RUGBY | Page 2 MOTORSPORT | Page 4 Austria to McLaren boss allow social- says virus is final distancing wake-up call for friendly sports unhealthy F1

Thursday, April 16, 2020 CRICKET Sha’ban 23, 1441 AH BCCI looking for GULF TIMES new window SPORT Page 3

CYCLING FOCUS Staging Light at the end of the Tour in 2020 vital tunnel as Tour de for the sport, says race France rescheduled director Cycling’s flagship event pushed back from June 27, will run from August 29-September 20 Reuters AFP for deprived sports addicts the world Paris, France Paris, France over, with millions of armchair fans able to tune in daily, including those still working from home. taging the Tour de France this year despite the he Tour de France will be The new date gives the ASO time novel coronavirus pandemic was vital for road raced from August 29 to to stage the warm-up Criterium du cycling, the race’s director Christian Prud- September 20, organis- Dauphine — held annually ahead of Shomme said yesterday. Ters announced yesterday, the Tour but postponed this year The sport’s governing International Cycling Union postponing cycling’s flagship event as the spring cycling season was (UCI) announced that the Tour, initially due to be held originally slated to start on June 27 swept aside by the coronavirus. from June 27-July 19, would be staged from August due to the coronavirus lockdown. Cycling’s governing body the 29-September 20 amid measures to contain the coro- The new dates follow French UCI has said that May’s postponed navirus outbreak. President Emmanuel Macron’s Giro d’Italia would be raced after “We started to talk about a postponement to the lo- extension of a ban on large public the Tour de France, and the Vuelta cal politicians as soon as March 18 — a day after France gatherings until mid-July. a espana after that, with dates to be was put in lockdown — and all of them were on board,” The news comes as a relief to announced in May. Prudhomme told Reuters in an interview. professional cycling teams and fans “Everyone in the world of cycling supported the idea, with four-times Tour winner Chris HEALTH COMES FIRST even those who usually don’t like us. Some teams said Froome welcoming “light at the With the Giro and the Tokyo Olym- they would have to close down without the Tour in end of the tunnel” for those suffer- pic road race in late July on Mount 2020. ing under Covid-19 lockdown. Fuji both postponed, the Tour de “The Tour is the base The decision moves the three- France will be more competitive of the revised calendar.” week race out of its traditional slot in than ever as the whole spectrum of Sponsors usually in- the summer holidays where roadside elite cyclists focus on the one race. vest in cycling teams for crowds of around 12mn would be ex- “The Tour de France is 3,000km the broad TV exposure pected to gather in festive spirit. of smiles,” race director Christian and the Tour de France is It will now finish on the same Prudhomme has repeated many one of the world’s most day the postponed French Open In this July 28, 2019, picture, Team INEOS rider Egan Bernal (right) of Colombia rides in the overall leader’s yellow times in the past in reference to the watched events, after the championships starts, September jersey in the final stage of the Tour de France in front of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. (Reuters) Tour and its fans. Summer Olympics and 20, giving a worrying indication of But he has also stressed that the soccer World Cup. a potential autumn fixture pile-up starting in Nice and finishing in this period has been tough on all of caravan can be more easily put up health comes first as France battles With no elite racing as more sports seek to reschedule Paris. us, and bike racing is not important in hotels outside August. the coronavirus crisis. before August, cycling suspended events. “The Tour is still the Tour. All the in the greater scheme of things. With the Tokyo Games and foot- France has been under lockdown teams and sponsors have Tour director Christian Prud- challenges we set remain intact,” he “But let’s take hope in that we ball’s Euro 2020 both delayed by since March 17 in an attempt to been dramatically hit fi- homme told AFP the new start was said of the hotly anticipated climb- may return to some sort of normal- a year, the Tour is the last major slow the spread of the virus which nancially by the corona- based on a double rationale. laden route that rarely strays far ity in the near future.” event remaining on the summer has claimed the lives of over 15,700 virus, which has infected “We wanted to be as far away from the mountains. The new date solves a series of sports calendar. people in the country. over two mn people from the pandemic as possible,” Britain’s Froome said the news problems after organisers faced up to Elite cycling will breathe a huge The epic race will now embark worldwide and brought he said. “The president put a July came as a boost for all lovers of the the reality that the race could never sigh of relief as the Tour accounts from Nice on the Mediterranean the world of sport to a 14 date on public gatherings, but sport. take place on the original dates. for most of its earnings. coast on August 29 and culminate standstill. it seemed more reasonable to us “It’s the news we have all been Rescheduling means top cycling “The Tour represents around 60 over three weeks later on Paris’s The Tour route will to allow the riders time to get into waiting for, some light at the end of teams will survive economically, percent of earnings in a season,” celebrated Champs Elysees on Sep- remain 99% unchanged peak condition.” the tunnel,” said the Ineos rider. social distancing will be easier French team AG2R boss Vincent tember 20, where the traditional with a Grand Depart While the dates have changed “I’m seeing a lot of negativity and without massive crowds, and the Lavenu said last week. yellow jersey is awarded to the win- from Nice and the tra- the original route remains intact, despondency on my timeline, I know 4,500 strong Tour de France rolling The Tour will provide a daily fix ner beneath the Arc de Triomphe. ditional final parade on Paris’s Champs-Elysees. “The only thing we might have to change sometimes is when we go through bigger cities,” said Prudhomme, who on Tuesday called PHOTO OF THE DAY 49 local politicians to inform them that the Tour dates Blast from the past had been changed.

With sporting events around GIRO, VUELTA TO FOLLOW the world grinding to a halt, The 2020 summer holidays are due to end on Sept. 1 Gulf Times Sport dived down in France, where public events have been banned until the vault for some fantastic, mid-July although French President Emmanuel Macron sometimes offbeat stories said the confinement would be progressively lifted from that can be told through May 11. pictures. Asked about potential safety measures due to the coronavirus outbreak, Prudhomme said the Tour or- After Japan’s Tetsuta ganisers would adapt. Nagashima stormed to victory “We will follow recommendations, just like we did for in the Moto2 class at the Losail Paris-Nice in March. At the start, gatherings of more International Circuit in Qatar than 5,000 were banned and after a couple of days we on March 8, 2020, he said, “I had to adapt because the maximum was 1,000,” he said. am in a dream.” Ten years after Prudhomme added that earlier dates for the Tour in late Shoya Tomizawa won the August had been considered before being ruled out. track’s first Moto2 race in 2010, “Riders need a couple of months to get ready for an Nagashima also became only event like the Tour. Four, five or six weeks to train on the second non-European rider roads and then we should have a few stage races before to lead the Moto2 standings the Tour,” he said. since his compatriot did so a It means the Criterium du Dauphine, a traditional decade ago. (Red Bull Content warm-up race for the Tour, is expected to be held some- Pool) time in August, Prudhomme said, even if it could be shorter, “maybe five or six days instead of eight”. “Having the Tour in September is also a better month for the hotel industry,” he added. Hotels are traditionally packed in August and at least 4,500 people are usually working on the Tour de France, which will be followed by the world championships, Italy’s Giro and Spain’s Vuelta, the UCI said in a state- ment. The governing body added it was also working on new dates for the top one-day races — Milan-Sanremo, the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne- Liege and the Tour of Lombardy. Gulf Times 2 Thursday, April 16, 2020 SPORT

TOP OF THE LINE Austria to allow tennis, golf and other social-distancing-friendly sports

Reuters from there if possible. Outdoor facilities that will no 14,000 confirmed cases. quirements and matches being Vienna, Austria Unlike in some other coun- longer be off-limits to the public There was frustration in Vi- played in empty stadiums. tries, however, members of the include athletics tracks, tennis enna that some of the capital’s As for how sports like tennis public have remained relatively courts, golf courses, equestrian biggest parks, like the grounds should be practised safely, Kogler ustria, which has start- free to do exercise like jogging centres, shooting ranges and ar- of the former imperial palace at said that was best left to federa- ed loosening its coro- or cycling, provided they respect chery ranges, he added. Schoenbrunn, were closed, but tions. navirus lockdown, said social distancing rules. He said dangerous outdoor those reopened on Tuesday, the “It is hard to believe some of Ayesterday it would al- There is no need for a note as in sports like ski touring, which is day that Austria first loosened its the questions that come up — low some sports compatible with France nor is there a limit of one often conducted away from ski lockdown by letting DIY stores, what about the ball? What about social distancing like tennis and outing per day as in Britain. resorts, would be allowed but he garden centres and smaller shops handling in the literal sense?” he golf to resume from May 1. “Of course, individual sports urged those doing them to stick reopen. said. The Alpine republic acted early where there is no immediate con- to “something easy” to avoid ac- Roughly 600 top athletes will Initial consultations with ten- in its outbreak to close restau- tact will be given priority more cidents. be allowed to resume training, nis federations had produced rants, bars, theatres, schools, quickly over team sports where Austria has reported 393 coro- including indoors with stricter 10 recommendations, such as non-essential shops and other contact is generally unavoidable, navirus deaths in total so far, limits on distancing, next week. marking players’ balls so their gathering places roughly four or contact sports,” Vice Chancellor fewer than some larger European Plans are also being made opponent does not touch them weeks ago. The public have been Werner Kogler, who is also sports Austrian Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler attends a news conference in countries have been report- to restart Austria’s top soccer and different “behaviour at the told to stay at home and work minister, told a news conference. Vienna, Austria, on April 6, 2020. (Reuters) ing daily. It has had more than league, with strict testing re- net”, Kogler said.

FOCUS GOLF Officials ‘fully prepared’ for PGA SANZAAR considers Championship without fans

AFP mally as possible, with fans, ob- Tests, Super Rugby Los Angeles, United States viously, and have a fairly normal PGA Championship at Harding Park,” Waugh said. ‘It’s not trying to rubbish one GA of America chief ex- “If the safest way, and/or the ecutive Seth Waugh said only way to do it is without fans, for the other, it’s how do we Tuesday that organisers we’re fully prepared to do that. Pare considering multiple We believe that having it as a tel- get a sensible solution?’ scenarios for the US PGA Cham- evision event is worth doing re- side-by-side pionship now scheduled for Au- gardless of whether there’s fans gust 6-9 in San Francisco. there or not. AFP Waugh, in an interview on Sir- “Obviously, that’ll change Wellington, New Zealand iusXM radio, said the first option the experience, but we think the would be to play the tournament world is starved for some en- as currently scheduled at Hard- tertainment, and particularly in he southern hemi- ing Park. sports.” sphere’s Super Rugby A second option would be to California Governor Gavin competition and the hold the first major champion- Newsom said this month that TRugby Championship ship of the year there but with- he does not anticipate having could be played simultaneously out spectators and a potential crowds at sporting events in the to cram in as many fixtures as third option would be to move it state this year. possible when sport resumes af- to another location should play Waugh said that if California ter the coronavirus suspension, in California prove impossible. or San Francisco City authori- SANZAAR boss Andy Marinos The tournament has already ties decide the tournament can’t suggested. been postponed from May as the be held at Harding Park, the PGA Marinos said the governing coronavirus pandemic up-ended could try to find an alternate body was “hell bent” on continu- the golfing calendar along with venue. ing Super Rugby in some form the rest of the sports world. “It makes it simpler if there this year and also wanted the Under the revamped plans aren’t any fans to think about Rugby Championship to proceed, agreed by golf’s governing bod- things like that,” he said. “We adding that the season could be ies, the US PGA Championship don’t certainly have a plan C extended until December. in August would be followed by right now, but we’d be prepared He said SANZAAR (South the US Open in September and to think about that if that became Africa, New Zealand, Australia the Masters at Augusta National a possibility. and Argentina Rugby) was ex- in November. The British Open “We’re going to do everything ploring the prospect of playing has been cancelled. we can to play the PGA Champi- the competitions concurrently, “The plan is to do it as nor- onship this year.” even though Super Rugby teams would be weakened by the loss of their Test stars. RUGBY “Could you be playing the Rugby Championship at the same time as a domestic compe- tition?” Marinos told New Zea- Saracens furlough land’s Newshub late Tuesday. “It’s not trying to rubbish one for the other, it’s how do we get a staff, ask high earners sensible solution in what may be a restricted time frame?” Super Rugby was originally to defer wages scheduled to end in June with the four-nation Rugby Cham- AFP pressured into a U-turn on using pionship being played in August London, United Kingdom public money. and September. “Saracens will be participat- Marinos said the Rugby ing in the government furlough- Championship could be played hampions Saracens have ing scheme and in addition have in a single country, with play- asked all employees asked players and all employees ers and officials confined to a earning over £75,000 earning over £75,000 to defer competition-wide “bubble” in a C($94,000) to defer pay- payment of their salaries, over similar arrangement to that pro- ment of their salaries until the and above this amount, until the posed by Australia’s National In this March 14, 2020, picture, Sharks’ centre Andre Esterhuizen (right) is tackled by Stormers’ Juarno Augustus (centre) and Scarra Ntobeni start of the 2020/21 season and start of the 2020/21 season,” the Rugby League (NRL). during their Super Rugby match in Durban, South Africa. (AFP) have furloughed staff due to the three-time European champions “Logic would suggest, if there economic crisis caused by coro- said in a statement on Wednes- is an ability to create — like what navirus. day. we’ve seen with the NRL — No bail-outs for virus-stricken SANZAAR countries: World Rugby The English Premiership has “The amounts deferred will around a bubble, if it’s all in one been suspended indefinitely due be repaid over an 18-month pe- location, it seems a bit easier,” he AFP Media reports have raised the countries were at risk if one pound ($500 mn) loss if the to social distancing measures, but riod from the start of the 2020/21 said. Wellington, New Zealand possibility of a cash rescue for union fails. southern hemisphere teams the north London club will be rel- season.” “At this point in time, we’d be Rugby Australia, which is facing “If Australia falls, then it hits cannot play this year. egated if and when the season does Despite facing a season in the silly to rule out anything.” serious financial difficulties and straight to New Zealand first, “World Rugby does not have end due to persistent breaches of second-tier Championship, they Meanwhile, Rugby Australia orld Rugby vice- has been locked in pay talks then it will hit South Africa and 400mn pounds... and giv- the division’s salary cap. still boast a star-studded squad, reported “good progress” in talks chairman Agustin with player representatives this Argentina so we all fall. There’s ing handouts for a cash-flow The UK government’s fur- including England Owen with the players’ association over WPichot said southern week. no individual way,” he told Sky burden, that won’t bring you a lough scheme will guarantee 80 Farrell and internationals such as the need for pay cuts because of hemisphere nations cannot But Pichot, the former Sport NZ. solution to the problems that percent of wages up to a maxi- Maro Itoje, Billy and Mako Vuni- the coronavirus crisis. expect bail-outs during the Argentina scrum-half who “It’s not about World Rugby giv- Australia, New Zealand, South mum of £2,500 a month. pola. The governing body has re- coronavirus shutdown — and is challenging for the World ing handouts, because there’s Africa, Argentina will have if Premier League football clubs Chairman Neil Golding added portedly asked players to take warned of financial contagion if Rugby chairmanship, ruled out no handout possible,” added we don’t play any games at all have been criticised for plans to the club are confident they can a 65% cut over the next three any of them goes under. the measure, and said other Pichot, estimating a 400mn this year.” use the system with Liverpool, secure the funding needed to months. Tottenham and Bournemouth steady their finances.

SPOTLIGHT Ex-England coach Woodward backs Pichot to overhaul World Rugby

Reuters said rugby, which has been hit sion. cluding Fiji and Samoa, have one stranglehold on the game which has London, United Kingdom hard by the coronavirus pandem- “We need equality, diversi- vote each. nearly suffocated it. ic, would benefit from having a ty, better player-welfare, better Japan, which hosted the last “We need to reboot with much younger leader. thought-out salary caps and rugby year’s Rugby World Cup, has two more co-operation and more equa- ormer England coach “Gus is the right man at the right needs to establish a wider cultural votes on the council. ble sharing of the World Cup profits Clive Woodward is back- time to lead this charge,” Wood- relevance to engage younger audi- The greater voting power of Tier and all revenue streams.” ing Agustin Pichot’s bid for ward wrote in a column for the ences,” Woodward said. 1 countries has led to “massive in- England’s Rugby Football Union Fthe top job at World Rugby, Daily Mail. The problem, he added, stemmed ertia and lack of collective will” (RFU) has projected a loss of up to saying the Argentine can help steer “Rugby is very lucky to have such from an imbalance of power be- with regard to equitable revenue 50mn pounds ($63mn), while Rug- the sport out of its current financial a visionary throwing his hat into tween Tier 1 and Tier 2 countries. and profit sharing, as well as wide- by Australia faces losses of about straits. Pichot, 45, who is vice chair the ring at such a crucial time.” Traditional powerhouses such spread poaching of talent, Wood- A$120mn ($76.56mn) if no more of global governing body, is run- Pichot said in his election mani- as Australia, England, France, New ward said. games are played this year. ning against current chairman Bill festo that the crisis should be Zealand, South Africa and Wales, “Before Covid-19, rugby was ruled USA Rugby filed for Chapter 11 Beaumont. viewed as an opportunity for the which are part of Tier 1, have three by the ‘haves’ with the ‘have nots’ bankruptcy protection after the Woodward, who coached Eng- global realignment of the sport, votes each on World Rugby’s coun- making up the numbers,” he added. game was suspended due to the land to World Cup glory in 2003, and Woodward shares a similar vi- cil, while seven Tier 2 nations, in- “The old powers need to release their coronavirus outbreak. Gulf Times Thursday, April 16, 2020 3 CRICKET

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Clarke slammed for Australians ‘scared to BCCI looking for sledge’ India comment

AFP New Delhi

ichael Clarke’s new Indian Premier claims that Austral- ian players “sucked Mup” to India and Virat Kohli to secure lucra- tive deals in the country’s pre- mier league are ridiculous, say former top Indian cricketers. Clarke said last week that League window Australians were “too scared to sledge” skipper Kohli or other Indian players be- ‘WELL, ALL WE KNOW IS THAT IT HAS BEEN SHIFTED INDEFINITELY’ cause of the influence of the world’s wealthiest Twenty20 tournament. This year’s In- Michael Clarke. Reuters dian Premier League has been New Delhi postponed because of the ters. “I certainly didn’t notice The 13th edition of IPL was originally coronavirus pandemic and too many people being that scheduled to begin on March 29. may not be held at all. nice to Virat or not trying to his year’s Indian Premier “Just by being nice to some- get him out or anything like League (IPL) has been one doesn’t get you a place in that,” Paine told ESPNcricinfo. postponed indefinitely IPL,” VVS Laxman, an advisor “I thought everyone who Tfollowing the Covid-19 to the Sunrisers Hyderabad had the ball in their hand or pandemic, key franchise officials team, told Indian broadcaster when we were were told Reuters yesterday. Star Sports. Teams look at a trying their absolute best to Originally scheduled to begin “player’s calibre and value” to win the game for Australia.” on March 29, the eight-team win matches, he said. Australian players have at- league was initially suspended Krishnamachari Srikkanth, tracted big money since the until yesterday even as India a former India captain and IPL started in 2008. entered a three-week lockdown chief selector, said “you do not Paceman Pat Cummins is last month. After the lockdown win matches just by sledging”, the most expensive overseas was extended on Tuesday until referring to the on-field banter star this year, with Kolkata at least May 3, Board of Control between players. Knight Riders scheduled to pay for Cricket in India (BCCI) offi- “His statement was ridicu- $2.17 million for his services. cials held a teleconference before lous I would say,” he added. Clarke, who played for the informing the franchises about a “If you ask Nasser Hussain now-defunct Pune Warriors further delay. or Sir Vivian Richards – who in 2012, said Australian play- “Well, all we know is that it are experienced players – you ers were desperate for Indian has been shifted indefinitely and can never score runs or get riches. BCCI are working on a window through sledging.” “The players were like: ‘I’m in the future,” Australia captain Tim Paine not going to sledge Kohli, I chief executive Dheeraj Malhotra has also rejected his pred- want him to pick me for Ban- told Reuters. BCCI has yet to ecessor’s assertion that some galore so I can make my $1 mil- make an official announcement Australians went soft on Kohli lion for my six weeks”, Clarke but the CEO of another franchise during their 2018-19 encoun- said on Sky Racing television. confirmed the decision. “We have been informed about it being postponed indefi- T20 nitely, but we’re still waiting for an email from the board with de- tails,” the official said, request- IPL can set tone just before World T20, feels Laxman ing anonymity. World Cup disruption IPL governing council chair- The fate of the 13th edition of the should kick off the cricket calendar.” man Brijesh Patel did not answer Indian Premier League hangs in bal- Earlier, former England skipper calls from Reuters on Tuesday ance as the BCCI has already informed Michael Vaughan had said that there will cause revenue and yesterday to elaborate on the the franchises that the league has is still a window open to have both the league’s future plans. been indefinitely postponed due to the IPL and the World T20. BCCI president Sourav Gan- coronavirus outbreak. But former India Taking to Twitter, Vaughan said: loss, says PCB chief guly had earlier acknowledged batsman VVS Laxman believes that “Here’’s a thought .. The IPL is played the difficulty in hosting the tour- the IPL could work as a precursor to for the 5 weeks leading up to the T20 Reuters nament amid lockdown with the World T20. World Cup in Oz .. all players use it as Lahore travel and other restrictions due Speaking on Star Sports 1 show Cricket the great warm up for the WC .. then to the global health crisis. Connected, Laxman said, “I think some the WC happens .. So important for the “At the present moment, we of the cricket boards will be encourag- game that the IPL takes place but also ny disruption to the can’t say anything,” the former ing the fact that IPL is a big tourna- the WC.” Twenty20 World Cup India captain told New Indian Ex- ment, and everyone acknowledges Even Australia batsman in Australia later this press newspaper at the weekend. that. And just before the World Cup had recently said that he was hoping year would have seri- it will set the tone for a hectic cricket that the IPL does take place at some A “Where will you get players ous financial implications for from, where do players travel? season. But I just hope that everything stage when the situation improves most of the cricketing nations, It’s just simple commonsense is normal, and no one is in danger. And rather than seeing the tournament Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that at the moment nothing is in once that happens, I am sure the IPL cancelled for a year. (IANS) Chairman Ehsan Mani said on favour of any kind of sport any- a PCB podcast. where in the world, forget IPL.” The Covid-19 pandemic has PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani. Local media speculated on tralia. The uncertainty around tive $18.34 million at the players’ from its normal eight-week du- overseas buy ever when the KKR halted professional cricket, a possible window in Septem- this year’s edition of the IPL is a auction in December. Former ration and played behind closed paid a staggering $2.18 million like other sporting events, “Financial controls are ber-October, before this year’s big setback, particularly for the cricketers have suggested the doors. Australian Pat Cummins for the fast bowler in the auction across countries, clouding tight, we are not spending over Twenty20 World Cup in Aus- 62 cricketers bought for a collec- glitzy tournament be shortened became IPL’s most expensive in Kolkata. the outlook for the format’s what we earn so in that sense, flagship tournament that is we will probably be all right scheduled to begin in the city in the short term,” the former COMMENT of Geelong, southwest of Mel- ICC president said. bourne, on Oct. 18. “But if it goes into next year “The World T20 in Austral- and ICC distributions don’t ia, if that gets disrupted then come in... obviously we have the financial fallout from that to plan”, he added. England’s Curran brothers hope will be very big,” Mani said. PCB will also be signing a new “The distributions they (the TV rights deal this year. The ab- International Cricket Coun- sence of bilateral series against cil) give to members, many India, because of soured politi- boards, including us, will feel cal relations between the neigh- to play Test match together the pinch of it.” bours, would hurt but Mani said The ICC, which distributes there was not much PCB could Reuters profit from its tournaments do about it. London among member countries, is “Definitely it’s a loss but we In this file photo taken on October 08, working on contingency plans are not even thinking about 2018, brothers Tom Curran (left) and Sam but expects the World Cup to it,” Mani said. “It’s like a pie in or England quick Tom Curran and Curran take rest during a practice session go on as scheduled. Mani, who the sky... if it’s not happening his all-rounder brother Sam, the at the Rangiri Dambulla International chairs ICC’s Finance and Com- that’s fine, we have to live with dream is to play to- Cricket Stadium in Dambulla. (AFP) mercial Affairs committee, said it. We don’t need to survive on Fgether having experienced it in PCB was preparing for the worst. it.” limited-overs cricket. Tom played both his Test matches dur- ing the 2017-18 Ashes tour but is more regular in one-dayers and was also part of Malcolm ‘trying to come to terms with’ last year’s World Cup winning squad. father’s death from Covid-19 Sam has played 17 Tests since his debut against Pakistan in June 2018. Former England fast bowler good health the last time he “I’ve only played a couple of Test Devon Malcolm said Tuesday saw him a month before his matches, but I’ve definitely got huge Test it was “really difficult” to come death. But he had been unable ambitions still,” Tom said in a video chat to terms with the death of his to visit him subsequently jointly with his brother. father from the coronavirus because of social distancing “Now it’s about getting that balance after being unable to visit him measures designed to combat between the two, developing my skills and in hospital. the spread of the virus and waiting for my chance. It would be amaz- Malcolm’s father Albert, who protect the most vulnerable. ing to play a Test with Sam. That’s defi- lived in a care home, died aged “I’m trying to come to terms nitely a huge ambition of ours.” 75 on April 4. with it but it’s going to be They have played three one-day inter- He was admitted to hospital really difficult,” added the nationals and four Twenty20s together. with a bladder infection on 57-year-old whose mother died Adam and Ben Hollioake were the last March 29 but only tested when he was just five. brothers to play in the same England Test positive for Covid-19 two days Jamaica-born Malcolm, who side in 1997. “At the minute, I’m playing before his death. “It’s so sad, followed his father to England in the Tests and he’s playing in the one- we lost him in a few days,” before making his name at dayers but the dream is to be all three for- Malcolm told BBC Radio Five Midlands county Derbyshire, mats of the game for England together,” Live. said grieving at this time Sam said. Both of them were expecting to play India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni at IPL in terms of scheduling later in the “It’s so difficult when a loved would be particularl awkward. “We have played a couple of games in in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this Chennai Super Kings, while Tom was year, but no-one knows,” said Sam. one is admitted to hospital and “We have a date for the funeral the one-day format together. To play for month but the Twenty20 competition is looking forward to joining England team “It might happen this year; it might be you are told you can’t visit, you but the process is so differ- England in general is obviously a great set to be postponed indefinitely after India mates and at Rajas- cancelled. can’t be there for them.” ent now to going through a privilege, but playing with your brother extended a lockdown until at least May 3. than Royals. “Hopefully I will play against Tom, hit Malcolm said his father was in bereavement in the past.” makes it an extra special feeling.” Sam was keen to play under former “There has been some talk about the him everywhere and then hit his stumps.” Gulf Times 4 Thursday, April 16, 2020 SPORT

MOTORSPORTS Austrian government not against McLaren boss says virus is final Grand Prix without fans wake-up call for unhealthy F1 Reuters BIG DECISIONS London The sport hopes to start up in the Eu- ropean summer and is aiming for 15-18 races, possibly behind closed doors and he Covid-19 crisis is a final wake- potentially into the New Year. up call for an already ‘unhealthy’ “It’s important to make now big deci- Formula One which risks losing sions, to make another big step in terms Tteams unless drastic changes are of the level of the budget cap of the fu- File photo of the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix. (Reuters) made, McLaren team principal Andreas ture,” said Seidl. “We think it’s abso- Seidl warned yesterday. lutely important now with all the finan- The Austrian government is the number of technical staff Echoing his boss Zak Brown, who cial losses that we will face this year, the not opposed to this year’s involved. warned earlier this month that up to magnitude of which is still unknown.” Formula One Grand Prix at The 10 Formula One teams four of the 10 teams could disappear if Teams have agreed on a $150mn budg- the Red Bull Ring taking place each have around 60 people in the situation was not handled correctly, et cap for 2021, still well above what some without spectators, Sports the paddock on race weekends Seidl made clear there was no scaremon- smaller teams spend but significantly Minister and Vice Chancellor while Formula One staff, plus gering going on. less than Mercedes, Ferrari or Red Bull Werner Kogler said yesterday. technical and safety officials as “It’s not just the fear, I think it’s re- operate on. There is a push for a reduc- The first nine rounds of the well as media and broadcast ality,” he told reporters on a video con- tion to $100mn, a figure Seidl said would Formula One season — up to personnel, would bring the to- ference call. “There’s a big risk that we still allow Formula One teams to produce and including the Canadian tal attending the race to more could lose teams through this crisis. the fastest car on the planet. Grand Prix on June 14 — have than 1,000. “I think the crisis we are in now is, “I think $100mn is a good number to been called off due to the The number would increase let’s say, the final wake-up call... the run a Formula One team in the way we novel coronavirus outbreak. further if the usual support sport which was unhealthy before and want to see Formula One,” he added. That leaves the Austrian race races, such as Formula Two, not sustainable has now reached a point Ferrari, who like Mercedes sell their at Spielberg on July 5 as the are also run. where we need big changes, drastic engines to other teams, are reluctant to second still on the schedule Kogler added that travel changes. go that far and want the cap to reflect the after the French Grand Prix on restrictions could be a bigger “I don’t see any signs that Formula investment they have to make. June 28. hurdle than social distancing One will not exist in the next year,” he Formula One has taken other measures “We don’t want to get in the rules. added. “The biggest risk that I see is that already to help teams get through 2020, way,” Kogler told reporters “This must then be considered we will lose teams if we don’t take deci- postponing major rule changes from 2021 when asked if the government within the framework of the sive actions now.” cludes the sportscar maker, were simply also axed and seven races so far post- to 2022 with teams using the same cars would allow the race to take existing restrictions on entry McLaren are one of five British-based doing what was necessary to get through poned. next year as this. place. and exit (into the country),” he teams to have furloughed staff in re- the crisis. The opening race in Aus- Formula One teams rely on their share The teams are currently on a factory However, he said it was dif- said. “I don’t want to anticipate sponse to a global pandemic that has tralia on March 15 was cancelled after a of the sport’s revenues, which come shutdown, with the August break can- ferent to staging a football if an exemption will be needed stalled the season. McLaren team member tested positive mostly from broadcasting deals, race celled to allow maximum flexibility for match without fans because of here or there.” Reuters Seidl said McLaren, whose group in- for the virus in Melbourne, with Monaco hosting fees and sponsorship. rescheduling.

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT Silver, Goodell among those advising Trump London Marathon on resuming sports

Reuters Dana White, PGA Tour Com- Los Angeles missioner Jay Monahan, LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan, USTA Chairman Patrick Gal- BA Commissioner braith, MLS Commissioner winner Wanjiru Adam Silver, NFL Don Garber, WWE Chair- chief Roger Goodell man Vince McMahon, NAS- Nand Dallas Mavericks CAR Vice Chairperson Lesa owner Mark Cuban are among Kennedy, NHL Commissioner the 14 sports figures advising Gary Bettman, New England the US government on when to Patriots owner Robert Kraft, resume with sporting events, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry President Donald Trump said Jones. denies wrongdoing on Tuesday. While Silver and Manfred The NBA postponed its sea- have said they don’t expect to son last month when it learned resume with games right away, ‘I STAND FOR CLEAN SPORTS. MY RESULTS OF THE PAST CAME THROUGH HARD WORK ONLY’ that one of its players had tested White and McMahon have both positive for the coronavirus and pushed hard to hold events other leagues quickly followed during the pandemic. suit, bringing a halt to the pro- The WWE was cleared to fessional sports calendar. resume taping its wrestling “We have to get our sports events at its Orlando training back,” Trump said at the White facility after Florida officials House. deemed it an “essential busi- “I’m tired of watching base- ness,” ESPN reported on Mon- ball games that are 14 years day, a move that could clear the old,” he said in reference to how way for other sports to return in networks like ESPN have re- the state. sorted to re-airing old games to Nearly 2mn people globally fill the broadcasting void. have been infected and more In addition to Silver, Goodell than 124,000 have died since and Cuban, the committee also the disease emerged in China includes: MLB Commissioner late last year, according to a Rob Manfred, UFC President Reuters tally.

ICE HOCKEY Ex-Flames coach Peters takes KHL job

Reuters ‘I’m sick of hearing this (slur, Los Angeles expletive) other (slur) in the (expletive) stuff.’” Other former players later ormer Calgary Flames came forward, alleging physi- coach Bill Peters signed cal abuse. a two-year contract to Peters, 53, discussed his Fcoach in Russia’s KHL. resignation from Calgary in a He is taking the helm of video conference with Russian Yekaterinburg Avtomobilist, media on Wednesday morn- nearly five months after re- ing. signing as Flames’ coach after “I think as time goes on we former players accused him of all grow and improve and be- using racial slurs while coach- come better versions of our- In this file photo taken on April 23, 2017, Kenya’s Daniel Wanjiru winning the men’s elite race at the London Marathon. (Reuters) ing in the American Hockey selves, and I’m no different League a decade ago. than that,” Peters said. “You Reuters variations in the haematologi- tigating the case. Knowing I who has competed in the Lon- last five years a series of doping Last November, former learn from all the experiences Nairobi cal profile” in Wanjiru’s ABP. have never used anything, I don Marathon are later voided scandals has tarnished its repu- NHL player Akim Aliu detailed that you’re in and you become ABPs are used to monitor se- have faith everything will be all by a doping finding, we will take tation with around 60 of the on social media how he was better. lected biological variables over right.” action to try and recover any country’s athletes sanctioned the target of racially charged “It’s no different right now, enyan Daniel Wanjiru, time that indirectly reveal the Volare Sports said no pro- money paid to the athlete, so for anti-doping violations. language from an unnamed we’re going through a very the 2017 London Mar- effects of doping rather than hibited substance was found. that those other athletes whose In December, Kenya’s gov- person when he played for the trying time as a world with athon winner, has de- attempting to detect the sub- “The accusation is based on an results are enhanced can ben- ernment said it was planning to Rockford Ice Hogs of the AHL the global pandemic. I believe Knied any wrongdoing stance or method itself. assumption,” it added. “We are efit.” impose criminal penalties — in- in the 2009-10 season. In an we’re going to come out of this after he was provisionally sus- Under anti-doping rules already trying to get to the bot- Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele cluding possible jail terms — on interview with TSN, Aliu later and when we come out of this pended for an Athlete Biological Wanjiru, 27, is barred from tom of this in order to find the finished second in the 2017 race, athletes caught doping. confirmed he was speaking people are going to be better Passport (ABP) violation by the competing until a hearing has truth.” nine seconds behind Wanjiru. Last year, Kenyans Asbel Ki- about Peters. people for it and more pas- sport’s independent Athletics taken place into the allegation. Susan Kamau, chief executive prop, Cyrus Rutto and Abraham Aliu was in charge of select- sionate and compassionate Integrity Unit on Tuesday. “I am clean in the sports I PRIZE MONEY of Athletics Kenya, declined to Kiptum were given four-year ing the Ice Hogs’ locker room towards each other and more The AIU said in a statement do,” he was quoted as saying in London Marathon CEO Nick comment on Wanjiru’s case. bans, while Vincent Kipsegechi music. Peters didn’t like his patient.” that a charge was issued against a statement issued by Volare Bitel said if Wanjiru’s result was In addition to his 2017 Lon- Yator received the same sus- hip-hop choices, Aliu said. Avtomobilist finished in Wanjiru for “use of a prohibited Sports. “I feel I am already seen voided, they would recover the don win, Wanjiru secured gold pension earlier this month. “He walked in before a second place in its division but substance/method”, but the as a sinner of doping, but I am prize money paid out. at the 2016 Amsterdam Mara- Wilson Kipsang, the former morning pre-game skate and lost in the first round of the Kenyan said he was clean and not. I am innocent. “At this point the athlete is thon and has finished eighth marathon world record holder said, ‘Hey Akim, I’m sick of playoffs. The league cancelled had never used doping. “I stand for clean sports. My provisionally suspended and and 11th in the past two London and bronze medallist at the you playing that (slur, exple- the rest of the playoffs because His management company results of the past came through due process needs to be com- marathons. 2012 Olympics, was provi- tive),’” Aliu told TSN, with of the coronavirus pandemic. Volare Sports said the charge hard work only. I have never pleted by the authorities,” he Kenya is world famous for its sionally banned in January for Peters, who was then the Ice Peters also coached the by the sport’s independent AIU used doping,” he added told Reuters. dominance in long and middle- whereabouts failures and tam- Hogs head coach, referring to Carolina Hurricanes from was based on “alleged abnormal “We are currently inves- “If the results of any athlete distance running, but over the pering with samples. Aliu’s taste in music. “He said 2014-18.

Thursday, April 16, 2020 GULF TIMES FOOTBALL

SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Serie A teams to be tested, Sane move to Bayern still then isolated when training resumes

Reuters possible, says new agent Rome he players and staff at Serie A clubs should ‘He believes the conditions are right there for him to achieve his goal of winning the Champions League’ be tested for coronavi- Trus and then isolated in AFP turned to training and played a training camps when they begin Berlin game for City’s reserves in March preparing for the re-start of the before the Premier League fix- season, the Italian football fed- tures were halted due to the eration (FIGC) recommended eroy Sane’s new agent coronavirus pandemic. yesterday. The recommendation says the Manchester Teammate lkay Gundogan re- will be among the guidelines City winger is still in the cently revealed that Sane is con- drawn up by the FIGC’s medical Lrunning for a transfer to tinuing his rehabilitation process committee so that the season, Bayern Munich, after a potential in the gym while the UK is under on hold since March 9 because switch was put on hold due to a lockdown. Still, Sane has been a of the coronavirus outbreak, can serious knee injury. “FC Bayern world class performer for much safely restart, the FIGC said in a is the only club in Germany that of his time at the Etihad Stadium statement. The FIGC is hoping Leroy can see as the next step in and his departure could be a big that training can begin immedi- his career,” Sane’s agent Damir blow for the club as finding a re- ately after the current lockdown Smoljan told magazine Sport Bild placement for reasonable money ends on May 3. yesterday. “He believes the con- won’t be an easy task. Italy has been one of the ditions are right there for him to Before injury struck, Sane’s countries hardest-hit by the achieve his ultimate goal: win- rumoured switch to Munich outbreak and players at several ning the Champions League.” had involved a reported trans- Serie A clubs have been among The 24-year-old Sane is fer fee in excess of 100mn euros those infected. viewed as one of Germany’s ($109mn). “In order to restart football brightest talents and has scored Bayern want Sane after wing- safely, it is essential at this stage five goals in 21 appearances for ers Arjen Robben and Franck to develop the best possible his country. He won the Premier Ribery both retired at the end of procedures to resume activity League title with City in 2017/18 last season. “The interest of FC when the whole country starts and 2018/19. Bayern is no secret, but other up again,” said FIGC president He seemed to be on the verge very big European teams have al- Gabriele Gravina. “We work of joining Bayern last August ready contacted us about Leroy,” without haste but also without before he tore his cruciate knee Smoljan added, with Barcelona resting so that we are ready when ligament during the Community and Real Madrid also said to be the institutions give us the green Shield match against Liverpool interested. Bayern haven’t lifted light.” at Wembley, holding up a possi- Europe’s premier club competi- The FIGC said, that for the ble move. Bundesliga champions tion since 2013, although they start of training, each club Bayern were so confident they had won every single game in should form a group of players, would sign him last summer they this year’s edition before football technical staff, doctors, physio- had to apologise for the Blues for came to a halt. therapists, and other staff which their public brashness. In this season’s Champions is “completely negative” and Last month, Sane admit- League last 16 ties, Bayern beat isolate them in a summer-style ted the devastating injury was Chelsea 3-0 in London while training camp. the “longest and hardest” of his City ran out 2-1 winners over It said that all members of the career, describing the road to Real Madrid in Spain before both group should be tested for the recovery as both mentally and second legs were postponed due coronavirus in the 96 hours be- physically gruelling. Sane re- to the coronavirus. fore the start of the camp.

PREMIER LEAGUE INTERVIEW Arsenal players reject pay cut Stay at home, protect yourselves and demand wage deferral and your family: Al Gharafa’s Hanni lgeria’s Al Gharafa star Sofiane season hasn’t finished yet. As a team, we are Hanni underlined the importance fourth now, so we can be satisfied. But we of staying at home as part of meas- feel sad having dropped many points. Aures being taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus. How competitive is QNB Stars League? He also expressed his hope to return to It has been a new competition for me and action soon. In an interview with qsl.qa, I am discovering more. It’s not an easy com- Hanni speaks about a variety of topics. petition, as some people say before coming here. As I always say, if you come with an How are you utilising the present break? idea that things will be easy without work, During this break, we don’t have many you’ll lose. So we’ve to prepare well and choices. I stay at home with my family and must’ve extra focus in order to win games in kids, and individual training in order to keep this league that includes many good players. my fitness. I run daily as per the instruction from our fitness coach. So I’ve two sessions Al Gharafa are presently fourth in the daily, as per a specific programme. table before the league took a break due to the coronavirus… What’s the general message you give to Yes, it’s a positive result so far if we com- other players and fans? pare with the last season. We know the im- Same message. Stay at home, protect portance of being in the top four. We’ve five yourselves and your family. I know we all games remaining, we must fight for this po- want to come back and play football. Let’s sition or to get a higher spot. Unfortunately, be patient, we’re living in a special situ- we lost many points due to some mistakes. ation, but I know better days are coming, keep working, and see you soon in the field. How do you assess the team’s performance this season? Arsenal are not currently intending to furlough staff and nor are they considering redundancies.(AFP) How has been your first season in We’ve progressed well with the work we Qatar so far? had been doing right from the first day. We By Nick Ames the Professional Footballers’ As- gency to mitigate a state of affairs Generally, it has been positive for me. Of created a good team. Our first few games The Guardian sociation representative, Hec- that “puts our operating model course, I want to give more, but because it’s were strong, but we were found wanting in tor Bellerin, is the conduit for under pressure”. my first season, I can be satisfied. But I al- other games. It wasn’t acceptable. We’ve to negotiations with the club, the There remains a sense in some ways want to be better, especially since the work more in order to become better. he standoff between Ar- soundings being taken generally with links to the squad that foot- senal and their players cement this stance. One agent ballers who already make plen- over wage reductions with high-profile representa- ty of charitable contributions UPDATE Trisks sending an untime- tion in the Arsenal first-team should not be taking the hit for ASIAN TOURNAMENTS TO GO AHEAD ly ripple through waters that, said his position is simple: the billionaire owners. after a turbulent first half of the solution has to be a deferral and, One of the representatives THIS YEAR, SAYS AFC OFFICIAL Matuidi, Rugani season, seemed to have calmed furthermore, one without ca- pointed out Arsenal’s academy since Mikel Arteta’s arrival in veats relating to the Champions has produced several players Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s top football competi- pandemic’s spread forced governments to cleared of virus December. Arsenal want their League. Another with interest with first-team experience who tions will go ahead this year despite the impose strict travel restrictions. Both tourna- players to take a pay cut of 12.5%, in the negotiations has the same are not yet regulars and could coronavirus pandemic, a senior official saud, ments are on an increasingly tight schedule, Rome: Juventus said yesterday which would apply if they did view, saying anything other than fetch eight-figure sums if agree- although games may have to be played with the 32-team Champions League needing that French midfielder Blaise not qualify for the Champions a request for deferral with a fixed ments are formed now for when behind closed doors. Windsor John, general to complete four rounds of group-stage Matuidi and Italian defender League when football restarts reimbursement date for the full the transfer market grinds back secretary of the Asian Football Confedera- matches in July before the postponed knock- Daniele Rugani had recovered but that suggestion has been re- amount should simply not be into gear. That could make up a tion (AFC), said he was confident that the AFC out phase begins in August. from coronavirus after testing jected by a significant number of deemed acceptable from a club in big chunk of the Covid-19 short- Champions League and AFC Cup would both The group phase of the AFC Cup will also positive for it last month. Rugani the squad. Talks are continuing the Premier League. fall. It is an approach that has be completed. have to be completed in a rush once matches was the first Italian top-flight and Arsenal were conciliatory in Using a player’s agreed salary raised plenty of money before Both tournaments, featuring teams from resume. The finals for both tournaments — footballer diagnosed with the vi- their summary of the situation as – in effect – a bonus contin- but the club see the potential for throughout Asia, Central Asia and the Middle which traditionally take a break in July, to rus on March 11. World Cup win- presented to supporters via the gent on Champions League qual- greater certainty in their current East, are on hold until at least the end of June avoid the worst of the Asian summer heat — ner Matuidi also tested positive club website yesterday. ification was, he suggested, not proposal. after COVID-19 shuttered professional sport are scheduled to take place in November. for Covid-19 a few days later. “Over the past 10 days we have an honest way to proceed, par- The announcement yesterday worldwide. “Both will be played this year. We Domestic leagues remain on hold around “Daniele Rugani and Blaise Ma- been in discussions with [the ticularly given Arsenal’s chances that Arsenal’s executive team still have time,” John said, adding that new the world, including in China where the virus tuidi underwent, as per protocol, players] around the potential of returning to that stage for the – who include the chief execu- dates for the competitions may be known by first emerged, but where football shows no a double check with diagnostic financial challenges ahead and first time in four seasons remain tive, Vinai Venkatesham, head the end of April. However, John did not rule sign of returning despite optimism the out- tests (swabs) for the Covid-19. how we are planning for those slim. There is clearly some way of football, Raul Sanllehi, tech- out matches being played without fans “if break is under control. Asia’s extended shut- The tests came back with now,” it read. “These are produc- to go before the situation mir- nical director, Edu and 11 others that’s what the health authorities need”. down, announced on Tuesday, also affects the negative results,” the club said in tive and ongoing conversations rors that at Brighton, a consider- – will waive more than a third The AFC is determined for both tourna- two-legged women’s Olympic qualifying play- a statement. “The players have, about how our players might able distance down the top-flight of their earnings over the next ments to go ahead “for sporting reasons and off between China and South Korea, which therefore, recovered and are no support their club in an appro- food chain, where Glenn Murray year would appear to place the to fulfil commercial obligations”, he said. His had already been moved to June 1 and 9. longer subjected to the home priate way.” said talks about wage reduction ball more firmly in the players’ comments came after the AFC on Tuesday June qualifiers for the men’s 2022 World isolation regime.” Juventus for- A faint undertone could be de- details were “bringing the club court. All are well remunerated announced the indefinite postponement of all Cup and 2023 Asian Cup had been postponed ward Paulo Dybala documented tected, because the definitions of together even more”. but none earn close to a top-end matches scheduled for May and June due to before the AFC’s announcement on Tuesday. how he “struggled to breathe” “appropriate” differ. The suspi- Arsenal have a wage bill of Premier League salary. the virus. Asian football was an early sporting casualty after coming down with the vi- cion remains that everyone will around £230mn, a huge figure to The club also made it clear The Champions League, the region’s of the coronavirus pandemic, before competi- rus on March 21, although the eventually meet halfway. sustain when European football they are “not currently intend- premier club competition, and the second-tier tions in Europe — including Euro 2020 — and club did not provide an update The players’ position is that of any kind may be off the table ing” to furlough staff and nor are AFC Cup were both halted in March as the the rest of the world were also affected. on the Argentine. only a deferral will do and, while next season and there is an ur- they considering redundancies.