NF L | Page 3 F1 | Page 5 Patriots I miss racing fullback every day, says Develin champion retires Hamilton

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 FOOTBALL Ramadan 6, 1441 AH French football, GULF TIMES rugby seasons off until September: PM SPORT Page 2

SPOTLIGHT Olympics will be cancelled if pandemic not over: Games chief A Tokyo 2020 spokesman declined to comment on a possible Japan must keep state of emergency, 2021 cancellation of the Games and told reporters that Mori’s remarks were based on ‘the chairman’s own thoughts’ Olympics ‘difficult,’ top doctor says Tokyo: It is too early to consider its lowest in four weeks. 2021, Tokyo 2020 president, Yo- lifting Japan’s state of emergen- The national tally stands at shiro Mori, said in an interview cy over the novel coronavirus, 13,614 infections, including 394 published yesterday, the head of a powerful physi- deaths, according to NHK. That Since emerging in China late cians’ lobby said yesterday, add- tally is still low compared to last year, the pandemic has ing Tokyo would find it tough other nations, but critics say Ja- infected almost 3mn people to host next year’s Olympics pan is not doing enough testing worldwide and killed more than without an effective vaccine. to reveal the scope of a problem 200,000, raising expectations The comments by the Japan that has driven some hospitals of a prolonged battle to contain Medical Association (JMA) chief to the brink. the novel coronavirus. highlight concerns over the Yokokura blamed a lack of Several nations’ laboratories pandemic that prompted Prime protective clothing for the are working to find protective Minister Shinzo Abe to call the spread of the virus in hospitals, vaccines and drugs for the nationwide emergency which and urged the government to disease, but it could be many is due to end on May 6. Japan help speed development of months before they become is keeping a close watch on treatments and vaccines to widely available due to the need virus-related data to decide on preserve any hope of holding for exhaustive clinical trials of an extension beyond May 6, the the Olympics next year. their effectiveness and safety. economy minister said. “I am not saying that Japan Japan could approve Gilead While new daily infections should or shouldn’t host the Sciences Inc’s virus treatment have declined, testing is still Olympics, but that it would remdesivir as early as May, the not sufficient to prove that be difficult to do so,” he said. Yomiuri newspaper said. Fujire- contagion is under control, JMA “Unless an effective vaccine is bio, a subsidiary of diagnostics president Yoshitake Yokokura developed, I expect hosting the and laboratory testing service told a media briefing. “I do not Olympics will be difficult.” provider Miraca Holdings, believe it will be possible to lift The announcement last sought government approval on (the state of emergency) across month of a one-year delay in Monday for Japan’s first antigen the whole country at this stage,” the 2020 Olympic Games was a virus testing kits. Yokokura added. Tokyo con- major blow for Japan, which has Miraca shares surged 4.4% in firmed 112 new infections yester- spent $13bn on preparations. Tokyo trading, outperforming a day, said national broadcaster The Games would be “scrapped” drop of 0.1% in the benchmark A man wearing a protective face mask jogs past a wall which depicts the mascot for the 2020 Olympics, which were postponed to 2021 due to NHK, up from 39 a day earlier, if they could not take place in index. the spread of the coronavirus disease, in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. (Reuters)

AFP demic remains a threat next year, reply- that he was “very pessimistic” that with the final pricetag for the delay still Tokyo ing: “No.” the postponed Olympics can be held unclear. In the interview, Mori said or- “In that case, it’s cancelled,” Mori in 2021. “To be honest with you I don’t ganisers were considering holding joint said. He noted the Games had been think the Olympics is likely to be held opening and closing ceremonies for the he postponed Tokyo 2020 Ol- cancelled previously only during war- next year,” said Kentaro Iwata, a profes- Olympics and the Paralympics in an ef- ympics will have to be can- time, and compared the battle against sor of infectious diseases at Kobe Uni- fort to cut costs. celled if the coronavirus pan- coronavirus to “fighting an invis- versity. Under the plan, the Paralympics Tdemic isn’t brought under ible enemy”. If the virus is successfully “Japan might be able to control this would join the Olympic opening cer- control by next year, the organising contained, “we’ll hold the Olympics in disease by next summer, I wish we emony on July 23, and the Olympic committee’s president warned, ruling peace next summer”, he added. “Man- could, but I don’t think that would closing ceremony would be integrated out further delays. kind is betting on it.” happen everywhere on Earth, so in this into the Paralympics closing event in The comments, in an interview Masa Takaya, a Tokyo 2020 spokes- regard I’m very pessimistic about hold- September. But Mori admitted that To- with a Japanese sports daily published man, declined to comment on a pos- ing the Olympic Games next summer,” kyo organisers had not yet obtained the yesterday, come as medical experts sible cancellation of the Games and he said. consent of the IOC and their Paralym- doubted whether the pandemic can be told reporters that Mori’s remarks But Tokyo 2020 spokesman Takaya pic counterparts. sufficiently contained by next year to were based on “the chairman’s own countered that even medical experts “It’s going to be a considerable cut hold an event drawing participants and thoughts”. But the comments will add said it was too early to make a judge- in costs and a big message of victory spectators from around the world. to growing questions about the post- ment on such a possibility. Japanese of- against the global crisis, but it’s not The pandemic has already forced a ponement, decided last month after ficials and the IOC have said the Games easy,” Mori said. Organisers have said year-long delay of the Games, which heavy pressure on the organisers and Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori. (AFP) will be a chance to celebrate victory the question of who will shoulder the are now scheduled to open on July 23, the International Olympic Committee over the virus, with some suggestions additional costs is yet to be resolved, 2021. But Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro from athletes and sports federations. Games next year if a vaccine has not ra told reporters. that the pandemic fight could even be though Mori said the IOC should pay a Mori was categorical when asked by the Yesterday, the head of Japan Medi- been found. “I would not say that they And last week a Japanese medical incorporated into the opening ceremo- share. “We should make a decision af- Nikkan Sports daily whether the Games cal Association warned it would be should not be held, but it would be ex- expert who has criticised the country’s ny. Postponing the Games is an enor- ter both sides examine and fully under- could be delayed until 2022 if the pan- “exceedingly difficult” to hold the ceedingly difficult,” Yoshitake Yokoku- response to the coronavirus warned mous logistical and financial challenge, stand them,” he added.

FOOTBALL Former Liverpool player-turned-commentator Michael Robinson dies at 61

AFP “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of cated his professional life to sports journalism, Madrid former player Michael Robinson, aged 61,” Liv- where his work on television, radio and in the erpool tweeted. “The thoughts of everybody at written press stood out, earning the affection Liverpool Football Club are with Michael’s fam- of all soccer and sports fans in general,” the club iverpool’s former Republic of Ireland ily and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace, added. Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League striker Michael Robinson, who became a Michael.” winner Luis Garcia tweeted: “RIP Michael Rob- well-known commentator in Spain, has Anfield hero Kenny Dalglish told the club’s inson. The Liverpool legend that got in all the Ldied aged 61, prompting an outpouring website: “First and foremost, Michael was a Spanish homes with his fantastic commentaries of tributes. Robinson, who settled in Spain af- good teammate to every one of us and he made every Weekend !! #YNWA.” ter his playing career and developed an award- an important contribution on and off the pitch, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said winning media career, succumbed to cancer none more so than during the 1983-84 season he had been a fan of Robinson. “He was with that was first diagnosed in 2018. when we were fortunate enough to win three us on thousands of afternoons of football, re- He passed away at his home in Marbella. trophies. He will be remembered with fondness counting incredible anecdotes, and showing us “With tremendous sadness we inform you of and affection.” a way of life beyond football,” said Sanchez. Michael’s death,” his family said in a Twitter After Liverpool, Robinson joined Queens Park In a sign of the mark he had made on Spanish message yesterday. “It leaves us with a great Rangers, before ending his career with Spanish society, the Madrid Municipal Police tweeted emptiness, but also countless memories, full of side Osasuna. He retired in 1989 but remained their own tribute. “We join in the condolences the same love that you have shown him. We will in Spain, mastering the language and becoming to the family, friends and all those whom he be eternally grateful to you for making this man one of the country’s most distinguished football leaves bereft of his talent. SO HAPPY, he never walked alone. Thank you.” pundits. According to El Pais, Robinson “revo- A sporting, journalistic and human reference. After spells with Preston North End and lutionised the way football was analysed”. Bar- Rest in peace,” the capital’s police force said. Manchester City Robinson featured in the 1983 celona said he was “a person who loved football Retired Spanish Formula One driver Pedro de la FA Cup final for Brighton, before moving to An- and who knew how to explain it with knowledge Rosa said: “I will never forget how much he liked field. He was part of the Liverpool squad that and ingenuity”. Real Madrid described him as “a to talk about F1, mesmerising you with his sto- After spells with Preston and Manchester City, Michael Robinson featured in the 1983 FA Cup captured the league, League Cup and European legend”. ries. RIP.” Robinson earned 24 caps for Ireland, final for Brighton, before moving to Anfield. He was part of the Liverpool squad that captured the Cup treble in 1984. “After his retirement from soccer, he dedi- scoring four goals. league, League Cup and European Cup treble in 1984. Gulf Times 2 Wednesday, April 29, 2020 SPORT

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Bundesliga could French football, resume in ‘mid to late May’: sports ministers

AFP is “probably” too soon for a re- Berlin start. Last weekend, Borussia Dortmund’s CEO Hans-Joachim rugby seasons off Watzke warned that “the entire he Bundesliga could re- Bundesliga will go down” unless turn by “the middle or the league restarts. end of May”, Germany’s “We must play again as soon Tsports ministers have as possible,” Watzke told Der said, as the league awaits the Spiegel. “Every week later makes go-ahead from Angela Merkel’s it more critical. If we start in until September: PM government to resume the sea- June, we might as well forget it.” son. The sports ministers of Ger- Watzke says a resumption of many’s 16 states met on Monday the Bundesliga would also send and announced in a statement an important signal to other President of one club believes the season would now be abandoned that it is “justifiable” for the countries who may be hop- league to resume “in empty sta- ing their football leagues can AFP diums” from “the middle or end resume. “It would be a quality of May”. certificate for what the Germans “The German Football League have achieved in this crisis,” he must create and enforce the added. rofessional football, rugby and strictest hygienic and medical Germany’s top clubs are des- other sports in France can- conditions, and monitor them perate for the league season to not resume until the end of the with appropriate measures,” be completed by June 30 in or- Psummer because of coronavirus added the statement. German der to claim an instalment of restrictions, Prime Minister Edouard Chancellor Merkel will meet television money worth 300mn Philippe said yesterday. The announce- state leaders in Berlin tomorrow, euros ($325mn). Magazine Kick- ment was made as the government un- when it is hoped the Bundesliga er claims 13 of the 36 clubs in the veiled its plans to gradually end the lock- will get the green light to resume. top two leagues are on the verge down in France from May 11. All football in Germany of insolvency due to the crisis. The announcement makes the com- ground to a halt in mid March Nevertheless, there is heated pletion of the 2019-2020 Ligue 1 football due to the coronavirus pandem- debate about whether the Bun- season and Top 14 rugby union campaign ic. Last week, the German Foot- desliga should resume amid appear increasingly unlikely. ball League (DFL) announced it the pandemic which has so far However France’s sports ministry said is ready to resume from May 9, claimed just under 6,000 lives after the speech that sports fixtures could albeit behind closed doors with in Germany. Annalena Baerbock, not take place even behind closed doors tight hygiene measures and play- the co-leader of the Green Par- before the end of July, leaving open the ers tested regularly. ty, says “it is deeply unfair” for possibility that some matches could still A return in May would make professional football to restart be played in August. the Bundesliga the first top when “a child is not even allowed In an address to the National Assem- league in Europe to resume as to play on a lonely swing” with bly, Philippe said: “The 2019-2020 pro- Germany cautiously eases lock- playgrounds still closed. fessional sports leagues, notably football, down measures. Christian Seifert, CEO of the cannot yet restart. I would like to be pre- Key politicians, including German League, says such argu- cise here, no large sports gathering or any health minister Jens Spahn, have ments are understandable. “The gathering of 5,000 people or more, need- backed the league’s plans, which fact that the Bundesliga can ing the permission of the local police and are currently being reviewed by play again means it is compared long prior arrangements, will be allowed the Ministry of Labour. to other areas” in German soci- before September,” Philippe added. However, both newspapers ety, said Seifert, but “what we Ligue 1 had outlined its intention to Bild and Munich-based Sued- are doing is not arrogant or pre- resume matches in June, with players be- deutsche Zeitung claim May 9 sumptuous”. ing recalled to training as of May 11. The French football league was holding a tel- econference later last night to draw its BOTTOMLINE conclusions from the government’s an- nouncement. The president of one Ligue 1 club said he believed the season would now be ’s abandoned. “It’s highly likely that we stop it now,” the president said, speaking The announcement appears to scupper the plans of French football’s top division Ligue 1 to start again in June. (Reuters) on condition of anonymity. If the sea- son is abandoned, it begs the question are scheduled to face Lyon in the League beit with restrictions on the number of be expected to gather at the start, and ‘Project Restart’ of which teams would qualify for next Cup final and are then due to play Saint- spectators. at the finish on the Champs-Elysees in season’s Champions League and Europa Etienne in the French Cup final. Organisers have already moved cy- Paris. Tour de France organisers ASO lim- League and whether teams would be rel- The co-president of the footballers’ cling’s showpiece event from its tradi- ited crowds at the start of the Paris- gathers pace egated. union, Sylvain Kastendeuch, described tional mid-summer slot and it is now eight day race in February, where there French Football Federation president the government’s announcement as re- scheduled to start in Nice on August 29. was a restricted number of fans at the Noel Le Graet has said he hopes both the sponsible. French rugby union federation The restrictions announced by the Versailles start and none at all at the fin- French Cup and League Cup finals can be president Bernard Laporte said the an- government will impact the number of ish and start lines after that. played before the league season restarts, nouncement gave clubs clarity. The Tour people allowed to watch the race in any Around 23,000 people have died so far whenever that is. Paris Saint-Germain de France is however set to go ahead, al- one place. Huge crowds would normally of coronavirus-linked illnesses in France.

DEMISE UEFA gives leagues May French football mourns 25 deadline for restart plans AFP stitute were beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich at Saint-Etienne, France Hampden Park in Glasgow. Manchester: European Herbin recalled that he was convinced football leagues have everything conspired against his team that been given a May 25 Arsenal’s Cedric Soares leaves club’s training centre. (Reuters) rench football is mourning Robert night. “It left a deep impression on me. I deadline to inform Herbin, the inspirational coach of have never got over it. I still think about it governing body UEFA of AFP Mark Gillett, and the Football the flamboyant Saint-Etienne team today. I think the good Lord wasn’t with us, their plans to restart their London Association’s head of medicine, that was narrowly defeated in the neither were the goalposts or the crossbar,” domestic competitions. Charlotte Cowie, are understood F Football has ground to a 1976 European Cup final. Herbin died on he told AFP in 2015. to be part of a group of officials Monday aged 81 after being taken to hospital “He showed us that ‘impossible’ doesn’t halt in all major leagues ottenham became the who will meet on a weekly ba- last week with heart and lung problems un- exist in football,” St Etienne chairman Ro- in Europe and none have latest Premier League sis with government and public related to coronavirus. 1974 World Cup finals, so the European run land Romeyer said. “That is how St Etienne yet to resume. But UEFA is club to open their doors health representatives. He played more than 400 matches for of Herbin’s Saint-Etienne side caught the beat the biggest clubs in Europe in the 1970s. keen to start planning for to players yesterday as Regular virus testing of all next season’s European T Saint-Etienne and later brought a cerebral nation’s attention. His greatest achievement was to get a whole part of the “Project Restart” plan players and key staff would be approach to coaching, earning the nickname The green-shirted team from central city and country behind the team. He had club tournaments. In a to finish the English top-flight a crucial part of the restart plan the “The Sphinx” as he dragged French foot- France that featured future France and Tot- unbelievable charisma and power.” letter to the 55 federa- season. The Premier League has and the cost of those tests would ball back into the international spotlight. tenham Hotspur manager , Herbin coached St Etienne for 14 seasons tions in UEFA, president been suspended since March 13 be met centrally by the Premier France’s national team slumped in the creator Jean-Michel Larque and in all, from 1972-1983 and then again from Aleksander Ceferin wrote due to the coronavirus crisis but League, according to reports. All early 1970s, failing to reach the 1970 and the talented Dominique Rocheteau as a sub- 1987-1990. that any league cancelling there is growing belief the cam- clubs will be working to the same its season would need to paign can be concluded over the protocols in terms of training produce a list of teams summer months. sessions, which will be designed that have qualified for Resuming matches on June 8 to minimise the risk of infection. PHOTO OF THE DAY European club competi- is reportedly among the ideas set Matches would almost cer- Blast from the past tions, also by May 25. to be discussed when the Premier tainly be played behind closed “National Associations League’s key stakeholders meet doors and clubs have reportedly With sporting events around and/or Leagues should be on Friday. That would require full been told that only approved sta- the world grinding to a halt, in a position to commu- training to begin by May 18 and diums could be used, with higher Gulf Times Sport dived down nicate to UEFA by 25 May Premier League clubs are start- health certification than normal. the vault for some fantastic, 2020 the planned restart ing to work towards that date by The Professional Footballers’ sometimes offbeat stories of their domestic compe- giving players the option of using Association are involved in dis- that can be told through titions including the date their training grounds. cussions and have raised the is- pictures. of restart and the relevant Tottenham have followed Ar- sue of players not wanting to be competition format,” senal, West Ham and Brighton put at risk by returning too soon. Manchester United’s Paul Ceferin wrote. in allowing players to use facili- “We have reiterated that play- Scholes scores the winner in a “In the event that a do- ties for individual sessions that ers are not just footballers but 1-0 win over Barcelona in the mestic competition is to conform to social-distancing partners, fathers, mothers, sons Champions League semi-final be prematurely terminat- guidelines. and daughters who share the second leg at Old Trafford on ed for legitimate reasons... After weeks of lockdown in same health concerns as every- April 29, 2008. The first leg UEFA would require the Britain, ministers believe the one else during this pandemic,” ended 0-0 and 14 minutes into National Association to return of football would boost said PFA deputy chief executive the second, Scholes pounced explain by 25 May 2020 morale. Culture secretary Oliver Bobby Barnes. “We have been as- on a loose pass to strike the the special circumstances Dowden who is responsible for sured of the intentions of all that ball with venom from 27 yards justifying such premature sport, said he had been in talks there would be no resumption out to find the top corner. termination and to select with the Premier League “with unless guarantees of safety could United then beat Chelsea on clubs for the UEFA club a view to getting football up and be given to the players.” penalties in the final to lift competitions 2020/21 on running as soon as possible” The return of football remains their third title. The iconic the basis of sporting merit but stressed any moves would controversial, with Britain still goal would go down in in the 2019/20 domestic have to be consistent with public battling the pandemic. Watford United folklore as one of his competitions,” he added. health guidance. chief executive Scott Duxbury greatest but 12 years after that The sport has been The clubs remain committed said: “Football, for me now, just thunderous strike, Scholes brought to a standstill by to ending the 2019/20 campaign needs to be put to one side. I feel admitted that he ‘miskicked’ the pandemic, with the and there are compelling finan- uncomfortable at this stage even it and sliced it off his foot. Euro 2020 competition cial and legal reasons to play the talking about football as a nar- (Reuters) postponed until next year. remaining 92 games. The Pre- rative, because there are people mier League’s medical adviser, dying every day.” Gulf Times Wednesday, April 29, 2020 3 SPORT

FOCUS NHL Blackhawks axe team Would Maxey work chief McDonough with Sacramento Kings’ current roster? Maxey’s competitive nature and personal maturity bring strong intangibles to his game

By Richard Ivanowski The Sacramento Bee

he NBA season is still on Reuters believe it was the right deci- hold. No one is exactly Los Angeles sion for the future of the or- sure how or when the ganization and its fans.” Tseason will conclude. Even though the Black- Will there be more regular sea- he Chicago Black- hawks have sold out 531 con- son games? Will there be a full hawks fired team secutive home games, Wirtz postseason? Will a champion be president/CEO John cited the shutdown caused by crowned? TMcDonough on Covid-19 as a moment to re- The regular season resuming Monday, ending a run in which view the club’s direction. looks doubtful, as the clock ticks he oversaw the team during “While we can reassure toward the next league season, three Stanley Cup-champion- our fans there will be hockey with free agency and the draft ship seasons. again, no one knows what on the horizon. But we do know McDonough was hired as that will look like. What we do is that there will be a draft. The team president in 2007, and he know is that it will take a new exact date may change, but it will added the CEO title four years mindset to successfully tran- happen. That is one thing Kings later. sition the organisation to win fans can certainly look forward The Blackhawks won NHL both on and off the ice,” Rocky to. championships in 2009-10, Wirtz said. With that in mind, it’s time to 2012-13 and 2014-15, but they McDonough was the mem- dive back into prospect previews. were sitting in last place in ber of the Chicago Cubs front We have covered two of the most the Central Division when office from 1983-2007, serving sought-after college players in the current season was halted as president in his final sea- Anthony Edwards and James March 12 due to the coronavi- son there before moving to the Wiseman. Either could go No 1 rus pandemic. Blackhawks. overall. The Kings could have a Team chairman Rockwell Danny Wirtz had been a chance to pick either player, but “Rocky” Wirtz made the an- Blackhawks vice president, it would require moving up in the nouncement, and he appoint- alternate governor to the NHL, lottery and those odds are slim. ed his son, 43-year-old Danny vice chairman of the team’s We also profiled Isaac Okoro, Wirtz, to be the interim re- charitable foundation and who isn’t in the discussion for placement for McDonough as representative to the United the top pick, but could be a dream president. Center Joint Venture. fit for the Kings if he falls toward “Thirteen years ago, I re- “I cannot adequately ex- the end of the lottery. It’s impor- cruited John to the Blackhawks press my family’s appreciation tant to remember we don’t know Kentucky’s Tyrese Maxey reacts in the second half against Michigan State at Madison Square Garden in New York on November 5, 2019. (TNS) because of his leadership, di- to John for his contributions to exactly where Sacramento will rection and vision,” Rocky the turnaround of the Chicago be making its selection, but the well around screens and rarely er in every sense of the word. You coming off the bench. may arise. Regardless of what Wirtz said in a statement. Blackhawks organisation,” most likely scenario would be loses focus. He has a diverse set simply will not hear any ques- Outside shooting is another role teams see for him, there is “John brought all of that to the Danny Wirtz said in a state- around pick 12. of offensive tools, but one stands tions about his effort or desire to concern for Maxey. He shot only no doubt he is a guard. And the table and more. His contribu- ment. “I take this interim role Many college players have out above the rest. Despite of- win. He is all-in on being the best 29.2% from 3-point range this Kings have plenty of those. tions went well beyond leading with the utmost responsibil- declared for the draft since the ten being the smallest guy on and making sure his team suc- season. His volume from distance De’Aaron Fox is a franchise the team to three Stanley Cup ity to the team and will focus season was put on hold. Among the floor, Maxey is automatic at ceeds. wasn’t all that high either. He is a point guard. There’s a battle be- Championships. He rebuilt the on resetting the framework for them is Kentucky’s Tyrese Max- the rim. He connected on 52.5% great free-throw shooter and he tween Buddy Hield and Bogdan front office and helped guide the next generation of the Chi- ey, a 6-foot-3 guard who projects of his attempts near the basket. WEAKNESSES showed nice range in high school, Bogdanovic for the starting shoot the organization toward a win- cago Blackhawks. I look for- to be drafted somewhere between His dangerous floater and strong Depending on whom you believe, but it’s hard to have confidence guard spot. Sacramento’s third- ning vision. ward to working with Rocky to picks 5 and 15. midrange jumper compliment Maxey could stand anywhere be- in his NBA shot without proven highest paid player is backup “As difficult as this is, we identify our next leader.” A player Maxey’s size may raise that skill nicely to put Maxey’s tween 6-foot-1 and 6-foot-4. success in college point guard Cory Joseph. some questions regarding fit with conversion rate at 49.2% for all Measurements are unreliable in This is where the theory of Maybe the Kings should not the Kings roster, but he has an 2-point shots. professional and college sports Maxey could fall apart entirely. select another guard with their Chiefs release longtime punter Colquitt intriguing skill set nonetheless. The defence and the close- alike, but we know he is point Can a small guard really succeed only 2020 first-rounder when Depending on how the lottery range scoring are his strong suits, guard-sized, at best. That is a se- on defence and short-to-middle there are other positions that Veteran punter Dustin post for 15 years has been an shakes out, he could be the best but let’s not forget Maxey played rious concern, as he doesn’t have range shooting? The most com- need help. However, Maxey’s tal- Colquitt won’t return to the honour that I never took for player available when it is Sacra- point guard for one of the most the traditional point guard skill mon NBA comparison for Maxey ent should make him a reasonable Kansas City Chiefs, he granted. Thank you KC.” mento’s turn on draft night. acclaimed college programs in set. He may just be an undersized is the Boston Celtics’ Marcus option if small forwards Isaac confirmed on his Instagram The Chiefs selected Colquitt, the nation. He is not an elite pas- shooting guard. Smart, who is unique to say the Okoro and Devin Vassell are off account.Colquitt, who spent now 37, in the third round STRENGTHS ser or ball handler, but those are For a player his size, Maxey least. It would be nice to have the board. 15 seasons in Kansas City, is of the 2005 NFL Draft. He Maxey’s appeal starts on the de- still positive aspects of his game. lacks the handles you would more examples of players like He might take some time to being released. He had one played in all 16 games in 14 fensive side of the ball. He is an He should help the ball move- expect. He is aggressive with Maxey that succeeded. develop, and Maxey could be a year remaining on a three- of his 15 seasons and was excellent defender at the point of ment of any lineup he plays with. crossovers and makes plenty of nice replacement when the team year, $7.5mn deal signed in selected to two Pro Bowls. attack. He can smother oppos- Finally, Maxey’s competitive na- highlight plays, but he also ap- FIT WITH THE KINGS moves on from Joseph, who has 2018. The team will take a The Chiefs have two punters ing ball handlers with surpris- ture and personal maturity bring pears out of control at times. His If Maxey is available when the two years left on his contract. He dead cap hit of $650,000. on their roster, Tyler New- ing quickness and tremendous strong intangibles to his game. passing is competent, but by no Kings pick, and there are no also could be a quality backup “I have enjoyed my time in some and Tommy Townsend, strength. His off-ball defence is From what we have seen of him in means elite. He probably won’t be obviously more-talented play- plan if Bogdanovic does not re- Chiefs Kingdom, all things an undrafted rookie from just as impressive, as he moves college, Maxey represents a lead- able to run an offence, even when ers on the board, another issue turn or if Hield requests a trade. come to an end, sometimes Florida. The Chiefs signed sooner than you hoped, Newsome as a free agent in prayed & pleaded for them April. Colquitt’s brother, Brit- NFL to,” he wrote, in part, on ton, and their father, Craig, Instagram. “Holding this both were NFL punters.­ NFL creating alternatives Patriots fullback Develin retires for 2020 schedule AFP The NFL is forming con- week for each team, skip- New York tingency plans in case its ping the Pro Bowl and the schedule of games needs to elimination of the extra week be altered, Sports Business between the NFC and AFC ew England Patriots fullback James De- Daily reported Monday, championship games. velin announced his retirement from the including season openers According to the report, all NFL on Monday, citing complications more than a month later than Sundays in February are un- from a neck injury which cut short his expected and pushing back der consideration for Super N the Super Bowl by as much as Bowl LV in order to adapt to season last year. The powerful 31-year-old was an unsung part three weeks. whatever schedule changes of the Patriots offence in recent seasons, with his Just days after the league are needed. ability to make yardage contributing to three Super hosted its first-ever virtual Two early-season slates of Bowl victories in the 2014, 2016 and 2018 seasons. draft, with coaches, team rep- games could be moved to “Due to unforeseen complications with the inju- resentatives and players all back end of the season, per ry that ended my season last year, I have decided it at home, the NFL is trying to the report. Another week is both in my and my family’s interest to retire from be proactive when it comes reportedly could feature the game of football,” Develin wrote on Instagram. to schedule changes that matchups only of teams with “I am incredibly proud of my journey within the might be needed during the the same bye week, so if bye sport and I will be forever indebted to the game that coronavirus pandemic. weeks are eliminated those gave me so much.” According to the report, the contests could be made up Develin joined the New England Patriots in 2012 opening slate of regular-sea- with minimal disruption. after an unconventional route into the league. son games could be moved The NFL schedule is expected He played his entire college career as a defensive all the way back to Thursday, to be released on May 9, lineman before later converting to offence, starting October 15, which is currently though Sports Business Daily in the indoor Arena Football League before moving set as the start to Week 6. reported that it likely will to the now defunct United Football League. The Super Bowl in Tampa, come with caveats about He broke into the NFL with the Cincinnati Ben- Florida, could be moved from potential changes. gals in 2010 before later signing for the Patriots, February 7 all the way back to “One thing I’ve learned about playing 83 regular season games with 31 starts. February 28. what we are going through Patriots coach Bill Belichick led the tributes to “We’ve been in constant com- as a country is you can’t tell Develin, describing him as “one of the most appre- munication with the NFL and a week from now much less ciated and respected players we have ever had.” we’re totally focused on Feb. three months from now,” “A tribute to the impact James had on our suc- 7, 2021,” Tampa Bay Sports commissioner Roger Goodell cess, of the five seasons in which he appeared in Commission executive direc- said last week on ABC’s every game, we won three championships,” Beli- tor Rob Higgins told Sports “Good Morning America.” “So, chick said. Business Daily. our job is to be ready. We will “Any team would be fortunate to have a James Also under consideration is obviously be ready to make Develin type on its roster but the reality is he is a the elimination of the bye alternatives.” Reuters rarity and we are very fortunate he was a Patriot.” James Develin of the New England Patriots. (AFP) Gulf Times 4 Wednesday, April 29, 2020 SPORT

RUGBY SPOTLIGHT QOC provides multiple activities on its social England’s Genge wants media platforms

QNA At local media level, the Al Doha Kass TV’s broadcaster Mishaal Shakir delivers show at 11pm titled “Live with Qatar team” he Qatar Olympic during the holy month of Ra- to ‘shake up’ with new Committee (QOC) is madan, the show hosts ath- providing multiple lete from Qatar team on every Tactivities and sports Wednesday and Friday to ‘People were advised from events on its social media focus light on the careers of platforms to encourage the Qatar team athletes and their the off to sign the contracts public and followers to exer- achievements. The show on its cise sports activities at home, first day has hosted the Qatari without reading them, almost’ abiding by quarantine meas- rally driver and sport shooter, players’ union ures, and adopting social dis- Nasser Salih Nasser al-Attiyah tancing guidelines to maintain who focused light on his sports their physical and psychologi- career and achievements cal health. in both Rally and shooting QOC is encouraging the sports. individual sport as the best In another collective effort, method to maintain the health many Team Qatar stars from of the individuals and society different sport disciplines are physically and psychologically. providing online — tips and Among QOC’s vital events training sessions to help pub- and activities is Team Qatar lic people to maintain fitness Virtual Run which takes place during the home quarantine. every Thursday & Friday for QOC’s social media platforms 5km, 10km and 21km, along also provide online short video with 2020 Qatar Olympic clips to encourage the public Committee E-Tournament and followers to maintain self- (FIFA & Pro Evolution 20), physical fitness. as well as “ Think with Qatar In another scene, the diet team” programme which of- expert, Mohamed al-Ahraq fers questions to the public on presents a 55-minute show events organised by the QOC (Stay Health with Team Qa- on its social media platforms, tar) via the QOC’s social media ultimately the winners in these platforms to highlight topics events shall get valuable priz- encouraging the child nutri- es. tion system.

REPORT NRL fines players for quarantine breaches

AFP Josh Addo-Carr and Newcastle Sydney Knight Tyronne Roberts-Davis — went on a camping trip at Taree in rural New South Wales ustralia’s National with friends over the weekend. File photo of England’s Ellis Genge Rugby League heavily They were caught after during a training session. (Reuters) fined four players for footage of Addo-Carr shoot- Abreaching coronavi- ing rifles and Mitchell riding rus lockdown rules yesterday, trailbikes was posted on social underlining the disciplinary media. AFP of clubs, or the RFU or the RPA. I think difficulties facing the sport as Another high-profile player, London we can all work in tandem,” he said. Australia’s NRL to play 20-round competition it seeks to resume play next Nathan Cleary of the Penrith “But I do think it is time to shake up month. Panthers, apologised after the rugby scene, and look after players Reuters “Today is a landmark day for rugby league The NRL said the punish- photographs were published ngland prop Ellis Genge is aim- — commercially, and in every aspect — Sydney in 2020. This is a great outcome for our ments, which come with the of him ignoring social distanc- ing to set up a new players’ a lot better.” Genge, along with team- players, fans, partners and stakeholders,” threat of suspensions for fur- ing rules to party in a room union to “shake up the rugby mate Greg Bateman, sought legal advice V’Landys said in a statement, thanking ther breaches, sent a strong full of women. Mitchell and scene” because he is dissatis- after being asked to take a 25% pay cut ustralia’s National Rugby the CEOs of broadcasters Nine and Foxtel message to players who are Addo-Carr were each fined E for their backing. “I’m extremely apprecia- fied with the way the issue of pay cuts by Leicester, before being placed on the League (NRL), which was inter- hoping to gather soon in Syd- Aus$50,000 (US$32,000), with was been handled during the coronavi- British government’s furlough scheme. rupted after two rounds due to tive for the cooperation and support from ney to begin training under Aus$30,000 suspended, while rus pandemic. Genge said the issue had now been the COVID-19 pandemic, will Hugh Marks and Patrick Delany. Both have tight restrictions. Roberts-Davis and Cleary were A always acted in good spirit and have dem- The 25-year-old Leicester star says resolved but that seeking external ad- resume as a 20-round competition on It said the offenders showed ordered to pay Aus$10,000, he does not wish to replace the Rugby vice had been the right decision. May 28, league commission chairman Pe- onstrated how partners work together.” “blatant disregard for public with Aus$6,000 suspended. Players’ Association but he believes “We are not making a new RPA,” he ter V’Landys said yesterday. Training will recommence for clubs on May health orders” and significantly All will be suspended at least the organisation is too closely tied to said. “I think they do really good stuff V’Landys, head of the independent board 4 amid stringent biosecurity measures damaged the NRL’s reputation one match for any repeat of- the Rugby Football Union. The RPA re- with welfare in rugby and they look af- that oversees the game, made the an- and V’Landys said it was safer to play now ahead of the planned restart. fences. ceives funding from the RFU and Pre- ter people really well. nouncement after “extensive consultation” than when they did in the second round of “We are focused on resum- The NRL fines far exceeded miership Rugby. “But I do feel that people were poorly with broadcast partners, clubs, and key action. ing the competition on May 28, the standard Aus$1,000 po- Genge told the BBC’s Rugby Union advised (over the pay cuts). People were stakeholders. “The daily infection rate in NSW was something our fans and stake- lice fine for violating social Weekly podcast that he was in talks advised from the off to sign the con- The grand final of the most popular winter 25.79% when the last game was played. It holders are excited about,” NRL distancing rules. Mitchell and with interested parties over financing, tracts without reading them, almost.” sport in Australia’s eastern coastal states has been now less than 1% in NSW for the action chief executive Andrew Addo-Carr were also hit with although he was also seeking funding RPA chief executive Damian Hopley will be played on Oct. 25 and the competi- last 18 days and is continuing to drop,” he Abdo said in a statement. that fine. from players. told the Daily Telegraph the union had tion draw will be determined in the next added. “Players who do not comply In addition, police said yes- He said the RPA was “always going to helped players as much as possible dur- two weeks. Australian states are starting to relax re- with community and NRL pro- terday that officers in Taree had lean in favour” of the RFU or Premier- ing the discussions over pay cuts but The two rounds of matches already played strictions as the local rate of new infections tocols will face sanction.” charged two men with firearms ship Rugby, which he said was under- said all parties would admit the situ- will be counted and the competition ladder slows. The country has recorded 84 deaths Three of the players — Latrell offences. National broadcast- standable. ation could have been handled differ- remains in place when the games resume. associated with the virus. Mitchell from South Sydney er ABC identified the two as “I am not trying to go against owners ently. Rabbitohs, Melbourne Storm’s Mitchell and Addo-Carr.

REMARKS ACTIVITY Delegates praise smooth delivery Bravo Cricket Academy of Josoor’s diploma programmes inspires pupils through QNA presentations from a host of e-learning sessions Doha guest speakers and also took part in both question and answer ses- By Sports Reporter sions and instant polls. Doha osoor Institute delegates “The staff and professors have praised the FIFA clearly worked very hard be- World Cup Qatar 2022 hind the scenes to deliver a pro- atar’s Bravo Cricket Jlegacy programme after it gramme that was as good as face- Academy (BCA) is moved quickly to deliver its most to-face delivery,” said delegate inspiring its pupils to recent modules online. Dr Sajid Ahmed, who works for Qget creative in their The ongoing Covid-19 pan- Aspetar. “One of the aspects I homes by staging its E-learn- demic meant the second block particularly liked was the inter- ing cricket learning sessions of Josoor Institutes professional action between the delegates and while also urging them to in- diploma programmes in sports professors.” dulge in different home chores. and major events management Among the expert guest Around 80 children aged be- needed to be delivered remotely speakers during the latest pro- tween 5 to 18 are able to take part to more than 90 delegates. sessions. Executive Director of classes, the online programmes gramme were Niccolo Mornati, in the digital training sessions of Josoor Institute which aims Josoor Institute Afraa al-Noaimi included group work which im- Head of Summer Sports & Busi- expert coaches based in Qatar to ensure the knowledge gained said: “This was our first major pressed delegate Luminita Ma- ness Development at Infront and also in Singapore, Germany ball and bat, right postures for and widen their knowledge of from hosting Qatar 2022 is passed experience of delivering our pro- descu, from Aspire Academy. Sports & Media AG, and Claudia and India. batting and bowling, exercises the game and also take part in the to the next generation of sports grammes online, so we are de- “We all enjoyed the interac- Katai, Head of Business Devel- BCA, a two-year-old academy drills, fielding positions, differ- home chores during the lock- and events professional across lighted that delegates found the tions in the virtual breakout opment at Balich Worldwide based in Ezdan Oasis in Wukair, ent strokes, law of the games, down period as per assignments. the Mena region moved quickly content engaging and were able rooms, where we debated the Shows, which produces large- has a franchise tie up with In- etc. “We all continue to have our Once the children have complet- in collaboration with SDA Boc- to fully immerse themselves in Olympic Games and its goal to scale events like the Olympics. dian cricketer Rohit Sharma’s kids watch, practice and stay fit ed their assignments at home, coni School of Management to the sessions. Ever since the pan- make the world a better place In addition, professors from SDA CricKingdom. at home. Also, parents please they are encouraged to upload cater for its delegates and guest demic began and social distanc- through sport. The content was Bocconi made themselves avail- The BCA trainees also learn continue to send the drill videos the videos the BCA Whatsapp speakers, who are spread across ing measures were implemented, well-thought-out and contex- able to delegates throughout the and practice new training drills of students to our coaches,” said group. Qatar and Italy. And, following a it has been our mission to ensure tualised with local data on the programme. via digital platforms, which keep Rohit Sharma in a message to the “The assignments have been survey, 90 percent of delegates that learning never stops. We Mena region so we can compare The next block of sessions is the students engaged during the students. carefully designed to use items said they were satisfied with the thank SDA Bocconi for their sup- and contrast challenges in Qatar, scheduled to take place in June current period of distance learn- Besides getting technical ad- and equipment that would gen- e-learning solution, while 80 port in helping us to achieve this the region, and the globe.” and the Josoor Institute is already ing. Each videos focus on the vice on the game from the ex- erally be available in the house- percent said they were engaged goal.” In addition to group work, preparing to host the programme history of the game, evolution perts in the field, the children hold,” says Christopher Raja, or very engaged with the online Like the regular face-to-face delegates learned from detailed online for a second time if neces- of the cricket bat, gripping the are urged to explore their talents head of BCA. Gulf Times Wednesday, April 29, 2020 5 SPORT

CYCLING SPOTLIGHT World Athletics creates $500,000 Confident Froome pandemic fund to support athletes

Reuters down of most international London sports competition in the last trusts Tour de France two months,” Coe said in a statement. orld Athletics “Our professional athletes and the Interna- rely on prize money as part of tional Athletics their income and we’re mind- WFoundation (IAF) ful that our competition sea- have come together to launch a son, on both the track and $500,000 fund to help athletes road, is being severely impact- safety measures in financial hardship due to the ed by the pandemic,” he said. Covid-19 pandemic, the global “We’re hopeful that we will governing body said yesterday. be able to stage at least some ‘It’s an advantage for me, the race being put back, but it’s not something to celebrate’ The coronavirus outbreak competition later this year. In has brought sporting events the meantime we’ll also en- AFP worldwide to a halt, leading to deavour, through this fund and Paris a loss of income for athletes. additional monies we intend to World Athletics president Se- seek... to help as many athletes bastian Coe will chair a group as possible.” hris Froome’s hunger assessing applications for as- The Diamond League, the for a fifth or even sixth sistance. The group will meet elite track and field competi- Tour de France victory this week and also look into tion, was forced to postpone Cremains undiminished how to raise additional funds. events in seven cities sched- although he is unsure the race “I am in constant contact uled between April and June can go ahead in 2020 due to with athletes around the world due to the outbreak. coronavirus, he told French daily and I know that many are ex- The next scheduled meet is L’Equipe in an interview pub- periencing financial hardship in London on July 4 followed lished yesterday. as a consequence of the shut- by Monaco on July 10. The Tour’s postponement until late August suits the four- time winner who has been fight- ing to regain fitness from severe injuries sustained in a training crash last June. “It’s an advan- tage for me, the race being put back, but it’s not something to celebrate,” said Froome. The Kenyan-born racer feels the Tour may still be cancelled due to the pandemic, but is training hard for victory at his Monaco base. “I’m confident I’ll be 100 percent fit at the starting line,” said Froome, who turns 35 next month and who is in the fi- nal year of his Ineos contract. “Maybe it won’t take place, but I’m training as if it will go World Athletics president Sebastian Coe. ahead,” he told L’Equipe. “We have the new date and mentally I’m focused on being ready.” The Tour has been resched- Olympic champion Spotakova uled to embark from Nice on welcomes Czech athletics return August 29 from its original June start date in an attempt to make Double Olympic and triple tance.” The first competition sure the sport’s central financial world javelin champion Bar- will be in Kladno on June 1 pillar can be staged this season. bora Spotakova said Monday and include a women’s javelin, Froome, who had a brush with CHRIS FROOME she is thrilled to be part of men’s shot put and men’s 300 death in his crash at the Crite- a six-meet mini-series of metres. Details of other dates, rium de Dauphine in 2019, told athletics to place in the Czech venues and competitions are L’Equipe health concerns should Republic as coronavirus lock- to be revealed later. stand above economic ones. down restrictions ease. Stadiums across the Czech “It would be a pity if the big- “I’m really looking forward Republic will open to athletes gest race of the season didn’t go Cycling should knock a week off grand tours: Valverde to the first competition, even from June 1 and public gather- ahead, but people’s health comes if it is in a limited mode,” ings of up to 50 people will be first,” he said. “I’m sure that nei- Spain’s Alejandro Valverde said would be enough for the fans Spotakova said in a state- permitted a week before. ther the government nor the or- cycling should shorten its three to enjoy it and so the races can ment released by the Czech The meetings will be without ganisers will take risks with the grand tours by a week to free survive,” the 40-year-old added. athletics federation. “I’m glad fans but are to be broadcast riders, their teams and the pub- up space in the new calendar Valverde won his only grand we will be together with many on Czech national television. lic,” added Froome who won the drawn up due to the coronavi- tour in his native Spain in 2009, other athletes throughout the There had been 7,408 con- Tour in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017. rus pandemic. The postponed but in recent years has won a Czech Republic at the start of firmed coronavirus infections Ater winning the Vuelta a Es- Tour de France has been series of major one-day races the season, although more or in the country by Monday, pana in 2017 and the Giro d’Italia rescheduled to start on August including Liege-Bastogne- less symbolically, from a dis- with 221 virus-related deaths. in 2018 to hold all three Grand 29, with the sport’s two other Liege twice and the 2018 world Tours his star has waned. His co- major races, the Giro d’Italia and championship. “It’s normal that captain Geraint Thomas emerged the Vuelta a Espana, due to fol- the Tour takes priority. They as the 2018 winner while Ineos low before the end of the year. decided something else and we protege Egan Bernal claimed the But a number of one-day races have to accept it but if it were 2019 title. “My dream is to re- are yet to be given dates and up to me, I would have reduced tire having won more Tour de the International Cycling Union the grand tours, and put some Frances than any other rider,” could struggle to fit them all in. other races in between.” said Froome. He needs one more “What they should have done Meanwhile, The 100th edition to equal Eddy Merckx, Jacques was cut each grand tour by one of the Tour of Catalonia has Anquetil, Bernard Hinault and week,” Movistar rider Valverde been postponed until 2021 due Miguel Indurain, who have all told Spanish journalists. to the pandemic, organisers won it five times. “It’s an unprecedented year and announced. Due to be held The Tour may have to make it doesn’t make sense to have from March 23 to March 29, arrangements for limiting the all the grand tours raced over this year’s tour was initially number of spectators in order to three weeks because then we’ll postponed on March 12 but a comply with a ban on events gath- go very long into the season.” compressed calendar means ering more than 5,000 people, the “With 15 days of racing, that the event will not go ahead. Spain’s Alejandro Valverde. French sports ministry said.

MOTORSPORT I miss racing every day, says champ Hamilton Reuters Briton, who has adopted a vegan London lifestyle and is outspoken about Carlin supports Formula One’s double-header plan environmental issues, said there were some positives to take from Formula Two team owner Trevor Carlin with chassis and aerodynamic changes. “If ix-time Formula One the crisis as people reflect on fully supports plans to start the Formula everyone’s just had two months off they world champion Lewis their lives, decisions, goals and One season with back-to-back races in should be fresh and raring to go,” said Hamilton has said he careers. Austria followed by a closed-doors double Carlin, whose past racers include F1 cham- misses competing every “Today, we see clearer skies all at Britain’s Silverstone circuit. pions Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg S The sport hopes to get the delayed as well as Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz and day and the lack of races this year over the world, less animals be- due to the Covid-19 pandemic ing slaughtered for our pleasure championship rolling in July, subject to Daniel Ricciardo. had left a “big void” in his life. simply because our demands government permission, under controlled “When people are moaning about three The French Grand Prix at Le are much lower and everyone conditions and without any spectators due (race weekends) on the trot, I don’t get it.” Castellet in June was cancelled staying in,” he added. “Let’s not to Covid-19 restrictions. Formula Two already races twice on a on Monday, becoming the 10th come back the same as we went “What I heard is this Red Bull Ring double- grand prix weekend with teams restricted race to be affected by the out- into this tough time, let’s come header, Silverstone double-header plan to 12 people plus drivers and Carlin break in what was to have been a out of it with better knowledge and they would try to incorporate F2 and contrasted that to the number the top F1 record 22-round season. of our world, changing our per- F3 into that,” Carlin told Reuters. teams say they would require. Formula One hopes to begin its sonal choices and habits.” “I think it’s a great idea if its achievable. “They are saying we could get it down to delayed season in Austria in July “Let’s come out of this as a That’s the bottom line. Hopefully it is,” 80, just essential staff. I’m thinking 80 peo- without spectators before ending new us... fitter, healthier and added the Briton, whose teams also com- ple? I can’t see for the life of me why you’d in Abu Dhabi in December after more focused but above all, pete in Formula Three and the US IndyCar need more than 50,” said the 57-year-old. races in Asia and the Americas. “I kinder, more generous and gra- series. No spectators is also no big deal for F2, miss racing every day. This is the cious and caring for our world The plan is for 15-18 F1 races between July where most of the exposure comes from first time since I was eight that I and the people in it.” and December, pandemic permitting. television anyway. haven’t started a season. When Global confirmed cases of the Carlin pointed out that in a normal year “The biggest disappointment would be for you live and breathe something coronavirus infections exceeded his IndyCar team did eight events in 10 the mums and dads who want to be with you love, there’s definitely a big more than 3 million on Monday weekends on short ovals, super speed- their sons and daughters at the races. But void,” the Mercedes driver said and over 205,000 people have ways, road courses and street courses they’ll understand,” said Carlin. on social media. The 35-year-old died.

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 GULF TIMES SPORT

TWENTY20 World Cup a “logistical nightmare” amid Covid-19: Lynn

Reuters national schedule in 2020 is up Vaughan bats for shortened county season without overseas players Melbourne in the air due to the virus. Cancelling or postponing the The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) should consider T20 World Cup would put fur- a shortened County Championship season without overseas ard-hitting Australian ther pressure on CA’s finances, players for two years to offset the financial impact of the coro- batsman Chris Lynn with the board having already navirus outbreak, former England skipper Michael Vaughan has poured cold water lost tens of millions of dollars said. The ECB has extended its suspension of the professional on the nation’s hopes due to the shutdown. game until July 1 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which means H nine rounds of County Championship fixtures will be lost. of hosting the Twenty20 World Players are expected to be hit Cup in October and November, with pay cuts when CA releases Counties face losses of up to 85 million pounds ($105.5 million) saying it would be a “logistical their annual list of national con- if the season is scrapped altogether, the BBC said citing a nightmare” due to the coronavi- tracts this week, having already report from financial advisory firm Oakwell Sports. rus pandemic. postponed them by a month. “You have to look at every area where you can save a few The International Cricket Lynn, who is captain of Bris- quid,” Vaughan, who captained England’s test team between Council, the sport’s global gov- bane Heat in Australia’s Big Bash 2003 and 2008, told the BBC. erning body, said last week it was League (BBL) T20 tournament, “Traditionalists will go mad at this, but these are unprecedent- still planning for the tournament said domestic players should be ed times. In the next two years, could you look at not having according to its October 18- No- prepared to take pay cuts to en- overseas players for the four-day game?” vember 15 schedule, despite a sure the BBL could go ahead in Some counties, including Yorkshire and Essex, have cancelled global shutdown of sport to con- the home summer. or deferred contracts of overseas players due to the financial tain Covid-19. “No-one likes to take pay cuts impact of the outbreak, which has shut down sports globally. Lynn, who has played 18 T20 but I think for the longevity of The virus has infected three million people globally causing internationals, said he could the game you’ve got to be realis- more than 205,000 deaths. not see it going ahead due to the tic,” said the 30-year-old. Vaughan said reducing the number of fixtures in the County complications of hosting inter- “It is a tough one, but if it Championship from 14 to 10 would do no harm in the short national teams in the 16-side got to play what’s in front of us. is going to be tough work moving means that the BBL is no longer term. tournament. “Having teams come from all forward.” going ahead because the players “Four-day Cricket costs the game ... it is a cost that could, just “My personal opinion is no,” over the world is going to be a lo- Cricket Australia has said it is want to take full pay then I be- for a couple of years, be worth reducing,” he added. he told local broadcaster Fox gistical nightmare. planning for the tournament to lieve that’s ridiculous. So, yes, “If you reduced it from 14 to 10 games, you’d miss the games Sports yesterday. “Hotels, travel, keeping the start in October but Chief Ex- we have to come to an under- but I don’t think it would be a huge problem for a couple of “Obviously we’re praying teams in the hotels for a number ecutive Kevin Roberts conceded standing to make sure the BBL years.” for it to go ahead but we’ve just of weeks before the tournament last week that the entire inter- goes ahead.”

CRICKET FOCUS Fate of Hundred in balance as English De Kock growing cricket chiefs meet

AFP arguing there is no space for a London new format in an already con- gested calendar. They say many of the ECB’s ngland cricket chief aims could be achieved with into South Africa Tom Harrison says the better support for the existing controversial Hun- Twenty20 Blast. But Harrison, Edred has become “even one of the key movers behind more important” due to the the competition, said current ‘I took it pretty slowly, I am still trying to economic damage from coro- conditions made it more im- navirus ahead of a meeting portant than ever. get a feel of how to go about things. I have that will decide the fate of the “If anything this crisis and new competition. the implications, long-term or captaincy learnt quite a bit and I didn’t do too badly’ Last week, the England and medium-term, mean the case Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the Hundred is even more Reuters further delayed the start of the important,” he said. Cape Town 2020 season until July 1 at the “So I don’t think this in any earliest but said the inaugu- way dilutes the case for the ral Hundred would be on the Hundred, it absolutely acceler- uinton de Kock says agenda today. ates it and makes it something he has eased into the The new 100-balls-per-side cricket needs to get behind.” South African captain- format, to be played by eight Even before the pandemic, Qcy in limited-overs for- franchises rather than English the ECB had itself forecast the mats and feels the Twenty20 side cricket’s established 18 first- Hundred would make a loss in is on the right track for this year’s class counties, is meant to its first five seasons. World Cup in Australia. start in July. Costs in the first year, in- De Kock has taken over lead- ECB officials have long in- cluding the 1.3 million pounds ing the side from Faf du Plessis sisted it will attract a new au- ($1.6 million) paid to each in white-ball cricket, and had a dience vital to safeguarding county, were estimated at 58 baptism of fire with three one- cricket’s future, with some million pounds, against an in- day internationals and three matches set to be broadcast come of 51 million pounds. Twenty20 matches each against live on terrestrial television. Not playing the Hundred England and Australia in the last But public health restric- could potentially save the ECB few months. tions, the problems of bringing millions at a time when it has They secured a 3-0 ODI series in overseas stars and the issue launched a 61 million pounds victory over the touring Austral- of launch costs at a time of virus aid package for the do- ians and De Kock feels there has economic crisis mean a delay mestic game. But Harrison is been progress. appears inevitable. convinced it will make money “I took it pretty slowly, I am “We’ll look at how the situ- in the long run – and help pre- still trying to get a feel of how ation impacts the Hundred, serve the existing county set- to go about things. I have learnt which was envisaged as being up. quite a bit and I didn’t do too a tournament that enabled us “It will help us achieve one badly,” he said in audio released to widen the audience for the of our priorities, which is by Cricket South Africa yester- game,” said Harrison. keeping the lights on through day. “With an in-stadia environ- the network – making sure “It was more about taking it ment, with international play- county cricket is really healthy step-by-step, not just throwing ers, it’s going to be very, very and strong long, long into the out what I think straight away to difficult.” future,” he said. the team. We are busy rebuilding “And it will help broaden the as a limited overs team, especially OPPOSITION VOICES audience for the game. There ODIs. Twenty20 I think we know Many voices within English will be a huge clamour for au- what is going on. Cricket have been opposed to dience coming out of this cri- “The series against Australia the Hundred from the outset, sis, for all sport.” ... we had quite a young team and they had a powerhouse side, so for us to beat them 3-0 was a highlight.” De Kock has emerged as South Africa’s most accomplished South Africa captain Quinton de Kock. batsman in all forms of the game in the past two seasons and they “I played decently, there was “I want to get better, to start test matches and five Twenty20 pen, every country has their have become heavily reliant on a time when I was starting to get scoring big hundreds for the internationals in late July and regulations they must adhere to. his runs. grumpy at not converting my team, that is the most important August, but that, and the World It is just a matter of waiting for He admits, however, that his starts into big scores, especially thing to get going now.” Cup in October, is subject to the this to go past and then we can goal is to convert more good in the Test series against Eng- South Africa are scheduled Covid-19 pandemic. get on with the game again,” De starts into hundreds. land,” De Kock said. to tour the West Indies for two “I’m not sure what will hap- Kock said. ECB chief chief Tom Harrison.

SPOTLIGHT beIN SPORTS launches ‘ON DEMAND’ service eIN SPORTS has today now be able to relive the most 20th Anniversary at Arsenal. Ramadan, and this includes our announced the launch of legendary moments in sport his- At no extra cost, subscribers sports programming and servic- an incredible new sports tory, with re-runs of FIFA World can access the new sports on de- es too. We’re therefore delighted archive service available Cups, the UEFA Champions mand library by connecting their to launch our new ‘on demand’ bon beIN ON DEMAND, featuring League, English Premier League, set top box to the home Internet sports service so that fans across a wide selection of classic match- and El Clasico matches easily and watch all of this content by Mena can watch and share some es, exclusive documentaries, be- available at their fingertips. visiting beIN ON DEMAND on of the greatest matches ever hind the scenes features, as well Fans will also get the chance their beIN box. played at a time that suits the as official FIFA World Cup films to enjoy exclusive beIN in-house Some of the most anticipated as Sami Trabelsi, Hatem Trabelsi, years Commenting on the launch whole family, as well as learn- for fans to easily enjoy across documentaries on topics ranging clashes and documentaries to be Arsène Wenger and •A four-part series on some of the of the new sports ON DEMAND ing more about sporting legends the Middle East & North Africa from Wael Gomaa and Mohamed released on beIN SPORTS’s new •The official FIFA World Cup films greatest UEFA Champions League service, Jonathan Whitehead, such as Mohamed Salah in spe- (Mena) at a time that suits them. Aboutrika’s finest games, to the ON DEMAND service include: from 1954 to 2002 games ever to be played Head of Sports at beIN SPORTS cial beIN documentaries. All of With most global live sport rise to fame of icons Mohamed •The story of Mohamed Salah’s •The memorable 2018 FIFA World •The 2017 and 2018 El Clasico Mena said, “beIN has made a this thrilling sports entertain- unfortunately on pause due to Salah, Neymar, Lionel Messi, career Cup final between France and clashes between Real Madrid and proud commitment to offer the ment is just a click of the button the coronavirus crisis, house- Baghdad Bounedjah, Serena •Exclusive ‘Behind the Scenes’ ep- Croatia which saw France lift the Barcelona best programming ever sched- away.” holds across the Mena region will Williams and Novak Djokovic. isodes with football legends such trophy for the first time in twenty •A celebration of Arsène Wenger’s uled during this holy month of