England bowlers lead the way as cricketers resume training page 13 Thursday, May 21, 2020 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will unite the globe once COVID-19 has been defeated: Thawadi resilience in the country – but SC Secretary-General outlines hoped it would be eased in or- der to allow people to attend pandemic response and tournament the tournament. progress during Leaders Week “In many ways, the block- By 2022, I’m optimistic ade has been a blessing in dis- Direct sports summit guise for Qatar. It has forced we will have overcome us to be self-reliant and look Tribune News Network fecting work sites, to limit the this pandemic. I’m inwards. It’s actually helped Doha spread as much as possible.” us become better prepared to Al Thawadi said Qatar is optimistic we will have deal with COVID. We’re now The Secretary-General of the guaranteeing the salaries of become more resilient number 13 in the world when Supreme Committee for De- anyone affected by the pan- it comes to food security and, livery & Legacy (SC) Hassan demic. “Our government is as a human race. as soon as COVID came along, al Thawadi believes the FIFA ensuring everyone gets paid Qatari companies started pro- World Cup Qatar 2022™ has – even if they are isolated or Hassan al Thawadi ducing 8 million face masks the potential to unite the globe hospitalised due to the ill- Secretary-General, per week, along with 2,000 once the COVID-19 pandemic ness,” he said. Supreme Committee ventilators (for local require- has been defeated. Despite COVID-19, Qatar for Delivery & Legacy ments and global aid).” Hassan Al Thawadi out- is on track to deliver much of Al Thawadi continued: lined the SC’s response to its infrastructure by the end “Support from the people of COVID-19 and discussed tour- of this year. the region – notably blockad- nament preparations during “We are continuing to ing countries – is there. Peo- Leaders Week Direct – a global work at a much slower pace ple are very excited about the sports industry conference cur- than normal but we are tournament. We hosted the rently being held online due to blessed with already being Gulf Cup last year, which in- the ongoing pandemic. ahead of the game in terms cluded teams from blockading Speaking during an in- of infrastructure. We have countries. Two thousand Bah- terview, on Wednesday, with completed more than 80% rain fans were here to see their James Worrall, Leaders CEO of venues – two-and-a-half country win the Gulf Cup for & Founder, Al Thawadi said years before kick-off.” the first time in their history. the SC had moved quickly to Al Thawadi said one of “I hope the blockading protect its workforce once the the core challenges for Qatar countries remove the travel pandemic reached Qatar. 2022 is to ensure the tourna- sider the ability of fans to af- clubs, fan groups and Qatar tential to unify the globe once Cup to bring people together restrictions. There are no “It’s an unprecedented ment is economically accessi- ford to visit and participate in Airways. There is no blueprint COVID-19 has been defeated. – and goodness knows, after restrictions from Qatar. I situation and our immediate ble to fans who wish to attend. the World Cup. We’re in dis- for a post-COVID world – but “It may sound idealistic, COVID, we have to come back hope they remove them for focus was our workers’ health “It’s difficult for anyone cussions with experts and also we can look and anticipate, but COVID-19 has made us together. We need to get over what is a once-in-a-lifetime and safety,” said Al Thawadi. to paint a clear picture of a other tournament holders, and try to understand what realise we are all social crea- this and celebrate collectively opportunity for the people “In coordination with the post-COVID world. This is such as Tokyo 2020, to plan the recovery is going to look tures. The impact on our men- during Qatar 2022.” of our region. By 2022, I’m Ministry of Public Health, we the first timein the modern and put scenarios together. like. We need to host an event tal health, the uncertainty, Al Thawadi was also asked optimistic we will have over- isolated at-risk workers, pro- world where all economic ac- “We’ve said from day one which is affordable for fans social distancing, not being about the ongoing block- come this pandemic. I’m op- vided awareness materials tivity has come to a standstill this will be an affordable ex- and functionable for indus- able to engage with each other ade which Qatar is subjected timistic we will have become and educated people about and there are big implications perience. We demonstrated tries and supply chains.” – everyone misses human in- to by several neighbouring more resilient as a human best practice. We also took on business, employment and that during the Club World Al Thawadi went on to say teraction. I’ve always dreamed countries. He said the politi- race. It’s a chance for us all other actions, such as disin- livelihoods. We need to con- Cup by working closely with Qatar’s World Cup has the po- big and said this is a World cal situation had helped boost to celebrate together.” Swiss launch impeachment process against Attorney General Lauber over FIFA conduct Agencies successfully requested the rec- nection with the conduct of the hoods and violated prosecutors Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane ZURICH usal of Lauber on grounds of various FIFA-related cases. codes of conduct. says his players are in good shape breach of conduct. Al Khelaifi On Wednesday, a judicial “The judicial committee to restart. (AFP) Switzerland has moved has since also requested the rec- committee voted 13 to 4 to move opens an impeachment hear- closer to removing Attorney usal of the other federal pros- against Lauber “on suspicion of ing when there is reasonable Zidane keen to General Michael Lauber from ecutors in charge of the final serious breach of duty”. That is suspicion the accused will- office after a parliamentary outstanding technical charge after he answered the panel’s fully or with gross negligence resume Real panel launched impeachment against him. questions about his handling of seriously violated his official proceedings against the top Over recent weeks and the investigation of corruption duties, or otherwise has lost Madrid’s title race Swiss prosecutor relating to his months, the impartiality, pro- involving soccer body FIFA. the ability to fulfill them,” probes of alleged corruption in priety and credibility of the In particular, Lauber has Andrea Caroni, the commit- with Barcelona world soccer. Swiss Office of the Attorney been accused by anti-corrup- tee chairman, told reporters. Last year, Lauber was General has been thrown into tion campaigners of bungling a If Lauber is found to have DPA thrown off the ultimately-failed major question as Lauber was fraud trial over payments linked committed a breach, the judicial Barcelona case against the Chairman of sanctioned - in unprecedented to Germany’s 2006 World Cup, committee will submit a motion beIN Media Group and Presi- fashion - by a Supervisory Au- and in March saw his pay cut to Swiss parliament to vote on Switzerland’s Attorney General Michael Lauber arrives on Wednesday Real Madrid coach Zinedi- dent of Paris Saint-Germain thority for lying and various 8% by an independent watch- his removal, Caroni said, poten- for his hearing before a parliamentary committee at the Swiss House ne Zidane admitted he can’t (PSG) Nasser al Khelaifi, who breaches of conduct in con- dog after it found he told false- tially later this year. of Parliament in Bern. (AFP) wait for the season to restart, speaking in his first interview since teams in Spain returned to training amid the coronavi- rus outbreak. Zidane told the club’s tel- ‘Football is closer to coming back’, says Klopp evisions channel RMTV on Wednesday: “We are raring to AFP want to rush anything, but I Newcastle and England is asymptomatic, aas another get started. Training is good London don’t think it is rushed. It is for defender Danny Rose though case with two more from one but we want to be playing the first step, for this kind of so- is angry at the restart plans, other club yet to be revealed. games. Liverpool manager Jur- cial distancing training,” Klopp arguing that players are be- Meanwhile, Tottenham “We are ready to fight for gen Klopp is optimistic about told the Liverpool website. ing treated like “guinea pigs have launched another investi- the league. It’s in the DNA of the chances of completing “It was a long time, it is still or lab rats”. gation into one of their players the club that we give every- the season ongoing, but the development “I could be potentially after defender Serge Aurier ap- thing to win the trophy.” With as the champions-elect re- is going with everything in the risking my health for peo- peared to flout social-distanc- 11 games left Real Madrid are turned to training in small right direction and that helps. ple’s entertainment and ing rules for a third time. two points behind Barcelona. groups on Wednesday. “That football is closer to that’s not something I want The Ivorian posted an Zidane added: “I am very Klopp’s side were just two coming back I think is really a to be involved in, if I’m hon- Instagram photo on Tuesday happy to be back training. The wins away from ending a 30- good sign for people as well.” est,” said Rose on the Lock- showing off his new haircut players have all trained well at year wait to win the title when Sheffield United manager down Tactics podcast. and tagged the barber in home [during confinement] so the English top-flight was shut- Chris Wilder is also heart- Watford captain Troy his post. they are in good shape. down more than two months ened that just 0.8 percent of Deeney says he will not return Hairdressers are closed “This week’s sessions have ago due to the coronavirus the tests carried out by the to training this week over fears in Britain in line with the been better because we have pandemic. Premier League resulted in Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp arrives at Melwood in Liverpool, he could pass the virus onto his government’s rules on social been able to work in small Six positive cases of COV- positive cases. north west England, to resume training on Wednesday. (AFP) five-month-old son. distancing. groups which has enabled us ID-19 were detected in the “A lot of people have been Deeney is reportedly one Spurs have previously to do more both tactically and Premier League’s first round tested and the signs are en- has been called into question Dubai or Vegas eating and of a number of Watford play- had to remind Tanguy Ndom- physically.” Real Madrid com- of 748 tests of players and staff couraging,” said Wilder, whose by players’ concern for their drinking whatever they ers who will not report to the bele, Davinson Sanchez, pleted their third training ses- ahead of a return to socially side are in contention to qualify welfare, both from the threat of want,” Wilder added. club’s training ground after Ryan Sessegnon and Moussa sion of the week on Wednes- distanced training this week. for European competition for the virus and injuries with lit- “They’ve got a professional- three of the six positive cases in Sissoko of their responsibili- day and Zidane now has Eden At the start of the outbreak, the first time in their history. tle preparation time after such ism about them and my players the Premier League were regis- ties after they were pictured Hazard and Marco Asensio Klopp accepted football should Germany’s Bundesliga a long layoff. are in absolutely brilliant con- tered at the club. in breach of social distancing back from injury. be suspended if it would help resumed its season behind However, Wilder does not dition. We’ve tested them right “Of those three positive guidelines. Madrid’s only absentees save even one life. closed doors last weekend, be- believe fitness should be an is- the way through. They’ve got tests, one is a player and two Tottenham manager Jose are reserve strikers Luka But the German believes it coming the first major league sue as players have been able individual programmes. They are members of staff,” Watford Mourinho also admitted his Jovic, who has a fracture in his is now safe for players to return to return to action. to maintain their conditioning didn’t know when this was go- said in a statement. wrongdoing in arranging a right foot, and Mariano Diaz to phase one of training. The Premier League’s tar- during the lockdown. ing to kick-start and they had Burnley confirmed assis- one-on-one training session who also has a foot injury. “I always said we don’t get of restarting on June 12 “They weren’t off to to be ready.” tant manager Ian Woan, who with Ndombele in April. 12 Thursday, May 21, 2020 Sports

ON ROAD TO 2022: From Asia’s finest Khalifa International Stadium ‘Football with fans to the upcoming Lusail Stadium will be back soon,’ says UEFA chief

Football didn’t change after the Second World War, or First World War, and it will not change because of a virus either. Recently chosen as one of Asia’s finest football venues, the refurbished Khalifa International Stadium Aleksander Ceferin, is celebrating the third anniversary since its inauguration after its rebuilding work made it the first to UEFA president be ready for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.

AFP London

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is confident “good old football with fans will come back very soon” despite the chaos caused by the coronavi- rus pandemic. Domestic and continen- tal club competitions were halted across Europe in mid- March due to the COVID-19 crisis and Euro 2020 was bet a million dollars that Euro tic view that we have to wait with fans will come back very postponed. 2020 would be played in 2021, for the second and third waves soon,” he said. The Bundesliga made a the chief of European foot- or even a fifth wave.” And Ceferin said he did successful return to action be- ball’s governing body told the Ceferin said football would not expect the game to be pro- hind closed doors at the week- Guardian: “Yes, I would. I follow the recommendations foundly changed by the coro- end and many other leagues don’t know why it wouldn’t be. of the authorities but he was navirus. are preparing to resume in “I don’t think that this vi- optimistic that normal service “Football didn’t change af- front of empty stands, with rus will last forever. I think could be resumed in the near ter the Second World War, or Ceferin sure the situation will it will (change) sooner than future. First World War, and it will soon improve. many think. “I’m absolutely sure, per- not change because of a virus Asked whether he would “I don’t like this apocalyp- sonally, that good old football either,” he said.

The spectacular Al Janoub Stadium, one of the venues for FIFA World Cup 2022, designed by architect Zaha Hadid was officially opened by The Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani a year ago on May 16, 2019. New documentary ‘Paradou Academy... Barefooted’ to be broadcast on beIN SPORTS we were relegated from the Exclusive show first division to the second division. We met at the head- follows promising quarters and agreed that Algerian academy there were only two options. Either we invest more money as it strives to train and buy players so that we the best players in can make it to the first divi- sion again, or we go in anoth- the region er direction that would take more time and force us to Tribune News Network remain in the second division Doha or even in the third division The Lusail Stadium, where the opening match and final of the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar will be for a period of six or seven held, taking shape. beIN SPORTS is delighted to years. This meant that we broadcast a new and uplifting beIN SPORTS will broadcast a new and uplifting documentary for the needed to take another path, documentary for the region region titled ‘Paradou Academy... Barefooted’ this Thursday (May 21) which was to train players titled ‘Paradou Academy... at 9pm Mecca Time (GMT +3) on beIN SPORTS HD 1. and that’s what I voted in fa- Barefooted’ this Thursday vour of. To be honest, every- Spurs probe Serge Aurier’s third (May 21) at 9pm Mecca Time launched the careers of many play in Europe. With this, I body agreed with me because (GMT +3) on beIN SPORTS professional players, includ- can make my parents and the they love sports and they love HD 1, which viewers across ing the majority of players Algerian people proud of me.” to witness the potential of the apparent lockdown breach the Middle East and North of Paradou AC, a 1st division Paradou Academy was young players.” AFP Africa (MENA) can enjoy Algerian club, many of whom founded in 2006 by Khairud- The academy has since London next to the picture. Hairdress- Writing “Bla-bla-bla” fol- exclusively on the leading also play for the Algerian na- din Zatchi, the current presi- become a rite of passage for ers are closed in Britain in line lowed by several snoozing sports channel. tional team who won the AF- dent of the Algerian Football young football players in Al- Tottenham have launched with the government’s rules on emojis, Aurier said: “My hair- The documentary traces CON 2019 title. Federation, and Jean-Marc geria who aspire to follow the an investigation after Ivory social distancing. dresser is negative and me back the history and philoso- The documentary features Guillou, the founder of Asec footsteps of professional play- Coast defender Serge Aurier ap- They are not expected to too so stop talking in a vac- phy of the Paradou Academy, interviews with former play- Mimosas Academy in Ivory ers who are currently playing peared to flout social-distancing open again until at least July 4. uum and put on masks and a leading youth football acad- ers of the academy, coaches, Coast, which saw the likes in the world’s top five leagues, rules for a third time by getting “We are investigating the gloves when you come to take emy based in the outskirts of and young players who have of , Yaya and Kolo such as Nice’s right-back a haircut during the coronavi- circumstances and will deal pictures at the training center Algiers that trains kids under high aspirations, including Toure, and Youssef Atal, and Borussia rus lockdown. with the incident appropriate- its part of the rules too”. 15 years old with a singular 13-year-old Islam Qaydum others train there, and subse- Monchengladbach’s left-back Aurier posted an Instagram ly,” a Tottenham statement said Aurier has already been training style – teaching them who said, “I want to become quently contribute to several Ramy Bensebaini. photo on Tuesday showing off on Wednesday. in trouble twice during the how to play barefoot - in or- like Cristiano Ronaldo and titles, such as the 2015 Afri- Subscribers to beIN his new haircut and tagged the Aurier did not appear pandemic lockdown after der to perfect their technique, play in a big team like Real can Cup of Nations. SPORTS can see inside the barber Justin Carr in his post. entirely repentant when he going out for a run with a and without a goalkeeper, to and Barcelona.” Khairuddin Zatchi, Academy this week on beIN “Yes Sir @justscuts #Le- responded to criticism of his friend and training too close perfect their defence. Shafei Karkour, another founder of the Paradou Acad- SPORTS HD 1 and learn about CoiffeurEstBon?? (the hair- actions with a further Insta- to Tottenham teammate Since its creation, the 13-year-old from the famed emy, said: “We established the interesting training tech- dresser is good)” Aurier wrote gram post. . academy has successfully academy said, “I hope I can the Academy in 2006 when niques during the documentary. Athletics star Maryam takes to rooftop to train in Iran AFP We have to keep our The government ordered Tehran the closure of sports facilities in strength up, because mid-March as part of measures The coronavirus pandemic competition will start later aimed at containing the virus. has forced the world’s athletes and we eventually have It has forced athletes of all to keep fit in confinement, and to challenge disciplines to practise in Teh- for top Iranian athlete Maryam ran’s public parks. Toosi, that has meant training no one is around,” said Toosi, One group of boys has been on the rooftop of her apartment. who has 159,000 followers on forced to do football training Toosi’s exploits as a sprinter Instagram. Her apartment is in in one such park, wedged be- have made her a household Shahr Ara, a densely populated tween highways in the west of name in the Islamic republic. neighbourhood of the sprawl- the capital. She holds Iran’s records for ing capital where there are few “They call us asking where 100, 200 and 400 metres and open areas. can they train, because all claimed two gold medals at the “We have to keep our (training) fields are closed,” Asian Indoor Championships in strength up, because competi- said goalkeeping coach Soheil 2012 and 2014. Maryam Toosi, who holds Iran’s records for 100, 200 and 400 metres and tion will start later and we even- Jelveh. But now the 31-year-old is claimed two gold medals at the Asian Indoor Championships in 2012 and tually have to challenge.” “We bring them over to confined to her home and has 2014, poses for a picture at her house Tehran on Tuesday. (AFP) The novel coronavirus has parks while observing all health even taken to training on the claimed the lives of nearly protocols and social distanc- roof of her apartment block in a space I can use, like the rooftop, she told AFP. 7,200 people in Iran, making ing,” he told AFP. Iranian athlete Maryam Toosi practises on the rooftop of her apartment bid to stay in shape. inside the house or even in the “There’s a green space it the deadliest outbreak in the “Wherever there is some building in Iran’s capital Tehran on Tuesday. (AFP) “I train at home, in any alley next to the apartment,” there, and I train there when Middle East. grass we can train.” Sports Thursday, May 21, 2020 13 Sulaiti is odds-on favourite for crown

Sheikh Soud & Maraghi are the only riders with a chance to spoil Sulaiti’s celebrations at Losail today The IPL Trophy. Tribune News Network sixth or lower, he can’t overtake Sulaiti DOHA in points in any way. If two or more riders are tied on Three-time QSTK600 winner Saeed points, the rider with faster or fastest lap al Sulaiti is odds-on favourite for the would be given preference, according to If no T20 WC, IPL may be Qatar Online Racing Championship the event rules. Moto crown, after winning the first two Maraghi, who has 66 points, faces of three finals. With the organiser Qa- even more grim situation. If he wants held in Oct-Nov: Gaekwad tar Motor and Motorcycle Federation to become the winner, he will have to holding the third and last finals at the either win or get the runner-up spot in Agencies completely different and play- home track - the Losail International the last finals. If he wins and takes his MUMBAI ers will have to be mentally Circuit - on Thursday at 10.30 pm, the tally to 106, Sulaiti should not get higher strong to adapt. former World Superbike Champion- than the 10th spot. Despite being sec- Board of Control for Cricket The virus has infected more ship and Moto2 racer can’t hope for a ond, Maraghi can go on to be crowned in India (BCCI) apex council than five million people across better finale. the champion, if Sulaiti gets the last po- member Anshuman Gaekwad the world and over 325,000 The QMMF came up with the idea sition or no point. If Maraghi maintains on Wednesday said this year’s have died. In India the case tally of organising the virtual races after the his third place in Thursday’s race, he T20 World Cup seems unlikely has crossed 100,000 and as coronovirus pandemic forced sporting can’t beat Sulaiti! to go ahead, making space for many as 3,303 people have died activities either to be put off or can- The Losail International Circuit will host the third finals of the Qatar As has been the racing till now, the the currently suspended IPL on from the disease. celled. Exploiting the situation, the hosts Online Racing Championship Moto on Thursday at 10.30 pm. top three spots may go to Sulaiti, Sheikh the calendar depending on the “Cricket is not going to be staged the races primarily with an aim to Soud and Maraghi again. coronavirus situation in India. the same, the approach would keep the riders and drivers at home. But QORC Moto standings (after second finals) But for other two places on the prize The former India coach said be different. There will be no after seeing the success of both the auto # Rider R1 R2 R3 Pts list, QSTK Trophy champion French cricketers will have to gather all crowd in the stadiums. Cricket- and moto efforts, it has been decided to 1 19 Saeed al Sulaiti 40 40 0 80 Jeremy Parola (60 points), Mohamad their mental strength to deal ers are not used to play in empty include them in the calendar and devel- 2 20 Sheikh Soud al Thani 36 36 0 72 al Zaidan (60), Hade Ahmed (59), Ali with the uncertainty that the stadiums. It will be one very dif- op the digital racing further. 3 14 Khalid al Maraghi 33 33 0 66 Ahmed Boushehri (56) and reigning pandemic has caused. ficult aspect ofplaying new type While entering the last race, unbeat- 4 11 Jeremy Parola 30 30 0 60 QSTK600 champion Abdulla al Qubaisi “I have my doubts that T20 of cricket,” Gaekwad said. en Sulaiti has a tally of 80 points and 5 17 Mohamad al Zaidan/Kuwaiti 29 31 0 60 (55) appear in the race. World Cup will be held this year. He also said that cricket leads his closest challengers by a healthy 6 7 Hade Ahmed 31 28 0 59 Parola, Kuwait’s Zaidan and Hade About IPL, we cannot think of might resume after at least four margin. So all he has to do is to compete 7 4 Ali Ahmed Boushehri/Kuwaiti 27 29 0 56 Ahmad are likely to battle it out for just now. It will depend on Indi- months. and makes sure that he is among top 8 2 Abdulla al Qubaisi 28 27 0 55 longshot, Sheikh Soud and Maraghi those coveted spots on the basis of their an conditions and the window is “It may take another two three, if he wants the title. 9 8 Hamad al Sahouti 25 26 0 51 are the only riders who can deny Sulaiti performances so far. While Parola has only during this T20 World Cup months or four months or more Sulaiti is eight points ahead of sec- 10 10 Sheikh Jassim Aa Thani 26 24 0 50 the title. According to the equations, if been consistent, Zaidan and Ahmed which is October-November,” to resume cricket. It is not theo- ond-placed Sheikh Soud bin Jassim al 11 12 Joshua Ilano 23 25 0 48 Sheikh Soud wins the third finals, he have good pace but need to avoid falls. Gaekwad said. ry that you can read and write. Thani and has pulled 14 points clear of 12 16 Sheikh Saoud al Thani 22 23 0 45 can emerge the champions only in the Boushehri, another Kuwaiti rider, is “If the World Cup gets can- You have to perform so nothing Khalid al Maraghi, third in the stand- 13 21 Yacob Azadi 21 22 0 43 conditions that Sulaiti is either fourth also in the line but he is down by three celled or postponed, then only is going to be easy,” he said. ings. But the fact is that these margins 14 18 Saad al Harqan 24 0 0 24 or lower. points against sixth-placed Ahmed. IPL can happen but then also it “If you are not mentally don’t reflect the authority, poise and In the worst possible scenario, if Since all these riders are quite close depends on what the conditions strong, it will not be easy,” add- consistency with which Sulaiti has been would have little problems in securing Sheikh Soud gets a fifth place, he has to one another in terms of levels, two are in India,” he said. ed the former player, who has claiming races. This is what separates the title and QR15,000 prize money. still a chance to bag the top honours of them ideally should go up and grab Gaekwad believes that the played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs him from others and if all goes well, he In the 14-strong grid, though a in case Sulaiti is last. If Sheikh Soud is those spots. post-coronavirus world will be for India. Grant slams Jordan over ‘Bio-secure’ England tour for Pakistan cricketers

Agencies in the event of injuries. ‘Last Dance’ claim KARACHI “From a manageability point of view, it makes sense for AFP Pakistan plan to send a 25- us and the ECB that the whole Los Angeles man squad to England in July squad travel as one, so you cre- to meet the demands of play- ate a bubble if you like around Former Chicago Bulls play- ing an entire tour in a ‘bio-se- those players for the whole of er Horace Grant lashed out at cure’ bubble, Pakistan Cricket the time that they are in Eng- Michael Jordan on Tuesday, Board (PCB) chief executive land,” Khan said. accusing the NBA legend of Wasim Khan said. The ECB has not announced providing a skewed version of Pakistan are scheduled to venues for the tour but British the truth in the hit documen- play three Tests in August fol- media tipped Manchester and tary series “The Last Dance.” lowed by an equal number of Southampton, both with on-site In an interview with ESPN Twenty20 Internationals, with hotels, to stage the matches. radio, Grant, who won three the matches taking place behind Khan said venues would NBA championships playing closed doors as part of measures planning towards touring Test series against West Indies have testing centres and alongside Jordan, said the ac- Michael Jordan (left) and Horace Grant during a Chicago Bulls match. to combat coronavirus. England,” he said. in July. zones that would be off-limits claimed documentary had been The England and Wales The PCB would seek medi- Pakistan will have to arrive to anyone other than players edited to present Jordan in a fa- we can settle it another way. own production company, Cricket Board detailed the pro- cal advice and government almost a month before the first and officials. vorable light. “But yet and still, he goes dwells on the physical alterca- visions they planned to imple- guidance before going on the Test to undergo a two-week “They are planning to cre- “I would say it was enter- out and puts this lie out that I tion between Jordan and for- ment for the tour in a presenta- tour, he added. quarantine period mandatory ate bio-secure hotels, a sort of taining, but we know, who was was the source behind it (The mer team-mate Steve Kerr, tion on Friday and Khan said The UK government has for all visitors and get in some environment around the play- there as teammates, that about Jordan Rules).” when the two came to blows the PCB is encouraged by the said elite sport can return in match practice. ers in certain parts of the hotel 90% of it was BS in terms of the during a practice. proposals. June without spectators and The Test and Twenty20 to keep the players safe and realness of it,” Grant said. Sanctity of locker room Grant said he had refused to “So from that point of England hope to begin their de- squads will travel together, giv- away from the general public,” “It wasn’t real - because a lot Although Grant admitted to be intimidated by Jordan. view, in principle, we are layed summer of cricket with a ing team management options Khan added. of things (Jordan) said to some being “great friends” with the “(Jordan) felt that he could of his teammates, that his team- book’s author, Sam Smith, he dominate me, but that was sad- mates went back at him. insisted he had always protect- ly mistaken,” Grant said. “But all of that was kind of ed the “sanctity of that locker “Because whenever he DPA on Tuesday: “Sport is one of direct money made from sell- edited out of the documentary, room.” went at me, I went at him Barcelona Barcelona the main pillars of society. We ing the naming rights of its if you want to call it a docu- “I would never put anything right back. But in terms of have an example of this at FC Camp Nou stadium for the mentary.” personal out there,” Grant said. Will Perdue, Steve Kerr and ambassador Spanish basketball player Barcelona, with the initiative first time, next season towards Grant saved his sharpest Grant meanwhile also the young man, Scott Bur- and Barcelona ambassador to transfer title rights to help fighting the pandemic. criticism for suggestions made criticised Jordan’s conduct as rell, that was heartbreaking. Pau Gasol Pau Gasol has praised the deal with Covid-19. The initiative sees the by Jordan that he had been a player with younger mem- To see a guy, a leader, to go at club’s commitment to donate “This can be applied to any club transfer the naming a key source for “The Jordan bers of the Bulls dressing those guys like that. naming rights money to the club. We must be aware that rights to its foundation in or- Rules,” a book that lifted the lid room accusing him of being “I understand in terms of praises club’s fight against coronavirus. we are a model to be followed der that it finds a commercial on the NBA great’s career. physically and verbally abu- practicing, you have a push Gasol, who began his and in a time of need like this partner to sponsor the sta- “Lie, lie, lie,” Grant said sive to teammates. and shove here and there, but COVID-19 career at Barcelona before one, we must take advantage dium next season. of the allegation. “If MJ had a One segment of “The Last outright punching and things switching to the NBA, told a of it to send the right message The foundation would then grudge with me, let’s settle this Dance,” which was made with of that nature ... that wasn’t initiative video conference organised to everyone.” Barcelona an- invest the money in various like men. Let’s talk about it. Or the involvement of Jordan’s called for.” by the University of Harvard nounced in April that it would Covid-19 projects.

England bowlers lead the way as cricketers resume training

AFP Edgbaston, Hove, , leading England bowlers training at Stuart Broad London the Oval, the Riverside, Taunton their home county grounds. and Trent Bridge will stage at least Bowlers will have to bring their England bowlers are set to report one session, before batsmen and own kit, including designated crick- for training on Thursday, leading wicketkeepers become involved et balls, wash their hands regularly, the way as cricket chiefs step up from June 1. and clean any equipment used with plans to start a season heavily de- disinfectant wipes. layed by the coronavirus pandemic. England Managing Director The global health crisis has put Bowlers will have to bring Ashley Giles said last week he want- matches on hold in England until their own kit, including ed the training sessions to be safer July 1 at the earliest while in other designated cricket balls, than a trip to a supermarket. countries, the season is already over. As well as the West Indies Test Despite the pandemic, the Eng- wash their hands regularly, series, England’s cricket schedule land and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and clean any equipment includes three Tests against Pa- is still planning to stage a full home used with disinfectant wipes kistan and limited-overs matches international programme, starting against Australia and Ireland, with with a three-Test series against the the fixtures set to be played behind West Indies, which was originally The bowlers’ identities have yet closed doors at bio-secure venues. scheduled for June. to be made public but the choice of ECB chief executive Tom Har- The ECB has announced that up venues indicates that James Ander- rison has warned a season without James Anderson to 18 bowlers will be involved from son (Old Trafford) and Stuart Broad any matches at all could cost the Thursday. (Trent Bridge) will be among the board £380 million ($465 million).