Chris Gayle claims he is also a victim of racism page 13

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

‘Plain angry’ Jordan joins sports world call for change AFP that said the league shares “the Los Angeles outrage” that has followed the death of Floyd. NBA icon Michael Jordan de- With US pro sports on hold cried “ingrained racism” in amid the coronavirus pandem- America as the sports world’s ic, American athletes had no reaction to the death of un- chance to demonstrate on the armed black man George Floyd field of play. leapt leagues and continents. Boston Celtics forward Jay- “I am deeply saddened, len Brown and Philadelphia truly pained and plain angry,” 76ers forward Tobias Harris Jordan said in a statement on were among a number of NBA Sunday, as protests over Floyd’s players who took part in dem- death on May 25 spawned vio- onstrations over the weekend. lence and looting. “I stand with Brown drove 15 hours to Liverpool’s squad took those who are calling out the lead a peaceful protest march in a knee during training ingrained racism and violence Atlanta, Georgia. on Monday. toward people of color in our “First and foremost, I’m a country. black man and I’m a member “We have had enough,” said of this community,” the Georgia Jordan, who was famously re- native said. luctant to comment on social US tennis great Serena Wil- issues during his playing career. liams posted a moving video Liverpool players take a “We need to continue peace- on Instagram that featured a ful expressions against injustice young African-American girl and demand accountability,” overcome by emotion as she ad- Jordan said. dressed a public meeting, final- Jordan joined a chorus of ly able to force out the words: knee as sport stars speak voices from the NBA, NFL and “We are black people, and we other US sports demanding shouldn’t have to feel like this.” change for black Americans, but Teenage tennis phenom the demands weren’t limited to Coco Gauff, who is black, had the United States. a simple question on her Insta- out over Floyd death French footballer Marcus gram post: “Am I next?” Thuram and England interna- And two-time Grand Slam tional Jadon Sancho called for winner Naomi Osaka, whose AFP bol in the fight against racial injustice. “Black lives matter. Black culture after scoring the first of his three goals justice for Floyd after scoring in mother is Japanese and fa- London Manchester United striker Mar- matters. Black communities matter. in a 6-1 win over Paderborn. Germany’s Bundesliga. ther Haitian, reminded her cus Rashford said he feared society We matter.” “We shouldn’t fear speaking out for Thuram took a knee af- social media followers: “Just Liverpool players showed their was “more divided than ever” in the Rashford’s United teammate Paul what’s right,” said Sancho. ter scoring for Borussia Moe- because it isn’t happening to solidarity with the Black Lives Mat- violent aftermath of Floyd’s death in Pogba said “violent acts of racism can The English Professional Football- nchengladbach in a match you doesn’t mean it isn’t hap- ter movement following the death of Minneapolis. Floyd died last Monday no longer be tolerated.” ers Association (PFA) said in a state- against Union Berlin, while pening at all.” George Floyd in the United States by after a white police officer held his The French winner ment: “We want America to know that Sancho marked one of his three NFL commissioner Roger taking a knee around the centre circle at knee on the handcuffed black man’s posted on Instagram: “I can’t tol- the world is watching. The action tak- goals for Borussia Dortmund Goodell said the violent protests Anfield on Monday. neck for several minutes. erate, I won’t tolerate, WE WON’T en to ensure justice for George Floyd against Paderborn by lifting his “reflect the pain, anger and frus- Reds stars including Virgil van Dijk The shocking incident has sparked TOLERATE. Racism is ignorance, at this moment sends a clear message jersey to reveal a T-shirt bearing tration that so many of us feel. and Trent Alexander-Arnold tweeted protests and riots in cities across the LOVE is intelligence.” about the perceived value of black lives the words “Justice for George With Kaepernick still un- the same photograph with the words world and has been met with a strong England international Jadon San- in America.” Floyd.” able to find a job in the NFL, “Unity is strength”, accompanied by the reaction from sporting icons such as cho was one of several Bundesliga Former England captain David Thuram’s gesture echoed not everyone was convinced hashtag #BlackLivesMatter. Michael Jordan and Lewis Hamilton. footballers to make a stand over the Beckham, who owns Major League the protest of US racism spear- by Goodell or by San Fran- Made famous by former NFL “At a time I’ve been asking people weekend, while scoring his first ca- Soccer side Inter Miami, posted on In- headed by former NFL quarter- cisco 49ers chief executive Jed quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s to come together, work together and be reer hat-trick for Borussia Dortmund stagram: “I stand in solidarity with the back Colin Kaepernick, whose York, who pledged $1 million kneeling during pre-game renditions united, we appear to me more divided on Sunday. black community and millions of others decision to kneel during the na- to combat systemic racial dis- of the US national anthem, bending than ever,” said Rashford. “People are Sancho displayed a T-shirt with across the world who are outraged by tional anthem at games in 2016 crimination. down on one knee has become a sym- hurting and people need answers. “Justice for George Floyd” written on it these events.” sparked outrage. Former 49er Eric Reid, who NBA Commissioner Adam knelt alongside Kaepernick Silver sent an internal memo tweeted: “Nobody wants your to NBA employees on Sunday money Jed. We want justice.” Protests could bring Bundesliga players sanctions DPA hands of police in the United But making overtly political president Rainer Koch. “It is intolerable when peo- Berlin States last week. statements - at least those not “As is the case internation- ple are discriminated against Borussia Moenchenglad- pre-approved such as anti-rac- ally, the game itself should re- because of the colour of their Four Bundesliga players bach’s Marcus Thuram took ism campaigns - is prohibited main free of political statements skin,” he was quoted as saying. could face sanctions from the a knee in celebrating a goal, even if the match referee does or messages of any kind; the fair “I have huge respect for German football federation a statement the DFB called not take action at the time. and competitive action on the players who take a stance and (DFB) for making anti-rac- “open to interpretation,” in a The federation’s control pitch should be the focus. show their solidarity. We need ism protests during weekend long explanation explaining commitee will determine what “There are of course op- responsible players like them games. why the quartet were being in- sanctions - if any - the players portunities before and after and I am proud of them. Schalke’s Weston Mc- vestigated. will face. the match for these kinds of “From a moral stand- Kennie and Borussia Dort- Sancho was booked after “Part of these examina- things.” point, I completely under- mund pair Jadon Sancho and scoring against Paderborn not tions is to ascertain whether The DFB stressed presi- stand their actions on the Achraf Hakimi displayed mes- for the message but remov- during matches and on the dent Fritz Keller “has huge weekend. There is no one Michael Jordan, who was famously reluctant to comment on social sages calling for justice for ing his shirt to show it, the pitch are the right place for respect and understanding for who isn’t moved by what has issues during his playing career, says there is “ingrained racism” in George Floyd, who died at the DFB said. these actions,” said DFB vice the players’ actions.” happened in the USA.” the US. (AFP) F1 stars quick to respond to Hamilton’s criticism for staying silent

DPA made an Instagram post late Hamilton’s father is from “We welcome and encour- Berlin on Sunday criticising F1 for its Trinidad and Tobago and took age people from all races, cul- lack of response to the death several jobs when his son was tures, religions, philosophies Formula One drivers of George Floyd in the United young in order to meet the and lifestyles, and condemn Charles Leclerc and George States and current anti-racism high costs of junior racing. every form of discrimination Russell were among those to protests. Williams driver Russell as we work together to drive speak out against racism af- “I see those of you who are said: “To echo @Charles_ change forward. ter six-time world champion staying silent, some of you the Leclerc’s words, I just felt out “We are deeply saddened Lewis Hamilton delivered a biggest of stars yet you stay si- of place sharing my thoughts by the recent developments stinging critic of the sport for lent in the midst of injustice,” on these atrocities publicly. and hope for a de-escaltion its silence. he wrote. “It’s time we all stand to- soon.” F1 hopes to hold the “To be completely honest, “Not a sign from anybody gether and kick racism out US Grand Prix this year in I felt out of place and uncom- in my industry which of course of our societies for good. Use Austin despite uncertainty fortable sharing my thoughts is a white-dominated sport. your voice, spread awareness caused by the coronavirus on social media about the “I’m one of the only peo- as far as you can.” Daniel Ric- pandemic. whole situation and this is why ple of colour there yet I stand ciardo of Renault, Lando Nor- Hamilton emphasised he I haven’t express myself ear- alone. I would have thought ris and Carlos Sainz of McLar- did not support rioting or loot- lier than today,” Ferrari’s Ler- by now you would see why en, Williams driver Nicholas ing in the name of protest. clec tweeted on Monday. this happens and say some- Latifi and SergioP erez of Rac- “I do not stand with those “And I was completely thing about it but you can’t ing Point have all posted sup- looting and burning buildings wrong. stand alongside us. Just know port too. but those who are protesting “I still struggle to find the I know who you are, and I see Hamilton’s Mercedes said: peacefully,” he said. words to describe the atrocity you.” The 35-year-old Briton “We stand with you, Lewis. “There can be no peace un- of some videos I’ve seen on was the first black driver in the Tolerance is an elementary til our so called leaders make Internet. Racism needs to be elite motorsport series and has principle of our team and we change. This is not just Ameri- met with actions, not silence.” previously complained about a are enriched by diversity in all ca, this is the UK, this is Spain, Six-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes driver Hamilton lack of diversity in F1. its forms. this is Italy and all over.” 12 Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Sports Torino vs Parma clash to kick off Serie A return on June 20

AFP The first match will be from June 20 to August 2. with Lazio at Atalanta on because of the summer heat number of fans will be able to who can attend the match with Milan 15th-placed Torino versus After the four catch-up Wednesday. in Italy, with only ten games attend matches before the sea- all necessary precautions. ninth-ranked Parma at 7.30 games, the 27th round of ac- Juventus will host Lazio on scheduled earlier at 5.15pm, in son finishes. “Certainly it is premature Serie A will return after a pm (1730GMT) on June 20 tion will be played with match- July 20 at 9.45pm. the north of the country. “It is my heartfelt wish to today but with the resumption three-month coronavirus- followed by Hellas Verona, in es scheduled from Monday, The league has not yet con- be able to see a small presence of the championship, there enforced absence on June 20 eighth, versus Cagliari, in 12th, June 22 through to Wednes- firmed the dates for theI talian ‘Signal of hope’ in stadium for the end could be a new little signal of with Torino hosting Parma at 9.45pm. day, June 24. Cup, which is expected to be Games will be played be- of the championship,” hope for our country.” in the first of four postponed The following day fourth- Juventus, who are bidding completed the week before Se- hind closed doors and adher- said Gravina. The Italian federation matches on the opening week- placed Atalanta will host mid- for a ninth consecutive title, are rie A restarts, with the final on ing to a strict health protocol, “It seems unthink- outlined in a 40-page docu- end, the Italian league con- table Sassuolo at 7.30 pm while one point ahead of Lazio. June 17. whereby the entire group must able that in a ment earlier on Mon- firmed on Monday. Inter Milan, in third, will be at Third-placed Inter Milan The return legs of the semi- go into a training camp retreat stadium with day the guidelines for The championship will re- home against relegation-threat- are nine points behind the lead- finals remain to be played with for two weeks in the case of a 60,000 seats, the resumption of sume with fixtures which were ened Sampdoria at 9.45 pm. er with a game in hand. Juventus facing AC Milan and positive test for Covid-19. there is no competition, with a called off when Italian sports Most teams have 12 games Maurizio Sarri’s Juventus Napoli playing Inter Milan. Italian football federation space for a min- maximum of number was suspended on March 9 be- left to play with 124 matches re- travel to Bologna for their Most of the matches will be president Gabriele Gravina said imal percentage of 300 people allowed cause of the coronavirus. maining, to be played in 43 days first game back on Monday played at 7.30pm and 9.45pm, Monday he hoped that a small of spectators in the stadium. Barcelona to resume title defence against Mallorca

La Liga to restart with Seville derby on June 11

Leipzig’s Czech forward Patrik Schick (centre) celebrates Agencies with teammates Spanish midfielder Dani Olmo (left) and Madrid forward Timo Werner after scoring the first goal for his side against Cologne on Monday. (AFP) Barcelona will resume their La Liga title defence against Real Mallorca following the coronavirus shutdown. Leipzig fight The Spanish top-flight foot- ball season will restart on June 11 with the derby between Se- back in Cologne villa and Real Betis, La Liga confirmed on Sunday. Football was suspended in Spain on 12 March but Prime to go third Minister Pedro Sanchez has said it can restart. DPA The first round of games Cologne (Germany) following the coronavirus shutdown will be played over RB Leipzig triumphed from a goal down in Cologne four days, with leaders Barce- to win 4-2 on Monday and return to the Bundesliga’s lona at Mallorca on June 13 Champions League spots. and Real Madrid at home to Patrik Schick and Christopher Nkunku cancelled Eibar the next day. A supporter poses wearing a mask bearing the logo of FC Barcelona after buying it at a FC Barcelona store on in Barcelona, Spain. (AFP) Jhon Cordoba’s early opener for Cologne to turn the The following matchday will game in Leipzig’s favour in the first half. run from Monday, June 15 to president Javier Tebas told 16:00, 18:30 and 21:00, with starting on June 11. full sessions on Monday as Timo Werner and Dani Olmo then netted after the Thursday, June 18. Movistar. an extra slot at 12:00 if it is not It has been 82 days since the two rivals get set to renew break either side of Anthony Modeste’s superb strike Barcelona will host Leganes “We have designed the too hot. the Spanish top-flight sus- their title tussle, which has giving Cologne a brief moment of hope. on June 16 while Madrid take schedule to give each team at Applause from fans across pended fixtures due to the cor- Barca sitting two points clear Leipzig jump from fifth to third on 58 points, two be- on Valencia in the capital two least 72 hours of rest between the world will be played in sta- onavirus pandemic and teams at the top of the table with 11 hind second-placed Borussia Dortmund and two ahead of days later. matches... We will update the diums in the 20th minute of will have only 10 days training games left to play. both Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen. The Spanish Sports Council schedule two matchdays at a matches to “show support for all together before competitive Zinedine Zidane oversaw Champions Bayern Munich crushed Fortuna Dus- released a statement on Friday time to take into account the the heroes of the COVID-19 games resume. Real’s session, in which “the seldorf 5-0 on Saturday and are seven points clear with saying that the Spanish Football weather conditions, which are pandemic”, Tebas said. A staggered programme al- players completed a very physi- just five rounds remaining. Federation (RFEF) and La Liga known two weeks in advance.” lowed players to return to train- cal first part and continued with Midtable Cologne are 11th but probably safe from had agreed the format for the Barcelona led Real Madrid Training resumes ing grounds for individual work individual and group exercises relegation despite being winless in their last five. 11 remaining rounds in the top by two points at the top of the Meanwhile on Monday, La on May 4 before clubs were giv- with the ball and goals,” said a Scoreline: two Spanish divisions. table when the season was halt- Liga clubs returned to full train- en permission to train in groups statement by the club. Cologne 2 (Cordoba 7’, Modeste 55’) lost to La Liga said the season ed in March. ing for the first time in almost of up to 10 on May 18 and then La Liga’s plan is for games RB Leipzig 4 (Schick 20’, Nkunku 38’, Werner 50’, should be completed by July 19. Weekday matches will kick three months as Real Madrid 14 a few days later. to take place every day across Olmo 57’). “We want next season to off at 18:30 and 21:00, while and Barcelona stepped up prep- Barcelona and Madrid five weeks, with the season end- start September 12,” La Liga weekend games will begin at arations ahead of the season re- were among those to begin ing on July 19.

AFP next year and the European Cham- “I think we even showed a de- golds at Beijing 2008 and London Spotakova Kladno (Czech Republic) pionships cancelled. But the sport cent performance, the corona crisis 2012 and a bronze in Rio in 2016. sprang back to life at 173 Czech didn’t derail us and in spite of eve- Looking forward to the prospect shines as Two-time Olympic champion venues on Monday as both profes- rything we’re pretty well prepared,” of competing in Tokyo at the age of Barbora Spotakova stole the show sionals and kids returned to compe- she added after winning women’s 39, she said: “I feel I’m in a good as athletics returned to business tition under the Czech Athletic Fed- javelin in the city of Kladno north- shape. I only hope it will last, a year athletics across the Czech Republic on Mon- eration’s ‘Back on Track’ project. west of Prague with 63.69 metres. perhaps?” day, following a drawn-out break “I really like this idea and obvi- “I was really looking forward to gets ‘Back due to the coronavirus pandemic. ously it has made quite a splash,” competing because I’ve been train- Czech Olympics winner Barbora Spo- Athletes were banned from the 38-year-old Spotakova, who ing for a very long time and I know takova throws a javelin at the Sletiste tracks, helplessly watching the To- holds the world record with 72.28 I can perform, but I wanted to test Stadium in Kladno town during the “Back on Track’ kyo Olympics being postponed until metres, told AFP. it,” said Spotakova, who won javelin to the Track” meeting on Monday. (AFP) Racing leads the way as elite sport returns to Britain

AFP tors to watch the 10 flat races to the global sporting calen- London while trainers, jockeys and dar, with the Rugby Football grooms wore masks. League and the Australian Horse racing resumed in Zodiakos won the first race Rugby League Commission an- England on Monday as pro- on English soil for 76 days as nouncing the cancellation of fessional sport got under way the 22-1 shot edged out stable- this year’s England-Australia again following the easing mate Al Ozzdi on the line. Ashes series. of coronavirus lockdown re- “That has blown away the Three Tests had been due strictions. cobwebs,” Zodiakos’s jock- to take place in England in Oc- Elite sport in Britain has ey Jimmy Sullivan told Sky tober and November, with the been in a deep freeze since Sports. competition being revived after March but the government on “In this heat today, riding a 17-year absence. Saturday approved the return in the mask, it is very warm And fears were expressed of domestic competitive ac- and after pulling up I pulled it about how quickly English tion behind closed doors from down a little just to get a few football’s Championship was June 1. breaths in. expected to return. Premier League football is “It wasn’t too bad though, Clubs in England’s second scheduled to restart on June 17, it’s manageable and it’s the England’s will be back in action in the tier did not return to any sort while cricket chiefs still hope to sort of thing that in a week you Championship League. Horse racing returned in England on Monday for the first time since March. of training until May 25 and stage a full international pro- won’t even notice it.” will only begin contact train- gramme during the summer. The 2,000 Guineas, on Barnsley Federation of Rac- But he said the return of ing world champion Judd Trump described in a tweet ing this week but the plan is Racing has a head start June 6 at Newmarket, will be ing Pigeons in the north of racing would be a blessing for Trump starring in the opening how he had been tested for to start playing matches on in its attempts to grab the at- the first of the flat-racing sea- England were released from a many in his community and match of the Championship coronavirus: “Arrived in Mil- June 20. tention of fans starved of live son’s “” races. park ahead of a 90-mile sprint. was “like putting oxygen back League. ton Keynes test done hopefully “I am absolutely stunned sport, but it looks very different Earlier in the day, pigeon Organiser John Greenshield, into the area”. The televised tournament, all clear for action tomorrow... by this announcement, as is from when it departed before racing enjoyed a brief moment 72, said the restart came ear- taking place in the central Eng- swab up the nose is not enjoya- our director of football Les Fer- lockdown. in the spotlight. lier than many expected and so Snooker tests lish town of Milton Keynes, is ble at all. enjoy that everyone.” dinand and our manager Mark At Newcastle, in northeast More than 4,000 birds many of the birds are far from Snooker is also making a the firstevent since the Gibral- But the coronavirus has Warburton,” Queens Park England, there were no specta- belonging to members of the “match fit”. return on Monday, with reign- tar Open in March. caused further disruption Rangers CEO Lee Hoos said. Sports Tuesday, June 2, 2020 13 I admire what Kohli has done for Indian cricket: Smith Agencies discussion in the background NEW DELHI and trying to find the right way forward. Hopefully we can get Former cricketers Gautam Gambhir of India and Pakistan’s Star batsman Steve Smith there soon rather than later. Shahid Afridi (right). says the experience of having I probably see more changes played more pink ball games coming in. But if you can’t put than India would give Australia saliva on the ball and shine it Waqar Younis urges ‘slight advantage’ when the two up, I guess it’s a disadvantage sides clash under flood lights in for bowlers in a way,” he added December but the Virat Kohli- Gambhir & Afridi to led side has the batsmen to Additional duties stand up to the challenge. Meanwhile, Smith also end social media war Cricket Australia last week urged senior Australia play- confirmed that India will tour ers to be ready to assume AFP calm down,” said Waqar. Down Under for a full tour additional duties like giving New Delhi “It has been going on for comprising four Tests, three throw-downs to teammates in way too long. My advice to ODIs and three T20Is. The sec- practice if further cost-cutting Former Pakistan star them is to maybe catch up ond Test will be a day-night af- means fewer support staff. Waqar Younis has called on somewhere around the world fair, starting from December 11 Cricket Australia (CA) has Shahid Afridi and Gautam and talk it out if you cannot in Adelaide. furloughed about 80 percent of Gambhir to end their so- really calm it down.” “We played a few more pink its workforce due to the coro- cial media war, and for In- India and Pakistan have ball games, perhaps, than India navirus pandemic and state dia and Pakistan to resume not played a series since which might be a slight advan- associations have made deep playing cricket. 2012-2013 and have hit a tage,” the Aussie star batsman staff cuts in recent weeks. After being fierce on-field new peak in tensions over said in a Facebook session, CA chief Kevin Roberts rivals, Pakistan’s Afridi and Kashmir, which they have hosted by Sony Sports India. suggested on Friday there former Indian opener Gamb- fought over since their inde- “India played pretty well in India skipper Virat Kohli with Australian star batsman Steve Smith. (BCCI) could be another round of cost- hir have become involved in pendence in 1947. the day-night game they played cutting to shore up the board’s heated social media exchang- India frequently accuses at Kolkata. It’s a different game Smith ‘in best shape’ despite not picking up bat in months finances. es over the troubled Kashmir Pakistan of organising mili- but they certainly got the bat- “Particularly the senior region, which is claimed by tant attacks in the sector of ters that can stand up to the SYDNEY: Australia star Steve ably the best shape I’ve been year-and-a-half since the World players being able to maybe both countries. the Himalayan region that it conditions when it gets tough Smith admitted on Monday in years. Lots of running, lots Cup and Ashes and summer take a bit of time off your own Gambhir is now a law- administers. with the Pink Ball. And their he has barely picked up a of gym stuff,” Smith said. “It’s here. “I’m refreshed and ready game and help someone else maker in the Indian parlia- Waqar, 48, said a cricket bowlers, they stand the seam bat since cricket shut down, been a couple of months of to go,” he added. If the virus out at training or something ment, while Afridi has his series would boost relations up with quality.” but said he was in his best good hard work and now back had not struck, Smith would like that,” Smith said after re- own foundation and is a vo- between the arch-rival neigh- “They are world class play- physical shape in years. The with the boys, which is great.” have been in the plane to turning to training with his cal activist. bours. ers who are able to adapt to an- 30-year-old, the world’s number But with no net practice, he Bangladesh this month for a New South Wales teammates Waqar advised the pair “I think that it would be ything, so I see it being a pretty one Test batsman, has been has barely picked up his bat. two-Test series, after playing in on Monday. to “calm down” in an online the biggest hit of the world,” amazing contest,” he said. out of action since March, “I haven’t touched a bat, really. the postponed Indian Premier “They (support staff) all chat show. said Waqar. India will first clash with when Australia’s one-day series A couple of little drills at home League. He was one of six have a role to play, particularly “The banter between “I think Pakistan (and) Australia in a T20I series be- against New Zealand was but that’s about it,” said Smith, Cricket Australia-contracted as the game evolved and got Gautam Gambhir and Shahid India should play, and ginning October 11 and then abandoned due to the corona- who has plundered more than players in the New South more professional. Afridi has been going on for a should play on a regular ba- return to defend the Border- virus pandemic. He returned 7,000 Test runs. “I’ve just Wales squad who rejoined “We’ve got people in differ- while now. I think they both sis to avoid depriving crick- Gavaskar Trophy with the to training with his New South tried to switch off from it a bit, their state teammates Monday, ent areas of expertise to help got to be smart, sensible, and et lovers.” opening match at Gabba, Wales teammates on Monday which I don’t do very often. including David Warner, Mitch- the team prepare and get ready where the hosts have tremen- as they await the green light I was just focusing on get- ell Starc and Nathan Lyon. to play. dous record. for competitive cricket to start ting myself fit and strong and The squad has been divided “Guys might have to throw “Our record at Gabba (Bris- again, targeting a home one- refreshing mentally. “It’s been into four groups who alternate to one of the other batters or bane) against anyone, is good day series against Zimbabwe a bit different but I’m sure in morning and afternoon indoor help out the bowlers in some to be fair, that is a fortress for in August. “I feel like I’ve had the long run it will probably gym and skills sessions as way. Gayle claims he is victim of racism us, we wanted to play first Test a pre-season the last couple of be a good thing to freshen up part of COVID-19 return-to- “If that happens, it will take there for a long period of time,” months. Got myself into prob- after what was a pretty long training protocols. (AFP) a bit of adjusting.” Agencies the 30-year-old said. On the proposed ban on Kingston (Jamaica) using saliva to polish the ball, Phenomenal average You got to admire someone like ty amazing for cricket.” ing swing bowlers around the Smith thinks it could disrupt West Indies opening bats- Smith, one of the world’s that and what he has done for The top-ranked Test bats- world out of play. There needs the game’s bat-ball balance. man Chris Gayle on Monday best Test batsmen, also ad- Indian cricket.” man hoped there’s some solu- to be a solution.” “I’ve always been one for said that racism is not just re- mired the way the Indian Asked about his compari- tion for bowlers who are likely “What it is? I’ve no idea. a fair contest between bat and stricted to football but exists captain goes about chases in sons with the Indian icon, he to be affected by the ICC ban on I’m sure someone will come ball. Even as a batter if that’s in cricket too. white-ball cricket. said, “I admire Virat a lot. using saliva to shine the ball. up with something and we will taken away, I don’t think that’s His remark comes as ‘Black “Look at his average in win- He’s an amazing player. The “For me, even though I’m a be able to move forward with great,” Smith said. Lives Matter’ protests are tak- ning chases in one-day cricket. way they play the game now, batter, I still want to see an even our great game and see some “I actually spit on my hands ing place throughout the US It’s phenomenal. He’s so good the sheer passion he has for contest between bat and ball. I quality contests. I don’t know most balls and that’s how I get after an African-American man under pressure and calm. Just cricket... His body sort of trans- think that’s really important the answer right now. It’s still grip and stuff. So that might - George Floyd - passed away gets the job done and unfortu- formed over time. He’s so fit, for the game. You don’t want to obviously early days. Wait and take some adjusting to certain after having a knee pressed into West Indies fiery opener nately for an opposition player. strong and powerful now. Pret- see the ball doing nothing, tak- see. I”m sure people having things like that.” his neck by a police officer iden- Chris Gayle. tified as Derek Chauvin. “Black lives matter just like his Instagram story. any other life. Black people “Racism is not only in matter, p***k all racist people, football, it’s in cricket too. Former world No. 1 golfer Singh stop taking black people for Even within teams as a black Lanka cricket team fools, even our own black peo- man, I get the end of the stick. ple wise the p***k up and stop Black and powerful. Black and opts out of Korn Ferry Tour start bringing down your own! I have proud,” he added. trains with eye on travelled the globe and experi- Ever since the demise of AFP to play their way onto the US behalf that in addition to being ence racial remarks towards me Floyd, protests erupted from Los Angeles PGA Tour. a member of the Hall of Fame, because I am black, believe me, demonstrations in cities from international restart “Do you know how much he’s a big part of the PGA Tour’s the list goes on,” Gayle wrote in San Francisco to Boston. AFP The squad consists mostly Former world number one those points and money could success which financially subsi- Colombo of bowlers, with governing Vijay Singh won’t tee it up on do for a young kid?” 35-year-old dizes, and always has, the KFT,” body Sri Lanka Cricket saying the developmental Korn Ferry journeyman Schnell - who has Mickelson tweeted. Sri Lanka’s national team on Sunday they needed more Tour in June after all, Golf missed five of six cuts on the “He has earned the right to trained together on Monday for conditioning before returning Channel reported on Sunday. Korn Ferry Tour this season - play when and where he wants.” Bumrah seeks ‘alternative’ the first time in more than two- to competitive games. Golf Channel said the PGA tweeted. Schnell later apologized, and-a-half months to sharpen Among those training were Tour had confirmed that the “He’s writing, “a different approach their skills and fitness ahead of Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Raji- 57-year-old Fijian has decided a complete should have been taken in order to saliva on cricket ball a potential restart of the inter- tha, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa to withdraw from the Korn Fer- turd for play- to get my point across.” AFP national game, skipper Dimuth Fernando, Isuru Udana, Lasith ry Tour Challenge June 11-14 at ing. He’s got his Singh, who owns a total New Delhi Karunaratne said. Embuldeniya, Lakshan Sanda- TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra money and he’s of 34 US PGA Tour titles, Cricket in the country came kan, Dasun Shanaka and Nu- Beach, Florida. got his career. has missed eight Indian paceman Jasprit to a halt on March 13 when the wan Pradeep. The three-time major Just wait another of nine Tour Bumrah said cricket should visiting England team pulled They will not be allowed to champion’s decision to enter month and roll cuts in the past seek an “alternative” for shining out on the second day of a four- leave their hotel in Colombo or the event had sparked criticism with your senior two seasons. the ball if the game’s governing day practice match ahead of the practice venue for personal in some quarters, even though friends.” He finished body ban the use of saliva dur- their two-Test series. errands, the cricket board said. his lifetime US PGA Tour Five-time 29th in his lone ing the coronavirus pandemic. “I think it is high time to Sri Lanka has reported membership allows him to en- major winner Phil Champions tour The International Cricket train ourselves and get back to 1,633 coronavirus infections, ter any KFT event in a week in Mickelson - who for 50-and-over Council (ICC) is likely to imple- our fitness level and skill lev- including 11 deaths so far. which he is not eligible for the has had a sometimes players start this year, ment a ban for the game’s re- els,” the captain told reporters The Test series against main tour tournament. testy relationship with at the Mitsubishi Elec- turn when they meet next week in the capital Colombo. England was put off indefi- One KFT player, Brady Singh - was quick to tric Championship in after receiving medical advice “We want to start interna- nitely after the pandemic Schnell went so far as to call defend the Fijian. Hawaii. that spit poses a COVID-19 In a file photo, Indian cricketer tional cricket. That’s why we halted major sporting events Singh “a piece of trash” on “It’s no secret VJ transmission risk. Jasprit Bumrah prepares to bowl are starting practice.” worldwide. Twitter, saying the KFT should and I aren’t close, but Fiji’s golfer Vijay Singh: Handshakes, celebratory during a practice session. (AFP) A 13-member squad began Coach Mickey Arthur had be left to young golfers striving I’d like to say on his Sparking criticism high-fives and hugs are also a 12-day training session with customised home-training re- likely to be off-limits when in- ers. The grounds are getting indoor fitness drills on Mon- gimes for many players in the ternational cricket resumes shorter and shorter, the wickets day. Ground training will start national team after the lock- with safety protocols in place. are becoming flatter and flatter. on Tuesday. down was imposed. MotoGP revises 2020 race calendar “I was not much of a hug- So we need something.” ger anyway, and not a high-five Pace bowlers usually try to Red Bull Ring AFP cuit on July 19 and 26. September 13: San Marino Grand Prix at person as well, so that doesn’t make the ball swing through Paris Aside from the proposed Misano trouble me a lot,” Bumrah said the air by shining one side on double act at Jerez, three oth- September 27: Aragon Grand Prix at Alcaniz in an ICC video chat with the their clothing aided by using October 4: Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram The 2020 MotoGP season lost er races — France, Italy and November 1: Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang former West Indies pace bowler sweat or saliva and leaving the another race on Monday when Catalonia — are also awaiting November 15: Grand Prix of the Americas at Ian Bishop and the ex-captain other half to become scuffed. the Japanese Grand Prix was a confirmed slot in a season Austin, Texas of South Africa, Shaun Pollock. Anil Kumble, chairman of cancelled. The first 11 races of that was due to have begun in November 22: Argentinian Grand Prix at Termas “The only thing that inter- the ICC cricket committee that de Rio Hondo the season have been either Qatar in March. November 29: Valencia Grand Prix at Ricardo ests me is the saliva bit,” added recommended banning saliva, postponed or cancelled due to Tormo circuit the 26-year-old Bumrah. insisted the move was only an the coronavirus pandemic. Revised calendar Races cancelled: Qatar Grand Prix at Losail “I don’t know what guide- “interim measure”. MotoGP organisers Dorna July 19: Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez (to be con- German Grand Prix at Sachsenring lines that we have to follow Australian cricket ball man- firmed) Dutch Grand Prix at Assen are awaiting Spanish govern- July 26: Grand Prix of Andalusia at Jerez (to be Finnish Grand Prix at KymiRing when we come back, but I feel ufacturer Kookaburra is de- ment approval to start the confirmed) British Grand Prix at Silverstone there should be an alternative. veloping a wax applicator that Sri Lanka’s medical officials brief national cricket team members on meas- truncated season with back- August 9: Czech Grand Prix at Brno Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi “If the ball is not well main- allows players to shine the ball ures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Colombo on Monday. (AFP) to-back races at the Jerez cir- August 16: Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg’s Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island tained, it’s difficult for the bowl- without using saliva or sweat.