Athletes Banned Until 2020 Can Compete At

SPORT SPORT | 07 SPORT | 08 Carter says What now for sayonara to Japan cricket in 2020 but no word after postpone- on his future ments due to virus? SUNDAY 19 APRIL 2020 Mercedes F1 Athletes banned until 2020 can boss Wolff takes a stake compete at Olympics: AIU chief in Aston Martin

REUTERS — LONDON officer, could help protect clean REUTERS — LONDON athletes, as the agency tries to The postponement of the Tokyo ensure no one gets a “free pass” Mercedes Formula One boss Olympics will allow athletes from reduced testing during the Toto Wolff has taken a stake banned until 2020 to qualify for pandemic. in British sportscar maker the Games next year as doping Clothier said that though Aston Martin, whose executive bans are based on time periods current testing limitations give chairman Lawrence Stroll runs and not events, Athletics dopers an opportunity to cheat, the Racing Point F1 team, Integrity Unit (AIU) head Brett agencies should be proactive in according to company filings. Clothier said. identifying athletes prone to A Mercedes F1 spokesman Last month, the Interna- Last month, the cheating while also cracking said Wolff’s move was purely tional Olympic Committee and International Olympic down on the root causes of an investment on the Aus- the Japanese government Committee and the doping. trian’s part and would be agreed to postpone the Tokyo Japanese government “One thing that needs to be diluted by a rights issue Games, due to start in July, to agreed to postpone the understood though is testing for tomorrow from 4.77% to less 2021 because of the impact of Tokyo Games, due to us isn’t just a numbers game,” than 1%. the coronavirus pandemic that start in July, to 2021. he added. “Fully diluted following the has killed over 150,000 people “We use intelligence and pending rights issue, this worldwide. investigation methodologies to investment will represent a World Anti-Doping Agency make sure we are testing the 0.95% stake in the company,” (WADA) bans are designed to and Clothier said stopping ath- tied to particular events.” severe disruption to testing right athletes we need to at the he added. “It is a financial prevent athletes from com- letes whose bans expire this The anomaly could prove to processes around the world,” right time. investment and Toto’s part- peting during an Olympic cycle year from competing in 2021 be a double-edged sword, he said. “While our testing activities nership and executive role would lead to legal however, with Clothier saying “We do testing for over a are reduced at the moment, we with Mercedes are unaffected complications. athletes caught after August this 100 countries round the world are focusing on our priority and by the transaction.” “The standard penalty year would be banned for two and there are different restric- high-risk athletes and making Swiss billionaire Ernesto under the WADA code for Olympic Games -- in Tokyo and tions in each country... and sure we can test them as much Bertarelli has also bought a It’s an unfortunate doping is a four-year ban,” Paris -- since they fall within those restrictions are changing as possible within the limita- 3.38% stake which will be sim- situation but one that Clothier said. “And that’s been the four-year sanction range. day-to-day, week-to-week. tions we have. ilarly diluted. Wolff previously designed that way to tie in with But with social distancing “So our normal testing “We’re hoping that we’ll see had a 16% shareholding in is very clear under the Olympic cycle. protocols and lockdowns in operations are disrupted. We change around the anti-doping former champions Williams but the legal framework “But in this case, of course, place in several countries, are still conducting testing world... where more organisa- sold that after he joined the Mer- it’s an anomaly that the Clothier said the biggest impact where we can but there is a tions invest in intelligence cedes team, where he serves as so the ban is based Olympics have moved so some the pandemic has had on anti- severe disruption, no question.” capabilities so that they can principal and owns 30%. on time and not tied athletes will benefit from that. doping agencies is the lack of The United States Anti- address the root causes of Canadian billionaire Stroll, “It’s an unfortunate situ- regular testing. Doping Agency (USADA) said a doping and the people behind whose son Lance drives for to particular events: ation but one that is very clear “The restrictions on new self-administered doping doping rather than just using Racing Point alongside Brett Clothier under the legal framework so movement that are happening test, where athletes are moni- the tests as a facade or a Mexican Sergio Perez, is close the ban is based on time and not in many countries are having a tored live by a doping control numbers game.” to Wolff. Premier League return date still not CONMEBOL confirms clear, says West Ham Chief Executive Qatar 2022 qualifying AFP — LONDON potential unfairness in some to begin in September squads having a number of West Ham Chief Executive players in self-isolation. AFP — ASUNCION format. That amounts to 18 Karren Brady claims the “Police officers will need to matches, far more than most Premier League’s return date is be at games even if they are South American qualifying other continental federations still unclear despite hopes the behind closed doors as some for the 2022 World Cup in organise. top-flight season can restart in supporters will travel to the Qatar, delayed by the coro- The first two rounds need June. stadium, even if they cannot navirus pandemic, will begin to be rearranged but CON- The Premier League said come in to watch,” she said. in September, the region’s MEBOL said any new dates that wrapping up the remaining “Everyone at the stadium -- governing body CONMEBOL would have to be ratified by 92 fixtures remains their goal, and even behind closed doors said. FIFA. but the on-going coronavirus this is about 300-500 people Last month, CONMEBOL And with the Copa crisis means no fixed schedule -- including security, staff, asked FIFA to delay the start America being postponed can be drawn up yet. A picture shows a mural of Liverpool’s English defender Trent medical officers, players, ref- of the qualification campaign until next year, the opportu- Brady’s West Ham were Alexander-Arnold near Liverpool football club’s stadium erees and media, will have to as the first two rounds of nities to fit in an extra two perilously placed in the English Anfield in Liverpool, yesterday. have temperature checks, fill matches at the end of March rounds of matches appear top flight when football was out health questionnaires and could not be played due to few. suspended, sitting above the observe social distancing. football being suspended on As it is, two rounds of relegation zone on only goal two metres away. “So, how seasons must end by July 31 and “Then there is the issue of the continent over the deadly World Cup qualifiers are due difference with nine games match-fit will players be if the the 2020-21 campaign must injuries. All this is manageable virus. to be played on June 3 and 8, remaining. season commences, as we all start by the first week of Sep- but what if a player gets injured, “For the moment, the 2021, with the Copa now set “Players will have been able hope it will, by mid-June?” tember at the latest. where do we send him? start fixed by (FIFA) for its to begin on June 11. to retain some physical fitness With most clubs having nine Brady questioned how “It can’t be to an NHS (UK celebration is September 4-8 Meanwhile, CONMEBOL at home,” Brady wrote in her games left, it was reported that Premier League clubs could National Health Service) hos- in the format already estab- said that no restart date column in The Sun yesterday. Friday’s meeting of the 20 clubs regularly test players for the pital that is already under lished,” said CONMEBOL. could yet be fixed for its “But if social-distancing discussed finishing the season virus when the same situation pressure and private hospitals All 10 teams are due to flagship club competitions, rules are still in place, physical in a 40-day window. is not yet in place for all NHS are carrying out NHS proce- play each other home and the Copa Libertadores and match-play training will not be There have been claims that workers. dures and not taking in injured away in a round robin Copa Sudamericana. allowed -- you can’t tackle from clubs were told domestic She also highlighted a footballers. So then what?” ‘Big 3’ discussing ways to help lower-level players: Djokovic

REUTERS — LONDON futureuture ofof tetennis.nnis. havehave federation support or promptedprom the game’s stake- bonus money meant for top HowHow wwee cacann sponsorssponsors and are independentindependent holdershold -- the ATP, WTA, ITF players from season-ending Novak Djokovic (pictured) has contributeontribute and left alone.” and the organisers of the four events like the ATP Finals into been in touch with fellow ATP too helphelp TheThe tetennisnnis seasonseason wwasas GrandGran Slams -- to devise plans the relief fund. Player Council members Roger lowerower suspended in early MarchMarch to providepr some assistance. “If we don’t have any events Federer and Rafa Nadal to rankeda nked due to the ppandemic,andemic, “Players“ hopefully will (also) (in 2020), maybe next year’s I spoke to Roger discuss ways to assist lower- guysuys who leavingleaving playersplayers in the contributecont collectively to the Australian Open prize money and Rafa a few days ranked players facing financial arere obvi-obvi- lower tiers who dependdepend relireliefe fund that the ATP (and can be contributed to the fund,” struggles amid the novel coro- ouslyusly solelysolely on tournamenttournament others)othe will distribute using the Serb added. ago and we had a navirus outbreak, the world strugglingtruggling winnings without the modelsmod and criteria,” Djokovic “I’m glad the tennis eco- conversation about number one said yesterday. thehe most,most, chance to earn a living.living. added.adde system is coming together. Eve- Answering a fan’s question DjokovicDjokovic TheThe pliplightght of “You“ want to avoid giving ryone realises the base of tennis. the near future of during his Instagram live chat said.aid. playersplayers ranked moneymon to player who fits into These guys ranked 250 onwards tennis. How we can with Stan Wawrinka, Player “A“A majority of ooutsideutside the toptop this ccategory (low ranking) but are the ones making the future contribute to help Council chief Djokovic said playerslayers ranked 100 in singlessingles doesdoes not need the money com- of tennis. steps would be taken to ensure betweenetween 252500 to hashas paredpare to someone else... hope- “We have to show them lower ranked guys that only those players who are 70000 or 11,000,000 fullyfully between $3-4.5 million will they’re not forgotten. We also who are obviously most deserving will benefit don’ton’t be didistributed to lower-ranked have to send a message to from any relief plans. players.”pla Djokovic, a 17-times young players that they can struggling the most: “I spoke to Roger and Rafa GrandGr Slam champion, said live out of tennis when there’s Novak Djokovic a few days ago and we had a othero short-term solutions a financial crisis,” said conversation about the near could include diverting Djokovic. SUNDAY 19 APRIL 2020 SPORT 07

Japan baseball Tennis governing bodies join forces to delayed again, no date set for answer players’ cry for financial help resumption

REUTERS – MUMBAI A general view of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center which is used as a temporary resumes and might extend the AP – TOKYO hospital as the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in the Queens borough current season to allow more The tennis governing bodies of New York City, New York. tournaments to be held. Nippon Professional Baseball’s have joined forces to support “In an effort to provide season openers will not take lower-level professionals who assistance with financial place in May due to the new are struggling financially hardships, we have to date coronavirus pandemic, with during the sport’s shutdown distributed over $3m in pay- no firm date set for the start. due to the novel coronavirus ments to players since the Representatives of the 12 outbreak. suspension of play began in teams decided Friday to also The tennis season was March,” WTA CEO Steve scrap interleague play. The halted in early March due to the Simon told Reuters. removal of 18 interleague pandemic, leaving players in “We continue to look at games from each team’s cal- the lower tiers who depend every possible avenue to assist endar would make for a 125- solely on tournament winnings our members, which involves game regular season. without the chance to earn a a number of potential options Although no specific date living. to provide such additional had been set to start the The men’s ATP Tour and financial relief.” The United season, the representatives the WTA, which runs the States Tennis Association agreed in an online meeting to women’s circuit, suspended all (USTA), the organisers of the US not start before the end of May. tournaments until mid-July Open, has made a commitment The interleague games after countries started locking to support the financial between the Central and down borders to contain the packages being put together by Pacific leagues have started in spread of the flu-like virus the other governing bodies. May since the format was which has infected over two “There’s really two things established in 2005. million people. we’re doing to support those “It was clear that we were The International Tennis lower-ranked players,” USTA going to have to reduce the Federation (ITF), the sport’s among the various governing think it would be a great integrity issues said that Chief Executive Mike Dowse number of games,” said governing body, was also bodies. message if we can all support players in the lowest tiers were told reporters in a conference Shosaku Yokota of the Orix forced to postpone its lower- “I’ve been quite touched by the players in this crisis.” susceptible to corruption call on Thursday. Buffaloes. tier World Tennis Tour. the top players who reached Gaudenzi said while the because of the difficulty in “We’ve made a commitment “We decided that in such The plight of the players out, the big names expressing ATP’s reserves and resources making a living. to continue to fund the chal- a case, it was best to protect ranked outside the top 100 in really the desire of helping the were not infinite, and the body Only 250-350 players, the lenger series and ITF-related league games.” singles prompted all stake- lower-ranked players,” Italian was also hamstrung by lack of report said, earned enough to tournaments when those come Both leagues were origi- holders, along with the organ- Gaudenzi, a former top-20 clarity on the resumption of the break even. back online. That’s an nally scheduled to open play isers of the four Grand Slams, player, said in a podcast on sport, the Tour will offer help Georgia’s Sofia Shapatava, investment in the neigh- on March 20. Opening day was to step in and devise plans to Friday. for those who need it most. the world’s 375th ranked bourhood of $7.5m. then reset for April 10, and provide some relief. “We’re also working and While tennis is a lucrative women’s singles player, started “We want to do this as part then again for April 24. Earlier While professional tennis talking with the Grand Slams sport for those at the top, those a petition seeking assistance of a holistic package. It will be this month, the teams gave up players remain independent about it, they may want to join in the lower echelons often for lower-level professionals. part of that relationship we on fixing a starting time. contractors and not employees, in the effort... struggle to make ends meet. The WTA and the ATP have have with the ATP and WTA. This year’s original early ATP Chairman Andrea Gau- “In a world where we think A 2018 International previously said they were Those details are being finalised start was designed to allow for denzi said he was impressed greater collaboration among Review Panel report commis- working to boost players’ right now by those two a three-week break in the by the spirit of collaboration the governing bodies is key, I sioned to address betting and earnings when the sport organizations.” summer for the Tokyo Olympics. After the March 24 announcement that the Olympics would be postponed AITA plans domestic circuit for struggling players until next year, that break was no longer needed and teams still held out hope of playing a REUTERS – MUMBAI “This circuit will be aimed at bene- Prajnesh Gunneswaran and Ramkumar full 143-game schedule. That fiting our tennis players across the Ramanathan are ranked 132nd and 186th hope ended on Friday. India plans to launch a domestic tennis country since the pandemic has respectively. Taiwan’s four-team circuit from July to support its players adversely affected their livelihood as The 163rd ranked Ankita Raina is the Chinese Professional Baseball who are struggling financially during the well as their overall training and pre- country’s leading singles player in the League opened its season last sport’s shutdown due to the novel coro- paredness,” AITA said in a statement. women’s section. weekend with games played navirus outbreak, the country’s tennis “(It) shall have the objective of AITA said it will approach companies without spectators. body (AITA) said yesterday. helping them be sharp, fit, competitive to contribute to the fund that will be used The tennis season was halted in early and match ready without any major to create tournaments for Indian players March due to the pandemic, leaving financial burden.” while the professional and ITF circuits players in the lower tiers who depend The men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, remain closed. Yankees’ solely on tournament winnings without which runs the women’s circuit, sus- “AITA proposes to start tournaments the chance to earn a living. pended all tournaments until mid-July for all age groups,” the governing body Kahnle goes AITA said it had come up with an after countries started locking down said. “These will initially (in July and intermediate plan with the support of borders to contain the spread of the flu- August) be restricted to state level tour- 4-0 in MLB the country’s government to reduce like virus which has infected over two joined forces to step in and devise plans naments keeping in mind the need for some of the pain for the lower-level million people. to provide some relief. restricting travel. The Show professionals. The International Tennis Federation While tennis is a lucrative sport for “It shall subsequently graduate into India is currently in lockdown till (ITF), the sport’s governing body, was those at the top, those in the lower ech- zonal and national tournaments in Sep- May 3 and it was assumed that travel also forced to postpone its lower-tier elons often struggle to make ends meet. tember, October and November once the AGENCIES – NEW YORK restrictions would be lifted in the next World Tennis Tour. Sumit Nagal is India’s top-ranked travel restrictions and social distancing two months, the AITA said. The tennis governing bodies have men’s singles player at 127 while norms are further eased.” New York Yankees right- hander Tommy Kahnle, who entered night with a 3-5 record, swept four games in All Blacks great Carter says sayonara the MLB The Show Players MLS pushes back Tournament yesterday. Kahnle opened with a 4-3 season, suggests to Japan but no word on his future victory over Seattle Mariners right-hander Carl Edwards Jr. AFP – WELLINGTON before topping New York Mets possible salary cuts utility man Jeff McNeil 4-2. Three-time world player of the Following a 1-0 decision AP – LOS ANGELES year Dan Carter announced over Detroit Tigers utility man yesterday he is leaving his Niko Goodrum, Kahnle capped Major League Soccer is pushing back restarting the season Japanese club Kobe Steelers, his night with a 4-2 win to at least June 8 and says it is also discussing possible salary but the 38-year-old gave no against Chicago White Sox cuts with the players’ union. indication whether his illus- right-hander Lucas Giolito. Teams had played two MLS is exploring trious career is over. The online tournament uti- matches before the season was possible “changes to Carter, who holds the lizing the “MLB The Show 20” suspended on March 12 because player compensation” world record for the most game features one player from of the coronavirus pandemic because of the points in Test rugby and was a each of the 30 major league and the league had been looking financial hit the World Cup winner in 2011 and teams. The charity event is at possibly resuming play in league and teams are 2015, confirmed on Instagram helping fill some time for mid-May. The league would still that with the Covid-19 pan- players and fans with the like to play a full season. facing. demic bringing the Japanese baseball season shut down MLS also said it is exploring season to an end his time with indefinitely due to the coro- possible “changes to player the club was over. navirus pandemic. compensation” because of the financial hit the league and “I’ve gone a bit quiet All players will square off teams are facing. since the JRU announced once in a 29-game round robin “We are seeking to work collaboratively with the they are cancelling all their over three weeks. Each reg- MLSPA to find a solution that provides a safety net for all competitions this season,” ular-season game lasts three players, opportunity to earn full salary in the scenario Carter said. innings, and there are extra where all matches are played with fans, and in particular “I know it’s the right innings when needed. The top provides protection for the players at the lower end of decision with what the world eight players will reach the the salary scale,” the League said in a statement is going through at the moment postseason, which culminates yesterday. but I would have loved to try Three-time world in a May 2 World Series. The The Major League Soccer Players’ Association did not help my @kobelcosteelers_ player of the year Dan playoffs will utilize a best-of- immediately respond to a request for comment. official family win another top Carter playing cricket three format until the World Possible salary cuts of as much as 50% for some players league, and I’m gutted I can’t at his home backyard Series, which will be were first reported by ESPN, which cited sources. But do this. in this photo obtained best-of-five. those cuts would only kick in if games or the season were “I want to thank the club, from his twitter handle Aside from Kahnle, the canceled. fans and my team mates for @DanCarter players who enjoyed the best A person with knowledge of the situation told The welcoming me and making the results yesterday were Bal- Associated Press that players would not be furloughed. last two seasons some of the timore Orioles outfielder The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the most enjoyable rugby I have more domestic season in New I know it’s the right Dwight Smith Jr. and Mil- information is not being made public. ever played.” The champion Zealand where is he waiting decision with what the waukee Brewers closer Josh MLS and the players’ union agreed to terms of a new con- fly-half first played for French out the pandemic with his world is going through at Hader, who both went 3-1. tract in early February, but it had not been ratified when the club Racing 92 after retiring family. the moment but I would Sony Interactive Enter- season was put on hold. from Test rugby following the Carter played the first of his tainment and Major League have loved to try help my The league has long maintained that it prefers to play a 2015 World Cup, before signing 112 Tests for the All Blacks in Baseball, in cooperation with full season. Possible scenarios include extending play into a two-year deal with Kobe 2003, scored a record 1,598 @kobelcosteelers_official the players association, will December and canceling non-league matches like the Leagues Steelers in 2018. points during his international family win another top donate $5,000 on behalf of Cup between MLS and Liga MX teams. He made no mention of his career and was the world league, and I’m gutted I each player to a Boys and Girls Games could also be played without fans in attendance. next move, leaving open the player of the year in 2005, can’t do this: Dan Carter Club in his community. A total possibility he may play one 2012 and 2015. of $175,000 will be donated. 08 SPORT SUNDAY 19 APRIL 2020 What now for cricket in 2020?

Scarecrows created by Northwich Cricket Club members are pictured placed on the cricket field to represent players and umpires on the planned day for the start of their cricket season, while the spread of the CA is facing cash crisis amid coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Northwich, Britain, yesterday. COVID-19 pandemic: Reports

REUTERS - SYDNEY AFP - LONDON another global title. However, Gayle the country’s lockdown until at least has mooted the possibility of May 3.A cancellation, or even delay Cricket Australia Chief Executive Kevin Roberts has told staff that the governing body Cricket has seen international series playing for another five years. of The Hundred would be a huge faces a financial crisis and would not have been able to pay its bills at the end of postponed, the Indian Premier “Forty-five is a good number. blow to English cricket, which was August without layoffs, local media reported yesterday. League put on hold and the T20 Let’s talk at 45,” the big-hitting hoping to capitalise on last year’s Cricket Australia announced plans to lay off almost 80% of staff on Thursday, World Cup in Australia thrown into opener told cricbizz.com earlier this World Cup triumph by continuing putting them on 20% pay until June 30 when it is hoped more will be known about major doubt by the coronavirus year. to attract new fans to the sport. how long government curbs put in place to control the coronavirus will last. pandemic. “I think that’s a good number The tournament is still slated to The Australian and The Age newspapers have reported that Cricket Australia’s Here, AFP Sport takes a look at and my first number. start as planned on July 17, but other financial reserves had been hit by a slump in the world’s stock markets caused by what could happen next for cricket "I just think I am on the slow sporting events in the UK in July, the COVID-19 pandemic. No one at Cricket Australia was immediately available for in 2020: side a bit.” including tennis Grand Slam event comment on Saturday. COULD LOSS OF FRANCHISE Wimbledon and golf’s British Open, On Thursday, Cricket Australia had said in a statement that the “impacts on the WILL WINDIES BE ABLE TO CRICKET PROVE COSTLY? -- The have been scrapped. sports industry of the coronavirus pandemic are bigger than any one sport”. DEFEND TITLE? -- The West Indies world’s richest tournament, the CAN WOMEN’S CRICKET “We are conscious of the impact this will have on Australian Cricket and are have been one of the weakest of the Indian Premier League, has been CONTINUE UPWARD TREND? -- working hard to manage that proactively. We will continue to seek advice from Test nations in the last 10 years, indefinitely suspended, while the This year has already been an medical experts and relevant government agencies to ensure the health and safety with troubles behind the scenes and inaugural edition of The Hundred excellent one for women’s cricket, of our people, volunteers and communities, and to return to business as soon as rows over players’ pay often in England and Wales is appearing with a record-breaking crowd of possible.” proving costly for a talented side on increasingly unlikely to go ahead over 86,000 watching Australia The coronavirus has infected more than 6,500 people in Australia and killed 65, the pitch. as planned. beat India to win the T20 World Cup a Reuters tally shows. But they have still produced two Many international players at the Melbourne Cricket Ground All sports in Australia have been hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown but cricket memorable World T20 triumphs, make the majority of their salaries last month. was expected to weather the storm better than most given the season was all but in 2012 and 2016, but now may have in franchise limited-overs cricket, But it faces a battle in order to completed by the time the restrictions came into force. to wait to defend their crown in while the IPL draws massive crowds continue to thrive after the corona- The first of three matches in a one-day series against New Zealand was played Australia. and is estimated to generate more virus lockdown, with players paid behind closed doors at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 13 before the final two The 2020 T20 World Cup is due than $11 billion a year for the Indian far less than their male fixtures were postponed. to get underway in October, but the economy. counterparts. Cricket Australia would have expected two big paydays this year when the country International Cricket Council (ICC) Australian fast bowler Pat Teenager Shafali Verma was the hosts the men’s Twenty20 World Cup in October and November before India arrive admitted on Friday that it was Cummins was the most expensive find of the T20 World Cup for India, for a blockbuster four-test tour around the New Year. Any impact of the coronavirus “exploring all options”, despite overseas player bought at the 2020 but India’s women’s captain Mithali shutdown on those events would clearly have a major financial impact on Cricket playing down reports that it could season auction, with the Kolkata Raj thinks the lockdown could make Australia. be pushed back until 2021. Knight Riders snapping him up for it harder for youngsters to break While, according to The Australian, national team coach Justin Langer was A postponement would be a $2.17m. through. informed on Friday that he was now a part-time employee, the players have not yet blow to some of the game’s ageing The IPL was originally “It’s true that if these matches concluded negotiations over any wage losses they might suffer. stars, including the 40-year-old scheduled to start on March 29, was were to go ahead, a few more gems The players retained a revenue share model with Cricket Australia in their last Chris Gayle, who was hoping to bow delayed until April 15, and has now like Shafali Verma would have been negotiations over pay in 2017 and test captain Tim Paine said last month that he and out of the international arena in been postponed indefinitely after unearthed,” the Indian batting great his team-mates were braced for cuts. style by leading the Windies to the Indian government extended told The Times of India.

Pietersen ON THIS DAY: Miandad wins it Cricket star Kohli starts says Dhoni is for Pakistan with six off last ball 'trim at home' challenge arguably the IANS - NEW DELHI your grey there buddy?” Pie- IANS - NEW DELHI tersen said. best-ever Indian captain Virat Kohli has Kohli was one of the players Matches between India and Pakistan in kickstarted the ‘Trim at Home’ that Pietersen had chatted with captain the past have produced some of the challenge and in the process, live on Instagram recently as the greatest moments in cricket history. A shaved off a part of his coronavirus pandemic put IANS - NEW DELHI number of great players have represented trademark beard. cricket action on halt and con- both countries over the years and put up Kohli posted an Instagram fined all players and commen- Former England skipper career-defining performances in matches video of him trimming his beard tators to their homes. Kevin Pietersen believes against their neighbours. and in the caption said: “While Kohli said in the chat that M.S. Dhoni is the greatest- One such instance is of Pakistan batting we’re all indoors, it’s extremely Test cricket has made him a ever captain because of the great Javed Miandad, who on April 18, 1984, important to do stuff that makes better person. weight of expectations he (36 years ago) hit a six off the last ball of you feel good. Staying well “Test cricket, Test cricket, had to deal with, both while the final in the Austral-Asia Cup against groomed is one of the things that Test cricket, Test cricket, Test captaining India and India to win the match for his team in keeps me in the zone. So I cricket, I have said it five times,” Chennai Super Kings in the Sharjah. thought of trimming my beard Kohli said when Pietersen asked Indian Premier League India batted first and gave Pakistan a at home and giving myself this him to choose his favourite (IPL) target of 246 to chase, largely thanks to a new look. Now I want all of you format. “It will be very difficult 117-run stand between openers K to take the #TrimAtHome chal- “For me, it is the represen- Former Pakistan cricket captain Javed Miandad welcomes just with the weight of Srikkanth and Sunil Gavaskar, who fell to lenge and post your new look!” tation of life. You got to keep retired Australian cricketer Greg Chappell in Karachi in this expectation to go against Imran Khan just eight runs short of his he said. going when u don’t score runs, Twitter M.S. Dhoni because of what century. file photo posted on the former’s official handle Former England captain you go back in your hotel room everybody expects from Dilip Vengsarkar chipped in at no.3 @I_JavedMiandad. Chappell visited Pakistan during the Kevin Pietersen, who played and again get ready the next him, how he has to live his with a 50 but the rest of the batsmen were fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). with Kohli in the latter’s initial day. It is life. It has made me a life and what he has been of little match to Wasim Akram and Imran. years in his Indian Premier better person,” added the through captaining India All batsmen except Srikkanth and Chetan in hand. Chetan went for a yorker, but it ended up League side Royal Challengers 31-year old, rated as the best and then captaining the Sharma, were out bowled by either of the two fast being a full toss that Miandad hit for a six leading Bangalore, gave a cheeky reply modern-day batsman across all CSK,” Pietersen said while bowlers. to delirious scenes. The two Pakistan batsman ran to the post. “Does it get rid of three formats. speaking on Star Sports India got off to a good start to their defence back to the dressing room with their hands aloft ‘Cricket Connected’ show with Javed Miandad coming in at 39/2 when Ramiz while fans invaded the pitch, as was the norm in when asked how difficult it Raja was dismissed. Miandad held one end and those days. is to go against Dhoni as got good support from Saleem Malik and Abdul Miandad later said in his autobiography greatest ever captain. Qadir. ‘Cutting Edge: My Autobiography’ that he felt Under Dhoni’s lead- Pakistan were cruising during the latter innings sympathetic towards Chetan. ership, India won the inau- but after Qadir’s dismissal, they fell apart. “Poor Chetan Sharma. They say he did try for gural edition of the 2007 Imran was out cheaply after which Chetan a yorker, but the ball slipped out of his hand,” said World T20. They also went Sharma swooped down on the Pakistan tail. Miandad. on win the 50-over World He dismissed wicketkeeper Zulqarnain and “Or perhaps it was the fact that I was standing Cup in 2011. Mansoor Elahi and brought it down to Pakistan well forward of the batting crease that threw him It was again Dhoni who needing four to win off the last ball with one wicket off his length. Whatever the mysterious origins of led the Men in Blue to the that last delivery, it ended up 2013 Champions Trophy being the perfect ball for me title and it was under him and for Pakistan -- a full-toss only that India reached the at the right height, slightly top of the Test team towards leg, all I had to do rankings. was take a swing and it sailed Dhoni, 38, has not out of the ground. After that, played for India since the it was pandemonium. We 2019 World Cup where they had won, Pakistan had won, lost in the semi-finals Tauseef had won, I had won. against New Zealand. What a match! It is one of the best memories of my life.” SUNDAY 19 APRIL 2020 SPORT 09 QSL, QPA welcome players' support in fight against COVID-19

THE PENINSULA – DOHA demonstrated solidarity Abdulrahman Al Kuwari said, towards the Qatari com- “This initiative by our players The Qatar Stars League (QSL) munity during this difficult is not a surprise. They had and Qatar Players Association situation. This initiative is an already proved that they (QPA), in a joint statement, example of our social were responsible on and off My thanks and This initiative appreciated the initiative by responsibility role. the field. The aim of our dis- gratitude to our by our players professional players to “We’ll work with the QPA cussions with QSL is to set the players who is not a allocate a part of their in the coming days to devise standards for implementing demonstrated surprise. They monthly salary to support the ways through which this ini- this initiative without making efforts being made by Qatar tiative can be implemented a negative impact on our solidarity towards had already to combat coronavirus in a fair and appropriate players.” the Qatari community proved that (COVID-19). way. Football is not only a Al Kuwari also thanked during this difficult they were The statement said both game, but a lifestyle. The the players for the initiative. situation. responsible on entities had started discus- Football Family is joining He also expressed his thanks This initiative is an and off the sions towards implementing hands and supporting each to the QSL and QPA on behalf example of our field: QPA the plan. other to help the country’s of the Football Family, and social responsibility President, QSL CEO, Hani Taleb efforts in combating this all those who are at the fore- Ballan said, “My thanks and pandemic.” front of the battle against the role: QSL CEO, Abdulrahman gratitude to our players who QPA President, spread of coronavirus. Hani Taleb Ballan Al Kuwari Spain set to complete At least 300 people needed season without to run an EPL My concept is very similar. GGuardiolauardiola also fans in stadiums wants to be dominant, he wantsnts to have the ballball,, game behind strong possession, lots of attackingacking movements. movements. AP – MADRID It’s ultimately about being proactiveoactive within the closed doors game. It’s about skilfully attackingcking the the opponent opponent LONDON Football matches and other sports events in Spain will take place in a certain way. In this sense it is not mmyy idea. I’ve AP – in empty venues at least until the end of the summer, the mayor learned a lot with Guardiola, fromfrom the way he isis,, the of Madrid said yesterday. At least 300 people will be José Luis Martínez-Almeida told the Onda Cero radio station ambition he has, the desire andnd passion that he required in Premier League that the coronavirus pandemic likely “won’t be under control” by feels. stadiums even if games are then for events with big crowds to resume normally. He’s a football-obsessed tacticianactician played without fans when the “In the spring and summer there won’t be any events with and it has been a pleasure to be coronavirus-halted season can crowds in Spain, and possibly not in the fall either,” Martínez- around him. resume, according to a West Almeida said. “Because obviously the situation will not be fully We talk often. We’ve got a Ham executive. under control. We will have to change our habits and behaviours The 20 EPL clubs held a even after being allowed to go back on to the streets.” good relationship. We met up in conference call yesterday when The Spanish league is not expecting to resume at least until the summer and grabbed a bitete the league said they agreed the the end of May. President Javier Tebas has said he expects to play to eat, which was really nice. objective remains to complete the first few games in empty stadiums and that the league is also To be honest, I consider himm the season, with teams having working on other scenarios, including playing without fans through the best coach in the world up to 10 games each remaining. the fall. right now. So any knowledge he The earliest the league can “Soccer matches without fans in the summer is a possibility, restart is June, with Britain in can impart to me will be moree as long as health and safety conditions are observed,” Martínez- lockdown until at least the first Almeida said. than welcome. week of May. The Federation said this week that if the league can’t resume It’s a privilege to have him “Police officers will need to it will use the current standings to decide the four clubs to play around contributing ideas: be at games even if they are in the Champions League, which would mean giving the spots to Barca legend Xavi Hernandezz behind closed doors, as some Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla and Real Sociedad. expresses his views on coachh supporters will travel to the The league has said the total losses for not finishing the season Pep Guardiola during an stadium, even if they cannot because of the pandemic could reach nearly €1bn ($1.1bn). The come in to watch,” West Ham losses if the league resumes with matches in empty stadiums interview with Manchester vice chair Karren Brady wrote would be about €300m ($325m), and if it restarts with fans it City's official website in her column in Saturday’s would be nearly €150m ($163m). editions of The Sun newspaper. “But the police will want to ensure attending matches does not drain resources away from Psychologist in constant touch with players: Arteta other matters. “Everyone at the stadium - REUTERSREUTERS – LONDONLO Britain -- and the Spaniard said and even behind closed doors that all efforts were being made this is about 300-500 people - Arsenal’sArsenal’s psychologistpsy has been to ensure the players were in good including security, staff, medical in coconstantnstant ccommunication with spirits. officers, players, referees and the Premier LLeague club’s players “We have our psychologist media, will have to have tem- to offeroffer ananyy help they may need that is looking after the players perature checks, fill out health duringduring thethe lockdownlo due to the and is always in constant commu- questionnaires and observe novelnovel cocoronavirusr outbreak, nication with them,” Arteta told social distancing. All this is man- managerman Mikel Arteta the club’s website. ageable but what if a player gets (pictured)(pic has said. “But as well we’re having injured, where do we send him? Soccer in England feedback from different people It can’t be to an NHS hospital hasha been suspended and we’re constantly sending that is already under pressure... sincesin March 13 because information and videos and so then what?” ofo the virus that has keeping them busy... keeping them “Players will have been iinfected more than close to their job and the people able to retain some physical 2.23 million people that are related to their job, which fitness at home, but if social- globally causing is us and my coaching staff.” distancing rules are still in A general view of the Arsenal box office at the Emirates Stadium. over 151,000 Arteta, who took over as manager place, physical match-play deaths. in December after compatriot training will not be allowed,” Arsenal’s players Unai Emery was sacked, said he former Manchester City assistant we’re trying to improve our rela- Brady wrote. “You can’t tackle havehav been self isolating was using the lockdown to under- added. tionship, the communication and from two meters away. So, how sincesince MarchMa 12 when Arteta stand his players better. “This time has been really understanding between us.” match-fit will players be if the testedtested positivep for the virus “We’ve been having some helpful from my side, at least, to Arsenal are ninth in the league season commences, as we all -- beforebefo the lockdown in really good conversations,” the get to know the players better... with 40 points from 28 matches. hope it will, by mid-June?” Djokovic shares Olympic regrets with Murray in live chat

REUTERS – LONDON in that Paris showdown, completing Beijing (in 2008),” Djokovic, who won Three-time Grand Slam champion his career Grand Slam in the process. the bronze medal in Beijing said. “In Murray, trying to salvage his career Live tennis action is a fading memory World number one Djokovic has Rio I felt really good but two days after hip surgery at the start of 2019, during the coronavirus shutdown but never won the Olympic gold medal before the match I felt my wrist. It admitted he wished he had enjoyed 20,000 fans tuned in to watch old though, a feat Murray achieved in 2012 started to be more painful. It’s no his successes more. For me it was the French Open rivals Novak Djokovic and Andy and 2016. excuse, I got injections, but I felt sad “After the issues I’ve had the last final against you in 2016. Murray chew the fat on Instagram. DjokovicDjokovic sasaidid hihiss semsemi-i- thatthat I wasn’twasn’t atat my bestbest anandd couldcould worworkk fewfew years, I sometimesso do wish I had Obviously I would have loved Sitting on their sofas at home, the ffinalinal defeats against my way in the tournament. enjoyed thosethose moments more. When to win the Australian Open or duo spent an entertaining hour remi- MurrayMurray and Rafa Nadal “If“If I could change any outout-- you see the end ccoming you the French Open but I think as niscing about some of the classics in inin thethe 20122012 andand 20082008 comescomes wouldwould be RiRioo aandnd think...think... I should have enjoyed a challenge for me, because their 36-match series, painful losses OlympicsOlympics were two ooff London.”London.” thethe winwinss oorr eveven the losses clay was such a tough surface and even came up with the perfect hishis toughest losses -- thatthat were grgreate matches.” for me throughout my career, tennis player. ttogetherogether with his AskedAsked to ccomeo up with that would have been for me The knockabout banter offered defeatdefeat by Juan Martin thethe perfect pplayer if they my biggest achievement: Andy some candid reflections on their glit- deldel PotroPotro in thethe firstfirst couldcoc uld cocombinemb strokes tering careers -- both on hold as tennis roundround ofof thethe 20162016 RioRio ffromrom diffedifferentr players, Murray speaks about the loss awaits the end of the pandemic which Games.Games. bothboth pickedpicked eeach other for which hurts most has claimed more than 150,000 lives “Maybe“Maybe that match havinghaving the best service globally. againstagainst youyou in London, or returns.reretut rns. Asked which losses hurt the most, thethe semi-finalsemi-final “If I won a or Nick Kyrgios, while Murray said both selected matches against each aagainstgai nst freef point off Nadal’s forehand was the toughest and other. RafaRafa inin mym first serve Djokovic picked Roger Federer’s. “For me it was the French Open againsta you I Unsurprisingly they were in final against you in 2016,” Murray, who wwas cele- agreement on which player is men- has also finished runner-up at the Aus- bbrating like I tally the toughest -- Nadal. tralian Open five times, said. wwon a set,” “It’s like going on court to face “Obviously I would have loved to DjoDjokovic, who Gladiator,” Djokovic said. win the Australian Open or the French owowns 17 Grand Asked by a fan what they would Open but I think as a challenge for me, SSlamlam titles, said have done rather than tennis, Djokovic because clay was such a tough surface ooff his fellow picked being a scientist. for me throughout my career, that 32-year-old.32-ye For Murray? “Right now it would would have been for me my biggest BothBo said they be cool to be a doctor because you achievement.” The Serb hit back from Novak Djokovic Andy Murray would swap for the realise what’s important in times like losing the first set to outplay Murray serves oof John Isner this.”