WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 (PAGE 10) DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU Bangladesh Board approves COVID-19: Rohit Sharma BWF freezes rankings, says positions allowance for women cricketers chips in with Rs 80 lakh as on March 17 to be basis for entry DHAKA, Mar 31: MUMBAI, Mar 31: 5lakhs to @FeedingIndia and NEW DELHI, Mar 31: ment that was played - the regarding the process as to how The Bangladesh Cricket 5lakhs to #WelfareOfStrayDogs. Star India batsman Rohit YONEX All England Open the rankings will eventually be Board (BCB) has decided to pay Let's get behind our leaders and The Badminton World Sharma has donated Rs 80 lakh 2020," BWF said in a release. 'unfrozen' following the com- a one-time allowance of 20,000 support them @narendramodi Federation (BWF) today decid- to fight the rapidly-spreading "The ranking lists issued on mencement of the international Taka to its women players to @CMOMaharashtra," ed to freeze the world rank- COVID-19 pandemic, 17 March 2020 will serve as a circuit," BWF said. help them cope with the shut- tweeted the elegant ings, saying standings as on saying the onus is on basis for entry and seeding into "However, it is difficult to down of all events due to the right handed batsman March 17 will be the basis for the citizens to help the the next international tourna- outline the exact procedure COVID-19 pandemic. on Tuesday morning. entry and seedings when it country get back on its BCB President Nazmul Rohit joined the list restarts the international calen- feet. Hassan, who is also a member of of top sportsmen com- der that has been thrown hay- Rohit, who is the parliament, said the players need prising mastero wire owing to the COVID-19 vice- of the support given the current situa- Sachin Tendulkar, his pandemic. Indian ODI team, has tion. The cricketers who will skipper Virat Kohli, There was a clamour for donated Rs 45 lakh and benefit are the ones who Suresh Raina, and his Test team- freezing the world rankings Rs 25 lakh to the PM’s Relief appeared in the 2018-19 mate Ajinkya Rahane among with Indian shuttlers Saina Fund and CM's Relief Fund women's National Cricket others who have generously Nehwal, B Sai Praneeth, (Maharashtra) respectively. League and have been in BCB's donated for the cause. Parupalli Kashyap and H S He has given Rs 5 lakh to selection camps in 2019-20. Maharashtra is one of the Prannoy leading the way in 'Zomato Feeding India', which is BDT 20,000 amounts to a little worst affected states in the pan- expressing their concerns. helping families affected by the over Rs 17,000. demic with the positive cases in "The Badminton World ongoing national lockdown, and "Just like their male counter- Last week, the BCB from their respective Premier the state standing at 225 till Federation (BWF) can announced a one-time financial League Clubs. another Rs 5 lakh to help aid the parts, the majority of women Tuesday morning. announce it will freeze World ments - although it is difficult until we have an exact aid to their male players, who do "This assistance is for that welfare of stray dogs. cricketers also look towards In India, according to the Rankings and World Junior to say at this stage when this overview of what the interna- not have central contracts or section of the players," Hassan "We need our country back domestic events for earnings. union Health Ministry, the death Rankings until further notice. may be." tional calendar will look like first-class contracts of the board. had said. on feet & the onus is on us. I've Besides, we had training camps toll due to COVID-19 has The freezing of rankings will Shuttlers in the singles once play resumes and sus- They are to be given 30,000 According to a report, at done my bit to donate 45 lakhs scheduled for women players increased to 32 while the cases be backdated to Week 12, competition have to be inside pended tournaments have been BDT each. least 60 players will get this to #PMCaresFunds, 25 lakhs to which have been hampered by have soared to 1,251 till Monday which is the week following top-16 of world rankings to rescheduled. "With the tournament and financial aid. (PTI) #CMReliefFund Maharashtra, the prevailing COVID-19 situa- night. (PTI) the last international tourna- qualify for the Olympics. The "We are seeking to define a league looking at an indefinite tion," Hassan said in a press cut-off for doubles is also top- solution to unfreeze the rank- period of shut down, cricketers release. No IPL, no salary South Africa-born Conway 16. ings in a staggered way to who are not part of the BCB's "The cricketers have been The BWF had suspended avoid any extreme drop off of contracts are likely to face finan- forced to pass a period of non- all tournaments post the All points from previous tourna- cial hardship as they may have concerns for franchises activity and they need our sup- cleared to play for NZ by ICC England Championships until ments causing an extreme only received partial payment NEW DELHI, Mar 31: demic is not covered in the clause. port," he added. Each franchise has salary over- DUBAI, Mar 31: Black Caps team, which is pret- April 12 due to the pandemic. impact on the ranking struc- No play, no pay. This could ty awesome at the moment - These tournaments include ture." heads ranging between Rs 75 to South African batsman well be the fate of players, who you've got world-class players big-ticket events like India Many international stars, All Olympic Solidarity programs related 85 crore. How can we pay if Devon Conway might make his have signed up for this year's IPL, there, and it won't be easy to get Open (Super 500), Malaysia including Saina and Kashyap, there's no action," he asked. debut for New Zealand either which has been postponed and into that team." Open (Super 750) and had suggested that the qualifi- "From English Premier against India A or Bangladesh if to Tokyo 2020 will be extended into 2021 Conway, who has amassed Singapore Open (Super 500), cation period for the Tokyo he is picked for one of the LAUSANNE, Mar 31: tion ahead of the Olympic 1598 runs for Wellington apart from the three Olympics be extended in light upcoming tours after the ICC Games Tokyo 2020," the Firebirds at an average of 72.63, Continental Confederation of tournaments getting can- declared him eligible to play for All Olympic Solidarity pro- Athletes' Commission said. with four hundreds including an championships. celled due to the coronavirus his adopted country. grams related to the Olympic The Athletes' Commission unbeaten 327 against BWF said due to the cur- outbreak. The 28-year-old, who left Games Tokyo 2020 will be also received the confirmation Canterbury last October, might rent scenario the next set of The governing body said it had in September extended into 2021, according to from the IOC that athletes who join the likes of and tournaments will also be sus- will start reviewing the 2017 to make a career in New a statement released by the have already qualified for the Neil Wagner, who were also pended. Olympic qualification system Zealand, was granted an "excep- International Olympic Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 born and raised in South-Africa "Due to the COVID-19 out- but a decision will take several tional circumstance dispensa- Committee (IOC) Athletes' will remain qualified, and their but went on to play for New break, the badminton commu- weeks. tion" by ICC, allowing him to Commission today. quota places remain secured. Zealand. nity has experienced an "Following yesterday's play before his August 28 eligi- According to the statement, "All Olympic Solidarity pro- However, Conway might unprecedented suspension to announcement to reschedule bility deadline. the IOC Athletes' Commission grams related to the Olympic need to wait longer for his New international tournaments from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic "The South African-born welcomes and supports the new Games Tokyo 2020 will be Zealand debut as both the tours mid-march 2020 to the end of Games to 23 July to 8 August Conway has also been granted dates agreed by the IOC, the IPC extended into 2021. It is impor- are still uncertain due to the April 2020. 2021, BWF will now also initi- an Exceptional Circumstance and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing tant to note that more than 1,600 COVID-19 pandemic, which "At present, it is difficult to ate a review process to confirm Committee for the Games of the athletes from 185 National seems unlikely to go ahead unless League, La Liga to Bundesliga, predict when the next interna- any impacts on the Olympic XXXII Olympiad to be celebrat- Olympic Committees have ben- BCCI figures an alternate window players are taking pay cuts. Also tional tournament will take qualification system," BWF ed from July 23 to August 8, efited from these scholarships," later in the year, compromising a there is no certainty anywhere as place with further tournaments said. 2021, and for the Paralympic the statement read. few bilateral commitments. to when things will get normal," also expected to be suspended "Please note that the conse- Games to be celebrated from The Olympic Solidarity "The system of IPL payments the official, who has been part of in May and June." quences of freezing the World August 24 to September 5, 2021. Programs provide assistance to is that 15 per cent is paid a week at least IPL 10 editions, added. The world body said it will Rankings will not apply to the "We believe the confirmation NOCs, through programs priori- before the tournament starts. 65 Both of them said in unison take time to decide on the Olympic qualification system. of the new dates will give you tizing athlete development, per cent more is paid during the that BCCI needs to see what can process of unfreezing the world "This review process is much-needed certainty and training of coaches and sports tournament. The remaining 20 be done even though they under- rankings as it will depend on expected to take several weeks allow you to focus on your administrators, and promoting percent is paid within a stipulated stand that the parent body stands how the international calender upon which BWF will make a health and safety, as well as the the Olympic values. time after the tournament ends," a to lose close to Rs 3000 crore. looks once things improve. further announcement once all health of the wider community. senior official of an IPL franchise The athletes programs try to "It's not just the Dhonis and "BWF will provide more circumstances have been care- Additionally, having the Games said. ensure that athletes with talent the Kohlis who will be affected. information in due course fully considered." (PTI) in the summer period maximises "The BCCI has specific guide- have an equal chance of reach- Surely they would feel the pinch the opportunity for all athletes, lines. Obviously, no player will be ing the Games and succeeding in but for many first-timers, the Rs has put all cricket - and all sport regardless of their country, to paid as of now," he added. dispensation by the ICC which Lord's opens facilities for NHS the Olympic arena. (Agencies) 20, 40 or 60 lakh is serious life- - in suspension. have the best possible prepara- In fact, the economic implica- means, should he be selected for "Little bit mixed feelings at changing money after all the hard the NZ A tour of India (starting tions of a season without IPL work. Hope the BCCI has a plan the moment. Obviously really staff battling COVID-19 pandemic could be huge, admitted BCCI August 15) or the BLACKCAPS Swedish Govt arranged flight to take in place," he said. happy to hear the news about my LONDON, Mar 31: The club has provided 75 Players' body -- the Indian tour of Bangladesh (starting BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal, eligibility, but then again, in say- car parking spaces for NHS Cricketers' Association -- presi- August 12), he will be allowed however, said that at present, there ing that, with regards to what's Custodian of cricket laws, staff at the nearby Wellington India U-17 women's team coach home dent Ashok Malhotra. to play in tour matches ahead of NEW DELHI, Mar 31: five venues in India from hasn't been any discussion about happening at the moment the Marylebone Cricket Club Hospital, University College He feels that even domestic the August 28 deadline," ICC November 2 to 21. pay cuts. throughout the world, just puts (MCC), has decided to provide Hospital, and the Hospital of St players may have to accept pay said in a statement. Indian women U-17 World The experienced 60-year-old "There has been no discussion (everything) in perspective," parking and storage spaces John and St Elizabeth. cuts if losses run into thousands of The left-handed batsman has Cup football team's Swedish Dennerby was appointed as the at all on pay cuts. IPL obviously is Conway said. crores amid the ongoing lock- been simply sensational, topping coach Thomas Dennerby will head coach of the Indian BCCI's biggest tournament. But at With New Zealand also in down to combat the COVID-19 the run-getter list in all three leave for his home country from women's U-17 World Cup team this point, it is very difficult to do lockdown to contain the spread pandemic. domestic competitions in the Goa tomorrow as the training of in November last year. He had calculations and estimate losses. of the virus, Conway has not Right now, BCCI is looking at 2019-20 season -- the first-class the players have been stopped guided the Swedish women's The calculations are complex and been able to train but he is doing an alternate window as chances of Plunket Shield, the List A Ford due to the 21-day lockdown in national team to a third-place till office-bearers get together, we some eye exercises and boxing a curtailed IPL in May look dim Trophy, and the T20 Super the wake of the COVID-19 pan- finish in the FIFA Women's can't say anything," Dhumal said. to keep himself fit. but nothing concrete has come Smash. World Cup in However, former India Test out. "It's really awesome to have "I'm trying to do as much Germany in 2011 and player Malhotra feels that one The country is currently under that solid date, 28th of August, physical work as possible, as it a quarterfinal spot in needs to be practical in under- a 21-day lockdown till April 14 as a reminder to say that you're allows me, but I also try and the 2012 London standing the situation. In case of while IPL has been postponed till pretty close. In saying that, it focus on doing some of those Olympics. domestic players, it might not be a April 15. The pandemic has doesn't guarantee selection. So I eye exercises that are quite Dennerby also had pay cut but probably the much- caused mayhem worldwide, am pretty pretty happy to hear important to me, and using skills a stint with the awaited pay hike could be put on killing over 37,000 people so far. about that," Conway was quoted like boxing to stay active - I'm Nigerian senior hold for some time. The economic upheaval as saying by ESPNcricinfo on enjoying that recently," Conway women's team during "The BCCI earns its money caused by it has led to players of Tuesday. said. the 2019 FIFA from cricket. If cricket is not hap- England and Australia to admit "But you've just got to keep "There's not a lot that we can Women's World Cup pening, where will the money that they are bracing up for pay working hard and hopefully get do, but as much as you can do, in France. He also come from? We have to be sensi- "MCC has currently pro- cuts. an opportunity to break into that it's important to do during this coached the side to the ble here. available at the iconic Lord's vided 75 parking space at Another franchise official period." (PTI) AWCON title in 2018. "So, it's not just international cricket ground to the National Lord's for staff at Wellington clarified that the salaries of the Asked when cricketers but domestic players Health Services (NHS) staff Hospital, University College players are not insured for a pan- demic. Dennerby is likely to return to will also be affected. It's not the Misbah calls for uniform policy in battling the COVID-19 pan- Hospital, and the Hospital of St demic. Dennerby and compatriot India, Das said, "He will come board's fault. This is an unavoid- demic. John and St Elizabeth" it "We will not get any money fitness coach Per Karlsson will back once he is able to train the able situation," Malhotra said. The coronavirus outbreak added. from insurance company as pan- fly back home on a flight players." (PTI) dealing with corrupt cricketers has infected over 7,00,000 In addition, the custodians arranged by the Swedish gov- The 21-day lockdown began KARACHI, Mar 31: has shared his ideas as well. I think people and caused more that of cricket laws are also provid- ernment for their citizens in 35,000 deaths worldwide. from March 25 and before that he will now understand that it is ing food to a city-based charity. India. Pakistan head coach and chief In the UK, close to 23,000 India had banned international TTFI contributes Rs 5 lakh totally up to organisation to take a "MCC has provided food to "Yes, head coach Dennerby selector Misbah-ul-Haq today people, including Prime commercial flights from March decision on these issues." City Harvest London, who help is leaving for his home in demanded a clear policy for players Minister Boris Johnson and 22. It will continue till April 14. Asked about Hafeez's sugges- put fresh surplus food to good Sweden tomorrow. There is no who are found guilty of corruption at Prince Charles, have been Das had earlier said that the for fight against COVID-19 tion that a clause should be put into use in a sustainable way, redis- training now and the players any level. infected and over 1,400 deaths AIFF remained hopeful of stag- NEW DELHI, Mar 31: pandemic. the players contracts on the issue of have left for their homes," All However, the former Test cap- reported. tributing to organisations that ing of the women's age group "The TTFI, as a part of its what should happen if a player is India Football Federation tain also didn't agree with the public "The close proximity of a feed the hungry," the statement showpiece of FIFA despite the The Table Tennis Federation social responsibility, decided to found guilty of corruption, Misbah General Secretary Kushal Das comments made by Muhammad number of hospitals to Lord's said. COVID-19 pandemic causing of India (TTFI) today pledged contribute in its own small way said that there should be a unani- told PTI on Tuesday. Hafeez, who feels tainted players gives the Club the opportunity "We are continuing to work cancellation and postponement Rs 5 lakh to the Prime Minister's a sum of Rs 5 lakh to the Prime mous law for all players. The FIFA U-17 Women's should not be allowed back into the to assist medical staff so they closely with our local commu- of sporting events throughout Relief Fund for the battle against Minister's Relief Fund," TTFI "But we have to take into count World Cup will be played in national team. can concentrate on their ongo- nity, hospitals and organisa- the world. (PTI) the fast-spreading COVID-19 said in a statement. many things like a player's education "It is my personal opinion that if ing battle against the virus," tions to offer support as best we "A cheque for the amount and his understanding of his position you are playing as a player you the MCC said in media release. can during this period." (PTI) was sent to the Indian Olympic and situation and his decision mak- shouldn't be giving such opinion as ing ability. In most cases we have Association (IOA), which had the ICC and PCB are the authority requested all National Sports seen it has been about players failing on these matters and they take deci- to report any approaches to them." Neeraj Chopra donates Rs 3 lakh to assist Federations (NSFs) to make sions as per existing law," he said in contributions to the Fund," it Misbah players like in the recent a video interaction with the print Umar Akmal case tended to take battle against COVID-19 pandemic added. media. TTFI president and Deputy things lightly and landed into trou- NEW DELHI, Mar 31: in Turkey. He advised Hafeez to avoid ble. Chief Minister of Haryana making comments because as a "I have donated a sum of "My personal view is that if you Asian Games gold medal- Rs.2 Lakh to #PMCARES fund Dushyant Chautala has also player one has to share the dressing winning javelin thrower Neeraj committed to a substantial sum want to put such a clause for play- and Rs.1 Lakh to the Haryana room. ers, it should be unanimous and Chopra today donated a total of which will be sent by the feder- "It is good that the PCB CEO Covid Relief Fund. I ation to the PM's Relief Fund in should be decided once for hope we all can come Wasim Khan has had a long talk all."(PTI) due course of time, the statement with Hafeez on this issue and Hafeez together in our own added. (PTI) individual capacities to bring relief during this time and help our nation overcome this pandemic," the Commonwealth Games gold-medallist tweeted. Chopra, who hails Rs 3 lakh to the Central and from Panipat, has qualified for Haryana State relief funds to the Tokyo Olympics and is con- combat the COVID-19 pandem- sidered a strong medal con- ic in the country. tender. Chopra is currently in self- India's tally of COVID-19 isolation at the National Institute cases has surpassed 1000 with of Sports (NIS) in Patiala after over 40 deaths reported so far. flying back from a training trip (PTI)