IT’S GREAT TO WIN THE $9 MILLION but I just don’t want to lose to him and give him the satisfaction because the bragging rights are what is going to be even “worse than the money,”

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPETITION IN WOMEN'S FOOTBALL IN ASIA. The last edition was a major step forward. It was played in Jordan, the first time a West Asian nation SPORTS had hosted the event. Now we are looking to build on that legacy," Akhter added. 08 20 February 2020 India awarded hosting rights of 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup VIRATH KOHLI Press Trust Of India qualifying for the newly introduced quarter-finals. KUALA LUMPUR: India will host the "This is the most important competi- says workload takes toll, but ready to play 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup a s tion in women's football in Asia. The last the sport's continental edition was a major step forward. It was body on Tuesday award- played in Jordan, the first time a West ed the showpiece to the Asian nation had hosted the event. Now country with an aim to we are looking to build on that legacy," maximise the promotion Akhter added. The committee agreed Press Trust Of India cludes travelling and practice sessions. And of the game. that the minimum length of the compe- intensity is right up there all the time. It does India was awarded the tition would be 17 days and that the WELLINGTON: India captain Virat Kohli is take a toll on you," the Indian captain was tournament by the Asian administration would be mandated preparing himself for a "rigorous three years" forthright in his reply. Kohli, who will turn Football Confederation's Wom- to organise the relevant play-off of playing all three formats after which he 31 this year, agreed that periodic breaks have en's Committee here as part of matches depending on the AFC might reassess his workload amid a "transi- worked well for him. "It's not that the players the AFC's commitment to grow slots at the 2023 FIFA Women's tion phase" setting in. are not thinking about it all the time. We do the women's game. World Cup. The world's premier batsman is looking at choose to take lot more breaks individually It was felt that India, which will The dates of the tournament the "bigger picture" in Indian cricket with two even though the schedule might not allow you also have the experience of hosting are likely to be in late October T20 and one 50-over World Cup in the next to. Especially from guys, who play all the for- the FIFA Women's U-17 World Cup and early November 2022 and three years after which he might decide on mats." later this year, was best placed among the match schedule will be playing two of the three formats. "My mind- For Kohli, it is not just about his perfor- the three bidders Chinese Taipei and worked out keeping in mind set is on the bigger picture as I prepare myself mance alone but also the leadership which Uzbekistan were the other competing the start of the 2022 FIFA for a rigorous three years from now and after needs him to have his brain ticking all the candidates to maximise the promotion World Cup in Qatar. that we might have a different conversation," time to devise strategies. of the women's game. The committee also Kohli replied when asked if he is having sec- "It's not easy being captain, having that in- The venues proposed by India D Y Patil discussed about the ond thoughts about quitting at least one for- tensity in the practice sessions. It does take Stadium, Trans Stadia Arena and Fatorda phased introduction mat after the 2021 World T20 in India. The a toll on you. Periodic breaks seem to work Stadium are also being used in the FIFA of the AFC Women's skipper was speaking to the media ahead of pretty okay for me. tournaments, the AFC said. Champions League, fol- the two-Test series against New Zealand "At a time where the body can't take any- India was the host of the AFC U-16 lowing the successful starting on Friday. He didn't mince more, maybe when I am 34 or 35, we will have Championships in 2016 and the FIFA AFC/FIFA pilot any words while admitting that a different conversation. For the next two to U-17 World Cup 2017 and the committee championship in fatigue and workload manage- three years I have no issues at all," he said. The agreed the country could continue rais- Ko- rea Republic ment are issues that need to skipper understands his presence and peak ing the standards of the AFC Women's in No- vember be discussed at all forums. performance is crucial till the 2023 World Asian Cup. 2019. "It's not a conversa- Cup after which he understands that the next AFC's Women's Committee Chairper- The tion you can hide away phase of transition will set in. "I can keep son Mahfuza Akhter Kiron said: "India pilot from in any manner. going on with the same intensity and also offers the best opportunities to build the programme It is around eight understand that the team wants a lot of my event commercially as well as increasing will continue years now that contribution in the next two to three years, the value and India is also committed to in 2020 with I have been so that I can ease into another transition that developing the women's game and while a maximum of six playing 300 we faced five-six years ago," he said referring all three were strong bids, India stands invited clubs. days a year, to the retirements of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul out." In 2021 and 2022, there which in- Dravid and VVS Laxman. The committee decided that the ex- will be eight in- vited clubs panded AFC Women's Asian Cup -- from and by 2023 and 2024, this eight to 12 teams -- will be played in will grow to a mini- mum of 12 three groups of four teams with a mini- which will be open to all member asso- mum of 25 matches with eight teams ciations and in 2025. Henry called into New Zealand's first Test squad as Wagner's cover

Press Trust Of India of the first Test as he and his wife Lana await the birth of their first WELLINGTON: New Zealand on child. Wagner will remain in Tau- Wednesday called in pacer Matt ranga until the birth. Matt Henry Henry for the first Test against In- joins the squad tonight as cover," dia as cover for Neil Wagner, who is the Black Caps tweeted. awaiting the birth of his first child. Though Kyle Jamieson is in line Wagner is among New Zealand's to make a Test debut, Henry, who senior pacers alongside Trent Boult has played 12 Tests and 52 ODIs, is and Tim Southee. The left-arm fast also in the mix. bowler has an impressive record in Henry, however, doesn't have Tests, having taken 204 wickets in much of a record to boast about in 47 games at an average of 26.63. the five-day format, having picked "Neil Wagner will not be join- up 30 wickets in 12 games at an av- ing the squad in Wellington ahead erage of 50.16. Liverpool confirm Delhi as next stop PCB chief hints at Pakistan giving for interactive roadshow LFC World up Asia Cup hosting rights Press Trust Of India world since 2016. Liverpool legends time last season and various iconic Emile Heskey and Jason McAteer recreations of such as the NEW DELHI: Top English Premier will be in town for the event, giving Shankly Gates, This Is Anfield sign Press Trust Of India be decided after taking into ac- Mani's statement comes in the series. League club Liverpool FC has con- local fans the opportunity to meet and the players' dressing room. count the majority view of all the backdrop of India's refusal to travel Wasim Khan, the Chief Execu- firmed Delhi as the next stop for its former players as well as take part Emile Heskey said: “LFC World Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board stake-holders in the Asian Cricket to Pakistan for the tournament and tive Officer of the PCB, also indicat- interactive roadshow, LFC World. in a range of engaging and inter- Delhi is the place to be for Reds in (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani on Council. "We have to ensure that insistence on playing its share of ed that Pakistan would be willing The unique fan experience will ar- active activities. : India. We know not all our fans can Wednesday indicated that the earnings of the associate members matches at a neutral venue. to forego its hosting rights if it can't rive at the city's Select Citywalk Liverpool extend perfect start; get to Anfield, so we want to bring country might give up its hosting are not affected. It is not so much India has not toured Pakistan hold the full tournament at home. Mall on March 7, bringing Liverpool Aubameyang fires Arsenal Reds in the club closer to them. rights for the Asia Cup T20 tourna- about the full members but about since 2008 while it has also not He said most a neutral venue FC directly to supporters in India Delhi can also have their photo- “We're really looking forward to ment this year. the associate members," Mani said. played a full Test bilateral series acceptable to all teams would be via the LFC World hub. graph taken with one of the most visiting Delhi and meeting all of Speaking at the launch of the The ACC is due to meet in first with Pakistan since 2007 due to finalised. The last Asia Cup in 2018 LFC World is now in its fourth prestigious trophies in world foot- our supporters out there it will be Pakistan Super League trophy at week of March where Mani said strained political and diplomatic was held in UAE after the Indian season, having met thousands of ball the UEFA Champions League a fantastic experience for us and the National Stadium, Mani said venues and other details of the Asia relations. Pakistan did visit India in board said it couldn't host Pakistan fans in eight countries across the trophy, which LFC won for the sixth them!” that venue of the Asia Cup would Cup would be finalised. 2012 to play a short limited-overs in India. PSG’s hits out at club after loss

Agencies self despite scoring PSG’s only afraid, and in the end I’m the But while the pair combined nated by Manchester United . one suffering.” for PSG’s goal on Tuesday they when they lost the return leg PARIS - Paris St Germain were The Brazil forward was play- Coach Thomas Tuchel, who is were off the pace for most of 3-1 after winning 2-0 at Old plunged into fresh turmoil ing his first game in more than likely to come under fire for the game and ended up being Trafford, and in 2017 a humili- following their 2-1 Champi- two weeks after being rested not bringing on strikers Edison outshone by Norwegian teen ating 6-1 loss at the Nou Camp ons League defeat at Borussia due to a minor rib injury and Cavani or Mauro Icardi in the Erling Haaland, who netted a followed a resounding 4-0 Dortmund on Tuesday with he thought the club had been final stages despite trailing, double to give Dortmund the home win against Barcelona. Neymar criticizing the club overly cautious. said Neymar “lacked rhythm advantage heading into the Tuchel, who said they “played for not giving him time to get “It’s hard not to play for four and competitive action”. second leg in Paris on March with too much fear,” has drawn his sharpness back after injury games,” Neymar told report- Last week, PSG sports direc- 11. criticism for his unexpected ahead of the last 16 tie. ers. “Unfortunately it was not tor Leonardo fumed at the The result also brought back 3-4-3 system, though centre The French champions, who my choice, it came from the “negativity” surrounding the memories of previous embar- back Presnel Kimpembe said have been knocked out at the club, the doctors, they’re the club ahead of the tie. With rassing exits for PSG, who have the coach was not at fault. same stage of Europe’s elite ones who made the decision, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, splashed out more than a bil- “The defeat has nothing to do club competition for the past one that I did not like. “two of the four best players lion euros on transfers since with tactics,” said Kimpembe. three seasons, looked unusu- “We’ve had a lot of discussions in the world”, in their ranks, Qatar Sports Investment took “We are the ones on the pitch.” ally ponderous, with Neymar on that. I wanted to play, I was PSG should not fear anyone, he over in 2011. a pale shadow of his brilliant feeling well but the club were argued. Last season they were elimi-