SPORT SPORTS | 10 SPORT | 11 DeDe VilliersV may ‘They miss me’, rethinkrethink comeback Pogba puzzled ifif T20 World Cup by critics like getsgets postponed Souness

WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2020 Xavi to share health and fitness tips in Generation Amazing live stream

THE PENINSULA – DOHA live streams last week as it aims to con- Generation Amazing programme during positive uniting values we teach in constructed by Generation Amazing. tinue engaging with its stakeholders and the pandemic is a core objective of the football and the Generation Amazing Last year, Xavi visited Mumbai to FIFA World Cup winner Xavi Hernández audience during the ongoing online programme, which aims to reachach programme,programme, to better their lives and inaugurate a GeneratGenerationio Amazing will feature in Generation Amazing’s pandemic. children and youth around the world.ld. thethe llivesives ooff tthosehose in ttheirheir pitchpitch anandd meet withwith youth who Instagram Live session today at 5pm The sessions occur every weekday on Generation Amazing’s Communi-ni- community.”community.” hadhad bbeeneen pprovidedrovid a safe (14:00GMT) to discuss health and fitness its Facebook and Instagram channels: cations and Marketing Director, Mozaoza FormerFormer BarceBarcelonalona sspacepace to plaplayy footballfo and during the COVID-19 pandemic. @GA4Good. Al Mohannadi, said: “We’re thrilled to Xavi has taken part ttakeake part in kkeyey life skills The Supreme Committee for Xavi, who is currently the head be hosting Xavi for this upcoming liveive in a numnumberber ooff Generation coaching.coaching. & Legacy (SC) ambassador will coach of Qatar Stars League team Al session. Audiences will be in for a treateat AmazingAmazing activities durinduringg his Also,Also, in DecemberDece 2019, also talk about the Generation Amazing Sadd, said: “I am very excited to be as we hear how our shared footballingng timetime as an SC amambassador.bassador. Xavi attendedattended the FIFA programme, which is currently active joining Generation Amazing’s Instagram values and the power of sport can helpelp In 2016, he travelled to Legends Day during the in nine countries and has positively Live sessions to talk about how football inspire generations through both goodod Amman, Jordan,Jordan, to run a inaugurainaugurall GGeneration impacted the lives of more than and sporting values can help us in these and challenging times.” trainingtraining session for youngstersyoungsters AAmazingmazing Festival, 500,000 people. Generation Amazing challenging times. I look forward to Nasser Al Khori, Programmesmes at thethe AlAl Baqa’a refugeerefugee camp wwhichhich involved – a Qatar 2022 legacy programme – interacting with the audience and hope- Director at Generation Amazing, said:aid: pitchpitch – wwhichhich was 114040 youth harnesses the power of football to fully lifting spirits through the fantastic “Xavi has long been a part of our missionon ambassadorsam deliver sustainable positive change in live programme Generation Amazing to reach children and youth, encour-r- fromfr more underprivileged communities. has been offering.” aging them to partake in an active andd thant 20 Generation Amazing started daily Continuing to showcase the healthy lifestyle, and practice thee Xavi Hernández countries.c

Organisers Tour de France called off, new date unknown yet Sports activities to await French remain suspended Grand Prix Organisers battle to save decision until April 30: QOC cycling’s crown jewel THE PENINSULA – DOHA AGENCIES – PARIS The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) A decision on whether to go AFP – PARIS A report in the Dauphine Ranst told Flemish TV channel announced yesterday that it has ahead with June’s French newspaper says that Sporza on Saturday. extended the suspension of all local Formula One Grand Prix Tour de France organisers are the Tour will begin on Suggestions the Tour could sport activities and events until April behind closed doors or to working to find a new start August 27, with the race be held without supporters 30 to ensure the safety of everyone postpone or scrap the event date for cycling’s biggest race to finish in the capital on have been ruled out. against coronavirus (COVID-19) will be made in the coming after large public gatherings September 20. A late July start for the Tour pandemic. days, organisers said yesterday. were banned until mid-July could have been considered The QOC’s decision is a comple- The grand prix scheduled in the latest extension of the too close to the ban on large mentary move comes in line with the for June 28 is the first race on French coronavirus at least May 11, as public gath- public gatherings, while the preventive measures taken by the the revised Formula One world lockdown. erings were banned until riders would also need to be in State of Qatar to limit the spread of championship calendar with Originally slated to start mid-July. peak condition. coronavirus by banning public gath- nine races already scrapped or from Nice on June 27 and Tour general director ASO also organises the Cri- erings also in accordance with the suspended as a result of the finish in Paris on July 19, there Christian Prudhomme has said terium du Dauphine eight-day recommendations of Ministry of coronavirus pandemic. is no chance the event can go riders will need two months race, and had been hoping to Public Health and National Pandemic A spokesman for the race ahead as planned and organ- after the lockdown ends to run that ride through the Alps Preparedness Committee. organisers told AFP that they isers face a mammoth logis- prepare for the race. in late June or early July, but “have been studying all sce- tical task of rescheduling. France’s Minister of the the traditional Tour warm-up narios” including post- A report in the Dauphine Interior Christophe Castaner has been postponed. ponement or staging the event newspaper yesterday said that said on Tuesday that ASO had The reported late-August behind closed doors. the Tour will instead begin on to reschedule or cancel the start would see the race clash AFC extends virus F1 sports director Ross August 27, with the race to Tour. with the Vuelta a Espana, Brawn said last week he could finish in the capital on Sep- “It is up to the organiser to which is scheduled to run from envisage the start of the F1 tember 20. analyse their ability to organise August 14-September 6. shutdown indefinitely season in Europe in July with a Organisers ASO were una- it and reschedule it,” Castaner There are only 176 riders race excluding the public. vailable for comment to told French radio. on a Tour, but the whole event AFP – HONG KONG Meanwhile, Red Bull confirm the new dates, but The race’s route is over involves around 4,500 people, Formula 1 driver Max Ver- several mayors of the French 3,000km long, with roughly with team staff, police and The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced yesterday the stappen will compete in the V8 towns along the planned route 500,000 fans lining the roads media all moving every day. indefinite postponement because of the coronavirus of all matches Supercars All-Stars virtual say they have been consulted each day. Cancellation is the worst- scheduled for May and June, plunging the AFC Champions League Eseries. regarding the new dates. “Social distancing on the case scenario. into further disarray. The region’s premier club competition was put With Formula One's season French President roadside wouldn’t be a The “Grande Boucle”, as on hold in March as the pandemic spread, and the latest reshuffle stalled by the new coronavirus Emmanuel Macron said in a problem, but in the start towns, the Tour is known in France, means the 32-team group stage will have to be completed in July pandemic, and the March 15 televised address on onday at the finish line and in the VIP is the central economic pillar before the already-postponed knock-out rounds start a month later. opener in Melbourne called off that a strict lockdown in tents it certainly would,” which supports the sports’ 22 “Following the continued preventive measures and travel after everyone had arrived, the France would continue until Belgian virologist Marc Van professional teams. restrictions put in place by several governments, the Asian Football 22-year-old Dutchman has Confederation has decided today to postpone all matches and com- kept busy online. petitions scheduled to take place in May and June until further Verstappen's number 33 notice,” an AFC statement said. will be on a virtual 5.0-litre “As one of the first confederations in world football to undertake V8-powered Red Bull Holden precautionary measures in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the decked up in his Formula 1 car's Cyclists ride during the third stage of the 106th edition of the Tour de France cycling race latest decision reinforces the AFC’s commitment to ensure the safety livery for the second round of between Binche and Epernay in Belgium in this July 08, 2019 file photo. and wellbeing of players, participating teams, officials, fans and all the virtual series. stakeholders.” Tokyo has no ‘Plan B’ for another Olympic postponement

AP – TOKYO be feasible to hold the Olympics A resident takes a photo of a countdown clock organisers and the IOC hold a in just over 15 months. showing the adjusted days and time for the teleconference with media in There is no “Plan B” for the “All I can tell you today is start of the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games, Japan. Olympics if they need to be that the new games’ dates for in Tokyo in this March 30 file photo. The other major question is postponed again because of the both the Olympic and Paral- the cost of the delay, and who coronavirus pandemic, Tokyo ympic Games have been just set pays. organisers said yesterday. up,” Takaya said. “In that Bach said in the Sunday Masa Takaya, the respect, Tokyo 2020 and all interview that the IOC would spokesman for the Tokyo concerned parties now are incur “several hundred million Olympics, said organisers are doing their very best effort to dollars” in added costs. Under proceeding under the deliver the games next year.” the so-called Host City assumption the Olympics will IOC President Thomas Bach Agreement, Japan is liable for open on July 23, 2021. The Par- was asked about the possibility the vast majority of the alympics follow on August 24. of a postponement in an expenses. Those dates were set last interview published in the “This is impossible to say for month by the International German newspaper Die Welt on now,” Takaya said. “It is not Olympic Committee and Jap- Sunday. very easy to estimate the exact anese officials after the coro- He did not answer the amount of the games’ additional navirus pandemic made it clear question directly, but said later costs, which have been the Tokyo Games could not be that Japanese organizers and impacted by the held as scheduled this year. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe indi- postponement.” “We are working toward the cated they “could not manage Tokyo says it is spending new goal,” Takaya said, a postponement beyond next $12.6bn to organise the speaking in English on a tel- summer at the latest.” Olympics. But a Japanese gov- econference call with jour- The Olympics draw 11,000 ernment audit published last nalists. “We don’t have a B athletes and 4,400 Paralympic year says the costs are twice Plan.” athletes and large support staffs about frozen travel, rebooking of rescheduling, which is esti- addressed the issue in a news that much. Of the total spending, The severity of the pan- from 206 national Olympic hotels, cramming fans into sta- mated in Japan at $2-6bn. conference on Friday. He is $5.6bn is private money. The demic and the death toll has committees. diums and arenas, securing Tokyo organising com- likely to be asked about it again rest is from Japanese raised questions if it will even There are also questions venues and the massive costs mittee CEO Toshiro Muto tomorrow when local governments. WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2020 SPORT 09

Bolt goes viral with NHL: Two-time ‘social distancing’ Stanley Cup winner Versteeg retires Olympic photo after 11 seasons AFP — WASHINGTON Clarey posted another picture of Bolt out in front on his own, AP — NEW YORK Retired track star Usain Bolt captioned “self isolation”. showed he’s still a few steps Bolt’s chest-thumping cel- Two-time Stanley Cup-winning ahead when he posted a picture ebration in Beijing added to a forward Kris Versteeg is retiring after of him outstripping his rivals at legend that grew further when 11 NHL seasons. the Beijing Olympics with the he won the 200m in another The 33-year-old announced his cheeky caption: “social world-record time. He retired decision through the NHL Players’ distancing”. in 2017 with eight Olympic gold Association on Tuesday, and after Bolt’s post, featuring a medals and the current 100m ending this season playing with his picture by AFP photographer mark of 9.58sec, set in 2009. brother, Mitch, with Slovakia’s HK Nicolas Asfouri of the 2008 Bolt, 33, has been encour- Nitra. Olympics 100m final, blew up aging Jamaicans to self-isolate Versteeg was a member of the on social media, drawing more during the coronavirus pan- Blackhawks’ championship teams in than half a million likes and demic, posting videos of himself 2010 and ’15. He described the winning 90,000 retweets. exercising at home and juggling the Cup in 2010 as the highlight of his It showed the Jamaican footballs with a friend. He also career, coming during a postseason in crossing the finish line at the helped promote a major fund- which he had six goals - including two Bird’s Nest stadium in a then- raiser, Telethon Jamaica. game-winners - and 14 points in 22 world record time of 9.69sec, After retiring from athletics, games. glancing round from lane four Bolt, a Manchester United fan, He spent five seasons over two sep- as his despairing competitors attempted to launch a career in arate stints with Chicago. He played his trail two paces behind. football, and had a trial with In this picture posted by Usain Bolt on his twitter account, the Jamaican superstar is final NHL game with Calgary in March “Savage”, commented one Australia’s Central Coast Mar- 2018, before spending much of the past crossing the finish line at the Bird’s Nest stadium in a then-world record time of 9.69sec, Twitter user, while New York iners before contract talks two years in Europe. glancing round from lane four as his despairing competitors trail two paces behind. Times journalist Christopher failed. “What a run it was,” Versteeg said in a statement. “I took a lot for granted in my time in the NHL. But the one thing I never took for granted were the relationships McIlroy hoping schedule change I made with my team-mates and staffs of the hockey clubs I played for.” From Alberta, Canada, Versteeg was selected by Boston in the fifth round of the 2004 draft, and he made his NHL leads to Masters breakthrough debut with Chicago during the 2007-08 season. Versteeg was an NHL rookie of AFP — LONDON distancing measures. “I A statement said the PGA Seth Waugh said. “It’s how the year finalist the following year, think for us, that the Ryder of America contribution to get to the other side. The when he had 22 goals and 53 points in Rory McIlroy (pictured) is Cup is the biggest and most included all members of its government is doing extraor- 78 games. hoping the rescheduling of intense atmosphere you can executive team voluntarily dinary things. He finished with 149 goals and 209 the 2020 golf calendar can It’s going to be a play under,” McIlroy added. reducing their compensation. The Fed actions last week assists for 358 points in 643 career help him complete a career different Masters “You’re not just playing The board of directors were stunning. The loan pro- games split over seven teams. He grand slam at the Masters in for yourself, you’re playing pledged personal grams are very clever to keep missed a majority of the 2012-13 season November. this year but for your team-mates, you’re donations. people employed. The bad due to chest and knee injuries and was All four of golf’s majors personally, maybe playing for your country, “There’s pain every- news is it may not be enough limited to playing 24 games in 2017-18 have been affected by strict selfishly, that’s you’re playing for a lot of dif- where,” PGA chief executive depending on how long this as a result of hip surgery. government restrictions to ferentferent people.”people.” lasts. At 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, Ver- help prevent the spread of what I need to get Meanwhile,Meanwhile, tthehe PGA ofof “What“What we’re sasayingying is,is, steeg acknowledged he played with a coronavirus. the jacket: Rory AAmericamerica donated $5m$5m to ‘How‘How cacann wwee ccreatereate aann addiaddi-- chip on his shoulder and might not have The Open Championship llaunchaunch tthehe GolfGolf tionaltional sasafetyfety net?’” “always been the easiest to deal with.” has been cancelled and the McIlroy EEmergencymerg ency ThThee fufundnd wwillill be aadmin-dmin- He credited Scott Gordon, who three American majors RReliefelief fundfund,, isteredistered bbyy E4E ReRelief,lief, aann coached him at AHL Providence, and rescheduled for the second aaimingiming to independentindependent pupublicblic ccharity.harity. Dale Tallon for helping further his half of the year. “I don’t think it willill fefeelel provideprovide susupportpport TheThe PGA, wwhichhich rerepre-pre- career. Tallon twice acquired Versteeg Rather than its usual like that this year, it willill feel forfor the golfgolf sents club pprofessionals,rofessionals, hahass in trades, first as the Blackhawks position as the first major of different but it’s somethingething industryindustry dduringuring nearlynearly 29,000 memmembers.bers. BuButt general manager in 2007, and then in the year, The Masters will I’m looking forward to.o. thethe cocoronavirusronavirus PGA presidentpresident Suzy WhaleyWhaley the same role with the Florida Panthers round off a hectic four “It’s going to be a ddif-if- pandemic.pandemic. said it’s hoped the fund willwill in 2011. months that is also scheduled ferent Masters this yearar but TheThe bodbody,y, whoswhosee help members of other golfgolf to include the PGA Champi- personally, maybe selfishly,fishly, flagshipflagship event tthehe UUSS organisations, clubclub caddiescaddies Kris Versteeg finishes with 149 onship, US Open and Ryder that’s what I need to getget the PGA CChampionshiphampionshipp andand plplayersayers on ddevelop-evelop- goals and 209 assists for 358 Cup. jacket.” hashas been ppostponedostponedd mentalmental toutours.rs. points in 643 career games split “The Masters means so The Northern Irishmanhman ffromrom May amiamidd tthehe over seven teams. He missed a much. Obviously it’s the last is also hoping to getet tthehe shelter-in-placeshelter-in-place popol-l- majority of the 2012-13 season major for me to win but chance to represent Europeurope icies ddesignedesigned to slowslow due to chest and knee injuries putting that aside, it is such in the Ryder Cup, whichch hashas spreadspread ofof tthehe virus, and was limited to playing 24 a special place, so many so far retained its originaliginal pledgedpledged to match up great memories already,” dates from September 25-27 toto an aadditionaldditional games in 2017-18 as a result of McIlroy said in an Instagram at Whistling Straitsts in $2.5m givengiven hip surgery. Live with Nike Golf. Wisconsin. byby other “I always feel there’s this However, Europeanpean groups.groups. bit of anticipation going into captain Padraig Harringtonngton Kris Versteeg Augusta, the first big event believes the biennial event of the year. There’s all this will be postponed iff ffansans hype. cannot attend due to socsocialial Senior British Open postponed, could be played later in 2020

AP — LONDON July 23-26, is the fourth of September 24-27 from early 12 months so it can still be to host the Senior Open later the five senior majors to lose May. The Senior Players held at Royal St. George’s in in the year if at all possible,” The Senior British Open was its scheduled place on the Championship, scheduled 2021, the senior version was said Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, postponed yesterday amid calendar because of the for Firestone Country Club called off but not scrapped executive director for cham- the coronavirus outbreak, pandemic. in Ohio from July 9-12, for the year, despite the pionships at the R&A, “and with organisers still hoping The Senior PGA Champi- hasn’t been called off yet. challenges posed by limited will make an announcement the last senior major of the onship and the US Senior A week after the regular daylight hours as it gets in due course.” year can be played in 2020. Open have been canceled, British Open was canceled away from the summer. Bernhard Langer is the The event, due to take while the Regions Tradition for the first time since 1945 “We will continue to defending champion, after place at Sunningdale from has been rescheduled for and effectively pushed back investigate alternative options winning last year. Rays’ Snell, Twins’ May sweep MLB The Show games

REUTERS — NEW YORK regular-season game lasts three Lux’s Dodgers 3-1. Minnesota’s innings, and there are extra Marwin Gonzalez hit a two-run Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Blake Snell All players will innings when needed. double in the bottom of the first Blake Snell swept his four square off once in a The top eight players will inning to open the scoring. games while Minnesota Twins 29-game round robin reach the postseason, which Mookie Betts’ RBI double on a right-hander Trevor May went over three weeks. culminates in a May 2 World misplayed fly ball to center 3-0 in the MLB The Show Series. The play-offs will utilize made it 2-1 in the top of the Players Tournament. Each regular-season a best-of-three format until the second, but Max Kepler got the Los Angeles Dodgers game lasts three World Series, which will be run back with a homer in the infielder Gavin Lux, Chicago innings, and there best-of-five. On Monday, Lux’s bottom of the second. Cubs utility man Ian Happ and are extra innings Dodgers began with a 2-1 win Lux ended his night with a Baltimore Orioles outfielder over Soto’s Nationals. With Los 1-0 shutout of Dahl’s Rockies. Dwight Smith Jr. each went 3-1. when needed. Angeles down 1-0, Will Smith Justin Turner’s RBI infield single St. Louis Cardinals infielder homered leading off the bottom to score Betts in the bottom of Matt Carpenter and Kansas City of the third inning, and Max the first was the Dodgers’ only Royals outfielder Brett Phillips Muncy hit a sacrifice fly to hit in the game, and Walker both produced 2-2 records. center to plate Enrique Hern- Buehler and Kenley Jansen Colorado Rockies outfielder andez with the walk-off run. made it stand up with a com- David Dahl and Washington Lux then earned a 3-1 win bined two-hitter. Soto homered Nationals outfielder Juan Soto over Hader’s Brewers. Christian as Howie Kendrick and as each finished 1-2. Pittsburgh Yelich homered in the bottom himself in a 2-0 win over Hader. Pirates shortstop Cole Tucker of the first off Clayton Kershaw, One player who was and San Francisco Giants out- and New York Yankees right- each of the 30 major league indefinitely due to the corona- but the Dodgers scored three scheduled to compete Monday, fielder Hunter Pence both hander Tommy Kahnle ended teams. The charity event is virus pandemic. runs in the second, all three Cleveland Indians first baseman posted 1-3 marks. up 0-4. The online tournament helping fill some time for All players will square off with Hader playing as himself Carlos Santana, had all of his Milwaukee Brewers left- utilising the “MLB The Show 20” players and fans with the once in a 29-game round robin on the mound. games postponed due to tech- hander Josh Hader went 0-3, game features one player from baseball season shut down over three weeks. Each May’s Twins then downed nical difficulties. 10 SPORT WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2020 Hope IPL happens so Lyon backs I can play for CSK for Paine to one more year: Watson continue as Australia's IANS - MELBOURNE Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson is desperately hoping captain for things to improve and the COVID-19 to go away so that he can play “atleast one more year” for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings. REUTERS - SYDNEY Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday announced an extension of the current nationwide lockdown till May 3, claiming Australia spinner Nathan Lyon social distancing is the only way to pass the “agni pariksha”. says Tim Paine has been “abso- This means the IPL, which has already been postponed, would lutely incredible” since taking be pushed back even further. over as Test captain during “Hopefully the things will sort of work out in the next few turbulent times and expects the days and I will be able to play atleast one more year with CSK,” wicketkeeper to continue in the Watson, 38, told CSK social media handles during a video chat. role for the foreseeable future. “To be able to share love of CSK, all around India not just in Paine was handed the job Chennai. And that’s the thing that blows me away. It is not just in 2018 after then-captain in Chennai but wherever we go, the support that we get is very South Africa's AB de Villiers bats during the second Steve Smith was banned for 12 strong. Test against India at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium months for his part in a ball- “So I hope this virus moves on and I have the pleasure to in Bangalore in this November 15, 2015 file photo. tampering scandal in South re-join CSK for some more time,” said the powerful all-rounder Africa. who quit international in 2016 and stood down as Sydney Australia lost a first home Thunder’s captain in the Big Bash League last year. series to India but retained the Watson also spoke about braving a sore and bloody knee Ashes last year under Paine, during the 2019 IPL final to score 80 off just 59 balls before he De Villiers may rethink who has said he would back got out off the third-last ball of the match, with his team within Smith’s return to the job after four runs of victory. he served a further one-year CSK eventually lost by one run to Mumbai Indians in a ban from leadership roles. thrilling summit clash iinn HHyderabad.yderabad. comeback if T20 World However, Lyon says Paine “I had absolutely noo iideadea tthathat is growing into the role. had occurred. It wasn’tn’t untiuntill “Tim Paine has been abso- actually when I was walkingalking lutely incredible for the Aus- off after I had run myselfelf out Cup gets postponed tralian cricket team,” he told in the last over and stuffeduffed reporters in a video conference it for CSK (laughs). TheThe AGENCIES - CAPE TOWN should South Africa’s tours go week. "We are the defending yesterday. chance to win anotherher ahead, he would be available for champions, yes, but at the same “The way he’s gone out and final. So I was walkingng South African batsman AB de a limited overs series in Sri time we are not the No. 1-ranked led this team, it’s been unbe- off and I saw blood andnd Villiers has said that if the Lanka in June, and the visit to team in the world. That in itself lievable to be honest... I truly a cut,” Watson narrated.ed. Twenty20 World Cup scheduled West Indies in August, which says what has transpired since believe that he’s growing each “It cut through my for October in Australia was will include five T20 matches. we won the last World Cup." and every day, he seems to be pants. I thought it mustmust postponed to next year then that “I’ll have to do the trials and West Indies have a ray of getting better as captain.” have been because of mmyy could end his hopes of returning show (coach Mark) Boucher I’m hope, though, with new captain The spinner said Paine took dive. But it wasn’t actuallyally titillll to the national side. still good enough. They should Kieron Pollard, who recently on the mantle in the most chal- the next day when my wifewife De Villiers, regarded as one choose me because I’m really played in his 500th T20 game, lenging of circumstances. “If mentioned ‘there wass bbloodlood oonn of the best limited overs better than the guy next to me. joining hands with Dwayne you looked around that your pants’ like it wass before that. batsmen in the world, hopes to “I’ve never been the type of Bravo - among the seniors to change-room at that time, I There might have beenen some ddiveive or make a comeback for South person who felt I should get just make a comeback - to chart a think Tim Paine really got up dodgy run or whateverr in tthehe firstfirst ffewew Africa at the global event, having what I wanted. I can’t walk into revival. in my eyes, really stood up and overs where I might havehave dived,” he retired from all forms of inter- the team. Like every other Pollard took over the ODI could take that challenge on,” added. national cricket in May 2018. player, I have to work for my and T20I captaincy from Jason he added. Shane Watson There is no suggestion at this place and deserve it.” Holder and Carlos Brathwaite “He took the captaincy on stage that the T20 World Cup The T20 World Cup is due respectively last September. As in the hardest time in Aus- will be postponed, but the coro- to be played across Australia part of their plan to bring in tralian cricket and he’s done an navirus pandemic that has shut from Oct. 18-Nov. 15. experience to mentor young- amazing job.” Former Pakistani cricketer down global sport has placed the Meanwhile defending cham- sters, Bravo was brought out of With Australia postponing event under threat. pions West Indies won't be retirement. their tour of Bangladesh in June dies of coronavirus “If the tournament is post- "overwhelming favourites" at "My memory doesn't tell me in the wake of the COVID-19 poned to next year, a whole lot the men's T20 World Cup slated exactly where we were ranked pandemic, Lyon is looking AFP - KARACHI of things will change,” De Vil- to be held in Australia, that time but the team (in 2016) forward to India’s return later liers, 36, told South Africa’s according to chairman of we put out for that World Cup this year, even if the matches Former Pakistani first-class cricketer Zafar Sarfraz became the Rapport newspaper. selectors Roger Harper. was filled with a lot of very have to be played behind first professional player in the country to die after contracting the “At the moment I feel In 2016, Darren Sammy's experienced T20 specialists," closed doors. novel coronavirus, his family confirmed yesterday. available but, at the same time, West Indies became the first Harper said. "Now we have a “I’m excited about the The 50-year-old first fell ill earlier this month and was put on I don’t know how my body will team to win two World T20 titles little blend of a few experienced prospect of India coming out a ventilator at a hospital in Peshawar after his condition feel then and if I will be fit. If I (they'd previously won in 2012). T20 players and some of the to Australia, it’s up there with deteriorated. am 100% as good as I want to Over the last four years, their young guns coming through." the biggest series alongside the He died late Monday. be, then I will be available. But fortunes have plummeted; The rankings notwith- Ashes,” he said. “Playing in “Sarfraz was healthy and lively but some 10 days ago he if I am not, I won’t open myself they're currently ranked No. 10 standing, Harper felt West Indies front of crowds or no crowds developed symptoms of the coronavirus and did not survive,” said up to that because I am not the in the format. still remain a threat at the T20 is out of our control, we’ve got a family member. type of person who does things "You have to be realistic World Cup, which is in consid- to follow the advice of all the Sarfraz, a middle-order batsman, played 15 first-class games at 80%.” here," Harper told Trinidad- erable doubt due to the Covid-19 amazing medical people in Peshawar and retired in 1994. De Villiers indicated that, based radio station i9555 fm last pandemic. around the world.” Afridi backs Akhtar’s claim for Indo-Pak series to fight COVID-19

IANS - LAHORE crisis times. Sport is supposed to bring each other better during the crisis “So I was only asking what options people together and build bridges. It is caused by the spread of the we had if nothing happens for the next Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar pretty disappointing,” he said. pandemic. sixsix months.months. WhWhatat will aallll thethe has found support in former skipper Akhtar on his part told a news “I had said that I know India more people, who are employed TheThe entire world is figfighting Shahid Afridi as the all-rounder said channel: “I don’t think Kapil bhai under- than even (Pakistan Prime Minister) because of cricket, do? What against coronavircoronavirusu and that he was disappointed with former stood what I was trying to say. Everyone Imran Khan himself. I have travelled to will happenhappen to those whose live-live- we need unitunityy in our India skipper Kapil Dev's reaction to is going to be trapped economically. many areas and interacted with many lihoods dependdepend on cricket? rregionegion to defeatdefea this Akhtars suggestion of having an India- This is the time to put our heads together people there. I keep telling people here TTimeime has come to put our ccommonommon eenemy.n Pakistan series to raise funds in the fight and generate revenues. I’m talking what Indians are all about. Our coun- headsheads together, to plan on how SSuchuch nenegativeg against the coronavirus outbreak. about the larger perspective, about eco- tries have a lot of poverty. I am sad- we will generate revenues. The commentcommentss don’t “The entire world is fighting against nomic reforms. dened when people are suffering. As a only optionoption we have is holdiholdingng help at all. I don’t coronavirus and we need unity in our “The global audience would be human and as a Muslim, it is my respon- a fundraising match. Maybe itit see anything wwrong region to defeat this common enemy. hooked by one single match, it will gen- sibility to help as much as I can,” he said. leadsleads to bettermentbetterment in thethe with ShShoaiboaib AAkhtar’sk Such negative comments don’t help at erate revenues. Kapil said he doesn’t need Shoaib said that after Pakistan, it is rrelationship.elationship. I am talking suggestisuggestiono for all. I don’t see anything wrong with the money and he surely doesn’t. But eve- in India that he has received the most aboutabout a larger perspective,” hehe PaPakistank Shoaib Akhtar’s suggestion for Pakistan ryone else does. I think this suggestion amount of love and he said he is making said.said. anandd India and India to play cricket. will come into consideration soon.” the suggestion for those who are ttoo play “Kapil Dev’s reaction has surprised Shoaib said that both India and involved in the game and are now ccricket:r me. I expected better from him and feel Pakistan have a lot of poverty and the unemployed because of the lack of Afridi one should not talk like this in these two countries should cooperate with matches. 's top cricketers at the forefront to aid poor

ANATOLIA - KABUL such fellow countrymen are going With his Mohammed Nabi Foun- and needy with packages of basic food early days when the iconic cricketers through these days. dation (MNF), hundreds of thousands aid. began their journey literally Afghanistan’s favorite sports stars, “We now consider it our moral duty of poor and marginalized Afghans have Rashid Khan, a sensational young empty-handed. national cricketers, are at the forefront to return the fortune and serve our received steady supplies of basic com- Afghan talent who has taken the cricket He said that upon return from to aid the poor and vulnerable in the society for the love and respect it has modities across the country during the world by storm with his all-round per- Pakistan nearly two decades ago, the lockdown amid coronavirus pandemic. given to us,” the 35-year-old cricketer, COVID-19 pandemic. formance with the bat and ball, is among then-young Afghan refugees like Nabi As the fragile system of governance considered by the International Cricket Raees Ahmadzai, Nabi’s former those team-mates. Khan, like Nabi, now and others could not afford to buy even grapples with the creeping pandemic in Council (ICC) one of the top all-rounders team-mate and the vice president of features in almost all commercial the basic sportswear, but have gone to the war-ravaged country, the subse- in the world, said. the MNF, yesterday said the charity leagues from Australia to England, and impress all in the arena with their quent lockdown imposed to limit its Nabi is among the founding establishment is entirely funded domes- from the West Indies to India and talent. Their talent brought a fortune spread has added to the woes of mil- members of the Afghan national team tically with contributions from local Bangladesh. as various commercial cricket leagues lions of poor Afghans losing daily that has secured not only full mem- Afghans. “We don’t need to have deep pockets acquired their service and star earnings. bership of the prestigious ICC club “Our aim is to serve the needy or to be rich to help the needy and poor attraction for handsome amount of The war-torn nation has reported within years of its formation, but also people in every corner of the country people, we just need a heart,” he said in money. 665 confirmed cases of coronavirus with went on to give thrilling competitions (...) we aim to support children’s edu- a statement along with pictures of a “You have to remember they are 21 deaths so far. to some of the toughest sides such as cation and extend the welfare opera- stock of food supplies for distribution sports stars of a poor country, and these Emerging to the global stage them- England, India, Ireland, and Pakistan. tions in a number of other sectors as among those in dire need. cricketers are not extra rich such as selves from bitter past in refugee camps “During the time as refugees, we well,” Ahmadzai said. The list on contributors goes on with other global sports celebrities. Some of in the neighboring Pakistan, the world went through tough times so we can Following the footsteps of Nabi, many avoiding the limelight and them still live in rented homes, but they acclaimed senior Afghan cricketers like very well imagine what needy people many of his team-mates have either focusing on service delivery. have big hearts to share all they have Mohammed Nabi know from their per- are going through under current difficult contributed to the MNF or taken indi- Afghanistan’s leading sports com- with their needy country mates,” sonal experience the hardships many times,” he added. vidual measures to reach out to the poor mentator Ibrahim Momand recalled the Momand said. WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2020 SPORT 11

France considering FIFA official says international Ligue 1 restart in games could be off until 2021 June: Report REUTERS – PARIS AP – VANCOUVER A football fan's temperature is checked before the Belarus Championship football match “I’m fairly confident the between FC Dynamo-Brest and FC Isloch in the town of Brest, some 370 km southwest of March window in 2021 will France is considering restarting Ligue 1 on Most international soccer Minsk, on Sunday. Belarus continues its championship despite all the leagues in Europe be fine,” Montagliani said. June 3 or June 17, with the latter date more might not be played until cancelled it to curb the spread of the COVID-19. “The priority is to help our likely, sports daily L’Equipe has reported, 2021 due to coronavirus national leagues … then look citing a document from league organisers pandemic travel restrictions at our events.” (LFP). and the need to give club The qualifying format Soccer in France was suspended indef- competitions the chance to for the World Cup in Qatar initely last month due to the COVID-19 pan- resume, a FIFA Vice-Pres- might have to be curtailed demic. On Monday French President ident said yesterday. with the time frame tight- Emmanuel Macron extended the lockdown Victor Montagliani, a ening to play matches to in the country to May 11. Canadian who is President reach the tournament that The L’Equipe report said that if the of the governing body for starts in November 2022. season resumed on June 17 teams would North and Central America “We’re likely going to be have to play every three days so the regular and the Caribbean, has been having to seriously look at campaign could end by July 25, leaving time heading a FIFA working reformatting some of our for relegation and promotion playoffs to be group formulating plans to events,” Montagliani said. completed by August 2. deal with the implications “We’re committed to our L’Equipe also said LFP members had of the world’s biggest sport final four (in the Nations voted on Friday to push back the start of being largely shut down League). But we have other next season by two weeks to August 23, but since last month. events that we have to that the decision would have to be con- FIFA already has called The return of fans into probably look at refor- firmed by France’s Football Federation off matches between coun- packed stadiums could be matting, whether it’s some (FFF). tries that were due to be dependent on a vaccine for of our youth competitions, The French Cup final between Paris St played in March and June. the COVID-19 disease being even our World Cup quali- Germain and St Etienne has been scheduled Montagliani, CONCACAF’s ready -- and that might not If we get the green fying, where we’re going to for June 27, according to the document, president, believes the Sep- be until 2021. light to play a football have to, in the balance of while the League Cup final between PSG tember, October and “If we get the green light match. I highly doubt probabilities, look at how and Olympique Lyonnais had been pen- November windows for to play a football match. I that would work in a situ- cilled in for July 11. national team matches highly doubt that first football that first football match ation where the calendar could be scrapped. match will be with fans. I just will be with fans. I just there is now less than what “I personally think that can’t see that. I think that can’t see that. I think we expected it to be.” might be a bit of a challenge, would be taken a massive that would be taken Montagliani maintains German venues not so much because of just risk,” he said in a video a massive risk: FIFA that CONCACAF is in a good the health issues around the interview from Vancouver, financial situation to cope world and the various British Columbia, "I’m pretty Vice-President with the disruption to the should stay shut for degrees of preparedness, but sure it’ll be a phased in Victor Montagliani match calendar. also committing to interna- approach, just like the rest of “A lot of the things we 18 months: Expert tional travel as soon as we society is going to be is then can recoup over time. We come back,” Montagliani in terms of us trying to get that’s a significant issue,” each in September, October don’t have fixtures every AFP – BERLIN said in an interview with back to normal here.” Montagliani said. and November. The United weekend like a league does,” The Associated Press. A full resumption of “And so, yes absolutely, States, Mexico, Costa Rica, he said. “But I think where Football fans and concert-goers could be “I think that domestic soccer in 2020 might not be there’s always that Jamaica, Honduras and either the financial impact is going barred from seeing their favourite teams and football is a priority. Sep- possible in parts of the world possibility.” El Salvador or Canada will to happen in CONCACAF is bands play live in Germany for 18 months due tember is still in the books, hardest hit by the pandemic, CONCACAF’s hexagonal compete. within the stakeholders, to the coronavirus, according to a science but I would garner to say including Europe and North that determines the region’s Scheduling will be dis- within the leagues and the expert. that I’m not sure it’s there on America. three direct qualifiers is to cussed further by a working clubs. That’s where I think Keeping Germany’s stadiums and music solid ground the way things “If you take that across start in the fall with each group featuring the six the biggest financial impact venues closed until well into 2021 “would cer- are trending right now.” international boundaries, nation playing two games confederations. is going to be.” tainly be very wise” according to Gerald Haug, president of the Leopoldina Academy of Sci- ences, which advises Angela Merkel’s gov- ernment on measures to combat the virus. Barcelona In an interview aired by broadcaster ARD ‘They miss me’, Pogba on Monday, Haug added that “as to whether announce it will last a year and a half, we have to wait andand see - there are also more optimistic assessmentsassessmen of the situation. board puzzled by critics “But it will certainly last several months more, it couldco go up to a year and a half.” The changes German FootballFo League (DFL) suspended all AFP – LONDON international told Sky Sports. BundesligaBundesliga matches on March 13 but will meet REUTERS – BARCELONA Pogba’s return to Old Trafford FridayFriday to discussd whether football can resume Manchester United midfielder has failed to match the expecta- inin earlearlyy May,Ma most likely in empty stadiums Barcelona have moved to Paul Pogba is bemused as to why tions of his price tag despite withwith fansfans lockedl out. restructure their board after he remains a constant source of winning the Europa League and TheThe DFDFL would need the go-ahead from six directors resigned last criticism despite missing most of League Cup in his first season thethe healthhealth authorities for leagues to resume. week in protest at the way the the campaign through injury. under Jose Mourinho. HavingHaving been closed since mid-March, club is being run, the Spanish The 27-year-old has been A bitter fall out with cconcertoncert hallsh and sports venues across side have said. restricted to just eight appear- Mourinho followed in the next GermanyGermany remain shut until further notice. Two of the club’s four ances this season due to a per- two seasons before the Portu- OnOn Monday, the Leopoldina Academy Vice-Presidents, Emili sistent ankle injury. guese was sacked in December advocatedadv a “step-by-step” return to Rousaud and Enrique Tombas, Former Liverpool captain 2018. normaln conditions if the figures for were among those to and manager Graeme Souness And after a brief hot streak new contaminations “stabilise at announce their resignation in has been one of the most out- when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took a low level” and if “hygiene a letter to fans published in spoken critics of Pogba since he charge, Pogba’s time under the measures are maintained”. Spanish media on Friday. returned to United from Juventus Norwegian has been beset by a Just under 3,000 people have They were joined by for a then world record £89m lack of form and fitness. so ffara died due to the coronavirus in directors Silvio Elias, Josep ($112m) fee in 2016. However, the French World Germany.Germany. Pont, Jordi Calsamiglia and However, Pogba claimed he Cup winner still believes the crit- Maria Texidor. did not even know who Souness icism he has received, particu- The departing directors had was. larly in his absence this season, criticised the club’s handling of “I didn’t even know who he is unjustified. LeadingLeadi Italian health a social media scandal and was, really,” Pogba told the “It’s good to hear good stuff expressed doubts about the official Manchester United instead of bad stuff but when you oofficialfficia casts doubt on board’s ability to handle the podcast. “I heard he was a great play football, you know yourself. implications of the COVID-19 player and stuff like that. I know It’s what your manager and quickquick Serie A restart pandemic, which has led to a the face but (not) the name. team-mates want, the rest is just 70% players’ pay cut. Souness - who won three talk,” added Pogba. REUTERSREUTERS – ROME Barcelona said the board European Cups, and five league “I guess they (the critics) miss had approved the appoint- titles as a player at Liverpool - me, I don’t know? I’m not A leading ItalianI health official says he does ments of Jordi Moix as Vic- responded to Pogba yesterday someone that looks always at Sky notnot see hohoww Serie A, which has been suspended President for economic and morning. Sports News. When you know duedue to the COVID-19C pandemic, could resume equity, Pau Vilanova as insti- “I’m happy with that. The football, you don’t need someone in tthehe nnextext few weeks. tutional Vice-President, Oriol oldest saying in football comes to tell you what’s happening. One ItalyItaly footballf federation (FIGC) head Tomas as Vice-President of the to mind: ‘Put your medals on day maybe I will meet them and GabrieleGabriele GGravina said on Saturday he hoped commercial area, Marta Plana the table’. I’ve got a big table,” ask them because I really want teamsteams couldcoul begin training in May -- provided as Board Secretary, and David the former Scottish to know, why?” players testedtes negative for the new corona- Bellver as Treasurer. Paul Pogba virus -- withwi the first games possibly coming “Javier Bordas will be the at the end of that month. manager responsible for the However, Giovanni Rezza, director of football first team, while infectious diseases at the Italian National Xavier Vilajoana will be in Dalglish contracting COVID-19 was real shock: Klopp Institute of Health (ISS), disagreed. charge of Barca B, the youth “If I had to give a technical report, it would teams and women’s football,” REUTERS – LONDON “We all know this terrible disease virus. Liverpool held a 25-point lead not be favourable,” he told reporters. Barcelona said in a statement. is causing heartache all over the world, at the top of the table when the season “Football is a contact sport with a risk of The club added they would News that Liverpool great Kenny but this was the first time for many of was halted. transmission. take legal action against Dalglish had tested positive for us someone we have such a personal “When we have these training ses- “They have proposed a close monitoring Rousand for allegations that COVID-19 came as a huge shock to the connection to waswas sions, I could have never imaginedim I of the players with almost daily tests, although, “seriously damage the institu- club’s players and staff, managerger aaffectedffected to this would enjoy it that much,” heh added. honestly, to me that seems to be stretching tion’s image”. Juergen Klopp (pictured) has said.. extent.”extent.” TheThe “The boys are all in good spirits. things a little. And we are almost into May Joan Blade, who is respon- Dalglish, 69, tested positive for thethe PremierPremier League “When we start at 10,10 the chat already.” sible for the club’s basketball coronavirus last week after beinging hashas beebeenn sussus-- isis open from 9.30 on aandn pretty However, at the end of the day it was not teams, would also now admitted to hospital for an infection.on. pendedpended inindefi-defi- muchmuch everybodyeverybody is alreadyalre in ... his call, he said. manage Barcelona’s control He required intravenous antibioticstics nitelynitely due to the That’s the best thing of havingha this “It will be the politicians who decide,” and transparency committee, but was asymptomatic and returnedned COVID-19COVID-19 ppan-an- situationsituation in 22020020 - wwee haveh this added Rezza. the club added. home over the weekend. demicdemic wiwithth tthehee technical opportunitopportunity.y. “It’s a difficult decision to take because of The outgoing directors had “It was a real shock three days agoago UKU K ono n “Imagine if we would haveh had the health implications.” asked President Josep Maria when I heard about it first. The boysoys lockdownlockdown toto itit in the ‘80s or somethinsomethingg like that, Serie A has been on hold since March 9, Bartomeu to call presidential were sent a message in our WhatsAppApp curbcurb tthehe it would have been really ccrazy. Not with players at several clubs testing positive elections and voiced “dis- group and everybody was like, ‘wow’,”w’,” sspreadpread ofof becausebecause of football, becbecausea of all for COVID-19, which has killed more than pleasure” over the club’s hiring Klopp told Liverpool’s website. the thethe socialsocial contactcontact andan inter- 113,000 people globally. of a third party, I3 Ventures, “What you feel in that momentt is actionaction wwee cancan havehave and use The FIGC said last week it had begun earlier this year to monitor a massive difference if you knowow in thethe moment.momen That drawing up medical guidelines for a re-start social media coverage of somebody who got the virus, or if mmakesakes a big of the championship. Its medical council is Barca. you don’t know. difference.”difference.” due to meet again today.