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THURSDAY 16 APRIL 2020

Al Rayyan Cycling’s marquee event set to flag off on August 29 midfielder Abdulaziz Tour de France gets new dates Hatem

AP – PARIS who led last year’s race for long spells Spanish Vuelta, which is also owned The race was originally before fading to finish fifth, wel- by ASO and was to run from August scheduled to start on The Tour de France has new dates, comed the news. 14-September 6. June 27 in Nice but had and it will be followed by cycling’s “It’s great news and a great joy. No official dates were yet given two other major races. To be honest, I was starting to lose a for those two races. to be rescheduled due to Because of restrictions related to bit of hope,” he told France 2 tele- The UCI said all the prestigious restrictions related to the the coronavirus pandemic, the iconic vision channel. one-day road classics, including the coronavirus pandemic. race around France will now start on “It’s a great source of motivation Paris-Roubaix over the cobblestones, Qatari players opt August 29 and finish on September for the riders and it should give the the Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Milan- 20. The Giro d’Italia and the Spanish French a lot of pleasure ... Whatever San Remo, will go ahead. Dates were The Giro d’Italia and the for salary cuts in Vuelta, cycling’s two other Grand happens it will be a great not given but the suspension of all Spanish Vuelta, cycling’s Tours, will take place after the French celebration.” races on the UCI calendar was two other Grand Tours, support of fight race. The UCI also announced that the extended one month to August 1. will take place after the The International Cycling Union dates for the World Championships Postponing the initial Tour dates announced the Tour’s new dates yes- will stay from September 20-27. They became inevitable when French French race. against virus terday after consulting with race will be followed by the Giro, initially President Emmanuel Macron organiser Amaury Sport Organi- scheduled for May but previously announced on Monday that all public World Championships will THE PENINSULA – DOHA sation. The race was originally called off, and the events with large crowds would be be staged from September scheduled to start on June 27 in Nice. canceled until at least mid-July. A host of Qatari It’s the first time since the end of It is unclear, however, if the 20-27. players yesterday World War II that the race is not two-month delay announced that starting in July. will be they are willing to “Holding this event in the best enough. extended France’s lockdown to at get their monthly conditions possible is judged essential Macron least May 11, and the race would salaries reduced given its central place in cycling’s send hundreds of riders and team in support of the economy and its exposure,” the UCI staff from around the world ongoing corona- said in a statement. traveling across the country for three virus pandemic “In particular for the teams that weeks. and it's financial benefit on this occasion from unpar- Borders would have to be open, consequences. alleled visibility.” too, so racers like last year’s winner - Among prom- The race’s finish on the Champs- Colombian rider Egan Bernal - can inent players who Élysées will coincide with the start travel to France. made the announcements yesterday of the rescheduled French Open Yesterday’s decisions were taken were Al Rayyan midfielder Abdulaziz tennis tournament a short distance following a video conference meeting Hatem, Qatar national team skipper away on the clay courts of Roland organised by the UCI, with all the prin- Hassan Al Haydos, last year's AFC Garros in western Paris. cipal representatives of professional Player of the Year Abdelkarim Hassan French cyclist Julian Alaphilippe, road cycling consulted. (pictured) and national team's goal- keeper Saad Al Sheeb. “Given the current circumstances that the world is going through due to the coronavirus pandemic, I announce on my personal initiative, the reduction in my monthly salary,” Hatem tweeted yesterday. “And my doing so stems from my feeling of responsibility in front of the requirements of the status quo and my appreciation to the officials and those in charge of sport, and I hope that this pandemic will disappear and sports activity will return in different coun- tries of the world,” the 29-year-old added. Hassan joined the rest of his Al Sadd Colombia's Egan Bernal (right), wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey ride with other competitors team-mates, including Al Sheeb and Al next to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris during last year's Tour de France in this July 28, 2019 file photo. Haydos, agreeing to take pay cuts to support the efforts to combat the coro- navirus crisis. Al Duhail SC midfielder Assim Tsitsipas ‘trying Madibo and team-mate Bassam Al Rawi IPL ‘postponed indefinitely’ also will take salary deductions in sol- to learn’ French idarity with the efforts to combat the pandemic. as India extends lockdown Al Gharafa Defender Almahdi Ali, during lockdown Al Arabi midfielder Ahmed Fathi and Al Rayyan goalkeeper Saud Al Hajri AFP – ATHENS AFP – NEW DELHI also joined the cause by announcing their willingness to take pay cuts. Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas said The Indian Premier League, the Currently all sporting activities yesterday the coronavirus pandemic world’s richest cricket tournament, including football lagues are suspended lockdown has given him a chance to brush has been indefinitely postponed in the country due to spread of the virus up on his French. because of the coronavirus which has brought the whole world to The 21-year-old ranked sixth in the pandemic, a team official told AFP a standstill. world has returned home with the global yesterday. The Qatar Olympic Committee on season on hold due to the COVID-19 Though India’s cricket board Tuesday announced that it has outbreak. made no official announcement, extended the suspension of all local “It’s an opportunity to stay a little longer the further delay of the Twenty20 sport activities and events until April with my family and do things I didn’t have tournament, which draws top 30 to ensure the safety of everyone time to do before,” he said during an online players from around the world, against the coronavirus (COVID-19) chat with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos was inevitable after the gov- pandemic. Mitsotakis. ernment extended a three-week The decision came in line with the “Specifically, right now on a daily basis lockdown until at least May 3. preventive measures taken by the State A general view during the IPL auction in this file photo. PIC: TWITTER@IPL I’m trying to learn a little bit of French, it’s In line with other sports of Qatar to limit the spread of corona-corona something I’ve always wanted but I didn’t events worldwide, the IPL had virus by banning have time to deal with and it’s an oppor- already been pushed back from visas, the tournament cannot be Cricketers turned pundits,dits, public tunity now,” Tsitsipas said. its original start date of March 29 held in coming weeks. including England’s Kevin PPie-ie- gatherings.gatherings. Mitsotakis had a teleconference with to April 15. Former India star VVS Laxman tersen, have suggested the glitzylitzy outstanding Greek athletes such as Tsit- “Yes, they have informed us said the IPL should be played tournament be shortened fromm iitsts sipas to thank them for their contributions that the IPL stands suspended for before the Twenty20 World Cup, normal eight-week duration and Qatar in encouraging people to exercise at home the moment,” a team official said. which is scheduled to be held in played behind closed doors. national while observing the measures. “However it is said that they Australia in October and The league is a huge revenue-nue- “We do have the opportunity to change will find a window in the later end November. earner for the BCCI and is eesti-sti- team skipper habits and come out of this trial stronger. of the year to do it.” “I think some of the cricket mated to generate more than $11bn11bn Hassan People will understand the importance of Media reports said all eight IPL boards will be encouraging the fact a year for the Indian economy.y. Al Haydos a healthy lifestyle and might even discover teams were told yesterday of the that IPL is a big tournament, and The participation of the world’srld’s exercise again, even if at home, and even new postponement. The reports everyone acknowledges that,” top cricketers has attracted big light jogging, things that are allowed under said the BCCI may aim for a tour- Laxman, an advisor to the Sun- money, such as Chinese mobileobile the circumstances,” Mitsotakis said. nament in September-October. risers Hyderabad team, told Indian phone maker Vivo puttingg up The premier said if April goes smoothly Board of Control for Cricket in broadcaster Star Sports. $330m to be the league’s top with measures against the illness, the India (BCCI) President Sourav “And just before the World Cup sponsor for 2018-2022. gradual return to normalcy may begin in Ganguly earlier sought to dampen it will set the tone for a hectic Australian pace bowler Pat May, “which will include an increase in hopes of a quick resumption of cricket season. But I just hope that Cummins was to be the momostst sports activities.” Greece’s world number sport. everything is normal, and no one expensive overseas star this yyearear 20 Maria Sakkari thanked and congratu- With the global shutdown pre- is in danger. And once that with Kolkata Knight Ridersders lated Mitsotakis and his government for the venting players from travelling and happens, I am sure the IPL should agreeing a $2.17m fee for his positive results in the fight against the virus. Indian restrictions ruling out new kick off the cricket calendar.” services in December. THURSDAY 16 APRIL 2020 SPORT 09 MLB: Gallo President Trump eager to ‘get sports back’ stays perfect AFP – WASHINGTON in The Show President Donald Trump (pictured) is hankering for a Tournament return of live sports action, but US league supremos are taking a AGENCIES – LOS ANGELES cautious approach to competition amid the coronavirus pandemic. Down to his last out and on the “We have to get our sports verge of his first loss in the MLB back,” Trump said yesterday. The Show Players Tournament, “I’m tired of watching Joey Gallo found some magic. baseball games that are 14 years The Texas Rangers slugger old.” Sports in America, like the hit a three-run, walk-off homer rest of the world, have been to beat pitcher Eduardo Rod- brought to a virtual standstill by riguez and the Boston Red Sox COVID-19. 7-6, continuing Gallo’s perfect The NBA shut down on start and providing the tourna- March 11 after Utah Jazz centre that MLB might try to launch ment’s biggest highlight yes- Rudy Gobert tested positive for its season in Japan. The NHL terday. The blast to right field the virus, and the NHL, Major was reportedly mulling a by a virtual Ronald Guzman League Soccer and the US PGA single-venue re-start in North prompted shrieks of delight Tour quickly followed suit. Dakota, while Dana White, A pedestrian walks past a mural of Seattle Mariners second baseman Shed Long on what was from the real-life Gallo. Major League Baseball’s head of the Ultimate Fighting supposed to be opening day between the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park in After going 4-0 on his first 2020 season, due to start March Championship, indicated he Seattle, Washington, in this Mar 26 file photo. day of play, Gallo opened 26, is on hold, as is the LPGA was considering holding mixed Tuesday with a 4-0 win over tour and motor racing, while the martial arts cards on a private the Los Angeles Angels pitcher NFL is just hoping it will be able island. are considering “all options,” the state is “negligible at best” events until a coronavirus Ty Buttrey, then slammed to start its season on time in “From our perspective we including playing without fans until a vaccine is available. vaccine is found. Atlanta Braves pitcher Luke September. don’t have a plan, we have lots in attendance. In a state that is home to Some inroads may be pos- Jackson 11-1. Willie Calhoun The dearth of sports has led of ideas,” That could get live sports nearly 20 major pro franchises, sible however, as Florida gov- combined for three home runs to a wealth of speculation as to MLB commissioner Rob back on television, at least, Newsom said that “large-scale ernor Ron DeSantis -- a staunch in those two games. After when and how competition Manfred said in a television although Trump indicated that events that bring in hundreds, Trump ally -- showed in issuing defeating Rodriguez, Gallo beat could resume. interview yesterday. “What he’s keen for more. thousands, tens of thousands of an executive order specifying Philadelphia Phillies first The NBA and NHL are wres- ideas come to fruition will “We want people actually strangers altogether across that “employees at a profes- baseman Rhys Hoskins 5-2 to tling with how they might depend on what the restrictions sitting next to each other at ball every conceivable difference, sional sports and media pro- improve to 8-0. fashion credible ends to cam- are, what the public health sit- games, eventually,” he said. health and otherwise, is not in duction with a national The other star of the day paigns that were heading into uation is.” “We’re not going to rip out the cards based upon our audience” counted among was Toronto Blue Jays their final stages. His comments echoed those every other seat in baseball sta- current guidelines and current “essential services” not subject shortstop Bo Bichette, who Baseball, meanwhile, was of NHL commissioner Gary diums and football stadiums.” expectations.” to stay at home orders in his clobbered all of his opponents reported to be considering Bettman and NBA commis- In the United States, however, That may be just as well, state. en route to a 4-0 day. sequestering 30 teams in sioner Adam Silver, who have the return of thousands of fans since a poll conducted by That opened the door for Bichette opened with an Arizona -- or perhaps Arizona both said that the uncertainties to sports venues could depend Seton Hall University this World Wrestling Entertainment 8-0 win over Houston Astros and Florida -- to open the surrounding the spread of coro- on the greenlight from state month showed that 72 percent -- run by another Trump friend pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., season playing games in empty navirus make it impossible to authorities. of the 762 responding, Vince McMahon -- to resume hitting a two-run home run as ballparks. make firm plans. California governor Gavin including 61 percent who live broadcasts of events on himself in the game. He then One ESPN reporter said The refrain of all sports Newsom said Tuesday that the identified as sports fans, would Monday from an Orlando studio topped Arizona Diamondbacks he’d even heard it suggested leaders has therefore been they prospect of mass gatherings in not feel safe attending sports facility. pitcher Jon Duplantier 4-1 before taking down New York Mets utility man Jeff McNeil 4-1. In his final game, Bichette In a sports blackout, NFL video Richards is fourth scored five runs in the first inning and never looked back Kentucky player to in topping Seattle Mariners pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. 7-3. games are suddenly booming The online tournament uti- enter NBA draft lizing the “MLB The Show 20” BLOOMBERG – NEW YORK A screenshot from Electronic Arts Inc.’s Madden series. game features one player from AP – LEXINGTON each of the 30 major league The list of National Football League teams. The charity event is video games, long dominated by the Kentucky forward Nick Richards will enter the helping fill some time for Madden franchise, is starting to grow. NBA draft and give up his final season of collegiate players and fans with the Publisher Nifty Games announced eligibility by signing with an agency. baseball season shut down a deal with the league and its players The 6-foot-11 junior is the fourth Wildcats indefinitely due to the corona- union yesterday to create a new starter to turn pro. He’s coming off a breakout virus pandemic. mobile game, NFL Clash. The title will season in which he was named a first team All- All players will square off launch later this year, giving gamers Southeastern Conference selection by The Asso- once in a 29-game round robin the chance to play head-to-head con- ciated Press and league coaches. over three weeks. Each reg- tests in a matter of minutes. His per-game scoring average increased 10 ular-season game lasts three The move comes just a month points from his sophomore season to 14.0 while innings, and there are extra after Take-Two Interactive Software starting 30 of 31 contests to help the Wildcats (25-6) innings when needed. Inc., maker of the most popular NBA earn the SEC regular-season title before the posts- Sony Interactive Enter- franchise, struck a deal with the NFL media, sports and entertainment. Nifty, a San Francisco-based eason was canceled because of the new tainment and Major League for a game of its own. These titles Gaming consumption is up company that focuses on mobile coronavirus. Baseball, in cooperation with won’t compete directly with Electronic nationwide as Americans remain in games, also announced yesterday that Richards also ranked fourth nationally in the players association, will Arts Inc.’s Madden series but they will various forms of lockdown, and it raised $12m from a group that shooting at 64% and made the SEC all-defensive donate $5,000 on behalf of create additional outlets for fans. mobile games have the broadest reach includes Vulcan Capital, Courtside squad with averages of 7.8 rebounds and 2.13 each player to a Boys and Girls The world’s richest sports league of any platform. Verizon Communi- Ventures and OneTeam Collective, the blocks per game. Club in his community. A total is turning to gaming to help expand cations Inc. said last week that data investment vehicle created by RedBird Richards, from Kingston, Jamaica, thanked of $175,000 will be donated, its reach among younger fans, an usage on gaming has more than Capital, the NFLPA and other sports Kentucky coaches and teammates for his steady including the World Series elusive group for nearly everyone in doubled since before the outbreak. unions. improvement in a statement yesterday. prize of $25,000. PGA Championship planning for Harding Park with options

AP – SAN FRANCISCO happening in this state,” “We are very comfortable Newsom replied. here,” he said. “We found a nice The PGA Championship plans What would that mean for place. So far, life here is as good to be at Harding Park in San golf? The sport and its arena are as it can be in this uncom- Francisco the first full week in entirely different from seating fortable situation for everyone. August as the first major on the in a stadium. The PGA Tour, But it’s not home.” reconfigured golf calendar. when it was still trying to keep USGA RELIEF Still to be determined is playing, had already laid out The USGA is investing $5m whether Harding Park needs to guidelines for not having fans in a relief fund for 59 members bother building bleachers. at tournaments - a walking in its Allied Golf Association, “We believe that holding it scorer, limited marshals on which represent state and without fans is a possibility, each hole, a reduced service regional golf associations. something we should try to do staff. The fund goes for grants to if we have to,” said Seth Waugh, Waugh said the PGA Cham- help keep businesses running the CEO of the PGA of America. pionship doesn’t officially have and people in their jobs during The PGA Championship is a contingency plan, which is not Plan A is to play with fans at Harding the COVID-19 pandemic. Indi- still about four months out and to suggest tournament officials Park. Plan B is no fans. Plan C is to call an vidual associations can apply golf, much like other sports, haven’t given thought to how audible if indeed we need to try to play it for up to $100,000, with other doesn’t have a starting line yet. the summer could play out. He financial assistance available The PGA Tour was looking at said they were having constant somewhere we can safely: Seth Waugh, based on need. The USGA began the potential of a mid-June start, conversation with San Fran- CEO of the PGA of America taking applications on Monday. although plans can change cisco city leaders on the status “These golf associations are quickly. of the new coronavirus. the backbone of the recrea- Even so, Waugh said the “If they were to pull the A son, Enzo Akins Garcia, finished one shot behind. case it was difficult to return. tional and competitive golf PGA is looking at various plug, we would have a drop- was born at 6:25 p.m. Friday, Norman headed for Hilton Head He’s been staying in a rented communities at the local, state options to be prepared. dead date,” he said. and the Spaniard said mother and was tied for the lead until house in Ponte Vedra Beach, and regional level,” said Mike “Plan A is to play with fans Waugh did not say what that and baby were doing well. Fuzzy Zoeller birdied the last Florida - not far from Commis- Davis, the CEO of the USGA. at Harding Park,” he said. “Plan date would be, and he said the His daughter, Azalea, was hole for a one-shot victory, sioner Jay Monahan - ever The USGA relies on the B is no fans. Plan C is to call an PGA of America so far was born in 2018, a year after Garcia giving Norman back-to-back since. The house is rented associations to provide audible if indeed we need to try “feeling good about the city’s won the Masters in a playoff runner-up finishes. One hurt through the end of May. resources and programs at the to play it somewhere we can willingness” to stage the event. over Justin Rose. more. “We were already here and regional level, and they help run safely.” SON OF SERGIO THIS WEEK IN HISTORY Norman won at Hilton Head as Europeans we were a little more than 600 qualifiers for the California Gov. Gavin Sergio Garcia now is part of Bernhard Langer is the only two years later by making up a more aware of how the virus USGA’s professional and Newsom reacted with skep- his own foursome, and the player to the win the Masters four-shot deficit with a 66 for a was affecting the population in amateur championships. They ticism on April 4 after President timing couldn’t have worked and then win the following one-shot victory. places like Italy and in Spain,” also are the only associations Donald Trump had a conference out any better. week, beating Bobby Wadkins RAFA STAYS BEHIND Cabrera Bello told the website. authorized to offer a Handicap call with commissioners of Garcia took to Instagram to in a playoff at Hilton Head. The day golf was canceled, “We thought about it and Index to golfers. sports leagues, including Jay announce his wife, Angela, gave And then there’s Greg Bernd Wiesberger of Austria felt that if there were a golf The USGA said many of Monahan of the PGA Tour and birth to their second child on Norman. caught the last flight out to get course in the US that had a them were dealing with tem- Mike Whan of the LPGA Tour. April 10, which would have He was tied for the lead in home. higher chance to stay open, as porary hardships as golf events Trump said later in the day he been the second round of the the 1986 Masters with Jack Rafa Cabrera Bello did not. long as the situation isn’t hor- have been postponed and some believed the NFL would start on Masters that was postponed Nicklaus until Norman sent his The Spaniard told rible, we figured PGA Tour HQ courses have been ordered time. because of the COVID-19 4-iron into the gallery right of golfchannel.com he decided not had the highest chance to stay closed during the typically busy “I’m not anticipating that pandemic. the 18th green, made bogey and to fly to his home in Dubai in open.” spring season. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 16 APRIL 2020

Curran ‘can’t England’s Curran wait’ to play under Dhoni brothers hope to amid virus threat play Tests together

REUTERS - LONDON AFP - LONDON For England quick Tom Curran and his all-rounder brother Sam, England all-rounder Sam the dream is to play Test cricket together having experienced it Curran said yesterday he in limited-overs cricket. still hoped to play under Tom played both his Test matches during the 2017-18 Ashes India great MS Dhoni in the tour but is more regular in one-dayers and was also part of last Indian Premier League -- year’s World Cup winning squad. and get one over older Sam has played 17 Tests since his debut against Pakistan in brother Tom -- despite the June 2018. coronavirus pandemic. “I’ve only played a couple of Test matches, but I’ve definitely Curran, 21, was the got huge Test ambitions still,” Tom said in a video chat jointly with most expensive England his brother. player in November’s initial “Now it’s about getting that balance between the two, devel- IPL auction, being sold to oping my skills and waiting for my chance. In this file photo taken on October 08, 2018, England cricketers and brothers Tom Curran (left) and the Chennai Super Kings, “It would be amazing to play a test with Sam. That’s definitely Sam Curran take rest during a practice session at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium captained by Dhoni, for a huge ambition of ours.” £590,000 ($742,000) after in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. They have played three one-day internationals and four a succesful 2019 stint with Twenty20s together. the Kings XI Punjab. Adam and Ben Hollioake were the last brothers to play in the Meanwhile the 25-year- Clarke's comments termed same England Test side in 1997. old Tom, also of Surrey and “At the minute, I’m playing in the Tests and he’s playing in the England, was signed by the one-dayers but the dream is to be all three formats of the game Rajasthan Royals. for England together,” Sam said. But the spread of 'ridiculous' by top players “We have played a couple of games in the one-day format COVID-19 has led to the together. To play for England in general is obviously a great priv- suspension of all major ilege, but playing with your brother makes it an extra special cricket worldwide. AFP - NEW DELHI “If you ask Nasser Hussain or Sir Vivian feeling.” This year’s IPL was Richards -- who are experienced players -- you Both of them were expecting to play in the Indian Premier meant to start on March 29 Michael Clarke’s claims that Australian players can never score runs or get wickets through League (IPL) this month but the Twenty20 competition which before being delayed “sucked up” to India and Virat Kohli to secure sledging.” was postponed indefinitely after India extended a lockdown until indefinitely. lucrative deals in the country’s premier league are Australia captain Tim Paine has also rejected at least May 3. “No-one knows,” Sam ridiculous, say former top Indian cricketers. his predecessor’s assertion that some Australians Sam was keen to play under former India captain Mahendra Curran told reporters in a Clarke said last week that Australians were went soft on Kohli during their 2018-19 encounters. Singh Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings, while Tom was looking conference call with Tom. “too scared to sledge” skipper Kohli or other Indian “I certainly didn’t notice too many people being forward to joining England team mates Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler “It (the IPL) might happen players because of the influence of the world’s that nice to Virat or not trying to get him out or at Rajasthan Royals. this year, it might be can- wealthiest Twenty20 tournament. anything like that,” Paine told ESPNcricinfo. “There has been some talk about the IPL in terms of sched- celled, but we have to This year’s Indian Premier League has been “I thought everyone who had the ball in their uling later in the year, but no-one knows,” said Sam. “It might follow the government postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic hand or when we were batting were trying their happen this year; it might be cancelled. guidelines.” and may not be held at all. absolute best to win the game for Australia.” “Hopefully I will play against Tom, hit him everywhere and Chennai are one of the “Just by being nice to someone doesn’t get you Australian players have attracted big money then hit his stumps.” IPL’s most successful a place in IPL,” VVS Laxman, an advisor to the since the IPL started in 2008. teams, having won the Sunrisers Hyderabad team, told Indian broad- Paceman Pat Cummins is the most expensive tournament three times caster Star Sports. overseas star this year, with Kolkata Knight Riders before a dramatic one-run Teams look at a “player’s calibre and value” scheduled to pay $2.18m for his services. loss to Mumbai Indians in to win matches, he said. Clarke, who played for the now-defunct Pune last year’s final. Krishnamachari Srikkanth, a former India Warriors in 2012, said Australian players were “I was very excited to captain and chief selector, said “you do not win desperate for Indian riches. move franchises,” said Sam. matches just by sledging”, referring to the on-field “The players were like: ‘I’m not going to sledge “Chennai is a great fran- banter between players. Kohli, I want him to pick me for Bangalore so I chise with all the big names “His statement was ridiculous I would say,” can make my $1 million for my six weeks”, Clarke and I can’t wait to play he added. said on Sky Racing television. under MS Dhoni. “Hope- fully I will play against Tom, hit him everywhere and then hit his stumps. T20 World Cup disruption India can’t play “Dhoni exudes calm,” added Sam, who said only will cause revenue loss, without the Virat Kohli, Dhoni’s suc- cessor as India captain, government’s could rival him in terms of says PCB chairman Mani In this file photo taken on May 22, 2016, a member of staff walks superstar status in cricket permission: past the logo of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) crazy India. “Chennai is quite an REUTERS - LAHORE BCCI official outside its headquarters in Mumbai. older squad so there are quite a few legends who Any disruption to the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia later this IANS - NEW DELHI “With respect to the India vs Pakistan series, have made it in the game,” year would have serious financial implications for most of the the TC concluded that the series could not be said Sam. cricketing nations, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) played because of a Force Majeure event after “Hopefully they will be Mani said on a PCB podcast. has won the battle against the Pakistan Cricket the BCCI demonstrated that it was unable to looking to give tips to the The COVID-19 pandemic has halted professional cricket, like Board (PCB) as its lawyers convinced the ICC that obtain the necessary government clearances to younger players, so that’s other sporting events, across countries, clouding the outlook for the reason behind the Indian eves not playing allow India to participate in the bilateral series something I’m really the format’s flagship tournament that is scheduled to begin in the Pakistan in their ODI Championship round was against Pakistan, which forms a part of the ICC looking forward to.” city of Geelong, southwest of Melbourne, on Oct. 18. clearly a case of not getting necessary permission Women’s Championship,” the media statement Sam had been pre- “The World T20 in Australia, if that gets disrupted then the from the government. read. paring for a “massive” financial fallout from that will be very big,” Mani said. Speaking to IANS, a BCCI official said that the Interestingly, PCB chief Ehsan Mani on three-month stint in Asia “The distributions they (the International Cricket Council) give lawyers representing the Indian board put out Tuesday made it clear that the Pakistan Cricket after being selected for to members, many boards, including us, will feel the pinch of it.” the true picture and the international body under- Board doesn’t need the BCCI to join hands with England’s tour of Sri Lanka, The ICC, which distributes profit from its tournaments among stood the scenario. them. which was abandoned member countries, is working on contingency plans but expects “Our lawyers explained to the ICC that for “We have suffered losses but they (India) are before the start of the Test the World Cup to go on as scheduled. every tournament, we take the permission of the not in our thinking or planning. It is like a Pie in series. Tom insisted, Mani, who chairs ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs com- government and it isn’t just about playing the Sky situation. We have to live without them however, the lack of cricket mittee, said PCB was preparing for the worst. Pakistan. So, if we don’t get clearance from the and we don’t need them to survive,” he said in a was “nothing in the grand “Financial controls are tight, we are not spending over what government, how can we play them? It was just podcast released by the PCB’s media department. scheme of things” even we earn so in that sense, we will probably be all right in the short about explaining the scenario,” the official said. “I am clear if India doesn’t want to play we though it was a “shock to term,” the former ICC president said. With this the technical committee of the ICC have to plan without them. Once or twice they the system”. “But if it goes into next year and ICC distributions don’t come decided that teams will share points in all three have made promises to play against us but pulled Sam added: “But you in... obviously we have to plan”, he added. series in the ICC Women’s Championship that out at the last moment. We've been focusing have to appreciate the time PCB will also be signing a new TV rights deal this year. did not take place during the competition window without India for a while now. We won't really off is quite refreshing. The absence of bilateral series against India, because of soured and that saw India qualify for the 2021 Women’s know the impact in terms of the values that we Hopefully I’m not one of the political relations between the neighbours, would hurt but Mani World Cup. The India-Pakistan series was orig- can get until we get into the marketplace. players who has let them- said there was not much PCB could do about it. inally scheduled in the sixth round of the com- "But we're looking at what we need to be selves go and comes back “Definitely it’s a loss but we are not even thinking about it,” petition, between July and November 2019, but doing differently rather than just going out in your for the county season 10 kg Mani said. despite the best efforts of both the boards, it was conventional way in terms of selling your too big.” “It’s like a pie in the sky... if it’s not happening that’s fine, we unable to take place, ICC said in a statement. broadcast rights." have to live with it. We don’t need to survive on it.” BORN ON THIS DAY: Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

REUTERS - LOS ANGELES Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. was He was selected first the play-offs that issues of race and inequality while born on April 16, 1947 in New York City overall in the 1969 NBA season. becoming a best-selling author and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (pictured) is and, as a shy fourth grader, began prac- draft by the Milwaukee Once paired with receiving the Presidential Medal of often overlooked in the debate over ticing what would later become his Bucks and in his rookie point guard Magic Freedom, the US’s highest civilian who is the greatest NBA player of all unstoppable “skyhook” shot. season averaged an Johnson, the duo honour, in 2016. time as names like Michael Jordan, Wilt The 7-foot-2-inch (2.18m) centre astonishing 29 points became one of the most Yet despite all of his accomplish- Chamberlain, Bill Russell, LeBron gained national recognition in college, and 15 rebounds per electrifying tandems in ments, Abdul-Jabbar remained largely James and Kobe Bryant dominate the where he scored 56 points in his varsity game, an unthinkable NBA history as the overlooked, even by the Lakers. discussion. debut at UCLA en route to a 30-0 season feat for any first-year “Showtime” Lakers While statues of other sports lumi- Abdul-Jabbar, however, and a national title. That led the NCAA player in today’s game. made eight finals naries were placed over the years undoubtedly deserves his place in the to ban the slam dunk in an effort to In only his second appearances and won outside Staples Centre, including one pantheon of the game’s greats. contain him. season he led the Bucks five titles while domi- of Johnson, the Lakers did not bestow His inscrutable nature, which led The rule change only made him to a championship, was nating the league in the the honour on Abdul-Jabbar until him to shun the spotlight early in his better, as he perfected the “skyhook” named the league MVP 1980s. more than 20 years after his career, made it easy for some to dis- and won three consecutive national and the finals MVP. Abdul-Jabbar also retirement when he said he felt count his jaw-dropping on-court titles. Abdul-Jabbar was traded to the became more outgoing, making a slighted by the oversight. After his production. In 1968 Alcindor stirred controversy Lakers in 1975 and had one of the memorable turn as the co-pilot in the comments, the Lakers moved quickly Yet when he retired in 1989 he had when he boycotted the Olympic Games greatest seasons in NBA history in his 1980 comedy “Airplane!” and and in 2012 a statue of Abdul-Jabbar, etched his name into Los Angeles in an anti-racism protest, converted to first year with the team. appearing in other television shows shooting a skyhook, was erected in Lakers folklore as the league’s all-time Islam and privately changed his name He averaged 28 points, 17 rebounds and movies. downtown Los Angeles, ensuring the leading scorer who won six champi- to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which means and 4 blocks per game and won the Since retiring he has remained Hall of Famer would not be over- onships and a record six MVP titles. “noble one, servant of the Almighty”. MVP award despite the Lakers missing politically active, speaking out on the looked again. THURSDAY 16 APRIL 2020 SPORT 11

PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS WHO HAVE FURLOUGHED STAFF Following is a list of Premier League Asian events to go ahead this clubs that have furloughed staff after professional football in the country was suspended due to the coronavirus out- year, says top AFC official break. Some clubs are using the government’s The Champions League, the region’s premier club Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme AFP — KUALA LUMPUR to avoid the worst of the Asian where employers can claim for 80% of competition, and the second-tier AFC Cup were both summer heat -- are scheduled furloughed employees’ monthly wage Asia’s top football competi- halted in March as the pandemic’s spread forced to take place in November. costs, up to £2,500 ($3,082) per tions will go ahead this year governments to impose strict travel restrictions. Domestic leagues remain despite the coronavirus on hold around the world, Moyes fears month. pandemic, a senior official Both tournaments are on an increasingly tight including in China where the Liverpool injury pile-up if said, although games may schedule, with the 32-team Champions League virus first emerged, but where Furloughed some of their non-playing have to be played behind needing to complete four rounds of group-stage football shows no sign of staff but reversed their decision and closed doors. returning despite optimism Premier League matches in July before the postponed knock-out apologised after it drew sharp criticism Windsor John, General the outbreak is under control. phase begins in August. from the British government and sup- Secretary of the Asian Football Asia’s extended shutdown, resumes Confederation (AFC), said he announced on Tuesday, also porters. AFP — LONDON Tottenham Hotspur was confident that the AFC without fans “if that’s what the spread forced governments to affects the two-legged Champions League and AFC health authorities need”. impose strict travel women’s Olympic qualifying Imposed a 20% pay cut on 550 non- Cup would both be The AFC is determined for restrictions. play-off between China and West Ham manager David playing staff in April and May and completed. both tournaments to go ahead Both tournaments are on South Korea, which had Moyes (pictured) fears a rash planned to use the government’s fur- Both tournaments, fea- “for sporting reasons and to an increasingly tight schedule, already been moved to June 1 of injuries to players should lough scheme where appropriate. How- turing teams from throughout fulfil commercial obligations”, with the 32-team Champions and 9. there be a desperate rush to ever, Spurs reversed their decision to Asia, Central Asia and the he said. League needing to complete June qualifiers for the complete the Premier League Middle East, are on hold until His comments came after four rounds of group-stage men’s 2022 World Cup and season if the coronavirus furlough staff on April 13 amid criticism at least the end of June after the AFC on Tuesday matches in July before the 2023 Asian Cup had been relents sufficiently to allow the from fans spearheaded by the Totten- COVID-19 shuttered profes- announced the indefinite postponed knock-out phase postponed before the AFC’s resumption of football. ham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST). sional sport worldwide. postponement of all matches begins in August. announcement on Tuesday. The Premier League has Newcastle United “Both will be played this scheduled for May and June The group phase of the Asian football was an early now ditched plans to get back Non-playing staff on temporary leave year. We still have time,” John due to the virus. AFC Cup will also have to be sporting casualty of the coro- underway at the start of May but they will be paid their full salaries said, adding that new dates for The Champions League, completed in a rush once navirus pandemic, before and a further complication is until the end of April. the competitions may be the region’s premier club matches resume. competitions in Europe -- that a number of players will Bournemouth known by the end of April. competition, and the second- The finals for both tour- including Euro 2020 -- and be out of contract in June. However, John did not tier AFC Cup were both halted naments -- which tradi- the rest of the world were also Moyes would prefer a Staff were furloughed for at least three rule out matches being played in March as the pandemic’s tionally take a break in July, affected. four-week build-up on the weeks. The club’s chief executive Neill training ground before the Blake, first team technical director Rich- current Premier League AFC General season resumes, should ard Hughes, manager Eddie Howe and Secretary Windsor his assistant Jason Tindall have all taken lockdown restrictions be John has not ruled relaxed and the Hammers boss significant, voluntary pay cuts. out matches being fears the consequences if, as The club reversed their decision on played without fans. seems likely, clubs have less April 14 after Premier League clubs preparation time. were criticised after applying for help “I think that four weeks from the government scheme. would be ideal. But I think Norwich City three weeks will be the Furloughed staff members unable to maximum we get,” Moyes told beIN Sports. work but will receive usual salary in full “Everybody’s now talking after club top up money received from about the injuries we’re liable the government scheme. to pick up either during the Sheffield United three-week preparation time Furloughed some permanent and casu- or during the period where it al staff but will continue to pay them in looks like we’ll have to play an awful lot of games in a short full. The club said it would assess at a period of time.”

later date whether or not to participate West Ham are only above in the Job Retention Scheme. the relegation zone on goal difference. Klopp leads Liverpool tributes to Hillsborough families

AFP — LONDON love. You’ll never walk alone.” “As ever, we are together in tragedy. “By sticking together, everyone who is suffering now. The final memorial service spirit even if we can’t be supporting one another and “All we can do is carry on Liverpool manager Jurgen was arranged after the police together in person.” standingstanding upup for what was stickingsticking togethertogether Klopp and captain Jordan commander at Hillsborough, Kenny Dalglish, who was right,right, thetheyy set an example andand findingfinding Henderson have delivered The plan was for us David Duckenfield, was found Liverpool manager on the day whichwhich willwill alwaysalways reres-s- strengthstrength in messages of support to the to be together at not guilty of gross negligence of the tragedy, also sent his onate,onate, none more so eacheach otherother families of the 96 supporters manslaughter in November. support. thanthan durinduringg the in the sasameme killed in the Hillsborough Anfield but this is not “Today was a day when as Dalglish was released from currentcurrent ttimeime whwhenen so wayway that disaster 31 years ago. possible, the only a club we were all supposed to hospital last week after testing manymany ffamiliesamilies are ttheh e A final memorial service for thing we can make be together at Anfield to honour positive for COVID-19, although dealingdealing withwith tratragediesgedies HillsborouHillsboroughgh the victims was due to take the lives of 96 people who went he had been admitted for a sep- of theirtheir own.own. fafamiliesmilies aandnd place at Anfield yesterday, but sure is we are in each to a football match and never arate infection. “Today,“Today, myy survivorssurvivors hhaveave has been postponed due to other’s thoughts: came home,” said Henderson, “This is a day when, first and thoughtsthoughts willwill bebe overover allall tthesehese coronavirus guidelines on mass who has led a charitable fund foremost, we remember those withwith everyoneeveryone years.”years.” gatherings. Jurgen Klopp set up by Premier League who went to a football match whowho hhasas susuf-f- “Today is the most signif- players to help health service and never came home - they feredfered since April icant date for our football club staff during the coronavirus will never be forgotten,” said 15,15, 1989 each year,” Klopp said in a make sure is we are in each crisis. Dalglish. andand video message. other’s thoughts. “On behalf of all the players “But we should also think off “The plan was for us to be “Believe me you have our at Liverpool I just want to let the families and survivors who Jurgen Klopp together at Anfield but this is not thoughts, you have our prayers everyone affected know that showed the rest of us how to possible, the only thing we can and most of all you have our you are in our thoughts today. deal with an unimaginable Austria says training can Takeover deal for Premier League re-start, league to be side Newcastle United edges closer responsible for tests

REUTERS — LONDON British billionaire Mike Ashley, REUTERS — VIENNA The government’s Vice who made his fortune from Chancellor and Sports A possible takeover of Premier sportswear retailer Sports Direct The Austrian government said Minister Werner Kogler League side Newcastle United (Frasers Group), has owned yesterday that professional says the country’s by a group fronted by British Newcastle United since 2007. football teams could re-start professional football financier Amanda Staveley training to prepare for the teams could re-start with Saudi Arabian backing resumption of the season, training from Monday. appeared to be moving closer which would be played without to completion. fans for the foreseeable future The league has been at a A 31-page charge due to the novel coronavirus standstill since March 8. agreement filed with Com- outbreak. panies House and signed by It also added that, when He added that training should Staveley for PCP Capital play re-started, the league initially start with squads divided Partners and a lawyer for St would be responsible for con- into small groups of six players James Holdings Ltd indicated ducting coronavirus tests on each and the same players should a framework for a deal was players which would have to always be in each group -- being put in place. take place in the 48 hours similar to guidelines issued in There was no mention in before kickoff. Germany where teams began it, however, of the Saudi Public the asking price was under- years and talks with Staveley’s running of the club. The other Austria has become one of training last week. Investment Fund (PIF) which stood to have dropped to PCP have been going on behind 10% would be held by bil- the first countries in Europe to He did not give an exact has previously been reported around £300m ($378.33m) from the scenes for some time. lionaire brothers David and loosen a lockdown imposed to date for when the league could as the prospective majority a previous 340m, with Ashley Newcastle United had no Simon Reuben. slow the spread of the corona- re-start but said: “We, as the shareholder. Media reports willing to structure payments. comment on the reports, with Three years ago, PCP made virus and allowed thousands of federal government, want to stated the group will take an 80 The reduction would reflect the Newcastle Chronicle an offer for a reported £250m shops to reopen on Tuesday. make this possible, we don’t percent shareholding should the impact of the new corona- reporting that Ashley was cur- but the talks broke down. Yesterday, the govern- want to stand in the way.” Aus- the deal go through. virus pandemic that has halted rently in Miami. Staveley could In 2019, Newcastle United ment’s Vice Chancellor and trian media suggested that British billionaire Mike most soccer worldwide. not be immediately was rumoured to be on the Sports Minister Werner Kogler matches could begin in May. Ashley, who made his fortune Newcastle are one of three contacted. brink of being bought by Abu said the country’s professional Coronavirus tests would from sportswear retailer Sports Premier League clubs to have Sky reported that the Saudis Dhabi billionaire Sheikh football teams could re-start have to be conducted on all Direct (Frasers Group), has furloughed staff. would hold 80% of the shares, Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan, training from Monday. The players and staff, he added, owned United since 2007. The north-east club has while Staveley would take 10% but that deal did not go ahead league has been at a standstill under the supervision of the Sky Sports television said been on the market for several and play a key role in the either. since March 8. league.