Former Manchester City midfielder David Silva has tested positive for coronavirus, his new club Real Sociedad announced on Monday.

The 34-year-old joined La Real on a free transfer earlier this month but returned a positive Covid-19 test after arriving to San Sebastian.

The Liga club said it was Silva's second test within 72 hours since landing in Spain, having previously tested negative.

The Spaniard, a former World Cup and European Championship winner, left Man City at the end of his contract before signing a two-year deal with Sociedad.

He is self-isolating and is displaying no symptoms, the club said.

Silva's new teammate Mikel Oyarzabal has also contracted the virus and was replaced in Luis Enrique's Spain squad by Villarreal forward Gerard Moreno.

Spain face Germany in their Nations League opener in Stuttgart on Thursday, before hosting Ukraine three days later.

The 2020/21 La Liga campaign gets underway on September 12.

Former Manchester City midfielder David Silva has tested positive for coronavirus, his new club Real Sociedad announced on Monday. The 34-year-old joined La Real on a free transfer earlier this month but returned a positive Covid-19 test after arriving to San Sebastian.

Former Manchester City midfielder David Silva has tested positive for coronavirus, his new club Real Sociedad announced on Monday. The 34-year-old joined La Real on a free transfer earlier this month but returned a positive Covid-19 test after arriving to San Sebastian. The Liga club said it was Silva's second test within 72 hours since landing in Spain, having previously tested negative. The Spaniard, a former World Cup and European Championship winner, left Man City at the end of his contract before signing a two-year deal with Sociedad. He is self-isolating and is displaying no symptoms, the club said. Silva's new teammate Mikel Oyarzabal has also contracted the virus and was replaced in Luis Enrique's Spain squad by Villarreal forward Gerard Moreno. Spain face Germany in their Nations League opener in Stuttgart on Thursday, before hosting Ukraine three days later. The 2020/21 La Liga campaign gets underway on September 12.

David Silva tests positive for coronavirus

Coco Gauff's hopes of launching another deep run at a Grand Slam ended in the first round at the US Open on Monday, with the US teenager succumbing in three sets to Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova.

Gauff, who created a sensation at Wimbledon last year when she became the youngest player in the tournament's history to qualify for the main draw before reaching the fourth round, was beaten 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.

The 16-year-old former junior world number one from Delray Beach had battled back to level the match against the 31st-seeded Sevastova after dropping the first set.

But after squaring the match by taking the final three games of the second set to win it 7-5, Gauff was soon scrambling to save the match in the third set.

Although Gauff saved three match points, Sevastova eventually closed out the win, converting her fourth match point.

It was a disappointing exit for Gauff, who backed up her fairytale Wimbledon campaign last year by reaching the third round at the US Open before another decent showing at the Australian Open in January, where she exited in the fourth round.

Gauff, a fan favourite at previous Grand Slam appearances, said afterwards she did not think the absence of spectators in New York had hampered her performance.

"I think I compete just as hard with fans or not," she said. "I could have played better today. Just going to get back to work and get ready for the French Open."

However the teenager acknowledged that limited playing opportunities in 2020 due to a tennis calendar upended by COVID-19, had impacted her development.

"The main part that hurt was just getting matches under my belt, getting experience," Gauff said when asked to assess the impact of the coronavirus disruption.&nbsp;

"That's what I need on tour. I'm playing against people older than me who have been in more situations, difficult situations, than I have. I think the biggest thing is I just need experience.

"Right now my plan is just to play as many tournaments as I can, to get matches under my belt. I'm still in doubles here, so I'll be here hopefully till the end. That's the goal."&nbsp;

Gauff's long-term ambitions also include winning qualification to play at next year's Tokyo Olympics.

"Definitely a goal of mine to qualify," Gauff said. "Right now I'm just focused on the match ahead, just focusing on the moment now. But obviously that's a goal, to qualify for the Olympics next year."

Coco Gauff's hopes of launching another deep run at a Grand Slam ended in the first round at the US Open on Monday, with the US teenager succumbing in three sets to Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova.

Coco Gauff's hopes of launching another deep run at a Grand Slam ended in the first round at the US Open on Monday, with the US teenager succumbing in three sets to Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova. Gauff, who created a sensation at Wimbledon last year when she became the youngest player in the tournament's history to qualify for the main draw before reaching the fourth round, was beaten 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. The 16-year-old former junior world number one from Delray Beach had battled back to level the match against the 31st-seeded Sevastova after dropping the first set. But after squaring the match by taking the final three games of the second set to win it 7-5, Gauff was soon scrambling to save the match in the third set. Although Gauff saved three match points, Sevastova eventually closed out the win, converting her fourth match point. It was a disappointing exit for Gauff, who backed up her fairytale Wimbledon campaign last year by reaching the third round at the US Open before another decent showing at the Australian Open in January, where she exited in the fourth round. Gauff, a fan favourite at previous Grand Slam appearances, said afterwards she did not think the absence of spectators in New York had hampered her performance. "I think I compete just as hard with fans or not," she said. "I could have played better today. Just going to get back to work and get ready for the French Open." However the teenager acknowledged that limited playing opportunities in 2020 due to a tennis calendar upended by COVID-19, had impacted her development. "The main part that hurt was just getting matches under my belt, getting experience," Gauff said when asked to assess the impact of the coronavirus disruption. "That's what I need on tour. I'm playing against people older than me who have been in more situations, difficult situations, than I have. I think the biggest thing is I just need experience. "Right now my plan is just to play as many tournaments as I can, to get matches under my belt. I'm still in doubles here, so I'll be here hopefully till the end. That's the goal." Gauff's long-term ambitions also include winning qualification to play at next year's Tokyo Olympics. "Definitely a goal of mine to qualify," Gauff said. "Right now I'm just focused on the match ahead, just focusing on the moment now. But obviously that's a goal, to qualify for the Olympics next year."

No Coco-mania as Gauff bows out of US Open

Novak Djokovic said his own "intensity" powered him into the second round of a crowdless US Open Monday as he started his bid for an 18th Grand Slam off with a straight-sets win.

The Serbian superstar defeated unheralded Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 in just under two hours at an eerily quiet Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

The world number one took just 23 minutes to win the first set but labored to a narrow victory in the second before propelling himself into into round two with a convincing third.

"I came out, played really well the first set. Second set I lost my focus, kind of got stressed out a couple times, screamed," he told reporters.

"That's obviously still there, regardless of the empty stadium. But this is what I bring to the court. I bring a lot of intensity, energy. Sometimes my reactions may not be so positive, but I try to bounce back," he added.

Midway through the second set a clearly agitated Djokovic shouted in the direction of the stands at members of his team.

"Not the first time, probably not the last time," he said.&nbsp;

"I was frustrated with my game, with some of the shots that I was playing at that time. Just I guess channeled it out in that way.

"That's I guess not always the reaction that I want. As I said, that's kind of a game and kind of an intensity that I bring on the court. Sometimes these things happen."

Djokovic was also irked by a serve-clock rule that appeared quicker than at last week's tournament at the same venue.

"I&nbsp;was not aware of it. No one really brought it to my attention. The lack of communication is something that worries me once again," he moaned.

"We've played in the certain tempo, got used to it during the Western &amp; Southern tournament, which just ended two days ago.

"Two days later we have a different rule that was just not communicated to us. That's something that I found just not acceptable, not fair. But I guess I have to deal with it, and that's it."

The absence of defending champion Rafael Nadal and Swiss legend Roger Federer at Flushing Meadows gives Djokovic a prime opportunity to gain ground on his rivals in the chase for the all-time men's Grand Slam singles title record.

Djokovic currently has 17, behind Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20.

The 33-year-old takes on Britain's Kyle Edmund in the second round at the US National Tennis Center.

"He does have a really good serve and forehand, two really big weapons," Djokovic said of Edmund, ranked 44th in the world.

"I have a lot of respect for him. He's a really hard worker, puts a lot of hours on and off the court into perfecting his game.

"I think he does have the game and the potential to be in the top 20 without a doubt, where I expect him to be soon. So it's going to be a tough one," added the three-time US Open champion.

Novak Djokovic said his own "intensity" powered him into the second round of a crowdless US Open Monday as he started his bid for an 18th Grand Slam off with a straight-sets win.

Novak Djokovic said his own "intensity" powered him into the second round of a crowdless US Open Monday as he started his bid for an 18th Grand Slam off with a straight-sets win. The Serbian superstar defeated unheralded Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 in just under two hours at an eerily quiet Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The world number one took just 23 minutes to win the first set but labored to a narrow victory in the second before propelling himself into into round two with a convincing third. "I came out, played really well the first set. Second set I lost my focus, kind of got stressed out a couple times, screamed," he told reporters. "That's obviously still there, regardless of the empty stadium. But this is what I bring to the court. I bring a lot of intensity, energy. Sometimes my reactions may not be so positive, but I try to bounce back," he added. Midway through the second set a clearly agitated Djokovic shouted in the direction of the stands at members of his team. "Not the first time, probably not the last time," he said. "I was frustrated with my game, with some of the shots that I was playing at that time. Just I guess channeled it out in that way. "That's I guess not always the reaction that I want. As I said, that's kind of a game and kind of an intensity that I bring on the court. Sometimes these things happen." Djokovic was also irked by a serve-clock rule that appeared quicker than at last week's tournament at the same venue. "I was not aware of it. No one really brought it to my attention. The lack of communication is something that worries me once again," he moaned. "We've played in the certain tempo, got used to it during the Western & Southern tournament, which just ended two days ago. "Two days later we have a different rule that was just not communicated to us. That's something that I found just not acceptable, not fair. But I guess I have to deal with it, and that's it." The absence of defending champion Rafael Nadal and Swiss legend Roger Federer at Flushing Meadows gives Djokovic a prime opportunity to gain ground on his rivals in the chase for the all-time men's Grand Slam singles title record. Djokovic currently has 17, behind Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20. The 33-year-old takes on Britain's Kyle Edmund in the second round at the US National Tennis Center. "He does have a really good serve and forehand, two really big weapons," Djokovic said of Edmund, ranked 44th in the world. "I have a lot of respect for him. He's a really hard worker, puts a lot of hours on and off the court into perfecting his game. "I think he does have the game and the potential to be in the top 20 without a doubt, where I expect him to be soon. So it's going to be a tough one," added the three-time US Open champion.

'Stressed out' Djokovic brings intensity to atmosphere-free US Open

Suresh Raina on Tuesday opened up for the first time since leaving the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> as the former Indian cricketer took to social media platform Twitter to write about an incident related to his family in Pathankot, Punjab.&nbsp;

Earlier it was reported that Raina’s uncle had died while four members of his family sustained critical injuries in an attack by robbers in Punjab’s Pathankot district. Raina confirmed it while adding his cousin passed away last night after battling for life for days while adding other member of his family is very critical and is on life support.&nbsp;

The southpaw further wrote that who is behind the incident is still unknown while requesting Punjab police to look into the matter.

“What happened to my family is Punjab was beyond horrible. My uncle was slaughtered to death, my bua &amp; both my cousins had sever injuries. Unfortunately my cousin also passed away last night after battling for life for days. My bua is still very very critical &amp; is on life support,” Raina tweeted on Tuesday.'

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-to-miss-ipl-2020-due-to-personal-reasons-323862" hreflang="en">Suresh Raina to miss IPL 2020 due to personal reasons</a>

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What happened to my family is Punjab was beyond horrible. My uncle was slaughtered to death, my bua &amp; both my cousins had sever injuries. Unfortunately my cousin also passed away last night after battling for life for days. My bua is still very very critical &amp; is on life support.
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1300680050677817344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“Till date we don’t know what exactly had happened that night &amp; who did this. I request @PunjabPoliceInd to look into this matter. We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them. Those criminals should not be spared to commit more crimes. @capt_amarinder @CMOPb,” Raina added.

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Till date we don’t know what exactly had happened that night &amp; who did this. I request <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabPoliceInd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PunjabPoliceInd</a> to look into this matter. We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them. Those criminals should not be spared to commit more crimes. <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capt_amarinder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOPb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOPb</a>
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1300680056608612353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dinesh-karthik-opines-on-mankading-says-giving-warning-is-accepted-as-spirit-of-cricket-322738" hreflang="en">Dinesh Karthik opines on 'Mankading', says 'giving warning is accepted as spirit of cricket'</a>

According to police, three to four members of the ‘Kale Kachhewala’ gang had come in the house with an intention to loot and attacked the family members at their house in Thariyal village near Madhopur of Pathankot while fleeing with some cash and gold from the house.&nbsp;

Ashok Kumar’s 80-year-old mother Satya Devi, his wife Asha Devi, sons Apin and Kuashal suffered injuries, said police. 
Raina left the CSK camp in UAE ahead of IPL 2020 giving major headaches to the team. However, the three-time IPL winning franchise said that they fully support Raina’s decision while asking to give him personal space.&nbsp;

“Suresh Raina has returned to India for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of the IPL season. Chennai Super Kings offers complete support to Suresh and his family during this time,” CSK tweeted CEO Kasi Viswanathan’s statement after Raina’s decision to opt out from IPL 2020. 
&nbsp;

Suresh Raina on Tuesday opened up for the first time since leaving the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 as the former Indian cricketer took to social media platform Twitter to write about an incident related to his family in Pathankot, Punjab.

Suresh Raina on Tuesday opened up for the first time since leaving the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 as the former Indian cricketer took to social media platform Twitter to write about an incident related to his family in Pathankot, Punjab. Earlier it was reported that Raina’s uncle had died while four members of his family sustained critical injuries in an attack by robbers in Punjab’s Pathankot district. Raina confirmed it while adding his cousin passed away last night after battling for life for days while adding other member of his family is very critical and is on life support. The southpaw further wrote that who is behind the incident is still unknown while requesting Punjab police to look into the matter. “What happened to my family is Punjab was beyond horrible. My uncle was slaughtered to death, my bua & both my cousins had sever injuries. Unfortunately my cousin also passed away last night after battling for life for days. My bua is still very very critical & is on life support,” Raina tweeted on Tuesday.' ALSO READ: Suresh Raina to miss IPL 2020 due to personal reasons What happened to my family is Punjab was beyond horrible. My uncle was slaughtered to death, my bua & both my cousins had sever injuries. Unfortunately my cousin also passed away last night after battling for life for days. My bua is still very very critical & is on life support. — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 1, 2020 × “Till date we don’t know what exactly had happened that night & who did this. I request @PunjabPoliceInd to look into this matter. We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them. Those criminals should not be spared to commit more crimes. @capt_amarinder @CMOPb,” Raina added. Till date we don’t know what exactly had happened that night & who did this. I request @PunjabPoliceInd to look into this matter. We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them. Those criminals should not be spared to commit more crimes. @capt_amarinder @CMOPb — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 1, 2020 × ALSO READ: Dinesh Karthik opines on 'Mankading', says 'giving warning is accepted as spirit of cricket' According to police, three to four members of the ‘Kale Kachhewala’ gang had come in the house with an intention to loot and attacked the family members at their house in Thariyal village near Madhopur of Pathankot while fleeing with some cash and gold from the house. Ashok Kumar’s 80-year-old mother Satya Devi, his wife Asha Devi, sons Apin and Kuashal suffered injuries, said police. Raina left the CSK camp in UAE ahead of IPL 2020 giving major headaches to the team. However, the three-time IPL winning franchise said that they fully support Raina’s decision while asking to give him personal space. “Suresh Raina has returned to India for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of the IPL season. Chennai Super Kings offers complete support to Suresh and his family during this time,” CSK tweeted CEO Kasi Viswanathan’s statement after Raina’s decision to opt out from IPL 2020.

Suresh Raina opens up for first time since leaving Chennai Super Kings camp

The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home to the U.S. Open for the next fortnight, is hallowed ground both for sport and activism, its centerpiece Arthur Ashe Stadium a monument to grand slam winners and champions of social and racial justice alike.

The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home to the U.S. Open for the next fortnight, is hallowed ground both for sport and activism, its centerpiece Arthur Ashe Stadium a monument to grand slam winners and champions of social and racial justice alike. Stadium and arena naming rights can be sold for hundreds of millions of dollars these days but the United States Tennis Association (USTA) instead chose to honor its heroes. Arthur Ashe, one of the first Black Grand Slam champions, is also revered as a humanitarian and activist while King is another Grand Slam winner who has spent her life fighting for gender equality. A statue of Ashe guards the main entrance to the stadium honoring him, close to one of Althea Gibson, the first Black American to win a Grand Slam, carved from granite with her shoulder exposed to make clear that those who followed stand on her shoulders. “He (Ashe) fought so many battles and, not only fought, but won,” said seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams at the National Junior and Tennis Learning Network co-founded by Ashe. “It’s incredible, the things that he faced to give us opportunities.” Venus and her sister Serena, who will be chasing a record-equalling 24th career Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open, have both experienced racism on the courts. Tennis’s most famous siblings were due to play each other in the semi-finals at Indian Wells in 2001 but Venus pulled out minutes before the match, citing injury. Spectators vented their displeasure about the late withdrawal during the final, booing Serena and jeering her sister and father Richard Williams when the pair arrived to watch the match. Richard Williams alleged he had heard racist taunts from the crowd. The Williams family would boycott the event, one of the largest outside the Grand Slams, for the next 13 years. OSAKA IN FOCUS As play began on Monday at the sprawling, 46-acre center in Queens, tennis was back in the sporting spotlight after the protests sparked by the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man in Kenosha, Wisconsin, that led athletes and sports leagues across the United States last week to shut down in a show of solidarity. Some of tennis’s biggest names were playing on Day One, including top men’s seed Novak Djokovic, but the focus was on the last match of the evening featuring Naomi Osaka, the 22-year-old born in Japan to a Haitian father and Japanese mother, who has been passed the activist torch. It was Osaka who pushed tennis to act when she chose not to play her Western & Southern Open semi-final on Thursday, forcing the hand of the WTA, ATP and USTA to join other sports and suspend competition. “I do believe she is going to be a future leader, I believe she is a present leader,” James Blake, a former world number four who is now Tournament Director of the Miami Open, told Reuters. “I got goosebumps every time I stepped on that court. “I knew how much it meant for the USTA to name that stadium after not the greatest American player ever but probably the greatest American champion off the court. “What you can do is just take a quote from Arthur Ashe: ‘Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can’.” In 2015 James Blake, who is Black, was slammed to the ground and handcuffed without provocation or warning by a New York Police Department officer while on his way to the U.S. Open, in what the NYPD said was a case of mistaken identity. At the time Blake hesitated to call it racial profiling but he has a different view today, particularly in the light of recent events. “I’m not shocked, I’m saddened by the fact there has been very little progress in the last five years,” Blake told Reuters. “To me it was racial profiling and I wasn’t doing anything except standing there being Black.”

Fight for trophies and equality linked at U.S. Open

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter was facing questioning Tuesday by a Swiss prosecutor over a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.2 million) made to former UEFA boss Michel Platini in 2011.&nbsp;

The 84-year-old arrived around at 09:00 am at the headquarters of the Public Ministry of the Confederation (MPC) in Bern, where Platini, the former head of European football, had been questioned the day before by&nbsp;prosecutor Thomas Hildbrand.&nbsp;

"This is the moment when we start to talk about this dossier which has lasted for five years, and about which I have never been asked questions, so I am happy to be able to give information on it," said Blatter as he arrived.

The investigation, which was set up in 2015, is looking into the payment&nbsp;Platini&nbsp;received from FIFA in&nbsp;2011 for&nbsp;an advisory job completed in 2002, on suspicion of "complicity in unfair management, embezzlement and forgery".

Platini said in June when he was added by Hildebrand to the investigation that the Swiss Attorney General's office had "confirmed in writing in May 2018" that his case was closed.

The 65-year-old former French football great now has the status of "accused" alongside Blatter.

Blatter, who led the global football body from 1998 to 2015,&nbsp;told&nbsp;AFP&nbsp;the&nbsp;payment was above board.

"It was back pay for work done by Michel Platini. The sum was validated by the finance commission. It cannot be a criminal offence," said Blatter.

FIFA deemed the sum a "disloyal payment" and suspended Blatter and Platini from all football-related activities, which prevented the former UEFA chief from running for another term as president&nbsp;in 2016.

Two other former FIFA&nbsp;executives,&nbsp;Frenchman Jerome Valcke, the former secretary-general, and German Markus Kattner, the former financial director, are being investigated on "suspicion of unfair management", the OAG has said.

Kattner will be questioned on September 4.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter was facing questioning Tuesday by a Swiss prosecutor over a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.2 million) made to former UEFA boss Michel Platini in 2011.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter was facing questioning Tuesday by a Swiss prosecutor over a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2.2 million) made to former UEFA boss Michel Platini in 2011. The 84-year-old arrived around at 09:00 am at the headquarters of the Public Ministry of the Confederation (MPC) in Bern, where Platini, the former head of European football, had been questioned the day before by prosecutor Thomas Hildbrand. "This is the moment when we start to talk about this dossier which has lasted for five years, and about which I have never been asked questions, so I am happy to be able to give information on it," said Blatter as he arrived. The investigation, which was set up in 2015, is looking into the payment Platini received from FIFA in 2011 for an advisory job completed in 2002, on suspicion of "complicity in unfair management, embezzlement and forgery". Platini said in June when he was added by Hildebrand to the investigation that the Swiss Attorney General's office had "confirmed in writing in May 2018" that his case was closed. The 65-year-old former French football great now has the status of "accused" alongside Blatter. Blatter, who led the global football body from 1998 to 2015, told AFP the payment was above board. "It was back pay for work done by Michel Platini. The sum was validated by the finance commission. It cannot be a criminal offence," said Blatter. FIFA deemed the sum a "disloyal payment" and suspended Blatter and Platini from all football-related activities, which prevented the former UEFA chief from running for another term as president in 2016. Two other former FIFA executives, Frenchman Jerome Valcke, the former secretary-general, and German Markus Kattner, the former financial director, are being investigated on "suspicion of unfair management", the OAG has said. Kattner will be questioned on September 4.

Blatter's turn to face Swiss prosecutor over Platini payment

Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday shared a video of pacer Deepak Chahar, who is seen completing his ‘leg day’ workout from his quarantine room ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Deepak Chahar is one of the two players who have tested positive for COVID-19 from the CSK camp but is turning this setback into a comeback.&nbsp;

“Thank you so much for your wishes and prayers. I am recovering well and hopefully will be back soon,” started Chahar as the video skipped to the leg exercises. Chahar, who is undergoing self-isolation after testing positive for the dreaded coronavirus is seen using water and ice buckets as weights for his workout.&nbsp;

"Thank you all for your love and prayers Folded hands..I am better now and trying my best to keep myself fit..hopefully you will see me in action very soon.. Keep showering your love Red heartand never miss your leg day Grinning face with smiling eyes#ipl #legday #ipl2020 #recovery," Chahar captioned the video on Twitter.

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Come what may, don't miss leg day. Cherry on the rise! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/deepak_chahar9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@deepak_chahar9</a> 🦁💛 <a href="https://t.co/dqxbRGQ01s">pic.twitter.com/dqxbRGQ01s</a>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1300806631844974593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Chahar is crucial to CSK squad and their hopes rely a lot on how the seamer delivers in the UAE. Having been mighty successful for CSK in IPL under the leadership of MS Dhoni, Chahar has become one of the regular members of Indian senior team as well, in limited-overs cricket.&nbsp;

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Thank you all for your love and prayers 🙏..I am better now and trying my best to keep myself fit..hopefully you will see me in action very soon.. 
Keep showering your love ❤️and never miss your leg day 😁<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ipl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ipl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/legday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#legday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ipl2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ipl2020</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/recovery?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#recovery</a> <a href="https://t.co/MXetVO7vob">pic.twitter.com/MXetVO7vob</a>
— Deepak chahar (@deepak_chahar9) <a href="https://twitter.com/deepak_chahar9/status/1300806633480769536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-virat-kohli-urges-players-to-follow-bio-secure-bubble-says-we-are-not-here-to-roam-around-324559" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Virat Kohli urges players to follow bio-secure bubble, says 'we are not here to roam around'</a>

Meanwhile, all members of the CSK contingent, barring those who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier, have tested negative for the virus after their tests were conducted on Monday. They are scheduled to undergo another test on September 3 and if the results are negative then the Yellow Army can start training from September 5.&nbsp;

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Stay strong brother 💪🏻 hoping for your speedy recovery and all my prayers for you 🙏🏻 get well soon <a href="https://twitter.com/deepak_chahar9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@deepak_chahar9</a> <a href="https://t.co/koFKTmORqX">pic.twitter.com/koFKTmORqX</a>
— Rahul Chahar (@rdchahar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/rdchahar1/status/1299725007346634754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“All members have tested negative expect those who had tested positive. The two players who tested positive can't be tested before they complete their quarantine period as per norms,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told WION on Tuesday.

CSK were scheduled to start their training from September 1 but the tests revealed that 13 members including two players had tested positive for the virus, pushing their quarantine period for another week.&nbsp;

Suresh Raina has also returned to India citing personal reasons. CSK CEO confirmed on Friday that Raina remains unavailable for IPL 2020 and they are yet to decide on whether to bring in a substitute for the southpaw or not.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-csk-players-staff-test-negative-for-covid-19-to-undergo-another-test-324517" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: CSK players, staff test negative for COVID-19; to undergo another test</a>

“Raina unavailable for this edition of IPL. We are yet to decide whether to rope in a replacement,” the CSK CEO told WION.

IPL 2020 is set to start from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10 in UAE. 
&nbsp;

Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday shared a video of pacer Deepak Chahar, who is seen completing his ‘leg day’ workout from his quarantine room ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday shared a video of pacer Deepak Chahar, who is seen completing his ‘leg day’ workout from his quarantine room ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Deepak Chahar is one of the two players who have tested positive for COVID-19 from the CSK camp but is turning this setback into a comeback. “Thank you so much for your wishes and prayers. I am recovering well and hopefully will be back soon,” started Chahar as the video skipped to the leg exercises. Chahar, who is undergoing self-isolation after testing positive for the dreaded coronavirus is seen using water and ice buckets as weights for his workout. "Thank you all for your love and prayers Folded hands..I am better now and trying my best to keep myself fit..hopefully you will see me in action very soon.. Keep showering your love Red heartand never miss your leg day Grinning face with smiling eyes#ipl #legday #ipl2020 #recovery," Chahar captioned the video on Twitter. Come what may, don't miss leg day. Cherry on the rise! #WhistlePodu @deepak_chahar9 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/dqxbRGQ01s — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 1, 2020 × Chahar is crucial to CSK squad and their hopes rely a lot on how the seamer delivers in the UAE. Having been mighty successful for CSK in IPL under the leadership of MS Dhoni, Chahar has become one of the regular members of Indian senior team as well, in limited-overs cricket. Thank you all for your love and prayers 🙏..I am better now and trying my best to keep myself fit..hopefully you will see me in action very soon.. Keep showering your love ❤️and never miss your leg day 😁#ipl #legday #ipl2020 #recovery pic.twitter.com/MXetVO7vob — Deepak chahar (@deepak_chahar9) September 1, 2020 × ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Virat Kohli urges players to follow bio-secure bubble, says 'we are not here to roam around' Meanwhile, all members of the CSK contingent, barring those who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier, have tested negative for the virus after their tests were conducted on Monday. They are scheduled to undergo another test on September 3 and if the results are negative then the Yellow Army can start training from September 5. Stay strong brother 💪🏻 hoping for your speedy recovery and all my prayers for you 🙏🏻 get well soon @deepak_chahar9 pic.twitter.com/koFKTmORqX — Rahul Chahar (@rdchahar1) August 29, 2020 × “All members have tested negative expect those who had tested positive. The two players who tested positive can't be tested before they complete their quarantine period as per norms,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told WION on Tuesday. CSK were scheduled to start their training from September 1 but the tests revealed that 13 members including two players had tested positive for the virus, pushing their quarantine period for another week. Suresh Raina has also returned to India citing personal reasons. CSK CEO confirmed on Friday that Raina remains unavailable for IPL 2020 and they are yet to decide on whether to bring in a substitute for the southpaw or not. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: CSK players, staff test negative for COVID-19; to undergo another test “Raina unavailable for this edition of IPL. We are yet to decide whether to rope in a replacement,” the CSK CEO told WION. IPL 2020 is set to start from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10 in UAE.

Watch: COVID-19 positive Deepak Chahar inspires as CSK share his leg-day workout video

The bio-secure environment in the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 became the talk of town when 13 members, including two players, involved in the tournament tested positive for COVID-19. Talking about the strict protocols and bio-secure bubble, India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli said that players are privileged to play cricket amid a pandemic and wants everyone to respect the enclosed environment where they are putting base.&nbsp;

Speaking on RCB’s show ‘Bold Diaries’, the RCB skipper said he didn’t miss cricket much during the five-month lockdown while adding players are not in UAE to have fun and need to play for the tournament and their respective franchise.

"We are all here to play cricket...The bio-bubble needs to be respected at all times for the tournament to happen eventually. We are not here to have fun and roam around and you know say that 'I want to hang out in Dubai,'" Kohli asserted.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-kohli-to-de-villiers-royal-challengers-bangalore-sweat-it-out-ahead-of-ipl-2020-324338" hreflang="en">From Kohli to de Villiers: Royal Challengers Bangalore sweat it out ahead of IPL 2020</a>

"That is not the time we are living in. Accept the phase that we are going through and understand the privilege that we have, just to be a part of the IPL. Everyone should accept that and not behave in a manner which situation doesn't require them to," he added. 
Kohli hit the nets for the first time after five months and the swashbuckling batsman admitted to being nervous and jittery initially.&nbsp;

"A couple of months back you couldn't imagine that you will have IPL firstly... When we had our practice session yesterday, I realised how long it has been. When I was heading to the practice session, I felt nervous," he conceded.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-australias-adam-zampa-replaces-kane-richardson-in-royal-challengers-bangalore-squad-324457" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Australia's Adam Zampa replaces Kane Richardson in Royal Challengers Bangalore squad</a>

"I felt a bit jittery but things were okay. I didn't miss the game as much as I thought I might...just carrying on with life was also important," he said.

IPL 2020 is scheduled to commence from September 19 with the final slated to be played on November 10 in UAE. 
&nbsp;

The bio-secure environment in the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 became the talk of town when 13 members, including two players, involved in the tournament tested positive for COVID-19.

The bio-secure environment in the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 became the talk of town when 13 members, including two players, involved in the tournament tested positive for COVID-19. Talking about the strict protocols and bio-secure bubble, India and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli said that players are privileged to play cricket amid a pandemic and wants everyone to respect the enclosed environment where they are putting base. Speaking on RCB’s show ‘Bold Diaries’, the RCB skipper said he didn’t miss cricket much during the five-month lockdown while adding players are not in UAE to have fun and need to play for the tournament and their respective franchise. "We are all here to play cricket...The bio-bubble needs to be respected at all times for the tournament to happen eventually. We are not here to have fun and roam around and you know say that 'I want to hang out in Dubai,'" Kohli asserted. IN PICS | From Kohli to de Villiers: Royal Challengers Bangalore sweat it out ahead of IPL 2020 "That is not the time we are living in. Accept the phase that we are going through and understand the privilege that we have, just to be a part of the IPL. Everyone should accept that and not behave in a manner which situation doesn't require them to," he added. Kohli hit the nets for the first time after five months and the swashbuckling batsman admitted to being nervous and jittery initially. "A couple of months back you couldn't imagine that you will have IPL firstly... When we had our practice session yesterday, I realised how long it has been. When I was heading to the practice session, I felt nervous," he conceded. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Australia's Adam Zampa replaces Kane Richardson in Royal Challengers Bangalore squad "I felt a bit jittery but things were okay. I didn't miss the game as much as I thought I might...just carrying on with life was also important," he said. IPL 2020 is scheduled to commence from September 19 with the final slated to be played on November 10 in UAE.

IPL 2020: Virat Kohli urges players to follow bio-secure bubble, says 'we are not here to roam around'

England and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the third and final T20I of the series at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Tuesday. England will be looking to seal the series after winning the second T20I, whereas Pakistan would be hoping for their first win in the tour in a bid to equalize the series.&nbsp;

The first T20I of the series was washed out while England came back strong to win the second match by five wickets after stunning knocks by Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan and skipper Eoin Morgan. Pakistan lost the Test series and much haven’t changed in the shortest format of the game as the bowling attack disappointed in the five-wicket defeat in the second match despite posting a mammoth 195 runs on board.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-kohli-to-de-villiers-royal-challengers-bangalore-sweat-it-out-ahead-of-ipl-2020-324338" hreflang="en">From Kohli to de Villiers: Royal Challengers Bangalore sweat it out ahead of IPL 2020</a>

The weather seems perfect for a full match in Manchester and another run-fest is expected.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-aus-england-announce-squad-for-t20i-and-odi-series-against-australia-324299" hreflang="en">England announce squad for T20I and ODI series against Australia</a>

<h2>When will the England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I begin?</h2>

The England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I will begin at 10:30 PM IST on September 1. The toss will take place at 10:00 PM IST.

<h2>Where will the England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I be played?</h2>

The England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I match will be held at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester

<h2>Which channel will telecast the England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I?</h2>

The England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I?</h2>

The live streaming of England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I will be available on Sony’s streaming platform. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

England and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the third and final T20I of the series at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Tuesday. England will be looking to seal the series after winning the second T20I, whereas Pakistan would be hoping for their first win in the tour in a bid to equalize the series.

England and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the third and final T20I of the series at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Tuesday. England will be looking to seal the series after winning the second T20I, whereas Pakistan would be hoping for their first win in the tour in a bid to equalize the series. The first T20I of the series was washed out while England came back strong to win the second match by five wickets after stunning knocks by Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan and skipper Eoin Morgan. Pakistan lost the Test series and much haven’t changed in the shortest format of the game as the bowling attack disappointed in the five-wicket defeat in the second match despite posting a mammoth 195 runs on board. IN PICS | From Kohli to de Villiers: Royal Challengers Bangalore sweat it out ahead of IPL 2020 The weather seems perfect for a full match in Manchester and another run-fest is expected. ALSO READ: England announce squad for T20I and ODI series against Australia When will the England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I begin? The England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I will begin at 10:30 PM IST on September 1. The toss will take place at 10:00 PM IST. Where will the England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I be played? The England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I match will be held at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester Which channel will telecast the England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I? The England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India How to watch the live streaming of England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I? The live streaming of England vs Pakistan 3rd T20I will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

England vs Pakistan, 3rd T20I Live Streaming: When and where to watch ENG vs PAK match?

After going through the lows in last week, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) received some good news as all their members, except the original 13 who had tested positive,&nbsp;have tested negative for COVID-19 after reports of the tests, which were conducted on all the members of the CSK contingent on Monday, came out.

Earlier, two players and other staff members tested positive for the dreaded virus before Suresh Raina pulled out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL 2020</a> due to personal reasons. While fans started to bother about team’s fate in the tournament, they have been handed good news now as all the members of the CSK contingent have tested negative for the coronavirus,&nbsp;except the original 13 who had tested positive.

Another test will be conducted on every member of the CSK contingent on September 3 and upon testing negative, they can commence their training and preparations for IPL 2020. The two players, who tested positive for COVID-19 will have to wait a bit longer and follow the protocols and testing phase.&nbsp;

After members of the team tested positive for COVID-19, the entire CSK contingent went into another week of quarantine.&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, two overseas players in Faf du Plessis and Lungisani Ngidi have also joined CSK after arriving in Abu dhabi on&nbsp; Monday.The South African duo went straight into quarantine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-australias-adam-zampa-replaces-kane-richardson-in-royal-challengers-bangalore-squad-324457" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Australia's Adam Zampa replaces Kane Richardson in Royal Challengers Bangalore squad</a>

Also, Suresh Raina on Tuesday broke his silence for the first time since leaving the CSK camp as he urged the government to take prompt action against those who slaughtered his uncle to death in an attack on his family in Pathankot, Punjab.&nbsp;

“What happened to my family is Punjab was beyond horrible. My uncle was slaughtered to death, my bua &amp; both my cousins had sever injuries. Unfortunately my cousin also passed away last night after battling for life for days. My bua is still very very critical &amp; is on life support,” Raina wrote.

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Till date we don’t know what exactly had happened that night &amp; who did this. I request <a href="https://twitter.com/PunjabPoliceInd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PunjabPoliceInd</a> to look into this matter. We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them. Those criminals should not be spared to commit more crimes. <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capt_amarinder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOPb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOPb</a>
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina/status/1300680056608612353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-hazlewood-concerned-about-covid-19-cases-at-ipl-side-324348" hreflang="en">Australia's Hazlewood concerned about COVID-19 cases at IPL side</a>

“Till date we don’t know what exactly had happened that night &amp; who did this. I request @PunjabPoliceInd to look into this matter. We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them. Those criminals should not be spared to commit more crimes. @capt_amarinder @CMOPb,” he added in another tweet. 
IPL 2020 is scheduled to start from September 19 with the final slated to be played on November 10 in UAE. 
&nbsp;

After going through the lows in last week, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) received some good news as all their members, except the original 13 who had tested positive, have tested negative for COVID-19 after reports of the tests, which were conducted on all the members of the CSK contingent on Monday, came out.

After going through the lows in last week, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) received some good news as all their members, except the original 13 who had tested positive, have tested negative for COVID-19 after reports of the tests, which were conducted on all the members of the CSK contingent on Monday, came out. Earlier, two players and other staff members tested positive for the dreaded virus before Suresh Raina pulled out of IPL 2020 due to personal reasons. While fans started to bother about team’s fate in the tournament, they have been handed good news now as all the members of the CSK contingent have tested negative for the coronavirus, except the original 13 who had tested positive. Another test will be conducted on every member of the CSK contingent on September 3 and upon testing negative, they can commence their training and preparations for IPL 2020. The two players, who tested positive for COVID-19 will have to wait a bit longer and follow the protocols and testing phase. After members of the team tested positive for COVID-19, the entire CSK contingent went into another week of quarantine. Meanwhile, two overseas players in Faf du Plessis and Lungisani Ngidi have also joined CSK after arriving in Abu dhabi on Monday.The South African duo went straight into quarantine. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Australia's Adam Zampa replaces Kane Richardson in Royal Challengers Bangalore squad Also, Suresh Raina on Tuesday broke his silence for the first time since leaving the CSK camp as he urged the government to take prompt action against those who slaughtered his uncle to death in an attack on his family in Pathankot, Punjab. “What happened to my family is Punjab was beyond horrible. My uncle was slaughtered to death, my bua & both my cousins had sever injuries. Unfortunately my cousin also passed away last night after battling for life for days. My bua is still very very critical & is on life support,” Raina wrote. Till date we don’t know what exactly had happened that night & who did this. I request @PunjabPoliceInd to look into this matter. We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them. Those criminals should not be spared to commit more crimes. @capt_amarinder @CMOPb — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 1, 2020 × ALSO READ: Australia's Hazlewood concerned about COVID-19 cases at IPL side “Till date we don’t know what exactly had happened that night & who did this. I request @PunjabPoliceInd to look into this matter. We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them. Those criminals should not be spared to commit more crimes. @capt_amarinder @CMOPb,” he added in another tweet. IPL 2020 is scheduled to start from September 19 with the final slated to be played on November 10 in UAE.

IPL 2020: CSK players, staff test negative for COVID-19; to undergo another test

A lot has been said and written about since Lionel Messi officially sent a fax to Barcelona asking the club to allow him to leave for free. While Barcelona and La Liga have maintained that a full release clause of EUR 700 million needs to be paid by a club to have Messi’s services, many reports have stated that the release clause expired after the completion of 2019-20 season, triggering another clause which allows the Argentine to leave for free.&nbsp;

While Messi hasn’t come out in public about this, as a mark of respect for his life-long club, Barcelona aren’t treating the six-time Ballon d’Or that well. Messi didn’t show up for the PCR test and training as Barca started their pre-season training with the left-footed megastar.&nbsp;

As per latest reports, Messi’s father Jorge is set to arrive in Barcelona to start talks with club president Josep Bartomeu on Thursday. While Bartomeu doesn’t want to listen to anything which relates to Messi leaving the club, Jorge is set to ask the Barca boss to allow his son to leave the club.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lionel-messis-next-team-clubs-who-can-really-afford-to-sign-the-argentine-323423" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine</a>

Apparently, Messi hasn’t received Bartomeu’s call while ignoring his messages on WhatsApp with the Barca president trying to convince the Argentine that the club can get back their glory days.&nbsp;

Interestingly, officials from Manchester City, especially Ferran Soriano is in Spain, and reportedly, is set to meet Messi’s father later in this week. Senior officials in Barcelona have started to think that time is up for Messi and that the 33-year-old has made up his mind about leaving the club.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/stay-or-go-messi-in-legal-tangle-with-barcelona-over-leaving-club-323132" hreflang="en">Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club</a>

The matter could very well end up in court if Barcelona don’t allow Messi to leave the club, as per a clause which allows him to walk out for free. However, both Messi and Barcelona won’t look forward to such face-off and could come to a mutual agreement. But all depends on how the meeting and Bartomeu and Jorge Messi ends.

Since making his debut in the 2003/04 campaign, Messi has played 731 games for Barcelona, scoring 634 times in all competitions.

A lot has been said and written about since Lionel Messi officially sent a fax to Barcelona asking the club to allow him to leave for free. While Barcelona and La Liga have maintained that a full release clause of EUR 700 million needs to be paid by a club to have Messi’s services, many reports have stated that the release clause expired after the completion of 2019-20 season, triggering another clause which allows the Argentine to leave for free.

A lot has been said and written about since Lionel Messi officially sent a fax to Barcelona asking the club to allow him to leave for free. While Barcelona and La Liga have maintained that a full release clause of EUR 700 million needs to be paid by a club to have Messi’s services, many reports have stated that the release clause expired after the completion of 2019-20 season, triggering another clause which allows the Argentine to leave for free. While Messi hasn’t come out in public about this, as a mark of respect for his life-long club, Barcelona aren’t treating the six-time Ballon d’Or that well. Messi didn’t show up for the PCR test and training as Barca started their pre-season training with the left-footed megastar. As per latest reports, Messi’s father Jorge is set to arrive in Barcelona to start talks with club president Josep Bartomeu on Thursday. While Bartomeu doesn’t want to listen to anything which relates to Messi leaving the club, Jorge is set to ask the Barca boss to allow his son to leave the club. IN PICS | Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine Apparently, Messi hasn’t received Bartomeu’s call while ignoring his messages on WhatsApp with the Barca president trying to convince the Argentine that the club can get back their glory days. Interestingly, officials from Manchester City, especially Ferran Soriano is in Spain, and reportedly, is set to meet Messi’s father later in this week. Senior officials in Barcelona have started to think that time is up for Messi and that the 33-year-old has made up his mind about leaving the club. IN PICS | Stay or go? Messi in legal tangle with Barcelona over leaving club The matter could very well end up in court if Barcelona don’t allow Messi to leave the club, as per a clause which allows him to walk out for free. However, both Messi and Barcelona won’t look forward to such face-off and could come to a mutual agreement. But all depends on how the meeting and Bartomeu and Jorge Messi ends. Since making his debut in the 2003/04 campaign, Messi has played 731 games for Barcelona, scoring 634 times in all competitions.

Lionel Messi's father Jorge set to meet Josep Bartomeu as Man City stay alert

The first three episodes of the much-awaited series All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur was released on OTT platform Amazon Prime on Monday as the docu-series gave a glimpse&nbsp;life is inside the London club.&nbsp;

While the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino and appointment of ‘special one’ Jose Mourinho was one of the most-talked-about incidents in the footballing world when it comes to 2019-20 season, the series, with an unprecedented access to Tottenham Hotspur, provided fans with the ups and downs of the club following their super successful season in 2018-19 where they managed to get to the final of UEFA Champions League.&nbsp;

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🍿 Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllorNothingSpurs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllorNothingSpurs</a> NOW! <a href="https://t.co/Q4a9NSDDEa">pic.twitter.com/Q4a9NSDDEa</a>
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) <a href="https://twitter.com/primevideosport/status/1300327463319347200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-misses-first-pre-season-training-session-as-barcelona-stand-off-continues-324446" hreflang="en">Messi misses first pre-season training session as Barcelona stand-off continues</a>

The series starts with life under Pochettino in what became his final few months with the club. Tensions started&nbsp;to broil, cracks started to appear as players became ‘clueless’ in the start of 2019-20 season as Tottenham found themselves in the bottom-half of the Premier League table while struggling in the UEFA Champions League group stage.&nbsp;

Boss Daniel Levy, who is shown as a passionate businessman, is forced to take 'harsh' calls for the betterment of the club, sacks Pochettino to appoint Mourinho as his successor in the club. Pochettino’s sacking came after five and half years with the London club.

"My heart was telling me, 'don't do it'. My brain was telling me 'I need to' - it was more than just an employer-employee relationship," Levy is seen saying.

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🎬 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllOrNothingSpurs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllOrNothingSpurs</a> has arrived! 
 
Sign up for your free <a href="https://twitter.com/primevideosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@primevideosport</a> 30-day trial now! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/THFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#THFC</a> ⚪️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COYS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COYS</a>
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1300363951297851393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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But after disappointment of Pochettino’s sacking, the buzz returns with Mourinho. Players are alerted as they are seen discussing the appointment. “He is going to be super tactical”, “He is the most tactical coach in the world,” the players discuss.&nbsp;

As soon as Mourinho takes charge of Tottenham, we see the Portuguese in new avatar. During his initial days in the club, pundits start criticizing Mourinho for losing his ‘aura’ in the football management world. The Portuguese simply walks and shuts the TV off. The tactical masterclass follows.

The first three episodes mainly focus on how Mourinho builds relationship with his players and fans, who know him as ‘Mr Chelsea’. Even the fans are seen saying they don’t know whether to chant Mourinho’s name in the stands.

You must be thinking why we are writing only about Mourinho, because the first three episodes focuses more on Mourinho than the players or coaching staff. The way he terms Dele Alli as ‘lazy’ to help him get back to form and get back to form is the highlight of the series so far. In contrasting look, Mourinho explains Harry Kane how he can help him ‘explode’ and reach the levels of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. There are different shades of Mourinho and the docu-series covers that incredibly well so far. Mourinho is blockbuster as always.

How good a coach Mourinho is after consecutive sacking in his previous clubs? The way he asked Serge Aurier to get forward only for the right-back to score a goal shows his tactical awareness and class he possess. In another incident, he subbed off Eric Dier in the first half for Christian Eriksen and Spurs turned the tables to win the match comfortably. Mourinho certainly hasn’t lost his charm.&nbsp;

However, as the episodes go, fans might be left craving for more other than Mourinho and how he is dealing with his tactics and players.&nbsp;

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Even though the series shows glimpses of how the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium was built and turns Levy into some sort of messiah, it would have been a bit better had they focused how the sacking of Pochettino happened.&nbsp;

In what can be termed as the most ‘gripping’ scenes from the first three episodes, Kane discusses Pochettino’s sacking with other players in the canteen. Vetronghen asks: "Apparently they (Pochettino’s camp&nbsp;knew already?"

"No," responds Kane, explaining that he spoke to the former Spurs boss the previous night. He relays that exchange by saying: "The chairman came in and said, 'can I talk? You're being sacked - you need to pack your things and you leave tonight'."

The series, so far, is about Mourinho opening up with his players, getting their names right, building a bond with the players in his eerie style. A bit disappointed start to the series but hope it picks up pace when other episodes come out next week.&nbsp;

(Note: We will give a final rating once the entire series is out)

The first three episodes of the much-awaited series All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur was released on OTT platform Amazon Prime on Monday as the docu-series gave a glimpse life is inside the London club.

The first three episodes of the much-awaited series All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur was released on OTT platform Amazon Prime on Monday as the docu-series gave a glimpse life is inside the London club. While the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino and appointment of ‘special one’ Jose Mourinho was one of the most-talked-about incidents in the footballing world when it comes to 2019-20 season, the series, with an unprecedented access to Tottenham Hotspur, provided fans with the ups and downs of the club following their super successful season in 2018-19 where they managed to get to the final of UEFA Champions League. 🍿 Watch #AllorNothingSpurs NOW! pic.twitter.com/Q4a9NSDDEa — Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) August 31, 2020 × ALSO READ: Messi misses first pre-season training session as Barcelona stand-off continues The series starts with life under Pochettino in what became his final few months with the club. Tensions started to broil, cracks started to appear as players became ‘clueless’ in the start of 2019-20 season as Tottenham found themselves in the bottom-half of the Premier League table while struggling in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Boss Daniel Levy, who is shown as a passionate businessman, is forced to take 'harsh' calls for the betterment of the club, sacks Pochettino to appoint Mourinho as his successor in the club. Pochettino’s sacking came after five and half years with the London club. "My heart was telling me, 'don't do it'. My brain was telling me 'I need to' - it was more than just an employer-employee relationship," Levy is seen saying. 🎬 #AllOrNothingSpurs has arrived! Sign up for your free @primevideosport 30-day trial now! #THFC ⚪️ #COYS — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 31, 2020 × But after disappointment of Pochettino’s sacking, the buzz returns with Mourinho. Players are alerted as they are seen discussing the appointment. “He is going to be super tactical”, “He is the most tactical coach in the world,” the players discuss. As soon as Mourinho takes charge of Tottenham, we see the Portuguese in new avatar. During his initial days in the club, pundits start criticizing Mourinho for losing his ‘aura’ in the football management world. The Portuguese simply walks and shuts the TV off. The tactical masterclass follows. The first three episodes mainly focus on how Mourinho builds relationship with his players and fans, who know him as ‘Mr Chelsea’. Even the fans are seen saying they don’t know whether to chant Mourinho’s name in the stands. You must be thinking why we are writing only about Mourinho, because the first three episodes focuses more on Mourinho than the players or coaching staff. The way he terms Dele Alli as ‘lazy’ to help him get back to form and get back to form is the highlight of the series so far. In contrasting look, Mourinho explains Harry Kane how he can help him ‘explode’ and reach the levels of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. There are different shades of Mourinho and the docu-series covers that incredibly well so far. Mourinho is blockbuster as always. How good a coach Mourinho is after consecutive sacking in his previous clubs? The way he asked Serge Aurier to get forward only for the right-back to score a goal shows his tactical awareness and class he possess. In another incident, he subbed off Eric Dier in the first half for Christian Eriksen and Spurs turned the tables to win the match comfortably. Mourinho certainly hasn’t lost his charm. However, as the episodes go, fans might be left craving for more other than Mourinho and how he is dealing with his tactics and players. 🎬 Behind-the-scenes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the #AllOrNothingSpurs Premiere Event... #THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/9Gcpvx9yEW — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 25, 2020 × Even though the series shows glimpses of how the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium was built and turns Levy into some sort of messiah, it would have been a bit better had they focused how the sacking of Pochettino happened. In what can be termed as the most ‘gripping’ scenes from the first three episodes, Kane discusses Pochettino’s sacking with other players in the canteen. Vetronghen asks: "Apparently they (Pochettino’s camp knew already?" "No," responds Kane, explaining that he spoke to the former Spurs boss the previous night. He relays that exchange by saying: "The chairman came in and said, 'can I talk? You're being sacked - you need to pack your things and you leave tonight'." The series, so far, is about Mourinho opening up with his players, getting their names right, building a bond with the players in his eerie style. A bit disappointed start to the series but hope it picks up pace when other episodes come out next week. (Note: We will give a final rating once the entire series is out)

Review | All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur - Jose Mourinho masterclass so far

Indian on Sunday scripted history as they were declared joint winners of the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad. After a server malfunction, Russia were initially declared the joint winners but the decision was overturned after a review from Team India. Legendary

Vishwanathan Anand and ace women’s player Koneru Humpy on Monday termed India’s maiden gold medal in the Chess Olympiad as “magical moment” which has the ability to turn the fortunes for chess in India.&nbsp;

The entire Indian contingent met together for the first time since the Online Chess Olympiad win, in virtual press conference, as everyone expressed their delight on scripting history and bringing the gold home for India.

"The tournament went like a dream for me. A special gold for me. A special moment for youngsters. Winning the gold is simply a magical moment," Anad told reporters during an online media interaction, along with all the other 11 members of the Indian team.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-and-russia-declared-joint-winners-of-fide-chess-olympiad-after-a-dramatic-final-324124" hreflang="en">India and Russia declared joint winners of FIDE Chess Olympiad after a dramatic final</a>

"I hope this will be the start of many things for India," Anand said of the country's first gold medal in the Chess Olympiad.

India had previously won a bronze in the men’s event of the 2014 edition, which was country’s best finish before the achievement in 2020 Online Chess Olympiad. Anand continued as he said this gold will be special to his collection.&nbsp;

"The Olympiad win is very special...A very special medal I will add to my collection," he added.

Anand, who has been an inspiration for millions, lauded the young players in the team as he said that it proved the depth of Indian chess while adding that this win might push government to look at chess as they did a years ago.&nbsp;

"I hope this result will have a positive impact and they (government) will look at chess they did years ago.

"Several years ago, they had recognised that this is one of the sports where we do incredibly well. I hope we will once again start coming in for Arjuna and Dronacharya awards," he added.

Whereas, the world rapid champion, Humpy described the win as golden moment for Indian chess while saying that teamwork was key to the historic win.&nbsp;

"Really a special and golden moment for Indian chess. Talented youngsters like Nihal Sarin, R Praggnanandhaa, Vantika..did well. Great teamwork did it for us. We had an advantage of having a mixed team," she said.

On playing online, she said, "I never had an idea of playing online chess. I am comfortable playing over the board. The pandemic has forced us to play online. It is a different experience. Slowly, getting used to it," she added.

Team captain Vidit Gujrathi said the victory was possible due to the great work by all players.

"All the players did a great job which brought us the gold medal. It was a great experience to work with Anand," he said.

Indian on Sunday scripted history as they were declared joint winners of the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad. After a server malfunction, Russia were initially declared the joint winners but the decision was overturned after a review from Team India.

Indian on Sunday scripted history as they were declared joint winners of the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad. After a server malfunction, Russia were initially declared the joint winners but the decision was overturned after a review from Team India. Legendary Vishwanathan Anand and ace women’s player Koneru Humpy on Monday termed India’s maiden gold medal in the Chess Olympiad as “magical moment” which has the ability to turn the fortunes for chess in India. The entire Indian contingent met together for the first time since the Online Chess Olympiad win, in virtual press conference, as everyone expressed their delight on scripting history and bringing the gold home for India. "The tournament went like a dream for me. A special gold for me. A special moment for youngsters. Winning the gold is simply a magical moment," Anad told reporters during an online media interaction, along with all the other 11 members of the Indian team. ALSO READ: India and Russia declared joint winners of FIDE Chess Olympiad after a dramatic final "I hope this will be the start of many things for India," Anand said of the country's first gold medal in the Chess Olympiad. India had previously won a bronze in the men’s event of the 2014 edition, which was country’s best finish before the achievement in 2020 Online Chess Olympiad. Anand continued as he said this gold will be special to his collection. "The Olympiad win is very special...A very special medal I will add to my collection," he added. Anand, who has been an inspiration for millions, lauded the young players in the team as he said that it proved the depth of Indian chess while adding that this win might push government to look at chess as they did a years ago. "I hope this result will have a positive impact and they (government) will look at chess they did years ago. "Several years ago, they had recognised that this is one of the sports where we do incredibly well. I hope we will once again start coming in for Arjuna and Dronacharya awards," he added. Whereas, the world rapid champion, Humpy described the win as golden moment for Indian chess while saying that teamwork was key to the historic win. "Really a special and golden moment for Indian chess. Talented youngsters like Nihal Sarin, R Praggnanandhaa, Vantika..did well. Great teamwork did it for us. We had an advantage of having a mixed team," she said. On playing online, she said, "I never had an idea of playing online chess. I am comfortable playing over the board. The pandemic has forced us to play online. It is a different experience. Slowly, getting used to it," she added. Team captain Vidit Gujrathi said the victory was possible due to the great work by all players. "All the players did a great job which brought us the gold medal. It was a great experience to work with Anand," he said.

Chess Olympiad historic win 'magical moment' for Team India: Vishwanathan Anand, Koneru Humpy

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have replaced Australian pacer Kane Richardson with spinner Adam Zampa as they announced the signing of the leg-spinner late on Monday ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> scheduled to kick-start from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Richardson, who was sold to the Bangalore outfit for $533,333 in the IPL auction in December, is expecting his first child to be born during the lucrative T20 tournament.

RCB team director Mike Hesson expressed his disappointment in missing out on Richardson’s skills in IPL but congratulated the Aussie pacer and his wife Nyki for the exciting time ahead while adding they fully support and understand Richardson’s decision of skipping IPL 2020.&nbsp;

On Zampa, Hesson said he will provide another quality and cover to Yuzvendra Chahal while giving extra options if conditions assist spinners as expected during the tournament.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-kohli-to-de-villiers-royal-challengers-bangalore-sweat-it-out-ahead-of-ipl-2020-324338" hreflang="en">From Kohli to de Villiers: Royal Challengers Bangalore sweat it out ahead of IPL 2020</a>

“We are disappointed to not have Kane’s skills with us this IPL, as he was certainly on top of his game. However, once we found out Kane and Nyki’s baby was due during the IPL, it’s an exciting time, and we were fully supportive of Kane wanting to be at the birth of their first child.&nbsp;

When looking at our squad for UAE conditions we felt it was an opportunity to bring in another quality leg spinner in Adam Zampa to provide cover for Chahal and also give us extra options if conditions suit spin as expected during the tournament.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-suresh-raina-opens-up-for-first-time-since-leaving-chennai-super-kings-camp-324439" hreflang="en">Suresh Raina opens up for first time since leaving Chennai Super Kings camp</a>

Zampa will add to Bangalore’s already impressive spin department which consists the likes of Chahal, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi and Moeen Ali.&nbsp;

Both Richardson and Zampa are in the UK as part of Australia’s 21-man squad for three T20I and as many ODIs against England. 
IPL 2020 is scheduled to commence from September 19 with the final slated to be held on November 10 in the UAE.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have replaced Australian pacer Kane Richardson with spinner Adam Zampa as they announced the signing of the leg-spinner late on Monday ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 scheduled to kick-start from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have replaced Australian pacer Kane Richardson with spinner Adam Zampa as they announced the signing of the leg-spinner late on Monday ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 scheduled to kick-start from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Richardson, who was sold to the Bangalore outfit for $533,333 in the IPL auction in December, is expecting his first child to be born during the lucrative T20 tournament. RCB team director Mike Hesson expressed his disappointment in missing out on Richardson’s skills in IPL but congratulated the Aussie pacer and his wife Nyki for the exciting time ahead while adding they fully support and understand Richardson’s decision of skipping IPL 2020. On Zampa, Hesson said he will provide another quality and cover to Yuzvendra Chahal while giving extra options if conditions assist spinners as expected during the tournament. IN PICS | From Kohli to de Villiers: Royal Challengers Bangalore sweat it out ahead of IPL 2020 “We are disappointed to not have Kane’s skills with us this IPL, as he was certainly on top of his game. However, once we found out Kane and Nyki’s baby was due during the IPL, it’s an exciting time, and we were fully supportive of Kane wanting to be at the birth of their first child. When looking at our squad for UAE conditions we felt it was an opportunity to bring in another quality leg spinner in Adam Zampa to provide cover for Chahal and also give us extra options if conditions suit spin as expected during the tournament.” ALSO READ: Suresh Raina opens up for first time since leaving Chennai Super Kings camp Zampa will add to Bangalore’s already impressive spin department which consists the likes of Chahal, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi and Moeen Ali. Both Richardson and Zampa are in the UK as part of Australia’s 21-man squad for three T20I and as many ODIs against England. IPL 2020 is scheduled to commence from September 19 with the final slated to be held on November 10 in the UAE.

IPL 2020: Australia's Adam Zampa replaces Kane Richardson in Royal Challengers Bangalore squad

The St Lucia Zouks smashed the record for the lowest total ever defended in Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), as Kesrick Williams and the spinners strangled an anxious Barbados Tridents batting lineup to leave Jason Holder’s men reeling. The Tridents, and in particular Hayden Walsh, were outstanding with the ball to skittle the Zouks, but manage to lose despite not even being bowled out. 
 
Joshua Bishop came in for his second senior T20 game, replacing the injured Mitchell Santner, and just as he had in his first match, last year against the same opposition, he dismissed Rakheem Cornwall in the first over. Andre Fletcher’s innings was dramatic but brief - he smashed Holder for six first ball, but the Tridents captain trapped him LBW second - and after eight balls the Zouks were 12/2. 
 
Bishop bowled an impressive second over, beating both Leniko Boucher and Roston Chase and having Chase dropped at point. Holder showed faith in Walsh after his mauling at the hands of Kieron Pollard yesterday, and Walsh should have dismissed Boucher but Shai Hope missed a simple stumping. Rashid Khan was as accurate as ever, and the Zouks reached the Powerplay at 35/2.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-franchises-see-glass-half-full-despite-financial-hit-from-covid-19-324202" hreflang="en">IPL franchises see glass half-full despite financial hit from COVID-19</a> 
 
Boucher was frenetic before Walsh bowled him with a quicker ball. Chase was able to free his arms and sweep Ashley Nurse for four, but Walsh was visibly growing in confidence and beat Chase in the flight with a slower googly to bowl him. Nurse continued, Rashid again held back for the second part of the innings, and the Afghan pair went boundary-less. The Zouks reached halfway at 58/4. 
 
Nabi for once failed, skying a flighted Walsh googly to the captain at long-off, and with him gone Rashid returned and troubled both Najibullah Zadran and captain Daren Sammy. Bishop’s return over was also accurate, and a frantic Sammy ran himself out to leave his team 65/6 in the 13th. Javelle Glen though started in style with a gigantic Hero Maximum that landed on the roof. 
 
Najibullah late-cut Rashid with just enough pace to find the boundary, but the rest of the over went scoreless. Nurse got a third over with two left-handers at the crease and picked up Glen, albeit it was a full toss whipped straight to Walsh at deep midwicket. 
 
Holder went to his seamers Nyeem Young and Raymon Reifer, and a restless Najibullah fell to the latter thanks to a good low catch by Joshua Bishop at deep square leg. Reifer got a second thanks to Walsh expertly judging a mistimed Scott Kuggeleijn pull to juggle and hold near the rope.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/better-than-ever-morgan-stars-as-england-beat-pakistan-in-2nd-t20-324197" hreflang="en">'Better than ever' Morgan stars as England beat Pakistan in 2nd T20</a> 
 
Rashid was, predictably, too good for the tail and finished his spell with the wicket of his countryman Zahir Khan. Young with a tight over of 0/3 was the only one of the Tridents bowlers not to take a wicket, and they hadn’t even needed all 20 overs. 
 
Hope and Johnson Charles started cautiously. The first aerial shot didn’t come until the 4th over, Charles almost holing out to mid-on, but a smattering of fours saw the Tridents score at a run a ball. Hope fell LBW to a good ball from Williams, but the Tridents reached the Powerplay at a steady 34/1. 
 
That became 37/2 when Zahir bowled Kyle Mayers with a beauty that turned from middle to take off-stump, the no.3 again struggling against wrist-spin. Williams and Zahir snuck through a few tight overs, and even Charles’ third boundary was a controlled leg glance. Williams wasn’t giving up, beating Holder’s waft to pick up a second LBW, but at the drinks break the Tridents were 48/3 and needed barely over four an over. 
 
The Tridents though continued to bat nervously - Chase and Glen, the latter bowling for the first time in senior T20 cricket, were tidy, and the leg-spinner Glen got his first wicket when Charles sliced to long-on where Williams took a good catch. 
 
The Tridents suddenly found themselves 67/4 off 14, and Zahir, Nabi and Chase bowled tidily against a nervy Nurse and Corey Anderson. When Nabi beat Anderson in the flight and bowled him, the Tridents found themselves suddenly five down and needing over a run a ball. Sammy gave Glen the nod for the 19th, and Rashid fell clubbing the leg-spinner to Nabi, leaving Chase nine to defend off the last over. 
 
Nurse fell to a good catch from Najibullah, but most importantly Chase started with three dot balls. Reifer missed a full toss and only managed three off two balls, leaving Young needing to hit his first ever ball in Hero CPL over the ropes to seal a win that seemed a formality at almost every stage. He couldn’t do it, and while the Zouks bowlers deserve huge credit, for the second day in a row the Tridents found themselves wondering how on earth they had lost.

The St Lucia Zouks smashed the record for the lowest total ever defended in Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), as Kesrick Williams and the spinners strangled an anxious Barbados Tridents batting lineup to leave Jason Holder’s men reeling.

The St Lucia Zouks smashed the record for the lowest total ever defended in Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), as Kesrick Williams and the spinners strangled an anxious Barbados Tridents batting lineup to leave Jason Holder’s men reeling. The Tridents, and in particular Hayden Walsh, were outstanding with the ball to skittle the Zouks, but manage to lose despite not even being bowled out. Joshua Bishop came in for his second senior T20 game, replacing the injured Mitchell Santner, and just as he had in his first match, last year against the same opposition, he dismissed Rakheem Cornwall in the first over. Andre Fletcher’s innings was dramatic but brief - he smashed Holder for six first ball, but the Tridents captain trapped him LBW second - and after eight balls the Zouks were 12/2. Bishop bowled an impressive second over, beating both Leniko Boucher and Roston Chase and having Chase dropped at point. Holder showed faith in Walsh after his mauling at the hands of Kieron Pollard yesterday, and Walsh should have dismissed Boucher but Shai Hope missed a simple stumping. Rashid Khan was as accurate as ever, and the Zouks reached the Powerplay at 35/2. ALSO READ: IPL franchises see glass half-full despite financial hit from COVID-19 Boucher was frenetic before Walsh bowled him with a quicker ball. Chase was able to free his arms and sweep Ashley Nurse for four, but Walsh was visibly growing in confidence and beat Chase in the flight with a slower googly to bowl him. Nurse continued, Rashid again held back for the second part of the innings, and the Afghan pair went boundary-less. The Zouks reached halfway at 58/4. Nabi for once failed, skying a flighted Walsh googly to the captain at long-off, and with him gone Rashid returned and troubled both Najibullah Zadran and captain Daren Sammy. Bishop’s return over was also accurate, and a frantic Sammy ran himself out to leave his team 65/6 in the 13th. Javelle Glen though started in style with a gigantic Hero Maximum that landed on the roof. Najibullah late-cut Rashid with just enough pace to find the boundary, but the rest of the over went scoreless. Nurse got a third over with two left-handers at the crease and picked up Glen, albeit it was a full toss whipped straight to Walsh at deep midwicket. Holder went to his seamers Nyeem Young and Raymon Reifer, and a restless Najibullah fell to the latter thanks to a good low catch by Joshua Bishop at deep square leg. Reifer got a second thanks to Walsh expertly judging a mistimed Scott Kuggeleijn pull to juggle and hold near the rope. ALSO READ: 'Better than ever' Morgan stars as England beat Pakistan in 2nd T20 Rashid was, predictably, too good for the tail and finished his spell with the wicket of his countryman Zahir Khan. Young with a tight over of 0/3 was the only one of the Tridents bowlers not to take a wicket, and they hadn’t even needed all 20 overs. Hope and Johnson Charles started cautiously. The first aerial shot didn’t come until the 4th over, Charles almost holing out to mid-on, but a smattering of fours saw the Tridents score at a run a ball. Hope fell LBW to a good ball from Williams, but the Tridents reached the Powerplay at a steady 34/1. That became 37/2 when Zahir bowled Kyle Mayers with a beauty that turned from middle to take off-stump, the no.3 again struggling against wrist-spin. Williams and Zahir snuck through a few tight overs, and even Charles’ third boundary was a controlled leg glance. Williams wasn’t giving up, beating Holder’s waft to pick up a second LBW, but at the drinks break the Tridents were 48/3 and needed barely over four an over. The Tridents though continued to bat nervously - Chase and Glen, the latter bowling for the first time in senior T20 cricket, were tidy, and the leg-spinner Glen got his first wicket when Charles sliced to long-on where Williams took a good catch. The Tridents suddenly found themselves 67/4 off 14, and Zahir, Nabi and Chase bowled tidily against a nervy Nurse and Corey Anderson. When Nabi beat Anderson in the flight and bowled him, the Tridents found themselves suddenly five down and needing over a run a ball. Sammy gave Glen the nod for the 19th, and Rashid fell clubbing the leg-spinner to Nabi, leaving Chase nine to defend off the last over. Nurse fell to a good catch from Najibullah, but most importantly Chase started with three dot balls. Reifer missed a full toss and only managed three off two balls, leaving Young needing to hit his first ever ball in Hero CPL over the ropes to seal a win that seemed a formality at almost every stage. He couldn’t do it, and while the Zouks bowlers deserve huge credit, for the second day in a row the Tridents found themselves wondering how on earth they had lost.

CPL 2020: Zouks shellshock Tridents to make history

The Indian Premier League’s eight teams are counting the cost of COVID-19’s impact on their finances but having faced the prospect of the tournament being wiped out by the pandemic this year they are taking a ‘glass half-full’ view of the situation.

The IPL’s original March start was scuppered by the first wave of the novel coronavirus and India’s cricket board (BCCI) had to pull out all the stops to rescue the Twenty20 league, which has an estimated $6.8 billion brand value.

The tournament has been shifted to the United Arab Emirates, will be played under a hastily-arranged title sponsor and will start on Sept. 19 — nearly six months later than scheduled.

After Vivo paused its title sponsorship for this year’s edition, fantasy gaming company Dream11 took it up for 2.22 billion Indian rupees ($30.36 million), roughly half of the 4.4 billion the Chinese smartphone maker paid annually.

“The discount provided to Dream11 would be a major (financial) hit for the BCCI, along with making arrangements for bio-secure bubble which will be an additional cost burden on the board,” Santosh N, an external advisor at financial consultancy firm Duff &amp; Phelps, told Reuters.

The league shares 50% of the title sponsorship money with the eight franchises, who will also miss out on gate receipts and in-stadium revenue this year while existing sponsors demand discounts in the absence of fan initiatives.

The switch has seen Delhi Capitals lose shirt sponsor Daikin, with the air-conditioning equipment maker saying the new dates did not work for them.

“The reason being the business scenario and the timing, which earlier, being the summer, would call for advertising efforts to create awareness and recall for the AC category,” a Daikin spokesman told Reuters.

Capitals Chairman Parth Jindal said the BCCI should look at compensating the franchises.

“If the BCCI doesn’t compensate, there will be a significant loss to each franchise, about a 30% drop in revenues,” Jindal told Mint newspaper earlier this month.

<h3>SILVER LINING</h3>

But with the BCCI at risk of a $547 million drop in revenue had the entire season been cancelled, treasurer Arun Sigh Dhumal preferred to look on the bright side.

“When you encounter such challenging times and so many impediments, you are bound to lose on certain revenues,” Dhumal told Reuters.

“Looking at the overall picture, everybody should be happy that at least we’ve been able to organise it.

“At such short notice, we’ve been able to get a new title sponsor. It speaks volumes of IPL as a brand, and how it has grown over the years.”

Sponsors continue to trickle in for the franchises and the league also welcomed edutech start-up Unacademy as a new sponsor on Saturday on a three-year deal, reportedly worth 1.2 billion rupees.

Santosh said that as the tournament draws closer more would come onboard.

“And with the IPL happening around the festive season this time around, it’s an added bonus for the companies to be associated with it,” he added.

The Indian Premier League’s eight teams are counting the cost of COVID-19’s impact on their finances but having faced the prospect of the tournament being wiped out by the pandemic this year they are taking a ‘glass half-full’ view of the situation.

The Indian Premier League’s eight teams are counting the cost of COVID-19’s impact on their finances but having faced the prospect of the tournament being wiped out by the pandemic this year they are taking a ‘glass half-full’ view of the situation. The IPL’s original March start was scuppered by the first wave of the novel coronavirus and India’s cricket board (BCCI) had to pull out all the stops to rescue the Twenty20 league, which has an estimated $6.8 billion brand value. The tournament has been shifted to the United Arab Emirates, will be played under a hastily-arranged title sponsor and will start on Sept. 19 — nearly six months later than scheduled. After Vivo paused its title sponsorship for this year’s edition, fantasy gaming company Dream11 took it up for 2.22 billion Indian rupees ($30.36 million), roughly half of the 4.4 billion the Chinese smartphone maker paid annually. “The discount provided to Dream11 would be a major (financial) hit for the BCCI, along with making arrangements for bio-secure bubble which will be an additional cost burden on the board,” Santosh N, an external advisor at financial consultancy firm Duff & Phelps, told Reuters. The league shares 50% of the title sponsorship money with the eight franchises, who will also miss out on gate receipts and in-stadium revenue this year while existing sponsors demand discounts in the absence of fan initiatives. The switch has seen Delhi Capitals lose shirt sponsor Daikin, with the air-conditioning equipment maker saying the new dates did not work for them. “The reason being the business scenario and the timing, which earlier, being the summer, would call for advertising efforts to create awareness and recall for the AC category,” a Daikin spokesman told Reuters. Capitals Chairman Parth Jindal said the BCCI should look at compensating the franchises. “If the BCCI doesn’t compensate, there will be a significant loss to each franchise, about a 30% drop in revenues,” Jindal told Mint newspaper earlier this month. SILVER LINING But with the BCCI at risk of a $547 million drop in revenue had the entire season been cancelled, treasurer Arun Sigh Dhumal preferred to look on the bright side. “When you encounter such challenging times and so many impediments, you are bound to lose on certain revenues,” Dhumal told Reuters. “Looking at the overall picture, everybody should be happy that at least we’ve been able to organise it. “At such short notice, we’ve been able to get a new title sponsor. It speaks volumes of IPL as a brand, and how it has grown over the years.” Sponsors continue to trickle in for the franchises and the league also welcomed edutech start-up Unacademy as a new sponsor on Saturday on a three-year deal, reportedly worth 1.2 billion rupees. Santosh said that as the tournament draws closer more would come onboard. “And with the IPL happening around the festive season this time around, it’s an added bonus for the companies to be associated with it,” he added.

IPL franchises see glass half-full despite financial hit from COVID-19

France's Benoit Paire was removed from the US Open men's draw on Sunday after the Grand Slam tournament announced an unidentified player had been withdrawn after testing positive for COVID-19.

Paire's name was removed from the US Open website's official draw and replaced with that of 149th-ranked Spaniard Marcel Granollers, who is set to face Poland's 108th-ranked Kamil Majchrzak in a first-round match next week.

French sports daily L'Equipe had earlier reported that world number 22 Paire had tested positive for coronavirus in New York.

The US Tennis Association said the asymptomatic player has been advised to follow state and tournament health and safety protocols requiring isolation for at least 10 days.

Contact tracing has been initiated to determine if anyone else must quarantine for 14 days as a result of being around the player involved.

L'Equipe said fellow French players Richard Gasquet, Gregoire Barrere, Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Adrian Mannarino have been confined to their hotel rooms at the tournament until further notice.

News of the positive test comes after players have been practicing and playing a tuneup event, the ATP and WTA Western and Southern Open, usually staged in Cincinnati, in the same quarantine bubble where the US Open begins Monday without spectators.

Paire, 31, was seeded 17th. He made his first Grand Slam fourth round in 2015 at the US Open and that remains level for his deepest Slam run.

USTA officials aren't expected to confirm any individual player's test results under US medical privacy laws.

Paire had arrived in the US on August 18 and numerous coronavirus tests had returned negative results.

However, he was forced to retire from his first round match in the Western and Southern Open against Borna Coric after complaining of feeling unwell.

World number one Novak Djokovic is the man to beat as he chases an 18th Grand Slam title and fourth crown on the New York hardcourts after 2011, 2015 and 2018.

Serena Williams will attempt to capture her 24th career Grand Slam women's singles crown to match the all-time record set by Margaret Court.

Djokovic and Japan's Naomi Osaka, whose status is in doubt due to a left hamstring injury that forced her to pull out of Saturday's WTA New York final, are both scheduled to play in Monday night's feature matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Parts of the US National Tennis Center grounds were turned into makeshift hospitals during the worst of the pandemic in New York last April.

Intense cleaning and safety protocols were put in place before the US Open allowed players into the bubble.&nbsp;

The number of support personnel for each players was limited to keep the number of people inside the bubble to a minimum.

Most players are housed at specific hotels in a quarantine move and those who rent private houses, such as Djokovic, had to pay for safety measures and security to ensure their lockdown areas were as safeguarded as the quarantine bubble.

France's Benoit Paire was removed from the US Open men's draw on Sunday after the Grand Slam tournament announced an unidentified player had been withdrawn after testing positive for COVID-19.

France's Benoit Paire was removed from the US Open men's draw on Sunday after the Grand Slam tournament announced an unidentified player had been withdrawn after testing positive for COVID-19. Paire's name was removed from the US Open website's official draw and replaced with that of 149th-ranked Spaniard Marcel Granollers, who is set to face Poland's 108th-ranked Kamil Majchrzak in a first-round match next week. French sports daily L'Equipe had earlier reported that world number 22 Paire had tested positive for coronavirus in New York. The US Tennis Association said the asymptomatic player has been advised to follow state and tournament health and safety protocols requiring isolation for at least 10 days. Contact tracing has been initiated to determine if anyone else must quarantine for 14 days as a result of being around the player involved. L'Equipe said fellow French players Richard Gasquet, Gregoire Barrere, Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Adrian Mannarino have been confined to their hotel rooms at the tournament until further notice. News of the positive test comes after players have been practicing and playing a tuneup event, the ATP and WTA Western and Southern Open, usually staged in Cincinnati, in the same quarantine bubble where the US Open begins Monday without spectators. Paire, 31, was seeded 17th. He made his first Grand Slam fourth round in 2015 at the US Open and that remains level for his deepest Slam run. USTA officials aren't expected to confirm any individual player's test results under US medical privacy laws. Paire had arrived in the US on August 18 and numerous coronavirus tests had returned negative results. However, he was forced to retire from his first round match in the Western and Southern Open against Borna Coric after complaining of feeling unwell. World number one Novak Djokovic is the man to beat as he chases an 18th Grand Slam title and fourth crown on the New York hardcourts after 2011, 2015 and 2018. Serena Williams will attempt to capture her 24th career Grand Slam women's singles crown to match the all-time record set by Margaret Court. Djokovic and Japan's Naomi Osaka, whose status is in doubt due to a left hamstring injury that forced her to pull out of Saturday's WTA New York final, are both scheduled to play in Monday night's feature matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Parts of the US National Tennis Center grounds were turned into makeshift hospitals during the worst of the pandemic in New York last April. Intense cleaning and safety protocols were put in place before the US Open allowed players into the bubble. The number of support personnel for each players was limited to keep the number of people inside the bubble to a minimum. Most players are housed at specific hotels in a quarantine move and those who rent private houses, such as Djokovic, had to pay for safety measures and security to ensure their lockdown areas were as safeguarded as the quarantine bubble.

Paire removed from US Open after COVID-19 positive revealed

Lewis Hamilton saluted actor Chadwick Boseman on the podium after a majestic 89th career win at the Belgian Grand Prix and then said he would prefer to have to fight harder for victories.

The championship leader and six-time Formula One champion made the crossed-forearms gesture from the "Black Panther" movies in respect for Hollywood star Boseman, who died on Friday, and to whose memory he had dedicated his 93rd pole position on Saturday.

Hamilton said he had been inspired by Boseman to produce another flawless performance.

"It feels great to finish on a high this weekend, particularly with Chad dying because he made everyone feel like a superhero."

Hamilton claimed his fifth win in seven outings this year to increase his lead in the title race to 47 points. His team-mate Valtteri Bottas was second.

"I know it is not necessarily what everyone wants to see – the two Mercedes at the front," said Hamilton.

He said he would prefer to have closer racing with multi-stop racing, instead of one-stop, as most drivers finished Sunday's race managing their tyres.

"Today was really all about tyres. Everyone doing this one-stop thing — it's really boring. At the end of the day, we are all managing out there, which is not racing. At the end, we are backing off, maybe it would have been fine but it was too big a risk today," he said.

"I really, really would like to have more of a fight, but that is not on me." &nbsp;

Hamilton said that the Mercedes domination was a product of the team's approach.&nbsp;

"No matter how much success we have, we have to keep our heads down," he said.&nbsp;

"It's an incredible mentality and I feel so privileged to be a part of this team."

He said that although his race appeared to be under control from lights to flag, it had ended tensely as he nursed his car to the finish on worn tyres.

"It was a bit of a struggle, but nonetheless it was ok," he said.&nbsp;

"I was a little nervous that we may have something like that which we had at Silverstone with the tyre – so I was nursing it to the end."

Hamilton won the British Grand Prix on three good wheels after suffering a last lap puncture.

He added that, on a personal level, he felt confident, fit and strong ahead of the races ahead, starting with two in Italy in successive weeks.

"I am 35 now, going towards 36, but I feel better than ever," he said. "That is a positive."

Bottas said he had been unable to catch Hamilton.

"Lewis played the start really well and I couldn't get the momentum. I think he was faultless today and yesterday, of course, he was quick. I did my best and I am glad there is another opportunity next weekend."

Lewis Hamilton saluted actor Chadwick Boseman on the podium after a majestic 89th career win at the Belgian Grand Prix and then said he would prefer to have to fight harder for victories.

Lewis Hamilton saluted actor Chadwick Boseman on the podium after a majestic 89th career win at the Belgian Grand Prix and then said he would prefer to have to fight harder for victories. The championship leader and six-time Formula One champion made the crossed-forearms gesture from the "Black Panther" movies in respect for Hollywood star Boseman, who died on Friday, and to whose memory he had dedicated his 93rd pole position on Saturday. Hamilton said he had been inspired by Boseman to produce another flawless performance. "It feels great to finish on a high this weekend, particularly with Chad dying because he made everyone feel like a superhero." Hamilton claimed his fifth win in seven outings this year to increase his lead in the title race to 47 points. His team-mate Valtteri Bottas was second. "I know it is not necessarily what everyone wants to see – the two Mercedes at the front," said Hamilton. He said he would prefer to have closer racing with multi-stop racing, instead of one-stop, as most drivers finished Sunday's race managing their tyres. "Today was really all about tyres. Everyone doing this one-stop thing — it's really boring. At the end of the day, we are all managing out there, which is not racing. At the end, we are backing off, maybe it would have been fine but it was too big a risk today," he said. "I really, really would like to have more of a fight, but that is not on me." Hamilton said that the Mercedes domination was a product of the team's approach. "No matter how much success we have, we have to keep our heads down," he said. "It's an incredible mentality and I feel so privileged to be a part of this team." He said that although his race appeared to be under control from lights to flag, it had ended tensely as he nursed his car to the finish on worn tyres. "It was a bit of a struggle, but nonetheless it was ok," he said. "I was a little nervous that we may have something like that which we had at Silverstone with the tyre – so I was nursing it to the end." Hamilton won the British Grand Prix on three good wheels after suffering a last lap puncture. He added that, on a personal level, he felt confident, fit and strong ahead of the races ahead, starting with two in Italy in successive weeks. "I am 35 now, going towards 36, but I feel better than ever," he said. "That is a positive." Bottas said he had been unable to catch Hamilton. "Lewis played the start really well and I couldn't get the momentum. I think he was faultless today and yesterday, of course, he was quick. I did my best and I am glad there is another opportunity next weekend."

Hamilton salutes Boseman and pleads for end to 'boring' racing

England captain Eoin Morgan said he was playing "better than ever" as he led from the front in a five-wicket win over Pakistan in the second Twenty20 international at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Morgan came in on a hat-trick after leg-spinner Shadab Khan had reduced England, who were chasing a stiff victory target of 196, to 66-2.

But the Irishman made a blistering 66 off just 33 balls and with fellow left-hander Dawid Malan (54 not out) took the game away from Pakistan during a third-wicket stand of 112.

Victory, achieved with five balls to spare on a sunny afternoon, saw the 50-over world champions go 1-0 up in a three-match series following Friday's rain-marred no result in Manchester.

The 33-year-old Morgan considered his international future after leading England to World Cup glory with a dramatic Super Over win in last year's final at Lord's.

But it now looks as if he will lead England at the 2021 T20 World Cup in India.

Asked if he was playing better than ever, Morgan told Sky Sports: "I think I am and that is backed up by stats over the last couple of years, they've been the most productive of my whole career which is great.&nbsp;

"If I can combine a little of that form with experience, then hopefully it will contribute to more wins," the player of the match added.

This was the highest successful chase against Pakistan in a Twenty20 international, surpassing Australia's 199-7 in a thrilling 2010 World Twenty20 semi-final in St Lucia.

Veteran batsman Mohammad Hafeez made 69 in Pakistan's 195-4 that also featured 56 from captain Babar Azam, the world's number one-ranked Twenty20 batsman.

"Our total was good but we didn't bowl well, we struggled with our bowling," said Babar. "Credit goes to Malan and Morgan for how well they played.&nbsp;

"We'll learn a lot from this series. Under pressure, I need to handle the bowlers and tell them a few things," added the 25-year-old novice skipper.

<h2>- Amir injury -</h2>

Pakistan's cause was not helped when they had to reshuffle their attack after left-arm quick Mohammad Amir limped off having bowled just two overs.

"He's feeling pain in his right hamstring, it's been iced and they (Pakistan's medical staff) will see him tomorrow (Monday)," a team spokesman told AFP when asked if Amir would be fit for Tuesday's series finale, also at Old Trafford. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jonny Bairstow and Tom Banton got England's chase off to a sound start.

But a partnership of 66 ended when Bairstow, on 44, miscued Shadab to short fine leg.&nbsp;

Next ball, with the batsmen having crossed, Banton -- fresh from 71 on Friday, his maiden T20 international fifty, was lbw for 20.

Morgan survived the hat-trick delivery but could have been lbw for a second-ball duck to Shadab, only for a tight umpire's call verdict to fall in the batsman's favour.

Shadab finished with fine figures of 3-34.

Morgan's fourth six, off left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, saw him to a 27-ball fifty before he holed out in sight of victory.

Malan might have missed this match had not England been fielding separate red and white-ball squads in a coronavirus-affected season, with batsmen such as Test captain Joe Root and Jos Buttler omitted from this series.

But his 35-ball half-century was his seventh score of fifty or more in just 12 Twenty20 internationals and Malan finished the match when he cut Afridi for four.

Earlier, Babar and Hafeez were severe on an England attack where leg-spinner Adil Rashid was the stand-out performer with 2-32.

England captain Eoin Morgan said he was playing "better than ever" as he led from the front in a five-wicket win over Pakistan in the second Twenty20 international at Old Trafford on Sunday.

England captain Eoin Morgan said he was playing "better than ever" as he led from the front in a five-wicket win over Pakistan in the second Twenty20 international at Old Trafford on Sunday. Morgan came in on a hat-trick after leg-spinner Shadab Khan had reduced England, who were chasing a stiff victory target of 196, to 66-2. But the Irishman made a blistering 66 off just 33 balls and with fellow left-hander Dawid Malan (54 not out) took the game away from Pakistan during a third-wicket stand of 112. Victory, achieved with five balls to spare on a sunny afternoon, saw the 50-over world champions go 1-0 up in a three-match series following Friday's rain-marred no result in Manchester. The 33-year-old Morgan considered his international future after leading England to World Cup glory with a dramatic Super Over win in last year's final at Lord's. But it now looks as if he will lead England at the 2021 T20 World Cup in India. Asked if he was playing better than ever, Morgan told Sky Sports: "I think I am and that is backed up by stats over the last couple of years, they've been the most productive of my whole career which is great. "If I can combine a little of that form with experience, then hopefully it will contribute to more wins," the player of the match added. This was the highest successful chase against Pakistan in a Twenty20 international, surpassing Australia's 199-7 in a thrilling 2010 World Twenty20 semi-final in St Lucia. Veteran batsman Mohammad Hafeez made 69 in Pakistan's 195-4 that also featured 56 from captain Babar Azam, the world's number one-ranked Twenty20 batsman. "Our total was good but we didn't bowl well, we struggled with our bowling," said Babar. "Credit goes to Malan and Morgan for how well they played. "We'll learn a lot from this series. Under pressure, I need to handle the bowlers and tell them a few things," added the 25-year-old novice skipper. - Amir injury - Pakistan's cause was not helped when they had to reshuffle their attack after left-arm quick Mohammad Amir limped off having bowled just two overs. "He's feeling pain in his right hamstring, it's been iced and they (Pakistan's medical staff) will see him tomorrow (Monday)," a team spokesman told AFP when asked if Amir would be fit for Tuesday's series finale, also at Old Trafford. Jonny Bairstow and Tom Banton got England's chase off to a sound start. But a partnership of 66 ended when Bairstow, on 44, miscued Shadab to short fine leg. Next ball, with the batsmen having crossed, Banton -- fresh from 71 on Friday, his maiden T20 international fifty, was lbw for 20. Morgan survived the hat-trick delivery but could have been lbw for a second-ball duck to Shadab, only for a tight umpire's call verdict to fall in the batsman's favour. Shadab finished with fine figures of 3-34. Morgan's fourth six, off left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, saw him to a 27-ball fifty before he holed out in sight of victory. Malan might have missed this match had not England been fielding separate red and white-ball squads in a coronavirus-affected season, with batsmen such as Test captain Joe Root and Jos Buttler omitted from this series. But his 35-ball half-century was his seventh score of fifty or more in just 12 Twenty20 internationals and Malan finished the match when he cut Afridi for four. Earlier, Babar and Hafeez were severe on an England attack where leg-spinner Adil Rashid was the stand-out performer with 2-32.

'Better than ever' Morgan stars as England beat Pakistan in 2nd T20

Japan star Saki Kumagai's strike proved crucial as Lyon continued their reign as Europe's dominant women's club side on Sunday, beating Wolfsburg 3-1 in the Champions League final to win the trophy for the fifth year running.

Kumagai scored after Eugenie Le Sommer had handed the French outfit the lead in San Sebastian, giving Lyon a 2-0 half-time advantage and leaving Wolfsburg with too much to do even if Alexandra Popp did pull one back for the Germans in the second half.

Icelandic midfielder Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir's late effort made sure of the victory for Lyon, whose fifth consecutive Champions League crown is also their seventh overall, comfortably a record.

A fifth straight title sees them equal the feat achieved by the Real Madrid men's team between 1956 and 1960, in the early days of the European Cup.

All of Lyon's seven titles have come in the last decade and this latest triumph confirms their status as the finest club team around even as rivals around Europe step up their investment in the women's game.

Jean-Luc Vasseur's team edged out Bayern Munich 2-1 in the quarter-finals at the 'Final Eight' in Spain's Basque Country, played out behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic.

They then claimed a narrow 1-0 win in the semi-finals over domestic rivals Paris Saint-Germain, the team they beat to claim a 14th successive French title earlier this year and defeated on penalties in the French Cup final.

This victory, against a Wolfsburg side who themselves claimed a German domestic double and were unbeaten in 40 games coming into the final, showcased the depth of their all-star squad.

Lyon were missing four of their biggest stars, with France duo Griedge Mbock and Amandine Henry injured and Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg -- the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner -- not fully fit. England forward Nikita Parris was suspended.

But Lyon's long-serving president Jean-Michel Aulas continues to be rewarded for his heavy investment in a women's team, despite the prize money for winning the Champions League being a mere 450,000 euros ($535,000), a tiny fraction of that on offer in the men's competition.

Here, despite the absences, Lyon were still able to call upon a host of French internationals and foreign stars like Kumagai, Germany's Dzsenifer Marozsan and England right-back Lucy Bronze.

<h2>- Unbeaten in 65 games -</h2>

They are now unbeaten in 65 matches stretching back more than two years, and this is also the third time in five editions in which Lyon have beaten Wolfsburg in the final, leaving the Germans still searching for a third Champions League crown to go with their titles in 2013 and 2014.

They defeated OL in 2013, but the French side have now overcome the Germans en route to winning each of their five straight titles.

Previous finals between these sides have always been close affairs, although on this occasion the holders started strongly and were rewarded with the opening goal in the 25th minute.

Without Hegerberg or Parris, it was Le Sommer who led the attack. And when a move down the right ended with Delphine Cascarino cutting the ball back for Le Sommer, she pounced to convert the rebound after her first shot was blocked by goalkeeper Friederike Abt.

The second goal came in the 44th minute. Ingrid Engen stopped Amel Majri shooting but only succeeded in setting up Kumagai, who let fly with a terrific left-foot strike from 23 yards.

There was hope for Wolfsburg when they pulled one back just before the hour, Ewa Pajor setting up Popp to head in from close range.

But they could not find an equaliser and instead Lyon scored again in the 88th minute.

When a corner was not properly cleared, Le Sommer went for goal and her wayward shot was deflected in by Gunnarsdottir, who was on the losing side with Wolfsburg in 2018 but is this time a Champions League winner.

Japan star Saki Kumagai's strike proved crucial as Lyon continued their reign as Europe's dominant women's club side on Sunday, beating Wolfsburg 3-1 in the Champions League final to win the trophy for the fifth year running.

Japan star Saki Kumagai's strike proved crucial as Lyon continued their reign as Europe's dominant women's club side on Sunday, beating Wolfsburg 3-1 in the Champions League final to win the trophy for the fifth year running. Kumagai scored after Eugenie Le Sommer had handed the French outfit the lead in San Sebastian, giving Lyon a 2-0 half-time advantage and leaving Wolfsburg with too much to do even if Alexandra Popp did pull one back for the Germans in the second half. Icelandic midfielder Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir's late effort made sure of the victory for Lyon, whose fifth consecutive Champions League crown is also their seventh overall, comfortably a record. A fifth straight title sees them equal the feat achieved by the Real Madrid men's team between 1956 and 1960, in the early days of the European Cup. All of Lyon's seven titles have come in the last decade and this latest triumph confirms their status as the finest club team around even as rivals around Europe step up their investment in the women's game. Jean-Luc Vasseur's team edged out Bayern Munich 2-1 in the quarter-finals at the 'Final Eight' in Spain's Basque Country, played out behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic. They then claimed a narrow 1-0 win in the semi-finals over domestic rivals Paris Saint-Germain, the team they beat to claim a 14th successive French title earlier this year and defeated on penalties in the French Cup final. This victory, against a Wolfsburg side who themselves claimed a German domestic double and were unbeaten in 40 games coming into the final, showcased the depth of their all-star squad. Lyon were missing four of their biggest stars, with France duo Griedge Mbock and Amandine Henry injured and Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg -- the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner -- not fully fit. England forward Nikita Parris was suspended. But Lyon's long-serving president Jean-Michel Aulas continues to be rewarded for his heavy investment in a women's team, despite the prize money for winning the Champions League being a mere 450,000 euros ($535,000), a tiny fraction of that on offer in the men's competition. Here, despite the absences, Lyon were still able to call upon a host of French internationals and foreign stars like Kumagai, Germany's Dzsenifer Marozsan and England right-back Lucy Bronze. - Unbeaten in 65 games - They are now unbeaten in 65 matches stretching back more than two years, and this is also the third time in five editions in which Lyon have beaten Wolfsburg in the final, leaving the Germans still searching for a third Champions League crown to go with their titles in 2013 and 2014. They defeated OL in 2013, but the French side have now overcome the Germans en route to winning each of their five straight titles. Previous finals between these sides have always been close affairs, although on this occasion the holders started strongly and were rewarded with the opening goal in the 25th minute. Without Hegerberg or Parris, it was Le Sommer who led the attack. And when a move down the right ended with Delphine Cascarino cutting the ball back for Le Sommer, she pounced to convert the rebound after her first shot was blocked by goalkeeper Friederike Abt. The second goal came in the 44th minute. Ingrid Engen stopped Amel Majri shooting but only succeeded in setting up Kumagai, who let fly with a terrific left-foot strike from 23 yards. There was hope for Wolfsburg when they pulled one back just before the hour, Ewa Pajor setting up Popp to head in from close range. But they could not find an equaliser and instead Lyon scored again in the 88th minute. When a corner was not properly cleared, Le Sommer went for goal and her wayward shot was deflected in by Gunnarsdottir, who was on the losing side with Wolfsburg in 2018 but is this time a Champions League winner.

Dominant Lyon beat Wolfsburg to claim fifth straight Women's Champions League title

Australia’s Josh Hazlewood is concerned about a COVID-19 outbreak at his Indian Premier League franchise in the United Arab Emirates, the seamer said on Monday.

Hazlewood is in England for Australia’s limited-overs series, three Twenty20 matches in Southampton followed by three 50-over internationals in Manchester.

After the series he is expected to join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in UAE, where the 13th edition of the IPL will be held from Sept. 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

The Indian cricket board said two players and 11 other people tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in the UAE without identifying them. Local media reported that all of them were from the CSK camp.

“At the franchise, we have a group WhatsApp, with all the information that comes through. It’s obviously a little bit of a concern. You ideally would have no cases,” Hazlewood told reporters on a video conference on Monday.

“They are in quarantine now ... All my focus is, obviously, on this tour at the moment. Once the IPL comes closer we will think more about that ... closer to the date we will have a chat with Cricket Australia.”

England captain Eoin Morgan hit a blistering half-century as the hosts chased down a steep target to beat Pakistan by five wickets in their second T20 international on Sunday.

“Eoin Morgan just runs a really good ship in the white-ball stuff and everyone knows their roles, their confidence is always high, they always win a lot of games of cricket so they’re pretty confident,” Hazlewood said.

“It’s obviously tough and we’re coming off not much cricket ... England are flying at the moment. There’s a couple of new faces we need to look at but we expect to win every game of cricket we play.”

Australia’s Josh Hazlewood is concerned about a COVID-19 outbreak at his Indian Premier League franchise in the United Arab Emirates, the seamer said on Monday. Hazlewood is in England for Australia’s limited-overs series, three Twenty20 matches in Southampton followed by three 50-over internationals in Manchester.

Australia’s Josh Hazlewood is concerned about a COVID-19 outbreak at his Indian Premier League franchise in the United Arab Emirates, the seamer said on Monday. Hazlewood is in England for Australia’s limited-overs series, three Twenty20 matches in Southampton followed by three 50-over internationals in Manchester. After the series he is expected to join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in UAE, where the 13th edition of the IPL will be held from Sept. 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The Indian cricket board said two players and 11 other people tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in the UAE without identifying them. Local media reported that all of them were from the CSK camp. “At the franchise, we have a group WhatsApp, with all the information that comes through. It’s obviously a little bit of a concern. You ideally would have no cases,” Hazlewood told reporters on a video conference on Monday. “They are in quarantine now ... All my focus is, obviously, on this tour at the moment. Once the IPL comes closer we will think more about that ... closer to the date we will have a chat with Cricket Australia.” England captain Eoin Morgan hit a blistering half-century as the hosts chased down a steep target to beat Pakistan by five wickets in their second T20 international on Sunday. “Eoin Morgan just runs a really good ship in the white-ball stuff and everyone knows their roles, their confidence is always high, they always win a lot of games of cricket so they’re pretty confident,” Hazlewood said. “It’s obviously tough and we’re coming off not much cricket ... England are flying at the moment. There’s a couple of new faces we need to look at but we expect to win every game of cricket we play.”

Australia's Hazlewood concerned about COVID-19 cases at IPL side

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was called up to the England squad for the first time on Monday after Marcus Rashford and Harry Winks withdrew from the Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark.

Villa captain Grealish was a surprise absence from Gareth Southgate's initial squad for the Nations League matches after his impressive form helped his club avoid relegation from the Premier League last season.

But the withdrawals of Manchester United forward Rashford and Tottenham midfielder Winks created a vacancy the 24-year-old will fill.&nbsp;

Grealish, recently linked with a move to Manchester United, has previously represented England at Under-21 level and was a member of Southgate's Toulon youth tournament-winning squad in 2016.

Southgate had already added Wolves defender Conor Coady and Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles to his squad on Saturday after dropping Manchester United captain Harry Maguire following the guilty verdict over in his Greek court case.

Maguire, who had pleaded not guilty, is appealing after being handed a suspended prison sentence after the street brawl.

Rashford has been nursing an ankle problem suffered towards the end of last season and he tweeted: "Gutted. Never want to let this team down but these fixtures just came a little too soon for me.

"I tried my best but I have to focus on starting the season at my strongest for club and country. Good luck boys, I'll be cheering you on from home."

England's players met up at their St George's Park training camp on Monday ahead of the clash with Iceland in Reykjavik on September 5 and the trip to face Denmark in Copenhagen three days later.

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was called up to the England squad for the first time on Monday after Marcus Rashford and Harry Winks withdrew from the Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark.

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was called up to the England squad for the first time on Monday after Marcus Rashford and Harry Winks withdrew from the Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark. Villa captain Grealish was a surprise absence from Gareth Southgate's initial squad for the Nations League matches after his impressive form helped his club avoid relegation from the Premier League last season. But the withdrawals of Manchester United forward Rashford and Tottenham midfielder Winks created a vacancy the 24-year-old will fill. Grealish, recently linked with a move to Manchester United, has previously represented England at Under-21 level and was a member of Southgate's Toulon youth tournament-winning squad in 2016. Southgate had already added Wolves defender Conor Coady and Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles to his squad on Saturday after dropping Manchester United captain Harry Maguire following the guilty verdict over in his Greek court case. Maguire, who had pleaded not guilty, is appealing after being handed a suspended prison sentence after the street brawl. Rashford has been nursing an ankle problem suffered towards the end of last season and he tweeted: "Gutted. Never want to let this team down but these fixtures just came a little too soon for me. "I tried my best but I have to focus on starting the season at my strongest for club and country. Good luck boys, I'll be cheering you on from home." England's players met up at their St George's Park training camp on Monday ahead of the clash with Iceland in Reykjavik on September 5 and the trip to face Denmark in Copenhagen three days later.

Grealish earns first England call-up as Rashford, Winks withdraw

From Kohli to de Villiers: Royal Challengers Bangalore sweat it out ahead of IPL 2020

The England National Selectors on Monday named the squads for the three-match ODI and as many T20I series against Australia. Both series will be played behind closed doors, in a bio-secure environment at the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford. Star opener Jason Roy misses out on the limited-overs series against Australia but will continue to be with the team inside the bio-secure bubble to continue his rehabilitation.&nbsp;

After missing out on the T20I series against Pakistan, the likes of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Jos Buttler return to the England squad with Joe Root included in the ODI squad against Australia.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-tv-team-member-tests-positive-for-covid-19-host-broadcaster-postpones-flight-to-uae-324282" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 TV team member tests positive for COVID-19, host broadcaster postpones flight to UAE</a>

<h2>England Men’s T20I Squad vs Australia:</h2>

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Sam Billings (Kent), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Tom Curran (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Mark Wood (Durham).

Reserves:

Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire).

<h2>England Men’s ODI Squad vs Australia:</h2>

Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Sam Billings (Kent), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Tom Curran (Surrey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).

Reserves:

Joe Denly (Kent), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire).

Jason Roy’s left side strain will not be ready for the Vitality IT20s starting on Friday. The Surrey batsman will stay inside the bio-secure bubble, with a view to demonstrating his fitness for the Royal London Internationals.

Commenting on the selection of the squad, National Selector Ed Smith, said: “These two series against Australia provide an exciting end to the summer. We have selected strong squads. We are also continuing to develop depth in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cups.”

<h2>England vs Australia: T20I series schedule</h2>

1st IT20 v Australia: Friday 4 September at The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start)

2nd IT20 v Australia: Sunday 6 September The Ageas Bowl (2.15pm start)

3rd IT20 v Australia: Tuesday 8 September The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start)

<h2>England vs Australia: ODI series schedule</h2>

1st ODI v Australia: Friday 11 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start)

2nd ODI v Australia: Sunday 13 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start)

3rd ODI v Australia: Wednesday 16 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start)

The England National Selectors on Monday named the squads for the three-match ODI and as many T20I series against Australia. Both series will be played behind closed doors, in a bio-secure environment at the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford.

The England National Selectors on Monday named the squads for the three-match ODI and as many T20I series against Australia. Both series will be played behind closed doors, in a bio-secure environment at the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford. Star opener Jason Roy misses out on the limited-overs series against Australia but will continue to be with the team inside the bio-secure bubble to continue his rehabilitation. After missing out on the T20I series against Pakistan, the likes of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Jos Buttler return to the England squad with Joe Root included in the ODI squad against Australia. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 TV team member tests positive for COVID-19, host broadcaster postpones flight to UAE England Men’s T20I Squad vs Australia: Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Sam Billings (Kent), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Tom Curran (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Mark Wood (Durham). Reserves: Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire). England Men’s ODI Squad vs Australia: Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Sam Billings (Kent), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Tom Curran (Surrey), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham). Reserves: Joe Denly (Kent), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire). Jason Roy’s left side strain will not be ready for the Vitality IT20s starting on Friday. The Surrey batsman will stay inside the bio-secure bubble, with a view to demonstrating his fitness for the Royal London Internationals. Commenting on the selection of the squad, National Selector Ed Smith, said: “These two series against Australia provide an exciting end to the summer. We have selected strong squads. We are also continuing to develop depth in preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cups.” England vs Australia: T20I series schedule 1st IT20 v Australia: Friday 4 September at The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start) 2nd IT20 v Australia: Sunday 6 September The Ageas Bowl (2.15pm start) 3rd IT20 v Australia: Tuesday 8 September The Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start) England vs Australia: ODI series schedule 1st ODI v Australia: Friday 11 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start) 2nd ODI v Australia: Sunday 13 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start) 3rd ODI v Australia: Wednesday 16 September at Emirates Old Trafford (1.00pm start)

England announce squad for T20I and ODI series against Australia

Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee on Monday, August 31, breathed his last at the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi. Mukherjee was 84 and his condition had deteriorated on Monday morning as he suffered septic shock to his lung infection, as per hospital authorities.&nbsp;

Sports fraternity mourned the death of the former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee with the likes of Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, Saina Nehwal, Jwala Gutta, Anil Kumble, Ajinkya Rahane among others took to social media after Abhijeet Mukherjee, his son, confirmed the news of the demise of former president of India.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-indian-president-pranab-mukherjee-passes-away-324287" hreflang="en">Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee passes away</a>

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The nation has lost a brilliant leader. Saddened to hear about the passing of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. My sincere condolences to his family. 🙏🏼
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1300422069268611074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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My heartfelt condolences on the passing away of our former President, Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PranabMukherjee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PranabMukherjee</a> . May his soul attain sadgati. <a href="https://t.co/8LFpQtx8Sx">pic.twitter.com/8LFpQtx8Sx</a>
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1300411562159558662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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End of an era....<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PranabMukherjee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PranabMukherjee</a> 
RIP 🙏🏻
— Gutta Jwala (@Guttajwala) <a href="https://twitter.com/Guttajwala/status/1300412706701230081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri. Pranab Mukherjee. May his soul rest in peace. 🙏🏽
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilkumble1074/status/1300414312259887105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace 🙏
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88/status/1300414922606731265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of Former President &amp; Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee 🙏🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PranabMukherjee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PranabMukherjee</a>
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina/status/1300415810217766912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Sorry to hear the demise of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PranabMukherjee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PranabMukherjee</a> , my deepest condolences to his family. Om shanti 🙏
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) <a href="https://twitter.com/KrisSrikkanth/status/1300417545229361152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Saddened to hear about former President of India Shree Pranab Mukherjee passing away. My heartfelt condolences. <a href="https://twitter.com/POI13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POI13</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CitiznMukherjee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CitiznMukherjee</a>
— Ishan Porel (@ishan_ip55) <a href="https://twitter.com/ishan_ip55/status/1300415377269121024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Mukherjee was in deep coma and was on ventilator support and was managed by a team of specialists after being admitted to the hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10. He was operated on the same day as a clot in his brain was removed.

His son, Abhijit Mukerjee tweeted about the demise of his father and said, "With a Heavy Heart , this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital &amp; prayers ,duas &amp; prarthanas from people throughout India ! I thank all of You"&nbsp;

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With a Heavy Heart , this is to inform you that my father Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PranabMukherjee?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PranabMukherjee</a> has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital &amp; prayers ,duas &amp; prarthanas from people throughout India ! 
I thank all of You 🙏
— Abhijit Mukherjee (@ABHIJIT_LS) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABHIJIT_LS/status/1300407074560471041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Mukherjee was the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. He had been a veteran of the Congress party before that.

During the period 2004-2012, Shri Mukherjee was instrumental in spearheading critical decisions of the Government on a range of issues such as Administrative reforms, Right to Information, Right to Employment, Food Security, Energy Security, Information Technology and telecommunication, setting up of UIDAI, Metro Rail etc.

Ministry of Defence will arrange for State funeral with full Military honours in consultation with the Chief Secretary to the State Government/Union Territory concerned where the Former President is resident.

<h2>Pranab Mukherjee bio:&nbsp;</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Served as President from July 2012 to 2017</li>
	<li>Assumed office as the 13th President of India on July 25, 2012</li>
	<li>Elected to Lok Sabha: 2004, 2009</li>
	<li>Elected to Rajya Sabha: 1969, 1975, 1981, 1993, 1999</li>
	<li>Chief Whip of Congress Party in the Rajya Sabha: 1996-2004</li>
	<li>Retired from active politics and ended his affiliation with the Indian National Congress On June 25, 2012</li>
</ul>

Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee on Monday, August 31, breathed his last at the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi. Mukherjee was 84 and his condition had deteriorated on Monday morning as he suffered septic shock to his lung infection, as per hospital authorities.

Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee on Monday, August 31, breathed his last at the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi. Mukherjee was 84 and his condition had deteriorated on Monday morning as he suffered septic shock to his lung infection, as per hospital authorities. Sports fraternity mourned the death of the former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee with the likes of Virat Kohli, VVS Laxman, Saina Nehwal, Jwala Gutta, Anil Kumble, Ajinkya Rahane among others took to social media after Abhijeet Mukherjee, his son, confirmed the news of the demise of former president of India. ALSO READ: Former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee passes away The nation has lost a brilliant leader. Saddened to hear about the passing of Shri Pranab Mukherjee. My sincere condolences to his family. 🙏🏼 — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 31, 2020 × My heartfelt condolences on the passing away of our former President, Shri #PranabMukherjee . May his soul attain sadgati. pic.twitter.com/8LFpQtx8Sx — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 31, 2020 × End of an era....#PranabMukherjee RIP 🙏🏻 — Gutta Jwala (@Guttajwala) August 31, 2020 × Heartfelt condolences on the passing of Shri. Pranab Mukherjee. May his soul rest in peace. 🙏🏽 — Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 31, 2020 × Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace 🙏 — Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 31, 2020 × Extremely saddened to hear about the demise of Former President & Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee 🙏🙏 #PranabMukherjee — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) August 31, 2020 × Sorry to hear the demise of #PranabMukherjee , my deepest condolences to his family. Om shanti 🙏 — Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) August 31, 2020 × Saddened to hear about former President of India Shree Pranab Mukherjee passing away. My heartfelt condolences. @POI13 @CitiznMukherjee — Ishan Porel (@ishan_ip55) August 31, 2020 × Mukherjee was in deep coma and was on ventilator support and was managed by a team of specialists after being admitted to the hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10. He was operated on the same day as a clot in his brain was removed. His son, Abhijit Mukerjee tweeted about the demise of his father and said, "With a Heavy Heart , this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers ,duas & prarthanas from people throughout India ! I thank all of You" With a Heavy Heart , this is to inform you that my father Shri #PranabMukherjee has just passed away inspite of the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital & prayers ,duas & prarthanas from people throughout India ! I thank all of You 🙏 — Abhijit Mukherjee (@ABHIJIT_LS) August 31, 2020 × Mukherjee was the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. He had been a veteran of the Congress party before that. During the period 2004-2012, Shri Mukherjee was instrumental in spearheading critical decisions of the Government on a range of issues such as Administrative reforms, Right to Information, Right to Employment, Food Security, Energy Security, Information Technology and telecommunication, setting up of UIDAI, Metro Rail etc. Ministry of Defence will arrange for State funeral with full Military honours in consultation with the Chief Secretary to the State Government/Union Territory concerned where the Former President is resident. Pranab Mukherjee bio: Served as President from July 2012 to 2017 Assumed office as the 13th President of India on July 25, 2012 Elected to Lok Sabha: 2004, 2009 Elected to Rajya Sabha: 1969, 1975, 1981, 1993, 1999 Chief Whip of Congress Party in the Rajya Sabha: 1996-2004 Retired from active politics and ended his affiliation with the Indian National Congress On June 25, 2012

Pranab Mukherjee no more: Sports fraternity condole death of former president of India

The much-awaited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> is constantly coming under the scanner as at least one member of STAR production crew, who was scheduled to leave India for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, has tested positive for COVID-19 forcing the host broadcasters to postpone their first batch of flight.&nbsp;

Earlier, the BCCI confirmed that as many as 13 members involved in IPL 2020 have been tested positive for COVID-19. Even Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart Suresh Raina returned back to India after disagreements with CSK management.

As per a report in Sports Tak, one member from the production crew of host broadcasters have tested positive for dreaded coronavirus which has forced them to postpone the flight. Now, the production crew is expected to depart for the UAE on September 4 or 5.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-suresh-rainas-exit-due-to-rift-over-hotel-room-n-srinivasan-says-sometimes-success-gets-into-head-324216" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Suresh Raina's exit due to rift over hotel room? N Srinivasan says 'sometimes success gets into head'</a>

Interestingly, the schedule for IPL 2020 hasn’t been released yet by the BCCI and with only 18 days left, speculations are growing as to how the tournament will proceed.

One BCCI-IPL source has said, as per a report, that broadcasters might now wait and closely follow the developments related to the tests and reports of other crew members as well as franchises participating in IPL 2020.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-franchises-see-glass-half-full-despite-financial-hit-from-covid-19-324202" hreflang="en">IPL franchises see glass half-full despite financial hit from COVID-19</a>&nbsp;

The matches in IPL 2020 are scheduled to be hosted by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai with all three emirates having different protocols to combat the deadly COVID-19.

While it is yet to be known how the latest coronavirus report will impact the fate of the tournament.&nbsp;

IPL 2020 is scheduled to start from September 19 in the UAE with the final of the lucrative tournament slated to be held on November 10. This will be second multi-team cricket tournament of the coronavirus era after Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 which is being held in Trinidad and Tobago.&nbsp; 
<o:p></o:p>

The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is constantly coming under the scanner as at least one member of STAR production crew, who was scheduled to leave India for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, has tested positive for COVID-19 forcing the host broadcasters to postpone their first batch of flight.

The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is constantly coming under the scanner as at least one member of STAR production crew, who was scheduled to leave India for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, has tested positive for COVID-19 forcing the host broadcasters to postpone their first batch of flight. Earlier, the BCCI confirmed that as many as 13 members involved in IPL 2020 have been tested positive for COVID-19. Even Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stalwart Suresh Raina returned back to India after disagreements with CSK management. As per a report in Sports Tak, one member from the production crew of host broadcasters have tested positive for dreaded coronavirus which has forced them to postpone the flight. Now, the production crew is expected to depart for the UAE on September 4 or 5. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Suresh Raina's exit due to rift over hotel room? N Srinivasan says 'sometimes success gets into head' Interestingly, the schedule for IPL 2020 hasn’t been released yet by the BCCI and with only 18 days left, speculations are growing as to how the tournament will proceed. One BCCI-IPL source has said, as per a report, that broadcasters might now wait and closely follow the developments related to the tests and reports of other crew members as well as franchises participating in IPL 2020. ALSO READ: IPL franchises see glass half-full despite financial hit from COVID-19 The matches in IPL 2020 are scheduled to be hosted by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai with all three emirates having different protocols to combat the deadly COVID-19. While it is yet to be known how the latest coronavirus report will impact the fate of the tournament. IPL 2020 is scheduled to start from September 19 in the UAE with the final of the lucrative tournament slated to be held on November 10. This will be second multi-team cricket tournament of the coronavirus era after Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 which is being held in Trinidad and Tobago.

IPL 2020 TV team member tests positive for COVID-19, host broadcaster postpones flight to UAE

Hot favourite to win the US Open 2020, Novak Djokovic on Monday will start his quest for an 18th Grand Slam title as a newly-looked, spectator-free US Open 2020 gets underway in COVID-19 quarantine bubble at Flushing Meadows.

The world number one headlines the opening day of tennis Grand Slam that promises to be an enthralling event despite missing several top players due to COVID-19 fears.

Djokovic will lock horns with Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina in the opening round of evening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, which generally is jam-packed 23,000 fans. However, this time around, only players, officials, and select media will be attending the event.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paire-removed-from-us-open-after-covid-19-positive-revealed-324201" hreflang="en">Paire removed from US Open after COVID-19 positive revealed</a>

"It is strange to see," said Djokovic, crediting his love of playing on the New York hardcourts to Ashe, which he described as "the most dynamic and explosive court" in the game.

"The circumstances are very unusual but we have to deal with it and try to embrace it," the Serbian superstar added.

The US Open 2020 will be the first Grand Slam of the coronavirus era and the first since Australian Open 2020, in January and February, after the COVID-19 pandemic brought the entire sporting world to a screeching halt.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-bcci-confirms-13-positive-covid-19-cases-after-initial-rounds-of-testing-323898" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: BCCI confirms 13 positive COVID-19 cases after initial rounds of testing</a>

The men’s draw was pushed to the edge on the eve of the tournament on Sunday when Franche’s Benoit Paire was removed after he was tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

Under New York state rules, any player that tests positive is immediately withdrawn and must self-isolate for at least 10 days.

Meanwhile, the absence of top players like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer gives Djokovic a golden chance to gain some ground on his rivals.&nbsp;

Top seed and three-time US Open winner Djokovic -- who has won five of the past seven Grand Slam crowns -- has 17 slams, behind Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20.

Hot favourite to win the US Open 2020, Novak Djokovic on Monday will start his quest for an 18th Grand Slam title as a newly-looked, spectator-free US Open 2020 gets underway in COVID-19 quarantine bubble at Flushing Meadows.

Hot favourite to win the US Open 2020, Novak Djokovic on Monday will start his quest for an 18th Grand Slam title as a newly-looked, spectator-free US Open 2020 gets underway in COVID-19 quarantine bubble at Flushing Meadows. The world number one headlines the opening day of tennis Grand Slam that promises to be an enthralling event despite missing several top players due to COVID-19 fears. Djokovic will lock horns with Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina in the opening round of evening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, which generally is jam-packed 23,000 fans. However, this time around, only players, officials, and select media will be attending the event. ALSO READ: Paire removed from US Open after COVID-19 positive revealed "It is strange to see," said Djokovic, crediting his love of playing on the New York hardcourts to Ashe, which he described as "the most dynamic and explosive court" in the game. "The circumstances are very unusual but we have to deal with it and try to embrace it," the Serbian superstar added. The US Open 2020 will be the first Grand Slam of the coronavirus era and the first since Australian Open 2020, in January and February, after the COVID-19 pandemic brought the entire sporting world to a screeching halt. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: BCCI confirms 13 positive COVID-19 cases after initial rounds of testing The men’s draw was pushed to the edge on the eve of the tournament on Sunday when Franche’s Benoit Paire was removed after he was tested positive for COVID-19. Under New York state rules, any player that tests positive is immediately withdrawn and must self-isolate for at least 10 days. Meanwhile, the absence of top players like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer gives Djokovic a golden chance to gain some ground on his rivals. Top seed and three-time US Open winner Djokovic -- who has won five of the past seven Grand Slam crowns -- has 17 slams, behind Nadal on 19 and Federer on 20.

Hot favourite Novak Djokovic in action on Day 1 of US Open 2020

His exit from the IPL attributed to personal reasons this season, all-rounder Suresh Raina's stint with Chennai Super Kings seems in jeopardy even next year as the franchise might part ways with him before the 2021 edition.

The CSK camp based in Dubai reported 13 COVID-19 cases, including two main squad members Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad, a development which an IPL source said, played a role in the recently-retired India player's exit from the event starting September 19.

However, it has now emerged that the team management was not particularly happy with the 32-year-old's "conduct" during the quarantine time, something which infuriated CSK owner and former BCCI president N Srinivasan.

"In CSK, the norm is that the coach, captain and the manager get suites. However, Raina also gets a suite in any hotel that the franchise stays. It's just that his room didn't have a balcony," an IPL source told PTI.

"It was an issue but I don't think big enough to warrant a comeback (to India). There could be something more than just the scare of rising COVID-caseload in Chennai," the source added, alluding to a speculated breach of the bio-bubble by Raina.

He said given the situation, Raina could well be gone for good now not only this season but also the next IPL scheduled in April, 2021. Chennai's favourite 'Chinna Thala' may not wear the Canary yellow again.

Is there a possibility of Raina coming back this season, thereby changing the circumstances?

"He is unavailable this season and that is clear from the official statement issued by the CSK. Now there are certain things that have not gone down too well with the top people," the source said.

"It looks highly improbable that someone who has retired and likely won't play any cricket will come back for CSK. Maybe, he will be back in auction and someone else might pick him."

CSK is punting heavily on young Ruturaj, expecting that he will come good once he completes the quarantine and rejoins the training session after two negative tests.

"CSK has not yet asked for an official replacement for Raina...They are undecided," the IPL source added.

On the speculated bio-bubble breach, the source said an apology from Raina will have little impact given that the team is looking ahead.

"I don't know about the apology part but CSK will now be eyeing to prepare Ruturaj looking at the future and Dhoni and Fleming will rejig their strategy accordingly," the source added.

Raina is CSK's highest run-getter with 4527 runs from 164 IPL games. The Uttar Pradesh left-hander is also the second highest scorer in IPL history with 5368 runs, second only to Indian skipper Virat Kohli's 5412 runs. 
&nbsp;

His exit from the IPL attributed to personal reasons this season, all-rounder Suresh Raina's stint with Chennai Super Kings seems in jeopardy even next year as the franchise might part ways with him before the 2021 edition.

His exit from the IPL attributed to personal reasons this season, all-rounder Suresh Raina's stint with Chennai Super Kings seems in jeopardy even next year as the franchise might part ways with him before the 2021 edition. The CSK camp based in Dubai reported 13 COVID-19 cases, including two main squad members Deepak Chahar and Ruturaj Gaikwad, a development which an IPL source said, played a role in the recently-retired India player's exit from the event starting September 19. However, it has now emerged that the team management was not particularly happy with the 32-year-old's "conduct" during the quarantine time, something which infuriated CSK owner and former BCCI president N Srinivasan. "In CSK, the norm is that the coach, captain and the manager get suites. However, Raina also gets a suite in any hotel that the franchise stays. It's just that his room didn't have a balcony," an IPL source told PTI. "It was an issue but I don't think big enough to warrant a comeback (to India). There could be something more than just the scare of rising COVID-caseload in Chennai," the source added, alluding to a speculated breach of the bio-bubble by Raina. He said given the situation, Raina could well be gone for good now not only this season but also the next IPL scheduled in April, 2021. Chennai's favourite 'Chinna Thala' may not wear the Canary yellow again. Is there a possibility of Raina coming back this season, thereby changing the circumstances? "He is unavailable this season and that is clear from the official statement issued by the CSK. Now there are certain things that have not gone down too well with the top people," the source said. "It looks highly improbable that someone who has retired and likely won't play any cricket will come back for CSK. Maybe, he will be back in auction and someone else might pick him." CSK is punting heavily on young Ruturaj, expecting that he will come good once he completes the quarantine and rejoins the training session after two negative tests. "CSK has not yet asked for an official replacement for Raina...They are undecided," the IPL source added. On the speculated bio-bubble breach, the source said an apology from Raina will have little impact given that the team is looking ahead. "I don't know about the apology part but CSK will now be eyeing to prepare Ruturaj looking at the future and Dhoni and Fleming will rejig their strategy accordingly," the source added. Raina is CSK's highest run-getter with 4527 runs from 164 IPL games. The Uttar Pradesh left-hander is also the second highest scorer in IPL history with 5368 runs, second only to Indian skipper Virat Kohli's 5412 runs.

End of road for Suresh Raina in CSK?

La Liga on Sunday released a statement saying Lionel Messi’s contract with Barcelona is still valid and the league will not allow the transfer of the Argentine to any other club unless the EUR 700 million release clause is paid.&nbsp;

Messi stunned the entire world as he earlier asked Barcelona to allow him to leave for free, as per a clause in his contract, and even didn’t attend the PCR test conducted by the club on Sunday.&nbsp;

“In compliance with the applicable rule, La Liga will not approve a request to be de-registered as a player with the Spanish football federation, unless the amount in the release clause has been paid,” La Liga said in a statement.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/lionel-messis-next-team-clubs-who-can-really-afford-to-sign-the-argentine-323423" hreflang="en">Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine</a>

Messi was due at Barcelona’s training ground at 10:15 am local time on Sunday but didn’t arrive, clearing the air that he is serious about leaving the club. Reportedly, his father Jorge Messi is due to arrive in Barcelona this week in a bid to have discussions with club president Josep Bartomeu.&nbsp;

Messi’s decision to leave Barcelona, his lifelong club, came after the Blaugrana’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League 2019-20 quarter-final.

IN PICS&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whats-next-for-lionel-messi-a-record-breaking-career-in-pictures-323230" hreflang="en">What's next for Lionel Messi? A record-breaking career in pictures</a>

However, as reported by many media outlets, Messi’s EUR 700 million release clause has expired after the completion of 2019-20 season and the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is clear to leave for free. But the left-footed maestro wants to compensate the club he loves and favourites to sign him, Man City are willing to offer around EUR 100-150 million for him.

Reportedly, Messi wants a winning project again and believes re-uniting with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City will fulfill his dream of lifting the UEFA Champions League again. 
&nbsp;

La Liga on Sunday released a statement saying Lionel Messi’s contract with Barcelona is still valid and the league will not allow the transfer of the Argentine to any other club unless the EUR 700 million release clause is paid.

La Liga on Sunday released a statement saying Lionel Messi’s contract with Barcelona is still valid and the league will not allow the transfer of the Argentine to any other club unless the EUR 700 million release clause is paid. Messi stunned the entire world as he earlier asked Barcelona to allow him to leave for free, as per a clause in his contract, and even didn’t attend the PCR test conducted by the club on Sunday. “In compliance with the applicable rule, La Liga will not approve a request to be de-registered as a player with the Spanish football federation, unless the amount in the release clause has been paid,” La Liga said in a statement. IN PICS | Lionel Messi's next team: Clubs who can really afford to sign the Argentine Messi was due at Barcelona’s training ground at 10:15 am local time on Sunday but didn’t arrive, clearing the air that he is serious about leaving the club. Reportedly, his father Jorge Messi is due to arrive in Barcelona this week in a bid to have discussions with club president Josep Bartomeu. Messi’s decision to leave Barcelona, his lifelong club, came after the Blaugrana’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League 2019-20 quarter-final. IN PICS | What's next for Lionel Messi? A record-breaking career in pictures However, as reported by many media outlets, Messi’s EUR 700 million release clause has expired after the completion of 2019-20 season and the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is clear to leave for free. But the left-footed maestro wants to compensate the club he loves and favourites to sign him, Man City are willing to offer around EUR 100-150 million for him. Reportedly, Messi wants a winning project again and believes re-uniting with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City will fulfill his dream of lifting the UEFA Champions League again.

Lionel Messi will be allowed to leave Barcelona only if release clause is paid: La Liga

Chennai Super Kings owner and former BCCI president N Srinivasan reacted to veteran batsman Suresh Raina pulling out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL 2020</a> as he said that the southpaw will regret his decision of heading back to India and would want to come back in some point of time apart from the hefty INR 11 crore per season of his salary.

Entire CSK fan base was left shocked when the Super Kings on Saturday announced that Raina will miss IPL 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’. While speculation was rife that positive cases in the CSK contingent played a role in Raina pulling his name out of IPL 2020, the report in Outlook which had comments from Srinivasan as well, stated that Raina was unhappy with his hotel room and wanted a similar room which was allotted to MS Dhoni. Apparently, a room without balconies made Raina ‘claustrophobic’ in the strict bio-secure environment.

The season has not begun yet and Raina will certainly realise what he is missing and certainly all the money (a salary of 11 crores per season) he is going to lose,” Srinivasan told Outlook.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-bcci-confirms-13-positive-covid-19-cases-after-initial-rounds-of-testing-323898" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: BCCI confirms 13 positive COVID-19 cases after initial rounds of testing</a>

“My thinking is that if you are reluctant or not happy, go back. I don’t force anyone to do anything ... sometimes success gets into your head,” he further said.

Srinivasan added that cricketers are like temperamental actors of the olden days and in CSK, senior players have learned to co-exist.&nbsp;

“Cricketers are like prima donnas ... like the temperamental actors of the olden days. Chennai Super Kings have always been like a family and all senior players have learned to co-exist,” said Srinivasan.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-to-miss-ipl-2020-due-to-personal-reasons-323862" hreflang="en">Suresh Raina to miss IPL 2020 due to personal reasons</a>

However, the exact reason of Raina opting out of IPL 2020 is still unknown and it will be the first season where the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history will miss the lucrative tournament, which is scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.&nbsp;

"I spoke to MS (Dhoni) and he has assured me that even if the numbers go up, there was nothing to worry. He spoke to the players through a zoom call and asked them to remain safe. You really don't know who is a passive carrier," Srinivasan said.

"I have got a solid captain. Dhoni is simply unfazed by anything. That is giving everyone in the team a lot of confidence," Srinivasan added.&nbsp;

While Raina is known for his down to earth and happy going demeanour, it is surprising to see reports stating that there was a rift between him and CSK management.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chennai Super Kings owner and former BCCI president N Srinivasan reacted to veteran batsman Suresh Raina pulling out of IPL 2020 as he said that the southpaw will regret his decision of heading back to India and would want to come back in some point of time apart from the hefty INR 11 crore per season of his salary.

Chennai Super Kings owner and former BCCI president N Srinivasan reacted to veteran batsman Suresh Raina pulling out of IPL 2020 as he said that the southpaw will regret his decision of heading back to India and would want to come back in some point of time apart from the hefty INR 11 crore per season of his salary. Entire CSK fan base was left shocked when the Super Kings on Saturday announced that Raina will miss IPL 2020 due to ‘personal reasons’. While speculation was rife that positive cases in the CSK contingent played a role in Raina pulling his name out of IPL 2020, the report in Outlook which had comments from Srinivasan as well, stated that Raina was unhappy with his hotel room and wanted a similar room which was allotted to MS Dhoni. Apparently, a room without balconies made Raina ‘claustrophobic’ in the strict bio-secure environment. The season has not begun yet and Raina will certainly realise what he is missing and certainly all the money (a salary of 11 crores per season) he is going to lose,” Srinivasan told Outlook. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: BCCI confirms 13 positive COVID-19 cases after initial rounds of testing “My thinking is that if you are reluctant or not happy, go back. I don’t force anyone to do anything ... sometimes success gets into your head,” he further said. Srinivasan added that cricketers are like temperamental actors of the olden days and in CSK, senior players have learned to co-exist. “Cricketers are like prima donnas ... like the temperamental actors of the olden days. Chennai Super Kings have always been like a family and all senior players have learned to co-exist,” said Srinivasan. ALSO READ: Suresh Raina to miss IPL 2020 due to personal reasons However, the exact reason of Raina opting out of IPL 2020 is still unknown and it will be the first season where the second-highest run-scorer in IPL history will miss the lucrative tournament, which is scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10. "I spoke to MS (Dhoni) and he has assured me that even if the numbers go up, there was nothing to worry. He spoke to the players through a zoom call and asked them to remain safe. You really don't know who is a passive carrier," Srinivasan said. "I have got a solid captain. Dhoni is simply unfazed by anything. That is giving everyone in the team a lot of confidence," Srinivasan added. While Raina is known for his down to earth and happy going demeanour, it is surprising to see reports stating that there was a rift between him and CSK management.

IPL 2020: Suresh Raina's exit due to rift over hotel room? N Srinivasan says 'sometimes success gets into head'

Chennai Super Kings on Saturday announced that Suresh Raina will be missing the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> due to personal reasons. The development comes as a huge blow to Chennai Super Kings as Raina has been a force to reckon with in IPL.

The southpaw was looking in high spirits and sounded excited for IPL 2020 but unfortunately, fans won't see him don the yellow jersey in the 13th edition of IPL.

While the exact reason of Raina missing IPL 2020 is not yet known, CSK have offered complete support to Raina and his family in their statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-members-of-chennai-super-kings-contingent-test-positive-for-covid-19-323710" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Members of Chennai Super Kings contingent test positive for COVID-19</a>

"Suresh Raina has returned to India for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of the IPL season. Chennai Super Kings offers complete support to Suresh and his family during this time," said CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan via CSK twitter handle on Saturday.

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Suresh Raina has returned to India for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of the IPL season. Chennai Super Kings offers complete support to Suresh and his family during this time. 
 
KS Viswanathan 
CEO
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1299582504886775808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-kkr-and-mi-to-start-training-after-relaxation-of-abu-dhabi-quarantine-norms-323654" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: KKR and MI to start training after relaxation of Abu Dhabi quarantine norms</a>

Earlier on Friday, at least 10 members of CSK contingent in Dubai tested positive for COVID-19 and reportedly, it includes one of the names of Indian bowling department in it. While no official confirmation has been provided yet, the entire CSK squad will undergo another COVID-19 test. CSK have also extended their quarantine period by another week after they were scheduled to start practicing of Friday.&nbsp;

On August 15, Raina announced his retirement from international cricket after MS Dhoni called it quits. The duo took to social media platform Instagram to hang their boots.&nbsp;

In IPL,&nbsp;Raina run-getter has amassed 4527 runs from 164 IPL games for CSK. The No.3 batsman featured in 158 consecutive games for CSK&nbsp;before missing his first game in the 2018 season with a calf injury.

Chennai Super Kings on Saturday announced that Suresh Raina will be missing the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to personal reasons. The development comes as a huge blow to Chennai Super Kings as Raina has been a force to reckon with in IPL.

Chennai Super Kings on Saturday announced that Suresh Raina will be missing the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to personal reasons. The development comes as a huge blow to Chennai Super Kings as Raina has been a force to reckon with in IPL. The southpaw was looking in high spirits and sounded excited for IPL 2020 but unfortunately, fans won't see him don the yellow jersey in the 13th edition of IPL. While the exact reason of Raina missing IPL 2020 is not yet known, CSK have offered complete support to Raina and his family in their statement. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Members of Chennai Super Kings contingent test positive for COVID-19 "Suresh Raina has returned to India for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of the IPL season. Chennai Super Kings offers complete support to Suresh and his family during this time," said CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan via CSK twitter handle on Saturday. Suresh Raina has returned to India for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of the IPL season. Chennai Super Kings offers complete support to Suresh and his family during this time. KS Viswanathan CEO — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 29, 2020 × ALSO READ: IPL 2020: KKR and MI to start training after relaxation of Abu Dhabi quarantine norms Earlier on Friday, at least 10 members of CSK contingent in Dubai tested positive for COVID-19 and reportedly, it includes one of the names of Indian bowling department in it. While no official confirmation has been provided yet, the entire CSK squad will undergo another COVID-19 test. CSK have also extended their quarantine period by another week after they were scheduled to start practicing of Friday. On August 15, Raina announced his retirement from international cricket after MS Dhoni called it quits. The duo took to social media platform Instagram to hang their boots. In IPL, Raina run-getter has amassed 4527 runs from 164 IPL games for CSK. The No.3 batsman featured in 158 consecutive games for CSK before missing his first game in the 2018 season with a calf injury.

Suresh Raina to miss IPL 2020 due to personal reasons

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