<p>Inter Milan are destined for "great things" under Antonio Conte, according to Lautaro Martinez after the Argentine and Romelu Lukaku both scored twice to thrash Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0 in Dusseldorf and reach the Europa League final.</p>

<p>Danilo D'Ambrosio was also on target for the Italian giants, who will face Sevilla in Friday's final in Cologne.</p>

<p>Inter have endured a lean decade since winning the Champions League in 2010, but closed the gap on Juventus at the top of Serie A to just one point in Conte's first season in charge and are now one win away from a first trophy in nine years.</p>

<p>Martinez and Lukaku's prolific partnership has been the source of much of Inter's success and they took their tally to a combined 54 for the season.</p>

<p>"It was an incredible night, something we have been dreaming of," said Martinez, who has been strongly linked with a move to be Luis Suarez's successor at Barcelona.</p>

<p>"We proved that Inter are ready for great things, we are ready for the final."</p>

<p>After a slow start, Martinez put Inter on course for their 10th European final as he powered home Nicolo Barella's cross to open the scoring on 19 minutes.</p>

<p>Shakhtar are one of European football's great survivors as the Ukrainian champions continue to thrive despite not playing a match in their home city of Donetsk for six years due to a war in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Russian-backed separatists.</p>

<p>Luis Castro's men had scored 14 goals in five Europa League games since dropping into the competition form the Champions League, but their talented array of Brazilian forwards barely laid a glove on a characteristically well-organised Conte defence.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>- Moraes spurns best Shakhtar chance -</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Don't get fooled by the result," said Conte. "We were good not allowing them to play the way they wanted. The lads played exactly how a European game should be played."</p>

<p>Shakhtar had one golden chance to level when Mykola Matviyenko's cross picked out Junior Moraes, but the Brazilian-born Ukrainian international's header was too close to Samir Handanovic.</p>

<p>Two minutes later, Inter landed the killer blow when D'Ambrosio met Marcelo Brozovic's corner with a powerful header.</p>

<p>"When Inter scored their second goal we simply collapsed," said Castro. "After 2-0 we made so many terrible mistakes."</p>

<p>Only a brilliant save from 36-year-old Andriy Pyatov had denied Martinez classy second with a lob long range early in the second half, but he gave the veteran 'keeper no chance to set himself with brilliant quick hit for his 21st goal of the season.</p>

<p>Lukaku extended his run of scoring in now 10 straight Europa League game 12 minutes from time as this time Martinez played provider before his strike partner slotted low into the far corner.</p>

<p>Five minutes later the former Manchester United striker had his 33rd goal of the campaign by accelerating away from a slow Shakhtar backline before firing through Pyatov's legs.</p>

<p>"I'm a forward and I'm here to score, it's something inside me," said Lukaku, who showed United the predatory instincts they were lacking in a 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in the other semi-final on Sunday.</p>

<p>Conte is famous for his high demands of his players, but Lukaku believes the hard work Inter did before Italian football's return from a three-month shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic is bearing fruit.</p>

<p>"We worked really hard in the camp," added Lukaku. "It's tough but you see the results of the hard work. We want to keep going."</p>


Inter Milan are destined for "great things" under Antonio Conte, according to Lautaro Martinez after the Argentine and Romelu Lukaku both scored twice to thrash Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0 in Dusseldorf and reach the Europa League final.

Inter Milan are destined for "great things" under Antonio Conte, according to Lautaro Martinez after the Argentine and Romelu Lukaku both scored twice to thrash Shakhtar Donetsk 5-0 in Dusseldorf and reach the Europa League final. Danilo D'Ambrosio was also on target for the Italian giants, who will face Sevilla in Friday's final in Cologne. Inter have endured a lean decade since winning the Champions League in 2010, but closed the gap on Juventus at the top of Serie A to just one point in Conte's first season in charge and are now one win away from a first trophy in nine years. Martinez and Lukaku's prolific partnership has been the source of much of Inter's success and they took their tally to a combined 54 for the season. "It was an incredible night, something we have been dreaming of," said Martinez, who has been strongly linked with a move to be Luis Suarez's successor at Barcelona. "We proved that Inter are ready for great things, we are ready for the final." After a slow start, Martinez put Inter on course for their 10th European final as he powered home Nicolo Barella's cross to open the scoring on 19 minutes. Shakhtar are one of European football's great survivors as the Ukrainian champions continue to thrive despite not playing a match in their home city of Donetsk for six years due to a war in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Russian-backed separatists. Luis Castro's men had scored 14 goals in five Europa League games since dropping into the competition form the Champions League, but their talented array of Brazilian forwards barely laid a glove on a characteristically well-organised Conte defence. - Moraes spurns best Shakhtar chance - "Don't get fooled by the result," said Conte. "We were good not allowing them to play the way they wanted. The lads played exactly how a European game should be played." Shakhtar had one golden chance to level when Mykola Matviyenko's cross picked out Junior Moraes, but the Brazilian-born Ukrainian international's header was too close to Samir Handanovic. Two minutes later, Inter landed the killer blow when D'Ambrosio met Marcelo Brozovic's corner with a powerful header. "When Inter scored their second goal we simply collapsed," said Castro. "After 2-0 we made so many terrible mistakes." Only a brilliant save from 36-year-old Andriy Pyatov had denied Martinez classy second with a lob long range early in the second half, but he gave the veteran 'keeper no chance to set himself with brilliant quick hit for his 21st goal of the season. Lukaku extended his run of scoring in now 10 straight Europa League game 12 minutes from time as this time Martinez played provider before his strike partner slotted low into the far corner. Five minutes later the former Manchester United striker had his 33rd goal of the campaign by accelerating away from a slow Shakhtar backline before firing through Pyatov's legs. "I'm a forward and I'm here to score, it's something inside me," said Lukaku, who showed United the predatory instincts they were lacking in a 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in the other semi-final on Sunday. Conte is famous for his high demands of his players, but Lukaku believes the hard work Inter did before Italian football's return from a three-month shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic is bearing fruit. "We worked really hard in the camp," added Lukaku. "It's tough but you see the results of the hard work. We want to keep going."

Lukaku, Martinez fire five-star Inter into Europa League final

<p>England National Selectors on Tuesday named a 14-strong squad for the men’s three-match T20I series&nbsp;against Pakistan starting on Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford. The three-match series will be played behind closed doors, in a bio-secure environment at the Manchester venue.</p>

<p><strong>England Men’s T20I Squad:</strong></p>

<p>Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Sam Billings (Kent), Tom Curran (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dream11-awarded-title-sponsorship-for-ipl-2020-with-a-bid-of-inr-222-crore-confirms-brijesh-patel-321448" hreflang="en">Dream11 awarded title sponsorship for IPL 2020 with a bid of INR 222 crore, confirms Brijesh Patel</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Reserves:</strong></p>

<p>Pat Brown (Worcestershire), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Reece Topley (Surrey).</p>

<p>Commenting on the selection of the squad, National Selector Ed Smith, said:</p>

<p>“In this crowded international summer, players who are currently in the Test match bio-secure bubble for the Pakistan Test series are not included in this squad. (The IT20s begin three days after the scheduled last day of the final Test). We want to give multi-format players some opportunity to rest and refresh, while still selecting strong squads for every series. We will announce the squad for the Australia T20 series at a later date.”</p>

<p>The England and Wales Cricket Board have also confirmed the coaching team for the Vitality IT20s against Pakistan.</p>

<p>England assistant coach Graham Thorpe will assume the head coach role for the three-match series. He will be supported by assistant coach Paul Collingwood. Marcus Trescothick, who has been seconded from Somerset, has been appointed batting coach. England Young Lions coach Jon Lewis will be the bowling coach and is supported by former Pakistan international and bowling coach Azhar Mahmood. Former Essex wicketkeeper James Foster will take responsibility for the wicketkeepers.</p>

<h2>England vs Pakistan T20I series: Schedule</h2>

<p>1st IT20 v Pakistan: Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start)</p>

<p>2nd IT20 v Pakistan: Sunday 30 August at Emirates Old Trafford (2.00pm start)</p>

<p>3rd IT20 v Pakistan: Tuesday 1 September at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start)</p>


England National Selectors on Tuesday named a 14-strong squad for the men’s three-match T20I series against Pakistan starting on Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford.

England National Selectors on Tuesday named a 14-strong squad for the men’s three-match T20I series against Pakistan starting on Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford. The three-match series will be played behind closed doors, in a bio-secure environment at the Manchester venue. England Men’s T20I Squad: Eoin Morgan (Middlesex) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Tom Banton (Somerset), Sam Billings (Kent), Tom Curran (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire). ALSO READ: Dream11 awarded title sponsorship for IPL 2020 with a bid of INR 222 crore, confirms Brijesh Patel Reserves: Pat Brown (Worcestershire), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Reece Topley (Surrey). Commenting on the selection of the squad, National Selector Ed Smith, said: “In this crowded international summer, players who are currently in the Test match bio-secure bubble for the Pakistan Test series are not included in this squad. (The IT20s begin three days after the scheduled last day of the final Test). We want to give multi-format players some opportunity to rest and refresh, while still selecting strong squads for every series. We will announce the squad for the Australia T20 series at a later date.” The England and Wales Cricket Board have also confirmed the coaching team for the Vitality IT20s against Pakistan. England assistant coach Graham Thorpe will assume the head coach role for the three-match series. He will be supported by assistant coach Paul Collingwood. Marcus Trescothick, who has been seconded from Somerset, has been appointed batting coach. England Young Lions coach Jon Lewis will be the bowling coach and is supported by former Pakistan international and bowling coach Azhar Mahmood. Former Essex wicketkeeper James Foster will take responsibility for the wicketkeepers. England vs Pakistan T20I series: Schedule 1st IT20 v Pakistan: Friday 28 August at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start) 2nd IT20 v Pakistan: Sunday 30 August at Emirates Old Trafford (2.00pm start) 3rd IT20 v Pakistan: Tuesday 1 September at Emirates Old Trafford (6.00pm start)

England announce squad for T20I series versus Pakistan

<p>Barcelona on Tuesday sacked sporting director Eric Abidal following the dismissal of head coach Quique Setien as the Spanish club looks towards a rebuilding phase following a series of disappointing results on the pitch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"FC Barcelona and Eric Abidal have reached an agreement for the ending of the contract that united them," the club said on its website.</p>

<p>“The Club would publicly like to thank Éric Abidal for his professionalism, commitment, dedication and the close and positive nature of his relationship with all aspects of the blaugrana family,” the statement added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">❗ [LATEST NEWS]<br />
Agreement for the ending of Éric Abidal's contract</p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1295723692597673986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Like Setien, Abidal, a former Barcelona player and French international defender, paid the price of Barcelona’s disappointing results on the pitch as they surrendered the La Liga title to Real Madrid before crashing out of the UEFA Champions League after a humiliating 8-2 defeat to German club Bayern Munich.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/barcelonas-new-manager-heres-the-list-of-top-targets-to-succeed-quique-setien-321252">Barcelona's new manager: Here's the list of top targets to succeed Quique Setien</a></strong></p>

<p>Abidal had been in role for over two years but was sacked following one of club’s worst seasons. The Frenchman was also the target of criticism for megastar Lionel Messi earlier this year, who accused his former teammate of blaming the players for Ernesto Valverde getting sacked as coach last January.</p>

<p>Abidal joined Barca as a player in 2007 and became one of the club's most popular players for enduring a battle with cancer, which forced him to undergo a liver transplant in 2012.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Barcelona are lining up former defender and current Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman to replace Quique Setien at the Camp Nou next season. It is being reported that Koeman will leave his current job to join the Catalan club.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Barcelona on Tuesday sacked sporting director Eric Abidal following the dismissal of head coach Quique Setien as the Spanish club looks towards a rebuilding phase following a series of disappointing results on the pitch.

Barcelona on Tuesday sacked sporting director Eric Abidal following the dismissal of head coach Quique Setien as the Spanish club looks towards a rebuilding phase following a series of disappointing results on the pitch. "FC Barcelona and Eric Abidal have reached an agreement for the ending of the contract that united them," the club said on its website. “The Club would publicly like to thank Éric Abidal for his professionalism, commitment, dedication and the close and positive nature of his relationship with all aspects of the blaugrana family,” the statement added. ❗ [LATEST NEWS] Agreement for the ending of Éric Abidal's contract — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 18, 2020 × Like Setien, Abidal, a former Barcelona player and French international defender, paid the price of Barcelona’s disappointing results on the pitch as they surrendered the La Liga title to Real Madrid before crashing out of the UEFA Champions League after a humiliating 8-2 defeat to German club Bayern Munich. IN PICS | Barcelona's new manager: Here's the list of top targets to succeed Quique Setien Abidal had been in role for over two years but was sacked following one of club’s worst seasons. The Frenchman was also the target of criticism for megastar Lionel Messi earlier this year, who accused his former teammate of blaming the players for Ernesto Valverde getting sacked as coach last January. Abidal joined Barca as a player in 2007 and became one of the club's most popular players for enduring a battle with cancer, which forced him to undergo a liver transplant in 2012. Meanwhile, Barcelona are lining up former defender and current Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman to replace Quique Setien at the Camp Nou next season. It is being reported that Koeman will leave his current job to join the Catalan club.

After Quique Setien, Barcelona sack Eric Abidal

<p><br />
Former England number one goalkeeper Joe Hard has completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer on Tuesday as the veteran is set to complete to be number two choice to Hugo Lloris. The 33-year-old side a two-year contract with the London club after the club reportedly agreed to pay him a £50,000 ($66,000) a week in wages following a torrid spell with Burnley.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Hart on a contract until 2022," read a Spurs statement on their website.</p>

<p>Hart is set to compete with Paulo Gazzaniga to be on the bench and get green signal for either League Cup or Europa League matches as understudy to Frenchman Lloris, who has been central to criticism due to his inconsistent run of form.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"I'm here to help the team in any way I can, be it on the field, off the field, I'm here to try and push the Club forward."<br />
<br />
🗣️ Joe's first Spurs interview<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> <a href="https://t.co/o29dIeAY0J">pic.twitter.com/o29dIeAY0J</a></p>
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1295700499866542080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/breaking-taboo-ipls-rajasthan-royals-get-sanitary-pad-sponsor-321413" hreflang="en">Breaking taboo, IPL's Rajasthan Royals get sanitary pad sponsor</a></strong></p>

<p>Hart had interests from newly promoted club Leeds United and second tier Derby County and Scottish champions Celtic but chose to stay in London with Spurs.</p>

<p>Hart’s steep fall started after Pep Guardiola arrived at Manchester City in 2016 as the former Barcelona boss made it clear that the goalkeeper didn’t fulfill his set of demands. Hart, who won two Premier League title, two League Cups and an FA Cup with Man City, was immediately sent on loan to Italian club Torino and then West Ham.</p>

<p>He started a few games with Burnley in 2018 after signing a permanent deal but ended up as number two to Nick Pope last season.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-sack-setien-koeman-favourite-to-take-charge-321410" hreflang="en">Barcelona sack Setien, Koeman favourite to take charge</a></strong></p>

<p>Due to his drop in form in club football, Hart’s international career suffered as he lost his his undisputed number one spot and was not even selected for the 2018 World Cup squad.</p>

<p>He has not added to his 75 caps -- which included appearances at two European Championships (2012/16) and the 2014 World Cup finals -- since November 2017.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former England number one goalkeeper Joe Hard has completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer on Tuesday as the veteran is set to complete to be number two choice to Hugo Lloris.

Former England number one goalkeeper Joe Hard has completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer on Tuesday as the veteran is set to complete to be number two choice to Hugo Lloris. The 33-year-old side a two-year contract with the London club after the club reportedly agreed to pay him a £50,000 ($66,000) a week in wages following a torrid spell with Burnley. "We are delighted to announce the signing of Joe Hart on a contract until 2022," read a Spurs statement on their website. Hart is set to compete with Paulo Gazzaniga to be on the bench and get green signal for either League Cup or Europa League matches as understudy to Frenchman Lloris, who has been central to criticism due to his inconsistent run of form. "I'm here to help the team in any way I can, be it on the field, off the field, I'm here to try and push the Club forward." 🗣️ Joe's first Spurs interview#THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/o29dIeAY0J — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 18, 2020 × ALSO READ: Breaking taboo, IPL's Rajasthan Royals get sanitary pad sponsor Hart had interests from newly promoted club Leeds United and second tier Derby County and Scottish champions Celtic but chose to stay in London with Spurs. Hart’s steep fall started after Pep Guardiola arrived at Manchester City in 2016 as the former Barcelona boss made it clear that the goalkeeper didn’t fulfill his set of demands. Hart, who won two Premier League title, two League Cups and an FA Cup with Man City, was immediately sent on loan to Italian club Torino and then West Ham. He started a few games with Burnley in 2018 after signing a permanent deal but ended up as number two to Nick Pope last season. ALSO READ: Barcelona sack Setien, Koeman favourite to take charge Due to his drop in form in club football, Hart’s international career suffered as he lost his his undisputed number one spot and was not even selected for the 2018 World Cup squad. He has not added to his 75 caps -- which included appearances at two European Championships (2012/16) and the 2014 World Cup finals -- since November 2017.

Joe Hart signs for Tottenham Hotspur on free transfer

<p>IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel on Tuesday announced that fantasy gaming platform Dream11 has been awarded the title sponsorship for the much-talked-about Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19 to November 10.</p>

<p>While the announcement came as a sigh of relief for cricket lovers who are eagerly waiting for all backroom developments to be concluded as soon as possible so that the lucrative and arguably the best T20 tournament in the world can go ahead, the Chinese-backed Dream11 being handed the title sponsorship for IPL 2020 wasn’t digested well over social media platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dream11 bagged the title sponsorship deal with a whopping INR 222 crore (around $30 million) bid racing ahead of others in contention. While the Tata group didn’t place a final bid, two edu-tech companies, BYJU's and Unacademy,&nbsp;in the race came second and third. The deal with Dream11 also sees the BCCI take almost 50 per cent financial hit given that the deal with Chinese mobile manufacturing giants Vivo fetched them INR 440 crore ($66m) a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With anti-China sentiments running high in India following the border skirmish between the two countries at Galwan valley 20 Army personnel were killed in a faceoff in what was the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La, the BCCI said it will review IPL's sponsorship deals, including the one with Chinese mobile manufacturing company Vivo. The meeting never happened but months later Vivo and the BCCI mutually agreed to pause the deal for a year. The development was well received by everyone in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, IPL 2020’s title sponsor – Dream11 – has Chinese investment in the company by Tencent - the world's largest video game company, one of the world's most financially valuable companies. On Dream11 investors' section on their website, the company lists four organizations. Steadview - a leading India-focused investment firm, Tencent - which claims to use technology to enrich lives of internet users and is founded in Shenzen, China in 1998, Multiples - an India-focused investment advisory firm that managers Private Equity Funds and Think Investments - an investment fund headquartered in San Francisco. The only questionable investor in India’s point of view is Tencent, which is also behind massively popular video game – PUBG.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Dream11 " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="843a4052-5ef4-4557-b4e0-ac0c0ae4525e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Efs4mgBVAAEbfxO.jpg" /></p>

<p>However, a BCCI source told PTI that Tencent holds less than 10 per cent in Dream11, which is an Indian company founded by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Dream11 stakeholders, including its founders plus all 400 plus employees, are Indian," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Their Indian investors are Kalaari Capital and Multiples Equity. Even Dream11's product is available exclusively for use only by Indians. Only a single-digit percentage minority stake is held by Tencent," the official added.</p>

<p>But it was earlier reported by many media portals that Tencent holds a majority stake in Dream11. Tencent had invested over $100 million in the Indian gaming unicorn in 2018 and naturally would be looking for profits, which they may have well received given Dream11’s stunning rise in recent years.</p>

<p><img alt="Dream11 " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fef9d59e-0f3d-462a-b14e-5592b3a8ac59" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Efsb9paU4AAyKp4.jpg" /></p>

<p>Not only that, Dream11 fell into trouble in July, 2020 when the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) had sought an inquiry against the company when the platform had links to a fake T20 league which was held in Punjab but was live-streamed as a match in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ACU investigations cleared that kits used by the teams in the tournament had Dream11 logo and the matches were live-streamed on FanCode – another part of Dream Sports Group.</p>

<p>But the question remains, does bringing Dream11 solves the issue of providing exposure to Chinese companies? Was the Vivo deal pullout all about anti-China sentiments in India?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many claim that Vivo deal was put on hold as the mobile manufacturing company was unwilling to shell out INR 440 crore for a year amid COVID-19 pandemic and obviously, the social media backlash didn’t help the cause either. While Dream11 is not an out and out Chinese company unlike Vivo, the profits company will be bagging with the deal, a part of it, in all probability, will reach Tencent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As a well-wisher of Indian sports, I wish and pray that IPL 13 is held successfully in the UAE. However, with Dream11 becoming the title sponsor of IPL, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' will be a bit shattered as Dream11 is a Chinese company. It has also come to fore that the company has a huge investment in one of the IPL franchises," Secretary of Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB) Aditya Verma was quoted as saying by IANS.</p>

<p>Dream11 now doesn’t only hold the title sponsorship rights but is also partners with seven IPL teams -Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Keeping aside other sports, Dream11 has exclusively managed the Official Fantasy Game of VIVO IPL since 2019. It has also acquired Official Partner rights of BCCI’s international and domestic matches since 2019.</p>

<p>With IPL 2020 expected to break all the TV records, the exposure and profit Dream11’s investors would be getting is unprecedented. Still, the question remains, does Dream11 bagging IPL 2020 title sponsorship put the main issue to bed? Perhaps, no.</p>


IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel on Tuesday announced that fantasy gaming platform Dream11 has been awarded the title sponsorship for the much-talked-about Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19 to November 10.

IPL Governing Council Chairman Brijesh Patel on Tuesday announced that fantasy gaming platform Dream11 has been awarded the title sponsorship for the much-talked-about Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19 to November 10. While the announcement came as a sigh of relief for cricket lovers who are eagerly waiting for all backroom developments to be concluded as soon as possible so that the lucrative and arguably the best T20 tournament in the world can go ahead, the Chinese-backed Dream11 being handed the title sponsorship for IPL 2020 wasn’t digested well over social media platforms. Dream11 bagged the title sponsorship deal with a whopping INR 222 crore (around $30 million) bid racing ahead of others in contention. While the Tata group didn’t place a final bid, two edu-tech companies, BYJU's and Unacademy, in the race came second and third. The deal with Dream11 also sees the BCCI take almost 50 per cent financial hit given that the deal with Chinese mobile manufacturing giants Vivo fetched them INR 440 crore ($66m) a year. With anti-China sentiments running high in India following the border skirmish between the two countries at Galwan valley 20 Army personnel were killed in a faceoff in what was the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La, the BCCI said it will review IPL's sponsorship deals, including the one with Chinese mobile manufacturing company Vivo. The meeting never happened but months later Vivo and the BCCI mutually agreed to pause the deal for a year. The development was well received by everyone in India. However, IPL 2020’s title sponsor – Dream11 – has Chinese investment in the company by Tencent - the world's largest video game company, one of the world's most financially valuable companies. On Dream11 investors' section on their website, the company lists four organizations. Steadview - a leading India-focused investment firm, Tencent - which claims to use technology to enrich lives of internet users and is founded in Shenzen, China in 1998, Multiples - an India-focused investment advisory firm that managers Private Equity Funds and Think Investments - an investment fund headquartered in San Francisco. The only questionable investor in India’s point of view is Tencent, which is also behind massively popular video game – PUBG. However, a BCCI source told PTI that Tencent holds less than 10 per cent in Dream11, which is an Indian company founded by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth. "Dream11 stakeholders, including its founders plus all 400 plus employees, are Indian," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI. "Their Indian investors are Kalaari Capital and Multiples Equity. Even Dream11's product is available exclusively for use only by Indians. Only a single-digit percentage minority stake is held by Tencent," the official added. But it was earlier reported by many media portals that Tencent holds a majority stake in Dream11. Tencent had invested over $100 million in the Indian gaming unicorn in 2018 and naturally would be looking for profits, which they may have well received given Dream11’s stunning rise in recent years. Not only that, Dream11 fell into trouble in July, 2020 when the BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) had sought an inquiry against the company when the platform had links to a fake T20 league which was held in Punjab but was live-streamed as a match in Sri Lanka. The ACU investigations cleared that kits used by the teams in the tournament had Dream11 logo and the matches were live-streamed on FanCode – another part of Dream Sports Group. But the question remains, does bringing Dream11 solves the issue of providing exposure to Chinese companies? Was the Vivo deal pullout all about anti-China sentiments in India? Many claim that Vivo deal was put on hold as the mobile manufacturing company was unwilling to shell out INR 440 crore for a year amid COVID-19 pandemic and obviously, the social media backlash didn’t help the cause either. While Dream11 is not an out and out Chinese company unlike Vivo, the profits company will be bagging with the deal, a part of it, in all probability, will reach Tencent. "As a well-wisher of Indian sports, I wish and pray that IPL 13 is held successfully in the UAE. However, with Dream11 becoming the title sponsor of IPL, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' will be a bit shattered as Dream11 is a Chinese company. It has also come to fore that the company has a huge investment in one of the IPL franchises," Secretary of Cricket Association of Bihar (CAB) Aditya Verma was quoted as saying by IANS. Dream11 now doesn’t only hold the title sponsorship rights but is also partners with seven IPL teams -Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab. Keeping aside other sports, Dream11 has exclusively managed the Official Fantasy Game of VIVO IPL since 2019. It has also acquired Official Partner rights of BCCI’s international and domestic matches since 2019. With IPL 2020 expected to break all the TV records, the exposure and profit Dream11’s investors would be getting is unprecedented. Still, the question remains, does Dream11 bagging IPL 2020 title sponsorship put the main issue to bed? Perhaps, no.

IPL 2020: Dream11, Tencent and Chinese connection

<p>India pacer Ishant Sharma was on Tuesday named in a 29-strong list of athletes recommended for this year's Arjuna award by the sports ministry's selection committee.</p>

<p>Male recurve archer Atanu Das, women's hockey team player Deepika Thakur, kabaddi player Deepak Hooda and tennis player Divij Sharan have also been recommended for the award, an official source told PTI after the selection committee's meeting here.</p>

<p>The 31-year-old Ishant has played 97 Tests and 80 ODIs for India, grabbing over 400 international wickets.<br />
It has also been learnt that Olympic bronze-winning wrestler Sakshi Malik and former world champion weightlifter Mirabai</p>

<p>Chanu too have got the committee's nod but the final decision has been left on sports minister Kiren Rijiju as both the women are former Khel Ratna awardees.</p>

<p>While Sakshi won the Khel Ratna in 2016 for her Olympic bronze in the Rio Olympics, Mirabai was conferred with the honour in 2018 along with India captain Virat Kohli for her world championship gold medal.</p>


India pacer Ishant Sharma was on Tuesday named in a 29-strong list of athletes recommended for this year's Arjuna award by the sports ministry's selection committee.

India pacer Ishant Sharma was on Tuesday named in a 29-strong list of athletes recommended for this year's Arjuna award by the sports ministry's selection committee. Male recurve archer Atanu Das, women's hockey team player Deepika Thakur, kabaddi player Deepak Hooda and tennis player Divij Sharan have also been recommended for the award, an official source told PTI after the selection committee's meeting here. The 31-year-old Ishant has played 97 Tests and 80 ODIs for India, grabbing over 400 international wickets. It has also been learnt that Olympic bronze-winning wrestler Sakshi Malik and former world champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu too have got the committee's nod but the final decision has been left on sports minister Kiren Rijiju as both the women are former Khel Ratna awardees. While Sakshi won the Khel Ratna in 2016 for her Olympic bronze in the Rio Olympics, Mirabai was conferred with the honour in 2018 along with India captain Virat Kohli for her world championship gold medal.

Ishant Sharma among 29 recommended for Arjuna Award

<p>Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma and woman wrestler Vinesh Phogat were among five&nbsp; sportspersons recommended on Tuesday for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award 2020, India’s highest sporting honour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian women's&nbsp;hockey team captain Rani Rampal, woman table-tennis star Manika Batra and Rio Paralympic gold-winning high jumper Mariappan Thangavelu were the other three athletes recommended for the prestigious award by a 12-member selection committee of the Sports Ministry.</p>

<p>This is the first time ever where five&nbsp;athletes have been recommended for India’s highest sporting honour.</p>

<p>In 2016, star shuttler PV Sindhu, Dipa Karmakar, Jitu Rai and Sakshi Malik were collectively handed the top award.<br />
Rohit Sharma, 33, will become the fourth cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli to be conferred with the Khel Ratna. Tendulkar was the first Indian cricketer to be awarded the Khel Ratna back in 1998 followed by Dhoni in 2007 and Kohli in 2018, who jointly was awarded the top accolade with weightlifter Mirabai Chanu.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dream11-awarded-title-sponsorship-for-ipl-2020-with-a-bid-of-inr-222-crore-confirms-brijesh-patel-321448" hreflang="en">Dream11 awarded title sponsorship for IPL 2020 with a bid of INR 222 crore, confirms Brijesh Patel</a></strong></p>

<p>The 12-member selection committee comprising the likes of Virender Sehwag and former hockey skipper Sardar Singh, met at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) headquarters in New Delhi.</p>

<p>Rohit has been awarded for his sky-touching accomplishments on the cricket field. Whereas Vinesh has been rewarded for her gold medals in 2018 Commonwealth and Asian Games along with bronze in the 2019 Asian Wrestling Championships.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thangavelu, on the other hand, has been recognized for his gold medal in 2016 Rio Paralympics in the T42 high-jump event.</p>

<p>Star paddler Manika was recommended for her remarkable performance in 2018, a year during which she won the Commonwealth Games gold medal and Asian Games bronze in women's singles.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma and woman wrestler Vinesh Phogat were among five sportspersons recommended on Tuesday for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award 2020, India’s highest sporting honour.

Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma and woman wrestler Vinesh Phogat were among five sportspersons recommended on Tuesday for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award 2020, India’s highest sporting honour. Indian women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal, woman table-tennis star Manika Batra and Rio Paralympic gold-winning high jumper Mariappan Thangavelu were the other three athletes recommended for the prestigious award by a 12-member selection committee of the Sports Ministry. This is the first time ever where five athletes have been recommended for India’s highest sporting honour. In 2016, star shuttler PV Sindhu, Dipa Karmakar, Jitu Rai and Sakshi Malik were collectively handed the top award. Rohit Sharma, 33, will become the fourth cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli to be conferred with the Khel Ratna. Tendulkar was the first Indian cricketer to be awarded the Khel Ratna back in 1998 followed by Dhoni in 2007 and Kohli in 2018, who jointly was awarded the top accolade with weightlifter Mirabai Chanu. ALSO READ: Dream11 awarded title sponsorship for IPL 2020 with a bid of INR 222 crore, confirms Brijesh Patel The 12-member selection committee comprising the likes of Virender Sehwag and former hockey skipper Sardar Singh, met at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) headquarters in New Delhi. Rohit has been awarded for his sky-touching accomplishments on the cricket field. Whereas Vinesh has been rewarded for her gold medals in 2018 Commonwealth and Asian Games along with bronze in the 2019 Asian Wrestling Championships. Thangavelu, on the other hand, has been recognized for his gold medal in 2016 Rio Paralympics in the T42 high-jump event. Star paddler Manika was recommended for her remarkable performance in 2018, a year during which she won the Commonwealth Games gold medal and Asian Games bronze in women's singles.

Rohit Sharma, Vinesh Phogat among five recommended for Khel Ratna Award

<p>The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to award the title sponsorship rights of the lucrative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> to Dream11. Already a sponsor for the BCCI, Dream11 raced ahead of heavy favourites Tata Sons and edu-tech company Unacademy and BYJU’s.</p>

<p>Dream11 bagged the title sponsorship of IPL 2020 due to their financial bid despite the BCCI saying that money won’t be the only factor in the bidding process. Apparently, Dream11 submitted a bid of INR 222&nbsp;crore with Unacademy following close with INR 170 crore bid. Tatas and Byju’s had submitted a bit of INR 180 and 170 crore respectively.</p>

<p>"Fantasy sports platform Dream11 wins IPL title sponsorship rights with a bid of Rs 222 crore,"&nbsp;IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel&nbsp;told PTI.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-delhi-capitals-sign-anrich-nortje-as-chris-woakes-replacement-321427" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals sign Anrich Nortje as Chris Woakes replacement</a></strong></p>

<p>The title sponsor of IPL 2020 was left vacant after Vivo – a Chinese mobile manufacturing giant, withdrew for the year following Boycott China trend in the wake of India-China standoff at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh in June. Vivo, which signed a deal of 2000-crore plus deal for a five-year tenure (2018-2022), is a fully funded by a Chinese company.</p>

<p>An official announcement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected soon along with the schedule for IPL 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-salutes-kings-xi-punjab-and-ipl-dream-with-sheldon-cottrell-319471" hreflang="en">Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the 13th edition of IPL is set to be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10. The teams have already started to assemble and will be jetting off to the UAE after August 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the BCCI’s SOP, players and staffs have to remain inside bio-secure bubbles during the course of IPL 2020.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to award the title sponsorship rights of the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 to Dream11. Already a sponsor for the BCCI, Dream11 raced ahead of heavy favourites Tata Sons and edu-tech company Unacademy and BYJU’s.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to award the title sponsorship rights of the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 to Dream11. Already a sponsor for the BCCI, Dream11 raced ahead of heavy favourites Tata Sons and edu-tech company Unacademy and BYJU’s. Dream11 bagged the title sponsorship of IPL 2020 due to their financial bid despite the BCCI saying that money won’t be the only factor in the bidding process. Apparently, Dream11 submitted a bid of INR 222 crore with Unacademy following close with INR 170 crore bid. Tatas and Byju’s had submitted a bit of INR 180 and 170 crore respectively. "Fantasy sports platform Dream11 wins IPL title sponsorship rights with a bid of Rs 222 crore," IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel told PTI. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals sign Anrich Nortje as Chris Woakes replacement The title sponsor of IPL 2020 was left vacant after Vivo – a Chinese mobile manufacturing giant, withdrew for the year following Boycott China trend in the wake of India-China standoff at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh in June. Vivo, which signed a deal of 2000-crore plus deal for a five-year tenure (2018-2022), is a fully funded by a Chinese company. An official announcement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected soon along with the schedule for IPL 2020. ALSO READ: Exclusive - Salutes, Kings XI Punjab and IPL dream with Sheldon Cottrell Meanwhile, the 13th edition of IPL is set to be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 19 with the final scheduled on November 10. The teams have already started to assemble and will be jetting off to the UAE after August 20. As per the BCCI’s SOP, players and staffs have to remain inside bio-secure bubbles during the course of IPL 2020.

Dream11 awarded title sponsorship for IPL 2020 with a bid of INR 222 crore, confirms Brijesh Patel

<p>Australian captain Aaron Finch has expressed his concerns surrounding the mental health of cricketers as they would be playing all the upcoming series and tournaments while staying confined to bio-secure bubble amid COVID-19 pandemic. While raising his concerns, Finch said that the mental health of players will be tested over the next two years with the Australian staff working hard to prepare players for the challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finch will lead a 21-man squad for the England tour consisting three T20Is and as many ODIs starting September 4. While the T20Is will be played in Southampton, the ODI series is set to be hosted by Manchester.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Along with Finch, some of the high profile names in the Australian squad will head to the United Arab Emirates for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 before returning to Australia in a bid to prepare for India’s tour.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-delhi-capitals-sign-anrich-nortje-as-chris-woakes-replacement-321427" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals sign Anrich Nortje as Chris Woakes replacement</a></strong></p>

<p>However, players movement will be heavily restricted to curb the spread of COVID-19 and that could take a toll on the mental well-being of players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I definitely feel it’s going to be a real issue and a real factor over the next couple of years, in particular,” Finch told reporters in a video call.</p>

<p>“It’s going to be something to monitor heavily. Because it could be a few months that guys are in these bio-bubbles and being stuck in a hotel room by yourself for a couple of weeks on end - or four-five months ... that could be really tough.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/breaking-taboo-ipls-rajasthan-royals-get-sanitary-pad-sponsor-321413" hreflang="en">Breaking taboo, IPL's Rajasthan Royals get sanitary pad sponsor</a></strong></p>

<p>Finch confirmed that Australia’s sports psychologist Michael Llyod has chalked out plans for players and was talking about recongnising “when things might be a little bit off”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 33-year-old opener added that players were on notice about adhering to biosecurity protocols, a month after England paceman Jofra Archer was sanctioned for a breach during the test series against West Indies.</p>

<p>“We’ve been really strong with the guys in the last couple of weeks .... Because at the end of the day, if that falls over then we’re all out of jobs.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australian captain Aaron Finch has expressed his concerns surrounding the mental health of cricketers as they would be playing all the upcoming series and tournaments while staying confined to bio-secure bubble amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian captain Aaron Finch has expressed his concerns surrounding the mental health of cricketers as they would be playing all the upcoming series and tournaments while staying confined to bio-secure bubble amid COVID-19 pandemic. While raising his concerns, Finch said that the mental health of players will be tested over the next two years with the Australian staff working hard to prepare players for the challenges. Finch will lead a 21-man squad for the England tour consisting three T20Is and as many ODIs starting September 4. While the T20Is will be played in Southampton, the ODI series is set to be hosted by Manchester. Along with Finch, some of the high profile names in the Australian squad will head to the United Arab Emirates for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 before returning to Australia in a bid to prepare for India’s tour. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals sign Anrich Nortje as Chris Woakes replacement However, players movement will be heavily restricted to curb the spread of COVID-19 and that could take a toll on the mental well-being of players. “I definitely feel it’s going to be a real issue and a real factor over the next couple of years, in particular,” Finch told reporters in a video call. “It’s going to be something to monitor heavily. Because it could be a few months that guys are in these bio-bubbles and being stuck in a hotel room by yourself for a couple of weeks on end - or four-five months ... that could be really tough.” ALSO READ: Breaking taboo, IPL's Rajasthan Royals get sanitary pad sponsor Finch confirmed that Australia’s sports psychologist Michael Llyod has chalked out plans for players and was talking about recongnising “when things might be a little bit off”. The 33-year-old opener added that players were on notice about adhering to biosecurity protocols, a month after England paceman Jofra Archer was sanctioned for a breach during the test series against West Indies. “We’ve been really strong with the guys in the last couple of weeks .... Because at the end of the day, if that falls over then we’re all out of jobs.”

Australia's Aaron Finch raises concerns about mental health of players in 'bio-secure bubbles'

<p>The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 is all set to begin on August 18 with the final scheduled to take place on September 10. The 33-match tournament will be played in Trinidad &amp; Tobago with just two stadiums set to host the entire event. While Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba will witness 23 matches including the semi-finals and final, the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain will host 10 matches.</p>

<p>CPL 2020 will take place behind closed doors in a bio-secure environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The season opener will see last year’s runners-up – Guyana Amazon Warriors – play Trinbago Knight Riders whereas the second game will be played between defending champions Barbados Tridents and St Kitts and Nevis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Damien O’Donohoe, the CPL’s CEO, said: “This year will be a different CPL, but the standard will be higher than ever. We have seen the appetite for live sport since it has returned after a prolonged absence, and the interest in CPL will be higher than ever with it being the first franchise T20 tournament to return.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-opens-up-on-england-and-india-series-ipl-2020-injuries-and-more-316469" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020: Full Schedule</strong></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Hero CPL 2020 Fixtures announced! Read More: <a href="https://t.co/eaY4urkgKK">https://t.co/eaY4urkgKK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPL20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPL20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cricketplayedlouder?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cricketplayedlouder</a> <a href="https://t.co/LHuSp1lzYg">pic.twitter.com/LHuSp1lzYg</a></p>
— CPL T20 (@CPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPL/status/1287748127420710917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="2" data-ogsb="rgb(191, 191, 191)" nowrap="nowrap">
			<p align="center"><strong>Brian Lara Cricket Academy</strong></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Tuesday 18 August, 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Trinbago Knight Riders v Guyana Amazon Warriors</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Tuesday 18 August, 5:30pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Barbados Tridents v St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Wednesday 19 August, 10am&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Jamaica Tallawahs v St Lucia Zouks</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Wednesday 19 August, 5:30pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Thursday 20 August, 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>St Lucia Zouks v Barbados Tridents</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Thursday 20 August, 5:30pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Trinbago Knight Riders v Jamaica Tallawahs</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Saturday 22 August, 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots v St Lucia Zouks</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Saturday 22 August, 2:15pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Sunday 23 August, 10am&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Trinbago Knight Riders v Barbados Tridents&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Sunday 23 August, 2:15pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Lucia Zouks</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="2" data-ogsb="rgb(191, 191, 191)" nowrap="nowrap">
			<p align="center"><strong>Queen’s Park Oval</strong></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Tuesday 25 August, 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots v Barbados Tridents</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Tuesday 25 August, 5:30pm&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Jamaica Tallawahs v Guyana Amazon Warriors</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Wednesday 26 August 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>St Lucia Zouks v Trinbago Knight Riders</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Wednesday 26 August, 5:30pm&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Barbados Tridents v Jamaica Tallawahs&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Thursday 27 August, 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>St Lucia Zouks v St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Thursday 27 August, 5:30pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Guyana Amazon Warriors v Trinbago Knight Riders</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Saturday 29 August, 10am&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Barbados Tridents v Trinbago Knight Riders</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Saturday 29 August, 2:15pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots v Jamaica Tallawahs</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Sunday 30 August, 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Barbados Tridents v St Lucia Zouks</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Sunday 30 August, 2:15pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots v Guyana Amazon Warriors&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="2" data-ogsb="rgb(191, 191, 191)" nowrap="nowrap">
			<p align="center"><strong>Brian Lara Cricket Academy</strong></p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Tuesday 1 September, 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Jamaica Tallawahs v Trinbago Knight Riders</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Tuesday 1 September, 5:30am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Guyana Amazon Warriors v Barbados Tridents&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Wednesday 2 September, 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Trinbago Knight Riders v St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Wednesday 2 September, 5:30pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>St Lucia Zouks v Guyana Amazon Warriors</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Thursday 3 September, 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Jamaica Tallawahs v St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Thursday 3 September, 5:30pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Barbados Tridents v Guyana Amazon Warriors</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Saturday 5 September, 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Trinbago Knight Riders v St Lucia Zouks</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Saturday 5 September, 2:15pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Jamaica Tallawahs v Barbados Tridents</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Sunday 6 September, 10am</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots v Trinbago Knight Riders</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Sunday 6 September, 2:15pm</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>St Lucia Zouks v Jamaica Tallawahs</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Tuesday 8 September, TBC</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Semi final 1 (1st v 4th)</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Tuesday 8 September, TBC</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Semi final 2 (2nd vs 3rd)&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Thursday 10 September, TBC</p>
			</td>
			<td nowrap="nowrap">
			<p>Final&nbsp;</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>


The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 is all set to begin on August 18 with the final scheduled to take place on September 10. The 33-match tournament will be played in Trinidad & Tobago with just two stadiums set to host the entire event.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 is all set to begin on August 18 with the final scheduled to take place on September 10. The 33-match tournament will be played in Trinidad & Tobago with just two stadiums set to host the entire event. While Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba will witness 23 matches including the semi-finals and final, the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain will host 10 matches. CPL 2020 will take place behind closed doors in a bio-secure environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The season opener will see last year’s runners-up – Guyana Amazon Warriors – play Trinbago Knight Riders whereas the second game will be played between defending champions Barbados Tridents and St Kitts and Nevis. Damien O’Donohoe, the CPL’s CEO, said: “This year will be a different CPL, but the standard will be higher than ever. We have seen the appetite for live sport since it has returned after a prolonged absence, and the interest in CPL will be higher than ever with it being the first franchise T20 tournament to return.” ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020: Full Schedule BREAKING: Hero CPL 2020 Fixtures announced! Read More: https://t.co/eaY4urkgKK #CPL20 #cricketplayedlouder pic.twitter.com/LHuSp1lzYg — CPL T20 (@CPL) July 27, 2020 × Brian Lara Cricket Academy Tuesday 18 August, 10am Trinbago Knight Riders v Guyana Amazon Warriors Tuesday 18 August, 5:30pm Barbados Tridents v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Wednesday 19 August, 10am Jamaica Tallawahs v St Lucia Zouks Wednesday 19 August, 5:30pm Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Thursday 20 August, 10am St Lucia Zouks v Barbados Tridents Thursday 20 August, 5:30pm Trinbago Knight Riders v Jamaica Tallawahs Saturday 22 August, 10am St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v St Lucia Zouks Saturday 22 August, 2:15pm Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs Sunday 23 August, 10am Trinbago Knight Riders v Barbados Tridents Sunday 23 August, 2:15pm Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Lucia Zouks Queen’s Park Oval Tuesday 25 August, 10am St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Barbados Tridents Tuesday 25 August, 5:30pm Jamaica Tallawahs v Guyana Amazon Warriors Wednesday 26 August 10am St Lucia Zouks v Trinbago Knight Riders Wednesday 26 August, 5:30pm Barbados Tridents v Jamaica Tallawahs Thursday 27 August, 10am St Lucia Zouks v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Thursday 27 August, 5:30pm Guyana Amazon Warriors v Trinbago Knight Riders Saturday 29 August, 10am Barbados Tridents v Trinbago Knight Riders Saturday 29 August, 2:15pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Jamaica Tallawahs Sunday 30 August, 10am Barbados Tridents v St Lucia Zouks Sunday 30 August, 2:15pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Guyana Amazon Warriors Brian Lara Cricket Academy Tuesday 1 September, 10am Jamaica Tallawahs v Trinbago Knight Riders Tuesday 1 September, 5:30am Guyana Amazon Warriors v Barbados Tridents Wednesday 2 September, 10am Trinbago Knight Riders v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Wednesday 2 September, 5:30pm St Lucia Zouks v Guyana Amazon Warriors Thursday 3 September, 10am Jamaica Tallawahs v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Thursday 3 September, 5:30pm Barbados Tridents v Guyana Amazon Warriors Saturday 5 September, 10am Trinbago Knight Riders v St Lucia Zouks Saturday 5 September, 2:15pm Jamaica Tallawahs v Barbados Tridents Sunday 6 September, 10am St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Trinbago Knight Riders Sunday 6 September, 2:15pm St Lucia Zouks v Jamaica Tallawahs Tuesday 8 September, TBC Semi final 1 (1st v 4th) Tuesday 8 September, TBC Semi final 2 (2nd vs 3rd) Thursday 10 September, TBC Final

Caribbean Premier League: Full schedule, timings and venues of CPL 2020

<p>Imperfection has its own charm as Chetan Chauhan would say about that elusive Test hundred which he so richly deserved but had no regrets missing.</p>

<p>Chetendra Pratap Singh Chauhan, who breathed his last at 73 on Sunday after battling COVID-19, was a very secure man and probably someone whose biggest strength was knowing about limitations, something that he believed helped him as an administrator and politician later in life.</p>

<p>When asked how he felt getting out nine times between 80 and 97, he would laugh playfully with a cup of tea in his hands watching another one of Delhi's Ranji Trophy games at the Feroz Shah Kotla.</p>

<p>"It was destiny probably but I have seen people being more disappointed about that hundred than me. I have no regrets. I have played 40 Tests for India and was Sunil Gavaskar's opening partner," he would say proudly.</p>

<p>For a generation that didn't watch Chauhan, he was one of the first Indian international cricketers to wear a helmet which he believed helped his game.</p>

<p>A strong back-foot player, who could ride the bounce, Chauhan's finest phase was between 1977 to 1981 when he was a regular with Gavaskar at the top of the order.</p>

<p>Yet the most endearing memory for all YouTubers will be how Gavaskar called him to leave the ground in Melbourne after being unhappy with Dennis Lillee's boorish behaviour during India's famous victory.</p>

<p>Was Gavaskar out or not out sir? Journalists would often ask him and he would start laughing.</p>

<p>But during numerous interactions with him, what stood out was his reverence for his opening partner and his greatness.</p>

<p>"Sunny bahot bada batsman thaa. Tum bacchon ko koi idea nahi hain. Humse pucho. 2000 run karne mein kitne Ghode kholne pade aur uske 10 hazar run the (Sunny was a big player. Imagine how difficult it was for us to score even 2000 and he scored 10,000)," said the man, who held his own against Bob Willis, Mike Hendricks and Ian Botham at the Oval in 1979, was fantastic against Lillee, Len Pascoe and Rodney Hogg on bouncy Australian tracks.</p>

<p>He never believed in beating around the bush when he spoke about Indian cricket or for that matter Delhi cricket. The journalists, who covered Delhi cricket, loved him.</p>

<p>Not because he was available for a comment on any cricketing issue but the amazing stories he would tell.</p>

<p>"Bahot bekaar players bhi 70s aur 80s mein khel gayein hain India ke liye," he once said standing at Roshanara ground.</p>

<p>He gave a list and then said I hope no one is recording anything. "Tum sab apne bache ho," he would say smilingly.<br />
Chauhan sir, as he was called, could be incredibly funny without even trying.</p>

<p>Sample this. One journalist once asked him, "Sir, who is the worst first-class cricketer to have played Ranji Trophy in the last 50 years?"</p>

<p>There was a wide grin and then came the clincher. "Bataoonga par kahin pe quote toh nahi karogey na?" Everyone promised and he spelt out a name, a very well known administrator in later years.</p>

<p>But Chauhan wasn't just fun. He was a serious man who handled cricket in the most difficult and arguably the most corrupt state body under the aegis of BCCI -- Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA).</p>

<p>And he had a bunch of superstars to handle. Once Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag were done with their India days, it wasn't an easy job to handle the two stars but Chauhan managed that with elan.</p>

<p>There would be times when his contemporaries from Indian and Delhi cricket would rip him to shreds on DDCA matters but hardly would he lose his cool.</p>

<p>Politics and time spent in Parliament as an MP made him patient and at one level thick-skinned which is necessary for administration.</p>

<p>He had issue based public difference of opinion with Gambhir on Navdeep Saini's selection in the Delhi team and both were correct. Chauhan went by the book, Gambhir by emotions.</p>

<p>Then once he was made chairman of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, a political appointment that drew criticism and in one of the fashion pages, he was ridiculed using a picture of him in a cowboy hat and captioned "Shikari Shambhoo".</p>

<p>The next day he wasn't angry but tried to explain that his post is not about knowing fashion but clearing cheques and putting administration in order.</p>

<p>"Kya bolun, they don't even understand," he said.</p>

<p>The lasting picture of Chauhan would him clad in a track suit at 8:30 am on any chilly December morning, walking down to the pitch, talking to groundsmen, walking a few more laps, going the gym, spending an hour, before changing into formals to watch the match.</p>

<p>Kotla will miss Chetan Chauhan.</p>


Imperfection has its own charm as Chetan Chauhan would say about that elusive Test hundred which he so richly deserved but had no regrets missing. Chetendra Pratap Singh Chauhan, who breathed his last at 73 on Sunday after battling COVID-19, was a very secure man and probably someone whose biggest strength was knowing about limitations, something that he believed helped him as an administrator and politician later in life.

Imperfection has its own charm as Chetan Chauhan would say about that elusive Test hundred which he so richly deserved but had no regrets missing. Chetendra Pratap Singh Chauhan, who breathed his last at 73 on Sunday after battling COVID-19, was a very secure man and probably someone whose biggest strength was knowing about limitations, something that he believed helped him as an administrator and politician later in life. When asked how he felt getting out nine times between 80 and 97, he would laugh playfully with a cup of tea in his hands watching another one of Delhi's Ranji Trophy games at the Feroz Shah Kotla. "It was destiny probably but I have seen people being more disappointed about that hundred than me. I have no regrets. I have played 40 Tests for India and was Sunil Gavaskar's opening partner," he would say proudly. For a generation that didn't watch Chauhan, he was one of the first Indian international cricketers to wear a helmet which he believed helped his game. A strong back-foot player, who could ride the bounce, Chauhan's finest phase was between 1977 to 1981 when he was a regular with Gavaskar at the top of the order. Yet the most endearing memory for all YouTubers will be how Gavaskar called him to leave the ground in Melbourne after being unhappy with Dennis Lillee's boorish behaviour during India's famous victory. Was Gavaskar out or not out sir? Journalists would often ask him and he would start laughing. But during numerous interactions with him, what stood out was his reverence for his opening partner and his greatness. "Sunny bahot bada batsman thaa. Tum bacchon ko koi idea nahi hain. Humse pucho. 2000 run karne mein kitne Ghode kholne pade aur uske 10 hazar run the (Sunny was a big player. Imagine how difficult it was for us to score even 2000 and he scored 10,000)," said the man, who held his own against Bob Willis, Mike Hendricks and Ian Botham at the Oval in 1979, was fantastic against Lillee, Len Pascoe and Rodney Hogg on bouncy Australian tracks. He never believed in beating around the bush when he spoke about Indian cricket or for that matter Delhi cricket. The journalists, who covered Delhi cricket, loved him. Not because he was available for a comment on any cricketing issue but the amazing stories he would tell. "Bahot bekaar players bhi 70s aur 80s mein khel gayein hain India ke liye," he once said standing at Roshanara ground. He gave a list and then said I hope no one is recording anything. "Tum sab apne bache ho," he would say smilingly. Chauhan sir, as he was called, could be incredibly funny without even trying. Sample this. One journalist once asked him, "Sir, who is the worst first-class cricketer to have played Ranji Trophy in the last 50 years?" There was a wide grin and then came the clincher. "Bataoonga par kahin pe quote toh nahi karogey na?" Everyone promised and he spelt out a name, a very well known administrator in later years. But Chauhan wasn't just fun. He was a serious man who handled cricket in the most difficult and arguably the most corrupt state body under the aegis of BCCI -- Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA). And he had a bunch of superstars to handle. Once Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag were done with their India days, it wasn't an easy job to handle the two stars but Chauhan managed that with elan. There would be times when his contemporaries from Indian and Delhi cricket would rip him to shreds on DDCA matters but hardly would he lose his cool. Politics and time spent in Parliament as an MP made him patient and at one level thick-skinned which is necessary for administration. He had issue based public difference of opinion with Gambhir on Navdeep Saini's selection in the Delhi team and both were correct. Chauhan went by the book, Gambhir by emotions. Then once he was made chairman of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, a political appointment that drew criticism and in one of the fashion pages, he was ridiculed using a picture of him in a cowboy hat and captioned "Shikari Shambhoo". The next day he wasn't angry but tried to explain that his post is not about knowing fashion but clearing cheques and putting administration in order. "Kya bolun, they don't even understand," he said. The lasting picture of Chauhan would him clad in a track suit at 8:30 am on any chilly December morning, walking down to the pitch, talking to groundsmen, walking a few more laps, going the gym, spending an hour, before changing into formals to watch the match. Kotla will miss Chetan Chauhan.

Chetan Chauhan: Guts and Grit and that elusive hundred

<p>Mahendra Singh Dhoni is arguably the greatest white-ball skipper in the history of the game, former England captains Michael Vaughan and Nasser Hussain said in a tribute to the Indian who quit international cricket on Saturday.</p>

<p>Known for his unflappable demeanour, ‘Captain Cool’ Dhoni led India to World Cup titles in 2007 (Twenty20) and 2011 (ODI), besides overseeing their 2013 Champions Trophy triumph.</p>

<p>India also became the top-ranked test team under Dhoni, who ended an illustrious, trophy-laden career with an Instagram message.</p>

<p>“What an incredible international career. You could argue the greatest ever white ball captain &amp; finisher,” tweeted Vaughan.</p>

<p>Hussain also praised Dhoni’s ability to finish a game in style, best illustrated in the final of the 2011 World Cup when Dhoni sealed India’s victory with a six.</p>

<p>“A great captain, probably the best white-ball captain there has ever been,” Hussain told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>“And also a cool, calm customer under pressure; a great finisher of a game, the game wasn’t won until you got Dhoni out.”</p>

<p>Dhoni aggregated 17,000 international runs across formats and claimed more than 800 victims as wicketkeeper.</p>

<p>Spin great Shane Warne was another admirer of Dhoni’s phlegmatic brand of leadership.</p>

<p>“He had a calmness about him that was fantastic and he always got the best out of his team...” Warne told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>“His players really respected him and responded to the way Dhoni wanted to play the game.”</p>

<p>Warne also extended a public invitation to Dhoni to play next year in The Hundred, English cricket’s new short-form competition, where he has taken on the role as head coach for the London Spirit.</p>

<p>“I just wonder if I could get him down to the London Spirit next year for The Hundred,” Warne said.</p>

<p>“I might put out a call to see if he wants to play at Lord’s. I’ll find the money, MS!”</p>


Mahendra Singh Dhoni is arguably the greatest white-ball skipper in the history of the game, former England captains Michael Vaughan and Nasser Hussain said in a tribute to the Indian who quit international cricket on Saturday.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is arguably the greatest white-ball skipper in the history of the game, former England captains Michael Vaughan and Nasser Hussain said in a tribute to the Indian who quit international cricket on Saturday. Known for his unflappable demeanour, ‘Captain Cool’ Dhoni led India to World Cup titles in 2007 (Twenty20) and 2011 (ODI), besides overseeing their 2013 Champions Trophy triumph. India also became the top-ranked test team under Dhoni, who ended an illustrious, trophy-laden career with an Instagram message. “What an incredible international career. You could argue the greatest ever white ball captain & finisher,” tweeted Vaughan. Hussain also praised Dhoni’s ability to finish a game in style, best illustrated in the final of the 2011 World Cup when Dhoni sealed India’s victory with a six. “A great captain, probably the best white-ball captain there has ever been,” Hussain told Sky Sports. “And also a cool, calm customer under pressure; a great finisher of a game, the game wasn’t won until you got Dhoni out.” Dhoni aggregated 17,000 international runs across formats and claimed more than 800 victims as wicketkeeper. Spin great Shane Warne was another admirer of Dhoni’s phlegmatic brand of leadership. “He had a calmness about him that was fantastic and he always got the best out of his team...” Warne told Sky Sports. “His players really respected him and responded to the way Dhoni wanted to play the game.” Warne also extended a public invitation to Dhoni to play next year in The Hundred, English cricket’s new short-form competition, where he has taken on the role as head coach for the London Spirit. “I just wonder if I could get him down to the London Spirit next year for The Hundred,” Warne said. “I might put out a call to see if he wants to play at Lord’s. I’ll find the money, MS!”

Dhoni arguably greatest white-ball captain, say Vaughan and Hussain

<p>The crestfallen look on Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s face was beamed across the subcontinent as the then 23-year-old — his silky black mane cascading on his broad shoulders — appeared gutted after a nightmarish international debut in 2004.</p>

<p>Dhoni had fallen for a first ball duck in Chittagong, and in the cruellest of manner — run out.</p>

<p>For much of the next decade-and-half, Dhoni subjected rivals to such agonies — from behind the stumps, with the bat, and as a shrewd captain of a highly successful team.</p>

<p>Three and half months after that forgettable debut, Dhoni announced his arrival with a breath-taking 148 off 123 balls against Pakistan in Visakhapatnam.</p>

<p>He wielded the willow like a mace and his batting was less technique and more pyrotechnic.</p>

<p>He did not have the steely defence of a Rahul Dravid or the silken touch of a VVS Laxman but Dhoni made up with his muscular ingenuity.</p>

<p>He converted the yorker into a scoring opportunity with his trademark ‘helicopter shot’, a culmination of violent convulsions involving his arm, wrists and torso.</p>

<p>Dhoni wrote his own keeping manual too, barely moving hands sideways before gathering the ball and rather thrusting them down to pull off electric stumpings.</p>

<p>His biggest legacy, however, would be as India’s ‘Captain Cool’ who was also one of one-day cricket’s greatest finishers.</p>

<p>Dhoni is the only captain to win all ICC trophies — T20 World Cup in 2007, 50-overs World Cup in 2011 and Champions Trophy in 2013. Under him, India also became the top ranked test nation in 2009.</p>

<p>And he led a cricket-mad nation of 1.3 billion with ice in his veins.</p>

<p>“It’s almost as if he doesn’t have them; a performance-enhancing gift from birth,” India’s former mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton wrote about Dhoni’s control over emotion in his memoir.</p>

<h3>INSPIRING DECISION</h3>

<p>Dhoni’s penchant for taking inspiring decisions was best illustrated in the tense final of the 2007 World Cup, when he famously asked an unheralded Joginder Sharma to bowl the final over in a tactical masterstroke against Pakistan.</p>

<p>He also transformed himself into a formidable ‘finisher’, securing India’s 2011 World Cup victory by hitting a six in the final against Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>Age, however, appeared to catch up with him in the World Cup in England last year.</p>

<p>He struggled to time the ball even against mediocre attacks and failed to provide the late assault that he once routinely delivered.</p>

<p>Those wild, flowing tresses that was once a rage among the youths in rural India, have now been replaced by greying sideburns.</p>

<p>An enigma throughout his career, Dhoni quit test cricket in the middle of India’s 2014 series in Australia.</p>

<p>On Saturday, he again shocked an unsuspecting nation, announcing his exit from international cricket with a cryptic Instagram message.</p>

<p>His fairytale rise from India’s cricketing backwaters of Jharkhand sounds like a storyline straight out of a Bollywood script. In reality, it’s the other way round.</p>

<p>Known for his fondness for bikes and military fatigue, Dhoni’s stellar career inspired a 2016 biopic “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story” which was a roaring box office success.</p>

<p>Such has been his influence that successor Virat Kohli still considers Dhoni his captain.</p>

<p>“The world has seen achievements, I’ve seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you,” Kohli said on Twitter on Saturday.</p>


The crestfallen look on Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s face was beamed across the subcontinent as the then 23-year-old — his silky black mane cascading on his broad shoulders — appeared gutted after a nightmarish international debut in 2004.

The crestfallen look on Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s face was beamed across the subcontinent as the then 23-year-old — his silky black mane cascading on his broad shoulders — appeared gutted after a nightmarish international debut in 2004. Dhoni had fallen for a first ball duck in Chittagong, and in the cruellest of manner — run out. For much of the next decade-and-half, Dhoni subjected rivals to such agonies — from behind the stumps, with the bat, and as a shrewd captain of a highly successful team. Three and half months after that forgettable debut, Dhoni announced his arrival with a breath-taking 148 off 123 balls against Pakistan in Visakhapatnam. He wielded the willow like a mace and his batting was less technique and more pyrotechnic. He did not have the steely defence of a Rahul Dravid or the silken touch of a VVS Laxman but Dhoni made up with his muscular ingenuity. He converted the yorker into a scoring opportunity with his trademark ‘helicopter shot’, a culmination of violent convulsions involving his arm, wrists and torso. Dhoni wrote his own keeping manual too, barely moving hands sideways before gathering the ball and rather thrusting them down to pull off electric stumpings. His biggest legacy, however, would be as India’s ‘Captain Cool’ who was also one of one-day cricket’s greatest finishers. Dhoni is the only captain to win all ICC trophies — T20 World Cup in 2007, 50-overs World Cup in 2011 and Champions Trophy in 2013. Under him, India also became the top ranked test nation in 2009. And he led a cricket-mad nation of 1.3 billion with ice in his veins. “It’s almost as if he doesn’t have them; a performance-enhancing gift from birth,” India’s former mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton wrote about Dhoni’s control over emotion in his memoir. INSPIRING DECISION Dhoni’s penchant for taking inspiring decisions was best illustrated in the tense final of the 2007 World Cup, when he famously asked an unheralded Joginder Sharma to bowl the final over in a tactical masterstroke against Pakistan. He also transformed himself into a formidable ‘finisher’, securing India’s 2011 World Cup victory by hitting a six in the final against Sri Lanka. Age, however, appeared to catch up with him in the World Cup in England last year. He struggled to time the ball even against mediocre attacks and failed to provide the late assault that he once routinely delivered. Those wild, flowing tresses that was once a rage among the youths in rural India, have now been replaced by greying sideburns. An enigma throughout his career, Dhoni quit test cricket in the middle of India’s 2014 series in Australia. On Saturday, he again shocked an unsuspecting nation, announcing his exit from international cricket with a cryptic Instagram message. His fairytale rise from India’s cricketing backwaters of Jharkhand sounds like a storyline straight out of a Bollywood script. In reality, it’s the other way round. Known for his fondness for bikes and military fatigue, Dhoni’s stellar career inspired a 2016 biopic “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story” which was a roaring box office success. Such has been his influence that successor Virat Kohli still considers Dhoni his captain. “The world has seen achievements, I’ve seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you,” Kohli said on Twitter on Saturday.

Hinterland to centrestage, Dhoni ends journey with enigma intact

<p>Manchester United defender Harry Maguire insisted the "best side lost" after the English giants were beaten 2-1 by Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals on Sunday.</p>

<p>"The boys are devastated. We created numerous chances. The best team lost. They punished us for missing chances. They didn't make many chances to be honest," Maguire told broadcaster BT Sport.</p>

<p>Bruno Fernandes's early penalty was cancelled out by Suso's strike for five-time winners Sevilla.</p>

<p>But United made and wasted almost all the big chances after the break as Bono produced a string of stunning saves until substitute Luuk De Jong turned home a Jesus Navas cross 12 minutes from time.</p>

<p>"We worked our socks off and deserved to win and get through. We fell short in a semi-final for the third time this year," added Maguire.</p>

<p>"Losing is not acceptable. Getting to semi-finals isn't acceptable. We have to take it to the next step."</p>

<p>The defeat means United are now without a trophy in three seasons while Sevilla go on to face either Inter Milan or Shakhtar Donetsk in the final.</p>

<p>"We want to win silverware as soon as possible," added Maguire.</p>

<p>"Tonight we turned up and the best team lost. Perhaps that bit of inexperience cost us - we shouldn't have conceded that second goal."</p>


Manchester United defender Harry Maguire insisted the "best side lost" after the English giants were beaten 2-1 by Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals on Sunday.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire insisted the "best side lost" after the English giants were beaten 2-1 by Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals on Sunday. "The boys are devastated. We created numerous chances. The best team lost. They punished us for missing chances. They didn't make many chances to be honest," Maguire told broadcaster BT Sport. Bruno Fernandes's early penalty was cancelled out by Suso's strike for five-time winners Sevilla. But United made and wasted almost all the big chances after the break as Bono produced a string of stunning saves until substitute Luuk De Jong turned home a Jesus Navas cross 12 minutes from time. "We worked our socks off and deserved to win and get through. We fell short in a semi-final for the third time this year," added Maguire. "Losing is not acceptable. Getting to semi-finals isn't acceptable. We have to take it to the next step." The defeat means United are now without a trophy in three seasons while Sevilla go on to face either Inter Milan or Shakhtar Donetsk in the final. "We want to win silverware as soon as possible," added Maguire. "Tonight we turned up and the best team lost. Perhaps that bit of inexperience cost us - we shouldn't have conceded that second goal."

'Best team lost': United's Maguire devastated by Europa League exit

<p>Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas has been ruled out their Champions League semi-final with Leipzig, the French side said on Sunday.</p>

<p>Costa Rica's Navas left the field in the dramatic last-eight win over Atalanta with a muscular issue and will miss Tuesday's meeting against the German outfit.</p>

<p>Spain's Sergio Rico, who has played just nine games this season, is set to start in Lisbon after having replaced three-time Champions League winner Navas against the Italians.</p>

<p>Midfielder Idrissa Gueye is a doubt for the club's first top-tier semi-final since 1995 but Marco Veratti, Thiago Silva and Layvin Kurzawa took part in training despite suffering various problems.</p>

<p>Ander Herrera, Leandro Paredes and Marquinhos are coach Thomas Tuchel's options to take the Senegal international's place.</p>


Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas has been ruled out their Champions League semi-final with Leipzig, the French side said on Sunday. Costa Rica's Navas left the field in the dramatic last-eight win over Atalanta with a muscular issue and will miss Tuesday's meeting against the German outfit.

Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas has been ruled out their Champions League semi-final with Leipzig, the French side said on Sunday. Costa Rica's Navas left the field in the dramatic last-eight win over Atalanta with a muscular issue and will miss Tuesday's meeting against the German outfit. Spain's Sergio Rico, who has played just nine games this season, is set to start in Lisbon after having replaced three-time Champions League winner Navas against the Italians. Midfielder Idrissa Gueye is a doubt for the club's first top-tier semi-final since 1995 but Marco Veratti, Thiago Silva and Layvin Kurzawa took part in training despite suffering various problems. Ander Herrera, Leandro Paredes and Marquinhos are coach Thomas Tuchel's options to take the Senegal international's place.

PSG's Navas out of Leipzig Champions League semi-final

<p>Manchester United crashed out of the Europa League semi-finals with a 2-1 defeat by the competition’s record five-time winners Sevilla after palpable frailties throughout the season came back to haunt them at crunch time.</p>

<p>Poor finishing coupled with sloppy defending, which cost United points in the early stages of the Premier League, put them to the sword in a match which they dominated after Bruno Fernandes gave them a ninth-minute lead.</p>

<p>United’s cracks were succinctly summed up by their former trophy-laden central defender Rio Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League during the club’s golden era under Alex Ferguson.</p>

<p>“You don’t take ya chances you get punished. You don’t defend well you get punished. No need for insight tonight,” Ferdinand tweeted after United were condemned to their third semi-final exit of the season, following the FA Cup and the League Cup.</p>

<p>Ferdinand’s present day peer Harry Maguire, bought last year from Leicester City for 80 million pounds to shore up United’s leaky defence, told BT Sport: “We conceded from two crosses which is not good enough.</p>

<p>“Losing is not acceptable. Getting to semi-finals isn’t acceptable. We have to take it to the next step.”</p>

<p>A pair of innocuous-looking crosses from either flank led to Sevilla’s goals as United’s defenders, positioned like statues in their area, allowed the ball to travel across the face of goal to the scorers.</p>

<p>Suso swept in the equaliser and Luuk De Jong was given all the time and space in the world to slot home the winner after Victor Lindelof switched off.</p>

<p>Fernandes and Lindelof almost came to blows after De Jong’s goal, which summed up a miserable evening for United, who missed numerous gilt-edged chances at the other end.</p>

<p>Sevilla’s Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bono kept out a string of sitters but Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and, in particular, Anthony Martial will rue not putting away chances when United were on top.</p>

<p>“We played a great game and created a lot of chances but in football it’s not enough - we missed a lot in front of goal,” conceded Fernandes.</p>


Manchester United crashed out of the Europa League semi-finals with a 2-1 defeat by the competition’s record five-time winners Sevilla after palpable frailties throughout the season came back to haunt them at crunch time.

Manchester United crashed out of the Europa League semi-finals with a 2-1 defeat by the competition’s record five-time winners Sevilla after palpable frailties throughout the season came back to haunt them at crunch time. Poor finishing coupled with sloppy defending, which cost United points in the early stages of the Premier League, put them to the sword in a match which they dominated after Bruno Fernandes gave them a ninth-minute lead. United’s cracks were succinctly summed up by their former trophy-laden central defender Rio Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League during the club’s golden era under Alex Ferguson. “You don’t take ya chances you get punished. You don’t defend well you get punished. No need for insight tonight,” Ferdinand tweeted after United were condemned to their third semi-final exit of the season, following the FA Cup and the League Cup. Ferdinand’s present day peer Harry Maguire, bought last year from Leicester City for 80 million pounds to shore up United’s leaky defence, told BT Sport: “We conceded from two crosses which is not good enough. “Losing is not acceptable. Getting to semi-finals isn’t acceptable. We have to take it to the next step.” A pair of innocuous-looking crosses from either flank led to Sevilla’s goals as United’s defenders, positioned like statues in their area, allowed the ball to travel across the face of goal to the scorers. Suso swept in the equaliser and Luuk De Jong was given all the time and space in the world to slot home the winner after Victor Lindelof switched off. Fernandes and Lindelof almost came to blows after De Jong’s goal, which summed up a miserable evening for United, who missed numerous gilt-edged chances at the other end. Sevilla’s Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bono kept out a string of sitters but Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and, in particular, Anthony Martial will rue not putting away chances when United were on top. “We played a great game and created a lot of chances but in football it’s not enough - we missed a lot in front of goal,” conceded Fernandes.

Manchester United punished as old frailties at both ends return

<p>Inter and Shakhtar Donetsk are set to lock horns in the UEFA Europa League semi-final at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Germany with all eyes on the summit clash where the winner of the match will be facing Spanish club Sevilla.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Inter and Shakhtar have had a dream run in the Europa League and just a couple of steps away from the coveted trophy. Inter have lost just one of their last 16 competitive matches and head into tie as firm favourites. Moreover, they are yet to concede a goal in Europa League since the restart.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Shakhtar, time and time again, have proved their resilience and their last two goals in the Europa League have come after the 85-minute mark. Nonetheless, the match promises to be a cracker of a contest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-commission-statue-to-honour-departing-club-legend-david-silva-321291" hreflang="en">Manchester City commission statue to honour departing club legend David Silva</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>When will the Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match begin?</strong></h2>

<p>The Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match will begin at 12:30 AM IST on August 18.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Where will the Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match be played?</h2>

<p>The Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match match will be held at Merkur Spiel-Arena, Germany.</p>

<h2>Which channel will telecast the Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match?</h2>

<p>The Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match will have a live telecast on Ten 1/HD and Ten 2/HD.</p>

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match?</h2>

<p>The live streaming of Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match will be available on Sony’s streaming platform. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Inter and Shakhtar Donetsk are set to lock horns in the UEFA Europa League semi-final at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Germany with all eyes on the summit clash where the winner of the match will be facing Spanish club Sevilla.

Inter and Shakhtar Donetsk are set to lock horns in the UEFA Europa League semi-final at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Germany with all eyes on the summit clash where the winner of the match will be facing Spanish club Sevilla. Both Inter and Shakhtar have had a dream run in the Europa League and just a couple of steps away from the coveted trophy. Inter have lost just one of their last 16 competitive matches and head into tie as firm favourites. Moreover, they are yet to concede a goal in Europa League since the restart. However, Shakhtar, time and time again, have proved their resilience and their last two goals in the Europa League have come after the 85-minute mark. Nonetheless, the match promises to be a cracker of a contest. ALSO READ: Manchester City commission statue to honour departing club legend David Silva When will the Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match begin? The Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match will begin at 12:30 AM IST on August 18. Where will the Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match be played? The Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match match will be held at Merkur Spiel-Arena, Germany. Which channel will telecast the Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match? The Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match will have a live telecast on Ten 1/HD and Ten 2/HD. How to watch the live streaming of Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match? The live streaming of Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, UEFA Europa League match will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

Inter vs Shakhtar Donetsk, Europa League Live Streaming: When and where to watch INT vs SHA

<p>Manchester City Football Club on Monday revealed that they will honour David Silva with the commissioning of a statue to be located at the Etihad Stadium. A training pitch with bespoke mosaic will also be dedicated to him at the City Football Academy.</p>

<p>The news comes as Silva, widely considered one of the club’s greatest ever players, called time on his City career after Saturday’s defeat to Lyon, after ten exceptional seasons. Silva himself was privately informed of the plans by Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak following his final Premier League game against Norwich in July.</p>

<p>Having last year announced a similar plan to celebrate the contribution made by Vincent Kompany, the Club will unveil Silva’s lasting tribute following that of the former Belgian captain, the creation of which is currently underway. Both sculptures will be unveiled in 2021.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vincent-kompany-retires-as-football-player-to-manage-anderlecht-full-time-321220" hreflang="en">Vincent Kompany retires as football player, to manage Anderlecht full time</a></strong></p>

<p>The bespoke mosaic for the City Football Academy pitch has already been completed and immortalises David’s remarkable contribution to the 6-1 defeat of arch-rivals United in 2011. He will receive a duplicate mosaic for his own home.</p>

<p>The pitch dedication will take place at the earliest opportunity within Government Safety Guidelines and David’s ability to travel to Manchester.</p>

<p>A World Cup winner and twice European champion with his native Spain, Silva, known affectionately as El Mago, played an integral role in the most transformative period in City’s history. In 436 appearances, he won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and three Community Shields as City positioned themselves as a leading club in the global game.</p>

<p>Reflecting on Silva’s time at the club Manchester City Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said: “David Silva is a transformational player; a quiet leader who has acted quietly and deliberately and inspired everyone around him, from the youngest academy player to his senior team-mates over the past ten years. He has put a stamp on the team, on this Club, its history and even the Premier League as a whole.</p>

<p>"In doing so he has been instrumental to the beautiful football philosophy you see today. He was the start of it. As with Vincent before him, David’s statue will act as a lasting reminder of the wonderful moments that he gave us, not only as an incredible footballer, but as an inspiring ambassador who represented this Football Club with great dignity at all times.”</p>

<p>Upon making his 436th appearance for the club against Lyon on Saturday, David joined the top 10 list of all-time Manchester City appearance makers. He sits joint 10th with Willie Donachie and is the first player to be added to the list since Paul Power 34 years ago.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Manchester City Football Club on Monday revealed that they will honour David Silva with the commissioning of a statue to be located at the Etihad Stadium. A training pitch with bespoke mosaic will also be dedicated to him at the City Football Academy.

Manchester City Football Club on Monday revealed that they will honour David Silva with the commissioning of a statue to be located at the Etihad Stadium. A training pitch with bespoke mosaic will also be dedicated to him at the City Football Academy. The news comes as Silva, widely considered one of the club’s greatest ever players, called time on his City career after Saturday’s defeat to Lyon, after ten exceptional seasons. Silva himself was privately informed of the plans by Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak following his final Premier League game against Norwich in July. Having last year announced a similar plan to celebrate the contribution made by Vincent Kompany, the Club will unveil Silva’s lasting tribute following that of the former Belgian captain, the creation of which is currently underway. Both sculptures will be unveiled in 2021. ALSO READ: Vincent Kompany retires as football player, to manage Anderlecht full time The bespoke mosaic for the City Football Academy pitch has already been completed and immortalises David’s remarkable contribution to the 6-1 defeat of arch-rivals United in 2011. He will receive a duplicate mosaic for his own home. The pitch dedication will take place at the earliest opportunity within Government Safety Guidelines and David’s ability to travel to Manchester. A World Cup winner and twice European champion with his native Spain, Silva, known affectionately as El Mago, played an integral role in the most transformative period in City’s history. In 436 appearances, he won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and three Community Shields as City positioned themselves as a leading club in the global game. Reflecting on Silva’s time at the club Manchester City Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said: “David Silva is a transformational player; a quiet leader who has acted quietly and deliberately and inspired everyone around him, from the youngest academy player to his senior team-mates over the past ten years. He has put a stamp on the team, on this Club, its history and even the Premier League as a whole. "In doing so he has been instrumental to the beautiful football philosophy you see today. He was the start of it. As with Vincent before him, David’s statue will act as a lasting reminder of the wonderful moments that he gave us, not only as an incredible footballer, but as an inspiring ambassador who represented this Football Club with great dignity at all times.” Upon making his 436th appearance for the club against Lyon on Saturday, David joined the top 10 list of all-time Manchester City appearance makers. He sits joint 10th with Willie Donachie and is the first player to be added to the list since Paul Power 34 years ago.

Manchester City commission statue to honour departing club legend David Silva

<p>Wimbledon champion Simona Halep on Monday confirmed that she will skip the much-awaited US Open 2020 as she said that she is putting her health first and prefers to stay in Europe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The world no. 2 joins the growing list of top players to pull out of US Open citing health concerns as she joins the likes of Ashleigh Barty, Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“After weighing up all the factors involved and with the exceptional circumstances in which we are living, I have decided that I will not travel to New York to play the (at)usopen,” Halep wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I always said I would put my health at the heart of my decision and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/defending-champion-bianca-andreescu-latest-star-to-pull-out-of-us-open-2020-320532" hreflang="en">Defending champion Bianca Andreescu latest star to pull out of US Open 2020</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">2/2<br />
<br />
and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe. I know the <a href="https://twitter.com/usta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usta</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament 🙏</p>
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep/status/1295329751054376962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Six of the top eight women in the WTA rankings won’t be seen participating in New York – a huge blow for the Grand Slam tournament. Other women players who won’t play are Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens and Belinda Bencic.</p>

<p>“I know the (at)usta and (at)WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament,” Halep wrote.</p>

<p>The U.S. Open is scheduled to start at Flushing Meadows on Aug. 31.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sister-act-serena-beats-venus-to-reach-lexington-quarter-final-320415" hreflang="en">Sister Act: Serena beats Venus to reach Lexington quarter-final</a></strong></p>

<p>Nadal has also pulled out of the tournament with Roger Federer unavailable due to knee injury whereas Novak Djokovic has confirmed his availability for the US Open. Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 US Open champion has also pulled out along with Gael Monfils.</p>


Wimbledon champion Simona Halep on Monday confirmed that she will skip the much-awaited US Open 2020 as she said that she is putting her health first and prefers to stay in Europe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wimbledon champion Simona Halep on Monday confirmed that she will skip the much-awaited US Open 2020 as she said that she is putting her health first and prefers to stay in Europe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The world no. 2 joins the growing list of top players to pull out of US Open citing health concerns as she joins the likes of Ashleigh Barty, Rafael Nadal, Bianca Andreescu, Nick Kyrgios among others. “After weighing up all the factors involved and with the exceptional circumstances in which we are living, I have decided that I will not travel to New York to play the (at)usopen,” Halep wrote on Twitter. “I always said I would put my health at the heart of my decision and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe.” ALSO READ: Defending champion Bianca Andreescu latest star to pull out of US Open 2020 2/2 and I therefore prefer to stay and train in Europe. I know the @usta and @WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament 🙏 — Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) August 17, 2020 × Six of the top eight women in the WTA rankings won’t be seen participating in New York – a huge blow for the Grand Slam tournament. Other women players who won’t play are Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens and Belinda Bencic. “I know the (at)usta and (at)WTA have worked tirelessly to put on a safe event and I wish everyone there a successful tournament,” Halep wrote. The U.S. Open is scheduled to start at Flushing Meadows on Aug. 31. ALSO READ: Sister Act: Serena beats Venus to reach Lexington quarter-final Nadal has also pulled out of the tournament with Roger Federer unavailable due to knee injury whereas Novak Djokovic has confirmed his availability for the US Open. Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 US Open champion has also pulled out along with Gael Monfils.

Simona Halep pulls out of US Open 2020, says 'would put my health at the heart of my decision'

Barcelona's new manager: Here's the list of top targets to succeed Quique Setien

<p>Belgian international defender Vincent Kompany on Monday announced his retirement at the age of 34 to become manager of Anderlecht on a four-year contract. The veteran joined Belgian club Angerlecht from Manchester City in 2019 as player-manager but opted out of his role as the club boss after a sluggish start.</p>

<p>However, he will now take over the duties from Franky Vercauteren, who had been handling coaching duties.</p>

<p>Kompany announced that he wants to fully commit to his role as head coach and hence, he is hanging up his boots as a football player.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇧🇪 One of Belgium's all-time greats bids farewell 👋<br />
<br />
🥉 <a href="https://twitter.com/VincentKompany?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VincentKompany</a>, who helped <a href="https://twitter.com/BelRedDevils?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BelRedDevils</a> to their best-ever <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> finish in 2018, has hung up his boots 😢<br />
<br />
👏 Congratulations on a superb playing career, Vincent, and good luck for the future with <a href="https://twitter.com/rscanderlecht?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rscanderlecht</a> 💜 <a href="https://t.co/mx28lDTRKo">pic.twitter.com/mx28lDTRKo</a></p>
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1295296491901407232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I want to fully commit to my role as a coach and need 100% of my time and focus for it. That’s why I’m quitting as a football player," said Kompany, who enjoyed a trophy-laden 11-year spell in England with Man City.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-set-to-sack-quique-setien-after-bayern-munich-humiliation-321144" hreflang="en">Barcelona set to sack Quique Setien after Bayern Munich humiliation</a></strong></p>

<p>"Our ambition and our hunger remains the same. I want to stay with the club for at least four seasons and prove that Anderlecht can play a modern style of football, with results."</p>

<p>Kompany’s first match in charge as a full-time manager will come on Sunday with the Belgian club set to take on Mouscron.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There won't be another like him! 💪<br />
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Best of luck on your retirement from football, <a href="https://twitter.com/VincentKompany?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VincentKompany</a> 💙<br />
<br />
🔵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManCity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManCity</a> | <a href="https://t.co/axa0klD5re">https://t.co/axa0klD5re</a> <a href="https://t.co/rWzgnli4ih">pic.twitter.com/rWzgnli4ih</a></p>
— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1295299588132413440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>As a defender and captain at Mna City, Kompany lifted four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups and is hailed as one of the greatest and most influential players at City ever.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/best-team-lost-uniteds-maguire-devastated-by-europa-league-exit-321106" hreflang="en">'Best team lost': United's Maguire devastated by Europa League exit</a></strong></p>

<p>Kompany made his international debut at the age of 17 and went on to play 89 times for Belgium, notably leading them to third in FIFA World Cup 2018.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Belgian international defender Vincent Kompany on Monday announced his retirement at the age of 34 to become manager of Anderlecht on a four-year contract. The veteran joined Belgian club Angerlecht from Manchester City in 2019 as player-manager but opted out of his role as the club boss after a sluggish start.

Belgian international defender Vincent Kompany on Monday announced his retirement at the age of 34 to become manager of Anderlecht on a four-year contract. The veteran joined Belgian club Angerlecht from Manchester City in 2019 as player-manager but opted out of his role as the club boss after a sluggish start. However, he will now take over the duties from Franky Vercauteren, who had been handling coaching duties. Kompany announced that he wants to fully commit to his role as head coach and hence, he is hanging up his boots as a football player. 🇧🇪 One of Belgium's all-time greats bids farewell 👋 🥉 @VincentKompany, who helped @BelRedDevils to their best-ever #WorldCup finish in 2018, has hung up his boots 😢 👏 Congratulations on a superb playing career, Vincent, and good luck for the future with @rscanderlecht 💜 pic.twitter.com/mx28lDTRKo — FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) August 17, 2020 × "I want to fully commit to my role as a coach and need 100% of my time and focus for it. That’s why I’m quitting as a football player," said Kompany, who enjoyed a trophy-laden 11-year spell in England with Man City. ALSO READ: Barcelona set to sack Quique Setien after Bayern Munich humiliation "Our ambition and our hunger remains the same. I want to stay with the club for at least four seasons and prove that Anderlecht can play a modern style of football, with results." Kompany’s first match in charge as a full-time manager will come on Sunday with the Belgian club set to take on Mouscron. There won't be another like him! 💪 Best of luck on your retirement from football, @VincentKompany 💙 🔵 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/rWzgnli4ih — Manchester City (@ManCity) August 17, 2020 × As a defender and captain at Mna City, Kompany lifted four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups and is hailed as one of the greatest and most influential players at City ever. ALSO READ: 'Best team lost': United's Maguire devastated by Europa League exit Kompany made his international debut at the age of 17 and went on to play 89 times for Belgium, notably leading them to third in FIFA World Cup 2018.

Vincent Kompany retires as football player, to manage Anderlecht full time

<p>Former president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – N Srinivasan – has revealed how he chipped in to save MS Dhoni from getting removed as the captain of Indian team in 2011/12. Srinivasan’s latest revelations come in after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-320826">Dhoni announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on August 15, 2020</a> after enjoying a trophy-laded career spanning over 16 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Dhoni has spectacularly led India to World Cup win in 2011, Team India’s performance in Test cricket left the selectors unimpressed and they decided to sack Dhoni as captain after whitewashes in Test series in England and Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Srinivasan chipped in and returned from his holiday to save the swashbuckling glovesman as the skipper of Indian team. Srinivasan was left stunned to hear that the selectors were thinking of removing him as ODI captain despite India lifting the World Cup in April 2011.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-and-i-hugged-and-cried-a-lot-after-announcing-retirement-suresh-raina-321124" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni and I hugged and cried a lot after announcing retirement: Suresh Raina</a></strong></p>

<p>“This was 2011. India had won the World Cup. And (then) in Australia, we didn’t do well in the Tests. So, one of the selectors wanted to remove him (Dhoni) as the ODI captain. The point is, how do you remove him as the ODI captain? He had won the World Cup (in April 2011)," Srinivasan told Indian Express.</p>

<p>"They (selectors) had not even thought of who would be his replacement. There was a discussion and then (before the formal meeting) I said there was no way in which he would not be a player (captain).</p>

<p>"In fact, it was a holiday. I was playing golf. I came back. Sanjay Jagdale was the (BCCI) secretary at that time and he said, 'Sir, they (selectors]) are refusing to choose the captain. They will take him [Dhoni] in the team [as a player].' I came and said that MS Dhoni would be the captain. I exercised all my authority as the (BCCI) president," he added.</p>

<p>Reflecting back at the decision, Srinivasan said he was glad he stood his ground. As per old constitution of the BCCI, team selectors needed a final approval from the board president. However, after Lodha reforms, the chief selector holds the right to give the final nod in selection matters.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-retires-sachin-tendulkar-recalls-best-moment-of-his-life-while-playing-with-msd-320837" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni retires: Sachin Tendulkar recalls best moment of his life while playing with MSD</a></strong></p>

<p>“See, there was apparently some prejudice somewhere, which reflected. He (Dhoni) has won the World Cup for you. After 1983, India won it again and you say, ‘I don’t want him to be the ODI captain’! Left to them (selectors), they might have (dropped him as a player). I don’t know. I think that was the most unfair (move) and I am glad that I stood my ground,” Srinivasan said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Dhoni will continue to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings and will be seen in action from September 19.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Former president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – N Srinivasan – has revealed how he chipped in to save MS Dhoni from getting removed as the captain of Indian team in 2011/12.

Former president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) – N Srinivasan – has revealed how he chipped in to save MS Dhoni from getting removed as the captain of Indian team in 2011/12. Srinivasan’s latest revelations come in after Dhoni announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on August 15, 2020 after enjoying a trophy-laded career spanning over 16 years. While Dhoni has spectacularly led India to World Cup win in 2011, Team India’s performance in Test cricket left the selectors unimpressed and they decided to sack Dhoni as captain after whitewashes in Test series in England and Australia. However, Srinivasan chipped in and returned from his holiday to save the swashbuckling glovesman as the skipper of Indian team. Srinivasan was left stunned to hear that the selectors were thinking of removing him as ODI captain despite India lifting the World Cup in April 2011. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni and I hugged and cried a lot after announcing retirement: Suresh Raina “This was 2011. India had won the World Cup. And (then) in Australia, we didn’t do well in the Tests. So, one of the selectors wanted to remove him (Dhoni) as the ODI captain. The point is, how do you remove him as the ODI captain? He had won the World Cup (in April 2011)," Srinivasan told Indian Express. "They (selectors) had not even thought of who would be his replacement. There was a discussion and then (before the formal meeting) I said there was no way in which he would not be a player (captain). "In fact, it was a holiday. I was playing golf. I came back. Sanjay Jagdale was the (BCCI) secretary at that time and he said, 'Sir, they (selectors]) are refusing to choose the captain. They will take him [Dhoni] in the team [as a player].' I came and said that MS Dhoni would be the captain. I exercised all my authority as the (BCCI) president," he added. Reflecting back at the decision, Srinivasan said he was glad he stood his ground. As per old constitution of the BCCI, team selectors needed a final approval from the board president. However, after Lodha reforms, the chief selector holds the right to give the final nod in selection matters. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni retires: Sachin Tendulkar recalls best moment of his life while playing with MSD “See, there was apparently some prejudice somewhere, which reflected. He (Dhoni) has won the World Cup for you. After 1983, India won it again and you say, ‘I don’t want him to be the ODI captain’! Left to them (selectors), they might have (dropped him as a player). I don’t know. I think that was the most unfair (move) and I am glad that I stood my ground,” Srinivasan said. Meanwhile, Dhoni will continue to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings and will be seen in action from September 19.

How N Srinivasan stopped selectors from sacking MS Dhoni as captain

<p>Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton won in Spain for the fourth year in a row on Sunday to celebrate a record 156th podium finish and stretch his already commanding lead to 37 points.</p>

<p>The victory from pole position on a sweltering afternoon at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, in a race without spectators due to the pandemic, was the 88th of the Mercedes driver’s career, and one of the more straightforward.</p>

<p>The six-times champion lapped all but the top three in a race that offered few thrills other than for fans of tyre management.</p>

<p>“I was in a different zone — I didn’t even realise it was the last lap,” said Hamilton, who described the race as one of his best in terms of how he drove.</p>

<p>“I was just in a daze out there...I was ready to keep going,” he added, speaking of how he felt completely at one with the car.</p>

<p>Hamilton is now just three wins short of Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s unmatched 91, and the podium ended another of the German’s records that he had shared with the Briton since last Sunday at Silverstone.</p>

<p>Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Hamilton’s closest challenger after six races and winner a week ago of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, finished runner-up but a massive 24.177 seconds behind.</p>

<p>Valtteri Bottas was third for Mercedes, having taken the fastest lap after a late stop for fresh tyres, in another big setback for the Finn.</p>

<p>Verstappen has now beaten Bottas in the last four races and been second to Hamilton in three of them. Hamilton has 132 points to Verstappen’s 95, with Bottas falling further behind on 89.</p>

<p>“The weakness for Valtteri today was the start. He caught up to Max but he couldn’t overtake as the soft tyres didn’t work as expected,” commented Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.</p>

<h3>WARNING FLAGS</h3>

<p>Verstappen had lined up third on the grid but grabbed second at the start as Bottas was squeezed on both sides and dropped to fourth, taking back third place four laps later.</p>

<p>Canadian Lance Stroll took fourth place for Racing Point with Mexican team mate Sergio Perez ahead of him at the finish, on a one-stop strategy, but with a five-second penalty for ignoring blue warning flags.</p>

<p>Stroll had seized third at the start with an impressive surge past his team mate, who was returning from two weeks in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.</p>

<p>“I saw a gap on the inside went for it, and it really set me up,” said the Canadian, whose team were again protested by Renault afterwards as at the previous four races. Stewards applied a reprimand, as before.</p>

<p>Racing Point have already been docked 15 points and fined 400,000 euros for a breach of the sporting regulations with a car that is a close copy of last year’s Mercedes but Renault are appealing for a heavier punishment.</p>

<p>Spaniard Carlos Sainz was sixth for McLaren and Sebastian Vettel seventh for Ferrari, after doing close to 40 laps on one set of soft tyres, with Red Bull’s Alexander Albon eighth for Red Bull.</p>

<p>AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly was ninth and Lando Norris took the final point for McLaren.</p>

<p>Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was the sole retirement of the afternoon, having spun off after an engine cut-out due to an electrical problem, possibly caused by a kerb.</p>

<p>The Monegasque got the car started again but headed straight to the pits and retired from last place.</p>


Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton won in Spain for the fourth year in a row on Sunday to celebrate a record 156th podium finish and stretch his already commanding lead to 37 points.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton won in Spain for the fourth year in a row on Sunday to celebrate a record 156th podium finish and stretch his already commanding lead to 37 points. The victory from pole position on a sweltering afternoon at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, in a race without spectators due to the pandemic, was the 88th of the Mercedes driver’s career, and one of the more straightforward. The six-times champion lapped all but the top three in a race that offered few thrills other than for fans of tyre management. “I was in a different zone — I didn’t even realise it was the last lap,” said Hamilton, who described the race as one of his best in terms of how he drove. “I was just in a daze out there...I was ready to keep going,” he added, speaking of how he felt completely at one with the car. Hamilton is now just three wins short of Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s unmatched 91, and the podium ended another of the German’s records that he had shared with the Briton since last Sunday at Silverstone. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Hamilton’s closest challenger after six races and winner a week ago of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, finished runner-up but a massive 24.177 seconds behind. Valtteri Bottas was third for Mercedes, having taken the fastest lap after a late stop for fresh tyres, in another big setback for the Finn. Verstappen has now beaten Bottas in the last four races and been second to Hamilton in three of them. Hamilton has 132 points to Verstappen’s 95, with Bottas falling further behind on 89. “The weakness for Valtteri today was the start. He caught up to Max but he couldn’t overtake as the soft tyres didn’t work as expected,” commented Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. WARNING FLAGS Verstappen had lined up third on the grid but grabbed second at the start as Bottas was squeezed on both sides and dropped to fourth, taking back third place four laps later. Canadian Lance Stroll took fourth place for Racing Point with Mexican team mate Sergio Perez ahead of him at the finish, on a one-stop strategy, but with a five-second penalty for ignoring blue warning flags. Stroll had seized third at the start with an impressive surge past his team mate, who was returning from two weeks in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. “I saw a gap on the inside went for it, and it really set me up,” said the Canadian, whose team were again protested by Renault afterwards as at the previous four races. Stewards applied a reprimand, as before. Racing Point have already been docked 15 points and fined 400,000 euros for a breach of the sporting regulations with a car that is a close copy of last year’s Mercedes but Renault are appealing for a heavier punishment. Spaniard Carlos Sainz was sixth for McLaren and Sebastian Vettel seventh for Ferrari, after doing close to 40 laps on one set of soft tyres, with Red Bull’s Alexander Albon eighth for Red Bull. AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly was ninth and Lando Norris took the final point for McLaren. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was the sole retirement of the afternoon, having spun off after an engine cut-out due to an electrical problem, possibly caused by a kerb. The Monegasque got the car started again but headed straight to the pits and retired from last place.

Dazed Hamilton takes dominant win in the Spanish heat

<p>Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has confirmed that manager Quique Setien will be sacked following Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">UEFA Champions League</a> quarter-final at Lisbon, Portugal. With Lionel Messi reportedly ready to leave the Spanish club, Barcelona board has taken the first step to keep the Argentine in the club, by sacking Setien.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was the first time since 1992 that Barcelona had conceded more than five goals in Champions League and the worst defeat of Messi’s trophy-laden career. Messi was even pictured sitting alone with dropped shoulders in the Barcelona dressing room following the drubbing against the German giants.</p>

<p>An emergency meeting was called with Bartomeu confirming to COPE on Sunday night that “Setien is out”. While there has been no official announcement from Barcelona yet, it is inevitable that the club will have a new manager soon.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psgs-navas-out-of-leipzig-champions-league-semi-final-321105" hreflang="en">PSG's Navas out of Leipzig Champions League semi-final</a></strong></p>

<p>As per reports, Mauricio Pochettino, Ronald Koeman and Xavi are among the top candidates to take over at the Camp Nou. &nbsp;</p>

<p>While there are still question marks over Pochettino due to his past links with rivals Espanyol, Koeman has emerged has favourites to be Setien’s successor.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atleticos-new-era-brings-familiar-failings-as-simeone-doubts-return-320533" hreflang="en">Atletico's new era brings familiar failings as Simeone doubts return</a></strong></p>

<p>Not only Champions League but Barcelona lost out the La Liga title to Real Madrid despite leading the points table at one point in time during the 2019-20 season. However, sluggish performances and underwhelming results allowed Real Madrid to topple the Catalunya club and lift the coveted trophy.</p>

<p>However, the Champions League humiliation to Bayern Munich was the final nail in the coffin for Barcelona and Setien, who is now set to his job. For Barcelona, the rebuilding must start now.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has confirmed that manager Quique Setien will be sacked following Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final at Lisbon, Portugal.

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has confirmed that manager Quique Setien will be sacked following Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final at Lisbon, Portugal. With Lionel Messi reportedly ready to leave the Spanish club, Barcelona board has taken the first step to keep the Argentine in the club, by sacking Setien. It was the first time since 1992 that Barcelona had conceded more than five goals in Champions League and the worst defeat of Messi’s trophy-laden career. Messi was even pictured sitting alone with dropped shoulders in the Barcelona dressing room following the drubbing against the German giants. An emergency meeting was called with Bartomeu confirming to COPE on Sunday night that “Setien is out”. While there has been no official announcement from Barcelona yet, it is inevitable that the club will have a new manager soon. ALSO READ: PSG's Navas out of Leipzig Champions League semi-final As per reports, Mauricio Pochettino, Ronald Koeman and Xavi are among the top candidates to take over at the Camp Nou. While there are still question marks over Pochettino due to his past links with rivals Espanyol, Koeman has emerged has favourites to be Setien’s successor. ALSO READ: Atletico's new era brings familiar failings as Simeone doubts return Not only Champions League but Barcelona lost out the La Liga title to Real Madrid despite leading the points table at one point in time during the 2019-20 season. However, sluggish performances and underwhelming results allowed Real Madrid to topple the Catalunya club and lift the coveted trophy. However, the Champions League humiliation to Bayern Munich was the final nail in the coffin for Barcelona and Setien, who is now set to his job. For Barcelona, the rebuilding must start now.

Barcelona set to sack Quique Setien after Bayern Munich humiliation

<p>Both MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina on Saturday announced their retirement from all forms of international cricket – a decision that came as a massive surprise to the cricket fraternity. While it was Dhoni, who called it quits from the gentlemen’s game first, Raina – one of Dhoni’s most trusted personnel – followed the footsteps of the former Indian captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raina has now revealed what went through behind the scenes before and after the duo hanged their boots from international cricket. Interestingly, Raina and Dhoni have not shared just the Indian dressing room but has been a part of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings for long.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Raina said that he knew Dhoni would announce his retirement after reaching Chennai and hence, he was ready with his call as well. The southpaw further revealed that after announcing retirement, they both hugged and cried a lot and partied in the night.</p>

<p>“I knew Dhoni would announce his retirement upon reaching Chennai, so I was ready. I, Piyush Chawla, Deepak Chahar and Karn Sharma reached Ranchi on 14th with the chartered plane, and picked up Mahi bhai and Monu Singh,” Raina told Dainik Jagran.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/witty-classy-cool-relive-some-of-the-best-quotes-from-ms-dhoni-320847">Witty, classy, cool: Relive some of the best quotes from MS Dhoni</a></strong></p>

<p>“After announcing our retirement, we hugged and cried a lot. I, Piyush, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav and Karn sat together after that, talked about our careers and our relationship. We partied during the night,” Raina added.</p>

<p>The former Indian cricketer said that they both had decided to announce their retirement on August 15 as it was 73 years since India attained Independence. Notably, Dhoni’s jersey was 7 while Raina donned no. three and the duo decided it was a good occasion to call it quits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired," Dhoni posted on Instagram.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hinterland-to-centrestage-dhoni-ends-journey-with-enigma-intact-321107" hreflang="en">Hinterland to centrestage, Dhoni ends journey with enigma intact</a></strong></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CD6ZQn1lGBi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2020-08-15T14:01:53+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 15, 2020 at 7:01am PDT</time></p>
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<p>"It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!" tweeted Raina.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6d3QChY-V/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sureshraina3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Suresh Raina</a> (@sureshraina3) on <time datetime="2020-08-15T14:36:33+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 15, 2020 at 7:36am PDT</time></p>
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<p>The duo won’t be seen in Indian jersey anymore but will continue to entertain cricket lovers in IPL.&nbsp;<br />
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Both MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina on Saturday announced their retirement from all forms of international cricket – a decision that came as a massive surprise to the cricket fraternity.

Both MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina on Saturday announced their retirement from all forms of international cricket – a decision that came as a massive surprise to the cricket fraternity. While it was Dhoni, who called it quits from the gentlemen’s game first, Raina – one of Dhoni’s most trusted personnel – followed the footsteps of the former Indian captain. Raina has now revealed what went through behind the scenes before and after the duo hanged their boots from international cricket. Interestingly, Raina and Dhoni have not shared just the Indian dressing room but has been a part of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings for long. Raina said that he knew Dhoni would announce his retirement after reaching Chennai and hence, he was ready with his call as well. The southpaw further revealed that after announcing retirement, they both hugged and cried a lot and partied in the night. “I knew Dhoni would announce his retirement upon reaching Chennai, so I was ready. I, Piyush Chawla, Deepak Chahar and Karn Sharma reached Ranchi on 14th with the chartered plane, and picked up Mahi bhai and Monu Singh,” Raina told Dainik Jagran. IN PICS | Witty, classy, cool: Relive some of the best quotes from MS Dhoni “After announcing our retirement, we hugged and cried a lot. I, Piyush, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav and Karn sat together after that, talked about our careers and our relationship. We partied during the night,” Raina added. The former Indian cricketer said that they both had decided to announce their retirement on August 15 as it was 73 years since India attained Independence. Notably, Dhoni’s jersey was 7 while Raina donned no. three and the duo decided it was a good occasion to call it quits. "Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired," Dhoni posted on Instagram. ALSO READ: Hinterland to centrestage, Dhoni ends journey with enigma intact View this post on Instagram Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Aug 15, 2020 at 7:01am PDT × "It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!" tweeted Raina. View this post on Instagram It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on Aug 15, 2020 at 7:36am PDT × The duo won’t be seen in Indian jersey anymore but will continue to entertain cricket lovers in IPL.

MS Dhoni and I hugged and cried a lot after announcing retirement: Suresh Raina

<p>MS Dhoni on Saturday (15 August 2020) hanged his boots from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to photo-blogging platform Instagram to post an emotional video as he bid adieu to international cricket in what can be termed as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting the sport. A legendary character in world cricket, Dhoni is regarded as one of the finest captains and wicket-keepers to have played international cricket. Reactions started to flood in as soon as Dhoni's post on Instagram went viral in seconds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Every cricketer has to end his journey one day, but still when someone you've gotten to know so closely announces that decision, you feel the emotion much more. What you've done for the country will always remain in everyone's heart......but the mutual respect and warmth I've received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I've seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you @msdhoni," Kohli tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">but the mutual respect and warmth I've received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I've seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you 👏🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a></p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1294662979095470090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The legend retires in his own style as always, @msdhoni bhai you have given it all for the country. The champions trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious @ChennaiIPL triumphs will always be etched in my memory. Good luck for all your future endeavours. #MSDhoni," wrote Ravichandran Ashwin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-320826" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The legend retires in his own style as always, <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> bhai you have given it all for the country. The champions trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiIPL</a> triumphs will always be etched in my memory. Good luck for all your future endeavours. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a></p>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1294645155182645249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's true, isn't it? 💔😢<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhoniRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhoniRetires</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> | 📸 - ICC <a href="https://t.co/rxboYxIv0I">pic.twitter.com/rxboYxIv0I</a></p>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1294646240282476545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Always Carefree...never careless. Understood the importance of ‘moments’ but never got overawed by them. Redefined wicket keeping....mastered the art of finishing. An end of an era. MSD, one of the finest the world has seen. Or will ever see. Go well 🙌🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a></p>
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1294644790726819841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After 538 appearances, 17266 runs, 16 x 💯, 108 half-centuries, and 829 electric⚡dismissals from behind the stumps, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> bids goodbye to international <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cricket</a><br />
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Thank you, পুরো দেশ তোমায় ভালবাসে 🚁🇮🇳💜<br />
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We still meeting at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> though! 😎🙌🏼<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhoniRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhoniRetires</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThankYouDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThankYouDhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/GxRKl70yez">pic.twitter.com/GxRKl70yez</a></p>
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1294645847389437952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> on an incredible career. T20, ODI WC 🏆 winning captain and took India to No 1 Test team in the world. A man who grafted hard to get to the top and proceeded to keep us on the edge of our seats. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a></p>
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) <a href="https://twitter.com/isaguha/status/1294644344692113408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhoni, who has stayed away from media limelight,&nbsp;played his last match for Team India in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 and his retirement will be remembered as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting international cricket.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mahendra Singh Dhoni retires from international cricket. The story of cricket will never be complete without him. Video tribute coming up shortly. What a legend! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhoniRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhoniRetires</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mahendrasinghdhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mahendrasinghdhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/iFdFdHulRX">pic.twitter.com/iFdFdHulRX</a></p>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1294654480286392320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not an azaadi cricket lovers wanted from.<br />
Thank you for the innumerable memories together and wish you a great and equally inspiring life ahead. <a href="https://t.co/WtT0Xd3A8H">https://t.co/WtT0Xd3A8H</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1294650981699866627?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our captain cool retires from International cricket today, bringing an era to an end. Undoubtedly the champion of champions and an incredible human being. You will be missed <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> bhaiya. Thank you for all the memories. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a></p>
— Rahul Chahar (@rdchahar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/rdchahar1/status/1294646709201469440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So sorry to hear that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/msdhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#msdhoni</a> retired half an hour ago. A true giant of the game, India's finest wicketkeeper-batsman &amp; a transformative captain, he left a stamp on Indian cricket that defined an era. March on, Dhoniji. There will be other peaks to climb. <a href="https://t.co/Y4r8FBCO92">https://t.co/Y4r8FBCO92</a></p>
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1294646477726167041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Legend retires !!!<br />
The man who made history !!<br />
One of the best captain in world cricket !<br />
The best keeper in world !!!<br />
What an epic career and class records !!!<br />
Bow !<br />
15.08.2020 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSDhoni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSDhoni</a> <a href="https://t.co/NuLoFOe86Y">pic.twitter.com/NuLoFOe86Y</a></p>
— Aju Varghese (@AjuVarghesee) <a href="https://twitter.com/AjuVarghesee/status/1294646442305507329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhoni scored 4876 runs in Test cricket (90 matches) at an average of 38.09 with six centuries and 33 half-centuries but it was the shorter formats of the game where the world witnessed the best of his talent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 350 ODIs, Dhoni smashed 10,773 runs at an incredible average of 50.57 with 10 tons and 73 half-centuries to his name. In 98 T20Is, he hammered 1617 runs at a strike-rate of 126.13 in what has been a dream ride for Dhoni and Team India.</p>


MS Dhoni on Saturday (15 August 2020) hanged his boots from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to photo-blogging platform Instagram to post an emotional video as he bid adieu to international cricket in what can be termed as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting the sport.

MS Dhoni on Saturday (15 August 2020) hanged his boots from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to photo-blogging platform Instagram to post an emotional video as he bid adieu to international cricket in what can be termed as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting the sport. A legendary character in world cricket, Dhoni is regarded as one of the finest captains and wicket-keepers to have played international cricket. Reactions started to flood in as soon as Dhoni's post on Instagram went viral in seconds. "Every cricketer has to end his journey one day, but still when someone you've gotten to know so closely announces that decision, you feel the emotion much more. What you've done for the country will always remain in everyone's heart......but the mutual respect and warmth I've received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I've seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you @msdhoni," Kohli tweeted. but the mutual respect and warmth I've received from you will always stay in mine. The world has seen achievements, I've seen the person. Thanks for everything skip. I tip my hat to you 👏🇮🇳 @msdhoni — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 15, 2020 × "The legend retires in his own style as always, @msdhoni bhai you have given it all for the country. The champions trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious @ChennaiIPL triumphs will always be etched in my memory. Good luck for all your future endeavours. #MSDhoni," wrote Ravichandran Ashwin. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket The legend retires in his own style as always, @msdhoni bhai you have given it all for the country. The champions trophy triumph, 2011 World Cup and the glorious @ChennaiIPL triumphs will always be etched in my memory. Good luck for all your future endeavours. #MSDhoni — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 15, 2020 × It's true, isn't it? 💔😢#DhoniRetires | #MSDhoni | 📸 - ICC pic.twitter.com/rxboYxIv0I — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 15, 2020 × Always Carefree...never careless. Understood the importance of ‘moments’ but never got overawed by them. Redefined wicket keeping....mastered the art of finishing. An end of an era. MSD, one of the finest the world has seen. Or will ever see. Go well 🙌🙏 #MSDhoni — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 15, 2020 × After 538 appearances, 17266 runs, 16 x 💯, 108 half-centuries, and 829 electric⚡dismissals from behind the stumps, #MSDhoni bids goodbye to international #cricket Thank you, পুরো দেশ তোমায় ভালবাসে 🚁🇮🇳💜 We still meeting at #IPL2020 though! 😎🙌🏼#DhoniRetires #ThankYouDhoni pic.twitter.com/GxRKl70yez — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 15, 2020 × Congratulations @msdhoni on an incredible career. T20, ODI WC 🏆 winning captain and took India to No 1 Test team in the world. A man who grafted hard to get to the top and proceeded to keep us on the edge of our seats. #MSDhoni — Isa Guha (@isaguha) August 15, 2020 × Dhoni, who has stayed away from media limelight, played his last match for Team India in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 and his retirement will be remembered as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting international cricket. Mahendra Singh Dhoni retires from international cricket. The story of cricket will never be complete without him. Video tribute coming up shortly. What a legend! #DhoniRetires #mahendrasinghdhoni pic.twitter.com/iFdFdHulRX — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 15, 2020 × Not an azaadi cricket lovers wanted from. Thank you for the innumerable memories together and wish you a great and equally inspiring life ahead. https://t.co/WtT0Xd3A8H — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 15, 2020 × Our captain cool retires from International cricket today, bringing an era to an end. Undoubtedly the champion of champions and an incredible human being. You will be missed @msdhoni bhaiya. Thank you for all the memories. #MSDhoni — Rahul Chahar (@rdchahar1) August 15, 2020 × So sorry to hear that #msdhoni retired half an hour ago. A true giant of the game, India's finest wicketkeeper-batsman & a transformative captain, he left a stamp on Indian cricket that defined an era. March on, Dhoniji. There will be other peaks to climb. https://t.co/Y4r8FBCO92 — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 15, 2020 × Legend retires !!! The man who made history !! One of the best captain in world cricket ! The best keeper in world !!! What an epic career and class records !!! Bow ! 15.08.2020 #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/NuLoFOe86Y — Aju Varghese (@AjuVarghesee) August 15, 2020 × Dhoni scored 4876 runs in Test cricket (90 matches) at an average of 38.09 with six centuries and 33 half-centuries but it was the shorter formats of the game where the world witnessed the best of his talent. In 350 ODIs, Dhoni smashed 10,773 runs at an incredible average of 50.57 with 10 tons and 73 half-centuries to his name. In 98 T20Is, he hammered 1617 runs at a strike-rate of 126.13 in what has been a dream ride for Dhoni and Team India.

'Thank you MS Dhoni' - Reactions flood in as MSD announces retirement from international cricket

Witty, classy, cool: Relive some of the best quotes from MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni announces retirement! Check out some of his coolest records

<p>MS Dhoni on Saturday (August 15 2020) dropped a massive surprise as ‘Captain Cool’ announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to micro-blogging platform Instagram to call it quits from international cricket. While reactions flooded in from all corners of the world, there was a special congratulatory message from ‘God of Cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tendulkar, who fulfilled his dream of winning the World Cup, took to Twitter as he thanked Dhoni for his immense contribution to Indian cricket while recalling that lifting the ICC World Cup 2011 was the best moment of his life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings,” Tendulkar tweeted soon after Dhoni announced his retirement on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thank-you-ms-dhoni-reactions-flood-in-as-msd-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-320827" hreflang="en">'Thank you MS Dhoni' - Reactions flood in as MSD announces retirement from international cricket</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a>. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings. <a href="https://t.co/5lRYyPFXcp">pic.twitter.com/5lRYyPFXcp</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1294649330092003329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was under Dhoni’s leadership in which India lifted the World T20 in 2007 and ICC World Cup 2011. While Tendulkar was not part of the World T20 side, the Master Blaster lifted the coveted trophy in front of his home crowd at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-320828" hreflang="en">Suresh Raina announces retirement from international cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>Dhoni led his troops with uttermost composure and even promoted himself ahead of an in-form Yuvraj Singh in the final of the 2011 World Cup to negate the threat posed by Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. Dhoni ended up with an unbeaten 97 in the summit clash against the Lankans while finishing the match with a mammoth six over long-on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni’s contribution to Indian cricket will forever be remembered as he is the sole captain to lift all the major ICC trophies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former Indian cricketer will continue to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) and will be seen in action from September 19 in the 13th edition of the tournament.&nbsp;<br />
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MS Dhoni on Saturday (August 15 2020) dropped a massive surprise as ‘Captain Cool’ announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to micro-blogging platform Instagram to call it quits from international cricket.

MS Dhoni on Saturday (August 15 2020) dropped a massive surprise as ‘Captain Cool’ announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to micro-blogging platform Instagram to call it quits from international cricket. While reactions flooded in from all corners of the world, there was a special congratulatory message from ‘God of Cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar, who fulfilled his dream of winning the World Cup, took to Twitter as he thanked Dhoni for his immense contribution to Indian cricket while recalling that lifting the ICC World Cup 2011 was the best moment of his life. “Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings,” Tendulkar tweeted soon after Dhoni announced his retirement on Instagram. ALSO READ: 'Thank you MS Dhoni' - Reactions flood in as MSD announces retirement from international cricket Your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense, @msdhoni. Winning the 2011 World Cup together has been the best moment of my life. Wishing you and your family all the very best for your 2nd innings. pic.twitter.com/5lRYyPFXcp — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 15, 2020 × It was under Dhoni’s leadership in which India lifted the World T20 in 2007 and ICC World Cup 2011. While Tendulkar was not part of the World T20 side, the Master Blaster lifted the coveted trophy in front of his home crowd at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. ALSO READ: Suresh Raina announces retirement from international cricket Dhoni led his troops with uttermost composure and even promoted himself ahead of an in-form Yuvraj Singh in the final of the 2011 World Cup to negate the threat posed by Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. Dhoni ended up with an unbeaten 97 in the summit clash against the Lankans while finishing the match with a mammoth six over long-on. Dhoni’s contribution to Indian cricket will forever be remembered as he is the sole captain to lift all the major ICC trophies. The former Indian cricketer will continue to play for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) and will be seen in action from September 19 in the 13th edition of the tournament.

MS Dhoni retires: Sachin Tendulkar recalls best moment of his life while playing with MSD

<p>Suresh Raina on Saturday (August 15 2020) announced his retirement from international cricket moments after MS Dhoni hanged his boots. Raina took to social media platform Instagram to post a message for Dhoni on his retirement as he also announced that he will be joining his Chennai Super Kings skipper in this journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!," Raina wrote on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6d3QChY-V/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sureshraina3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Suresh Raina</a> (@sureshraina3) on <time datetime="2020-08-15T14:36:33+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 15, 2020 at 7:36am PDT</time></p>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket-320826" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket</a></strong></p>

<p>Raina has been an exemplary servant of the game for Team India as he established himself as one of the potent middle-order batsmen and one of the finest fielders to have played for the Men in Blue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 226 ODIs, Raina compiled 5616 runs at an average of 35.31 with five centuries and 36 half-centuries to his name.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In T20Is, the southpaw played 78 matches while scoring 1605 runs with one ton and five centuries as he remains one of the few to have notched a century in all formats of the game.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And today marks the completion of '73' years of Indian Independence. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DhoniRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DhoniRetires</a> 💔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RainaRetires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RainaRetires</a> 💔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhistlePodu</a> 🦁🦁</p>
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiIPL/status/1294650738535067650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Raina last played for India&nbsp;on July 17, 2018 against England in the Leeds ODI. Over the course of his career, Dhoni used him as a part-time off-spinner but steadily Raina became a handy wicket-taker off-spinner for the Men in Blue. While he has tried his best to make a comeback to international cricket, national selectors seemed to have moved forward to the next generation. Injuries also didn't help his case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Like Dhoni, Raina will also continue to take the field for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League and will be seen playing for the three-time IPL winners in the 13th edition of the tournament starting September 19 in the UAE.</p>

<p><b>More to follow...</b></p>


Suresh Raina on Saturday (August 15 2020) announced his retirement from international cricket moments after MS Dhoni hanged his boots. Raina took to social media platform Instagram to post a message for Dhoni on his retirement as he also announced that he will be joining his Chennai Super Kings skipper in this journey.

Suresh Raina on Saturday (August 15 2020) announced his retirement from international cricket moments after MS Dhoni hanged his boots. Raina took to social media platform Instagram to post a message for Dhoni on his retirement as he also announced that he will be joining his Chennai Super Kings skipper in this journey. "It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind!," Raina wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram It was nothing but lovely playing with you, @mahi7781 . With my heart full of pride, I choose to join you in this journey. Thank you India. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 A post shared by Suresh Raina (@sureshraina3) on Aug 15, 2020 at 7:36am PDT × ALSO READ: MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket Raina has been an exemplary servant of the game for Team India as he established himself as one of the potent middle-order batsmen and one of the finest fielders to have played for the Men in Blue. In 226 ODIs, Raina compiled 5616 runs at an average of 35.31 with five centuries and 36 half-centuries to his name. In T20Is, the southpaw played 78 matches while scoring 1605 runs with one ton and five centuries as he remains one of the few to have notched a century in all formats of the game. And today marks the completion of '73' years of Indian Independence. #DhoniRetires 💔 #RainaRetires 💔 #WhistlePodu 🦁🦁 — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) August 15, 2020 × Raina last played for India on July 17, 2018 against England in the Leeds ODI. Over the course of his career, Dhoni used him as a part-time off-spinner but steadily Raina became a handy wicket-taker off-spinner for the Men in Blue. While he has tried his best to make a comeback to international cricket, national selectors seemed to have moved forward to the next generation. Injuries also didn't help his case. Like Dhoni, Raina will also continue to take the field for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League and will be seen playing for the three-time IPL winners in the 13th edition of the tournament starting September 19 in the UAE. More to follow...

Suresh Raina announces retirement from international cricket

<p>Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni on Saturday, August 15 2020, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to social media platform Instagram to post an emotional video with photographs from his journey with the Indian team while leaving a heartfelt caption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support thorughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as retired" - Dhoni captioned the video on his Instagram handle.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CD6ZQn1lGBi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2020-08-15T14:01:53+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 15, 2020 at 7:01am PDT</time></p>
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<p>It is truly an end of an era in Indian cricket as the only skipper who won all the major ICC trophies hangs his boot from international cricket. It was under Dhoni's leadership when India ended their long wait for World Cup since winning it last in 1983 and lifted the coveted trophy in 2011 at the iconic Wankhede. Under Dhoni, India also won the World T20 in 2007 where he led a young team to win the tournament against all odds.</p>

<p>Dhoni's stay with Team India will always be remembered for his calm captaincy as he earned the term 'captain cool'. While he finished uncountable matches for the Men in Blue with his incredible hitting in the death overs, his tendancy to take the game deep earned his plaudits from all corners of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhoni scored 4876 runs in Test cricket (90 matches) at an average of 38.09 with six centuries and 33 half-centuries but it was the shorter formats of the game where the world witnessed the best of his talent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 350 ODIs, Dhoni smashed 10,773 runs at an incredible average of 50.57 with 10 tons and 73 half-centuries to his name. In 98 T20Is, he hammered 1617 runs at a strike-rate of 126.13 in what has been a dream ride for Dhoni and Team India.</p>

<p>Dhoni, who has stayed away from media limelight,&nbsp;played his last match for Team India in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 and his retirement will be remembered as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting international cricket. However, he will continue to don the yellow jersey for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League.&nbsp;</p>


Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni on Saturday, August 15 2020, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to social media platform Instagram to post an emotional video with photographs from his journey with the Indian team while leaving a heartfelt caption.

Former Indian skipper MS Dhoni on Saturday, August 15 2020, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. Dhoni took to social media platform Instagram to post an emotional video with photographs from his journey with the Indian team while leaving a heartfelt caption. "Thanks. Thanks a lot for ur love and support thorughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as retired" - Dhoni captioned the video on his Instagram handle. View this post on Instagram Thanks a lot for ur love and support throughout.from 1929 hrs consider me as Retired A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Aug 15, 2020 at 7:01am PDT × It is truly an end of an era in Indian cricket as the only skipper who won all the major ICC trophies hangs his boot from international cricket. It was under Dhoni's leadership when India ended their long wait for World Cup since winning it last in 1983 and lifted the coveted trophy in 2011 at the iconic Wankhede. Under Dhoni, India also won the World T20 in 2007 where he led a young team to win the tournament against all odds. Dhoni's stay with Team India will always be remembered for his calm captaincy as he earned the term 'captain cool'. While he finished uncountable matches for the Men in Blue with his incredible hitting in the death overs, his tendancy to take the game deep earned his plaudits from all corners of the world. Dhoni scored 4876 runs in Test cricket (90 matches) at an average of 38.09 with six centuries and 33 half-centuries but it was the shorter formats of the game where the world witnessed the best of his talent. In 350 ODIs, Dhoni smashed 10,773 runs at an incredible average of 50.57 with 10 tons and 73 half-centuries to his name. In 98 T20Is, he hammered 1617 runs at a strike-rate of 126.13 in what has been a dream ride for Dhoni and Team India. Dhoni, who has stayed away from media limelight, played his last match for Team India in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 and his retirement will be remembered as the most Dhoni-esque way of quitting international cricket. However, he will continue to don the yellow jersey for Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League.

MS Dhoni announces retirement from international cricket

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