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SATURDAY 18 APRIL 2020 QOC to host Qatar Games won’t provide much Virtual Marathon QNA – economic stimulus for The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) will organise the 2020 Qatar Virtual Marathon on Tuesday in cooperation with Bait Al Mashura Finance Consul- AP – Victor Matheson, a sports tations. A study published in 2016 economist at the College of The virtual marathon, which is the first in the IOC member John Coates, shows in most cases the the Holy Cross, and col- region, includes three categories, the full marathon who oversees planning for league Robert Baumann cal- for a distance (42 km), the half marathon for a dis- next year’s Tokyo Olympics, Olympics are a money- culated the impact of foreign tance (21 km), and the five km marathon. has claimed the postponed losing proposition for tourism on the 2016 Rio de The 2020 Qatar Virtual Marathon aims to Games could help “kick host cities and they Janeiro Olympics. They dis- encourage community members to exercise from start” Japan’s economy. counted local spending since their homes during the quarantine period, spread Japan has been devas- result in positive net it was simply moving expen- the culture of sport for life, raise awareness of the tated like many countries by benefits only under very ditures from one place in the importance of sport, and adopt healthy lifestyles the coronavirus pandemic specific and unusual country to another. at the global level. and could be in a recession They said Rio had Registration has been opened for participation when the Olympics are to circumstances. 60,000 added arrivals and in the marathon and will continue until April 20, open on July 23, 2021. estimated $5,000 spending and participation will be available to (men and “These Games are a very by each arrival - an impact women) from all over the world. positive opportunity for an of $300m. Rio spent about Those wishing to participate can register and economic stimulus,” Coates $13bn to organise the learn about the results through the “Sporthive live” said in a teleconference yes- Olympics, and some put the application, which will give the participants online terday with the Tokyo figure at $20bn. certificates once the race is over, and the results Organising Committee. Matheson and Robert of the 2020 Qatar Virtual Marathon will be “These Games can help Baade of Lake Forest announced through the same application on kick start the economy A Tokyo 2020 Olympic countdown clock is placed outside the Tokyo Railway Station, College published a study Wednesday. again. These Games could be yesterday. in 2016 titled “Going for the rebirth of the tourism Gold: The Economics of the industry.” Olympics.” They looked at But economists and “His predictions fly in the suggested Japan would be $2bn to $6bn. Nearly all of the impact of short-term European Tour Olympic researchers con- face of all the research on the better off if it did not have to the added costs fall to Japan and long-term tourism, tacted by The Associated financial impacts of hosting finance next year’s Games. under an agreement signed sports and other infra- Press yesterday said any eco- the Games ‘on a good day’ - Japan is officially in 2013 when Tokyo was structure, employment, cancels French, nomic boost will be negligible and the current global crisis spending $12.6bn to organise awarded the Games. trade and the intangible given the size of Japan’s $5tr does not qualify as ‘a good the Olympics, although a Coates confirmed the “feel-good factor”of German events economy and the limited day,’” Helen Lenskyj, a pro- government audit report in IOC would be spending holding the Olympics. tourism and economic ben- fessor emerita at the Uni- December said it was twice “several hundred million They concluded “in AFP – efits from the 17-day Games. versity of , said in an that much. All but $5.6bn is dollars” because of the post- most cases the Olympics are In some previous email. Lenskyj has written taxpayer money. ponement. The funds will go a money-losing proposition The European Tour yesterday announced the Olympics, soaring prices eight books on the Olympics, IOC and Japanese offi- to distressed international for host cities; they result in cancellations of both the and the and crowding have dis- including her most recent - cials say they don’t know the federations and national positive net benefits only BMW International Open in due to the couraged tourists instead “The Olympic Games: A cost of the one-year delay, Olympic committees, and under very specific and coronavirus pandemic, with the Scottish Open of attracting them. Critical Approach.” She but estimates have put it at not to Tokyo. unusual circumstances.” postponed. The British Open, golf’s only major tournament played outside the , had already been scrapped, with top tours having been shut down Football mourns death of Leeds great Norman since March 13. The last completed event on the European Tour AFP – LONDON the Leeds United family,” the during a televised league game at the was the Qatar Masters, which ended on March 8. statement added. “His legacy will old Baseball Ground in 1975 made The French Open, continental Europe’s oldest Leeds United great and England never be forgotten.” Hunter helped headline news. Open competition, was due to be held from July international Norman Hunter Leeds win two first division cham- That year also saw Hunter play 2-5, but was cancelled after the French government (pictured) has died aged 76 after pionships, two Inter-Cities Fairs in Leeds’ defeat by Bayern Munich extended the ban on all mass gatherings until mid- contracting coronavirus, the Cham- Cups, as well as the League Cup and in the European Cup final in , July. The BMW event in Munich was scheduled for pionship club announced yesterday. the FA Cup. when they were on the end of some June 25-28. The famously tough-tackling He was a member of Alf Ram- controversial refereeing decisions. “Both and have been signif- defender, who was at the heart of sey’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad Riots by Leeds fans during the icantly impacted by coronavirus, and our thoughts the Leeds side during a golden era but did not play in the tournament, match eventually saw the club go out to everyone affected in both countries, as for the club under manager Don as he could not break the banned from European competition well as elsewhere around the world,” said Revie, was admitted to hospital last United are devastated to learn of the of Jack Charlton and Bobby Moore. for two years. European Tour chief Keith Pelley. week. passing of club icon Norman Hunter He eventually received a win- Hunter left Leeds in 1976 to join The Scottish Open, usually a key warm-up for Hunter, nicknamed ‘Bites yer at the age of 76. ner’s medal in 2009, alongside other Bristol City and ended his playing the now-cancelled British Open, was due to take Legs’, amassed 726 appearances for “Norman was taken to hospital players who had missed out. career with Barnsley, whom he later place in mid-July. Leeds over a 14-year period in the last week after being diagnosed with Although his reputation was built managed before taking charge of The golfing calendar has been thrown into dis- 1960s and 70s. COVID-19 and despite continuing to on his defensive ability, Hunter was Yorkshire rivals Rotherham. array by the COVID-19 outbreak, with the Masters, He won 28 caps for England and battle and the best efforts of NHS also comfortable on the ball and Hunter was the winner of the originally scheduled for April, to be played in was part of the 1966 World Cup- (National Health Service) staff, he usually remained composed, Professional Footballers’ Associa- November, while the PGA Championship has been winning squad. sadly lost his fight earlier this although his infamous on-field tion’s inaugural Player of the Year moved from May until August, and the US Open Leeds said in a statement: “Leeds morning.” “He leaves a huge hole in punch-up with Derby’s Francis Lee award in 1974. from June to September. Vettel dismisses back-to-back racing overload as ‘not realistic’ AFP – PARIS questions remain. I think the However, he admits that the drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando schedule will be busier, but 10 damage to the sport caused by the Norris said they had taken vol- Vettel could seal new Four-time world champion consecutive weekends is not real- coronavirus pandemic could be untary pay cuts as part of a raft of Sebastian Vettel yesterday istic.” Vettel suggested that he fatal for the smaller teams on the cost-cutting measures to help cautioned against the temptation would favour staging races grid. their team. Ferrari deal before to shoehorn too many Formula without fans if it allowed a quick Without racing, the massive “I’m not going to use this to One races into a revised calendar, resumption as long as it did not TV and sponsorshipp revenues polishpyg my image.” Formula 1 season starts describing the move as “not real- become a common feature. have dried up.p. istic”. Other sports have already Half of thehe REUTERSREUTERS – LONDONLONDON The 22-event F1 season has toyed with the idea of staging teams haveve been decimated by the corona- events behind closed doors. already starteded SebastianSebastian VVettelettel hashas iindicated he could have a new deal done virus with nine races either can- For example, the US PGA Tour furloughingng withwith Ferrari before theth Formula One season eventually starts celled or postponed. on Thursday announced plans to staff. after beingbeing putput onon hold by the COVID-19 pandemic. The French Grand Prix resume in June, with the first four Teams haveave agreed to The four-timesfour-t world champion is out of contract scheduled for June 28 is also in tournaments being closed to lower the spendingpending cap at the end oof 2020 but is keen to stay. doubt as is the Belgian Grand Prix, spectators. from $175m toto $150m.$150m. FerrariFerrar have said Vettel remains their first set for August 30. “It’s complicated,” admitted “Clearly, some small choice toto partner young Monegasque Charles F1 chiefs have floated the idea Vettel. teams are in dangerdanger and, LeclercLeclerc bbut reports in have suggested they of making up for lost time by “On the one hand, there is the as a family, F1 has to wantwant an answer by the end of April to ensure staging races on successive health of the sport, on the other, take care of its own,” potentialpotential replacements are still available. weekends or even having two that of the people who work in said Vettel. “I thithinkn one of the key things right now for eve- races on the same weekend. the paddock and especially the Spendingg has not ryone, whwhethere you are in sports or not, is to remain However, Ferrari star Vettel fans. been the onlyly talk in patient,”patient,” VettelVet told reporters on a conference call. fears such a move could lead to “There are several options. No the sport. ““ItIt obviouobviouslys depends when we will have the first burnout for team staff. one likes to run in front of empty There hass aalsolso beebeenn racerace and there isis a high chance that we will have to make “We drivers are a little privi- stands, but we will have to see if speculation overover Vettel’s a decdecisionision beforebefor ... because at the moment it looks like leged,” Vettel told reporters by it will not allow us to resume contract withh Ferrari.Ferrari. therethere will bebe no race before June or even July.” teleconference from his home in much sooner. There haveave beebeenn tatalkslks The GermanGe was coy when asked whether the Switzerland. “The first races will probably over an extension.nsion. next contractcon would be for just one year now that “Of course, the races are tiring be a little different, but not too Whateverr thethe outcomeoutcome ofof thethe majormajor 2021 rule changes had been delayed to but there have to be limits for the much, I hope, because we want discussions, VettelVettel said he won’t 2022.2022 “I think whatever the deal will be like staff. They must rest. to run in front of the fans.” Vettel be revealingg if he has been willwill be whatever I and the team will be com- “We must also see if it is easy insists that for him even a 10-race tempted too take a salary fortablefort with. So in terms of duration, I don’t to reschedule races, if the circuits season is just as valuable as a reduction. know,”kno he said. are not already taken. Many 22-race campaign. Two weekseks agago,o, McLaren SATURDAY 18 APRIL 2020 SPORT 05

Thanasi Suspension of Kokkinakis called off due to NBA season prompts Oladipo clash with French Open to revise routine

REUTERS – PARIS AP – INDIANAPOLIS

The 2020 Laver Cup will not Victor Oladipo was just rounding go ahead in September as into form when the NBA season planned and will return next was suspended. Kokkinakis year due to the clash of dates His expected increased playing with the French Open, the time, his hopes of chasing a home battling back organisers of the exhibition playoff series and taking the event said yesterday. Indiana Pacers on a deep posts- to fitness after The French Feder- eason run went on hold - at least ation, in a surprise move, a few more weeks. recovery switched the claycourt Grand Now, 14 months after suffering Slam tournament to Sep- a serious knee injury, he’s back REUTERS – MUMBAI tember 20-October 4 from its home in Miami again, away from May start due to the novel teammates again, doing what he Australian coronavirus outbreak. can to be ready when games says he is just trying to stay in The new Roland Garros resume. shape after coming through a dates clashed with the Sept. “It hurt just because it took me bout of glandular fever that saw 25-27 Laver Cup, which is a a while to come back and then, him shed 10kg and left him team event co-created by obviously, this happens and now unable to breathe while and featuring you miss more,” Oladipo said yes- sleeping. the best of Europe against a terday on a conference call. The South Australian, who World team. “I was out there playing, going underlined his potential when ’s TD Garden will as best I can, as hard as I can. To he defeated Roger Federer in remain host for the fourth say if I was 100 percent out there, Team Europe Bjorn Borg, vice-captain Thomas Enqvist, , , Miami in 2018, was forced to edition of the event, which will I don’t know if I could say that. I’m , , Roger Federer and pose with the trophy after miss the year’s first now be held from September just going to try and do my best to in due to the illness. 24-26 in 2021. they win the Laver Cup in Palexpo, , Switzerland, in this September 22, 2019 file photo. get better and get stronger.” “I was told I had stopped “It’s unfortunate that the A year ago, the two-time All- breathing when I was sleeping, Laver Cup has to be pushed said in a statement from the at Wimbledon has been can- the 2020 ATP Tour Star Oladipo went home to rehab my throat was so inflamed,” back a year, but at this stage organisers. celled while the French Open’s calendar. from surgery on a ruptured quad Kokkinakis, who reached a it’s the right thing to do for “Although disappointing, new slot means the tour- Organisers said the tickets tendon in his right knee. The career-high ranking of 69 in everyone concerned,” Federer the good news is that TD nament will start a week after purchased for the 2020 Laver grueling recovery took a full year 2015, was quoted as saying by Garden will still be able to the U.S. Open takes place on Cup will be valid next year or to make it back to NBA games and Australian media. host the event next year and the hard courts of Flushing fans can receive a full refund. another month to start looking like “I lost 10 kilos because I I really look forward to finally Meadows in New York. “We needed to make a his old self. couldn’t eat, now I’m trying to playing in Boston for the first In recent weeks tennis decision now on our event,” In his last five games, Oladipo stay in shape, trying to stay It’s unfortunate that time at Laver Cup 2021.” The governing bodies have dis- said Laver Cup Chairman averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 sane. I’m not looking too far men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, cussed the scheduling logjam Tony Godsick, who is also rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals ahead, trying to maintain shape the Laver Cup has which runs the women’s with little clarity on when the Federer’s agent. while shooting 47.1 percent from and not push it too much. to be pushed back a circuit, suspended all tourna- sport can restart. “We know our passionate the field. “When we get the all-clear, ments until mid-July after Tennis , who run fans will be disappointed that His best game was his: 27 I’ll ramp it up.” Injuries to his year, but at this stage countries started locking the opening Grand Slam of they have to wait an extra points on 9 of 16 shooting and 5 of elbows and knees, as well as it’s the right thing down borders to contain the the year at Melbourne Park, year for the Laver Cup in 7 on 3-pointers with seven muscle problems, have inter- to do for everyone spread of the flu-like virus and US Open organisers, the Boston, but this is the respon- rebounds and four assists. rupted the 24-year-old’s career which has infected over two United States Tennis Associ- sible course of action, neces- But even if the season restarts, and he has been forced to battle concerned: Federer million people. ation, are stakeholders in the sitated by the emerging cal- the Pacers know they can’t just hit his way back through the sec- The grasscourt Grand Slam Laver Cup, which was part of endar conflicts.” the go switch. Oladipo must work ondary tours. his way back. The infection once again “I think we could adjust as we put him on the back foot but he go but there will be some limita- hopes he can have a clear run tions,” Pacers President of bas- once tennis resumes after the Serena takes up Federer’s volley challenge ketball operations Kevin Pritchard COVID-19 pandemic. said on Wednesday, noting 40 “I tried to get back on court IANS – NEW YORK people in the tennis world in minutes per game would be too late December before I knew their own way. While Leander much. anything was wrong, and I was Serena Williams finally took Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi Oladipo has adapted by running out of gas quickly but up Roger Federer’s volley did it with a frying pan, Ash- making some changes around the I thought it might be the challenge. Williams could be leigh Barty, who had taken a house. bushfire thing with all the seen hitting the ball against break from tennis to pursue He converted his garage into smoke,” said Kokkinakis, who the wall at her home without a career, did it with a a gym, where he lifts weights reg- is now ranked 237. dropping it. cricket bat. ularly along with any other work “I was going through four Serena joked that she has The tennis calendar, as is assigned by the team’s staff, or five shirts a night with a been doing this for a number the case with all sports, has trainers or his physical therapist. fever, my bed was drenched, I of days now but she won’t been frozen due to the coro- There are also one or two went to Melbourne and I was give up any time soon. She navirus pandemic. Zoom meetings each week with hitting and I was running out also revealed that she was The is the his team-mates and coaches. of gas. My throat was killing me doing it with the racquet that only Grand Slam that could be No, it’s not basketball - but it’s and it was lingering. It felt like Federer gave her at a Hopman played this year with the all they can do at the moment. razor blades down my throat Cup meet. French Open being postponed “I would say the way you stay so I went to hospital in “Only reason I am doing to September and Wimbledon in game shape is you play games,” Melbourne. it this well is because I am being cancelled for the first Pritchard said. “I got back to and using the racquet Roger gave time since the Second World “Our strength and conditioning it got really bad, I couldn’t eat me a few years ago at the War. staff is checking in on them, they and I struggled to drink water. This photo obtained by Serena Williams' Hopman Cup. It’s amazing,” Uncertainty surrounds the have given (workout) programs to I ended up in hospital again. official twitter handle @serenawilliams she said. US Open with the women’s leg every player. I think one of the But I’m better now, I’m feeling shows the former world number 1 taking Federer’s challenge has of the Rogers Cup being can- things that has been most chal- relatively healthy, but it’s been up Roger Federer's volley challenge. been taken up by a number of celled earlier this month. lenging is finding a gym and being frustrating.” the only one in that gym.” COVID-19: Broncos star Miller NFL to hold practice remote draft on Monday tested positve but in good spirits AP – DETROIT

AP – AURORA Miller is the second Miller, who was recently The NFL will hold a practice remote draft on Monday, three a unanimous pick to the days before the real thing is done in the same way. Von Miller has the coronavirus active NFL player NFL’s All-Decade team of the Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn yesterday did and the NFL star wanted to to acknowledge 2010s, said on a conference not provide details on the proceedings. come forward with his diag- testing positive call last week he trained in "We’re going to do a couple internal tests and trial runs nosis to show people how during the San Francisco before here,” Quinn said in a Zoom meeting to preview the draft. serious the disease is. coronavirus returning home to Colorado "The league is having a mock draft, mock trial run on Monday “I’m going to do whatever pandemic that has when the stay-at-home that we’ll participate in.” I have to do to get thru this!” sickened more than measures went into effect to Commissioner Roger Goodell ordered all team facilities Miller wrote in an Instagram contain the virus. closed in March, and later required club personnel to conduct post Thursday night. “Take this 2 million people Miller is the second active the draft from their homes. Because of the reliance on free- seriously. It’s definitely FOR worldwide NFL player to acknowledge flowing communication, the league decided to stage a mock REAL.” testing positive during the draft to ensure all goes smoothly next Thursday, Friday and The Super Bowl MVP is the coronavirus pandemic that Saturday. highest-profile American has sickened more than 2 The draft originally was scheduled for Las Vegas, but the athlete to announce he’s con- million people worldwide, NFL canceled all public events last month as a safeguard tracted COVID-19. Last month, resulting in tens of thousands against the coronavirus. On April 6, Goodell instructed teams NBA star Kevin Durant was of deaths and sending millions on how they should plan to make selections. among several members of the into unemployment. "After consulting with medical advisers, we cannot Brooklyn Nets to test On Wednesday, Los identify an alternative that is preferable from a medical or positive.. Angeles Rams center Brian public health perspective, given the varying needs of clubs, “Von wants to let everyone Allen said he tested positive for the need properly to screen participants, and the unique out there know it’s serious; it COVID-19 three weeks ago. risk factors that individual club employees may face,” he doesn’t just happen to old New Orleans Saints coach Sean wrote. people in nursing homes,” Payton revealed last month Among the technologies needed for the actual draft are agent Joby Branion told The that he tested positive for the team web meetings and a web hookup with the league itself. on Thursday. virus. The Los Angeles Chargers There also will be phone lines for communicating with other Miller told KUSA-TV in “I’m in good spirits,” Miller linebacker had planned to last week revealed a positive teams for trades, which must be approved by the NFL central Denver that he developed a told the TV station. speak publicly about his diag- test and symptoms for uniden- office. cough a couple of days ago and “I’m not feeling sick or nosis yesterday. tified members of their Security will be paramount, considering the possibility when his nebulizer for his hurting or anything like that.” Branion said Miller went organisation. of crossed communication lines that allow one club's per- asthma didn’t clear things up, Brandion said Miller is in for a test after he began And in Denver, three uni- sonnel to hear discussions of another team's decision makers. he decided to get tested for the good spirits while quarantined coughing a couple of days ago dentified Colorado Avalanche "I do have an official draft phone here in my office,” coronavirus and the test came at his home in the Denver area and consulted with the Broncos players have tested positive for Browns chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta said. back positive yesterday. and that the Broncos medical team. the coronavirus. 06 SPORT SATURDAY 18 APRIL 2020 New SA cricket chief says De Cricket Australia lays off staff over Kock won't get Test captaincy virus shutdown

AFP - AFP - Cricket Australia has announced it is laying off Former Test skipper was most of its administrative staff and will run a yesterday confirmed as ’s director skeleton operation until at least mid-year due to of cricket -- and revealed that Quinton de Kock COVID-19’s impact on the game. would not be elevated to the Test captaincy. The governing body informed the majority Jacques Faul, acting chief executive of Cricket of staffers on Thursday that from April 27 they South Africa, said Smith had been appointed for would have to remain home on reduced pay -- a two-year term, expiring at the end of March reportedly 20 percent of their regular salary -- 2022. until June 30 at the earliest. Smith was appointed in an acting capacity With international and domestic cricket post- last December. poned indefinitely because of the virus, CA chief Smith, 39, captained South Africa in a world executive Kevin Roberts said the game had to record 108 Test matches and in 149 one-day cut costs. internationals. “The impacts on the sports industry of the He also captained a World XI in a one-off coronavirus pandemic are bigger than any one Test against Australia in 2005/06. sport,” he said in a statement. He told a tele-conference that the debate “Cricket Australia -- like all sporting bodies over the Test captaincy was one of the chal- -- is planning for a return to training/play, lenges he faced during a period when no cricket although no one is certain when this will be pos- can be played because of the coronavirus sible at this stage, and many scenarios are being pandemic. considered.” “It’s not going to be Quinton,” he said, citing Roberts said yesterday he hoped the situation De Kock’s responsibility as the country’s lim- regarding resumption of play would be clearer ited-overs captain as well as being wicketkeeper by June 30. South Africa’s Quinton de Kock in action against and a key batsman. Cricket Australia’s website reported there Australia during the third ODI at Senwes Park, “Quinton will be our white-ball captain but were “ongoing discussions” between CA and the from a workload and mental capacity aspect we Potchefstroom, South Africa, in this March 7, Australian Cricketers’ Association about potential want to keep him fresh. 2020, file photo. financial implications for players. "From personal experience I know that cap- CA also said it was optimistic Australia’s taining all three formats is challenging and we the International Cricket Council hosts a video 2020-21 home schedule -- which includes the don’t want to overburden him.” discussion between national chief executives T20 World Cup and a blockbuster Test series Smith gave no indication of the likely next Thursday. against -- would proceed even if stadiums replacement following the decision of Faf du Smith’s temporary appointment last were empty. Plessis in February to step down from the cap- December was at a time of crisis in South African Australian officials are reportedly so keen for taincy role. cricket following the suspension of chief exec- the India series to go ahead that they are consid- “There’s no one person you can pinpoint,” utive Thabang Moroe, calls for the board of CSA ering basing ’s men at a new luxury he said. to resign and in the wake of a poor performance hotel with training facilities while they undergo “There are a lot of players on a similar level.” by the national team in the 2019 Cricket World mandatory quarantine. South Africa’s next scheduled Test series is Cup, which was followed by a 3-0 thrashing in The Sydney Morning Herald reported the in the West Indies in July but Smith said that it In this file photo taken on December 14, 2019, a Test series in India. South Australian Cricket Association had offered had not been finalised due to the COVID-19 out- Graeme Smith speaks during a press conference One of Smith’s first moves was to appoint to house India at the Oval Hotel, which is cur- break. South Africa are also due to go to Sri in Newlands. Smith was yesterday confirmed as former Test wicketkeeper and long-time rently under construction at the Adelaide Oval. Lanka for a limited-overs tour in June but Smith South Africa’s Director of Cricket and he revealed teammate as national head coach Basing the team at the hotel, which is due to said both tours could be postponed. that star player Quinton de Kock would not be through to the 2023 World Cup. open in September, would allow the players to “We are in discussion with the boards of elevated to the Test captaincy. The team has had mixed results since train at top-class facilities during a 14-day quar- those countries and decisions will have to be Boucher’s appointment, losing Test series and antine period. made pretty soon,” he said. of the build-up to the world event. “There is a Twenty20 series against England and The Herald estimated television revenue Smith said his immediate priority was the lot of doubt about what the situation will be by Australia. from the India series was worth Aus$300m T20 World Cup in Australia in October and then but we are in discussions with the Board But they finished the 2019/20 season on a (US$190m)for Cricket Australia. November, assuming it happened as planned. of Control for Cricket in India,” he said. high, beating Australia 3-0 in an ODI series, It said the plan would need approval from He said South Africa hoped to host a Faul said he expected more clarity on the shortly before cricket was shut down because government and health authorities in Australia, Twenty20 series against India in August as part status of the T20 World Cup to emerge when of the spread of the coronavirus.. as well as the Board of Control for Cricket in India. PSL on par with Virus ends Watling, Maxwell IPL cricket-wise, ‘ICC exploring all options with and Faulkner’s county stints feels England’s Livingstone regards to T20 World Cup’ AFP - LONDON IANS - NEW DELHI The Board of Control for Cricket in India ’s BJ Watling and Australia’s Glenn Maxwell and IANS - LONDON (BCCI) was recently forced to postpone the 2020 James Faulkner will no longer play for Lancashire this season The International Cricket Council (ICC) sought edition of the while a host because of the impact of the coronavirus, the English county said England batsman Liam Living- to play down speculation over a possible post- of international series have been postponed. yesterday. stone has played in both the ponement of the 2020 T20 World Cup while The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played Cricket fixtures in England have been cancelled until May 28 Super League and the maintaining that it is exploring all options. from October 15 to November 15 in Australia. due to the pandemic, with further delays likely given the British Indian Premier League. He “We are continuing with our planning for ICC Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison government’s announcement Thursday of a further three weeks was one of the foreign players events as they are, but given the rapidly evolving warned yesterday that restrictions on people’s of lockdown. in this season of the PSL which situation as a prudent and responsible measure movement could continue for another year in New Zealand wicketkeeper/batsman Watling was signed for was the first to be played we are also undertaking a comprehensive con- the country. the opening nine County Championship games whilst Maxwell entirely in Pakistan. tingency planning exercise,” an ICC spokesperson “We will continue to take advice from experts and Faulkner would have played for Lancashire in the Twenty20 Livingstone said that the was quoted as saying by Sky Sport. and authorities, including the Australian gov- Blast competition, having both featured in last season’s edition atmosphere in the stadium due “This includes exploring all options available ernment and will take decisions at the appro- for the northwest county. Lancashire said their contracts would to fans is what sets the PSL and to us based on a range of scenarios connected to priate time,” the spokesperson said. be ended by “mutual termination”. IPL apart from the rest of the the pandemic.” “We will utilise all the data and information “I would like to thank BJ, Glenn, James and their represent- T20 leagues. The coronavirus pandemic has led to a freeze available to us to ensure we can take well- atives for their total understanding of the current situation and “The fans, players and sup- on the cricket calendar, as is the case with all informed, responsible decisions that are in the full agreement of this decision,” Lancashire director of cricket porters all live and breathe sports. best interests of our sport.” Paul Allott said in a statement. cricket, that’s what sets the PSL and IPL apart from the others,” he was quoted as saying in the BBC’s Doosra We need to take situation step by step: McCullum podcast. Livingstone, who played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL IANS - KOLKATA the best thing from what we’ve tried to trying to enjoy the time that I’m getting team’s trainer and a former Olympics and for Peshawar Zalmi in the do in our family as well. Every day, write at home with the family, because in a sprinter, has been setting up sessions for PSL this year, said that it was Former New Zealand captain and Kolkata a bit of a plan of what we’re going to try funny way, we are all forced to really all the (KKR) players,” he said. special to play cricket in places Knight Riders head coach Brendan to tick off and what we’re going to try and spend a lot of time with our loved ones “I’ve sort of figured that as a coach, I that have not hosted live McCullum yesterday said he agrees with achieve. Funnily enough we’ve done it which is fantastic. can’t ask others to do what you’re not pre- cricket for a while in Pakistan. legend that the around meal times -- breakfast together, “We probably don’t stop and take as pared to do yourself. So whilst I can’t do “It was great to play in menace of COVID-19 and lockdown lunch together and then dinner together. much time to appreciate that. When we them as well as the players can, I can still places that hadn’t seen live period needs to be tackled session by “Additionally, just sort of tick off some are on the other side of this pandemic put in a little bit of effort. I’ve also heard cricket for a while, such as session like a Test match, ensuring the jobs outside, whether it’s cleaning out your and hopefully, we haven’t lost too many that the shirts this year -- all our practice Multan, where the atmosphere days are well planned. wardrobes or whether its cleaning the roof lives, and things are returning to normal shirts and coaches shirts -- are going to was unbelievable,” he added. The deadly virus has brought the or doing all the gutters or whatever, there’s in the schedule of all of us cricket coaches, be very, very tight, so I need to make sure “I think the stadium holds world to a standstill with the Indian always something to be done. commentators and people all around I’m not too fat as we head into the around 30,000 but I’m Premier League (IPL) also getting post- "Just as Sachin said, play it like a Test involved in the game, it’s going to gget season!” adamant there were about poned.poned. Tendulkar recentlyrecently spoke matchmatch and break it down into sessions,”sessions,” pretty intense. 50,000 there. They cheer for aboutabout approaching these difdif-- addedadded the 38-year oldold.. “So I’m trying to just enjoy the breakreak anything and don’t support ficultficult ttimesimes withwith a session-session- On hhowow hhee is ddealingealing witwithh for now.” any particular team,” he said. by-session approach.approach. thethe ppresentresent situation, the ace McCullum has been following KKR’sKR’s Both the PSL and IPL had “I“I agree with Sachin. stumperstumper batsman said: “Well new strength and condition trainer Chrishris to be postponed due to the I think youyou know wewe I gguessuess we are all dealindealingg Donaldson’s workout regimes quiteuite coronavirus pandemic. The needneed to just try and with it in different ways, diligently. PSL was already underway breakbreak this down,down, and and everyevery countrycountry has its “If you’re going to do a little bitt ooff when the pandemic started trytry and look at it in ownown issuesissues at thethe moment.moment. crime, you’ve got to do some time too!too! causing a global crisis and isolation everyevery time “It“It has definitedefinitelyly That’s exactly why Chris Donaldson,, ouourr interfering with the cricket ---- jjustust small steps like passedpassed thingsthings slowly.slowly. I’m trainer, who is also the New Zealandland calendar. It triggered an in a session by session exodus of foreign players after (scenario).(scenario). Deal withwith I agreeagre with Sachin. I think you kknownow which the Pakistan Cricket everyevery day, make sure youryour Board initially decided to daysdays are well planned, well we need to just try and break tthishis shorten the knockout stage of structured,”structured,” McCullum told down,down and try and look at it in isolationsolation the event. Eventually, the tour- KnightsKnights Unplugged oonn nament itself was postponed. www.kkr.inwww.kkr.in. everyever time -- just small steps likeike iinn a The IPL meanwhile was “I tthinkhink that’sthat’s sessionsess by session (scenario). Deal scheduled to start on March 29 but it was postponed initially wwith every day, make sure yyourour to April 15. With the lockdown days are well planned, wellell in India extended to May 3, the Sachin Brendan sstructured: Brendon McCullumum IPL has since been indefinitely Tendulkar McCullum postponed. SATURDAY 18 APRIL 2020 SPORT 07 Proposal could see CL final on August 29 The Champions League final REUTERS — LONDON UEFA is considering UEFA wants the Europa League final to be held competitions next season,” was originally scheduled to take two options, one of which in Gdansk on August 26 and the Champions RFEF general secretary place in Istanbul on May 30. European soccer’s is to hold the Champions League final played three days later: BBC Andreu Camps said in a governing body (UEFA) is League quarter-finals and statement on Thursday. working on a proposal that semi-finals across two legs The Champions League final was originally “Thus... it has been could see the remainder of in July and August. This scheduled to take place in Istanbul on May 30 agreed in the RFEF Del- the Champions League would only be possible if and the Europa League final was due to be held egate Commission to make condensed into a week- domestic leagues restarted in Gdansk three days earlier. a plan in order to give cer- long mini-tournament with in June. tainty in an extreme sce- the final taking place on The second option is to nario, such as not being August 29 in Istanbul, the play the remaining Cham- due to be held in Gdansk the outbreak of the novel able to finish the competi- BBC has reported. pions League ties as one-off three days earlier. coronavirus, , tions, so that all the clubs Football, as with most fixtures after the end of the Meanwhile, if the La Real , Sevilla and know the new scenario sports around the world, domestic seasons and could Liga season is cut short or Real Sociedad are the four they are facing.” has been brought to a see the remainder of the abandoned due to the coro- teams that will go through After the last round of standstill by the COVID-19 competition played out navirus pandemic, the four to Europe’s premier club games were completed on pandemic, with all major over the course of a week. teams on top of the most competition if no more March 10, Barcelona topped European leagues sus- Both options would be recent completed round of action is possible this La Liga with 58 points, two pended and the Champions discussed at UEFA’s Exec- standings will qualify for season. ahead of Real Madrid. League stalled in the utive Committee meeting next season’s Champions “The RFEF wants to Sevilla are third on 47, with middle of its round of 16. next Thursday, the report League, the Spanish have done its homework in Real Sociedad a point UEFA wants the Europa added. Football Association (RFEF) case, in the event of a sus- further back in fourth. League final to be held in The Champions League said. pension of competitions, it The teams in fifth and Gdansk on August 26 and final was originally With all teams having receives the request from sixth place - which are cur- the Champions League final scheduled to take place in played 27 matches before UEFA regarding the rently Getafe and Atletico played three days later, the Istanbul on May 30 and the the RFEF suspended play Spanish clubs that would Madrid - will also qualify report said. Europa League final was on March 12 due to have access to European for the Europa League.

Stranded Testing debate rages Colombian fans ask for amid hopes for repatriation Bundesliga return help AFP — BERLIN The plan to resume next REUTERS — month would require Liverpool had The Bundesliga hopes to get the around 20,000 tests A group of Colombian opened up a go-ahead from the German spread across the 36 football fans stuck in government to resume in May, 25-point lead atop teams -- 18 clubs in the after South the table, winning yet a debate is raging as to American borders were whether there will be enough Bundesliga and the same 27 of 29 games, number in the second tier. closed due to the outbreak when the campaign testing available for the coro- of the novel coronavirus navirus to keep players safe. was suspended last have appealed to their League football was sus- There are concerns that month. government to help them pended in mid-March in testing footballers would get home. Germany until at least April 30 put unnecessary strain Some 15 fans of to help limit the spread of the on the health system Medellin club Independ- virus, but the German Football iente arrived in Buenos League (DFL) hopes matches in Germany, which has Aires by bus in early Premier League clubs discuss can resume early next month. 133,830 official cases of March and watched their If the authorities give the coronavirus and 3,868 team being beaten 3-0 by green light, the Bundesliga deaths, according to Boca Juniors in the Copa options but left in limbo could be the first top European yesterday’s figures. Libertadores. league to restart and could However, when they potentially make German set off on the near-7000 REUTERS — MANCHESTER during the meeting of the pos- football the focus of a global testing capacities (in km return trip, they sible complications that could audience. Germany),” virologist Ulf arrived at the town of La Premier League clubs yesterday be caused by the season One proposal is for games Dittmer told newspaper Ruhr Quiaca to find the Bolivian discussed possible models for running beyond June 30 -- to be played behind closed Nachrichten. “I don’t know border closed. finishing the current season but We are actively when some player and manager doors without spectators -- whether it is ethically justifiable “We’ve been through did not consider a specific date engaging with contracts run out. dubbed ‘ghost games’ in to carry out 20,000 tests on so much. It’s been a for play to resume while UK World soccer’s governing German -- with each of the 36 people who are not actually a nightmare,” Cristian government lockdown restric- stakeholders, body FIFA has stated that con- clubs in the top two tiers testing risk group and who do not have Ramirez said. tions remain in place. including broadcast tracts should be adjusted to their players, coaches and symptoms.” “We just hope to Representatives of the 20 partners, and our reflect the actual end of the backroom staff every three to However, a senior figure return home to our teams took part in a conference season. However, that issue four days. from Berlin-based Accredited country.” call to look at various possible aim is to ensure we could be open to challenge Only those players or staff Laboratories in Medicine (ALM), Ramirez said the fans options for restarting the season are in a position to under English law. who test positive for the coro- which oversees 200 labora- had slept by rivers, in and remain committed to com- The Football League (EFL), navirus would be quarantined tories in Germany, says they public parks and then in pleting the fixtures rather than resume playing when which represents the three divi- -- not entire teams -- with the could cope with the extra schools that were closed voiding the season. it is safe to do so and sions below the Premier league hoping the season can demand. due to the coronavirus But after the government with the full support League, has said that teams be completed by June 30. “Even if the 36 clubs were pandemic. announced on Thursday that should not return to training The date is important as it to test their staff every two They were forced to the lockdown would remain in of the Government: before May 16 “at the would secure around €300m days with 40-50 people return 1774 km to Buenos place for at least another three Premier League earliest”. ($326m) from television deals involved, we would still be at Aires and after talks with weeks, all options remain Should teams be allowed to alone, which could reportedly less than half a percent of the the local government, hypothetical. spokesperson train it is expected they would save some clubs from testing capacity,” ALM board they are now being put up A Premier League spokes- need two-to-three weeks to get insolvency. member Dr. Evangelos Kot- in a hotel and hoping to person said: “Today’s Share- “We are actively engaging prepared for the return to However, the plan to sopoulos told German daily get home as soon as holders’ Meeting provided an with stakeholders, including action, making the earliest pos- resume next month would Bild. possible. opportunity to discuss pos- broadcast partners, and our aim sible return in June. require around 20,000 tests “I also cannot imagine that “We’re in contact with sible scheduling models. It is to ensure we are in a position But with the ban on mass spread across the 36 teams -- the intention of the clubs is to the Colombian consulate remains our objective to com- to resume playing when it is public gatherings likely to be 18 clubs in the Bundesliga and use tests that would be medi- and we are awaiting a plete the 2019-20 season but safe to do so and with the full one of the last restrictions to be the same number in the second cally necessary for other humanitarian flight at this stage all dates are ten- support of the Government. removed, rescheduled games tier. people.” although we don’t have a tative while the impact of “The health and wellbeing could well be held behind There are concerns that According to Bild, ALM’s date yet,” Ramirez said. COVID-19 develops. of players, coaches, managers, closed doors. testing footballers would put figures for the 107 laboratories Argentina has so far “In common with other club staff and supporters are Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool unnecessary strain on the that most recently supplied recorded 2,571 corona- businesses and industries, the our priority and the League will had opened up a 25-point lead health system in Germany, data show testing has increased virus cases, with 115 Premier League and our clubs only restart when medical atop the table, winning 27 of 29 which has 133,830 official cases to 110,000 per day for a total deaths. are working through complex guidance allows.” games, when the campaign was of coronavirus and 3,868 of 550,000 tests per week. planning scenarios. There was no discussion suspended last month. deaths, according to yesterday’s However, there are also figures. concerns about the quality of Bayern star Coman faces fine for driving wrong car “We don’t have infinite some testing. AFP — BERLIN Bayern’s internal rules Kingsley Coman state that players must Bayern Munich winger Kingsley drive cars made by Audi Coman is facing a €50,000 or other brands in the ($54,385) fine and a compulsory Volkswagen group, or autograph session as punishment for driving the else face a fine of up to wrong car to training, German €50,000. daily Bild reported yesterday. French international Coman, 23, arrived at Bayern’s an autograph session as soon Tuesday training session in a as coronavirus restrictions had McLaren, contravening a con- been lifted. tractual obligation to drive an Audi own 8.33 percent of Audi, a key Bayern sponsor. Bayern shares and recently According to Bild, Bayern’s signed a new sponsorship deal internal rules state that players with the club until 2029, must drive cars made by Audi reportedly worth around or other brands in the €800m. Volkswagen group, or else face German football is currently a fine of up to €50,000. suspended due to the corona- Speaking to the tabloid yes- virus, but Bayern and other terday, Coman apologised for “I would like to apologise to told Bild. The Frenchman added Bundesliga clubs resumed the mishap and insisted that he the club and Audi for not driving that to make up for it, he would training in small groups and FROM LEFT: Bayern Munich’s striker Thomas Mueller, defender was unable to drive his Audi my company car to training... it visit employees at the Audi under strict social distancing Niklas Suele and midfielder Leon Dajaku during a training session due to a damaged wing mirror. was a mistake, I see that,” he factory in nearby Ingolstadt for rules earlier this month. in Munich on April 16, 2020.