Football Halted Across the Cific Agreements in Each Country Ees Cannot Reach Agreement and Document

TENNIS | Page 4 CRICKET | Page 5 Legends’ chase Bangalore for final glory burdened by title put on pause pressure, says by coronavirus captain Kohli

Monday, April 6, 2020 NBA Sha’ban 13, 1441 AH Kobe embraces us GULF TIMES again as he heads to Hall of Fame SPORT Page 3

FOCUS FIFA draws up guidelines to tackle pay-cut complaints

Reuters tries, such as Germany and Spain, The internal paper notes that cial impact of Covid-19 on clubs”. ary amendment and the net in- a proposal was being made to the surance coverage is maintained, Manchester, United Kingdom players have accepted temporary such decisions will inevitably Crucially, the document states come of the employee after that Council, and “we cannot pre- and adequate alternative income reductions in earnings. reflect national law and spe- that where clubs and employ- amendment, FIFA writes in the empt that decision”. support arrangements can be With football halted across the cific agreements in each country ees cannot reach agreement and document. The coronavirus working group found for employees during the IFA is getting ready to globe, however, FIFA is aware but says it is keen to avoid large where “national law does not ad- FIFA will also take into account is composed of representatives period in question.” deal with complaints and that it may well have to deal with discrepancies between similar dress the situation or collective whether the decision applies to from across the game including The group agreed that transfer appeals over wage cuts a series of different agreements leagues and clubs. It also urges agreements are not applicable”, the entire squad or only specific the FIFA administration, confed- windows should be adjusted to for players, producing and possible complaints, and its clubs, leagues and players to unilateral decisions to change employees, and whether the club erations, national federations, the reflect the changed dates of sea- F sons, with priority given to teams guidelines for clubs and football guidelines urge any cuts to be reach “appropriate collective contracts “will only be recog- attempted in good faith to reach European Club Association (ECA), bodies looking to cut costs dur- “proportionate”. agreements”. nised when they are otherwise a mutual agreement with its em- players union FIFPRO and the finishing the current season with ing the stoppage caused by the FIFA’s Coronavirus working The guiding principles behind deemed reasonable” by FIFA’s ployees. World Leagues Forum. their existing squad. coronavirus pandemic, an inter- group met last week and agreed on such deals should be to “guarantee Dispute Resolutions Chamber or The FIFA document summa- The group also offered an al- FIFA has also ruled that nal document seen by Reuters a wide range of issues, summarised some form of salary payment to Players Status Committee. rising the working group’s views ternative approach in which “all planned new restrictions on loan showed. in the document, including that players and coaches, avoid litiga- A “reasonable” contractual will be submitted to the Bureau agreements between clubs and deals will not come into effect The issue of pay cuts for players player contracts due to run out in tion, protect contractual stability, change will take into account of the FIFA Council for approval. employees should be ‘suspended’ until the end of the current pe- has exploded as a major controver- June should be extended to the end and ensure clubs do not go bank- the economic situation of a club, A FIFA spokesman said it was during any suspension of com- riod of uncertainty surrounding sy in England while in other coun- of any resumed season. rupt, while considering the finan- the proportionality of any sal- not in a position to comment as petitions provided proper in- the game due to the pandemic.

COMMENT SPOTLIGHT Man City says will not ask government Handling of Premier to pay staff

Reuters London, United Kingdom

League pay row ‘a anchester City will not seek to use the government job re- Mtention scheme and furlough staff during the shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Premier League disgrace’: Rooney club has told its employees. Several clubs, including Pre- mier League leaders Liverpool ‘... it is now a no-win situation. Whatever way you look at it, we’re easy targets’ and Tottenham Hotspur, have drawn fire for taking advantage agree to 30 percent pay cuts due AFP of the government’s scheme to the season being suspended. London, United Kingdom which pays 80 percent of the The players union’s apparent wages of staff furloughed by reluctance to endorse wage cuts their companies due to the global has led to accusations of “infight- ayne Rooney has health crisis. ing” from Oliver Dowden, Britain’s criticised the gov- City, owned by Sheikh Man- Secretary of State for Digital, Cul- ernment and the sour’s Abu Dhabi United Group, ture, Media and Sport. WPremier League for are the first Premier League club With the issue of players’ wag- placing footballers in a “no-win to state that they will not be goes during the shutdown rum- situation” over proposed pay ing down that route. bling on across Europe and Eng- cuts after players were urged to Employees were sent e-mails land’s rich top-flight clubs being make sacrifices during the coro- this weekend reassuring them closely scrutinised, Liverpool’s navirus crisis. that their jobs would be pro- announcement that it will fur- The former England captain, tected. lough many employees is looking now playing with Champion- “We can confirm, following a like a PR own goal. ship side Derby, penned an im- decision by the Chairman (Khal- Former Liverpool defender passioned column in the Sunday doon al-Mubarak) and Board last Jamie Carragher said it could Times saying his fellow profes- week, that Manchester City will damage the club’s reputation. sionals were “easy targets” in not be utilising the UK Govern- “(Liverpool manager) Jurgen the wider response to the pan- ment’s Coronavirus Job Retention Klopp showed compassion for demic. Scheme,” a spokesperson said. all at the start of this pandemic, It came after the Professional “We remain determined to senior players heavily involved in Footballers’ Association (PFA) protect our people, their jobs and @premierleague players taking said a proposed 30 percent pay our business whilst at the same wage cuts,” he said on Twitter. cut could hurt the National time doing what we can to sup- “Then all that respect & good- Health Service because it would port our wider community at will is lost, poor this @LFC.” hit tax receipts. this most challenging time for Tottenham, Bournemouth, Rooney said he had both the everybody.” Newcastle United and Norwich means and the will to make fi- The Professional Footballers’ City have all furloughed staff nancial contributions, either in Association (PFA) is in a stand- during the health crisis that has the form of salary reductions or off with the Premier League over claimed 4,934 lives in Britain as direct donations to the NHS, but whether or not players should of Saturday evening. felt the public pressure being exerted on players was unhelp- ful. The Premier League’s sug- Khatlon win as Tajikistan league gested strategy involving a com- bination of pay cuts and defer- the board. Why are footballers compared with the amount wanted to play their part but ($51mn) for 2018/19. season starts on time rals amounting to 30 percent of suddenly the scapegoats? clubs would save with wage cuts. warned that a proposed 30 per- Rooney’s former England and wages, was discussed in a con- “How the past few days have And he questioned why stars cent salary reduction would Manchester United teammate Reuters gle case of the coronavirus. ference call with players’ and played out is a disgrace.” from other sports were not the cost the country 200mn pounds Gary Neville, now a leading Dushanbe, Tajikistan Soccer around the globe is at managers’ representatives on The Premier League has been focus of similar attention. ($245mn) in lost tax receipts. broadcaster, was highly critical a virtual standstill during the Saturday. seen as lagging behind other Eu- Former England striker Gary England manager Gareth of the Premier League. health crisis with matches only Initial talks were already tak- ropean leagues in its response to Lineker echoed Rooney’s senti- Southgate has reportedly taken “The PL are handling the CV hson Boboev scored being played in countries such as ing place before key political fig- coronavirus and was accused by ments, telling the BBC that foot- a 30 percent pay cut, although (coronavirus) crisis terribly,” he in stoppage time to Belarus, Nicaragua and Burundi. ures, including Health Secretary one British lawmaker of operat- ballers he had spoken to were the Football Association is yet to wrote on Twitter, before outlin- Egive Khatlon a 2-1 win Khatlon, who have won the Matt Hancock, called for action. ing in a “moral vacuum”. “desperately keen” to offer help confirm the move. ing a checklist of perceived mis- over Istaravshan yesterday league three times since “If the government ap- But Rooney questioned the but were an easy target. A handful of top-flight clubs, steps including their slowness as Tajikistan’s league season Tajikistan became an inde- proached me to help support wisdom of the Premier League in “Why not call on all the including last year’s Champi- in imposing a lockdown and the kicked off on schedule despite pendent state in 1991, came nurses financially or buy venti- preempting behind-the-scenes wealthy to try and help if they ons League finalists Liverpool “PR disaster” of furloughing. most football around the world from a goal down to secure lators I’d be proud to do so — as talks involving players with its possibly can rather than just and Tottenham, have opted to Oliver Dowden, Secretary of being shut down due to the their first win of the season. long as I knew where the money own proposals for sweeping re- pick on footballers?” he said. furlough non-playing staff us- State for Digital, Culture, Media coronavirus pandemic. Lokomotiv-Pamir were held to was going,” wrote Rooney. ductions. “Nobody seems to talk about ing the safety net of the govern- and Sport said he was concerned The match was played without an entertaining 2-2 draw against The 34-year-old added: “I’m “In my opinion it is now a no- the bankers, the CEOs, huge ment’s job retention scheme. about the way the talks had pro- any fans in attendance follow- Fayzkand with all the goals in a place where I could give win situation,” he said. “What- millionaires. Are they stand- But former Liverpool players gressed. ing World Health Organiza- coming in the second half while something up. Not every foot- ever way you look at it, we’re ing up? Are they being asked to Jamie Carragher and Stan Col- “Football must play its part tion warnings that people in Kuktosh played out a goalless baller is in the same position. Yet easy targets.” stand up? We don’t know.” lymore strongly criticised the to show that the sport under- Tajikistan should avoid crowds, draw against Reagar-TadAz in suddenly the whole profession He said the Premier League’s move by the European champi- stands the pressures its lower- although the ex-Soviet Union the other two games yesterday, has been put on the spot with a contribution of £20mn to the PFA WARNING ons, who in February announced paid staff, communities and fans state has not confirmed a sin- also played behind closed doors. demand for 30% pay cuts across NHS was “a drop in the ocean” The PFA said its members pre-tax profits of 42mn pounds face,” he tweeted. Gulf Times 2 Monday, April 6, 2020 FOOTBALL

FOCUS UPDATE Walker faces Man City probe after French football flouting lockdown

AFP past week.” London, United Kingdom Walker is the second high- profile Premier League player to have been caught flouting the wrestles with yle Walker is fac- government’s guidelines after ing disciplinary action Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish. from Manchester City The Villa captain went to a Kdespite apologising af- party last weekend and was pic- ter breaching coronavirus lock- tured next to a road in slippers, down conditions even though he just hours after he posted a video advised people to stay at home. urging fans to stay safe at home The England defender has said on social media. coronavirus riddle sorry after it was widely reported Football is on hold due to the he held a party at his home last coronavirus outbreak and City will ‘We’re preparing for everything. For the time being, I think it’s urgent to wait’ week, breaking the government’s now look into Walker’s conduct. rules on social distancing A club statement said: “Our AFP “I understand that my posi- staff and players have been Paris, France tion as a professional footballer working to support the incred- brings the responsibility of be- ible efforts of the NHS (National ing a role model,” Walker said in Health Service) and other key he coronavirus pan- a statement. workers in fighting the effects of demic is creating a puz- “As such, I want to apologise the Covid-19 coronavirus in any zle for French football to my family, friends, football way we can. Kyle’s actions in this Tand, for the moment, club, supporters and the public matter have directly contravened those in charge have no idea for letting them down.” these efforts. what the answer might be. “There are heroes out there “We are disappointed to hear The idea of simply declar- making a vital difference to so- the allegations, note Kyle’s swift ing the season over is gaining ciety at the moment, and I have statement and apology, and will ground in some quarters but been keen to help support and be conducting an internal disci- others remain strongly opposed highlight their amazing sacrific- plinary procedure in the coming to the suggestion. es and life-saving work over the days.” The top-flight and second division have already been suspended for three weeks, with 10 rounds each to play, and many of the leading voices are no longer insisting it should finish “whatever the cost”. “There are more uncertain- ties today,” Lyon president Jean- Michel Aulas, an early advocate of ending the league and basing European qualification on last season’s final placings which would put his seventh-placed team in the Champions League, told L’Equipe yesterday. He added the chances of “finishing all the matches (are) ‘A little strange’: UEFA’s Ceferin on lower”. In this March 31, 2018, picture, Paris Saint-Germain players celebrate their record eighth French League Cup title after beating AS Monaco 3-0 FIFA relief fund plans His counterpart at Brest, Denis in the final at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux. (Reuters) Le Sant told the same paper “the UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has voiced criticism on the season could not start again”. general manager of Ligue 2 Le Neymar, have gone home. “There’s no point in talking FIFA has to change the way planned distribution process of funds by the world governing Amiens president Bernard Havre, told AFP. Broadcasters Canal+ and and saying nothing,” said Joannin. the summer transfer market body FIFA to those in football hit hard by the coronavirus pan- Joannin, whose side are 19th in “It’s shameful for me to see beIN Sports have suspended the “Let’s take the time... We need to works, because players whose demic. FIFA on Tuesday announced it was “working on possibili- the table, agrees. some people feel ashamed that payment of TV rights, the clubs’ give ourselves a fortnight to see contracts end this season will ties to provide “Denis Le Saint has a very hu- football wants to come back to main source of revenue. how things are going.” become free agents in June. assistance to the football community around the world after mane position that places the life at some point. In this context, the French The issue of TV rights, will be UEFA has shown itself open making a comprehensive assessment of the financial impact health of all above everything “I’m not going to hide behind a league is increasing the frequen- addressed this week by a quar- to postponing its Champions this pandemic will have on football”. The European football else. It’s a view that’s shared by veil of secrecy and say, ‘It’s over, cy of its conference calls but de- tet of presidents, led by Paris League until the end of July or chief Ceferin told German public broadcasters ZDF late Satur- a lot of people in the world of we can’t do anything.’ Let’s wait laying its decisions. Saint-Germain chief Nasser August to allow the domes- day: “FIFA’s explanation was that they want to use it for those football,” Joannin told AFP. “You before saying the season is dead.” “Today, who can say what’s al-Khelaifi, who is also head of tic leagues to end but has also who need it urgently. We should agree to this so that the FIFA have to understand that the only going to happen? We’re pre- beIN Media and several sources threatened to bar clubs from administration can then decide who gets how much money. In commander is Covid-19. Unfor- ‘IT’S URGENT TO WAIT’ paring for everything. For the confirmed negotiations with leagues that do not finish. my opinion, and that of a few other people, this is a little strange. tunately, it sets the agenda.” The situation is confusing lead- time being, I think it’s urgent to Canal+ are planned. Some officials argue a “dead- Strict regulations are needed for this, and you can’t just leave it Others were outraged. er’s across the game. wait,” Olivier Delcourt, presi- The timetable depends on the line” for the resumption of the to the FIFA administration to find out who needs the most help. “We hope that the league will The lockdown in France has dent of Ligue 1 Dijon who are decision of the French govern- league must be set quickly. That is too simple.” finish if it’s possible. It really been extended at least until 15 three points above the relegation ment on when to end the lock- “A resumption of the sea- bothers me to see in some peo- April. Most clubs have put staff, play-off spot, told AFP. down and to a lesser degree, son until doomsday should ple a kind of shame that foot- including players, on part-time Amiens’ Joannin said he those of the governing bodies not push the problem onto the UEFA denies August 3 deadline to ball wants to come back to life contracts and some of the league’s would like the league to follow of world and European football, next championship,” Wantiez complete Champions League at some point,” Pierre Wantiez, foreign stars, including Brazil’s the government’s lead. FIFA and UEFA. warned. UEFA has denied there is an Aug. 3 deadline to complete this season’s Champions League after a report by German broadcaster SPOTLIGHT ZDF quoted the body’s President Aleksander Ceferin as saying the competition had to be finished by that date. “It has been reported that UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin told ZDF in Germany that the UEFA Champions League must finish by 3 Au- Nicaraguan players playing on but players fear virus gust. This is not true,” said a statement from European soccer’s governing body. “The President was very clear not to set exact Reuters always thinking that opponents of the few countries where foot- dates for the end of the season. Options are currently being stud- Managua, Nicaragua may have the disease.” ball is still going on.” ied to play matches in July and in August if needed, depending The Primera Liga de Nicara- Bermudez also said with live on restart dates and the permission of national authorities.” gua is one of only four leagues sport almost entirely absent ootball in Nicaragua is believed to have survived the from the world’s TV screens, at enjoying a surge in pop- coronavirus lockdown, along least one foreign company had Burundi to continue playing league ularity as one of the few with those in Belarus, Burundi been in touch with the local national leagues where and Tajikistan. rights holder, state-run Canal 6, Burundi is to continue playing league football despite the threat F of the coronavirus pandemic, its football federation decided games are still ongoing but play- Games in the Central Ameri- asking to broadcast Nicaraguan ers in action there are concerned can nation are being played be- games live. yesterday after a meeting of its clubs. The east African coun- about the spread of the new hind closed doors but are being That could result in a windfall try is one of only four where formal league football continues coronavirus and say fear has broadcast locally on television for the unheralded league. after a worldwide shutdown of sport in the face of the health changed the way they play. or live on Facebook. Bermudez stressed that the crisis. “After consultation with Public Health Minister Thaddeus “We try to avoid touching The refusal to shut down has 10-team league has not decided Ndikumana, the general assembly decided that the first and other players,” Carlos Mosquera, drawn global attention to football to complete their season, merely second division championships should continue to be played goalkeeper with Deportivo Las in a nation that has long preferred “to keep playing for as long as while observing the appropriate hygiene measures,” the federa- Sabanas, told Reuters. “Football baseball, a sport that is also re- Players of Diriangen FC take part in a training session in Masaya, the situation permits”. tion said in a statement after a meeting to discuss whether to has changed, because you don’t sisting a lockdown in Nicaragua. Nicaragua, on Saturday. (Reuters) “The situation here is almost proceed with the season. There have been three confirmed cases go in for a 50-50 ball with the The secretary general of the normal, there are only four cases of Covid-19 infections in Burundi, which along with Belarus, Nica- same intensity.” Nicaraguan Football Federation, “We can tell from monitoring “It has no effect on us finan- of coronavirus and three were ragua and Tajikistan continues to sanction league football. The “The fear of what is hap- Jose Maria Bermudez, said fans these things that more people cially — people win or lose mon- imported,” Bermudez said. season in Burundi, whose national team last year competed at pening in the world is always from around the world are now are paying attention, particu- ey, we don’t get more money — “If things get worse or out of the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time, has only three present. Mentally, you’re not tuning in to watch games and larly on betting sites,” Bermudez but we can see that people are control we will have to suspend rounds left to play. focused on the game, you are bet on them. said in a phone interview. following us because we are one the tournament to protect lives.”

BOTTOMLINE China’s once-dominant Liaoning face closure as players go unpaid

Reuters gion’s top outfits but recent clubs spending beyond their for five years and my previous Shanghai Shenxin — have al- made things even more compli- Chinese football and, under Hong Kong times have not been as kind. means and encourage owners club, Shijiashuang, was ex- ready disbanded, leaving their cated, he added. coach Fabio Cannavaro, finished Liaoning have dropped down to invest in development rather tremely professional and every- players free to join other teams. “With the virus going on third in the 2017 standings to to China’s second tier and now than big foreign names ap- thing was done on time. A CFA decision on Liaon- everyone in is in lockdown and qualify for the Asian Champions hree decades ago Liaon- stand on the cusp of closure as proaching the end of their ca- “But then I went to Liaoning ing has been expected since people are not able to go out and League. ing FC were the stand- financial issues start to affect reers. and the problems started.” last week after the club failed to find a job. And on top of that you But Quanjian owner Shu ard bearers of Chinese the game outside the Chinese But despite those efforts, provide evidence to authorities haven’t been paid since 2018,” Yuhui’s arrest for false market- Tfootball, sweeping aside Super League, the top flight of some clubs — including Liaon- LEFT IN LIMBO they had cleared their debts and he said. ing in 2019 saw the company all before them domestically and the country’s professional pyra- ing — look destined to become Mulenga has taken his case to had paid employees’ salaries. “In this case, where is the eth- relinquish ownership, with across Asia, but their 67-year mid. casualties of Chinese football’s FIFA, the sport’s governing “Everyone is expecting a de- ics committee? We have written the club taken over by the local history may soon be consigned Headline-grabbing transfer relentless growth. body, but he and the rest of the cision and no decision has been to FIFA and the Chinese FA but football association until fur- to the scrap-heap as financial fees and mammoth salaries have “For the whole of 2019 I club’s players remain “in limbo” made,” says Mulenga. we still haven’t had a response ther financial troubles emerged woes threaten to bring them lured some of the sport’s biggest haven’t received a salary from as the Chinese Football Associa- “That leaves everyone in lim- from anyone. This is something at the end of the 2019 campaign. down. names to China in recent sea- them,” Zambian Jacob Mulenga, tion has yet to decide Liaoning’s bo. How can the players go to that’s really serious. A decision The CFA are set to hand Tian- Six league titles in seven years, sons, even as authorities have who joined Liaoning at the start fate. other clubs? They don’t know if has to be made.” jin a reprieve with new owners plus two Asian Club Champion- sought to curb extravagance. of 2018, told Reuters by tele- Three other second-tier clubs they’re free or not free. Every- Tianjin Tianhai, previously taking charge of the club. ship final appearances, marked Regulations have continually phone from the Netherlands. — Guangdong South China thing is in the middle.” owned by the Quanjian group, The fate of Liaoning looks Liaoning out as one of the re- been updated in a drive to stop “I’ve been playing in China Tigers, Sichuan Longfor and The Covid-19 pandemic has were also former high fliers in much bleaker. Gulf Times Monday, April 6, 2020 3 SPORT

NBA NHL Islanders’ Greene says he ‘definitely’ plans to Kobe embraces us continue playing again as he heads to Hall of Fame Two months after his death, Kobe was suddenly back, and it was sweetly comforting

Reuters points (two goals, nine assists) Los Angeles in 53 games with the New Jer- sey Devils. Not being with the Dev- eteran Andy Greene ils after 13 1/2 seasons was says he isn’t putting enough of a change, but the away the sticks and pandemic has caused a high Vskates, but he has no level of uncertainty for every idea where he’ll play his next NHL player, including Greene. NHL game. “You can’t sit there right The 37-year-old defense- now and go, ‘We’re done, I’m man was with the New York not going to train or do this,’” Islanders for just 3 1/2 weeks Greene said. “Then, all of a before the coronavirus out- sudden, in three weeks, this is break led to the suspension of where we’re at and we’re going the NHL campaign. He said he to try something. All of a sud- has enjoyed his time with the den, you’re like, ‘Oh, my God, organization but told News- what have I been doing?’ day he will keep all his options “I’ve been getting up every open. “It’s one of those things morning, training, doing pret- in terms of what’s going to ty good workouts and trying, I happen next year, we’ve got to think, to mentally stay sharp,” figure out what’s going to fin- Greene added. “It’s a good ish this year off and then worry release and a good focus to about that when we get there,” get dialed in there for an hour Greene told Newsday earlier or two or however long your this week. “I’m not going to workout is.” worry about it. We’ll cross that Greene said he has had no bridge when we get there.” discussions about his playing Greene is in the final season future with Islanders general of a five-year, $25mn deal, so manager Lou Lamoriello, who he will become a free agent formerly served as GM of the once the season is either fin- Devils for Greene’s first nine ished or cancelled. He has NHL seasons. Lamoriello de- three assists in 10 games since clined comment to Newsday being acquired by the Island- when asked if he would at- ers via trade, after having 11 tempt to retain Greene.

Pistons scout Hanks survives File photo of Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant. PICTURE: USA TODAY Sports coronavirus battle

DPA our arms. His memory was being sum- the devastation of the novel coronavirus, ice, would be one. When Saturday’s an- Detroit Pistons scout Maury time, but I really had no idea Los Angeles moned again during interviews, listen to it seems like a good time to adopt, “The nouncement was made on a pretty spring Hanks has returned home how many friends that we the compelling words of Vanessa Bryant Mamba Mentality.” morning in Los Angeles, it reminded me of after a fierce battle with the have,” Susan Hanks said. “The in a video chat with ESPN: “Obviously we “The process is the journey,” he would two appropriately compelling spring mo- coronavirus, his wife Susan number of people that have he announcement was perfectly wish he was here with us to celebrate,” she say, and don’t we all need to believe that? ments in Kobe’s life. told CBS Sports on Saturday. been reaching out is honestly timed, blaring into a sombre said, fighting back tears while sitting next “Trust in the hard work,” he would preach, On April 12, 2013, Bryant suffered a torn Hanks spent nine days mind-blowing.... I don’t think shutdown on Saturday morning, to oldest daughter Natalia. “But it’s defi- and isn’t that the difficult truth? Achilles tendon against the Golden State on a ventilator while in he’ll ever be able to thank bringing an old friend through nitely the peak of his NBA career.” During a time when it’s tough to know Warriors, an injury which some thought intensive care at University everyone that has called Tour locked doors and back into our lives. His praises were again being shared where to place your faith, Bryant con- would end his career. of Tennessee Medical Center and checked up on him. It’s You can’t quarantine Kobe. by those who knew him best, witness stantly preached believing in yourself, and “There are far greater... challenges in in Knoxville. He is now slated just been unbelievable. The The world has stopped, but the memory the statements from Lakers controlling his Hall of Fame enshrinement — along the world than a torn Achilles,” he wrote to spend two weeks in self- NBA family has shown up for of Kobe Bryant pushes forward, the late owner Jeanie Buss and general manager with Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and oth- on a Facebook post later that night. “Stop quarantine at home. Maury like I never could’ve legend still figuring out how to score when Rob Pelinka: “His fierce competitiveness, ers — is a powerful reminder of that belief. feeling sorry for yourself, find the -sil Hanks, 57, was reportedly imagined.” it matters most. Bryant was one of eight work ethic and drive were unmatched,” It’s crushing to think Bryant, who per- ver lining and get to work with the same taken to the medical centre Hanks isn’t the lone person in basketball figures selected for enshrine- Buss said. “Those qualities helped Kobe ished in a January 26 helicopter crash with belief, same drive and same conviction by ambulance on March 23. the Pistons’ organization who ment into the Naismith Memorial Basket- lead us to five titles and have now brought daughter Gianna and seven others, won’t as ever.” On April 13, 2016, he capped his He reportedly felt fatigued was diagnosed with Covid-19. ball Hall of Fame, a foregone conclusion him to the Hall of Fame... no one deserves be in Springfield, Mass., on August 29 to three-year journey back from the injury the previous day and then Forward Christian Wood also that felt like a surprise blessing. it more.” speak at his induction. by scoring 60 points against the Utah Jazz symptoms rapidly increased tested positive and has since Two months after his death, several Pelinka actually addressed Bryant, say- Can you imagine what he would say? in the headed-into-retirement game of a on the 23rd. recovered. weeks after a mourning country turned its ing, “The highest of congratulations to Remember, his words once helped win an lifetime. As word of the severity of Detroit’s final game before focus to an entirely different sort of trag- you, dear friend... now a part of you will Oscar. Here’s guessing he would have been “I gave my soul to this game,” said Bry- Hanks’ illness circulated the season was suspended edy, Kobe was suddenly back, and it was live in the Hall with the rest of the all time kind, embracing, inclusive, a reflection of ant afterward. “There’s nothing else I can throughout the NBA, a slew of was on March 11 against the sweetly comforting. His face was again in greats, where your legend and spirit will a personal evolution that was evident in give.” messages arrived, and Susan Philadelphia 76ers. Four the news, check out the appropriate photo continue to grow forever.” That legend and the final years of his life. There are not Yet, as Saturday’s Hall of Fame an- Hanks would ask nurses nights earlier, the Pistons that accompanied Dan Woike’s story on spirit is especially useful now, when Bry- many people strong enough to speak for nouncement showed, through memories to put a phone up to her played the Utah Jazz, and the LA Times website. ant’s legacy carries an even more power- him. Vanessa, who gave such a compel- and musings that will live forever, Kobe husband’s ear so she could Wood had 30 points and 11 It looks like he’s literally jumping into ful resonance. As this country deals with ling eulogy at his public memorial serv- Bryant is giving still. read the messages. She also rebounds while going up did it while Maury Hanks was against Utah’s Rudy Gobert, unconscious. who was the first NBA player NFL “I know (Maury’s) worked in to test positive for the the basketball business a long coronavirus. – Reuters

Browns showing interest in Clowney TRIBUTE Reuters his asking price to $17-18mn Los Angeles annually, with the Tennessee Titans showing interest and the Former Saints’ kicker Seahawks still hoping to re-sign he Cleveland Browns him. While not all salaries for have shown interest in free agent signings have been Dempsey dies at 73 free agent defensive end reported, the Browns have the TJadeveon Clowney, most cap space in the NFL cur- Reuters saddened and heartbroken at ESPN reported on Saturday. rently, per Spotrac’s projec- Los Angeles this most difficult time.” Per the report, some around tions, at $43.6mn. Dempsey, who was born the league believe the Browns They added defensive end without fingers on his right had been closer to a deal than Adrian Clayborn on a two-year, ecord-setting New hand and without toes on his other suitors for Clowney, who $5.8mn deal, and they also have Orleans Saints kicker right kicking foot, set a then- has not gotten the offers he has Myles Garrett and Olivier Ver- Tom Dempsey has NFL record with a 63-yard hoped for from other teams or non at the position. Vernon, Rdied due to compli- field goal on Nov. 8, 1970. The the Seattle Seahawks, who he however, could be released for a cations of the coronavirus, kick at Tulane Stadium in New played for in 2019. $15.5mn cap savings at any time. his family told NOLA.com. He Orleans lifted the Saints to a Clowney, 27, was reportedly Clowney tallied 31 tackles, was 73. 19-17 win over the Detroit Li- seeking more than $20mn an- three sacks, four forced fumbles The outlet reported Demp- ons. nually when he hit free agency and one interception in 13 games sey tested positive for Cov- The record was first matched in mid-March, but his market (11 starts) in his first season with id-19 on March 25. He also had by the Denver Broncos’ Jason has developed slowly. One fac- Seattle in 2019. The Seahawks been battling Alzheimer’s dis- Elam in 1998 and later broken tor could be his injury history acquired Clowney prior to last ease and dementia at a senior by Denver’s Matt Prater with a — which includes microfracture season in a trade with the Hou- living facility in New Orleans. 64-yarder in 2013. surgery on his knee and core ston Texans. “Our thoughts and prayers “Tom’s life spoke directly to muscle surgery after the 2019 The top pick in the 2014 NFL are extended to (wife) Car- the power of the human spirit season — and the inability for Draft, Clowney has 236 tack- lene and the entire Dempsey and exemplified his resolute teams to give players a physical les, 32 sacks and nine forced family on the passing of their determination to not allow in person during the coronavi- fumbles in 75 career games (66 dear Tom,” Saints owner Gayle setbacks to impede following rus outbreak. starts) with the Texans (2014- Benson said in a statement his dreams and aspirations,” An ESPN report earlier this 18) and Seahawks. yesterday morning. “The New Benson said in a statement. week said Clowney has dropped Orleans Saints family is deeply Gulf Times 4 Monday, April 6, 2020 SPORT

TENNIS Lavillenie claims ‘international home Legends’ chase for final containment’ title glory put on pause by FOR PLAYERS LIKE WILLIAMS AND FEDERER, WHAT WERE SHORT-TERM GOALS ARE NOW coronavirus MEDIUM-TERM GOALS, IF NOT LONGER DPA tournament is set to begin, or for New York the qualifying tournament the rance’s former Olym- weeks before, seems increasingly pic pole vault cham- unrealistic. pion Renaud Lavil- erena Williams’ quest for Tennis is not the most impor- Flenie has found a way the record books has been tant thing here. No less a legend to keep his competitive juices well documented. Un- than King said the decision to flowing during the coronavi- Squestionably one of the convert the facility was abso- rus lockdown by staging an greatest to ever pick up a tennis lutely suitable given the circum- “international home contain- racket, after winning the Aus- stances. She has always stood for ment competition”. tralian Open in 2017 while preg- equity and access, even though While some elite athletes have nant, Williams was one major that means something different been struggling to find ways away from tying Margaret Court’s here. of staying fit while confined to record 24 Gland Slam singles ti- But for players like Williams their homes, the 33-year-old tles. and Federer, what were short- former world record holder Then came the hiatus. Wil- term goals are now medium-term has taken full advantage of the liams missed four Grand Slams goals, if not longer. There is a jumping set-up at his home in before her comeback, but in 2018 rhythm to the tennis year. Small central France. she reached the fourth round of tournaments leading to big ones. Lavillenie, who won Olympic the French Open and then the Training regiments that put play- gold in London and silver in finals at Wimbledon and the US ers in peak physical shape lead- Rio, posted a video on Twitter Open. In eight attempts, she has ing into May and late August. An of one jump on Saturday, when reached four finals. athlete doesn’t usually stay in top he raced down the garden She remains so close to that shape without a tournament on path and soared 5.61 metres record. It always seemed inevita- the horizon; without a training into the bright blue skies ble that she’d reach it. And now, goal on the calendar. above Pérignat-lès-Sarliève in as her runway to that milestone “If I’m Serena or Roger and I Auvergne. shortens at age 38, the tennis want one more Slam and I’m on “Day 20,” he wrote above world and sports at large are tak- hold, I kind of liken it to being in a the video, which was ing a necessary pause. Although rain delay,” Navratilova said. “You accompanied by his own this means different things for know you’re going to play again you commentary. “Everything is athletes at different stages in just don’t know when. You have to under control! Tears of joy on their careers, for Williams and eat just enough, rest just enough to my face after a 5m61 today Roger Federer, it might put some stay fresh for the match.” during my international home goals too far out of reach. She said there are other ways containment competition.” “They won’t have 20 more op- to train as well, whether it’s look- Although the mark was well portunities,” Hall of Famer Mar- ing at film of the players who will short of the 6.16m he jumped tina Navratilova said. “They’ll likely be top contenders when to end Sergey Bubka’s 20-year have a couple more years and tennis is back. Rest can be good hold on the world record in then father time will catch up for veteran players, Federer re- 2014, it would have been good with you and that goes for Serena cently had knee surgery and was enough for eighth on the and Roger, but also Novak (Djok- set to miss the French anyway, outdoor world list for 2020, ovic) and Rafa (Nadal).” We had but not like this. albeit in a season which barely it so good. Tennis was populated “There is a rest period,” Navra- got underway. with a mix of greats and younger tilova said, “but not knowing is File photo of Serena Williams. (Reuters) Lavillenie also revealed that talents, and the last decade has weird and you don’t have a time- he was closing in on his “home produced some of the greatest line.” And athletes at the moment sponsorships still be there? Will world record” of 5.85m. matches and rivalries ever. It’s are dealing with the same con- tournaments still be in business? Roger Federer during a media briefing During his 20 days of self- hard to think that era could have cerns and uncertainty as the rest Will cities have the tourism core at Cape Town International Airport on isolation, Lavillenie has been a premature end. of us. What is their income going intact enough to host tourna- February 5, 2020. (Reuters) regularly posting updates Bit by bit, the spring sports to look like with cancellations? ments? of creative efforts to stay fit, calendar is eroding as an effect of How do you protect your family? It’s impossible to know the an- including bench-pressing a the novel coronavirus pandemic. Wealth and fame offer insulation, swers and hard not to project. The toddler and weightlifting using There are cancellations and post- but it isn’t complete. The bigger sports world that functioned like car tyres. ponements, with uncertainty and challenge might just be keeping clockwork before the pandemic Lavillenie will have to wait a sense of foreboding about what up the hunger for another major. may not be the one we emerge another year for a third bid at may lie beyond the end of May. Both Williams and Federer back into. It could take years for Olympic glory after the Tokyo This week Wimbledon, the are likely getting a sense of what things to return to normal, and 2020 Games were put back tennis tournament and the third life after tennis will look like. might be contingent on a vaccine, by 12 months because of the major of the year, announced They may be able to spend more or quick turnaround testing, or Covid-19 outbreak, which by that it will be cancelled for the time with their kids – Williams’ economic variables. Saturday had infected nearly first time since World War II. The daughter Olympia is now 2, while All that is out of the control of 90,000 and killed 7,560 people French Open was rescheduled Federer has two sets of twins, players like Williams and Federer. in France. from late spring to September. ages 5 and 10. But they will likely face a bigger In 2021 he will likely have to Meanwhile in New York, the in- It is hard to know what tennis question: If there is a six-month contend with Swede Armand door space at the USTA Billie Jean will look like when it gets back. hold on the sport, or longer, will Duplantis, who bettered King National Tennis Center is Air travel may have new restric- every player return with the same Lavillenie’s world record by a being converted into a temporary tions, travel between countries mind-set with which they left? centimetre indoors in February hospital for coronavirus patients. may require health certification “Billie Jean always said, before improving it to 6.18m at The US Open is not cancelled. Yet or quarantine, and competitions ‘Champions adjust,’” Navratilova the World Athletics Glasgow the idea the hospital beds will be still may require same-day test- said. Indoor Grand Prix a week later. empty by August 24 when the ing for staff and players. Will “This is what you have to do.”

SPOTLIGHT RUGBY Virtual Grand National raises Fiji players arrested for spirits and real cash for NHS breaching virus isolation AFP who tweeted a photo with his two AFP champions and were third in London children, both on toy horses but Suva, Fiji the current world series before Ex-Scotland captain wearing the victorious red, black it was put on hold because of and white silks of Potters Corners’ the coronavirus pandemic. Morgan dies ormer Wales rugby star owners, All Stars Sports Racing. wo Fiji rugby players Prime Minister Frank Baini- Former Scotland rugby captain Jonathan Davies wanted But there was dismay for jockey have been arrested for marama accused the players Dougie Morgan has died at the one small matter cleared Charlie Deutsch, on board Aso. ignoring the Pacific of putting “the whole of Fiji at age of 73 after an illness, Scottish up as part-owner of the The 66-1 outsider had victory in nation’s coronavirus risk”. Rugby confirmed yesterday. F T The scrum-half was capped 21 big race winner Potters Corner his sights, cruising in front before self-isolation rules, with local He said one player, who ar- at Aintree on Saturday: “So is a fall at the second last fence. authorities saying their “irre- rived from Singapore, “had times for Scotland between 1973 there Virtual Grand National Deutsch summed up his feel- sponsible behaviour” would be a high risk of exposure to the and 1978 and played two Test prize-money?”. ings in one word on Twitter: reported to rugby’s world gov- virus while overseas” and then matches for the British and Irish With the world’s most famous “Nooooooooo!” erning body. escaped from isolation in a Fiji Lions on their 1977 tour of New steeplechase falling victim to the The Professional Jockeys Asso- The two men have not been hospital. Zealand. After retiring Morgan coronavirus shutdown, the com- ciation responded: “Hope you had publically identified but the “Unlucky for him he moved into coaching and puter-generated edition, now in your gumshield in Charlie!” Fiji Rugby Union confirmed couldn’t step his way past our became Scotland head coach its third year, found itself taking Such was the race’s prominence they were professionals and Fiji police force. He has been in the 1993-94 season. During centre stage. in sport-starved Britain, Williams media reported them variously arrested and is in isolation at his tenure, Scotland reached Tiger Roll, seeking a historic said his phone had been red hot to be sevens players and inter- Nadi hospital,” Bainimarama the Rugby World Cup quarter- third straight win, was sent off fa- with well-wishers, and the BBC nationals. said. finals in South Africa and posted vourite but had to settle for fourth and ITV news rooms. The news brought an emo- The Fiji Rugby Union would their first victory over France in behind 18-1 shot Potters Corner, “It’s nice that racing has been tional response from Simon take “appropriate disciplinary Paris in 26 years. Former Lions the winner according to complex Tiger Roll in action during the last year’s Grand National. (Reuters) able to do something like that and Raiwalui, who works for Fiji actions against the profes- manager Ian McGeechan said: mathematical algorithms. cheer everyone up,” he said. Rugby with the title of high- sional rugby players, includ- “Dougie had a deep under- Bookmakers are donating all proved to be a really popular re- programme-makers Carm Pro- “I’ve had hundreds of messages, performance general manager. ing reporting this highly ir- standing of the game and was profits from betting on the ani- placement for the real thing.” ductions, told the paper: “What including from people outside of “For those of you that have responsible behaviour to their tactically very aware. I will never mated race shown live on ITV He said it had provided “a fun an incredible few days it has been. racing who watched it. It’s bril- chosen not to respect the man- clubs and World Rugby,” chief forget him standing on (Wales to Britain’s state-run National opportunity for people to have We first aired the Virtual Grand liant that racing can bring a smile datory 14 day self isolation, executive John O’Connor said. player) Gareth Edwards’ foot Health Service, in the frontline in their annual National flutter, as National in 2017, and we feel in tough times. Coronavirus has shame on you and each of you “The Fiji rugby family wants to distract him whilst trying to the fight against Covid-19. well as some light relief at this honoured that it has been able to claimed the lives of 4,313 people in will have your day of reckon- to put on record our great dis- put the ball into the scrum, an David Stevens of betting firm unique time, while most impor- stand in for the Grand National the UK, with 41,903 infected, ac- ing,” the former Fiji interna- appointment at the irrespon- approach which stopped Wales Coral told The Racing Post it had tantly also helping to raise money at this difficult time.” The result cording to the latest official figures tional lock posted on Facebook sible behaviour of these two playing and we ultimately won provided some welcome respite: for the fantastic NHS”. was greeted with delight by win- released by the health ministry on late on Saturday. players putting their families the game.” “The Virtual Grand National The company behind the event, ning trainer Christian Williams Saturday. Fiji are the Olympic sevens and other Fijians at risk.

Monday, April 6, 2020 GULF TIMES CRICKET

FOCUS Pressure grows for shortened IPL behind closed doors AFP But with the number of cases week duration and played behind be the league’s top sponsor for the IPL it’s not just about the New Delhi and deaths rising and India iso- closed doors. “There could be a 2018-2022. Mumbai Indians, or a (Mahendra lated from international travel, way in which to get some mon- Former India batsman Sanjay Singh) Dhoni or a Virat Kohli, few believe any sport will be ey into the franchises, into the Manjrekar said the league, which there are a lot of people who are layers are putting pres- possible in the sub-continent for economy by having a situation involves stars such as England’s making their livelihood through sure on cricket authori- at least three months. where you use maybe three ven- Ben Stokes, David Warner and the IPL.” ties to plan a shortened “Let’s say July-August is the ues which are completely closed Pat Cummins of Australia, and Stokes and Cummins have al- PTwenty20 Indian Pre- earliest,” said Kevin Pietersen, to fans,” said Pietersen. India captain Virat Kohli, will ready voiced their eagerness to mier League later in the year to the former England batsman. “And the players can still go inject life into the virus-ravaged participate in the IPL. “kickstart” the sports economy “I do truly believe the IPL out and play the tournament in economy. Kolkata Knight Riders-con- after the coronavirus lockdown. should happen. I think every three weeks or in four weeks. “The moment we get clear- tracted Cummins said “every- The world’s richest cricket single player around the world “I think the fans need to un- ances from all the authorities one’s still really keen for it (IPL) tournament has been postponed is desperate to play the IPL,” he derstand they can’t watch a live that matter, the IPL should hap- to all go ahead”. until April 15, which coincides said on Indian broadcaster Star game at the moment and they pen, only because it will kick- BCCI president Sourav Gan- with the end of India’s 21 day Sports. Pietersen suggested might not be able to watch a live earner for the Board of Control $11 billion for the Indian econ- start the economy,” said the guly has conceded the IPL will nationwide shutdown to halt the the eight-team tournament be game for the foreseeable future.” for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is omy. Chinese mobile phone- cricketer-turned-commentator. be a “truncated” affair if it hap- spread of the pandemic. shortened from its normal eight- The league is a huge revenue estimated to generate more than maker Vivo paid $330 million to “Because when you talk about pens at all.

SPOTLIGHT UPBEAT World T20 organisers hopeful despite Bangalore burdened potential clash with other sports

Reuters by title pressure, Melbourne rganisers expect this year’s Twenty20 World Cup to be a Osuccess even if it has tralia’s national sport... and to vie with Australian rules T20 is the format that appeals football and rugby league for to the broadest possible demo- says captain Kohli viewers due to the Covid-19 graphic,” he said. “We’re very pandemic, the head of the encouraged already by the take organising committee said up in terms of ticket sales.” ‘YOU GO AFTER SOMETHING SO BADLY, AND IT KEEPS RUNNING AWAY FROM YOU’ yesterday. The women’s tournament The October 18-November proved a big success, with 15 tournament was slotted into hosts Australia beating India Reuters Australia’s sports calendar bein the March 8 final to defend New Delhi tween the end of the football their title. The organisers ex- season and the beginning of pect the men’s tournament to summer cricket to draw maxi- replicate that success despite oyal Challengers Ban- mum attention. uncertainty around it. galore need to redis- With both the Australian The governing Internation- cover the joy of cricket Football League (AFL) and al Cricket Council (ICC) has Rif they are to end their National Rugby League (AFL) maintained there is no change Indian Premier League (IPL) title seasons suspended due to the in its plans, and Hockley hoped drought, captain Virat Kohli has pandemic, they may now clash they would not require any ei- said. with the Twenty20 World Cup ther. Star-studded Bangalore when they resume. “We’re wanting to give our- have reached three finals of the “In the event they have selves the best possible chance Twenty20 league but are one of extended seasons...we still of going ahead as planned, so only three existing franchises – think the World Cup is a re- there’s no imminent or quick along with Delhi and Punjab – ally strong proposition that decision,” he said. not to have won the title. might not come here again for “Hopefully it’s all resolved “You go after something so 10 or 20 years,” Nick Hockley, and we go ahead. In the event badly, and it keeps running away CEO of the organising com- that it isn’t completely re- from you,” Kohli told former mittee, told Australian Associ- solved, we are looking at all the England batsman and ex-RCB ated Press (AAP). “People love different scenarios. Which is teammate Kevin Pietersen in an a World Cup. Cricket is Aus- only prudent,” he added. Instagram chat. “It has just that added pressure in recent years. We’ve just ANNOUNCEMENT thought, ‘this is the season, this is the season’, and that’s blown us all over the place. “I think we need to get that Disappointed joy back,” Kohli said. The India captain acknowledged that ex- pectations were bound to be high O’Keefe quits first from a team featuring some of the most destructive Twenty20 Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli. batsmen in cricket. class cricket after “When you have some of the biggest names to play for I had sympathy with Pietersen over IPL: Strauss RCB, obviously there’s going NSW snub to be much more attention on Former England captain Andrew Strauss team after he sent text messages to South playing there together and huge amounts the team. “Even with this team admitted that he may not have handled African players about his teammates during of money on the table as well. – myself, AB (de Villiers) and batsman Kevin Pietersen well enough. the 2012 Test series between the two sides “Long term my view was that we had to (Chris) Gayle has played recently Pietersen’s troubles with his teammates in which he allegedly insulted Strauss as find a window for the IPL. I told the ECB we for us as well – we’re always go- and management came to define Strauss’s well. He was eventually re-integrated into couldn’t compete against each other as it is ing to be more in focus. We’ve final months as captain of England and the the side under Cook and played an impor- going to create massive issues within our spoken about it,” Kohli said. early part of the captaincy of his successor tant role in England’s 2-1 win in India in the team. “We’ve reached three finals... Alastair Cook. 2012/13 series. However, his international “But I thought it was incredibly dangerous but those things are irrelevant “I probably didn’t do enough work with KP,” career came to an end after the 2013/13 to allow players to miss Test cricket to play till the time you don’t win that Strauss told a Sky Sports podcast. Ashes in which England lost 5-0. in the IPL. The message you’d be sending title. Even when we’ve had the “There came a time when some of the peo- Strauss and Pietersen also had disagree- and the precedent you’d be setting is that best team, we’ve just not been ple he was close with in the team retired ments over the latter’s desire to play in the IPL is more important than Test cricket. able to do it. That’s one of our or got dropped. There was an opportunity the Indian Premier League (IPL). Later, as “I was saying to KP at the time, ‘listen, mate, main goals. We deserve to win there, not necessarily to bring him in, but director of cricket Strauss led England’s this is the situation. You can’t opt in or out the title,” Kohli said. spend a lot more time with him and make transformation that resulted in them of international cricket. You’ve got obliga- Their bid for a maiden IPL title sure his views were valued and considered. winning the 2019 World Cup. The team tions to England and hopefully there are will have to wait though, as the “I think instead I just let KP be KP. In retro- featured a number of players who were gaps where you can play in the IPL as well’. start of this year’s tournament spect that was a mistake and might have regulars in the IPL. “When I took over as director of cricket, has been put back to April 15 due sowed the seeds for what was to come “I always had sympathy with KP over the I looked at the calendar and whether we to the Covid-19 pandemic, with down the track.” IPL,” added Strauss. “I understood what a could shift so that our players could play in another postponement seem- Pietersen was first dropped from the big event it was with all the best players the IPL.” ingly inevitable. Reuters state. He would miss the ca- Sydney maraderie the most, he added. “When I think about my COMMENT time playing cricket, that’s ustralia’s Steve what I’ll miss most,” added O’Keefe, whose 12 O’Keefe, who will continue to wickets for 70 runs play for Sydney Sixers in the Sri Lanka T20 team need fine-tuning, says coach Arthur Aagainst India in a T20 Big Bash League. 2017 Test remains the best fig- One of the 13 spinners Aus- Reuters said in a chat with Sri Lanka Crick- last month owing to the Covid-19 ures by a visiting spinner, quit tralia have employed to fill the Colombo et (SLC) media unit. “I think the pandemic. first class cricket yesterday af- void left by Shane Warne’s most important thing is building “It was really disappointing not ter New South Wales opted not 2007 exit, O’Keefe played nine a method to win games based on playing the test series against Eng- to retain him. Tests between 2014-17, claim- ri Lanka’s Twenty20 squad the resources that you have at your land although this will be played at O’Keefe was the leading ing 35 wickets. needs some adjustments, disposal and then making sure that a later date,” said Arthur, who has wicket-taker among spinners Twelve of them came in the said coach Mickey Arthur, the players are under no illusion as also coached South Africa, Aus- in the recent Sheffield Shield 2014 Pune Test alone, where Swho will be overseeing the to what that method is based on our tralia and Pakistan. season, which triggered spec- he claimed six wickets in each team’s bid for a second 20-overs strengths,” he said. “We had just worked out a brand ulation about a possible Test innings to help Australia to a World Cup title later this year. The 2014 champions will be that we knew would be successful recall for the 35-year-old. comprehensive victory. In home fixtures last month, chasing their second 20-overs against all teams, and I just hope “I was disappointed when I “He is one of the most suc- Sri Lanka swept a three-match world title in Australia in October- that the momentum that we had was told that I wasn’t getting a cessful spinners ever to play one-day series against West Indies November. built up will not be lost with our contract but I respect and ac- for NSW, which earned him but lost two Twenty20 Interna- Since Arthur took over in De- test team when we start up again,” cept the decision, so I have de- Australian selection and the tionals. cember, Sri Lanka have lost a test he said. cided to retire from first class captaincy of the Blues,” NSW “Our T20 side is still going to series in Pakistan but prevailed in “We have some very realistic cricket,” the left-arm spinner chief executive said. take some fine-tuning and this Zimbabwe earlier this year. goals with our test team and believe said in a statement. “On behalf of Cricket NSW was amplified against a very strong A sterner test had awaited them that we have now the players and O’Keefe said it had been I’d like to thank Steve for his West Indies team that simply had in a two-match home series against gameplans to have success both at a “privilege” to play for his great service to NSW and Aus- too much power for us,” Arthur England, but that was cancelled home and abroad in the future.” Sri Lanka’s coach Mickey Arthur. country and to captain his tralian cricket.”