SPORT SPORT | 09 SPORT | 10 F1:F Silverstone KP picks openo to hosting Malinga as twotwo races without GOAT for ability spectators to bowl yorkers

TUESDAY 21 APRIL 2020 Japan scientist 'very pessimistic' Olympics will happen

AFP – TOKYO audience from all over the be held next year unless a world”. vaccine is found. A Japanese expert who has crit- “Japan might be able to “If we do get a vaccine icised the country’s response to control this disease by next within the next year then the coronavirus warned summer, I wish we could, but I Japan might be able to actually I think that yesterday that he is “pessimistic” don’t think that would happen control this disease by (Olympics) is realistic. The that the postponed Olympics can everywhere on Earth, so in this next summer, I wish we vaccine will be the game- be held even in 2021. regard I’m very pessimistic could, but I don’t think that changer - an effective, “To be honest with you I about holding the Olympic would happen everywhere affordable, available vaccine,” don’t think the Olympics is Games next summer.” on Earth, so in this regard Sridhar told the BBC. likely to be held next year,” said Iwata said he could only see I’m very pessimistic about “If we don’t get a scientific Kentaro Iwata, a professor of the Games being held next year holding the Olympic breakthrough then I think that infectious diseases at Kobe if they were significantly looks very unrealistic.” University. altered, “such as no audience, Games next summer: The decision to delay the Japan and the International or very limited participation”. Kentaro Iwata, a professor Games was a painful one for Olympic Committee (IOC) Iwata made headlines earlier of infectious diseases at organisers and the IOC, which agreed last month to delay the this year for his public criticism A countdown clock for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is Kobe University came in for criticism for the Tokyo 2020 Games until July of Japan’s handling of the coro- displayed outside Tokyo Railway station. drawn-out decision to 2021 after pressure from ath- navirus-wracked Diamond postpone. letes and sports federations. Princess cruise ship that docked The postponement is a huge is appropriate to respond to countermeasures.” Last week, Initially both officials in But in recent days, as the off the country’s coast. undertaking, but organisers speculative questions,” they told Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Japan and at the IOC insisted the coronavirus pandemic con- Japanese officials opted to have insisted they are working AFP. Takaya told reporters at an Games could go ahead as tinues to spread worldwide, carry out an on-ship quar- towards the new opening date “With regard to counter- online briefing there is “no Plan planned, even as lockdowns there have been questions antine, but more than 700 despite ongoing uncertainty measures against COVID-19, B” for the Games being post- around the world meant ath- about whether even a year-long people on board ended up con- about when the pandemic will Tokyo 2020 and the IOC have poned again. letes were shut out of training delay will be sufficient. tracting the virus, and 13 died. be over. a framework for information But Iwata is not the only locations and forced to stay Iwata told a press briefing The decision to postpone Asked about potential exchange and are cooperating expert to have raised questions home. that the virus would have to be the Olympics is unprecedented delays to the 2021 date, organ- closely with the World Health about 2021, with Devi Sridhar, The virus had already under control at home and in peacetime, and followed a isers said their “mission is to Organisation. chair of global health at the Uni- wreaked havoc with prepara- abroad for the Games to take wave of complaints from ath- prepare the stage for next “We will continue to work versity of Edinburgh, warning tions, forcing the cancellation place “because you have to letes facing travel bans and summer”. closely with relevant organisa- last week that it was “very unre- of qualifiers, and alterations to invite the athletes and the lockdowns. “We do not feel it tions and review all necessary alistic” to think the Games could test events. Why wait for Djokovic opposes compulsory a pandemic? coronavirus vaccination

REUTERS – BELGRADE decision. I have my own thoughts about the matter Novak Djokovic faces a and whether those thoughts dilemma if it becomes will change at some point, I If the concern is to compulsory for players to don’t know. But if it (coronavirus help players ranked get vaccinated before they “Hypothetically, if the vaccination) becomes 250-700 in the world can begin competing once season was to resume in compulsory, what will happen? I will have to why has it taken a the tennis season resumes July, August or September, following the hiatus created though unlikely, I under- make a decision. I have global pandemic to by the coronavirus stand that a vaccine will my own thoughts about realise this? Surely pandemic, the world become a requirement the matter and whether over the many years number one said yesterday. straight after we are out of those thoughts will of top end heavy “Personally I am strict quarantine and there change at some point, opposed to vaccination and is no vaccine yet.” Last I don’t know: Djokovic prizemoney increases I wouldn’t want to be forced month, former world we maybe should have by someone to take a number one Amelie Mau- US basketball player Michael Jordan (centre) flashes a victory sign as he maybe distributed the vaccine in order to be able resmo said the rest of the stands with team-mates Scottie Pippen (left) and Clyde Drexler after winning spread a little more... to travel,” Djokovic said in 2020 tennis season might This year’s Wimbledon the Olympic gold in Barcelona, Spain in this August 8, 1992 file photo. a live facebook chat with be wiped out, saying that championships have been (I’ve) often referenced several fellow Serbian action should not resume cancelled for the first time the struggle...because athletes. before players can get vac- since World War II while I’ve properlyroperly lived “ButBut if it becomes com-com cinated against the novel the FFrench Open, originally Jordan's 'Dream Team' throughgh tthehe llowerower pulsory,pulsory, whatwhat willwill coronavirus.coronavirus. duedue to be held from May Australia’sAustralia’s happen?happen? I “International“International ccircuitircuit = 24-June24-Ju 7, was rescheduled levels:s: willwill have players of all nationalities forfor SeptemberSe 20 - October jersey sold for $216,000 John MillmanMillman to makemake plus management, spec-spec- 4, sshortlyh after the end of questionstions a a tators and ppeopleeople from the thethe UUS Open. REUTERS – CHICAGO US men’s Olympic basketball team, multi-million-million 4 cocornersrners ooff thethe wworldorld whowho DjokovicD made a flying nicknamed “The Dream Team,” bringbring these events to life. No startstart to the 2020 season, Michael Jordan’s US Basketball included, along with Jordan, Hall dollarr plplanan vaccine = no tennis,”tennis,” thethe winningwinn the Australian Open “Dream Team” jersey from the 1992 of Famers Magic Johnson, Larry floateded by Novak ttwo-timewo-time grand slam inin JaJanuaryn for his 17th grand Barcelona Olympics sold for Bird, Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone, Djokovicovic to help winnerwinner said in a widely slamslam title and stretched his $216,000, Robert Edwards Auctions Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, strugglinggling tennis sharedshared tweet.tweet. winningwinn run to 18 matches said yesterday. Clyde Drexler, John Stockton, David Medical expertsexperts have beforebefo the pandemic The winning bid was the Robinson and Chris Mullin. playersers dduringuring tthehe said that vaccines against the broughtbroug sports events across second-highest ever for a Jordan “Michael Jordan is arguably the coronavirusnavirus sshutdown,hutdown, respiratoryrespiratory virus would not thethe wworld to a halt. jersey, after the $274,000 paid for most iconic athlete of all-time, askingg why it hadnhadn’t’t be readreadyy until next yyear,ear, SoS far the governing his 1984 Olympic singlet. winning six NBA titles and two been done before.before. raisingraising doubts whether any bodiesbodie of tennis have sus- Jordan inscribed the white Olympic Gold medals,” Robert furtherfurther tetennisnnis tourtour-- pendedpend all tournaments mesh jersey on the right breast with Edward Auctions President Brian namentsnaments cacann until July 13. In addition, the “Best Wishes/Michael Jordan.” The Dwyer said in a statement. “Col- be concon-- women’swom Rogers Cup in jersey was first purchased for lectors relished a rare opportunity tested thisthis Montreal,Mont which had been $17,500 in September 1992 at a gala to own Jordan’s jersey from the year.year. due to be held in August, charity auction. 1992 Dream Team - the greatest will aalso not take place this The gold medal winning 1992 basketball team ever assembled.” Novak Djokovic year.year. Leagues ready to play behind closed doors: UEFA President

AFP – MILAN that can allow us to restart cup “All activities are being “We can finish, but we must championships and to complete organised to start again, eve- respect the decisions taken by UEFA President Aleksander them,” Ceferin said in an ryone needs to find their lives. authorities. The priority is the Ceferin said yesterday that interview with Italian daily Cor- “If safety measures are health of fans, players and leagues across Europe were riere della Sera. respected and if the authorities coaches.” ready to return to action behind “We may have to resume give the green light, the training As for countries who have In such hard times closed doors in a bid to limit the without spectators, but the most could resume like the rest. decided not to finish the season, it would bring damage caused by coronavirus. important thing, I think, is “Further consent will be Ceferin said that UEFA “will happiness to people Football leagues have been playing games. needed for matches.” review the cases”. and a certain sense suspended since mid-March due “It is early to say that we Ceferin said that if leagues “Football is interconnected, of normality even if to the pandemic which has cannot complete the season. The returned “soon enough” then we have seen how important it the games can only claimed more than 100,000 lives impact would be terrible for Champions League and Europa is for UEFA and leagues to work be seen on TV. All throughout the continent. clubs and leagues. Better to play League matches could “be played in good cooperation. The exec- activities are being But the head of European behind closed doors than not at in parallel” with no date limit for utive committee will review the organised to start football believes that playing all. the finals. cases.” again, everyone would be an important step “In such hard times it would The Slovenian said he was He added: “Leagues are the needs to find their towards a return to normal life bring happiness to people and not in favour of the season going revenue base for clubs UEFA President and avoid heavy financial losses a certain sense of normality into September and October as nationwide. If completed, the lives: for leagues. even if the games can only be it “would have a heavy impact” financial consequences will be Aleksander Ceferin “I believe there are options seen on TV. on the 2020-2021 campaign. limited. TUESDAY 21 APRIL 2020 SPORT 09 F1: Silverstone open to hosting two races without spectators I hope that our nation not only consolidates REUTERS — LONDON over the next few weeks but Silverstone would be willing to also heals: host an unprecedented two I have complete confidence in our successive Grands Prix without Jaylen Brown spectators to help Formula One ability to put on these events. We fight back from the coronavirus have a lot of experience, a lot of crisis, circuit boss Stuart Pringle knowledge, we can turn that on said. The season has yet to start definitely: Stuart Pringle but the Liberty Media-owned Celtics’ Brown pens sport’s management are hoping to get going in the European summer with a revised and message of unity reduced schedule that could run into next year. amid COVID-19 crisis Pringle told the Guardian newspaper that he had discussed “all sorts of permutations” with AFP — LOS ANGELES anyone feeling frustrated or Formula One, including two confused at seemingly con- races over the same weekend or Boston Celtics guard Jaylen flicting information coming consecutive weekends at the Brown urged people to from different leaders. British track. “come together” amid the But he said he believed a No circuit has ever hosted Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton coronavirus pandemic, even calm, concerted response two races in succession in the celebrates with the trophy after as he used an essay in the could make the pandemic an same season. winning the British Grand Prix at Guardian to point out that opportunity for change. “I have complete confidence Silverstone Circuit in this July 14, the virus has highlighted “I hope that our nation in our ability to put on these 2019 file photo. inequality in America. not only consolidates over events. We have a lot of expe- Noting that more than the next few weeks but also rience, a lot of knowledge, we 30,000 have died from heals,” he wrote. can turn that on definitely,” said COVID-19 in the United “Let’s use this time to Pringle. States -- it was 40,000 by look for solution based While some countries are Championship Grand Prix in 1950. McLaren boss Zak Brown it looks like possibly all the Sunday afternoon -- the answers and cooperative starting to ease strict lockdown “They can’t set this ball told the BBC last week that all European rounds will most likely Georgia native added that of efforts for those (societal) conditions imposed to tackle the rolling unless they have a races in Europe could be held be in that scenario. “those heart-wrenching problems. coronavirus crisis, events solution that stands a fighting without spectators and with “With now our condensed numbers, the percentage of “My intention in writing involving large crowds of people chance of running successfully numbers on site kept to a schedule, what’s the best way to African Americans and this editorial is to hopefully are likely to remain banned for over multiple races,” said minimum. get as much racing done as pos- people of color is both inspire our society to come some time. Pringle. “That timescale would “Everything is very tentative sible? One of the ideas is poten- alarming and together rather than drift Official guidance in Britain is suit us if we didn’t have to put in but (the British Grand Prix) would tially (to have) multiple events at disproportionate. farther and farther apart,” he for people to stay at home and to the infrastructure for accommo- go on its scheduled date but closed the same location, Silverstone “Our healthcare system said, urging those able to practice social distancing if they dating the public.” to fans,” said the American. “In fact, being one of those.” could be potentially high- reach out with aid to food do have to go outside. lighting injustices this beau- banks and homeless shelters Every race on the original F1 tiful nation has composed as well as healthcare calendar has been cancelled or Leclerc wins virtual China race and suppressed since its workers. called off up to the French Grand establishment,” he wrote. He offered condolences Prix at Le Castellet on June 28, REUTERS — PARIS Data on COVID-19 cases to Minnesota Timberwolves but that is also expected to be on a simulator installed in his fans something to watch after by race show a pattern of star Karl-Anthony Towns, postponed. Charles Leclerc celebrated home in Monaco, Leclerc pre- the COVID-A9 pandemic stalled over-representation by black whose mother died of That would leave Austria on another back-to-back double vailed over Red Bull's Thai motorsport worldwide and left Americans in states or juris- COVID-19 complications July 5, at a circuit owned by for Ferrari and took his tally of driver Alexander Albon by two Formula One still waiting to dictions that are sharing the after weeks in an induced energy drink Red Bull who have Formula One esports race wins and a half seconds. Chinese F2 start its season. numbers. coma, and said he was proud two F1 teams, two weeks before to two out of two with victory racer and round one winner Six current drivers took part When it was shown in of the NBA’s response to the the British Grand Prix at in a virtual Chinese Grand Prix. Guanyu Zhou finished third for in Sunday's race with McLaren's early April that 68 percent of pandemic. Silverstone. on Sunday. Renault. Lando Norris, who would have coronavirus deaths in “It’s Game 7,” Brown “I think F1 will make a cal- The 22-year-old, who also "That was intense guys," been the seventh, suffering Chicago had been among wrote -- a reference to the endar-wide decision in the celebrated real life successive Leclerc told some 60,000 technical problems for the third African Americans, who do-or-die game in an NBA earlier part of May,” said Pringle, victories in Belgium and Italy viewers watching his Twitch time in a row. make up just 30 percent of championship series -- “and whose circuit drew the biggest last season, won from pole stream. "That was really His Spanish team-mate the city’s population, mayor how we perform down the crowd of any last year and is a position two weeks after he did intense." Carlos Sainz crashed, led briefly Lori Lightfoot said the stretch is going to determine short drive from seven of the 10 the same on his debut in a The 28-lap race was the and finished 11th on his debut. numbers “take your breath our outcome. Let’s lean in teams’ headquarters. Silverstone virtual Vietnamese GP. Racing third in a series designed to give away.” and get this done together as also hosted the first World Brown sympathised with a team.” Players joining exhibition events must be vigilant, say authorities

REUTERS — MUMBAI Serena Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou said his A 2018 International Review Flavia Pennetta tennis academy in south of France will host a Panel report commissioned to Nicolas Jarry Players are free to participate five-week tournament starting in May that will give address betting and integrity in exhibition events while the players the chance to get back on court during the issues said that players in the professional tennis season COVID-19 pandemic. lowest tiers were susceptible to Fognini wants remains shut due to the novel corruption because of the dif- Chile's Nicolas coronavirus but they must The Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain’s Mallorca is also ficulty in making a living. wife Pennetta to prioritise their health and The Tennis Integrity Unit Jarry slapped remain vigilant against corrupt considering turning its campus into a place where elite (TIU) reminded the players that make comeback approaches, authorities have players can stay, train and compete in matches among they will still be expected to with 11-month said. themselves that will be televised around the world. uphold the anti-corruption like Clijsters Professional tennis came to principles despite the events doping ban a halt in March after countries being not recognised by any started closing borders and “WeWe understand that some consideringconsidering turninturningg its cacampusmpus governinggoverning body.body. AP — LONDON AFP — MILAN imposed lockdown to contain privatelyately organised exhibition into a place where elite players ““WeWe understand that these the spread of the virus, and all matcheshes may start to take place can stay, train and compete in will be attractive oopportunitiespportunities Top 100 tennis player Nicolas Italian tennis player Fabio events are currently suspended wherere and when local govgov-- matchesmatches among themselves that to many of you eager to playplay Jarry was given an 11-month Fognini has revealed he would till at least July 13. ernmentment restrictions allowallow,, and willwill bbee tetelevisedlevised araroundound tthehe and to earn an income,”income,” the TIUTIU,, doping ban by the Interna- like wife Flavia Pennetta to The tennis shutdown has thesee are attractive oopportu-pportu- world.world. whichwhich is tasked with tackling tional Tennis Federation follow in the footsteps of left players in the lower tiers nitiess for our players to play corruptioncorruption in the game, said in yesterday, stemming from a another former US Open who depend solely on tour- somee comcompetitivepetitive matches and a statementstatement oonn iitsts wwebsite.ebsite. failed test at the Davis Cup champion, Kim Clijsters, and nament winnings without the earn some incomeincome,”,” the ATP “While“While the playing Finals in November. make a comeback to the sport chance to earn a living. added.d. opportunitiesopportunities created are In separate statements, after having a child. “Players are self-employed “WeWe also remind players ooff welcomed,welcomed, we must advise Jarry, a 24-year-old from Pennetta, 38, retired soon independent contractors and, the needeed to prioritizeprioritize health and you that there may be an Chile, said he “accepted” the after winning the US Open in as such, are free to make deci- safetyy and to follow any appli-appli- elevatedelevated ririsksk of cocor-r- punishment, which will keep 2015, and the couple have two sions concerning their own cablee ggovernmentalovernmental and health ruption and corrupt him from playing until young children, three-year- activities during the time the agencycy guidelines at this time approaches in some November 15, while the ITF old Federico, and a daughter Tour is suspended,” an ATP as wellell as the aapplicablepplicable pprovi-rovi- ofo f ttheseh ese said it “accepted” his expla- Farah born last December. spokesman said yesterday. sionss ooff tthehe TennisTennis AnAnti-Cor-ti-Cor- environments.”environments.” nation that two banned sub- “I’m trying to get Flavia Serena Williams’ coach ruptionon Program (TACP).” stances were in his urine back in 2021, like Kim Cli- Patrick Mouratoglou said his WhileWhile AAustralianustralian AlAlexeiexei sample via vitamins made in jsters,” Fognini told Italian tennis academy in south of Popyrinyrin will take on world Brazil. daily Corriere della Sera. France will host a five-week numberber 1100 DDavidavid GoGoffinffin in tthehe “Extending these legal “I spoke to (Francesca) tournament starting in May that openingning match at MourMoura-a- processes would only add Schiavone and (Corrado) will give players the chance to toglou’su’s academy, the event at more stress and uncertainty to Barazzutti, they train her and get back on court during the the Basease Tennis Academy near my professional future,” Jarry I manage them, I already have COVID-19 pandemic. the smallmall towntown ofof Hoehr-Gren-Hoehr-Gren- said. The ITF ruled that Jarry the tournament programme The German state of zhausensen will have no players Rafael Nadal “bore no significant fault or ready.” Rhineland-Palatinate is also set currentlyntly ranked in top 100. negligence for his violation.” Pennetta won 28 WTA to host an exhibition event Thehe RaRafafa NNadaladall But it makes players titles during her career, without the presence of fans Academydemy in responsible for what is found reaching a career-high from May 1, according to The Spain’sin’ s in their bodies. number six ranking in singles Telegraph newspaper. Mallorcaorca The World Anti-Doping and number one in doubles. Both events said they will is alsoso Agency found ligandrol and The couple returned to comply with local physical dis- stanozolol in Jarry’s test; their home at Arma di Taggia, tancing requirements and stanozolol is a steroid, and lig- south of Genoa after the out- health protocols to ensure the androl can act like a steroid. break of the coronavirus safety of players, coaches and Jarry is currently ranked pandemic. staff onsite. 89th. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 21 APRIL 2020 Aussie pacer Hazlewood says ON THIS DAY players willing to take pay cuts Samaranch - the second-longest REUTERS - MELBOURNE due to the “As long as (CA) (show) a lot pandemic. of transparency on all the Australia’s cricketers are willing The reserves numbers, all the players will be serving President of to take pay cuts if it will help could come under pretty happy with that... to see keep the game afloat during the further pressure if exactly where we’re situated at coronavirus shutdown but the the Twenty20 the present and moving country’s board must be trans- World Cup, which forward.” IOC - passes away parent about its finances, starts in October, CA have already delayed an paceman Josh Hazlewood and the lucrative announcement on national and REUTERS - ATHENS (pictured) has said. test series against state player contracts for men Cricket Australia (CA) said India in the home and women cricketers by a Juan Antonio Samaranch was the second-longest serving pres- last week it planned to furlough summer are forced month to April 30 due to the ident of the International Olympic Committee after its founder almost 80% of its staff, putting to be abandoned uncertainty created by the virus. Pierre De Coubertin, but the Spaniard left arguably a bigger mark them on 20% pay until June 30 due to the virus. Hazlewood said the players in turning the Games into the world’s richest multi-sports event. when it is hoped more infor- Former Test wanted CA to honour the new Samaranch, a Catalan who had served for years on local and mation will be available on how players have deadline. national positions under the regime of former dictator General long government curbs to already forecast “But I guess these are strange Francisco Franco in Spain, had also been involved in sports admin- control the new coronavirus will swingeing cuts for times and anything can happen,” istration in his home country. last. cricketers’ salaries he added. He entered the IOC in 1966 and also led his country’s Olympic Hazlewood said he was as the sport faces an "People are at different Committee. taken aback by news of the expected financial stages of their career, different An IOC Vice President from 1974 to 1978, he was elected pres- financial pressures CA was crisis. stages financially. It's going to ident in 1980 and essentially carried the Games from the brink under situation, given that the Hazlewood said be different for everyone at dif- of financial and political destruction to an era of unprecedented Australian cricket season was all relations between ferent levels - whether they're wealth, growth and power. but over when the national CA and the national playing for Australia, been That, however, ultimately led to the biggest corruption scandal lockdown brought sport to a halt players’ union were playing for 10 years or it's their the organisation has ever seen. in March. on a far better first year, or in their state teams Samaranch took over the IOC at a time when the Olympic “It probably took me a little footing than three or in a BBL franchise. movement was in disarray following the financially disastrous bit by surprise just due to the fact years ago during "It's a lot different for eve- 1976 Montreal Olympics, a Games that also marked the start of a that it’s happened at a perfect acrimonious nego- ryone and it's going to affect series of boycotts. time, this pandemic, for Cricket tiations over a new some people more harshly than Moscow in 1980 and Los Angeles in 1984 were also hit by Australia,” Hazlewood told “We’ll see what it comes to pay deal. others. major boycotts but by then Samaranch, known for his deal-making reporters on a video conference and we’ll obviously play our “That will go a long way to "Obviously you think about abilities, had already recognised the commercial potential of the yesterday. part.” go toward this episode going a it, take precautions, we're no dif- Games. “We’re obviously partners in CA has been criticised in the lot better than last time,” he said. ferent to anybody else. I've Despite the Soviet Union’s boycott of Los Angeles, the 1984 the game and we’ve always said media following reports over “Hopefully it’s a lot better started being on a budget and Olympics were a massive financial success that turned things that. the weekend that its financial communication and I think we’ll things like that but it's each indi- around for the IOC. "We’ve ridden the highs and reserves had been hit by a see that in the coming weeks, vidual, they're in different The hugely profitable Games instantly breathed new life into now it’s time to ride the lows. slump in global stock markets coming months. positions." the event, turning the Olympics into an attractive prospect which cities would fight over for decades to come, spending millions to bid for them. Samaranch, criticised by some for a perceived autocratic style Disciplinary and for being too commercially driven in his decisions, also opened KP picks Malinga as GOAT the Games to professional athletes, guided China back into the panel sets Olympic fold, while also attracting billions of dollars from major companies as the IOC’s own sponsors and broadcasters. for ability to bowl yorkers From a cash-strapped body serving amateur athletes, the Akmal’s Olympics became a powerful force in professional sports under Samaranch. IANS - MUMBAI and the unanimous choice for the GOAT bowler. When he stepped down after 21 years to be succeeded by In fact, it was Malinga’s last over that gave hearing for Jacques Rogge, Samaranch had cemented his position as the great Mumbai Indians lethal strike weapon Lasith Mumbai Indians their fourth title with a one- renovator of the Olympics. Malinga (pictured) was declared the Greatest of run, last-ball win in 2019. April 27 But his departure in 2001 was also preceded by a corruption All Time (G.O.A.T) among bowlers in the storied Former England captain Kevin Pietersen, part scandal that saw 10 members forced out and several others issued history of the IPL by an esteemed jury of Star of the jury, backed his decision to choose Malinga with warnings in the 1999 votes-for-gifts scandal involving Salt SportsSports on their flflagshipagship show Cricket Connectedd. forfor thethe covetecovetedd awarawardd IANS - LAHORE Lake City’s successful bid for the 2002 Winter Olympics. The Sri Lankan veteran, ppartart of an elite "I’m goinggoing with Lasith. YouYou look at the That scandal left an indelible stain on Samaranch’s Olympic 10-bowler10-bowler nominee llist,ist, pippepippedd tthehe llikesikes ooff DaDalele numbersnumbers hehe hhasas serveservedd up anda the way he Chairman of the Disciplinary legacy and led to major reforms within the organisation. Steyn,Steyn, AsAshishhish NeNehra,hra, SuniSunill Narine anandd hashas consistentconsistentlyly useusedd tthatha yorker, that Panel Justice (retired) Fazal- JaspritJasprit BumraBumrahh fforor tthehe awaraward.d. makesmakes everyoneeveryone tatalklk aaboutbo it. Malinga e-Miran Chauhan has issued TheThe hhighestighest wicket-takerwicket-taker in tthehe tour-tour- is mymy gguy.uy. I wouldwould gogo wwithi Narine, but notices to Umar Akmal and nament witwithh 170 wicwicketskets in 122 matches,matches, hehe hhasas bowledbowled on wicwicketskets which helped PCB requiring their attendance ‘Slinga‘Slinga MaMalinga’linga’ hhasas bbeeneen one ooff tthosehose turn. Also,Also, hhee hhasas bbeeneen questquestionedi on a few for a hearing on April 27. legendslegends who chanchangedged the perceptionperception occasions forfor tthishis suspectsuspect bowlingbow action, so The hearing is presently ofof T2T200 ccricketricket aandnd becabecameme I am afraid to saysay that I amam going with scheduled at the National one ofof tthehe earearlyly hheroeseroes Malinga,”Malinga,” Pietersen saisaid.d. Cricket Academy, Lahore. inin a bbatsman-domi-atsman-domi- In addition,addition, Malinga,Malinga, tthehe ffirstirs to claim four Safety precautions and social natednated foformat.rmat. wicketswickets in ffourour ddeliveries,eliveries, wwent past Bhu- distancing measures will be DespiteD espite vneshwarvneshwar Kumar, AshiAshishs Nehra, Rav- strictly enforced in order to overcomingovercoming a ichandranichandran AsAshwin,hwin, Amit Mishra, safeguard all those involved. stringstring of fitness ImranImran TTahirahir anand Yuzvendra Akmal had not requested issues, MalingaMalinga Chahal,Chahal, whowho wweree also part of for a hearing before the Anti- hashas beenbeen abablele to thethe nomineenominee list. Corruption Tribunal after he deliverdeliver pinpoint BesidesBesides winning Pie- was charged for two breaches toe-crusherstoe- c r usher s tersen’s vote,vote Malinga also of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti- coupledcoupled with skillful foundfound ffavouravou among Star Corruption Code in two unre- variationsvariations over thethe lastlast SportsSports expertsexper Dean Jones, lated incidents. 12 yearsyears of the IPL that Mathew Hayden,Hay Aakash Until the chairman of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio made him oonene ooff tthehe Chopra,Chopra, GraemGraemee Smith, Simon Disciplinary Panel has Samaranch smiles during a news conference at the end of a two- mostmost threatening Doull, Ian BishopBish and Tom announced his public decision, day session on Olympic reform in Lausanne in this file photo. bowlersbowlers to ffaceace at Moody, who all votedvo for the Sri the PCB will not comment on Samaranch died on April 21, 2010. any stage ofof LankanLankan as ttheirheir firstfi choice for the matter. thethe gagame,me, GOATGOAT -- bowler.bowler. Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code reads as: “Failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Olympic postponement South Africa’s Department (without unnec- World Cup contingency essary delay) full details of any mentally challenging for cricket tour of Sri approaches or invitations received by the Participant to Lanka postponed plans and COVID-19 engage in Corrupt Conduct New Zealand’s Drysdale under this Anti-Corruption AFP - JOHANNESBURG impact top ICC agenda Code”. REUTERS - AUCKLAND Article 4.8.1 of the PCB South Africa’s planned tour of REUTERS - DUBAI Anti-Corruption Code reads as: The decision to push back the Tokyo Games due to the COVID-19 Sri Lanka in June has been “In such circumstances, a pandemic has left New Zealand Olympic single sculls champion postponed, the controlling The International Cricket Council (ICC) will on Thursday review hearing before the Anti-Cor- Mahe Drysdale struggling for motivation and unsure if he wants bodies of the two countries contingency plans for this year’s men’s Twenty20 World Cup in ruption Tribunal shall not be to take part in the rescheduled event next year. announced yesterday. Australia and discuss ways to re-start the sport once the COVID-19 required. Instead, the The 41-year-old, who has represented New Zealand in four The visitors were due to pandemic subsides, the governing body said on Monday. Chairman of the Disciplinary Olympics, winning gold in Rio and London and bronze in Beijing, play three one-day interna- The global health crisis, which has forced travel and other Panel (sitting alone) shall issue planned to retire after competing at the 2020 Tokyo Games, orig- tionals and three Twenty20 restrictions in several countries, has halted professional cricket a public decision confirming inally scheduled to run from July 24-Aug. 9. internationals. and jeopardises Twenty20 cricket’s flagship event scheduled to the offence(s) under this Anti- The International Olympic Committee announced last month The one-day games would begin on Oct. 18 in Geelong. Corruption Code specified in that the Games would be moved to July 23-Aug. 8, 2021 due to have been South Africa’s first Announcing its Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) meeting, the Notice of Charge and the the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. fixtures in the International the ICC said in a statement https://www.icc-cricket.com/media- imposition of an applicable “I had just returned from a training camp and felt I had made Cricket Council’s new one-day releases/1657980: “They will... receive an update on the continuing sanction within the range some huge improvements in my rowing,” Drysdale wrote in a league. contingency planning for all ICC global events, including the ICC specified in the Notice of blog post. “Two days later it was announced the Olympics were Cricket South Africa acting Men’s T20 World Cup 2020”. Charge. Before issuing that postponed till 2021. chief executive Jacques Faul The novel coronavirus pandemic has wiped out several bilateral public decision, the Chairman “In one day, I went from being on a high to lacking all moti- cited health concerns and the series, which has affected the World Test Championship (WTC), of the Disciplinary Panel will vation and questioning if I even wanted to go to the Olympics.” fact that the South African while the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) has been post- provide written notice of that Drysdale said he had never before experienced a similar drop players would have been poned indefinitely. decision to the National in energy and that the postponement had taken a mental toll. unable to prepare properly In Thursday’s conference call, the governing body would like Cricket Federation to which “I have always been highly motivated and had an inner drive. because of the country’s coro- to understand from its members when cricket might re-start and the Participant is affiliated, the I have never before questioned if I wanted to go to the Olympics,” navirus lockdown as the main under what conditions. PCB Vigilance and Security he said. reasons for the “The purpose of the meeting is to gain a full understanding of Department and the ICC.” “Right now I am at a place where I am not certain that I have postponement. Member priorities during this time and to discuss and share the According to Article 6.2, the drive needed to do what is required. Mentally it has been “It is very sad that we have key mitigation factors required to resume international cricket the range of permissible period challenging.” been forced to take this step based on government advice in each territory,” the ICC said. of ineligibility for those He added that he would decide in the next few weeks whether and we will re-schedule the The governing body’s chief executive Manu Sawhney added: charged and found guilty of an to participate in 2021. tour as soon as cricket returns “We need to share knowledge and start to build a deep under- offence under Article 2.4.4 is “Will I be in Tokyo next year? I am not sure but probably,” he to a sense of normality and our standing of what it will take to resume international cricket. a minimum of six (6) months said. “I am not there yet but it’s not the time to make decisions international fixture list “Countries will start to reopen at different stages and in dif- and a maximum of a lifetime right now. I am sure the answers will become clearer in the next allows,” said Faul. ferent ways and we will need to respect that." ban. few weeks. TUESDAY 21 APRIL 2020 SPORT 11 Sharp rise in players reporting depression

REUTERS – BERN compared to 11% and 6% respec- working lives and doubts about Gouttebarge said that nearly “Footballers are more tively in a similar survey con- their future,” said FIFPRO’s 80% of players surveyed similar to average society than The global players’ union ducted in December and chief medical officer Vincent reported that they had access most people think, and that is FIFPRO says there has been a January. Gouttebarge. to sufficient resources and simply because of the miscon- In football, suddenly sharp rise in the number of It said that 18% of women “It is a time of huge uncer- support for their mental health, ceptions about how players young men and players reporting symptoms of players and 16% of men tainty for the players and their often through their national live.” He reiterated that many women athletes are depression or anxiety since the reported symptoms of gener- families due to the insecurity of player associations. footballers lived a precarious sport was brought to a stand- alised anxiety such as worry or their future and the social iso- FIFPRO general secretary financial existence at the best having to cope with still by the COVID-19 outbreak. tension. There was some lation.” FIFPRO said that the Jonas Baer-Hoffmann said they of times. social isolation, a FIFPRO said that 22% of crossover with 11% of women survey, conducted with the were not trying to make a “The average contract length suspension of their women players and 13% of men players and 7.5% of men Amsterdam University Medical special case for footballers. is under two years and the working lives and players who took part in a reporting both sets of Centre, included 1,134 male “We are very conscious that average income is close to that doubts about their survey reported symptoms symptoms, FIFPRO said. players, with a mean age of 26, this is a reflection of a problem of the general public,” he said. future: FIFPRO’s “consistent with a diagnosis of “In football, suddenly young and 468 female players, with a in broader society than and “Many are incredibly dependent chief medical officer depression” such as lack of men and women athletes are mean age of 23, in 16 there is no suggestion that it is on their footballing skills and interest, lack of appetite, lack having to cope with social iso- countries. more severe for our members,” are not prepared for what would Vincent Gouttebarge of energy and self-esteem. This lation, a suspension of their On a more positive note, said Baer-Hoffmann. come after.”

A picture shows the statue of Liverpool football club’s late legendary manager Bill Shankly at Liverpool Danish club offers football club’s stadium Anfield in Liverpool, on Sunday. Chinese Super drive-in viewing League to start by for football match July: Club Chairman

AFP – COPENHAGEN AFP – SHANGHAI

Football fans in Denmark are banned from The coronavirus-delayed Chinese Super attending matches due to restrictions over League (CSL) season is scheduled to begin the new coronavirus, but top division club in late June or early July, a club chairman Midtjylland has come up with a solution says. inspired by classic drive-in theatres. Suspended leagues across the world, Sporting and cultural events are one including in Europe, will be watching the of the pleasures that Danes, like many CSL with interest as an indicator of the chal- Europeans, have had to give up as restric- lenges they face in relaunching their own tions aimed at curbing the spread of competitions. COVID-19 have been introduced. The campaign was supposed to start on The Danish league is currently sus- February 22 but was indefinitely postponed pended until further notice but Midtjylland by the pandemic, which emerged in China has already invited fans to enjoy matches, in December before spreading worldwide. once they resume, from the parking lot “Based on the assessment of the current outside the stadium. Premier League’s transfer situation, the new season will start at the Sitting in parked cars, fans will be able end of June or beginning of July,” said to follow the action inside on giant screens, Guangzhou R&F chairman Huang while adhering to social distancing Shenghua, according to state media. restrictions. market bubble set to burst Huang said that the season will be able “At first, we’ll have a capacity of 2,000 to take place in full with each team playing cars with up to five fans in each,” Mads AFP – LONDON “Many clubs could be threatened the alloted 30 matches. Hviid Jakobsen, spokesman for the 2018 by insolvency and transfer plans Marouane Fellaini, the former Man- Danish league champions, said. The financial squeeze put on came to a standstill for most clubs chester United midfielder, is the only known Premier League clubs by the coro- because of the many uncertainties,” coronavirus case in the CSL. navirus crisis could be felt across said Matthias Seidel, founder of Spurs’ Son begins the continent in the coming months Transfermarkt, a website special- as the well to fund massive transfer ising in transfer values. China's Evergrande fees runs dry. According to Transfermarkt, three-week For each of the past four €1.8bn ($2bn) has already been to build two more summers, Premier League clubs wiped off the value of Premier military training have flexed their financial muscle League squads. 80,000-seat stadiums to splurge over £1bn ($1.3bn) on Such uncertainty has led for AFP – SEOUL transfers. calls to do away with transfers That has helped spread the entirely to avoid the unseemly sight AFP – SHANGHAI Tottenham Hotspur’s South Korean striker wealth of television contracts worth of clubs, who have asked staff to Son Heung-min began his three-week billions across Europe and crucially take pay cuts and in some cases The wealthy owners of Chinese champions military training at a marines boot camp down the divisions to cash-strapped relied on government money, Manchester City's Raheem Sterling Guangzhou Evergrande will build two yesterday, a report said, with the Premier clubs in England. spending money on new players. has a £135m price tag which makes stadiums with capacities of 80,000 each, League on hold over the coronavirus Now even the world’s richest “If you’re trying to get 30 him the most expensive player of in addition to the club’s new 100,000-seat pandemic. league is facing economic percent pay cuts from existing Premie League, the Sun reported home. All able-bodied South Korean men are meltdown. players, you may have to put a in December, 2019. Chinese Super League (CSL) clubs are obliged to serve in the military for nearly Premier League matches have transfer embargo in place,” former building or renovating a clutch of stadiums two years, making up the bulk of Seoul’s been suspended indefinitely with Manchester United captain Gary published to the end of the 2018/19 with the country set to host the newly 600,000-strong forces -- who face off no return expected before mid-June Neville told Sky Sports. season, Premier League clubs owed expanded 2021 FIFA Club World Cup and against North Korea’s army of 1.3 million. at the earliest. However, embargoes may only £1.6bn in outstanding transfer pay- AFC Asian Cup in 2023. But Son was among the South Korean Broadcasters could be due a accelerate fears that clubs lower ments, £900m of which was to But the rush on new arenas will also footballers who earned an exemption by rebate worth a reported £762m if down the pyramid will not survive foreign clubs. heighten speculation that China is gearing winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games in the season is not completed and, the crisis. Proceeds from transfer Bundesliga Chief Executive up for a bid to host the World Cup, possibly Indonesia. even when the games do recom- sales are commonly used in the Christian Seifert told the New York in 2030. The 27-year-old’s Premier League mence, they are likely to be behind lower leagues to cover running costs Times earlier this month that the Evergrande Group, a major property season ended even before the coronavirus closed doors, quashing income from and will be needed even more transfer market will “collapse” and developer, has asked fans to pick their outbreak spread to Europe when he broke gate receipts. Moreover, a number without the regular income of gate that “some leagues will understand favourite designs for two more new his arm against Aston Villa on February 16, of major sponsors such as airlines receipts to rely on. that money is nothing that is coming stadiums. and Spurs said he returned to South Korea and gambling companies have been “I think there will be significant automatically every month from CSL champions Guangzhou Evergrande, for “personal reasons”. just as badly hit by the COVID-19 transfer fee deflation,” football heaven.” That may have been a coached by Italian World Cup winner Fabio Son reported to a marines camp on the shutdown, which is expected to lead finance expert Kieran Maguire told slight on the Premier League’s over- Cannavaro, began work Thursday on their southern island of Jeju for his three-week to a curb on commercial revenue. AFP. indulgence on transfer fees. eye-catching new home. basic training, Yonhap news agency Rather than the usual arms race Given the vast sums involved, But as the biggest spender, the Costing ¥12bn ($1.7bn), it will be bigger reported. for talent, Premier League clubs are transfer fees are very commonly economic earthquake felt by English than Barcelona’s famous Camp Nou and is A Yonhap photo showed Son walking fretting about just meeting their paid over the course of a player’s football will ripple across Europe scheduled for completion by the end of past a military truck and soldiers, wearing wage bills for the next few months. contract.Based on accounts for some time to come. 2022. a green sweatshirt, a black cap and a face mask. “South Korean football star Son Heung- min enters the training facility of the 91st ‘Ghost games’ only option for Bundesliga return: DFL chief Battalion of the 9th Brigade of the Marine Corps,” the caption read. AFP – BERLIN again, because it might soon no longer Son’s agency had earlier urged fans to exist”. refrain from attending the venue over virus German FA chief Fritz Keller has However, a nationwide collection concerns. insisted the Bundesliga could only of fan groups has voiced harsh crit- “Son Heung-min is up for basic military resume next month behind closed icism of the Bundesliga returning. training in April,” his agency said on his doors, while supporters have ques- “The resumption of football, even official Facebook account this month. tioned the morality of football in the form of ghost games, is not jus- “We have decided to not open to the returning at all during the corona- tifiable,” supporters’ group Fanszenen public in active compliance with the gov- virus pandemic. Deutschlands said in a statement. ernment’s measures on the COVID-19,” it The German Football League The group says it would be a added. (DFL) hopes to get the go-ahead from “sheer mockery of the rest of society” Under the terms of his gold-winner’s Angela Merkel’s government for the and especially to those in Germany’s exemption, Son only needs to complete his top two tiers to resume next month health system dealing with the basic training and perform around 500 -- possibly on May 9 or 16. pandemic. hours of community service to satisfy his There are hopes a decision will Keller said various scenarios will conscription obligation. be made on Thursday after the 36 be discussed in Thursday’s meeting. Basic traininggy in the army is four weeks, , clubs in the first and second divisions An issue that needs to be clarified butbut ththreeree weweekseks in tthehe mamarinesrines meetmeet vviaia vvideoideo ccall.all. GGerman football is the testing of players and backroom andand navynavy.. waswas halted on March 1313 to help reduce staff every few days, should the TheThe PremierPremier the sspreadpread of the ccoronavirus in league resume. It would reportedly LeagueLeague has been Germany,Germany, which currcurrentlye has 141,672 need 20,000 tests just for the season suspended since confirmed cases and 44,404 deaths as Bayern Munich’s German goalkeeper to be completed. mid-Marchmid-March due a result of the pandemic.pandem Manuel Neuer (left) and team- Keller insists football does not to tthehe cocorona-rona- “This week, impimportanto decisions mate Sven Ulreich practice during “claim a special role” in German virusvirus aandnd nnoo date will be made on howhow to proceed,” a training session in Munich, in this society and that any testing of foot- hashas yyetet been set KellerKeller toldtold KiKicker.cker. April 16 file photo. ballers will not burden the health forfor a resumption.resumption. WWithith large public events banned system. in GermanyGermany untilu August 31, “We know exactly where the pri- thetht e only vviablei option for much aware that football without fans to be finished by June 30 to secure an orities are,” he added. league aactionc to resume lacks its heart,” admitted Keller. instalment of television money, Schalke chairman Clemens nextnext monthm would be “From discussions and feedback reportedly worth around €300m Toennies, a wealthy meat-products in emptyemp grounds -- from fan organisations, I know how ($326m). manufacturer, has reportedly offered dubbeddubbe ‘ghost games’ much it hurts fans that they cannot Fritz warns that without that the DFL the use of his company’s lab- in GeGerman. support their clubs in the stadium.” money, “some fans might never be oratory near Bielefeld to carrying out Son Heung-min “We“ are very The DFL is desperate for the season able to attend a game of their club the testing.