SPORT SPORT | 02 SPORT | 04 No match NBA: Magic Johnson wworth risking hopeful season's a life, says champion can be Infantino found

SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020 Coe hopes for ‘belated season’ starting in August

REUTERSREUTERS – MONACOMONACO coronavirus pandemic with little indi- window for national championships. Championships, due to have taken place cation of when it will be able to resume. “This will be followed by what we in Nanjing, China, in March have been World Athletics President SebastianSebastia Coe “We know that different countries are hope will be a solid international season, postponed for a year while the London, (pictured)(pictured) is stillstill hopinghoping thatthat a belatedb at different stages of managing this pan- but of course we are dependent on the Paris and Barcelona marathons were also ououtdoortdoor atathleticshletics seseasonason ccan be demic so we are trying to give a structure global response to the pandemic,” Coe called off. sstagedtaged ffromrom AuAugustg to to our athletes and member federations said. The Diamond League postponed its October this yyear, he so they can begin to plan for the year “Nevertheless, we think it’s better to first five meetings of the 2020 season due saidsaid yesteyesterday.r ahead,” Coe said in a World Athletics offer our stakeholders some hope of a to be held in April and May in Qatar, China, Like all statement. return to normalcy later this year.” Stockholm, Naples and Rabat. Five more sport arounda “If it is at all possible, we will schedule The Olympic Games have been post- meetings due to be held in June and July thethe world,w a belated outdoor season from August to poned by a year until July-August 2021 are still listed as going ahead, although athleticsathleti is at October to help our athletes to figure out and the World Athletics Championships, they are also in serious in doubt. a ststandstilla where they stand after the disruption of due to be held in Oregon in 2021, have World Athletics said an another becausebe this year.” been put back to 2022 to avoid a clash announcement about the year’s schedule oof the World Athletics has set aside the between the events. was expected towards the end of the weekend of August 9-10 as the protected The World Indoor Athletics month. Tokyo CEO hints More than 100 stars pledge AFC ranks to #BreakTheChain Games could be in Hassan’s goal one AFC President doubt even in 2021 of Asia's best hails Asia’s AP – TOKYO Abe has been criticised for being slow to act QNA – DOHA ‘guiding lights’ As the coronavirus spreads against the coronavirus. in Japan, the Chief Exec- Opposition political The Asianan AFC – KUALA LUMPURLUMP utive of the Tokyo Games leaders have suggested he Football said yesterday he can’t downplayed the severity Association ShaikhShaikh SalmanSalman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian guarantee the postponed of the virus and have said (AFC) chose FootballFootball ConfederationConfe (AFC) President, thanked Olympics will be staged it may have been tied to the goal ofof Al Sadd playerplayer thethe 100 players,players officials and match officials who next year - even with the wanting to hold the Abdelkarim HassanHassan againstagainst UzbekUzbek Lokomotiv,Lokomotiv, havehave contributedcontribut to promote the World Health long delay. Olympics this year. in the third roundund mmatchatch ofof thethe 22015015 AFCAFC ChaCham-m- Organisation’sOrganisation’s (WHO) messaging during the Japanese Prime Min- “We have made the pions League toto bbee among tthehe top ffiveive long-long- currentcurrent COCOVID-19VID crisis. ister Shinzo Abe issued an decision to postpone the range goals. TheThe AFAFCC PrPresidente described the Member Asso- emergency declaration this games by one year,” Muto The 2018 AFC PlayerPlayer ooff thethe ciations, thethe pplayers,lay officials and match officials, week to battle the virus, added. “So this means that Year Abdelkarimrim Hassan hashas hishis whowho havehave lleded tthehe AFC’s #BreakTheChain campaign, putting the country under all we can do is work hard personal showreelowreel ofof greatgreat asas ‘‘guidingguiding llightsights during these dark and challenging restrictions after it seemed to prepare for the games. goals, the AFCFC said.said. TheThe left-left- times.’times.’ it had avoided the spread. We sincerely hope that back’s strike againstagainst Loko-Loko- TheThe 100th100th personpe to join the much-heralded “I don’t think anyone come next year mankind motiv in 20155 is up therethere campaign was AAli Mabkhout from the United Arab would be able to say if it is will manage to overcome with his finest.t. EmiratesEmirates andand tthehe AFC has reached that number in going to be possible to get the coronavirus crisis.” Al Sadd wereere 4-1 uupp justjust over 10 ddaysays – the first 50 signing up in just 48 it under control by next Muto was asked if and cruisingg whenwhen hourshours to promotepromo the messages of the highest July or not,” there are alternative plans Hassan interceptedepted thethe standardsstandards ofof hhygiene,yg social distancing and, where Tokyo Organising to 2021. ball in his oownwn hhalf,alf, GovernmentsGovernments hahave stipulated, staying at home. Committee CEO Toshiro “Rather than think drove forwardd in typicaltypical ShaikhShaikh SalmSalmana said: “We have not experienced Muto said, speaking about alternatives plans, fashion, spottedted thethe goal-goal- anythinganything llikeike tthehe current situation in the 66-year through an interpreter at we should put in all of our keeper off his line,line, andand sent a bbeautifuleautiful chipchip fromfrom The AFC chooses historyhistory ofof tthehe AFCAFC – this is truly unprecedented, and a news conference con- effort,” he said. fully 45 yards overover Mamur Okramov’sOkramov’s headhead beforebefore Al Sadd player's everyoneeveryone neeneedsds hhelp, advice and guidance in times ducted remotely. ”We’re Muto was asked celebrating in style.style. goal against likelike tthis.his. certainly are not in a several times about the The top fiveve goalsgoals listlist aalsolso incincluded:luded: tthehe ggoaloal Uzbek Lokomotiv, ““OurOur MemMemberbe Associations, their players, offi- position to give you a clear added costs of postponing, of Persepolis’’ MahdiMahdi ToraTorabibi aagainstgainst AAll SaSadd;dd; in the third round cialscials andand matchmatch officialso have been quick to respond answer.” which has been estimated the goal of LeeLee Chang-minChang-min ooff Jeju UnitedUnited of the 2015 AFC toto tthehe AFC’s cacallll tto deliver this key messaging under The Olympics were by Japanese media at versus Gambaa Osaka; the goalgoal of IkromjomIkromjom thethe #BreakTheChain#BreakTheCh campaign. Everyone has shared Champions League to be postponed last month with between $2bn-$6bn. He Alibaev of Lokomotivkomotiv against AlAl WahdaWahda thethe same spirit urgingu their communities to do the a new opening set for July said it was too soon to and the goal of AnAndranikdranik Teymourian among the top five rightright thingthing to protectpro their health and that of their 23, 2021, followed by the know the price tag and of Esteghlal versusersus Buriram UniteUnited.d. long-range goals. families,families, friends,friends colleagues and their nation," the Paralympics on August 24. who would pay. AsianAsian football chchief added. FIA chief admits risk of losing teams due to virus Renault F1 team furloughs

AFP – PARIS Members of the Ferrari team arrive to pack up their equipment after the Formula One Australian Grand ‘vast majority’ of UK staff Prix was cancelled in Melbourne in this March 13 file photo. International automobile feder- AFP – PARIS ation (FIA) chief Jean Todt warned yesterday that the coronavirus Renault became the latest Formula One team to furlough could threaten the future of staff yesterday as the sport continues to wrestle with the motorsport teams and manufac- huge financial setbacks caused by the coronavirus turers. pandemic. Nine races in the Formula One The French manufac- world championship have already turer said “the vast either been cancelled or majority of staff (at their suspended. base at Enstone in the UK) “There has been this cascade will effectively have a Salaries of active staff, of cancellations and postpone- total shutdown until May including management, ments. We must reconsider the 31”, in a statement. will be reduced in the calendars and ask ourselves when Staff at the team’s same proportions. everything will be able to engine site at Viry-Cha- resume,” Todt said. tillon on the outskirts of We must use all the “Motor racing, starting with Paris will be placed “on a measures at our F1, is too expensive. part-time schedule for a disposal to get through “We have already taken steps provisional period of 12 this prolonged period in this direction, but the pandemic weeks”. makes it more difficult to bear Renault join grid of uncertainty and these costs. rivals Williams, Racing inactivity as best as “There is the risk of losing Point and McLaren in fur- we can: Renault Team teams, constructors. You have to loughing staff after nine Chief Cyril Abiteboul be responsible and implement of the scheduled 22 races more acceptable and accepted planned for 2021, have already context? 2020 will remain a black was no reason not to go to in the world champi- solutions.” The Canadian Grand been pushed back to 2022. year that we never thought we’d Australia. onship were either cancelled or postponed. Prix, which was set for June 14, Brown said last week that all live through and I hope we will not “However, when we were The season will not start until the French Grand Prix was the latest F1 race to be teams have agreed to lower the have to live again. there, things accelerated so on June 28 at the earliest. scratched from the 22-event salary cap from $175m to $150m. “We can take stock at the end quickly that we decided not to run “It was agreed to top-up the amount allocated by the schedule. He wants it reduced further. of the year but it’s too early the race. British government to guarantee a minimum of 80 percent Even before the Montreal However, Todt cautioned: today.” The Australian Grand Prix “The same weekend, we sent of the actual salary for all team members,” said a Renault event was binned, McLaren boss “Everything is not included in this was the first event of the 2020 the French to vote (in the first statement in reference to the job retention scheme in the Zak Brown said Formula One was ceiling. We are working on it.” season to be cancelled despite round of the municipal UK. in a “very fragile state”. With over a third of the races teams having travelled to Mel- elections). “Salaries of active staff, including management, will He warned that as many as planned for the F1 season already bourne for the March 15 opener. “There was no reason not to be reduced in the same proportions.” Renault Team Chief four teams could go to the wall, shelved, Todt insists it’s not the Todt defended the decision to send them, and afterwards they Cyril Abiteboul said the measures were necessary to safe- deprived of the massive TV and right time to talk of a diminished make the trip despite it being a say we shouldn’t have. It’s so easy. guard the team. sponsorship revenues which keep championship. PR disaster. “Talk is cheap. I think we have “We must use all the measures at our disposal to get them afloat. “I don’t know if we can say “People say we shouldn’t have to try to be a little more humble through this prolonged period of uncertainty and inac- New technical regulations, that. What is it worth in the current gone. To me, that’s not true. There to better understand things.” tivity as best as we can,” he said. 02 SPORT SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020 No match worth risking a life: Infantino

AFP — ZURICH “It would be more than irre- Infantino said that national sponsible to force competitions football associations which are Pro soccer players FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resume if things are not 100% struggling financially would yesterday said that “no match” safe,” added Infantino. receive help from FIFA’s emer- is worth “risking a single human Our first priority, our “If we have to wait a little gency relief fund. set to play FIFA 20 life” and that world football’s longer we must do so. It’s better FIFA last week postponed governing body would be able principle, the one to wawait t a little tt e bbit t longer o ge tthan a to alla international te at o a matches atc es to help financially national we will use for our take any scheduled for June. in charity tourney federations during the corona- competitions and risks.”risks.” “We“We are today in a very virus pandemic. sstrongtrong financial situation,” The majority of top football encourage everyone InfantinoInfantino sasaid.id. REUTERS — LONDON The Stay and Play Cup, part leagues and international com- to follow is that “But“But oourur rreserveseserves araree nonott of EA’s “Stay Home, Play petitions have been suspended FIFA’s money. It is football’s Real-life pro soccer players Together” initiative, will donate due to the COVID-19 health comes first. money. So when football is from powerhouse European $1m to Global Giving’s Corona- outbreak. I cannot stress this in need,need, we must tthinkhink teams such as Liverpool and virus Relief Fund. Infantino insisted that enough. No match, whatwhat we can ddoo to hhelp...elp... Real Madrid will compete in EA “We want to bring the games would not resume until It is our responsiresponsibilitybility Sports’ FIFA 20 Stay and Play global football community it was safe. no competition, andand our dduty.”uty.” Cup, Electronic Arts together with the EA SPORTS “Our first priority, our prin- no league is worth announced. FIFA 20 Stay and Play Cup, so ciple, the one we will use for our Gianni Infantino The online charity event, millions of fans can experience competitions and encourage risking a single scheduled to start on the thrill of their favorite clubs everyone to follow is that health human life: FIFA Wednesday and run through and professional footballers comes first,” he said in a video President Gianni April 19, will feature the soccer playing -- even when we have message. players competing on FIFA 20. to be apart,” Electronic Arts “I cannot stress this enough. Infantino Among the teams sending par- CEO Andrew Wilson said in a No match, no competition, no ticipants will be Ajax, AS Roma, statement. league is worth risking a single Chelsea, FC Copenhagen, Liv- Games in the Stay and Play human life.” erpool, Porto and Real Madrid, Cup will be available to view The German Bundesliga according to EA. on EA Sports’ FIFA Twitch reportedly could restart behind All of the major European channel, with registered FIFA closed doors in May, with soccer leagues are currently players having an opportunity players already back in training, shut down due to the corona- to earn FUT 20 rewards while other leagues could also virus pandemic. through Twitch Drops. resume in the summer. Football clubs, players strike pay deals for coronavirus lull

REUTERS — LONDON On April 5, the Champions temporarily cut players’ and League winners said it coaches’ wages by 70%, but With sports events around the would furlough some of guaranteed a full salary for world suspended because of the non-playing staff, but their other employees, the the coronavirus pandemic, the next day reversed Spanish club said on April 2. football clubs and leagues the decision after sharp GERMANY have been discussing pay cuts criticism from fans and Borussia Dortmund, Bayern with players to help them Munich, RB Leipzig and Bayer Bayern Munich's British government make it through the crisis. officials. Leverkusen have come players try to Here is a summary of some together to create a €20m sol- keep a safe of the agreements reached or idarity fund to help German distance during negotiated by major football clubs in the top two tiers. their training clubs. BAYERN MUNICH session in ITALY The German champions Munich, in this On April 6 Serie A officials said players would cut their April 6, 2020 proposed to cut players’ wages salaries by 20%, ESPN file photo. by a third if the season is can- reported https:// celled and a sixth if it even- es.pn/3bHtgEW citing a con- tually resumes, with the firmation from the club. chance for clubs to individ- BORUSSIA DORTMUND Back to training, Bayern ually negotiate cuts with their The German club said on employees. The Italian Players’ ENGLAND League club to place members March 24 that players, man- Munich’s Coman hopes Association (AIC) called it On April 4 Premier League of their non-playing staff on agers and coaching staff “totally inadmissible”, a sen- called for a 30% players’ wage temporary leave in response agreed to cut their salaries timent shared by the Italian reduction. The Professional to the coronavirus crisis, the to show solidarity with the to complete season coaches’ association (AIAC). Footballers Association (PFA) BBC has reported. club’s 850 employees and JUVENTUS criticised the proposal, arguing SPAIN families. REUTERS — MUNICH goals,” the France interna- Players and coach Mau- it could reduce tax revenue for The Spanish Football Fed- BORUSSIA tional told Eurosport rizio Sarri have reached an the National Health Service. eration said on March 25 that MOENCHENGLADBACH Bundesliga clubs returned to yesterday. agreement over a wage ** Also on April 4, Premier it planned to open a €500m Sporting director Max training earlier this week Despite the resumption reduction that will save the League clubs agreed to support line of credit to clubs which Eberl said in an interview on after almost a month off due of training the German Italian champions €90m lower divisions with £125m, will not be able to claim their the club’s website https://bit. to the COVID-19 outbreak Football League (DFL) made ($100.26m), the Serie A club to be used in early solidarity full television rights. ly/2yoAG1s that the team has and while the players are still it clear last week it was not said on March 28. payments, parachute pay- REAL MADRID offered to renounce to their being kept at a safe distance known if or when the season INTER MILAN ments and Academy Grants. Players and coaching staff salaries if needed. from each other Bayern would resume. Players and coaching staff LIVERPOOL voluntarily agreed on April 8 UNION BERLIN Munich forward Kingsley The season has been sus- are willing to cut their wages On April 5 the Champions to cut between 10% and 20% Players agreed https://bit. Coman is just happy to be pended until at least April 30 for the rest of the season, League winners said it would of their wages to avoid “trau- ly/2UDtjvI to give up their sal- back. with the DFL due to meet Italian news agency Ansa furlough some of the non- matic measures that affect the aries, while managers and Squads have been split next Friday to decide the next reported https://bit. playing staff, but on April 6 rest of the workers,” the club employees agreed on salary into small groups or even step. ly/2ywYxMD citing sources in reversed the decision after said. cuts. pairs under strict measures Coman said he hoped all the club. The details will be sharp criticism from fans and BARCELONA LYON to contain the spread of the the effort the players had put decided once it is clear British government officials. Players will make an extra The club has put all of its new coronavirus, which has in would not go to waste. whether the current season TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR contribution on top of the 70% staff on partial unemployment infected over 110,000 and “We work, we work, and will resume. Spurs have imposed a 20% pay cut they have agreed to https://bit.ly/2JBsoFY status killed more than 2,000 I hope we can finish the AS ROMA pay cut on 550 non-playing take during the enforced La like all the clubs in French top- people in Germany. season otherwise all that The team decided to put an staff in April and May due to Liga break so that the club’s tier league Ligue 1. “We had not touched a work will have been for initial 77 non-playing staff in the coronavirus pandemic, the other employees can earn ** Under a government ball on a football pitch for nothing,” he said. furlough and plans to rotate Premier League club said on their full salaries during the scheme, companies can almost a month and even if Bayern had a four-point the others 250 non-playing March 31. coronavirus crisis, captain request a reimbursement for we’re split in small groups it’s lead with nine matches workers in the same scheme, NEWCASTLE UNITED Lionel Messi said on March 30. putting workers on shorter or a pleasure to play again and remaining when the season Corriere dello Sport reported Newcastle United have ATLETICO MADRID zero hours since the corona- step onto a field that has was halted. [https://bit.ly/2xmsLlh ]. become the first Premier Atletico Madrid have also virus outbreak.

Emili Rousaud was one of six board members to Barcelona deny corruption after six board members resign resign on Thursday night as Barca continue to be AFP — MADRID the club in February, when Bar- “The analysis of the moni- months being played out in embroiled in political celona were accused of hiring a toring services of social net- public, with Messi also involved. crisis under their current Barcelona have denied what the company called I3 Ventures to works is being subjected to an Messi reacted angrily in president Josep Maria club describes as “serious and discredit opponents of Bartomeu independent audit by PriceWa- January to Eric Abidal, the club’s unfounded accusations” of online, including players like terhouseCoopers (PWC), which technical secretary, suggesting Bartomeu. corruption after a former vice- Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique. is still ongoing and, therefore, the players were to blame for president claimed someone “had “If the auditors tell us the without any conclusions,” Bar- the sacking of Ernesto Valverde All six resigning board put their hands in the till”. cost of these services is 100,000 celona’s statement added. and last month, the Argentinian members called for Emili Rousaud was one of six euros and we have paid one Rousaud had been appointed criticised the club’s handling of the 2021 presidential board members to resign on million, it means someone has as a club vice-president in negotiations with the squad over elections to be brought Thursday night as Barca con- put their hand in the till. I have January and was seen as a pay cuts. forward in a joint letter tinue to be embroiled in political no evidence and I cannot say leading candidate to succeed Those remaining swiftly published yesterday crisis under their current pres- who,” Rousaud told the pro- Bartomeu, who cannot stand addressed the resignations from by the newspaper La ident Josep Maria Bartomeu. gramme RAC1 yesterday. again when the presidential the board. All six resigning board Barcelona responded with therefore reserves the right to elections come round next year. “The resignations of the Vanguardia. members called for the 2021 an official statement that read: any legal action that may Instead, Rousaud has quit, members of the board of presidential elections to be “In the light of the serious and correspond.” citing frustrations with the club’s directors announced over the Rousaud had been brought forward in a joint letter unfounded accusations made Bartomeu terminated the management, along with fellow last few hours have come about appointed as a club vice- published yesterday by the this morning by Emili Rousaud, club’s contract with I3 Ventures vice-president Enrique Tombas, due to a reorganisation of the president in January and newspaper La Vanguardia. ex-vice president of the club, in in February. He said the as well as directors Silvio Elias, board put forward by president was seen as a leading In an interview with Spanish different interviews with the company had been hired only Josep Pont, Jordi Calsamiglia and Josep Maria Bartomeu and candidate to succeed radio station Cadena Ser, media, FC Barcelona categori- to monitor posts on social media Maria Teixidor. which will be completed in the Rousaud discussed the social cally denies any activity that can and announced an internal audit Bartomeu has overseen a next few days,” the statement Bartomeu. media controversy that rocked be described as corruption and to investigate any irregularity. string of political spats in recent added. SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020 SPORT 03 Turkmenistan ready to England team chief expects restart football league

TURKMENISTAN is set to restart its suspended soccer league amid the coronavirus pandemic. delay to West Indies series The Central Asian nation will become part of a small group of countries around the world where professional soccer is LONDON - AFP five-match series being played despite the virus outbreak. That includes the A general view of Sydney Cricket Ground during a Twenty20 International ended in a 2-2 former Soviet nations of Belarus and Tajikistan, as well as England cricket team chief between Australia and England. draw. Burundi and Nicaragua. Ashley Giles has forecast a England The eight-team Turkmenistan league was suspended on significant delay to the home themselves ben- March 24. The national soccer federation says it will resume series against the West Indies efitted from a on April 19. Fans will be allowed to attend games. in June should the coronavirus similar fixture Turkmenistan has not reported any cases of the relent sufficiently to allow the when their coronavirus. three Tests to go ahead. Twenty20 side ___ The county championship, lost a practice THE FRENCH tennis federation has set up a support plan comprising four-day matches, match to their worth €35m ($38m) to help professional players facing financial was due to start on Sunday but own second problems because of the coronavirus pandemic. English cricket is shut down string in Abu The FFT says it has approved the scheme that will also until at least May 28, with the Dhabi in 2010. benefit clubs, coaches, instructors, officials and tournament expectation of further As a result, organizers affected by the health crisis. postponements. batsmen Michael The FFT says practical arrangements for the allocation still England are meant to play Lumb and Craig need to be discussed. a three-Test series against the Kieswetter forced The ATP and WTA announced this month that the men’s West Indies in June, with the their way into the and women’s professional tours would be suspended until at opening match at The Oval senior team that least July 13. Wimbledon has been cancelled because of the starting on June 4. went on to win deadly virus while the start of the French Open has been post- But England team director that’s year’s poned from late May to late September. Giles told reporters in a con- right now we don’t know. view certainly, I think we’ll World Twenty20 in the ___ ference call: “The deadline of “If we can’t get it all, it’s need to play a couple of Caribbean. FLORIDA STATE offensive lineman Andrew Boselli says May 28 still stands but it’s really important we work in warm-up games,” Giles said. Giles, asked about an intra- he had the coronavirus and detailed some of what his famous looking less and less likely that partnership with all the other “They could be behind squad match, replied: “If we had father went through in his own fight against COVID-19. we’re going to be out there in boards to fulfil those fixtures closed doors, they could be to, I think that would be a The son of former NFL lineman Tony Boselli says in a first- June. We have to look at but with a priority on keeping among England players -- none decent way around a problem person account he wrote for Florida State’s athletic department alternatives.” people safe.” of us really know until we get if we weren’t playing cricket website that he dealt with the worst of the virus for about three Following the visit of the Meanwhile the former there.” more broadly. I think we could days. West Indies, England are meant England spinner said an intra- Following last year’s do that.” The Seminoles’ lineman wrote that he wants “everyone to to play home series against squad match similar to the one one-day World Cup in England, Giles added he was also know just how hard it was. I spent days feeling miserable” and Pakistan, Australia and Ireland Australia played before last the Australians played a three- open to the possibility of Eng- his healthy 47-year-old father with no underlying health con- as well. year’s Ashes could serve as a day 12-a-side match at South- land’s Test and one-day teams ditions “spent three days in the intensive care unit.” “We are looking at sce- warm-up fixture for his side if ampton as their sole warm-up playing at the same time if that Tony Boselli is now back home and Andrew Boselli says narios where we can push those the season can get underway. fixture for the Ashes. was the best way to fulfil fix- he and his family are recovering from the massive scare. He matches back as far as possible With Britain currently in Australia coach Justin tures in a shortened season. says his brother and mother also dealt with the virus. without losing any cricket,” said lockdown, players cannot go Langer then settled on his squad “We have got enough depth Andrew Boselli says he’s looking forward to being around Giles. straight from their homes into and saw the tourists hammer where we can split our fellow students and team-mates again but added a word of “Whether eventually games the international arena. England in the first Test at Edg- resources but we haven’t got caution by writing “the only way for that to happen is listen to start falling off the calendar “From a playing point of baston by 251 runs, although the that far,” he said. the experts and follow their guidance.” ___ THE RUSSIAN sports minister says it’s time for interna- Cummins, with a price tag of $2.18m, tional authorities to “turn a new page” and forget the coun- try’s Olympic doping ban because of the coronavirus pandemic. The World Anti-Doping Agency barred Russia from the preparing for IPL in empty stadiums Olympics for four years after ruling last year that doping data from a Moscow laboratory had been manipulated. The Court of Arbitration for Sport is to rule on whether the ban is valid SYDNEY - REUTERS in the competition’s annual auction, a “When people ask about the difference but hearings have been delayed because of the health crisis. record for a non-Indian player. The ICC Test between playing cricket in India the first Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin says the virus outbreak means Australian pace bowler Pat Cummins is Player of the Year, however, says getting thing is the crowd,” he added. the parties in the legal proceedings should avoid a ruling against “super hopeful” that the Indian Premier the league underway would also be an “They scream every single ball whether Russia because it would fracture the Olympic movement. League (IPL) will go ahead this year despite important illustration of the world returning it’s a six or a wicket - it’s the same noise He adds that “when you see that everyone is isolated and the COVID-19 pandemic, even if it means to normal after the pandemic. every ball - so that atmosphere is some- everyone is at home... people understand that now there are matches are initially played in empty “The first priority is safety but the thing that we love about playing in India. priorities and there are issues which go on the backburner. stadiums. second one is getting back to normality, “It will be missed in the short term if it The priority is the future of the Olympic movement.” The start of the lucrative Twenty20 finding that balance,” the 26-year-old, can’t happen, but I have no doubt it will be Matytsin says sanctioning Russia would damage the Olympic tournament, originally scheduled for March named one of Wisden’s five cricketers of a great event even if it has to be played movement and says the country is prepared to host more inter- 29, has been deferred to April 15 and the year on Wednesday, told the BBC. without crowds.” national sports events once the virus outbreak recedes. another postponement looks inevitable as “If that unfortunately means no crowds Cummins, who last bowled a ball in India locks down to prevent the spread of for a while, then that is that, but hopefully anger almost a month ago, faces a long wait the virus. people can watch at home on TV.” for his next taste of international action Cummins has good reason to want the Cummins said playing the IPL behind after Australia’s June Test tour of Bang- IPL to get underway having attracted a bid closed doors would have a “totally different ladesh was postponed because of the coro- More than 900 of $2.18m from the Kolkata Knight Riders feel about it”. navirus outbreak. tournaments CSK post picture of Dhoni mowing Hampshire cancel Lyon postponed: ITF his lawn amidst lockdown deal amid

RANCHI - IANS LONDON - REUTERS virus chaos The International Tennis Federation (ITF) said more than 900 Former India captain M.S. Dhoni was spotted tournaments across all its circuits had been postponed so far mowing his lawn in his farmhouse here, the LONDON - AFP because of the coronavirus pandemic and that it was furloughing picture of which was shared by his Indian Premier half its staff. League (IPL) team Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Australia spinner Nathan Lyon In a statement, tennis’s governing body said it was imple- “Lawn time, no see!” CSK said in a tweet from will not play for English county menting a range of measures to “safeguard jobs and protect their official handle. Hampshire this year after a the long-term health of our organisation and our sport” with The outbreak of the coronavirus saw the mutual decision was made to president David Haggerty voluntarily taking a 30% salary cut Chennai Super Kings training camp being called cancel his contract because of for the rest of the year. off and skipper Dhoni returning home from the coronavirus chaos. “The situation we are facing represents a fundamental chal- Chennai. Lyon is third on Australia’s lenge to our organisation and our sport,” Haggerty, who was CSK bowling coach Lakshmipathy Balaji all-time Test wicket-taker list re-elected for another term last year, said in a statement recently said that the former India skipper looked This photo posted on Chennai Super Kings' official with 390 scalps and his signing yesterday. very intense during his training sessions even Twitter handle @ChennaiIPL shows former India was a big coup for “Our purpose is to ensure the long-term growth and sus- though he was making a return to competitive captain MS Dhoni mowing lawn at his home Hampshire. tainability of our sport in collaboration with our 210 member cricket post a sabbatical. garden in Ranchi. But the start of the English nations, which is why we are making difficult decisions in the “Dhoni was looking good, fit. He focused on domestic season has been short term so that we can continue to deliver tennis for future training just like he always does and was as postponed until at least May generations across the globe.” normal as he has always been. He trained like memory with M.S. Dhoni”, Jaffer said on social 28 because of the pandemic. The London-based governing body of tennis said half its the way he did last year or 2 years ago. There is media: Lyon was due to play for staff would be placed on the UK government’s job retention nothing that changes when it comes to his prep- “In his 1st or 2nd year in Indian team, I Hampshire for a “significant” scheme. aration. His routine, his mindset, everything is remember he said, he wants to make 30 lakhs portion of the County Cham- Under the scheme, employers can claim for 80% of fur- the same,” Balaji had said. from playing cricket so he can live peacefully for pionship campaign until the loughed employees’ monthly wages, capped at £2,500 ($3,085) Recently former India opener and domestic the rest of his life in Ranchi”. on-going health crisis per month. legend Wasim Jaffer also revealed that all Dhoni Dhoni went on to play 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, prompted both parties to call The ITF will top up those payments to ensure all furloughed wanted when he started off was to make Rs 30 and 98 T20s for India, captaining the team to the off the deal. staff receive 80% of their full salary. lakh and live peacefully in Ranchi. 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 50-over World Giles White, Hampshire’s Non-furloughed staff will work a reduced four-day week Replying to a fan’s question on his “favourite Cup director of cricket, said yes- and the ITF will pay them 90% of their salary. The chief exec- terday: “These are obviously utives and directors will work also work four-day weeks and very uncertain and challenging will be paid 80% of their salary. Stay fit, stay in, stay safe: Rohit times, and it’s clear the issues The ITF’s revamped Fed Cup Finals was one of the high- cricket currently faces will profile events postponed. It was supposed to have taken place contribute to the way in which this month in Budapest. MUMBAI - IANS badminton world champion P.V. Sindhu and chess counties are able to operate “We have postponed more than 900 tournaments across legend Viswanathan Anand as he urged them to and prepare for this season. all ITF circuits, including the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals With the world coming to a standstill due to the keep spreading awareness as the world fights the “As a result of this and fol- 2020, and it remains uncertain when play can resume,” a coronavirus outbreak, sportspersons have been coronavirus pandemic. lowing conversations with statement read. looking to interact with fans to not only keep The pandemic has suspended even the 13th Nathan and his management, “While postponing events and prioritising safety is the them entertained, but also to guide them in these edition of the IPL. The BCCI is open to shifting the it was mutually agreed that he appropriate response in these exceptional circumstances, it difficult times as also keep them aware of the tournament to the October-November window if would no longer join us this has resulted in a number of complex challenges, including a dos and don'ts. Taking to Instagram, Rohit the ICC does plan to postpone the World T20. season. I would like to thank significant loss of income.” Sharma once again highlighted the importance Former India and Chennai Super Kings pacer Nathan and his representatives With so many tournaments postponed, the earning potential of staying fit even during lockdown. Ashish Nehra believes an IPL is possible in October. for their complete under- of hundreds of players has effectively dried up -- a serious In his Instagram post, he wrote: "Being home- "Even if the IPL doesn't happen in August, there standing and agreement and issue for those lower down the rankings who struggle to make bound is no excuse, stay fit, stay in, stay safe." are lot of places in India that witness rains during we hope to welcome him to a living even in normal times. Earlier, PM Narendra Modi yesterday spoke that month and there are high chances that lots the club next season." The ITF said it was in discussion with other tennis stake- to 49 sports personalities that included the likes of matches will get cancelled. If things go back to Surrey pulled out of a deal holders to provide support for nations and players. of BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, Indian cricket normal around the world by October, we'll have for Lyon's compatriot Michael captain Virat Kohli, cricket great Sachin Tendulkar, a 100 per cent clearance," he pointed. Neser earlier this week, 04 SPORT SATURDAY 11 APRIL 2020

MLB: Thirty NBA: Magic Johnson hopeful season's players sign on for virtual champion can be found despite virus tournament

AFP – LOS ANGELES help the country heal after the NBA legend Magic Johnson AGENCIES – NEW YORK virus. Magic Johnson says if the NBA The epidemic has so far Blake Snell, Juan Soto and Bo does resume this season it will killed over 95,000 people Bichette are among the be without fans and the players worldwide, including at least Let’s say the NBA comes baseball stars switching over shouldn’t have any trouble 16,000 Americans and over 500 back without fans. Once to PlayStation with America’s adjusting on the fly to playing in in Canada. pastime on hold. empty stadiums. “We need sports, especially you play one game without Thirty big leaguers - one The former NBA star and in a time like this. But only if eve- fans you will adjust to not from each team - have signed part-owner of the Los Angeles rybody is safe,” Johnson told having fans there. We’ve on to play a round-robin Dodgers baseball team sees a CNN. “Sports will come back, all played our whole life regular season on the MLB The glimmer of hope and said all it probably without the fans first.” on the playgrounds and Show video game with the real will take is one game for the The 60-year-old made sports pickup games without fans season on hold due to the novel players to adapt to not having health news in 1991 when he being there. So basketball coronavirus. spectators in the building. revealed he has HIV. players will adjust, trust Snell, a Cy Young Award “Let’s say the NBA comes He said the NBA is not going winner with Tampa Bay, will back without fans. Once you to return until the COVID-19 out- me: Johnson face Cincinnati reliever Amir play one game without fans you break in the US has stabilized and Garrett in the opener. That will adjust to not having fans the players can be properly tested. match-up will air on Snell’s there,” Johnson told American “There will be a right time,” When those numbers drop and LeBron James said in early “They want to see who is the Twitch feed, and other games broadcaster CNN. he said. “Commissioner Adam stabilise sports will come back.” March he cannot ever imagine best team in NBA. I am looking will be streamed via Twitch and “We’ve all played our whole Silver has done wonderful job Johnson says he does not know playing games in empty arenas. forward to seeing if the Lakers YouTube with MLB Network life on the playgrounds and with the NBA. exactly when that will be, and “LeBron is right, it is hard to can win a championship.” host Robert Flores providing pickup games without fans being “He wants to make sure the that Major League Baseball is play without fans,” said Johnson. Meanwhile, a poll conducted commentary. there. So basketball players will players are safe before they discussing a May start. “Those guys want to see who by Seton Hall University and The venture was launched adjust, trust me.” come back. I think sports will But some health experts is the world champion. Listen, if released on Thursday found 72 Friday by Major League Johnson, who is also the come back. It is just a matter of have predicted social distancing they have a chance to go back percent of Americans said they Baseball, the players’ associ- former president of the Los when will we make sure this restrictions might remain in and they are all healthy, and they would not attend sporting events ation and Sony Interactive Angeles Lakers, said when pro- virus is level, and not affecting place for much longer over fears all get tested, they will go back if the games resumed without a Entertainment. fessional sports returns it will the whole country anymore. of worsening the health crisis. to crown a champion. vaccine for COVID-19. Participants range in age from 36-year-old San Fran- cisco outfielder Hunter Pence to 21-year-old San Diego Suns, Clippers infielder Fernando Tatis Jr. There are 11 All-Stars, including standouts Milwaukee reliever Josh Hader, Texas slugger Joey Gallo and the New York Mets’ Jeff McNeil. advance to Players will complete a 29-game regular season - one NBA 2K semis three-inning contest against each team - through April. The AFP – NEW YORK top eight teams will qualify for the postseason, expected to Phoenix Suns standouts Devin mirror MLB’s current format. Booker and Deandre Ayton will face The NBA is running a Los Angeles Clippers stalwarts similar esports tournament on Patrick Beverley and Montrezl NBA 2K featuring 16 pro Harrell in today's semi-finals of the players, including stars Kevin NBA 2K Players Tournament. LA Clippers' Durant and Trae Young. Those All four advanced in yesterday’s Deandre Ayton games have been airing on quarter-finals of the NBA2K20 (top, left) and ESPN. online videogame event, where the LA Lakers' MLB, the union and Sony winner from among 16 NBA players Trae Young are contributing $175,000 to will select a coronavirus relief taking part in Boys & Girls Clubs of America charity to receive a $100,000 the NBA 2K as part of the initiative. donation. players virtual Meanwhile, Slugger Mark The NBA season was put on hold tournament. Reynolds announced his a month ago after Utah’s Rudy retirement after belting 298 Gobert tested positive for the deadly homers during his 13-year virus that has shut down most career. sports worldwide. NBA players to receive full checks on April 15 "I'm retired," the 36-year- In Saturday’s semis, Suns guard old Reynolds said on MLB Booker will face Clippers forward AP – LOS ANGELES became the first player in the easily reach hundreds of mil- would lose, on average, about Network Radio on Sirius XM. Harrell with center Ayton, a league to test positive for the lions of dollars. 21% of their salary. The size of "Actually, I guess it's breaking 21-year-old from the Bahamas, NBA players will receive their coronavirus. Being paid in full now also those hits in terms of gross news on your show. playing Clippers guard Beverley. full checks when the next The pandemic will lead to doesn’t mean that things will salary lost would range from "I haven't really told Winners will meet for the title later payday for most of them the delay of at least 259 reg- stay that way for players. What about $8m for Golden State’s anybody. I mean, obviously, my today. arrives on April 15 despite no ular-season games through the collective bargaining Stephen Curry to about family and friends know, but In Thursday’s quarter-finals, games having been played for April 15, what would have been agreement between the league $189,000 for players on I'm just, with all this going on Booker beat Washington’s Rui more than a month at that the end of the regular season. and its players describes as a minimum contracts. and everything, I'm really Hachimura 71-55, Harrell dis- point. NBA Commissioner Adam “Force Majeure Event” - the An option that has been enjoying time with my family. patched Miami’s Derrick Jones The league gave teams the Silver said earlier this week legal term for unforeseeable discussed by the league and the And now it's time for me to 71-66, Beverly eliminated Cleve- directive in a memo. that no decisions about the rest circumstances, such as an epi- union is for NBA teams to take move on and find something land’s Andre Drummond 69-62 and The league and the of the season, including demic or pandemic - could still some money out of upcoming else to do." Ayton defeated Atlanta’s Trae Young National Basketball Players whether play can resume, come into play. checks and holding it in escrow Reynolds last played for the 73-66. Association has been in talks would occur before May. Per the Collective Bar- in anticipation of at least some Colorado Rockies, with his Each player selected eight for weeks about the status of None of the games have gaining Agreement, players games being cancelled; players second stint with the club current NBA rosters, with teams salaries during the game’s been cancelled yet. The play- could lose 1.08% of their annual would get the money back if coming to a close after being available to be used only once. shutdown. offs were to begin on April 18, salary for each game that is games are played, or would released on July 26. He batted Away teams will have the choice of The last NBA games were and the losses in revenue cancelled. take less of a hit in future .170 with a career-low four club if each player picks the same played March 11, the day that should the season either be If the rest of the season is checks if the season is homers and 20 RBIs in 162 NBA squad. Utah center Rudy Gobert shortened or not finished could called off, that means players cancelled. plate appearances. More closures loom as coronavirus hits golf

AP – LOS ANGELES closed. Restrictions on other busi- wants that to happen sooner rather courses should remain open, while nesses were tightened and churches than later. 55 percent of those 65 and older sup- It was probably just coincidence that were being told not to allow people The National Golf Foundation, ported the closings. Nevada’s governor issued an order to gather on Easter Sunday as the which tallies golf numbers, said 24.2 Personally, I don’t have a problem closing golf courses just a few hours state clamped down further on social million people played golf in 2018, with golf courses still being open for after a newspaper photographer distancing. and another 9.3 million people hit play, though with restrictions that tweeted a picture of OJ Simpson Golf courses were closed on the balls at a range or participated in would likely mean most golfers would playing 18 holes in Las Vegas. same day in hard hit New York, too, some other form of the sport. The take a pass. The biggest would be no Simpson himself seemed resigned after golf was labeled a non-essential numbers were up slightly from the golf carts, meaning golfers would have to it, tweeting in a video later that business. And in Texas, the governor year before despite the fact course to play the game the way it was orig- extraordinary times call for extraor- told local leaders in a conference call closings outnumbered course inally meant to be played - walking dinary measures. that golf courses were not essential openings, as they have every year the course with their own clubs. “This is serious ... people are losing and would have to be shut down. since 2006. It would also mean no cart person their lives,” he said. The recreation debate is one that At the end of last week, though, plying beer and snacks every few Before Gov. Steve Sisolak acted is playing out across the nation. It’s the NGF said 56 percent of the nearly holes, but that’s another debate all by on Wednesday, the idea of people not just golf, of course, with gyms 17,000 golf courses in the United itself. playing golf during the pandemic was closed everywhere and almost every States were closed because of coro- Golf has served as a nice diversion already being debated on activity or sport long since shut down. navirus, a number that will grow even to some during the current crisis, social media. There was Hikers complain so many people more as closures in states like New offering those who enjoy the sport predictable outrage are flocking to trails that it is impos- York, Nevada and Texas are added to some competition, fresh air and a few among some, who said sible to maintain distancing guide- the list. hours outside to forget about their golfers were flouting lines. In neighborhoods around the Interestingly, the closures varied troubles. But it’s hard to defend golf social distancing guide- country, people are out walking and widely across the country, with 82 as an essential business, especially Emily Burnham lines by playing in four- jogging - and trying their best not to percent of courses in Texas remaining when many see it as an elitist sport to hits on the 18th somes even if they weren’t run into others out doing the same open last week compared to just 16 begin with. fairway during allowed to share a golf cart. thing. percent in the Great Lakes states. We’re in the battle of our lives, and the second round Then again, it might have We’ve been stuck at home for More courses remained open in rural in a battle to save lives. That means of the Cactus just been the optics of people out what already seems like forever. And areas than in parts of the country with making sacrifices every day, including Tour / Apache enjoying themselves on the golf as the days grow warmer and the out- concentrated populations, the NGF a lot of things we used to take for Creek Golf course that set off people hearing doors more inviting, no one has any said. granted. Tournament at about it from inside their homes. idea when we’ll be able to resume the The industry group put out some And, really, it’s pretty simple. If the Apache Creek, So on the day the Masters was activities that we once used to take other findings, including 67 percent Masters can wait, so can your next Arizona, on supposed to open, golf courses for granted. of those ages 18-34 that it surveyed round. Thursday. around the Silver State were being Not surprisingly, the golf industry believed - at least late last week - that COLUMN BY TIM DAHLBERG / AP