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Home , Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Bob Woolmer, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali (cricketer), Mickey Arthur

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Farah feels Tokyo fast delay could help bowlers Amir, 10,000m title Hasan, Riaz lose defence central contracts THURSDAY 14 MAY 2020 With little competition, German Bundesliga set to grab spotlight

AFP — PARIS something to cover -- and the sorely-missed revenue live German football will find itself sport generates. in an unaccustomed global “For those of us who make Michael Schumacher spotlight this weekend as audi- a living from football the fact ences starved of live football Schalke’s there hasn’t been any activity Schumacher turn to the only major European defender really affects us. A weekend league back in action. Juan Miranda without football is really dif- With the Premier League, (left) and his ficult,” said Emilio Fernando wins fan vote Spain’s La Liga and Serie A in team-mate Alonso, a Mexican reporter for Italy all still sidelined by the Jean-Clair ESPN. for F1’s most coronavirus pandemic, the Bun- Todibo attend In China, where the Super desliga will take centre stage on a training League might not begin until influential Saturday. session in June, German football’s metic- Even in Brazil, media cov- Gelsenkirchen, ulously planned return is being erage has switched from on Tuesday. closely watched. person domestic football stories to Writing in the Oriental what TV viewers can expect to Sports Daily, columnist Ji see when Borussia Dortmund Yuyang said the biggest chal- REUTERS — LONDON meet Schalke in the biggest lenge for the Bundesliga was match of the opening day, albeit not restarting during the pan- Seven times world it without spectators in the demic, but being able to outlast champion Michael Schu- stadium. it because of financial pressures macher has been named Cable channel Fox Sports, that clubs were facing due to the the most influential which holds exclusive rights to health crisis. person in Formula One show the Bundesliga in Brazil, implications for their health. In Delhi University, said. Indian Adolfo Barbero, who com- “Half of the teams in the top history after a vote by fans will be showing the Ruhr Derby , foreign football leagues international forward Jeje mentates on Bundesliga games two leagues are in danger of on the sport’s official at 9:30 am local time. Its have found a market in India’s Lalpekhlua said he would also for the Spanish channel Mov- going bankrupt, according to website. website already features a urban youth who keenly follow be tuning in to the coverage on istar+, said: “I can assure you that estimates in Germany,” Ji wrote. The result was lengthy article about the games the Premier League and support Indian broadcasters Star Sports I haven’t seen this level of interest “So for many German clubs, revealed yesterday, the entitled “The wait will soon be clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool and Hotstar: “It’s difficult in the Bundesliga in 20 years. whether it was better to wait for 70th anniversary of the ”. and Manchester United. But a without football for so long. I Normally people support Bayern failure or risk restarting, they first world championship Even Brazil’s biggest media few of these fans also watch La am surely going to watch it.” Munich, Dortmund or even Bayer chose the latter.” Grand Prix at Silverstone group, Globo, is getting in on the Liga and Bundesliga. In Japan, rightsholder Sky Leverkusen and that’s it. The quarantine and social in 1950. act with interviews with four “I am desperately waiting Perfect is going to show two “But now they are also distancing measures that Bun- Ferrari great Schu- Brazilians who play for Bun- for the Bundesliga to start this Bundesliga matches this looking forward to seeing desliga clubs have instituted are macher, who has not been desliga clubs, including weekend. I am thirsty for live weekend free of charge. Fortuna Duesseldorf and Pad- also being scrutinised in Italy seen in public since he Wolfsburg midfielder William, football action in this In Europe too, the matches erborn. It’s crazy.” and Spain, whose leagues are suffered serious head who admitted players were “a lockdown,” Amjad Rehan in Germany will provide a In Mexico, football jour- some way from being able to injuries in a ski accident little bit scared” about the Ibrahim, a student of much-needed fix of live sport. nalists are grateful for consider resuming. in 2013, beat former com- mercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone with 61% of the vote in a head-to-head PL players face strict new training protocols final. The German holds the record for titles and race AFP — LONDON staff must wear personal pro- However, interna- wins (91), although six tection equipment when tionals Raheem Sterling and times champion Lewis Premier League players are set treating the players. Danny Rose are the two latest Hamilton is threatening to to be subjected to a strict testing A meeting involving high-profile players to raise take both. regime if they are to return to players, the Professional Foot- their concerns over a return to In earlier rounds of training amid the coronavirus ballers’ Association and the contact sport when the rest of the tournament, Schu- pandemic, according to British British government over safety society is being advised to macher beat the late media reports. and health issues surrounding follow social-distancing champions Niki Lauda, The BBC said it had seen a Premier a possible restart of the game is guidelines. Ayrton Senna and Juan copy of official protocols sent League set to take place on Wednesday. “The moment we do go back Manuel Fangio as well as to all 20 Premier League clubs trophy PFA chief executive Gordon it just needs to be a moment team founder Enzo detailing the need for corner- Taylor, said his members would where it’s not just for footballing Ferrari. flags, balls, cones, goalposts and be open to playing again pro- reasons, it’s safe for not just us An expert panel had even playing surfaces to be dis- vided “everything that can be footballers but the whole produced a 32-name infected after each training done is being done” to assure medical staff, referees,” Sterling shortlist, divided into four session. their safety. told his YouTube channel. categories of drivers, team Other measures in the “We’ve got to try it, see if Meanwhile Rose, on loan at bosses, technical inno- guidance include twice-weekly we can do it and see if we can Newcastle from Tottenham, told vators and game testing, and a daily pre-training isolate for seven days. communal areas and won’t be return to some form of activity,” an Instagram live: “People’s changers. questionnaire and temperature All players will have ro fed on the premises. Taylor told the Mirror. lives are at risk. Formula One said check. travel to a training ground indi- Tackling and contact will “But it’s also being as “Football shouldn’t even be thousands of fans had Should a player test pos- vidually and avoid public reportedly be banned for the careful and having as many spoken about coming back until participated but did not itive, with or without symptoms, transport. Once there they will first phase of team training. assurances as possible that it’s the numbers have dropped give details. they will be forced to self- not be allowed to gather in Meanwhile club medical achievable.” massively.” Leading women golfers ready to tee off in Seoul

AFP — SEOUL mainland China -- has brought checked before entering the COVID-19 under control with a venue and all support personnel Leading professional golfers widespread “trace, test and must wear face masks at all will return to competitive action treat” programme, and has times. Players turning up for for the first time in months after begun to resume professional practice rounds yesterday were the coronavirus shutdown sport. required to wear masks before when three of the world’s top South Korean players dom- and after play. 10 women tee off in South inate women’s golf and the US- Some opted to don one on Korea today. based LPGA Tour, with three the course, where they were The domestic showpiece golfers ranked in the world’s top kept at least two metres from KLPGA Championship will six and eight players in the top their competitors and were follow the country’s football and 20. careful to keep contact with baseball leagues in starting Two-time major-winner caddies to a minimum. behind closed doors at the Park, Kim, a nine-time winner Media covering the tour- Lakewood Country Club in on the LPGA Tour, and current nament are restricted to two des- Yangju, northeast of Seoul. US Open champion Lee were ignated areas on the course at the World number three Park already back home in the first and 10th tees. Each player Sung-hyun, sixth-ranked Kim country when the virus will have to eat meals alone to Sei-young and number 10 Lee lockdown began. South Korean female golf players give thumbs-up, which means “respect” in sign language, to maintain social distancing, with Jeong-eun will be in a 150- They had returned after the express their gratitude to the medical workers on the frontline fighting the coronavirus disease no caddies or family members strong field chasing the LPGA season was suspended in (COVID-19), during a media day event ahead of the 42nd KLPGA Championship, at the Lakewood allowed to sit at the same table $180,000 winner’s cheque from February because of the pan- Country Club in Yangju, South Korea, yesterday. in the players’ lounge. a tournament purse of $2.5m, demic following the Australian Only four LPGA Tour events the highest in the event’s Open, which was won by have been completed this year 42-year history. another Korean, the world Country Club and strict pro- a “pity”, said the sixth-ranked the US,” she said. “But I’m -- the last in Adelaide on Feb- South Korea -- which number 11 Park In-bee. tocols will be in place to guard Kim. thankful for just even being able ruary 16 -- and the tour has out- endured one of the worst early No spectators will be against the risk of infection. “Usually a lot of fans show to play.” All players and staff lined plans to resume in mid- outbreaks of the disease outside allowed inside Lakewood Playing without the fans is up, more here in Korea than in will have their temperature July in Michigan. THURSDAY 14 MAY 2020 SPORT 09 Farah feels Tokyo delay could Report: NBA gaining help 10,000m title defence ‘momentum’ toward REUTERS — LONDON more track races and then go family and getting creative in return to season into the Olympics. So in a way training in London, with gyms Multiple Olympicpic champion Mo I think it works out well for meme.”.” closed and limits on outdoor Farah says thee postponement Farah,Farah, who is chasing a running. REUTERS — NEW YORK would impact the schedule. of the Tokyo Games to 2021 third successive Olympic gold It gives me a year to “In terms of training it has Wojnarowski also could work to hhisis aadvantagedvantage as overover 10,00010,000 metres bbutut ddoesoes do more track races definitely affected us because Following a Board of reported that the format for the Briton will nnowow have around not plan to defend his 5,000m you can’t exercise, you can’t go Governors call with commis- the return play remains 20 months too traintrain forfor thethe title in Tokyo,Tokyo, said evereveryoneyone and then go into the to the gym, you can’t race, you sioner Adam Silver, the NBA unknown, in terms of reg- defence of hiss 1010,000m,000m title waswas in the same boat Olympics. So in a way can’t do a lot of stuff I’ve been is “increasingly positive ular-season or play-off having switcheded his focus back and dealing I think it works out doing,” he said. about the league’s structure. to the track. withwith “I’m lucky I’ve got the momentum” toward The NBA also reportedly The 37-year-oldear-old retireretiredd plplentyenty well for me: Mo Farah treadmill at home so I’ve been resuming the 2019-20 continues to vet the possi- from track athleticshletics in 2017 to of running on that and sometimes season, ESPN’s Adrian bility of holding all games in focus on road marathons but uncer-uncer- I’ve been going once for Wojnarowski reported. neutral sites, with Orlando announced in NovemNovemberber llastast tainty.tainty. TTuesday,uesday, WorWorldld AthleticsA exercise outside. Per the report, owners and Las Vegas the leading year that he wwasas returning fforor On announceannouncedd ddetailsetails ooff a trun- “I’ve also been creative in and executives were candidates, in what Silver one more tilt aatt 10,000m ggold.old. catedcated season thatthat incincludedlu the terms of getting busy with my encouraged about the referred to as a “campus The target then was only a cancellationcancellation of July’sJuly’s London kids - we’ve been working on league’s steps toward environment.” matter of monthsths awaawayy bbutut tthehe AnniversaryAnniversary Games, ttheh latest the bridge (exercise). returning safely amid the Both Wojnarowski and year’s postponementement duedue to thethe ofof a string ofof DiamondDiamond League The four-times Olympic coronavirus pandemic and The Athletic’s Shams Cha- coronavirus pandemicpandemic hashas events to fall foul of theth virus. gold medallist has also been about positive conversations rania reported that the NBA changed everything.ything. TheThe changes anandd travel doing 5k challenges and charity with the National Basketball aims to decide within two to Farah, whoo must stillstill restrictions have left athletes activities. Players Association. four weeks whether to restart qualify, will bee 38 bbyy the strugglingstruggling to find ananyy sstructure “Mentally, I think we have The report added that the season. time of the GGamesames in toto ttheirheir season.season. to stay positive for all of us. Silver emphasized that in A potential roadblock to July and Augustgust “Hopefully“Hopefully when it gets As long as we can stay pos- order for a return to occur, the proposed resumption is next year but is goinggoing we can hhaveave somesom races itive and have something to all parties would need to that the league doesn’t looking on andand can start working towards aim for it hopefully gets accept that a single positive believe “rapid response the bright something,something, bbecauseecause as an easier,” he said. test for COVID-19 would not testing” will be readily side. athleteathlete you aalwayslways wawantn to have “But at the same time there derail the season. available inside of a month. “Having somethingsomething to worworkk towards are a lot of people in a hard sit- If a positive test would Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes postponed it if it’s an OOlympics,lympics, a world uation much worse than ours, “shut us down, we probably reported Paul held a private actually helps championships, anyany event,” people who can’t get out of the shouldn’t go down this path,” conference call with super- me a bit FarahFarah saisaid.d. house, single parents or kids Silver said, per Wojnarowski. stars across the league on more,” he saidd whilewhi l e TheThe six-times world with a small flat. I’m lucky I’m The report added that it Tuesday, with all wanting to training in isolationlation in LoLon-n- championchampion over 5,05,0000 and one of those people who have remains unclear at what resume the season at some don’s Richmondnd Park.Park. 10,00010,000 metres saisaidd hehe hadh been got a little bit more space,” he point numerous positive tests point. “It gives me a yearyear to dodo enjoyingenjoying moremore titimeme withw his added. Park proud as golf finally resumes in South Korea

SEOUL REUTERS — South Korean PIC: COURTESY MLB golfer Park Sung- With golf finally resuming when hyun smiles South Korea hosts the Korea during a press Ladies Professional Golf Asso- conference in ciation (KLPGA) Championship, Seoul, yesterday. NFL: Peters MLB outlines world number three Park Sung- Due to the coronavirus hyun says she feels a sense of outbreaks, the US hasn’t could return to safety plans in pride that her country is started its games yet, “leading the way” in a return for Eagles; Raiders memo amid sport. but I am pleased and The 42nd KLPGA Champi- also proud of the fact pandemic onship, which begins today, will to sign Prince be the tour’s first event since the that South Korea is COVID-19 pandemic disrupted leading the way for the AGENCIES — NEW YORK REUTERS — LOS ANGELES the calendar. It will be played resumption of sports: at the Lakewood Country Club The Philadelphia Eagles and Major League Baseball in Yangju without spectators. Park Sung-hyun free agent offensive tackle will send to players an “Due to the coronavirus Jason Peters (pictured) have outline of plans for player outbreaks, the US hasn’t started not closed the door on a safety in the midst of the its games yet, but I am pleased possible reunion, NFL Network coronavirus pandemic. and also proud of the fact that situation is not very good over would be a surreal experience. is still trying to figure out how reported Tuesday. According to Ken South Korea is leading the way there. They can’t leave their “It hit me the most when I heard to “reset” her goals after the Per the report, the sides Rosenthal of The Athletic, for the resumption of sports,” house, they’re with their kids,” the news that the games would Tokyo Olympics were pushed “have been in communi- the detailed outline covers Park told reporters yesterday. the 26-year-old Park said. “So have no spectators,” Choi said. back by a year but is looking cation,” although neither the 80 pages and provides a However, Park will be I just asked a friend of mine in “It feels a little awkward forward to competing on the team nor Peters is “in a great step-by-step return to without her trusted caddie, Korea in a hurry (to be my when I think about how quiet LPGA Tour when it resumes. rush.” spring training and David Jones, who was unable caddie).” the game is going to be since it’s “We’ve been told that the The report added that beyond. to travel to Korea because of the Defending champion Choi just us players. It’ll feel like it’s LPGA in the US will resume in other teams, including the Owners approved lockdown and restrictions on Hye-jin said she “can’t wait” to not a competition.” July, so I want to prepare well Cleveland Browns, New York restarting spring training air travel. return to the greens, although Kim Sei-young, who has 10 for that and show my best,” she Jets and Denver Broncos, have with a goal of beginning “My caddie is Irish and the she said playing without fans wins on the LPGA Tour, said she said. also been in touch with Peters. the 2020 regular around The 38-year-old has spent July 1. Under the plan, 16 years in the NFL, including teams can hold spring the past 11 with the Eagles, but training at their home Temperature checks and virus tests he apparently doesn’t plan to ballparks or return to retire soon. their usual spring training According to NFL Network, facilities in Florida or part of PGA return plan, say reports he has told friends, “If Tom Arizona in mid-June. Brady can play into his 40s, I The players associ- can play into my 40s. I feel ation will review the AFP — MIAMI revamped schedule that could great.” player safety proposal this be open to fans. Peters missed three games week, per reports, with Coronavirus testing and daily A file photo of Tiger Access will be restricted to to injury last season and nine the all-important dis- temperature taking will be part Woods (forground) player and cadddie areas and games in 2017, but he has cussion around financial of the US PGA Tour’s health and and Phil Mickelson. the clubhouse to those who played in 98 of a possible 112 fallout from a shortened safety plan when it returns next have been cleared by testing, games since 2013. He missed season yet to take place. month, according to multiple with no families on site. the entire 2012 campaign after Should games begin in reports yesterday. PGA staff, including rules rupturing his Achilles tendon July, fans will not be Golf Channel, Golfweek and and scoring officials, security, twice during the offseason. present in ballparks, and ESPN all reported details of the select clubhouse, tournament A nine-time Pro Bowler there is question as to plan, set to be unveiled by the and volunteer staff, trainers and and two-time first-team All- whether all home sta- tour yesterday, after obtaining coaches will be permitted at the Pro, Peters last made the Pro diums will be available to copies of a 37-page memo sent event. The tour will provide face Bowl in 2016. He has allowed host players-only games. to players. masks, disinfectant wipes and three sacks in each of the last Los Angeles County is Tests for the deadly virus, cover the test costs for players, two seasons, according to expected to extend a stay- which has shut down the tour caddies and essential staff. STATS, about in line with his at-home order into July, for two months, would include A tour-hired charter flight will career average. which would impact the nasal swabs and saliva exams. carry players and caddies Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Los Angeles Dodgers and Players and caddies would also results. They would be banned The PGA Tour plans to between tournaments, but Raiders agreed to terms with every team because the perform a pre-travel screening from other course facilities. resume on June 11 at the Charles players and caddies must submit free agent cornerback Prince All-Star Game is test, be tested at lodging arrival, Any player who tests pos- Schwab Challenge at Colonial to viral testing within 24 hours of Amukamara. scheduled to be held at then face daily health questions itive for the virus must imme- Country Club in Fort Worth, departure. Only those who test Amukamara, who turns 31 Dodger Stadium on July and thermometer readings diately quarantine at a selected Texas, without spectators. Four- negative can board the plane. next month, has been on the 14. before they can compete. location for 10 days. Should a time major winner Brooks Caddies can rake bunkers market since the Chicago If a player’s temperature is player test positive after making Koepka has said he will be and tend flagsticks but must use Bears released him in late Feb- Under the plan, teams above 100.4 Fahrenheit (38 the 36-hole cut, he will be paid among those to tee off in the sanitary wipes on the ruary, ending a three-year can hold spring training Celsius) on any day, he likely last-place prize money. comeback event. equipment after doing so. tenure with the team. at their home ballparks will be required to take a coro- “In implementing our Three other events -- the “While we believe we have He finished last season or return to their usual navirus test. testing plan, we will not do so Heritage, the Travelers Cham- created an extremely compre- with 53 tackles and 10 pass spring training facilities Nasal swab tests are in a manner that takes away pionship and the Rocket hensive health and safety plan, breakups in 15 games, but he in Florida or Arizona in expected to require one to two from testing and medical Mortgage Championship -- will we will not play if we do not feel failed to record an interception days for results, with golfers resources in the communities be played without spectators, we can provide a safe and after nabbing three in 2018. mid-June. able to only practice and play in which we play or for affected with the John Deere Classic at healthy environment for all Across 44 games with the -- observing social distancing groups in those communities,” Sylvis, Illinois, on July 9-12 the constituents,” the memo said, Bears, he totaled 29 pass protocols -- while awaiting the PGA plan said. first possible event on a according to ESPN. breakups. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 14 MAY 2020

Stylish Babar Pacers Amir, Hasan, Wahab lose Azam named new Pakistan Pakistan Board contracts ODI

AP - ISLAMABAD earn Rs550,000 REUTERS - CATEGORY A: , Babar ($3,400). Pace bowlers , Azam, “The philosophy Pakistan named and were and criteria for this as their new captain in dropped from the list of CATEGORY B: , Asad Shafiq, merit-based central one-day internationals, ’s , Mohammad Abbas, contract list was putting the elegant batsman in centrally contracted players Mohammad Rizwan, , simple and straight- charge of both their limited- yesterday as young fast bowler , Shan Masood, Yasir forward: the overs teams after a stellar year was awarded a Shah selectors reviewed with the bat. maiden category C contract. player performances The top order batsman, Former captain Sarfaraz CATEGORY C: , Iftikhar in the past 12 months who took over - Ahmed was demoted to cat- Ahmed, , Imam-ul-Haq, and then looked taincy earlier this year, suc- egory B and lost his ODI cap- Naseem Shah, ahead to our team ceeds Sarfaraz Ahmed as Paki- taincy to Babar Azam, who also requirements in the stan’s white-ball leader while leads Pakistan in Twenty20 Emerging Players’ Category: Haider forthcoming 12 Azhar Ali also got an extension internationals. Ali, , months,” Misbah as skipper of the test side for Pakistan Test captain said. the 2020-21 season. captain Azhar Ali and fast Three young “I want to congratulate bowler Shaheen Afridi were and Wahab will remain in con- and Shaheen who have been cricketers - under-19 Azhar Ali and Babar Azam for promoted to category A, earning tention for ODIs and well-rewarded for their out- batsman , getting captaincy extensions,” Rs1.1m ($6,200), along with and that the experienced standing performances,” and fast bowlers chief selector and head coach Babar. bowlers “can still contribute to Misbah said. Haris Rauf and Misbah-ul-Haq said in a “The selectors have made the Pakistan men’s cricket team “The two teenagers are the Mohammad Hasnain statement issued by the the tough decisions to leave out and also mentor our young future of Pakistan cricket and I - were named in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Amir, Hasan and Wahab but battery of fast bowlers.” have no doubts that if they list of emerging yesterday. “This is absolutely considering Hasan missed most Hasan made his Test debut remain fit and stay focused, players which was the right decision as they also of the season due to an injury three years ago but had been they will dominate world described by Misbah Babar Azam, require certainty and clarity and Amir and Wahab decided struggling due to injuries since cricket for a long time.” as part of PCB’s Pakistan's new on their future roles. I am sure to focus on white-ball cricket, last playing for Pakistan in June Pakistan Test leg-spinner policy to “encourage ODI captain they will now start looking to this was the right move,” chief 2019. was demoted from potential future the future and start planning selector and head coach He made an unimpressive category A to B while left- national team so that they can build sides Misbah-ul-Haq said in a comeback in February for handed opening batsman players.” that can perform at the statement. in the Pakistan Imam-ul-Haq was demoted “I am sure this expected levels.” Misbah openly criticized Super League Twenty20 tour- from B to C category. will motivate a Babar has been a prolific Amir for quitting nament, taking only eight Category B will be worth number of young- scorer and currently ranks last year. in nine matches at an Rs750,000 ($4,700) and the list sters in the 2020-21 among the top five batsmen in Wahab also decided to focus expensive economy rate of 8.59. included Sarfaraz, , domestic cricket to perform up , and all three formats. Professional on shorter formats. Both players Naseem, 17, hit the head- Haris Sohail, Mohammad Abbas to the expected level and earn Zimbabwe. cricket remains suspended were demoted to category C in lines when he became the and Shadab Khan. Opening such incentives,” Misbah said. It is also scheduled to play because of the coronavirus last year’s list of centrally con- youngest fast bowler in Test batsmen Abid Ali and Shan Provided there’s no post- six ODIs and 20 Twenty20s. In pandemic but Pakistan are tracted players before even- history to take a hat-trick when Masood along with - ponement of tours due to the addition, Pakistan will also preparing for their tours of tually being left out this year for he accomplished the feat keeper-batsman Rizwan coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan feature in the T20 Ireland, England and South the contracts which from against at Ahmed were promoted from is scheduled to play nine test tournament and the ICC T20 Africa as well as the Twenty20 July 1, 2020 to June 31, 2021. Rawalpindi. category C to B. matches between July 2020 and Men’s World Cup 2020 in World Cup in in Misbah said that both Amir “I am delighted for Naseem The category C players will April 2021, against England, Australia. October-November. ON THIS DAY: May 14, , Pakistan cricket’s 1948: , English cricketer, is born enfant terrible, faces reckoning AFP - He was fined and placed on a six-month REUTERS - CAPE TOWN probation. Even the astute Misbah-ul-Haq If ever a soap opera were to be made about -- Pakistan’s most successful Test captain Bob Woolmer (pictured) was nicknamed ‘The Scientist’ and Pakistan cricket, Umar Akmal (pictured) -- could not rein in Umar. became arguably the greatest cricket mind of his generation might be a good candidate for the role of Following an irresponsible shot in a 2011 but he may be remembered more for the way he died than for enfant terrible. Test in Zimbabwe, he never again selected his immense contribution to the game. The talented-yet-wayward batsman is Umar for the longer format. Born in the shadow of the in Kanpur, scrambling to save his once-promising The following year, he was fined and India, the middle-order batsman played 19 Tests and six career, after he was hit with a three-year reprimanded for an altercation with One-Day Internationals for England between 1975 and 1981, ban for failing to report match-fixing offers. umpires during the Twenty20 World Cup with all three of his five-day hundreds coming against Aus- Umar is expected to learn the fate of an in . tralia in Ashes clashes. appeal to last month’s disciplinary action He ran into trouble off the field too. In But it was as a coach that he left a lasting impression on on or about May 26, which also happens to 2014, he was arrested in his native Lahore the game, first transforming into a powerhouse be his 30th birthday. over a scuffle with a traffic warden. on the English county circuit and then leading South Africa to Right now, the signs don’t look good. He has repeatedly grabbed headlines the number one position in tests and ODIs during a five-year Umar declined to speak to media for for partying late into the night, ending in spell. this story, but several experts suggested yet more fines and reprimands. “They called him The Scientist,” former South Africa fast Pakistan’s close-knit cricketing world is A dozen captains and coaches tried to bowler said. “That is exactly what he was, an fed up. keep Umar on track, but without luck. inventor. He got people out of their comfort zones. “Umar is not prepared to show remorse had two coaching stints “He got people to reverse-sweep, to reverse lap, he was and seek apology,” the judgement accom- from 2010 to 2016, and ended up recom- the first coach that ever did that. He literally had sweeping panying Umar’s ban states. mending an undisciplined “Umar be kept camps.” Ramiz Raja, a former Pakistan captain away from the national team for some Donald said Woolmer could get players to buy into his plans and a well-known cricket analyst, said he time”. like no other coach he worked with during his illustrious two- was “pained to see such a talent go waste”. After Waqar, coach , of decade long career. “Cricket cannot condone such South Africa, had several run-ins with “When you heard him speak... I was full-blown ADHD behaviour and fans need to realise that Umar. (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), so I couldn’t sit still rooting for tainted players is actually In 2017 Arthur sent him home days for too long, but this guy made me listen. He was interesting, harming Pakistan cricket and its image,” before the start of the Champions Trophy exciting and I wanted to be part of what he was doing. Raja said. after he failed a fitness test. “He turned around, single-handedly, South Africa’s thinking, Umar’s Test career exploded into life Later that year he received a three- the approach, the way we played. We became number one in with a century in his 2009 debut in New month ban after a spat with Arthur in the the world in Tests and ODIs in the late 1990s. He was just a Zealand, a feat that prompted commen- national cricket academy in Lahore. phenomenal individual. tators to describe him a “future star”. Arthur, now head coach of Sri Lanka, Despite promises, Umar did not change “He told us, ‘You are allowed to make mistakes. We train But his expanding profile was soon tem- said he wasn’t surprised by Umar’s recent his ways. to win, but we also learn to lose. But if we learn to lose, we are pered with disciplinary problems. His two problems. “I want to ask forgiveness of all fans going to explore everything that the game has given us’. I will brothers -- Kamran and Adnan -- also “I feel nothing for guys who waste their who have been hurt by my conduct,” Umar never forget that and it is the way I coach now.” played for Pakistan but never got into hot talent like he has... he should be the disap- said in 2017. “I am ready to commit to Woolmer took over as Pakistan coach in 2004 and imme- water. pointed one!” Arthur said in a WhatsApp cricket. I still have a lot of cricket left in me diately changed their fortunes for the better, but it was while Within months of his first international message. “He will only have himself to and I aim to make another international he led the side at the World Cup in West Indies three years outing, Umar reportedly feigned an injury blame and should have taken responsibility comeback.” later that he died, amid some controversy, at the age of 58. in a bid to skip a Test in Australia, in protest for his career instead of always looking to But it seems he has now of Pakistan had hours earlier been ousted from the tournament over Kamran being dropped. make excuses and blame others.” chances. by minnows Ireland in a shock result. Woolmer was found unconscious in his hotel room and declared dead on arrival at hospital. An autopsy was inconclusive, but five days later Jamaican Empty venues will remind players how police stated that he had been murdered, likely by manual strangulation. It led to conspiracy theories around match-fixing and ret- important fans are in our sport: Archer ribution against Woolmer for the result, with some fingers even pointed at Pakistan’s players. REUTERS - LONDON “It will be hard to play in a away from the game and Archer possible even though it won’t But three months later the stadium without supporters but said some adjustments would be a normal occasion.” investigation concluded he England speedster Jofra Archer I understand it is necessary for have to be made. An elbow injury saw Archer had died of natural causes says piping in music or crowd things to start that way as we “Playing in complete silence ruled out of England’s tour of and a jury returned an open noise would help cricketers get won’t be able to test every will take some getting used to... Sri Lanka and this year’s Indian verdict. used to playing in empty venues single fan wanting to come into so I think it might be useful to Premier League, though both Donald added that his during the COVID-19 pandemic the ground,” Archer, 25, wrote play some music, some simu- were eventually postponed due controversial death should but the experience will show in his Daily Mail column. lations of a crowd, something to the global health crisis. not detract from the legacy just how crucial fans are to the “... I think it will be one of to create an atmosphere,” said “I’m not really sure how my Woolmer left for the game. game. those things you don’t realise the Barbados-born quick. elbow is as yet,” he said in the “I saw at The England and Wales how much you need until it’s “The best solution, if we do column. the World Cup in England last Cricket Board is scrambling to gone. have to play behind closed “I guess I’ll have to bowl year and he said the Paki- salvage a coronavirus-wrecked “Take it away, and we will doors, might be to have cheers seriously to really find out,” stanis still say today that Bob summer as it prepares to host realise how much the sup- and clapping when someone Archer added. Woolmer was the best thing a three-test series against West porters mean to us.” hits the ball for four or a wicket “It feels fine after a lengthy that had ever happened to Indies in July, possibly behind India captain falls. period of rest but I’ve not done them,” Donald said. closed doors and at ‘bio-secure’ said last week playing in empty “These are the little things anything of any kind of intensity venues. stadiums would take the ‘magic’ that will make it as normal as as yet.” THURSDAY 14 MAY 2020 SPORT 11 Impressive Wooded is new group England’s Buttler winner for Al Shaqab Racing hopes enforced THE PENINSULA - DOHA virus break The Prix Texanita (Gr.3), over 1,200m at Chantilly, was won in superb fashion by Wooded, in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing. prolongs career This 3-year-old colt, who is trained by Francis Graffard, was in his first start of AFP - LONDON 2020, having placed twice at Group level as a 2-year-old, when third in the Group 3 England’s Jos Buttler believes his unexpected break from the Prix Thomas Bryon last October on very cricket treadmill could have a positive effect in extending his soft ground, and nosed off for second in the career “by a few years”. Group 3 Prix La Rochette in September. With England playing home matches in the northern hem- On his home racecourse of Chantilly, isphere summer and touring every winter, multi-format players Wooded fulfilled all the promise he had such as Buttler usually face a gruelling schedule of interna- shown at 2 with a dominant display of speed tional matches. in a strong renewal of this race. The coronavirus outbreak, however, has brought that Starting favourite under jockey Pierre- routine to a shuddering halt, with the start of the English season Charles Boudot, he was sharply away. delayed until July 1 at the earliest. Two of the pack broke away to run Wooded in action. PIC: Scoopdyga Nevertheless, Buttler said some good may come from his down the far side, whilst Wooded went enforced break, citing the example of All Black rugby greats forward to sit up near the pace on the stands such as Dan Carter, whose international careers benefited from side alongside Alocasia (Kingman). planned sabbaticals. Once three furlongs had run by Wooded came up the far side of the track. Racing running him in Commonwealth Cup, if the “I think maybe in years to come you’ll potentially look back began to pull clear, with Alocasia giving Manager for Al Shaqab Racing, Rupert owner and the trainer want to go and if that on it as a big benefit,” World-Cup winner Buttler said during chase. He showed an excellent turn of foot Pritchard-Gordon, said: “He showed that is possible. In France, he would have to face a conference call yesterday. off a very fast pace, and victory never he’s got a lot of speed. Wooded had a good older horses. He has the right to try his luck “It’s obviously been a very strange time for everyone, very looked in doubt. winter, he is much stronger. His jockey gave in a Gr1.” tough on a lot of families and a lot of people across the world He finished 3 1/2 lengths in front of Alo- him a very good ride: the colt set a good Wooded is by Wootton Bassett, sire of so it’s tough to say it’s been enjoyable. casia, who was herself a Listed winner and pace, but in his rhythm. It’s a great start and Champion Almanzor, and was bought by “But in years to come I think you’ll look back and this is a Group placed at 2, with another 2 lengths it’s good to see him win by such a large dis- Al Shaqab Racing at the Arqana October time you’ll never get again in your cricket career, because hope- to the third placed, My Love’s Passion tance. Alocasia, the second, also drew clear Yearling Sale in 2018. He is a full brother fully we’ll never experience anything like this again.” (Elvstroem), also Group placed at a 2, who from the rest of the field. We can dream of to the useful Beat Le Bon. The 29-year-old Lancashire wicketkeeper-batsman added: “To have a complete break both physically and mentally could potentially add a few years to the career and you’ll hopefully see some benefits from the break. “I know rugby is a very physical game but if you look at QORC: Another fine show by some New Zealand players who have taken a sabbatical for a period of time, it could potentially have a positive effect on us as England players.” England still hope to complete a full home international Soud as Ahmed tops Group B programme of six Tests, split evenly between the West Indies and Pakistan, as well as limited-overs matches against Pakistan, Australia and Ireland despite the shortened season. THE PENINSULA - DOHA This week has seen the British government start to relax lockdown restrictions on recreational sport, with some golf Qatar’s Soud Al Thani clinched his second and tennis now allowed so long as social-distancing rules are consecutive stage win while Kuwaiti gamer maintained. Ali Ahmed won his first race in Round 2 of Guidance on how elite sportsmen might return to training the Qatar Online Racing Championship is expected in the coming days, with Buttler saying he felt a (QORC) MotoGP series on Tuesday. degree of apprehension. Unfortunately, the winner of Group B “It looks like in the next week or so, or however imminent race in the first round top Qatari rider Saeed it will be, that we’ll have the chance to train individually,” he Al Sulaiti and Hamad Al Sulaiti faced tech- said. nical issues and lost connection to the “It’s everything -- a bit of nerves, a bit of excitement, a little online game. bit of apprehension -- but it’s a positive step for cricket in Al Thani had no such issues and went England that the players can start training individually. on to take the lead in the Group A standings “As a player you feel like you’ve had a nice rest and really with 80 points. enjoyed it, it’s been good to have the break and hopefully feeling Hade Ahmed finished second behind refreshed for some cricket.” Al Thani while Jeremy Parola came third. Ahmed and Parola are level in terms of total number of points (69) after two rounds. In Group B, Ahmed is on top with 73 Archer says Smith points after adding 40 points to his tally following his victory. Prominent Qatari rider Abdulla Al blow made him Qubaisi finished second in Round 2 to collect 36 points and to close the gap between him and Mohamed Al Zaidan who think of Hughes is currently occupying the second spot in the overall standings in their group. The Qatar Superstock 600 champion, AFP - LONDON Saeed Al Sulaiti who had different fortunes on the virtual track in the series, was ini- Jofra Archer said memories of the late Phillip Hughes came into tially not offered any points but both he and his mind after he bowled a 92 mph bouncer that concussed Hamad Al Sulaiti were awarded points fol- Australia star Steve Smith during last year’s Ashes. lowing submitting an appeal. Former Australia batsman Hughes died after being hit by a Saeed was awarded 26 points due to short-pitched during a domestic Sheffield Shield match the fact that he finished on top in the qual- in 2014. ifying round. That keeps Saeed on par with England fast bowler Archer said he had started to fear the his familiar opponent Al Qubaisi in the worst when his fearsome bouncer struck Smith, now one of the overall standings. Federation (QMMF). Tuesday’s race was run GROUP B: 1. Ali Ahmed (Kuwait); 2. Abdulla world’s best batsmen, at Lord’s. Hamad was awarded 25 points as the on a virtual Circuit de Catalunya in Al Qubaisi; 3. Khalid Al Maraghi; 4. Mohammad “My first reaction was that it hit the helmet but a few seconds bug happened after joining the lobby during Barcelona. Al Zaidan (Kuwait); 5. Saad Al Harqan. after he went down, everyone was like ‘Oh no’,” Archer told Talk- the waiting time for others to start racing. The riders will now head for the final STANDINGS GROUP A: 1. Soud Al Thani sport radio as he recalled the moment Smith, a team-mate at Ahmed’s compatriot Al Zaidan finished qualifying round which takes place today. 80 points; 2. Hade Ahmed 69; 3. Jeremy Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals, fell to the turf. fourth in Tuesday’s race to add 31 points The top 6 riders from each group at the Parola 69; 4. Joshua Ilano 62; 5. Hamad Al “We had the stuff with Phil a few years ago and, generally, to his tally which now stands at 67. Khalid conclusion of the three rounds will qualify Sahouti 59 anything that hits you in that vicinity is going to be trouble,” added Al Maraghi clinched the third place in for the final. GROUP B: 1. Ali Ahmed (Kuwait) 73; 2. Archer, who was making his Test debut. “I’m just glad that he Round 2. Race 2 Results Mohammed Al Zaidan (Kuwait) 67; 3. came out on the other side of it and batted in two games.” The series, played on PlayStation 4 GROUP A: 1. Soud Al Thani; 2. Hade Abdulla Al Qubaisi 66; 3. Saeed Al Sulaiti The 25-year-old Archer has not played since the Boxing Day platform of MotoGP 19 game, is organised Ahmed; 3. Jeremy Parola; 4. Joshua Ilano; 66; 4. Khalid Al Maraghi 64; 5. Saad Al Test against South Africa at Centurion after suffering a stress by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle 5. Saoud Al Thani Harqan 58 fracture. But his absence has coincided with a lengthy period of enforced rest for all top-flight cricketers after COVID-19 brought major sport worldwide to a standstill. The start of the English season has been delayed until July 1 Rashid wins online gaming tournament at the earliest but officials remain hopeful a rescheduled Test series against the West Indies could get underway later in the THE PENINSULA - DOHA competition by the The giving back. We’ve successfully month. SC’s Community tournament proved the power of the beau- Archer may yet find himself back in an England and Wales Jassim Rashid (pictured) won Engagement was tiful game in connecting people Cricket Board training programme as soon as this week if the the inaugural Ramadan Online Division. organised in during difficult times.” British government publish guidance on how elite sportsmen and Community Cup – an online Both finalists collabo- Zaid Mosawy, Assistant women can train safely during the pandemic. gaming tournament organised received special ration with Director, Business Analysis & Any matches that do take place this season will be behind by the Supreme Committee for gifts from the SC. the Qatar Planning, at the SC, was closed doors but Barbados-born Archer said the absence of fans Delivery & Legacy (SC). Rashid said: Community involved in organising the tour- might be bearable if artificial sound effects were allowed to rep- Rashid beat Abdulatif Alhor “Winning the tour- Football nament – and he was delighted licate typical crowd noise. 2-1 in the final of the FIFA 20 nament was a real League with the feedback from “Playing in silence will take some getting used to, so it might competition, which was set up highlight for me. I (QCFL), participants. be useful to play some music, some simulations of a crowd, some- to keep the SC community think this was a which has “Engagement has been thing to create an atmosphere,” Archer wrote in his Daily Mail engaged while they spend most great way to bring been forced strong, combining the Ramadan column. of their time at home during the football fans to postpone spirit and fair play, with a com- “The best solution, if we do have to play behind closed doors, ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. together, in a spirit its season petitive fun rivalry,” said might be to The competition also had a of sportsmanship and unity, due to COVID-19. Mosawy. have cheers and charitable focus, with the SC during these difficult times.” The SC invited employees, “The highlight of the tour- clapping when donating money to Qatar Alhor, who finished as the members of its Community nament for me has been the someone hits a Charity for every goal scored. runner-up, said the tourna- Engagement initiatives, legacy number of goals scored and four or a wicket As a result, more than ment’s charitable aspect moti- programme participants and how much we raised for Qatar falls. QR37,000 has been pledged to vated him to take part. QCFL players to take part in the Charity. “These are support local people who have “It made the game event. “The goal we set was to the little things been affected by the rewarding and made me want Mead Al Emadi, the SC’s engage people from across the that will make it coronavirus. to score as many goals as pos- Community Engagement SC programmes, and ask them as normal as It proved to be a close and sible. It gave me an incentive to Manager, said: “We are lucky to to stay home, have fun and stay possible even entertaining final between play my best and I feel proud to have such engaged members in connected – and this compe- Jofra Archer though it won’t Rashid and Alhor, who were have contributed while making our community who are equally tition has definitely achieved PIC: @englandcricket be a normal both invited to take part in the it all the way to the final.” passionate about football and that.” occasion.”