Federer Suggests ATP, WTA Merger

SPORT SPORTS | 09 SPORT | 11 DjokovicDjo gives Liverpool are rrallyinga cry to not finished helphelp lower-level article, says players coach Klopp

THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2020 Federer suggests ATP, WTA merger

REUTERS – LONDON lower-level players, who depend Federer’s comments on the social the ATP player council, said he feared solely on tournament winnings, of the media were ‘liked’ by both men and many in the lower tier will give up the Roger Federer called yesterday for a chance to earn a living. women players within minutes. sport and called on fellow profes- merger between the men’s ATP Tour “Just wondering ... am I the only “I agree, and have been saying so sionals to help them. and the WTA, which runs the women’s one thinking that now is the time for It’s too confusing for the since the early 1970s. One voice, ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi circuit, as tennis wades through a men’s and women’s tennis to be fans when there are different women and men together, has long recently said it was extremely lengthy coronavirus shutdown with united and come together as one?” ranking systems, different been my vision for tennis,” American important that his organisation works lower-level professionals in deep the winner of 20 Grand Slam singles great Billie Jean King, who created closely with its women’s financial crisis. titles said on Twitter. logos, different websites, the WTA in 1973, said on Twitter. counterparts. The tennis season was suspended “I am picturing a merger between different tournament “The WTA on its own was always “The most difficult (part), is actually in March due to the COVID-19 pan- the WTA and ATP. categories. It probably should Plan B. I’m glad we are on the same to align the stakeholders,” the Italian, demic and the hiatus will continue at “I am not talking about merging have happened a long time page. Let’s make it happen.” While formerly a top-20 singles player, said least until mid-July, depriving competition on the court, but merging ago, but maybe now is really tennis is a lucrative sport for those at in an ATP podcast. the 2 governing bodies (ATP and WTA) the time: Roger Federer the top, those in the lower echelons “Players and tournaments cur- that oversee the men’s and women’s often struggle to make ends meet and rently, in the past, have been spending professional tours ...” Tennis enjoys with no signs of when the sport most of their time trying to solve a massive worldwide following but there are different ranking systems, can resume again, they face a internal conflicts. That is where most its governance remains fractious different logos, different websites, bleak future. of the time, energy and resources were with as many as seven associations different tournament categories,” the The ATP Tour, the WTA, spent, while in reality, our competition running different parts the game. 38-year-old Swiss continued. along with the ITF and organ- lays outside. Besides the ATP and the WTA “It probably should have hap- isers of the four Grand “We compete with other sports, we Tours, the sport is also controlled pened a long time ago, but maybe Slams, have in recent compete with other entertainment plat- by the International Tennis Feder- now is really the time. weeks joined forces to forms. We need to invest in technology ation and the boards of the four “These are tough times in create a relief fund to and we need to work more closely with Grand Slam tournaments. every sport and we can help the lower-level the other organisations, specifically the “It’s too con- come out of this with 2 players affected by the WTA, the ITF and the other Grand fusing for the weakened bodies or shutdown. Slams ...” The WTA did not immediately fans when 1 stronger body.” Novak Djokovic, the head of respond to a request for comment.

Who says what on Federer’s idea Hey I agree, and have been saying so since the early @rogerfederer 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has as you know per long been my vision for tennis. our discussions I The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I’m glad we completely agree are on the same page. Let’s make it happen: that it would be great to get out of this world crisis Billie-Jean King, 12-time singles Grand Slam with the union of men’s and women’s tennis in one champion only organisation: Rafael Nadal, 19-time Grand Slam champion, on Twitter. Hands up if you agree with Roger Federer: You are not the only one: Simona Halep, reigning Petra Kvitova, two-time Wimbledon champion, on Wimbledon champion, in a reply to Federer’s twitter. tweet. You are not the only one. The time has come: Yes, would be a good idea: Garbine Muguruza, Patrick McEnroe, former doubles champion and two-time rand Slam champion, on Twitter. commentator

Spanish GP: F1 to Michael O’Neill Neymar among Brazilian renegotiate fees for players clubbing races without fans together to aid poor

AP – MADRID REUTERS – RIO DE JANEIRO

Formula One organisers are open to renegotiating hosting Paris St Germain’s Neymar and Liverpool’s Alisson are among the fees for races that may take place without fans this season Brazilian players and coaches who have joined forces with the because of the coronavirus pandemic, the general manager country’s football federation (CBF) to donate almost a million dollars of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya said. to families facing economic hardship due the new COVID-19 Joan Fontseré told The Associated Press that Liberty Media pandemic. is “conscious” that if races need to go on without fans the The group of 57 players and staff, also including former Bar- contracts with event promoters will have to be somehow Northern Ireland coach celona right back Daniel Alves, donated 2.5 million reais ($463,787) renegotiated. while the CBF met their contribution, according to the “They are conscious that this is an exceptional situation,” O’Neill steps down organisation. Fontseré said on Tuesday. “In difficult times like these lots of families need help, our help,” “We are obviously on the same page. If they want to keep AFP – LONDON It seems likely that UEFA Neymar said in a video posted on the CBF website. some races on because of the TV rights, because of the teams will reschedule the playoff The money will go to three organisations working in Brazil’s ... they know that our income (will be reduced), they realise Michael O’Neill has stepped matches deciding the last four densely-populatedlated favelas and is enoenoughugh to provide food and that this year it will be like that, so for sure we are on the down as Northern Ireland places at next year’s European sanitary productscts for 32,000 families for same page.” manager to focus on his role as Championship after the first two months, CCBFBF president RoRogeriogerio He said Spanish Grand Prix organisers at this moment Stoke boss after the coronavirus Nations League matches in Caboclo said. BBrazilrazil coaccoachh TiTitete aandnd hihiss are not even considering a race with fans in Barcelona. He ruined his plan to remain in September. players encouragedaged fans to donate and said it’s not only ticket sales that would be affected if the charge for the European Cham- “I would have loved the athletes from ootherther sportssports to ppartic-artic- event goes on with empty stands and no hospitality suites. pionship play-offs. opportunity to manage ipate in the campaign.mpaign. “When the Catalan government invests in F1, it’s not only O’Neill’s eight-year reign Northern Ireland in the UEFA The CBF saidaid ddistributionistribution ooff tthehe for the tickets that we sell, it’s also for the financial impact was ended by mutual agreement 2020 playoff game versus money raised wwouldould be overseen byby that the event has in the country, in Catalonia,” Fontseré said. with Northern Ireland chiefs fol- Bosnia and Herzegovina and accountants EY,Y, who are gigivingving their “The economic impact for the country will be very lowing international fixture the chance to qualify for time for free. Neymar reduced. It means no income for taxis, for hotels ... so that changes proposed by UEFA. another major tournament, but The initiativeive comescomes a changes completely the agreement between the two parties.” “After careful consideration the current situation means week after a serieseries of The Spanish GP brings in more than €160,000m ($173m) and following discussions with that this is no longer possible,” high-profile formerormer to the region, with the total of its financial impact during the the Irish FA I feel it is only fair O’Neill said. players, includingding year nearing €300m ($325m), according to data from the that now is the right time for me “It was important to leave Dunga, Zico aandnd track. The attendance for last year’s race-weekend surpassed to step aside,” O’Neill said the association and team in the Paulo Robertorto 160,000 people. yesterday. strongest possible shape in Falcao, raiseded Fontseré said he received a couple of phone calls from O’Neill took charge at Cham- order to not only have the best millions throughgh F1 CEO Chase Carey to discuss possible solutions for the pionship club Stoke in chance of qualifying for Euro their ownn Spanish GP. He said Carey said the series is trying to run as November, but the 50-year-old 2021, but allow the new campaigns. many races as possible, but it was still too early to know remained in charge of Northern manager time to build upon the Brazil has when the season would actually resume, whether it would Ireland in order to see out the success that we have had during so far reported be in the summer or only in the fall. Euro 2020 qualification process. my eight-year tenure.” O’Neill 43,079 cases Nine of the 22 races have already been postponed or can- Northern Ireland were due was appointed Northern Ireland of COVID-19, celed, and F1 recently put half of its staff on furlough until to face Bosnia in a playoff in manager in December 2011 and with 2,741 the end of May. Some teams also took similar actions to March, but the game was post- memorably guided his fatalities, the reduce costs. F1 organisers have said they hope to hold poned because of the health unfancied team to the Euro 2016 highest totals iinn between 15 and 18 races this year. The Australian GP and the crisis, while the tournament has finals in France, where they South America. Monaco GP have already been cancelled. now been pushed back to 2021. reached the last 16. THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2020 SPORT 09 Djokovic gives rallying cry to help lower-level players

REUTERS — MUMBAI Djokovic had previously pro- “Players individually can Serb said. “The sport has to forget about them.” Djokovic posed a model for higher- help as much as they want,” said think how we will expand the did not expect to see regular Novak Djokovic (pictured) has ranked players to donate funds Djokovic. base. We have to tournaments starting again soon called on the tennis world to after holding discussions with “It’s difficult to pressuree expandexpand this as players would be unable to contribute to a relief fund for I understand that fellow council members Roger players into giving money,y, numbernumber as travel freely due to restrictions players struggling financially there are differences Federer and Rafa Nadal. whatever their ranking is. muchmuch as imposed to contain the spread during the coronavirus in opinions. So I “I am really privileged to be “I understand that there arere we can. ofof thethe new coronavirus. shutdown and to show lower- able to use my status of being a differences in opinions. So I “I ffeeleel “I thinkthink therethere wwillill be mmoreore ranked professionals that they invite anybody who top player that can, in this times, invite anybody who likes tennis,s, ththatat tthehe regional prize money tour-tour- have not been forgotten. likes tennis, who raise the awareness of players who wants tennis to survive aass players naments. I think this is The men’s ATP Tour, the that are struggling,” the world a sport (to donate).” should wwhat’shat’s going to happen WTA, which runs the women’s wants tennis to number one said during an While tennis is a lucrativee show the veryvery soon,” hhee saisaid,d, aaddingdding circuit, along with the Interna- survive as a sport Instagram chat with Italy’s sport for those at the top, thosee solidaritsolidarityy thatthat tthosehose eeventsvents wewerere tional Tennis Federation and (to donate): Novak Fabio Fognini on Tuesday. in the lower echelons oftenn anandd shshowow unlikely to award ranking organisers of the four Grand “I personally have earned struggle to make ends meet. thethe unity in this points.points. Slams, are creating a fund to Djokovic enough money to live for many Djokovic, a 17-times Grandd moment,moment, showshow help players affected by the more years without playing Slam champion who has earnedd thesethese lower-lower- shutdown. tennis.” Djokovic did not want some $144m in career prizee rankedranked players The tennis season was sus- lower-level players, who to disclose the size of the fund money, said he had heard manyy thatthat wewe do pended in March due to the depend solely on tournament before an official players were contemplatingg notn o t COVID-19 pandemic and the winnings, of the chance to earn announcement was made but giving up the sport. shutdown will continue at least a living. said several million dollars “This is a significant issuee until mid-July, depriving ATP Player Council chief would be raised. for our sport,” the 32-year-oldd Berlin Marathon McIlroy says no to will not go ahead in Ryder Cup sans fans September REUTERS — LONDON REUTERS — LONDON Europe v United States event, which the Europeans won in The Berlin Marathon will not World number one Rory Paris in 2018. go ahead as planned in McIlroy (pictured) says he “I get the financial implica- September after Germany would prefer this year’s Ryder tions for everyone involved,” There’s a lot that banned public gatherings of Cup to be postponed until 2021 McIlroy said during an over 5,000 people until rather than stage the event with Instagram live talk with goes into putting October 24 due to the no fans present due to the equipment company COVID-19 pandemic, organ- Winston Casey of Arlington, VA, who has no spleen, an important on the Ryder Cup COVID-19 pandemic. TaylorMade. isers have said. immune system organ, wears a mask to protect against the The golf calendar has been “There’s a lot that goes into that people don’t They did not specify if the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the practice range before his ravaged by the new corona- putting on the Ryder Cup that appreciate, but event, at which the last seven round of golf at Westﬁelds Golf Club in Clifton,Virginia. virus outbreak, with three of the people don’t appreciate, but having a Ryder Cup men’s world records have been sport’s four majors -- the having a Ryder Cup without set, would be postponed or can- Masters, US Open and PGA fans is not a Ryder Cup. without fans is not celled altogether. St Andrews Trophy cancelled Championships p -- postpopostponed ed “Itt wouwouldn’t d t be a ggreat eat specspec- a Ryder Cup:Cup World “We have learned from the and the Britishritish OpenOpen can-can- tacle,tacle, tthere’dhere’d bbee no atmospatmosphere,here, No.1No.1 RRoryory MMcIlroy press conference of the Berlin due to COVID-19 pandemic celled altogether.gether. soso iiff it came to wwhetherhether ttheyhey hhadad Senate on April 21, that The 20202020 toto cchoosehoh ose bbetweenetween not pplayinglaying according to the Containment REUTERS — LONDON wellbeing of the players and Ryder Cup is the eeventvent oorr Ordinance, all events with more everyone involved in the St scheduled too playingplaying it witwithouthout 22021.021. “Obvious“Obviously it would be than 5,000 persons will be pro- The 2020 St. Andrews Andrews Trophy,” Duncan take placee fans,fans, I wouldwould saysay betterbetter fforor tthehe EuEuropeansr to play hibited until October 24,” organ- Trophy, scheduled to take Weir, the executive director of from Sept.. justjust ddelayelay it a year withoutwithout fansfans because we isers said in a statement. place in Wales from July golf development and amateur 25-27 att andand plplayay it in wouldn’twouldn’t hhaveave to deal with “This applies to many of our 23-24, has been cancelled championships at The R&A, Whistlingg somesom of the stuff events, but especially to the due to the coronavirus said. Straits inn youyo have to put Berlin Marathon, which cannot outbreak, the R&A and the The next edition of the Wisconsinn upu with, but at take place on September 26 and European Golf Association tournament will now be played but there aree theth same time 27 as planned. said yesterday. on July 21-22, 2022 in doubts that iitt iit’st’ not a Ryder “We will now deal with the The tournament, con- Slovakia. can go aheadad CuCup,” McIlroy consequences of the official pro- tested between amateur The COVID-19 pandemic as planned. added.adde hibition of our events, coor- golfers representing Britain has wreaked havoc on the McIlroy “I“Iff they do delay dinate the further steps and & Ireland and Europe, was golf calendar, with three of said the itit untiluntil 2021, the next inform you as soon as we can.” first staged in 1956 and has the sport’s four majors -- the absence of RyderRyder CuCupp is in Italy, and The London Marathon, been held every two years Masters, US Open and PGA spectators wewe kknownow hhow badly Italy which was scheduled to be held since. Championship -- postponed would ruin was affectedaffecte by corona- on Sunday, has been postponed “We made this decision to while the British Open was the spec- virus, so iitt gives them an to October 4 due to the virus, protect the health and cancelled altogether. tacle of the extraextra yearye to prepare which has infected 2.5 million biennial forfooteer thethe eevent in 2023." people globally. Virtual WNBA Report: NHL considers one-city-per-division plan REUTERS — NEW YORK Examining the spread of COVID-19 around NHL (Metropolitan Division). He placement often depends draft draws did not list a front-runner for upon teams’ playoff markets, Friedman theorises that candidates to Instead of looking at a lone, the Atlantic Division, which outcomes. second highest neutral location to host all be host cities would include Edmonton (Paciﬁc has teams in Boston, Buffalo, The draft was scheduled NHL games when play Division), Saint Paul, Minn. (Central Division) and Detroit, Montreal, Ottawa, to take place June 26-27 in resumes following the coro- Raleigh, N.C. (Metropolitan Division). Tampa, Toronto and Sunrise, Montreal, but it was post- TV audience navirus pandemic, the Fla. poned indefinitely on March league reportedly is consid- The NHL also might keep the draft in June, The NHL also might keep 25. It is possible the NHL AP — NEW YORK ering a plan to have teams according to Friedman. However, the fact that the draft in June, according might move its draft to an from each division play in a the 2019-20 season might not be completed by to Friedman. However, the online-only format such as The WNBA draft drew its second-highest single site. fact that the 2019-20 season the one the WNBA used last television audience. Elliotte Friedman of then would complicate matters, as the draft order might not be completed by week and the NFL will use The draft, held virtually last Friday Canada’s Sportsnet wrote traditionally is set based on the prior season’s then would complicate this week. because of the coronavirus, averaged that the four-city plan could standings. matters, as the draft order The NHL season was 387,000 viewers on ESPN, up 123% from be enacted with triple- traditionally is set based on suspended on March 12, with last year’s draft. It was also up 33% from headers held daily at each the prior season’s standings. all teams having played the last time it aired on the network in site. The players association contemplating neutral-site theorised that candidates to The league also would between 68 and 71 of their 2011. would need to give its games, according to be host cities would include have to determine how to scheduled 82 regular-season Only the 2004 draft had more viewers. approval for the strategy to Friedman. Examining the Edmonton (Pacific Division), handle conditional draft games. The regular season “This year’s WNBA draft was truly a be utilized. spread of COVID-19 around Saint Paul, Minn. (Central picks that changed hands in was originally due to end on collaborative effort between the league The NHL is not NHL markets, Friedman Division) and Raleigh, N.C. prior deals, as their April 4. and ESPN, under an unprecedented set of circumstances, to ensure that the top athletes in women’s college basketball were given the platform they deserve,” said ESPN Kasparov to play in new Online Nations Cup Carol Stiff, vice president of pro- gramming and acquisitions. “The viewership success-the most AFP — NEW DELHI governing body FIDE said, are happy to see that chess watched WNBA Draft since 2004 and an announcing the event. Chess legend is providing solace to mil- audience increase of 123% over last year’s Chess legends including “But the new ‘match of Garry Kasparov lions of people who are telecast-is indicative of the continued Russia’s Garry Kasparov and the century’ will be more under a home lockdown.” growth of interest in and support of Vladimir Kramnik will next global, entirely online, and The event, co- women’s basketball. We are dedicated to month take part in a new also gender-inclusive, since organised by FIDE and the working alongside the WNBA to continue online world team tour- the team line-ups must leading chess-playing this momentum moving forward.” nament as the game makes include at least one female platform Chess.com, is Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu was the moves to carry on despite player.” expected to feature teams first pick in a draft that made a huge the global coronavirus Chess remains one of comprising top players impact across WNBA and NBA social shutdown. the few games continuing, from China, India, Russia, media handles, generating 6.5 million Six teams will compete albeit only online, after the the US, Europe and the views - up 165% from last year - and 1.3 in the Online Nations Cup coronavirus pandemic “Rest of the World”. million minutes watched. That was up from May 5-10 with former wrecked the 2020 global The games will be played 237% from last year. world champion Viswa- sports calendar, including in a rapid format, where In addition, the WNBA Instagram nathan Anand featuring for the Tokyo Olympics which each player has 25 minutes handle had its highest year-over-year India. has been postponed until on the clock and gets 10 growth, generating more than 3.8 million “This epoch-making next year. seconds added after each video views on draft day. battle draws some similar- The Candidates tour- move. ities with golf’s Ryder Cup, nament had to be halted Players will be under The draft, held virtually because of or with the 1970 ‘USSR vs midway in March while the “This is a unique event president Arkady Dvork- supervision to ensure they the coronavirus, averaged 387,000 Rest of the World’ chess Chess Olympiad, which was that will combine compet- ovich. “The reasons why an are not computer-aided with viewers on ESPN, up 123% from match-up that made head- supposed to take place in itive chess at the highest official tournament like this a FIDE-affiliated arbiter last year’s draft. lines in Bobby Fischer’s Russia this summer, has level, with a top-notch has to be conducted online observing via video con- heyday,” the game’s world been postponed to 2021. online spectacle”, said FIDE are very unfortunate. But we ference call. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2020 County cricketers play waiting game during virus lockdown

AFP - LONDON

County cricketer Tom Alsop is kicking his heels because of the coronavirus pandemic but says his mother’s job on the front line in a British hospital puts his frustrations into perspective. Global cricket is on hold, including the start of the English season and the lucrative Twenty20 Indian Premier League, with dire warnings sounded over the potential financial fallout from a pro- longed shutdown. Hampshire player Alsop has been placed on the furlough scheme -- which sees 80 percent of wages up to a certain level covered by the British government. The players are in talks with the club about the remaining 20 percent. Scarecrows created by Northwich Cricket Club members are pictured placed on the cricket ﬁeld to represent players and umpires on the planned day for the start of their The 24-year-old, who says cricket season, while the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, Northwich, Britain, in this April 18, 2020, ﬁle photo. county cricketers’ wages are “very good for what we do”, said the issue pales into insignifi- professional sportsman. “At the Alsop’s father was respon- training and take part in and ‘keeping,” said Alsop, who dark over when or whether the cance compared with the work end of the day it’s a game. I sible, along with his older strength and conditioning is currently living with his season might start. his mother and other National don’t drive into work every day brother Owen, for sparking his during the off-season, making parents. “At Hampshire we’ve “Cricket is restricted by the Health Service staff are doing. wondering how many lives I interest in cricket, with fiercely it a “full-time job”. all been given home fitness pro- elements unlike other sports so “My morale is as positive as might need to save or are there fought games in their back The relative monotony of grammes so I’ve been following that certainly puts some it can be during these uncertain going to be enough beds for garden. “That often ended in that has been alleviated with mine so far,” he said. “The club’s pressure on,” he said. times. With my mother’s job in everyone,” he said. argument, mostly down to me two spells playing in Durban, WhatsApp has been very busy, “I think it’s highly likely the intensive care (working as a He hopes one positive only wanting to bat and not South Africa, and one training everyone is staying in touch. Twenty20 tournament will be senior critical care nurse) at outcome of the coronavirus will bowl,” he said. in Perth, Australia. There’s been lots of quizzes, pic- prioritised as it’s most if not all RUH (Royal United Hospitals) be that it will make people He has gone on to enjoy County cricketers in tures and videos shared, all clubs’ biggest money-earner Bath, it really puts things in per- rethink their priorities. “exhilarating highs” including England and Wales are now aimed at making each other compared with the other two spective,” the wicketkeeper- “What really matters in life his maiden first-class century being forced to work out alone laugh and to keep each other formats (four-day first-class batsman said. is family and loved ones,” he and seeing different cultures on as they wait to see if and when sane.” cricket and 50-over cricket). Alsop, who has represented said. “Not being upset over not tour, including Sri Lanka. the season starts due to the He and his team-mates “Especially with the England at Under-19 and Lions having the newest Mercedes or Alsop said county players, COVID-19 lockdown. would love to be playing the financial effect that COVID-19 (England’s second-tier) level, that your stock portfolio has being on 12-month contracts, “Training is difficult at the sport they are paid for but like is having on businesses and the says he is fortunate as a fallen by a few points.” were required to continue moment in respects to batting everyone else they are in the economy.” Gavaskar Furloughed staff could work at ON THIS DAY: Laker, who says India supermarkets, says CA chief took 19 wickets, dies

REUTERS - LONDON could host REUTERS - MELBOURNE CA’s cutbacks, which will save A$3m Jim Laker, who died on April 23, 1986, remains one of England’s the T20 Staff furloughed by Cricket ($1.89m), have been criticised by media finest spin bowlers and is best remembered for his record 19 Australia during the corona- pundits given that the board has some wickets in a single Test match in 1956. virus shutdown could work at Not only was that performance against Australia, at Old World Cup supermarkets as part of the A$36m in stock market investments and had Trafford, a Test record, it has never been matched even in first board’s efforts to find alter- more than A$90m in reserves at the end of class cricket, with only two players coming within two wickets native employment for them, since. AFP - NEW DELHI March. Executives at CA remain employed on Chief Executive Kevin Roberts Yet while the memory of the ‘Laker Test’ remains strong, Batting great Sunil said yesterday. 80% of their salaries. his impact on the game was much broader -- he was a key part Gavaskar said India could Roberts told Australian of the Surrey team which won seven county championships host this year’s Twenty20 radio he had written to super- in a row between 1952 and 1958 and claimed 193 wickets in World Cup instead of market giant Woolworths to save A$3m ($1.89m), have been reduced annual grants and is in 46 Tests over an 11-year period. Australia if the coronavirus find jobs for some of the nearly criticised by media pundits discussions with the players Born in Yorkshire, Laker viewed himself as a batsman and crisis eases in the subcon- 80% of staff that have been fur- given that the board has some union about potential pay cuts. quick bowler but was persuaded to try his hand at off-spin. tinent. loughed on 20% pay until July A$36m in stock market invest- Local media have reported He realised his potential during war-time inter-service With India set to host 30. ments and had more than resistance from the states, who games on matting wickets in Egypt. the 2021 edition, Gavaskar “I wrote to Brad Banducci, A$90m in reserves at the end nominate six of the nine Emerging in county cricket with Surrey after World War suggested swapping with the CEO of Woolworths, given of March. directors to CA’s executive Two, Laker, tall and with a high, elegant bowling action, showed Australia -- which has that Woolworths is among Executives at CA remain board. that his effectiveness was by indefinitely barred almost organisations that need more employed on 80% of their Roberts said yesterday he no means limited to such all non-residents from staff at the moment,” Roberts salaries. had enough support to drive the surfaces. entering the country -- and told SEN Radio. Roberts on Tuesday cuts through. Having settled in the south holding this year’s tour- “Our people and culture defended the measures and “The reality is that the vast of England after the war, he nament instead. team are also working with said CA faced the loss of hun- majority of our people, our was signed by Surrey and by Australia is scheduled other organisations who are in dreds of millions of dollars in members, our stakeholders, are 1948 he earned his first test to stage the World Cup the habit of placing people in revenue if the shutdown pre- very comfortable with how appearance, in Barbados. from October 18 to organisations and industries cludes Australia from hosting we’re working through this,” he His emergence led to inev- November 15, but the Inter- that have a temporary need for the Twenty20 World Cup in said. itable overtures from his national Cricket Council more people. October and India in a lucrative “I think it’s just the reality home county but despite has said it is “exploring all “So we’re doing those things Test series during the home of the situation versus what is Yorkshire’s best efforts, he options” for the proactively and people are at summer. sometimes reported, given that stuck with Surrey. tournament. the centre of everything we do.” CA has asked its state stories of harmony don’t nec- His greatest achievement “As we all know, Aus- CA’s cutbacks, which will member associations to take essarily sell.” was back in the North, A ﬁle photo of Jim Laker. tralia has barred foreigners however, during a rainy and Pic: www.wisden.com from entering the country... blustery Test at Old Trafford, The tournament starts mid- eight years after his England October so it is looking dif- Rohit expects ‘different ball game’ debut. England batted first and made 459 all out with Peter ficult at the moment,” Richardson scoring his maiden Test century and David Sheppard Gavaskar told India Today. also making a hundred and there was little indication of what “Next year’s T20 World against reinforced Australia was to come. Cup is in India. If India and With his Surrey team mate, left-arm orthodox spinner Tony Australia come to an REUTERS - NEW DELHI India return this summer. “Aus- and knows he must perform in Lock, operating at the other end, Laker ran through the Aus- agreement and in case the tralia, in their own backyard the next away series to prove tralians taking 9-37 as the tourists were bowled out for 84. (COVID-19) curve in India Locking horns with a reinforced and with those two guys, it will his credentials. His seven wickets after tea were at a rate of one every three flattens out, they can swap. Australia will be a “different be a different ball game, I know “I was quite looking balls. “It can be held in India ball game” if India get a chance that,” said Rohit. forward to playing in the chal- There was anger among the visitors about the surface, with this October-November to contest the series Down “As a team, we are also lenging conditions in New former Australia spinner Bill O’Reilly writing in the press that and in Australia October- Under later this year, opener playing our best cricket right Zealand but unfortunately the “This pitch is a disgrace. What lies in store for Test cricket if November next year.” Rohit Sharma said yesterday. now... If it happens, it’ll be a injury happened at the wrong groundsmen are allowed to play the fool like this?” Gavaskar added that Exactly when the tour will great series to be part of,” Rohit time,” said the limited-overs Following on, Australia battled through the rain delays into the Indian Premier League go ahead is still up in the air as said, stalwart. the fifth day, with opener Colin McDonald’s 337-minute 89, in T20 tournament, indefi- the coronavirus pandemic has Cricket Australia is yet to “I can’t wait to go in Aus- such tricky batting conditions, a brave and skilled innings. nitely postponed from its brought professional cricket to announce dates and venues of tralia and test myself,” Rohit Yet Laker was too much for them again and he ended with March 29 start, could be a halt globally, but that uncer- the Tests which will take place said. all 10 wickets. held just before the World tainty has not stopped Rohit after the Twenty20 World Cup. Rohit hoped his fellow Australia captain Ian Johnson put aside concerns about the Cup. from looking forward to what However, the pandemic has players, currently in lockdown wicket and was generous in his praise. “If it (the swap) is going he expects to be a close contest. also raised doubts about in their homes, would get ade- “When the controversies and side issues of this match are to happen that way then “It will be a great series,” whether the Twenty20 World quate time to shake off the rust. forgotten. Laker’s wonderful bowling will remain,” he said. what can be done is that IPL Rohit told India Today news Cup can be contested as “Especially for me, because He was right but Laker still had plenty more to offer the is held just prior to T20 channel. scheduled from Oct. 18 to Nov. I was injured before all this game. World Cup so there is India won a Test series in 15 in Australia. happened. I have a lot of work He caused controversy with his autobiography in 1960, enough practice for the Australia for the first time on Whenever the Australia v to do before I start playing. which attacked the last remnants of the amateur-professional players,” said the 70-year- the 2018-19 tour, prevailing India series does go ahead, it “My fitness test was just divide in the game and led to him losing his pass to Surrey’s old Indian. over the depleted hosts who will be particularly important around the corner when Oval ground and honorary MCC membership - although both The ICC is due to missed Steve Smith and David to Rohit as he has revived his lockdown happened. were later restored. discuss the global cricket Warner through ball-tampering long-format career by rein- "So the first thing for me Laker went on to be a respected television commentator calendar with chief execu- bans. venting himself as a Test would be to pass the fitness test for the BBC, for whom he had become the first cricketer to win tives of the 15 top national With the batting mainstays opener. Rohit missed the Test and then obviously, hit some the Sports Personality of the Year award after his exploits in boards this week. back in the side, revenge will series in New Zealand after suf- balls because it’s been a while,” Manchester. be on Australia’s mind when fering a calf injury in February he said. THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2020 SPORT 11 English Big-money signings take hit as non-league season broadcasters forced to scale back declared AFP – MADRID due to begin in France in August. It has “All that will change and I think it’s closed doors, maybe bars and restau- not yet even set up a channel. very positive. I never agreed with clubs rants will be closed until I don’t know over The days of European clubs spending In an exclusive interview with AFP, paying 140, 160 million euros for a when, but people will need, or at least hundreds of millions on transfers are over Roures insisted the agreement already football player. It will be very positive want, to see football as soon as possible. AFP – LONDON with television companies set to scale in place with French clubs “will not for society in general and for the clubs’ For the moment, we don’t see the need back on their investments in football, change” but was more sceptical about finances in particular.” to change anything.” The English non-league according to Jaume Roures, chief exec- the sums broadcasters will be able to Roures believes the prospect of Bar- While the German Bundesliga is football season is over after utive of Spanish media company spend on new deals in future. celona buying Neymar back from Paris hoping to lead the return to action by clubs voted in favour of ending Mediapro. “The amounts spent on rights, in Saint-Germain, for example, is “now resuming games next month, the the campaign yesterday. Mediapro could prove a key player in general, had reached the maximum impossible”. “Barcelona simply does not assumption is that fixtures in all Europe’s No decision has yet been clubs surviving the financial crisis caused already,” Roures said. have the economic strength,” he said. top leagues would have to be played in made on whether the league by the coronavirus pandemic after it “It’s obvious that TV rights will be Some broadcasters are already empty stadiums, perhaps for several tables in the National League, snapped up most of the domestic rights affected by this.” Any reductions will stalling, with beIN and Canal Plus months. National League North and for France’s Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 for four hit clubs hard, with Barcelona, the pausing payments due to the current “I think that would be compulsory,” National League South will be years starting next season in a total deal richest football club in the world, season stopping in France while in the said Roures. “But if you finish the leagues upheld as they stand or the worth a record €1.153bn ($1.25bn) making around 35 percent of their total UK, Sky Sports are allowing customers behind closed doors, you also don’t have competition declared null and annually. revenue last season through television to freeze subscriptions in the hope of to play on Saturdays and Sundays. void. The Chinese-owned company also income. halting an exodus. “We usually play on weekends Leagues from the seventh- has rights to show La Liga matches in For European champions Liverpool, There are fears audiences may not because it’s when people don’t work and tier down were brought to an pubs and bars in Spain, despite its deal as the figure was even higher at almost 50 keep or renew their expensive packages can go to the stadiums but now, this is end and all results expunged the league’s principal broadcaster ending percent. but Roures is confident fans will be even not the case. So we can adapt the last month. two years ago. “The days of football clubs paying keener to come back to football once schedules. “The options concerning The likes of Sky Sports and BT Sport, hundreds of millions of euros for players lockdowns are lifted. “And then television audiences will the sporting outcomes of the the English Premier League’s domestic is over,” says Roures. “Because clubs will “The crisis is not going to keep people be better because a very large part of the 2019/20 season remain under broadcasters in the UK, and Sky in run out of money and because banks will away from watching football,” Roures population will be at home. Even at the careful and timely consider- Germany, will be watching with interest not lend money to clubs with the same said. end of this, football will continue to be ation, and further updates will to see how Mediapro handles its contract ease as before. “Maybe we will have to play behind people’s favourite sport.” be given in due course,” the National League said in a statement. The top four divisions of Aurier and Sissoko Liverpool are not finished article: Klopp the English game are still planning on trying to finish the sorry for ignoring AFP – LONDON coming through. We can improve season when it is safe for with this team, which is great.” Klopp football to return. virus guidelines Jurgen Klopp (pictured) believes does not believe football should be However, there is growing there is still room for improvement “forced back” after the COVID-19 sentiment among League One REUTERS – LONDON from Liverpool despite their shutdown but admitted it could have and Two clubs that playing the incredible Premier League campaign, a positive impact on the mood of the campaign out behind closed Tottenham Hotspur defender Serge Aurier which is on hold due to the corona- country. doors could just burn what and midfielder Moussa Sissoko have apol- virus pandemic. There is no end in sight to the little money they have left. ogised for breaching government guide- The Reds were 25 points clear of football lockdown in England but “At a time when the entire lines on social distancing during the novel second-placed Manchester City and German football authorities are set country is wrestling with the coronavirus outbreak after posting a video on the verge of their first top-flight to announce plans for Bundesliga devastating impact of of themselves training together. title since 1990 when football was matches to restart in empty stadiums Covid-19, the cancellation of Ivorian Aurier shared a series videos halted last month. on May 9. the remaining normal season on social media of himself and Frenchman But Klopp said Liverpool, who “We are all at home, all isolated, matches brings a degree of Sissoko doing shuttle runs together but later won the Champions League last year we have no cases or stuff like this,” certainty to our Clubs coping deleted them. and have only lost one Premier said Klopp. with the business implications “We wish to apologise for not setting League match all season, could get “If we come together and train in of the virus,” said National the right example here,” the pair said in a even better. groups of two or five or six or eight, League Chief Executive joint statement released to the British “We will not change, that’s the I’m not sure when that will be pos- Officer, Michael Tattersall. media. first thing, but whether we will be sible, we have to wait for the gov- UEFA insisted on Tuesday “We recognise that as professional foot- successful depends on what other ernment on that. We cannot force that that their “strong recommen- ballers we have a responsibility to be role clubs are doing as well because they and will not, because we can’t, dation” is still for top division models, particularly during this uncertain have all the chance to improve things, there’s absolutely nothing for that. leagues and cup competitions period that everyone around the world is do things better,” he told Sky Sports. “But if football can help in some to be completed. facing. We must all respect the government “So I have no clue what the future departments with lifting the mood, However, the Dutch FA has advice to minimise the number of lives lost will hold for us. But we will not giving something to think about and announced it intends to end during this pandemic. We cannot thank change, this team is not the finished to deal with in a different way, then the Eredivisie season after a NHS staff enough for their tireless work... article, and we have a lot of space for we have to start training at one government ban on large gath- and we shall both be making a financial improvement, and we work on that. point, but I don’t know when that erings was extended until donation to show our support.” “We have fresh blood internally will be.” September. Peru launches fund to support virus-hit clubs

AFP – LIMA

Lima Peru’s football federation has said it will set up a million-dollar fund to help first and second division clubs counter the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. “We have received the green light from CONMEBOL to dedicate the funds Bayern Munich’s players and coaches gather for a training it allocates as part of its Evolution 2020 session at the team’s training grounds in Munich, yesterday. program in support of our Liga 1 and Liga 2 clubs,” the FPF said in a statement. German football eyes May return despite debate FPF president Agustin Lozano said that if the sport’s regional governing body CONMEBOL and FIFA provided AFP – BERLIN Merkel and regional state premiers union has meanwhile voiced fears of additional funds for Peruvian football, at a meeting on April 30. fans gathering in large groups despite they would be intended for relaunching German football authorities are set The DFL is desperate for the a ban on assemblies. the first and second division to announce plans today for league season to be completed by Even some players are uncom- championships. Bundesliga matches to restart in June 30 to ensure payment of the next If this can be achieved fortable about returning to action. South American football chief Ale- empty stadiums on May 9, but the instalment of television money, worth “There are more important things jandro Dominguez earlier this month potential first return of a major around €300m ($326m). with a minimised, or as than football at the moment,” said asked FIFA for an urgent meeting on European league in the midst of the The cash could keep some clubs far as possible excluded Bayern Munich defender Niklas Suele. setting up a global fund to help feder- coronavirus pandemic is meeting alive, with 13 of the 36 clubs in Ger- risk of infection, then In Berlin, Union forward Sebastian ations affected by the coronavirus some opposition. many’s top two tiers reportedly on Polter said “nobody wants ghost pandemic. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s gov- the verge of insolvency. it can certainly be games -- no player, no fan” even if Peru’s football boss also hopes that ernment is slowly easing nationwide With fans across Europe locked done: Germany’s Health they appear to be the only option to competitions can resume in July behind restrictions and the resumption of the out and the world deprived of Minister Jens Spahn complete the season. closed doors and intends to require Bundesliga, which was halted on football, the games could also attract It will also take around 20,000 players to take virus tests. March 13, would boost morale in TV audiences far beyond Germany. tests of players and backroom staff to “The FPF has acquired molecular football-mad Germany. Only players, backroom staff, be able to complete all the remaining tests for the coronavirus for everyone It would also make the Bundesliga stewards, media and officials will be in some quarters. Critics point to matches. who participates in a football match,” the first top-flight European league allowed into grounds for games with figures of more than 140,000 cases of Germany has a testing capacity of he said. to begin playing again. numbers strictly regulated. coronavirus and over 4,500 deaths in 550,000 per week, so 20,000 tests First division club Carlos Mannucci Large public events are banned Some clubs are being innovative Germany as proof that football is spread over the nine remaining Bun- FC said on Tuesday it had stopped in Germany until August 31, yet about the problem of potentially inappropriate. desliga matchdays seems paying its players because of the football could resume without spec- playing in near-empty stadiums. Restarting the season in the middle manageable. COVID-19 pandemic. tators -- known as “ghost games” in Borussia Moenchengladbach have of the pandemic “would be sheer Christian Seifert, the Bundesliga’s Last week, second division side a country that has more testing filled their terraces with life-sized mockery for the rest of society” CEO, has said the league’s clubs and Deportivo Coopsol dismissed all of its capacity than other in Europe and cardboard cut-outs of fans. according to supporters’ group Fan- stars have a duty “to repay the trust” professional staff and technical staff. players could be tested regularly. Thomas Mueller said he was szenen Deutschlands, who accuse the shown by the politicians. Mass gatherings are banned in Peru The 18 clubs have been back in willing to be put in quarantine if it clubs of greed. Senior figures at Bayern Munich, to stem the spread of the coronavirus training for three weeks, albeit in meant that football could restart “Professional football has long who have a four-point lead at the top that has killed 480 people in the small groups with social distancing again. been sick enough and should continue of the league, Borussia Dortmund and country, but the government has observed even on the pitch. “As long as the rules are in line to be quarantined,” it said. RB Leipzig have expressed similar opened the door to a resumption of the Having already been given signs with the regulations, then us profes- Nationwide fan group “Unsere gratitude. first division championship without of encouragement by politicians, the sionals will play. If necessary, in quar- Kurve” has also slammed the move. “This is a great leap of faith,” said spectators. German Football League (DFL) is set antine too. It is clear that football will Football “cannot act in isolation Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke. The 20-team Peruvian champi- to iron out details in today's video submit to any rules in order to play,” from the situation in society as a “Football is an opportunity to give onship was suspended in mid-March. conference meeting of the clubs. the Bayern forward told Sport Bild. whole,” it said. “If the game continues millions of fans a little more zest for Final approval could be given by However, the restart is unpopular like this, we’re out!” Germany’s police life again.”