some practical insight into rescheduling of IPL as speculations are rife about the October-November window.</p>

<p>There are major speculations that IPL 2020 could be played in place of ICC T20 World Cup. But that would need the postponement of the showpiece event.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-should-have-retired-after-world-cup-seems-stuck-now-shoaib-akhtar-292206" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni should have retired after World Cup, seems stuck now: Shoaib Akhtar</a></strong></p>

<p>"Tell me one thing. Firstly, if Australia is under lockdown for six months, how can we conclude that they will allow their players to travel from next month right away? What if the travel restrictions for its citizens are still in place? How will they come to India then? And don't forget that other boards also need to agree," Dhumal said.</p>

<p>"Secondly, even if the lockdown ends in India, what if some of the major cities still have those COVID ''hotspots''? Can we risk the lives of our sportspersons? Thirdly, the players are likely to go without training for months.</p>

<p>"Even if we are in a position to conduct a tournament, for international players, we need to give them a bare minimum time to do full-fledged training before we can start a tournament. All these factors can only be clear when we are in a position to discuss," Dhumal said.</p>


With the COVID-19 pandemic shattering the entire sporting calendar, all eyes are on the future of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 which was earlier scheduled to start from March 29 before getting postponed till April 15.

With the COVID-19 pandemic shattering the entire sporting calendar, all eyes are on the future of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 which was earlier scheduled to start from March 29 before getting postponed till April 15. While almost the entire world is currently under lockdown to curb the spread of the dreaded COVID-19, there are major question marks on whether IPL 2020 will be played this year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer Arun Dhumal has said that the board is not in a position to take a final take on the fate of IPL 2020 and it would be “too premature” to comment on whether the cash-rich tournament could be played in place of ICC T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in October-November in Australia. "Right now, the picture is very hazy. We don't even know when the lockdown will end and if we don't know, how can we even have a meaningful discussion. Once we get clarity from the government, we can then sit and take fresh stock of the situation. Any speculation about its future will be premature," Dhumal told PTI. "Everyone wants IPL to happen but let's have some clarity first." ALSO READ: Nothing is in favour of any kind of sport, forget IPL: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly The BCCI treasurer confirmed that there was no conference call on Monday between the office bearers on Monday. "We office-bearers are in constant touch. It's not just IPL but there is a huge amount of pending administrative work, legal issues that need to be studied. But there was no conference call scheduled today as there is nothing to discuss till current situation persists," Dhumal said. He also provided some practical insight into rescheduling of IPL as speculations are rife about the October-November window. There are major speculations that IPL 2020 could be played in place of ICC T20 World Cup. But that would need the postponement of the showpiece event. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni should have retired after World Cup, seems stuck now: Shoaib Akhtar "Tell me one thing. Firstly, if Australia is under lockdown for six months, how can we conclude that they will allow their players to travel from next month right away? What if the travel restrictions for its citizens are still in place? How will they come to India then? And don't forget that other boards also need to agree," Dhumal said. "Secondly, even if the lockdown ends in India, what if some of the major cities still have those COVID ''hotspots''? Can we risk the lives of our sportspersons? Thirdly, the players are likely to go without training for months. "Even if we are in a position to conduct a tournament, for international players, we need to give them a bare minimum time to do full-fledged training before we can start a tournament. All these factors can only be clear when we are in a position to discuss," Dhumal said.

Everyone wants IPL to happen but premature to comment on October-November window for IPL 2020: BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal

<p>After postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to the year 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had said there would be ‘extreme ramifications' for rescheduling the Games. Now, president of the committee Thomas Bach has said that IOC is preparing to spend several hundred million dollars in additional cost following the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.</p>

<p>Bach stated that it was “impossible to say” exactly how much the rescheduling of the Games will cost while adding that Japan will continue to cover the costs under terms of existing agreement whereas IOC will be responsible for its share of costs. The financial ramifications were discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before the postponement of the quadrennial event was announced in March 2020.,</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sports-minister-visits-sai-headquarters-essential-staff-resumes-office-292223" hreflang="en">Sports Minister visits SAI headquarters, essential staff resumes office</a></strong></p>

<p>“We agreed with the prime minister that Japan will continue to cover the costs it would have done under the terms of the existing agreement for 2020, and the IOC will continue to be responsible for its share of the costs,” Bach told a German daily.</p>

<p>“For us, the IOC, it is already clear that we shall be faced with several hundred million dollars of additional costs,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nothing-is-in-favour-of-any-kind-of-sport-forget-ipl-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-292216" hreflang="en">Nothing is in favour of any kind of sport, forget IPL: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly</a></strong></p>

<p>The IOC president further clarified that “cancellation was not really an option for anyone involved in the decision” while adding the postponement call was “not a decision the IOC could take on its own.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


After postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to the year 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had said there would be ‘extreme ramifications' for rescheduling the Games.

After postponing the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to the year 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had said there would be ‘extreme ramifications' for rescheduling the Games. Now, president of the committee Thomas Bach has said that IOC is preparing to spend several hundred million dollars in additional cost following the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Bach stated that it was “impossible to say” exactly how much the rescheduling of the Games will cost while adding that Japan will continue to cover the costs under terms of existing agreement whereas IOC will be responsible for its share of costs. The financial ramifications were discussed with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before the postponement of the quadrennial event was announced in March 2020., ALSO READ: Sports Minister visits SAI headquarters, essential staff resumes office “We agreed with the prime minister that Japan will continue to cover the costs it would have done under the terms of the existing agreement for 2020, and the IOC will continue to be responsible for its share of the costs,” Bach told a German daily. “For us, the IOC, it is already clear that we shall be faced with several hundred million dollars of additional costs,” he added. ALSO READ: Nothing is in favour of any kind of sport, forget IPL: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly The IOC president further clarified that “cancellation was not really an option for anyone involved in the decision” while adding the postponement call was “not a decision the IOC could take on its own.”

IOC looking at 'several hundred million dollars of additional costs' after postponement of Tokyo Olympics: Thomas Bach

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s future, in the world of cricket, has been a major topic of discussion among the former cricketers and ardent lovers of the game since the former Indian skipper played in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 before going into a self-imposed sabbatical. While Dhoni was supposed to make his comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has shattered every plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni’s comeback in international cricket would have depended on his performances in IPL 2020 but given the current postponement of the event and situation surrounding the coronavirus, his future has been left hanging in balance. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has said that Dhoni shouldn’t have dragged his career and the best time to hang his boots would have been after the conclusion of World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Akhtar said Dhoni could have continued in the shortest format of the game but retired from ODI cricket after the ICC World Cup 2011 as he wasn’t at his best after that while adding, Dhoni seems stuck, at the moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/twenty-years-on-cricket-still-reeling-from-cronje-scandal-292199" hreflang="en">Twenty years on, cricket still reeling from Cronje scandal</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>"Dhoni should have retired after the World Cup"</strong></h2>

<p>"This guy has served to the best of his ability. He should leave cricket with dignity. I don't know why he dragged it for so long. He should have retired after the World Cup," Akhtar told PTI from Islamabad.</p>

<p>"If I would have been in his place, I would have hung up my boots. I could have played shorter formats for three-four years but I left (after the 2011 WC) as I wasn't into the game 100 per cent. So why drag?" he asked.</p>

<p>Akhtar further said Dhoni deserves to go with a lot of respect and dignity as he asked the Indian cricket board and fans to give him a nice send-off as he has helped India lift the World Cup.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-the-weeks-that-rocked-sport-292195" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: The weeks that rocked sport</a></strong></p>

<p>"As a country, you should let him go with a lot of respect and dignity. Give him a nice send-off. He has won you the World Cup and done wonders for India. He is a wonderful human being at the same time. But right now, he seems to be stuck," he said.</p>

<p>Akhtar opined that Dhoni could have retired after the semi-final against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2019 after failing to finish the game and a farewell series after the quadrennial event could have been a fitting farewell for someone of his stature.</p>

<p>"When he could not finish the game in the semifinal (against New Zealand). I felt he should have retired but he can only answer why he didn't," he said.</p>

<p>"He should have played a farewell series after the World Cup may be and then said goodbye in a manner befitting his great stature," the Rawalpindi Express added.</p>


Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s future, in the world of cricket, has been a major topic of discussion among the former cricketers and ardent lovers of the game since the former Indian skipper played in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 before going into a self-imposed sabbatical.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s future, in the world of cricket, has been a major topic of discussion among the former cricketers and ardent lovers of the game since the former Indian skipper played in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 before going into a self-imposed sabbatical. While Dhoni was supposed to make his comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has shattered every plan. Dhoni’s comeback in international cricket would have depended on his performances in IPL 2020 but given the current postponement of the event and situation surrounding the coronavirus, his future has been left hanging in balance. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has said that Dhoni shouldn’t have dragged his career and the best time to hang his boots would have been after the conclusion of World Cup. Akhtar said Dhoni could have continued in the shortest format of the game but retired from ODI cricket after the ICC World Cup 2011 as he wasn’t at his best after that while adding, Dhoni seems stuck, at the moment. ALSO READ: Twenty years on, cricket still reeling from Cronje scandal "Dhoni should have retired after the World Cup" "This guy has served to the best of his ability. He should leave cricket with dignity. I don't know why he dragged it for so long. He should have retired after the World Cup," Akhtar told PTI from Islamabad. "If I would have been in his place, I would have hung up my boots. I could have played shorter formats for three-four years but I left (after the 2011 WC) as I wasn't into the game 100 per cent. So why drag?" he asked. Akhtar further said Dhoni deserves to go with a lot of respect and dignity as he asked the Indian cricket board and fans to give him a nice send-off as he has helped India lift the World Cup. ALSO READ: Coronavirus: The weeks that rocked sport "As a country, you should let him go with a lot of respect and dignity. Give him a nice send-off. He has won you the World Cup and done wonders for India. He is a wonderful human being at the same time. But right now, he seems to be stuck," he said. Akhtar opined that Dhoni could have retired after the semi-final against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2019 after failing to finish the game and a farewell series after the quadrennial event could have been a fitting farewell for someone of his stature. "When he could not finish the game in the semifinal (against New Zealand). I felt he should have retired but he can only answer why he didn't," he said. "He should have played a farewell series after the World Cup may be and then said goodbye in a manner befitting his great stature," the Rawalpindi Express added.

MS Dhoni should have retired after World Cup, seems stuck now: Shoaib Akhtar

<p>India will host the Asian Boxing Championships for men and women in November-December this year, the national federation revealed on Monday, expressing confidence that the COVID-19 pandemic will be well and truly under control by that time.</p>

<p>India last hosted the men's Asian meet back in 1980 in Mumbai, while it conducted the women's event in 2003 in Hisar. The tournament became a combined event for men and women last year.</p>

<p>"We were awarded the hosting rights in February after a meeting of the Asian Boxing Confederation. The tournament will be held in November-December and the host city will be finalised after things normalise," Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) Executive Director R K Sacheti told PTI.</p>

<p>"It is an extraordinary situation no doubt but we are all hoping for this to be brought under control by June. Then another three-four months will go into resuming normal activities," he said.</p>

<p>The event is usually a biennial competition but has been held in consecutive years in the past.</p>

<p>"Bids were sought in January. The formal announcement by the Asian Boxing Confederation will be made once the COVID-19 situation improves a bit," Sacheti said.</p>

<p>Nothing, in recent memory, quite compares to the situation that the world is facing right now -- more than 100,000 deaths by the spread of a virus, which has no known cure or vaccination available at this point.</p>

<p>In India, the toll has crossed 300 and the number of positive cases is going up by hundreds everyday.</p>

<p>"The window we have kept for the championship allows us time to plan. The Olympic qualification programme is also likely to resume around November-December, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)," Sacheti reasoned.</p>

<p>"So, if things can start rolling elsewhere, we can also conduct the championship. That's why we haven't zeroed in on a host city right now. That discussion will have to wait until the end of the lockdown," he added.</p>

<p>India's lockdown to curb the spread of the virus ends on Tuesday but is set to be extended as state governments battle a surge in positive cases.</p>

<p>The pandemic has shredded the international sports calendar with the two big-ticket events -- the Olympics and the European football Championships -- postponed to 2021 due to the global health crisis.</p>

<p>Training of athletes has been severely hampered and coaches have resorted to online tutorials, including in boxing.</p>

<p>"They (the boxers) are being looked after as best as we can under the circumstances. Coaches are keeping a close eye on their training," Sacheti said.</p>

<p>"They have adjusted quite well to the situation and made routines of their own. Quite a disciplined lot," he added.</p>

<p>So far, nine Indian boxers -- five men and four women -- have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.</p>


India will host the Asian Boxing Championships for men and women in November-December this year, the national federation revealed on Monday, expressing confidence that the COVID-19 pandemic will be well and truly under control by that time.

India will host the Asian Boxing Championships for men and women in November-December this year, the national federation revealed on Monday, expressing confidence that the COVID-19 pandemic will be well and truly under control by that time. India last hosted the men's Asian meet back in 1980 in Mumbai, while it conducted the women's event in 2003 in Hisar. The tournament became a combined event for men and women last year. "We were awarded the hosting rights in February after a meeting of the Asian Boxing Confederation. The tournament will be held in November-December and the host city will be finalised after things normalise," Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) Executive Director R K Sacheti told PTI. "It is an extraordinary situation no doubt but we are all hoping for this to be brought under control by June. Then another three-four months will go into resuming normal activities," he said. The event is usually a biennial competition but has been held in consecutive years in the past. "Bids were sought in January. The formal announcement by the Asian Boxing Confederation will be made once the COVID-19 situation improves a bit," Sacheti said. Nothing, in recent memory, quite compares to the situation that the world is facing right now -- more than 100,000 deaths by the spread of a virus, which has no known cure or vaccination available at this point. In India, the toll has crossed 300 and the number of positive cases is going up by hundreds everyday. "The window we have kept for the championship allows us time to plan. The Olympic qualification programme is also likely to resume around November-December, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)," Sacheti reasoned. "So, if things can start rolling elsewhere, we can also conduct the championship. That's why we haven't zeroed in on a host city right now. That discussion will have to wait until the end of the lockdown," he added. India's lockdown to curb the spread of the virus ends on Tuesday but is set to be extended as state governments battle a surge in positive cases. The pandemic has shredded the international sports calendar with the two big-ticket events -- the Olympics and the European football Championships -- postponed to 2021 due to the global health crisis. Training of athletes has been severely hampered and coaches have resorted to online tutorials, including in boxing. "They (the boxers) are being looked after as best as we can under the circumstances. Coaches are keeping a close eye on their training," Sacheti said. "They have adjusted quite well to the situation and made routines of their own. Quite a disciplined lot," he added. So far, nine Indian boxers -- five men and four women -- have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.

India to host Asian Boxing C'ship in Nov-Dec this year, BFI confident of COVID-19 storm passing

<p>Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday visited the Sports Authority of India's headquarter where senior officials and other essential staff resumed operations after more than a fortnight of working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>The minister visited the SAI headquarters here wearing a mask and sanitised his hands before entering the premises.</p>

<p>"The ministry has started its office with minimum staff because work has to go on. We are ensuring strict compliance of rules like social distancing, wearing masks and temperature checks," Rijjiju said.</p>

<p>The SAI office was shut down on March 21 as part of precautionary measures to contain the virus.</p>

<p>All ministers were on Saturday asked to resume office from Monday along with joint secretary level officers and one-third of their essential staff.</p>

<p>"Only divisional heads and 30 per cent of the lower division staff will work on a rotational basis. This is being done as per the centre's order in an effort to streamline things before the complete lifting of the lockdown," a SAI official told PTI referring to the current lockdown.</p>

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China, has caused more than 300 deaths in India.</p>

<p>It has ravaged the world, killing over 100,000 people and putting tremendous strain on medical resources with more than 18,50,000 positive cases</p>


Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday visited the Sports Authority of India's headquarter where senior officials and other essential staff resumed operations after more than a fortnight of working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday visited the Sports Authority of India's headquarter where senior officials and other essential staff resumed operations after more than a fortnight of working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The minister visited the SAI headquarters here wearing a mask and sanitised his hands before entering the premises. "The ministry has started its office with minimum staff because work has to go on. We are ensuring strict compliance of rules like social distancing, wearing masks and temperature checks," Rijjiju said. The SAI office was shut down on March 21 as part of precautionary measures to contain the virus. All ministers were on Saturday asked to resume office from Monday along with joint secretary level officers and one-third of their essential staff. "Only divisional heads and 30 per cent of the lower division staff will work on a rotational basis. This is being done as per the centre's order in an effort to streamline things before the complete lifting of the lockdown," a SAI official told PTI referring to the current lockdown. The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China, has caused more than 300 deaths in India. It has ravaged the world, killing over 100,000 people and putting tremendous strain on medical resources with more than 18,50,000 positive cases

Sports Minister visits SAI headquarters, essential staff resumes office

<p>With almost the entire world going under lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, sporting calendar for the year 2020 has been ripped into pieces. Some of the biggest tournaments have already been either cancelled or postponed and all eyes are on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was originally scheduled to start from March 29 before getting postponed till April 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the situation surrounding COVID-19 in India deteriorating with each passing day, the future of IPL 2020 has been left hanging in balance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has said that they are monitoring developments while adding nothing is in favour of any kind of sport in the world, forget IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former Indian captain further said that he will provide an official statement on the future of IPL on Monday (April 13) after discussing the latest developments with other office-bearers of the BCCI. However, Ganguly hinted it is highly improbable that the cash-rich tournament will take place this year as he said: “when life has come to a standstill, where does sport have future in this.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-should-have-retired-after-world-cup-seems-stuck-now-shoaib-akhtar-292206" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni should have retired after World Cup, seems stuck now: Shoaib Akhtar</a></strong></p>

<p>“We keep monitoring developments. At the present moment, we can’t say anything. And what is there to say anyway? Airports are shut, people are stuck at home, offices are locked down, nobody can go anywhere. And it seems this is how it's going to be till the middle of May. Where will you get players from, where do players travel? It’s just simple common sense that at the moment, nothing is in favour of any kind of sport anywhere in the world, forget IPL,” Ganguly told a leading daily.</p>

<p>“I will be able to give an update on that on Monday after speaking to the other office-bearers (of BCCI). But practically speaking, when life has come to a standstill everywhere in the world, where does sport have a future in this,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/twenty-years-on-cricket-still-reeling-from-cronje-scandal-292199" hreflang="en">Twenty years on, cricket still reeling from Cronje scandal</a></strong></p>

<p>Reflecting on the current situation surrounding coronavirus, Ganguly said the world has never seen anything like this while hoping nobody sees this sort of situation again in their lifetime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s terrible. In my 46 years of life, I never experienced anything like this. Not just that, the world has never seen anything like this. And I hope nobody sees this situation again. The entire world is thinking&nbsp;how many people may die in the next two weeks! It’s unbelievable,” the BCCI president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, there were reports which said the BCCI is looking for an alternate window during August and September to conduct IPL 2020 which could lead to postponement or cancellation of Asia Cup 2020. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;1,853,155 &nbsp;people worldwide and 114,247 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Whereas,&nbsp;The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has risen to 9152, including 308 deaths, as of Monday morning.</p>


With almost the entire world going under lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, sporting calendar for the year 2020 has been ripped into pieces. Some of the biggest tournaments have already been either cancelled or postponed and all eyes are on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was originally scheduled to start from March 29 before getting postponed till April 15.

With almost the entire world going under lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, sporting calendar for the year 2020 has been ripped into pieces. Some of the biggest tournaments have already been either cancelled or postponed and all eyes are on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, which was originally scheduled to start from March 29 before getting postponed till April 15. With the situation surrounding COVID-19 in India deteriorating with each passing day, the future of IPL 2020 has been left hanging in balance. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly has said that they are monitoring developments while adding nothing is in favour of any kind of sport in the world, forget IPL. The former Indian captain further said that he will provide an official statement on the future of IPL on Monday (April 13) after discussing the latest developments with other office-bearers of the BCCI. However, Ganguly hinted it is highly improbable that the cash-rich tournament will take place this year as he said: “when life has come to a standstill, where does sport have future in this.” ALSO READ: MS Dhoni should have retired after World Cup, seems stuck now: Shoaib Akhtar “We keep monitoring developments. At the present moment, we can’t say anything. And what is there to say anyway? Airports are shut, people are stuck at home, offices are locked down, nobody can go anywhere. And it seems this is how it's going to be till the middle of May. Where will you get players from, where do players travel? It’s just simple common sense that at the moment, nothing is in favour of any kind of sport anywhere in the world, forget IPL,” Ganguly told a leading daily. “I will be able to give an update on that on Monday after speaking to the other office-bearers (of BCCI). But practically speaking, when life has come to a standstill everywhere in the world, where does sport have a future in this,” he added. ALSO READ: Twenty years on, cricket still reeling from Cronje scandal Reflecting on the current situation surrounding coronavirus, Ganguly said the world has never seen anything like this while hoping nobody sees this sort of situation again in their lifetime. “It’s terrible. In my 46 years of life, I never experienced anything like this. Not just that, the world has never seen anything like this. And I hope nobody sees this situation again. The entire world is thinking how many people may die in the next two weeks! It’s unbelievable,” the BCCI president said. Earlier, there were reports which said the BCCI is looking for an alternate window during August and September to conduct IPL 2020 which could lead to postponement or cancellation of Asia Cup 2020. Meanwhile, COVID-19 has now infected 1,853,155 people worldwide and 114,247 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Whereas, The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has risen to 9152, including 308 deaths, as of Monday morning.

Nothing is in favour of any kind of sport, forget IPL: BCCI president Sourav Ganguly

<p>Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has agreed to supply a food package of everyday essentials to the elderly during the coronavirus lockdown.</p>

<p>Maguire and his father approached Herrings Top Shop in Mosborough, his hometown near Sheffield in the north of England, about the idea of giving the parcels to those aged 70 and over or their carers in the area.</p>

<p>"I am very proud of my Mosborough roots - it's where I grew up and where my family still live. I come back to visit everyone as much as I can," Maguire said on Friday.</p>

<p>"There's always been a real sense of community in the area which is more important than ever at the moment. In times like these you think a lot about your loved ones and those that are more elderly.</p>

<p>"My family and I hope that this provides a small comfort to people who might be struggling."</p>

<p>England defender Maguire has been at the forefront of football's bid to help with the pandemic.</p>

<p>He coordinated United's response to the PlayersTogether initiative, with Premier League stars joining forces to help generate funds for NHS charities during the Covid-19 crisis.</p>

<p>The Premier League is suspended for the foreseeable future, but the 27-year-old remains in contact with his United team-mates and is adhering to a regime his club have sent him.</p>

<p>"Like everyone, I'm keeping to the government advice and trying to make the best of the situation," Maguire said.</p>

<p>"My daughter is too young to understand what's going on right now, but she'll read about these times in the years to come.</p>

<p>"I'm also keeping active and following the training programme that United have given me within the confines of my back garden!</p>

<p>"It's not quite Old Trafford but I still take pride in keeping the grass in good nick. I also keep in touch with all my team-mates and have found that contact to be really important, as well as family of course."</p>


Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has agreed to supply a food package of everyday essentials to the elderly during the coronavirus lockdown. Maguire and his father approached Herrings Top Shop in Mosborough, his hometown near Sheffield in the north of England, about the idea of giving the parcels to those aged 70 and over or their carers in the area.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has agreed to supply a food package of everyday essentials to the elderly during the coronavirus lockdown. Maguire and his father approached Herrings Top Shop in Mosborough, his hometown near Sheffield in the north of England, about the idea of giving the parcels to those aged 70 and over or their carers in the area. "I am very proud of my Mosborough roots - it's where I grew up and where my family still live. I come back to visit everyone as much as I can," Maguire said on Friday. "There's always been a real sense of community in the area which is more important than ever at the moment. In times like these you think a lot about your loved ones and those that are more elderly. "My family and I hope that this provides a small comfort to people who might be struggling." England defender Maguire has been at the forefront of football's bid to help with the pandemic. He coordinated United's response to the PlayersTogether initiative, with Premier League stars joining forces to help generate funds for NHS charities during the Covid-19 crisis. The Premier League is suspended for the foreseeable future, but the 27-year-old remains in contact with his United team-mates and is adhering to a regime his club have sent him. "Like everyone, I'm keeping to the government advice and trying to make the best of the situation," Maguire said. "My daughter is too young to understand what's going on right now, but she'll read about these times in the years to come. "I'm also keeping active and following the training programme that United have given me within the confines of my back garden! "It's not quite Old Trafford but I still take pride in keeping the grass in good nick. I also keep in touch with all my team-mates and have found that contact to be really important, as well as family of course."

Man Utd's Harry Maguire offers food packages to elderly

<p>Former Pakistan wicket-keeper and captain Rashid Latif, who has been pretty vocal against spot-fixing, has said cricket boards have always supported players accused of fixing while adding that players are mere pawns in the big game and are being utilized by the top board members. Latif further said the board has a larger role to play in fixing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While it is unclear whether Latif’s comments were directed towards Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as they are in the headlines due to the ongoing Umar Akmal controversy. The PCB had charged Akmal with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents while suspending him before the start of Pakistan Super League.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wont-let-anyone-suffer-in-tough-times-bcci-clears-dues-of-contracted-players-without-any-pay-cut-291799" hreflang="en">'Won't let anyone suffer in tough times' - BCCI clears dues of contracted players without any pay cut</a></strong></p>

<p>“The cricket boards have always given support to players accused of fixing. We always blame the players. Yes, they are involved in fixing. But are cricket authorities not to be blamed as well,” Rashid Latif said in a video on a Youtube channel ‘Caught Behind’.</p>

<p>Latif went on to claim that ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit ask the players to stay away from bookies but don’t take any concrete steps to stop it.</p>

<p>“I won’t completely blame a player for fixing. Players are just pawns, they are being utilised by the top board members. The board has a larger role to play in fixing,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-might-have-been-a-factor-for-some-pat-cummins-reverts-to-michael-clarkes-claims-of-australia-being-scared-to-sledge-virat-kohli-291777" hreflang="en">'It might have been a factor for some' - Pat Cummins reverts to Michael Clarke's claims of Australia being 'scared' to sledge Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p>The former Pakistan international said if no board member is involved then they will always punish the guilty player but added that some members of the board who have been placed due to political influence are involved.</p>

<p>“If no member from the board is involved, then they will always punish a player. But the top officials of the boards, or some members of the boards who have been placed by political contacts, are somewhere involved, and hence, players always get protected,” he added.</p>

<p>“Every cricket board all over the world, have protected their players. Every country has protected their players who were found fixing matches. This is why the window of T20 cricket and franchise cricket had to be created to tell players that do whatever you want to do here, don’t do it in international cricket,” Latif went on to add.</p>


Former Pakistan wicket-keeper and captain Rashid Latif, who has been pretty vocal against spot-fixing, has said cricket boards have always supported players accused of fixing while adding that players are mere pawns in the big game and are being utilized by the top board members.

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper and captain Rashid Latif, who has been pretty vocal against spot-fixing, has said cricket boards have always supported players accused of fixing while adding that players are mere pawns in the big game and are being utilized by the top board members. Latif further said the board has a larger role to play in fixing. While it is unclear whether Latif’s comments were directed towards Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as they are in the headlines due to the ongoing Umar Akmal controversy. The PCB had charged Akmal with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents while suspending him before the start of Pakistan Super League. ALSO READ: 'Won't let anyone suffer in tough times' - BCCI clears dues of contracted players without any pay cut “The cricket boards have always given support to players accused of fixing. We always blame the players. Yes, they are involved in fixing. But are cricket authorities not to be blamed as well,” Rashid Latif said in a video on a Youtube channel ‘Caught Behind’. Latif went on to claim that ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit ask the players to stay away from bookies but don’t take any concrete steps to stop it. “I won’t completely blame a player for fixing. Players are just pawns, they are being utilised by the top board members. The board has a larger role to play in fixing,” he said. ALSO READ: 'It might have been a factor for some' - Pat Cummins reverts to Michael Clarke's claims of Australia being 'scared' to sledge Virat Kohli The former Pakistan international said if no board member is involved then they will always punish the guilty player but added that some members of the board who have been placed due to political influence are involved. “If no member from the board is involved, then they will always punish a player. But the top officials of the boards, or some members of the boards who have been placed by political contacts, are somewhere involved, and hence, players always get protected,” he added. “Every cricket board all over the world, have protected their players. Every country has protected their players who were found fixing matches. This is why the window of T20 cricket and franchise cricket had to be created to tell players that do whatever you want to do here, don’t do it in international cricket,” Latif went on to add.

‘Players are just pawns’ - Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif says board members may be involved in fixing

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cleared the quarterly due of all the centrally contracted players, without any pay cuts, while vowing to not let anyone suffer despite the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to financial disruption in many countries.&nbsp;A BCCI official has said that the BCCI was ready for any sort of uncertainty while adding the apex board has also cleared the match fees of the senior Indian team and India A players. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Cricket boards like England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) have hinted that their players will have to take pay cuts.</p>

<p>"Despite lockdown being announced from March 24, the BCCI was ready for any kind of eventuality. The board clears quarterly installments of central contract payments to its players," a BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/didnt-mind-dying-on-the-field-such-was-my-passion-for-game-viv-richards-on-not-wearing-helmet-291618" hreflang="en">Didn't mind dying on the field such was my passion for game: Viv Richards on not wearing helmet</a></strong></p>

<p>"Plus the match fees of all those who played for India and India A during this period, all these dues were cleared at the end of the financial year," he added.</p>

<p>The players of England and Australian cricket team have openly talked about pay cuts and how it can help cricket boards survive the situation surrounding COVD-19. However, the BCCI official said that Indian board is capable of taking good care of their players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"One cricket board has put its players on furlough (government assistance scheme). There are talks about pay cuts everywhere. But I believe BCCI is capable of taking good care of its players as it has been all these years.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-might-have-been-a-factor-for-some-pat-cummins-reverts-to-michael-clarkes-claims-of-australia-being-scared-to-sledge-virat-kohli-291777" hreflang="en">'It might have been a factor for some' - Pat Cummins reverts to Michael Clarke's claims of Australia being 'scared' to sledge Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p>"Neither our international nor our domestic cricketers will suffer," the official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the BCCI official agreed that the conduction of IPL 2020 is a necessity given the financial hit all the stakeholders have to bear if the event is cancelled.</p>

<p>"The situation is fluid right now. It can't be said that it will be September when Asia Cup and home series against England is scheduled or October, when World T20 is supposed to take place.</p>

<p>"If you don't know when normalcy will return, how can you say that when will IPL happen," he said.</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cleared the quarterly due of all the centrally contracted players, without any pay cuts, while vowing to not let anyone suffer despite the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to financial disruption in many countries.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cleared the quarterly due of all the centrally contracted players, without any pay cuts, while vowing to not let anyone suffer despite the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to financial disruption in many countries. A BCCI official has said that the BCCI was ready for any sort of uncertainty while adding the apex board has also cleared the match fees of the senior Indian team and India A players. Cricket boards like England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA) have hinted that their players will have to take pay cuts. "Despite lockdown being announced from March 24, the BCCI was ready for any kind of eventuality. The board clears quarterly installments of central contract payments to its players," a BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. ALSO READ: Didn't mind dying on the field such was my passion for game: Viv Richards on not wearing helmet "Plus the match fees of all those who played for India and India A during this period, all these dues were cleared at the end of the financial year," he added. The players of England and Australian cricket team have openly talked about pay cuts and how it can help cricket boards survive the situation surrounding COVD-19. However, the BCCI official said that Indian board is capable of taking good care of their players. "One cricket board has put its players on furlough (government assistance scheme). There are talks about pay cuts everywhere. But I believe BCCI is capable of taking good care of its players as it has been all these years. ALSO READ: 'It might have been a factor for some' - Pat Cummins reverts to Michael Clarke's claims of Australia being 'scared' to sledge Virat Kohli "Neither our international nor our domestic cricketers will suffer," the official said. However, the BCCI official agreed that the conduction of IPL 2020 is a necessity given the financial hit all the stakeholders have to bear if the event is cancelled. "The situation is fluid right now. It can't be said that it will be September when Asia Cup and home series against England is scheduled or October, when World T20 is supposed to take place. "If you don't know when normalcy will return, how can you say that when will IPL happen," he said.

'Won't let anyone suffer in tough times' - BCCI clears dues of contracted players without any pay cut

<p>With the COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar in tatters, athletes have been forced to train indoors in order to keep themselves fit and ready whenever the season resumes. Almost every country has been forced into lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of the dreaded virus and sportspersons have been taking to social media platforms to keep them engaged and entertained during these dire times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 2018 Olympic gold medallist in Big Air snowboarding has been keeping the fans engaged with series of enthralling videos where he is seen doing different sort of exercises and trick videos. Pushups on a stack of Red Bull cans, bouncing ping pong ball into a roll of toilet paper with a touch of no-look trick, Sebastien Toutant has done it all. In the latest video, Toutant has defied all the odds.</p>

<p>The Canadian snowboarder created an amazing obstacle course around his living room where the 2018 Winter Olympic champion skates, balances, juggles, throws blind and backflips his way to the end in Montreal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-legacy-lives-on-kobe-bryants-new-book-becomes-best-seller-for-fifth-time-as-latest-release-tops-charts-291743" hreflang="en">The legacy lives on! Kobe Bryant's new book becomes best-seller for fifth time as latest release tops charts</a></strong></p>

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.redbullcontentpool.com/embed/video/5e90296be502d700880ba570?_=1586506728572" width="640"></iframe></div>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-formula-one-is-no-different-everyone-is-in-same-boat-karun-chandhok-opens-up-on-halted-f1-season-life-in-lockdown-and-more-291609" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Formula One is no different, everyone is in same boat' - Karun Chandhok opens up on halted F1 season, life in lockdown and more</a></strong></p>

<p>Since Toutant started self-isolating in Montreal, he has been creating videos on social media platform Instagram with the hashtag #sebtootschallenge. All of his videos have gone viral and the Canadian has received massive plaudits for his efforts.</p>

<p>On Friday, the death toll from COVID-19 exceeded 90,000 worldwide with positive cases surpassing 1.5 million mark in 192 countries and territories.&nbsp;</p>


With the COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar in tatters, athletes have been forced to train indoors in order to keep themselves fit and ready whenever the season resumes.

With the COVID-19 pandemic leaving the sporting calendar in tatters, athletes have been forced to train indoors in order to keep themselves fit and ready whenever the season resumes. Almost every country has been forced into lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of the dreaded virus and sportspersons have been taking to social media platforms to keep them engaged and entertained during these dire times. The 2018 Olympic gold medallist in Big Air snowboarding has been keeping the fans engaged with series of enthralling videos where he is seen doing different sort of exercises and trick videos. Pushups on a stack of Red Bull cans, bouncing ping pong ball into a roll of toilet paper with a touch of no-look trick, Sebastien Toutant has done it all. In the latest video, Toutant has defied all the odds. The Canadian snowboarder created an amazing obstacle course around his living room where the 2018 Winter Olympic champion skates, balances, juggles, throws blind and backflips his way to the end in Montreal. ALSO READ: The legacy lives on! Kobe Bryant's new book becomes best-seller for fifth time as latest release tops charts × ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Formula One is no different, everyone is in same boat' - Karun Chandhok opens up on halted F1 season, life in lockdown and more Since Toutant started self-isolating in Montreal, he has been creating videos on social media platform Instagram with the hashtag #sebtootschallenge. All of his videos have gone viral and the Canadian has received massive plaudits for his efforts. On Friday, the death toll from COVID-19 exceeded 90,000 worldwide with positive cases surpassing 1.5 million mark in 192 countries and territories.

WATCH: Best quarantine video? Sebastien Toutant defies all odds to clear obstacle course at home

<p>Legendary basketball player, Kobe Bryant has become a number on New York Times bestseller for the fifth time with the latest release from Bryant's Granity Studios, ‘The Wizenard Series: Season One’. The middle-grade hardcover list is set to be published on April 19. Earlier this month, ‘The Wizenard Series: Season One’ had already become number one on Amazon’s best-seller list in the category of children’s basketball books.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In March, fans witnessed the release of ‘The Wizenard Series’ following Kobe’s demise in January. ‘Season One’ is the latest instalment of the best-selling series which narrates the story of a young basketball player who dreams to become a superstar. With the success of ‘Season One’, Kobe became a number one on the New York Times bestseller for the fifth time.</p>

<p>Kobe’s wife Vanessa took to social media platform Instagram to share the moment with fans as she wrote: 5 championships. “5 NYT bestsellers. The Mamba strikes again.. My husband @kobebryant would have been so proud to see his work continuing on with The #Wizenard Series: Season One. Thank you for supporting his legacy!!!! #GranityStudios”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-formula-one-is-no-different-everyone-is-in-same-boat-karun-chandhok-opens-up-on-halted-f1-season-life-in-lockdown-and-more-291609" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Formula One is no different, everyone is in same boat' - Karun Chandhok opens up on halted F1 season, life in lockdown and more</a></strong></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-vPP8Uj0Kw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">5 championships . 5 NYT bestsellers . The Mamba strikes again. . My husband @kobebryant would have been so proud to see his work continuing on with The #Wizenard Series: Season One. Thank you for supporting his legacy!!!! #GranityStudios</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vanessabryant/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Vanessa Bryant </a> (@vanessabryant) on <time datetime="2020-04-08T23:20:14+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 8, 2020 at 4:20pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>Notably, Kobe was the creator of this series and envisioned the storylines which are "series&nbsp;of strain and sacrifice, supernatural breakthroughs, and supreme dedication to the game." Kobe’s book ‘The Mamba Mentality: How I Play”, which was released in 2018, was also a best-seller and has been on Amazon’s top list for much of 2020 as well.</p>

<p>Kobe won five NBA titles with Los Angeles Lakers before retiring in the year 2016 as he wanted to focus on Granity and his passion to narrate stories. The legendary figure in the world of sports has also won an Academy Award in 2018. He was also announced as the latest member in the Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020, earlier this week.</p>

<p>Kobe died aged 41 in a helicopter crash in Calabasas at the end of January, alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. He is survived by wife Vanessa and their three other daughters; Natalia, 17, Bianka, three, and Capri, nine months.</p>


Legendary basketball player, Kobe Bryant has become a number on New York Times bestseller for the fifth time with the latest release from Bryant's Granity Studios, ‘The Wizenard Series: Season One’.

Legendary basketball player, Kobe Bryant has become a number on New York Times bestseller for the fifth time with the latest release from Bryant's Granity Studios, ‘The Wizenard Series: Season One’. The middle-grade hardcover list is set to be published on April 19. Earlier this month, ‘The Wizenard Series: Season One’ had already become number one on Amazon’s best-seller list in the category of children’s basketball books. In March, fans witnessed the release of ‘The Wizenard Series’ following Kobe’s demise in January. ‘Season One’ is the latest instalment of the best-selling series which narrates the story of a young basketball player who dreams to become a superstar. With the success of ‘Season One’, Kobe became a number one on the New York Times bestseller for the fifth time. Kobe’s wife Vanessa took to social media platform Instagram to share the moment with fans as she wrote: 5 championships. “5 NYT bestsellers. The Mamba strikes again.. My husband @kobebryant would have been so proud to see his work continuing on with The #Wizenard Series: Season One. Thank you for supporting his legacy!!!! #GranityStudios” ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Formula One is no different, everyone is in same boat' - Karun Chandhok opens up on halted F1 season, life in lockdown and more View this post on Instagram 5 championships . 5 NYT bestsellers . The Mamba strikes again. . My husband @kobebryant would have been so proud to see his work continuing on with The #Wizenard Series: Season One. Thank you for supporting his legacy!!!! #GranityStudios A post shared by Vanessa Bryant (@vanessabryant) on Apr 8, 2020 at 4:20pm PDT × Notably, Kobe was the creator of this series and envisioned the storylines which are "series of strain and sacrifice, supernatural breakthroughs, and supreme dedication to the game." Kobe’s book ‘The Mamba Mentality: How I Play”, which was released in 2018, was also a best-seller and has been on Amazon’s top list for much of 2020 as well. Kobe won five NBA titles with Los Angeles Lakers before retiring in the year 2016 as he wanted to focus on Granity and his passion to narrate stories. The legendary figure in the world of sports has also won an Academy Award in 2018. He was also announced as the latest member in the Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020, earlier this week. Kobe died aged 41 in a helicopter crash in Calabasas at the end of January, alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. He is survived by wife Vanessa and their three other daughters; Natalia, 17, Bianka, three, and Capri, nine months.

The legacy lives on! Kobe Bryant's new book becomes best-seller for fifth time as latest release tops charts

<p>County cricketers will take "maximum reductions" in their salaries during April and May and have agreed to waive £1 million ($1.25 million) in prize money during the coronavirus crisis, the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) announced on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The county championship, comprising four-day matches, was due to start on Sunday but English cricket is shut down until at least May 28, with the expectation of further postponements.</p>

<p>The PCA on Wednesday welcomed the collective player agreement, which covers an initial period of April and May.</p>

<p>"Discussions between the PCA, ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and 18 first-class counties reached a conclusion today with all parties supporting an initial two-month agreement that will see maximum reductions to player salaries and relinquishing of domestic prize money," the PCA said in a statement.</p>

<p>The PCA has relinquished £1 million of the domestic player prize money for 2020 and players will also agree to be furloughed if asked to by their county.</p>

<p>Champions Essex confirmed that the club's playing staff, along with most non-playing staff, had been placed on furlough.</p>

<p>A number of other clubs including Yorkshire and Worcestershire had previously confirmed they would be using the government's job retention scheme.</p>

<p>PCA chairman Daryl Mitchell said: "The coronavirus pandemic will continue to put financial pressure on the game and this initial two-month agreement will support the game for the period of April and May.</p>

<p>"We were due to start the county championship season on Sunday and sadly for us all that will not be the case. As a group of players, we will do everything we can to ensure that when cricket does return the sport is in a position to thrive."</p>

<p>The ECB last week announced a £61 million aid package in response to the "once-in-a-generation" challenge.</p>


County cricketers will take "maximum reductions" in their salaries during April and May and have agreed to waive £1 million ($1.25 million) in prize money during the coronavirus crisis, the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) announced on Wednesday.

County cricketers will take "maximum reductions" in their salaries during April and May and have agreed to waive £1 million ($1.25 million) in prize money during the coronavirus crisis, the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) announced on Wednesday. The county championship, comprising four-day matches, was due to start on Sunday but English cricket is shut down until at least May 28, with the expectation of further postponements. The PCA on Wednesday welcomed the collective player agreement, which covers an initial period of April and May. "Discussions between the PCA, ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and 18 first-class counties reached a conclusion today with all parties supporting an initial two-month agreement that will see maximum reductions to player salaries and relinquishing of domestic prize money," the PCA said in a statement. The PCA has relinquished £1 million of the domestic player prize money for 2020 and players will also agree to be furloughed if asked to by their county. Champions Essex confirmed that the club's playing staff, along with most non-playing staff, had been placed on furlough. A number of other clubs including Yorkshire and Worcestershire had previously confirmed they would be using the government's job retention scheme. PCA chairman Daryl Mitchell said: "The coronavirus pandemic will continue to put financial pressure on the game and this initial two-month agreement will support the game for the period of April and May. "We were due to start the county championship season on Sunday and sadly for us all that will not be the case. As a group of players, we will do everything we can to ensure that when cricket does return the sport is in a position to thrive." The ECB last week announced a £61 million aid package in response to the "once-in-a-generation" challenge.

Cricketers agree virus package to support game

<p>The legendary Viv Richards, one of the greatest batsman to have ever played the game, said such was his passion that he didn't mind dying on the cricket field while representing the West Indies.</p>

<p>Known for his aggressive batting, Richards never preferred wearing helmets even as he dominated some of the fiercest fast bowlers of world cricket.</p>

<p>The 68-year-old said he was always aware of the risks but it didn't bother him.</p>

<p>"The passion for the game I felt was such that I wouldn't mind dying playing something that I love. If this is what I chose and I go down here, what better way is there to go," Richards told former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson in a podcast.</p>

<p>Richards said he always looked up to other athletes, who risked their lives, for inspiration.</p>

<p>"I have looked at other sportsmen and women who I have a lot of respect for doing it to an extreme level," said Richards, who had amassed 8540 runs and 6721 runs in 121 Tests and 187 ODIs respectively.</p>

<p>"I see a guy driving a Formula 1 racing car, what could be more dangerous than that?" said Richards, to which Watson quipped: "Facing 150kph without a helmet?".</p>


The legendary Viv Richards, one of the greatest batsman to have ever played the game, said such was his passion that he didn't mind dying on the cricket field while representing the West Indies.

The legendary Viv Richards, one of the greatest batsman to have ever played the game, said such was his passion that he didn't mind dying on the cricket field while representing the West Indies. Known for his aggressive batting, Richards never preferred wearing helmets even as he dominated some of the fiercest fast bowlers of world cricket. The 68-year-old said he was always aware of the risks but it didn't bother him. "The passion for the game I felt was such that I wouldn't mind dying playing something that I love. If this is what I chose and I go down here, what better way is there to go," Richards told former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson in a podcast. Richards said he always looked up to other athletes, who risked their lives, for inspiration. "I have looked at other sportsmen and women who I have a lot of respect for doing it to an extreme level," said Richards, who had amassed 8540 runs and 6721 runs in 121 Tests and 187 ODIs respectively. "I see a guy driving a Formula 1 racing car, what could be more dangerous than that?" said Richards, to which Watson quipped: "Facing 150kph without a helmet?".

Didn't mind dying on the field such was my passion for game: Viv Richards on not wearing helmet

<p>With the sporting calendar left shattered due to COVID-19 pandemic, all eyes are on tournaments such as the Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup, which are yet to be postponed or cancelled. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) are still waiting to take a call on the biggest cricketing event of the year – the ICC T20 World Cup – there has been some progress in regards to the bidding process to host the ICC events for the proposed eight-year cycle of 2023-31.</p>

<p>Earlier, ICC had sent the ‘expression of interest’ communication to all members’ boards and in response to that, the world cricket body has received as many as 93 offers for 28 events, from 18 boards, to be staged in the proposed cycle of 2023-31.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sit-back-and-relax-at-home-kapil-dev-dismisses-shoaib-akhtars-proposal-of-india-pakistan-charity-series-to-fight-against-covid-19-291536" hreflang="en">'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>“Three member boards did not get into specifics of any event. A total of 18 boards responded,” a source was quoted as saying by a leading daily.</p>

<p>There was a lot of debate surrounding ICC’s proposal to schedule on world event every year in the next eight-year cycle. There is a big dispute over the proposal to hold a 10-nation T20 Champions Cup in 2024 and 2028.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/another-one-bites-the-dust-as-australia-vs-bangladesh-test-series-postponed-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-291568" hreflang="en">Another one bites the dust as Australia vs Bangladesh Test series postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic</a></strong></p>

<p>The hectic scheduling by ICC could mean that bigger boards might suffer in their bilateral cricket which fetches them hefty pay-cheques.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from men’s events, ICC is also looking for bidders for the eight women’s events and the World Test Championships finals in every two years as well as the ICC Under-19 World Cups.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With the sporting calendar left shattered due to COVID-19 pandemic, all eyes are on tournaments such as the Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup, which are yet to be postponed or cancelled.

With the sporting calendar left shattered due to COVID-19 pandemic, all eyes are on tournaments such as the Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup, which are yet to be postponed or cancelled. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) are still waiting to take a call on the biggest cricketing event of the year – the ICC T20 World Cup – there has been some progress in regards to the bidding process to host the ICC events for the proposed eight-year cycle of 2023-31. Earlier, ICC had sent the ‘expression of interest’ communication to all members’ boards and in response to that, the world cricket body has received as many as 93 offers for 28 events, from 18 boards, to be staged in the proposed cycle of 2023-31. ALSO READ: 'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19 “Three member boards did not get into specifics of any event. A total of 18 boards responded,” a source was quoted as saying by a leading daily. There was a lot of debate surrounding ICC’s proposal to schedule on world event every year in the next eight-year cycle. There is a big dispute over the proposal to hold a 10-nation T20 Champions Cup in 2024 and 2028. ALSO READ: Another one bites the dust as Australia vs Bangladesh Test series postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic The hectic scheduling by ICC could mean that bigger boards might suffer in their bilateral cricket which fetches them hefty pay-cheques. Apart from men’s events, ICC is also looking for bidders for the eight women’s events and the World Test Championships finals in every two years as well as the ICC Under-19 World Cups.

ICC receives 93 offers for 28 events for the proposed 2023-31 cycle

<p>The two-match Test series between Australia and Bangladesh, which was scheduled to be held in the month of June, has been postponed due to health concerns and travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-match Test series was to be held under the banner of ICC World Test Championship and the postponement will add to the complications of the WTC final, scheduled to be held in 2021. There have been a few bilateral Test series that have been cancelled due to the pandemic and re-organising them in a short time-space will not be an easy task even though the series can be rescheduled by bilateral agreements+.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Postponing the tour is regrettable, but I would like to thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board for the open, honest and responsible discussions that led us to this mutually-agreed position," Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-sure-who-went-easy-on-virat-kohli-for-ipl-contract-tim-paine-rubbishes-michael-clarkes-claims-of-aussies-being-scared-to-sledge-india-291544" hreflang="en">Not sure who went easy on Virat Kohli for IPL contract: Tim Paine rubbishes Michael Clarke's claims of Aussies being 'scared' to sledge India</a></strong></p>

<p>"The health of our people and communities is the number one priority for both Boards and that is reflected in the action we have taken in postponing the two Test matches.</p>

<p>"As we know, the global cricket calendar is very busy but we will do everything we can to honour our commitment to Bangladesh and will continue to work with the BCB on an agreed date."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sit-back-and-relax-at-home-kapil-dev-dismisses-shoaib-akhtars-proposal-of-india-pakistan-charity-series-to-fight-against-covid-19-291536" hreflang="en">'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>Australian Test captain Tim Paine had earlier said that the Test series against Bangladesh was unlikely to be played as planned with the boards now agreeing to postpone the two-match rubber.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, there are major doubts about the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020) and other major cricketing events such as the Asia Cup 2020 and T20 World Cup. However, no official call has been taken on these big-shot tournaments, as of now.</p>


The two-match Test series between Australia and Bangladesh, which was scheduled to be held in the month of June, has been postponed due to health concerns and travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two-match Test series between Australia and Bangladesh, which was scheduled to be held in the month of June, has been postponed due to health concerns and travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two-match Test series was to be held under the banner of ICC World Test Championship and the postponement will add to the complications of the WTC final, scheduled to be held in 2021. There have been a few bilateral Test series that have been cancelled due to the pandemic and re-organising them in a short time-space will not be an easy task even though the series can be rescheduled by bilateral agreements+. "Postponing the tour is regrettable, but I would like to thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board for the open, honest and responsible discussions that led us to this mutually-agreed position," Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts said. ALSO READ: Not sure who went easy on Virat Kohli for IPL contract: Tim Paine rubbishes Michael Clarke's claims of Aussies being 'scared' to sledge India "The health of our people and communities is the number one priority for both Boards and that is reflected in the action we have taken in postponing the two Test matches. "As we know, the global cricket calendar is very busy but we will do everything we can to honour our commitment to Bangladesh and will continue to work with the BCB on an agreed date." ALSO READ: 'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19 Australian Test captain Tim Paine had earlier said that the Test series against Bangladesh was unlikely to be played as planned with the boards now agreeing to postpone the two-match rubber. Moreover, there are major doubts about the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020) and other major cricketing events such as the Asia Cup 2020 and T20 World Cup. However, no official call has been taken on these big-shot tournaments, as of now.

Another one bites the dust as Australia vs Bangladesh Test series postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic

<p>The organisers of Wimbledon are set to receive a mammoth insurance payout after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the iconic tennis event. As per multiple reports, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) purchased a pandemic insurance policy for 17 straight years at a cost of around $2 million per annum. Reportedly, the organisers of Wimbledon sought a pandemic clause after the SARS outbreak in the year 2003.</p>

<p>With the pandemic insurance policy in place, the organisers of Wimbledon will receive an estimated $141 million after the cancellation of the tournament, as per reports. Notably, Wimbledon wouldn’t have been eligible for the clause had the organisers decided to postpone it rather than cancelling the tournament.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sit-back-and-relax-at-home-kapil-dev-dismisses-shoaib-akhtars-proposal-of-india-pakistan-charity-series-to-fight-against-covid-19-291536" hreflang="en">'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>The pandemic insurance policy will give Wimbledon the upper hand to control and short-term financial difficulties. As per a report, the 2020 Wimbledon was supposed to generate more than $300 million in revenue.</p>

<p>AFLAC CEO Richard Lewis addressed the pandemic insurance clause. “We’re fortunate to have the insurance and it helps,” Lewis told a leading British daily. “The insurers, the brokers and everybody involved have been excellent to work with so far, but there’s still a lot of work to do.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-stars-launch-playerstogether-campaign-to-support-nhs-charities-291506" hreflang="en">Premier League stars launch '#PlayersTogether' campaign to support NHS charities</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, the organisers had announced that The Championships 2020 stood cancelled due to public health concerns linked to COVID-19 pandemic while adding that the 134th Championships will is now scheduled to stage from June 28, 2021, to July 11, 2021.</p>

<p>“It is with great regret that the AELTC has today decided that The Championships 2020 will be cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic. The 134th Championships will instead be staged from 28 June to 11 July 2021,” the official account of Wimbledon had tweeted.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The organisers of Wimbledon are set to receive a mammoth insurance payout after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the iconic tennis event. As per multiple reports, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) purchased a pandemic insurance policy for 17 straight years at a cost of around $2 million per annum.

The organisers of Wimbledon are set to receive a mammoth insurance payout after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the iconic tennis event. As per multiple reports, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) purchased a pandemic insurance policy for 17 straight years at a cost of around $2 million per annum. Reportedly, the organisers of Wimbledon sought a pandemic clause after the SARS outbreak in the year 2003. With the pandemic insurance policy in place, the organisers of Wimbledon will receive an estimated $141 million after the cancellation of the tournament, as per reports. Notably, Wimbledon wouldn’t have been eligible for the clause had the organisers decided to postpone it rather than cancelling the tournament. ALSO READ: 'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19 The pandemic insurance policy will give Wimbledon the upper hand to control and short-term financial difficulties. As per a report, the 2020 Wimbledon was supposed to generate more than $300 million in revenue. AFLAC CEO Richard Lewis addressed the pandemic insurance clause. “We’re fortunate to have the insurance and it helps,” Lewis told a leading British daily. “The insurers, the brokers and everybody involved have been excellent to work with so far, but there’s still a lot of work to do.” ALSO READ: Premier League stars launch '#PlayersTogether' campaign to support NHS charities Earlier, the organisers had announced that The Championships 2020 stood cancelled due to public health concerns linked to COVID-19 pandemic while adding that the 134th Championships will is now scheduled to stage from June 28, 2021, to July 11, 2021. “It is with great regret that the AELTC has today decided that The Championships 2020 will be cancelled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic. The 134th Championships will instead be staged from 28 June to 11 July 2021,” the official account of Wimbledon had tweeted.

Wimbledon set to receive $141 million after paying for pandemic insurance for 17 years: Reports

<p>Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has rubbished Michael Clarke’s claims that Aussie players were too scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players as they feared losing out on hefty pay-cheques in Indian Premier League (IPL). Paine has said that he didn’t notice too many people being that nice to Kohli or not trying to get him dismissed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paine further said that in the previous Test series between India and Australia, there was a quite a lot of heat and every Australian player tried to give their best with both bat and ball while adding that he is pretty sure that nobody would be thinking of an IPL contract when they are running in to bowl to Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sit-back-and-relax-at-home-kapil-dev-dismisses-shoaib-akhtars-proposal-of-india-pakistan-charity-series-to-fight-against-covid-19-291536" hreflang="en">'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>"I certainly didn't notice too many people being that nice to Virat or not trying to get him out or anything like that," Paine told a leading cricket portal while adding: "I thought everyone who had the ball in their hand or when we were batting were trying their absolute best to win the game for Australia. I'm not sure who was going easy on him; we certainly had a thing where we didn't want to provoke any fight with him because we think that's when he plays at his best.”</p>

<p>"Who knows what will happen this series and, as we saw in the documentary, there was still quite a lot of heat in some of those games. I certainly wasn't holding back, but again the IPL's not a huge draw for me at the moment, so I had nothing to lose. But anytime our guys go out and play a Test match for Australia, they'll be giving their absolute all and I'm pretty sure they're not thinking about an IPL contract when they're running in, bowling to Virat," Paine further said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketers-agree-virus-package-to-support-game-291491" hreflang="en">Cricketers agree virus package to support game</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, Clarke had said that India are extremely powerful in regards to the financial part of the game and that has led to Australian cricket and other teams to suck up to Indian cricket team.</p>

<p>"Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, whether that be internationally or domestically in regards to the IPL," Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast radio programme, while adding "so, I feel, Australian cricket, and probably every other team, over a little period went the opposite - actually sucked up to India. They were too scared to sledge Kohli or sledge the Indian players because they had to go and play with them in April.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has rubbished Michael Clarke’s claims that Aussie players were too scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players as they feared losing out on hefty pay-cheques in Indian Premier League (IPL).

Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has rubbished Michael Clarke’s claims that Aussie players were too scared to sledge Virat Kohli or other Indian players as they feared losing out on hefty pay-cheques in Indian Premier League (IPL). Paine has said that he didn’t notice too many people being that nice to Kohli or not trying to get him dismissed. Paine further said that in the previous Test series between India and Australia, there was a quite a lot of heat and every Australian player tried to give their best with both bat and ball while adding that he is pretty sure that nobody would be thinking of an IPL contract when they are running in to bowl to Kohli. ALSO READ: 'Sit back and relax at home' - Kapil Dev dismisses Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of India-Pakistan charity series to fight against COVID-19 "I certainly didn't notice too many people being that nice to Virat or not trying to get him out or anything like that," Paine told a leading cricket portal while adding: "I thought everyone who had the ball in their hand or when we were batting were trying their absolute best to win the game for Australia. I'm not sure who was going easy on him; we certainly had a thing where we didn't want to provoke any fight with him because we think that's when he plays at his best.” "Who knows what will happen this series and, as we saw in the documentary, there was still quite a lot of heat in some of those games. I certainly wasn't holding back, but again the IPL's not a huge draw for me at the moment, so I had nothing to lose. But anytime our guys go out and play a Test match for Australia, they'll be giving their absolute all and I'm pretty sure they're not thinking about an IPL contract when they're running in, bowling to Virat," Paine further said. ALSO READ: Cricketers agree virus package to support game Earlier, Clarke had said that India are extremely powerful in regards to the financial part of the game and that has led to Australian cricket and other teams to suck up to Indian cricket team. "Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, whether that be internationally or domestically in regards to the IPL," Clarke said on the Big Sports Breakfast radio programme, while adding "so, I feel, Australian cricket, and probably every other team, over a little period went the opposite - actually sucked up to India. They were too scared to sledge Kohli or sledge the Indian players because they had to go and play with them in April.”

Not sure who went easy on Virat Kohli for IPL contract: Tim Paine rubbishes Michael Clarke's claims of Aussies being 'scared' to sledge India

<p>Former Major League Baseball all-star Josh Hamilton was formally charged with child abuse following an altercation in September with his daughter, the US media reported on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Texas prosecutors charged the 38-year-old Hamilton with injury to a child with intentional bodily injury, which is a third-degree felony under the American penal code.</p>

<p>The case stems from an alleged incident involving Hamilton and his 14-year-old daughter, according to Dallas-based television broadcaster CBSDFW and other reports.</p>

<p>Hamilton had turned himself in on October 30 in connection with the case, and he was released on bail.</p>

<p>A condition of the bail was that he not have any contact with any child under 17.</p>

<p>"Mr Hamilton is innocent of the charge against him and looks forward to clearing his name in court," his lawyer said in a prepared statement at the time of his release.</p>

<p>According to several media reports, Hamilton is alleged to have cursed at his daughter during an argument and threw a water bottle at her, striking her in the upper torso.</p>

<p>He is also accused of throwing a chair in her direction and hitting her on the legs with his hands.</p>

<p>Hamilton was the American League's Most Valuable Player in 2010 when he hit a league-leading .359 for the Texas Rangers while adding 32 home runs and 100 RBIs.</p>


Former Major League Baseball all-star Josh Hamilton was formally charged with child abuse following an altercation in September with his daughter, the US media reported on Wednesday.

Former Major League Baseball all-star Josh Hamilton was formally charged with child abuse following an altercation in September with his daughter, the US media reported on Wednesday. Texas prosecutors charged the 38-year-old Hamilton with injury to a child with intentional bodily injury, which is a third-degree felony under the American penal code. The case stems from an alleged incident involving Hamilton and his 14-year-old daughter, according to Dallas-based television broadcaster CBSDFW and other reports. Hamilton had turned himself in on October 30 in connection with the case, and he was released on bail. A condition of the bail was that he not have any contact with any child under 17. "Mr Hamilton is innocent of the charge against him and looks forward to clearing his name in court," his lawyer said in a prepared statement at the time of his release. According to several media reports, Hamilton is alleged to have cursed at his daughter during an argument and threw a water bottle at her, striking her in the upper torso. He is also accused of throwing a chair in her direction and hitting her on the legs with his hands. Hamilton was the American League's Most Valuable Player in 2010 when he hit a league-leading .359 for the Texas Rangers while adding 32 home runs and 100 RBIs.

Ex-Rangers all-star Hamilton charged with child abuse: reports

<p>Premier League players on Wednesday announced that they have launched #PlayersTogether initiative to generate funds for Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) in a bid to combat the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>#PlayersTogether has been launched to help those fighting in the front line of defence on the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other league and club conversation," a statement from the group said.</p>

<p>"To try and help, along with so many others in the country, to make a real difference," it added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-admits-he-was-in-the-wrong-over-training-session-291494" hreflang="en">Jose Mourinho admits he was in the wrong over training session</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A powerful show support from all players to NHS workers and those on the front-line.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayersTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayersTogether</a> <a href="https://t.co/2VmEbK6Rn5">pic.twitter.com/2VmEbK6Rn5</a></p>
— Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFA/status/1247982054542913539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marcus &nbsp;Rashford among many others took to social media platforms to post about the initiative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the Premier League had proposed pay cuts up to 30 per cent but the talks didn’t materialize with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) alarming that the NHS could suffer from the loss of tax receipts.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketers-agree-virus-package-to-support-game-291491" hreflang="en">Cricketers agree virus package to support game</a></strong></p>

<p>The league's chief executive Richard Masters admitted the virus fall-out could cost the top-flight "at least £1 billion" ($1.23 billion, 1.13 billion euros).</p>

<p>Whereas, PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor stated that players had ‘agreed to play their part’. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the players had "agreed to play their part" as pressure mounts to find a collective pay deal.</p>

<p>More than 60,000 including Prime Minister Boris Johnson have tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 with more than 7,000 dead from the virus.</p>


Premier League players on Wednesday announced that they have launched #PlayersTogether initiative to generate funds for Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) in a bid to combat the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier League players on Wednesday announced that they have launched #PlayersTogether initiative to generate funds for Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) in a bid to combat the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic. #PlayersTogether has been launched to help those fighting in the front line of defence on the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak. "It is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other league and club conversation," a statement from the group said. "To try and help, along with so many others in the country, to make a real difference," it added. ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho admits he was in the wrong over training session A powerful show support from all players to NHS workers and those on the front-line.#PlayersTogether pic.twitter.com/2VmEbK6Rn5 — Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) April 8, 2020 × The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marcus Rashford among many others took to social media platforms to post about the initiative. Earlier, the Premier League had proposed pay cuts up to 30 per cent but the talks didn’t materialize with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) alarming that the NHS could suffer from the loss of tax receipts. ALSO READ: Cricketers agree virus package to support game The league's chief executive Richard Masters admitted the virus fall-out could cost the top-flight "at least £1 billion" ($1.23 billion, 1.13 billion euros). Whereas, PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor stated that players had ‘agreed to play their part’. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said the players had "agreed to play their part" as pressure mounts to find a collective pay deal. More than 60,000 including Prime Minister Boris Johnson have tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 with more than 7,000 dead from the virus.

Premier League stars launch '#PlayersTogether' campaign to support NHS charities

<p>There is no larger symbol of the global sports shutdown than cricket's 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, opened by US President Donald Trump, but yet to see a ball bowled.</p>

<p>India's newest and the world's biggest cricket stadium lies empty because of the coronavirus pandemic. Where there should be the sound of leather on willow and the roar of the crowd, there is only silence.</p>

<p>Just a few weeks ago, it had been packed to capacity as Trump and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood side-by-side in a show of pomp and ceremony for the February 24 inauguration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eclipsing Australia's 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground, it was rumoured to be in line to host the final of this year's Indian Premier League, the world's richest Twenty20 tournament, watched by millions worldwide.</p>

<p>But then came COVID-19. The pandemic has brought the sporting world to a grinding halt with massive events including the Tokyo Olympics, football's European Championships, golf and tennis majors, and the glitzy IPL postponed.</p>

<p>"There was hardly any time between the Trump event and the pandemic," a senior Gujarat Cricket Association official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that once cricket resumes, the stadium could be ready "in double-quick time."</p>

<p>"Just five percent work is remaining and it just needs the finishing touches," the official added.</p>

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has pushed back the IPL from its original start date of March 29 to April 15, but with the number of coronavirus cases in India exceeding 5,000 and still rising, pressure is growing for it to be shifted again, truncated or scrapped.</p>

<h2>- Unobstructed views -</h2>

<p>The $100-million, circular venue, promises unobstructed views and has state-of-the-art facilities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool as part of a multisports complex.</p>

<p>Next door, a refurbished venue on the site of the&nbsp;former 49,000-capacity Motera Stadium will serve as a venue for cricket, football and hockey.</p>

<p>Critics have charged that it is another "white elephant" vanity project in Modi's home state, following the completion of the world's largest statue there in 2018 - also dedicated to independence hero Sardar Patel.</p>

<p>The giant Statue of Unity measures 182 metres tall (597 feet) -- twice the height of New York's Statue of Liberty.</p>

<p>Modi was Gujarat chief minister for 13 years until 2014, and revamping the former Motera stadium had been long a pet project.</p>

<p>Home Minister Amit Shah, a close ally, headed the Gujarat Cricket Association till last year and his son Jay Shah is the secretary of the BCCI, the world's richest and most powerful cricket board.</p>

<p>Despite cricket being wildly popular in India, domestic first class matches -- and even some international Test matches -- are often played to near-empty stadiums.</p>

<p>The only matches guaranteed to attract big crowds are IPL games and one-day internationals -- and even then it depends on the quality of the opposition.</p>

<p>The nation of 1.3 billion people already has more than a dozen stadiums capable of hosting international cricket, although in the off-season they can be used for other events.</p>

<p>"You are left wondering whether it is a rock concert venue, (or) is it a cricket stadium?" ESPNcricinfo senior editor Sharda Ugra told AFP.</p>

<p>"I would have hoped that there would have been some analysis on the kind of grounds that India needs now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have a lot of these giant grounds in which you have one international match in two years."</p>


There is no larger symbol of the global sports shutdown than cricket's 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, opened by US President Donald Trump, but yet to see a ball bowled.

There is no larger symbol of the global sports shutdown than cricket's 110,000-seater Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad, opened by US President Donald Trump, but yet to see a ball bowled. India's newest and the world's biggest cricket stadium lies empty because of the coronavirus pandemic. Where there should be the sound of leather on willow and the roar of the crowd, there is only silence. Just a few weeks ago, it had been packed to capacity as Trump and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood side-by-side in a show of pomp and ceremony for the February 24 inauguration. Eclipsing Australia's 100,000-capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground, it was rumoured to be in line to host the final of this year's Indian Premier League, the world's richest Twenty20 tournament, watched by millions worldwide. But then came COVID-19. The pandemic has brought the sporting world to a grinding halt with massive events including the Tokyo Olympics, football's European Championships, golf and tennis majors, and the glitzy IPL postponed. "There was hardly any time between the Trump event and the pandemic," a senior Gujarat Cricket Association official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that once cricket resumes, the stadium could be ready "in double-quick time." "Just five percent work is remaining and it just needs the finishing touches," the official added. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has pushed back the IPL from its original start date of March 29 to April 15, but with the number of coronavirus cases in India exceeding 5,000 and still rising, pressure is growing for it to be shifted again, truncated or scrapped. - Unobstructed views - The $100-million, circular venue, promises unobstructed views and has state-of-the-art facilities including an Olympic-sized swimming pool as part of a multisports complex. Next door, a refurbished venue on the site of the former 49,000-capacity Motera Stadium will serve as a venue for cricket, football and hockey. Critics have charged that it is another "white elephant" vanity project in Modi's home state, following the completion of the world's largest statue there in 2018 - also dedicated to independence hero Sardar Patel. The giant Statue of Unity measures 182 metres tall (597 feet) -- twice the height of New York's Statue of Liberty. Modi was Gujarat chief minister for 13 years until 2014, and revamping the former Motera stadium had been long a pet project. Home Minister Amit Shah, a close ally, headed the Gujarat Cricket Association till last year and his son Jay Shah is the secretary of the BCCI, the world's richest and most powerful cricket board. Despite cricket being wildly popular in India, domestic first class matches -- and even some international Test matches -- are often played to near-empty stadiums. The only matches guaranteed to attract big crowds are IPL games and one-day internationals -- and even then it depends on the quality of the opposition. The nation of 1.3 billion people already has more than a dozen stadiums capable of hosting international cricket, although in the off-season they can be used for other events. "You are left wondering whether it is a rock concert venue, (or) is it a cricket stadium?" ESPNcricinfo senior editor Sharda Ugra told AFP. "I would have hoped that there would have been some analysis on the kind of grounds that India needs now. "We have a lot of these giant grounds in which you have one international match in two years."

Virus prevents play at Trump-opened world's biggest cricket stadium

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has forced sportspersons to train indoors while either cancelling or postponing major sporting events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, EURO, among other major tournaments. Swiss tennis wizard Roger Federer has been pretty active on social media platforms as he continues to keep his fans and followers engaged by posting videos of him training in his backyard.</p>

<p>Federer on Tuesday took to micro-blogging platform Twitter to post another video of him doing a solo drill in a bid to keep himself active during these tough times. Federer asked his fans to reply to him with their videos while adding that he will give them some tips to train alone. The Swiss maestro then went on to tag some of the biggest names in the world of sports, movies and music.</p>

<p>“Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely #tennisathome,” Federer tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tennisathome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tennisathome</a> <a href="https://t.co/05lliIqh1h">pic.twitter.com/05lliIqh1h</a></p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1247511322067185665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, the 20-time Grand Slam winner, in another tweet, tagged many major sportspersons, actors and musicians. The likes of Virat Kohli, Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Hugh Jackman, Stephen Curry, Dwayne Johnson, Cold Play, among others were tagged by Federer as the tennis legend asked them how they are #TrainingFromHome.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“How else are you guys #TrainingFromHome @tonikroos @gianluigibuffon @imVkohli @tombrady @trevornoah @luka7doncic @billgates @swish41 @cristiano @alexzverev @cocogauff @kensingtonroyal @realhughjackman @rafaelnadal @stephencurry30 @therock @beargrylls @coldplay,” Federer wrote.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How else are you guys <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrainingFromHome?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TrainingFromHome</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ToniKroos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tonikroos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gianluigibuffon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gianluigibuffon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TomBrady?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tombrady</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Trevornoah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trevornoah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/luka7doncic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@luka7doncic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@billgates</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/swish41?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@swish41</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cristiano</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexZverev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alexzverev</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cocogauff</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kensingtonroyal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RealHughJackman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realhughjackman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelnadal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenCurry30?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stephencurry30</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@therock</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BearGrylls?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@beargrylls</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coldplay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coldplay</a> <a href="https://t.co/N8BHl4v0HR">https://t.co/N8BHl4v0HR</a></p>
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/1247511957214769156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to wreak havoc, it is unclear as to when the sporting action will resume. There are some major tournaments scheduled to be played later in the year 2020 and if the situation doesn’t improve in coming weeks, then it is unlikely that fans will witness any sort of sporting action in the coming months.<br />
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The COVID-19 pandemic has forced sportspersons to train indoors while either cancelling or postponing major sporting events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, EURO, among other major tournaments.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced sportspersons to train indoors while either cancelling or postponing major sporting events such as the Olympics, Wimbledon, EURO, among other major tournaments. Swiss tennis wizard Roger Federer has been pretty active on social media platforms as he continues to keep his fans and followers engaged by posting videos of him training in his backyard. Federer on Tuesday took to micro-blogging platform Twitter to post another video of him doing a solo drill in a bid to keep himself active during these tough times. Federer asked his fans to reply to him with their videos while adding that he will give them some tips to train alone. The Swiss maestro then went on to tag some of the biggest names in the world of sports, movies and music. “Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely #tennisathome,” Federer tweeted. Here’s a helpful solo drill. Let’s see what you got! Reply back with a video and I’ll provide some tips. Choose your hat wisely #tennisathome pic.twitter.com/05lliIqh1h — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020 × However, the 20-time Grand Slam winner, in another tweet, tagged many major sportspersons, actors and musicians. The likes of Virat Kohli, Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Hugh Jackman, Stephen Curry, Dwayne Johnson, Cold Play, among others were tagged by Federer as the tennis legend asked them how they are #TrainingFromHome. “How else are you guys #TrainingFromHome @tonikroos @gianluigibuffon @imVkohli @tombrady @trevornoah @luka7doncic @billgates @swish41 @cristiano @alexzverev @cocogauff @kensingtonroyal @realhughjackman @rafaelnadal @stephencurry30 @therock @beargrylls @coldplay,” Federer wrote. How else are you guys #TrainingFromHome @tonikroos @gianluigibuffon @imVkohli @tombrady @trevornoah @luka7doncic @billgates @swish41 @cristiano @alexzverev @cocogauff @kensingtonroyal @realhughjackman @rafaelnadal @stephencurry30 @therock @beargrylls @coldplay https://t.co/N8BHl4v0HR — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) April 7, 2020 × Meanwhile, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to wreak havoc, it is unclear as to when the sporting action will resume. There are some major tournaments scheduled to be played later in the year 2020 and if the situation doesn’t improve in coming weeks, then it is unlikely that fans will witness any sort of sporting action in the coming months.

WATCH: Roger Federer nominates Virat Kohli, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, The Rock and others for 'training for home' challenge

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