Qatar 2022 Will Unite the Globe Once Virus Is Defeated, Says Al Thawadi

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US Open without BCCI source fans would hints at IPL devalue title taking place win, says Cilic later this year

THURSDAY 21 MAY 2020 NFL set to Qatar 2022 will unite the globe once lose $5.5bn if it plays in virus is defeated, says Al Thawadi empty THE PENINSULA —DOHA Spectacular Al Bayt Stadium stadiums The Secretary General of the AFP — NEW YORK Al Bayt Stadium is seen as the sun goes down and Iftar begins. Fans arriving at this Supreme Committee for 60,000-capacity arena will have never seen anything like it. A giant tent structure Delivery & Legacy (SC) believes NFL teams stand to lose a will cover this whole stadium in the northern city of Al Khor. The stadium will host the FIFA World Cup Qatar combined $5.5bn in matches right through to the FIFA World Cup 2022 semi-ﬁnals. 2022™ has the potential to unite stadium revenue if the the globe once the COVID-19 2020 campaign is played pandemic has been defeated. without any spectators, Hassan Al Thawadi (pic- according to a Forbes tured) outlined the SC’s magazine estimate. response to COVID-19 and dis- The magazine, which cussed tournament prepara- annually values each NFL tions during Leaders Week club, said the amount Direct – a global sports industry teams would lose with no conference currently being held spectators due to the coro- online due to the ongoing navirus pandemic equals pandemic. 38 percent of total NFL Speaking during an interview revenue from the 2018 with James Worrall, Leaders CEO season, the latest from & Founder, Al Thawadi said the which figures are SC had moved quickly to protect available. its workforce once the pandemic That includes lost reached Qatar. revenue from ticket sales, “It’s an unprecedented sit- parking, sponsors, food uation and our immediate focus isolated at-risk workers, pro- and there are big implications is no blueprint for a post-COVID situation had helped boost resil- and drinks and souvenir was our workers’ health and vided awareness materials and on business, employment and world – but we can look and ience in the country – but sales. It’s uncertain safety,” said Al Thawadi. educated people about best livelihoods. We need to con- anticipate, and try to under- hoped it would be eased in whether or not fans will be “In coordination with the practice. We also took other sider the ability of fans to afford stand what the recovery is going order to allow people to attend able to attend 2020 NFL Ministry of Public Health, we actions, such as disinfecting to visit and participate in the to look like. We need to host an the tournament. games, with state work sites, to limit the spread World Cup. We’re in discussions event which is affordable for “In many ways, the shutdown regulations as much as possible.” with experts and also other fans and functionable for indus- blockade has been a blessing in against large crowds and Al Thawadi said Qatar is tournament holders, such as tries and supply chains.” disguise for Qatar. It has forced possible medical advances guaranteeing the salaries of Tokyo 2020, to plan and put Al Thawadi went on to say us to be self-reliant and look likely to impact such plans. anyone affected by the pandemic. scenarios together. Qatar’s World Cup has the inwards. It’s actually helped us The absence of spec- It may sound “Our government is ensuring eve- “We’ve said from day one potential to unify the globe once become better prepared to deal tators would hit some idealistic, but ryone gets paid – even if they are this will be an affordable expe- COVID-19 has been defeated. with COVID. We’re now number teams harder than others, isolated or hospitalised due to the rience. We demonstrated that “It may sound idealistic, but 13 in the world when it comes but none more than the COVID-19 has made illness,” he said. during the Club World Cup by COVID-19 has made us realise to food security and, as soon as Dallas Cowboys, who us realise we are Despite COVID-19, Qatar is working closely with clubs, fan we are all social creatures. The COVID came along, Qatari com- would lose $621m in all social creatures. on track to deliver de ve much uc of o its ts groupsgoupsadQata and Qatar Airways. ways. impactpact on o our ou mental e ta health, panies started producing 8 stadium income -- more infrastructureucture byby thethe endend ooff tthishis ThereThere thethe uncertainty, socialsocia dis- million face masks per week, than the total revenue of The impact on our year. tancing,tancing, not beinbeingg aableb to along with 2,000 ventilators any other NFL franchise mental health, the “We are continuing to workwork engage withwith eaceachh ototherher – eve- [for local requirements and and a huge chunk of their uncertainty, social at a muchuch slower pace than ryoneryone misses human inter- global aid].” $950m total revenue. normal but wewe areare blessed wiwithth action. I’ve aalwaysl Al Thawadi continued: New England Patriots distancing, not already beingbeing aaheadhead ooff thethe ddreamedreamed big andan said “Support from the people of the would lose $315m from being able to engage game in terms ooff infrastructure.infrastructure. thisthis is a WorWorldld CupC to region – notably blockading total revenues of $600m We havee completed more than bringbring peoplepeople togethertog countries – is there. People are while the New York Giants with each other – 80% of vvenuesenues – two-and-a-two-and-a- – andand gogoodnesso very excited about the tour- ranked third at $262m lost everyone misses half yearsrs beforebefore kick-off.”kick-off.” knows,knows, afterafter COVID,C nament. We hosted the Gulf Cup from $519m in total human interaction. Al Thawadihawadi sasaidid oonene of the wewe hahaveve to come last year, which included teams revenue. core challengesallenges for Qatar 2022 backback together.togethe We from blockading countries. Two The Tampa Bay Buc- I’ve always dreamed is to ensuresure thethe tournament is needneed to get ooverv this thousand Bahrain fans were caneers, 24th of 31 teams big and said this is economicallyically accessibleaccessible to fansfans andand celebratecelebrat col- here to see their country win the on the list with $119m in who wishsh to attend.attend. lectivelylectively dduring Gulf Cup for the first time in lost revenue from a a World Cup to bring “It’s ddifficultifficult QatarQatar 2022.”2022.” their history. $400m total, would expect people together – and for anyoneyone to Al ThawadiThawa was “I hope the blockading a major jump in ticket goodness knows, paint a clearlear alsoalso askedasked about countries remove the travel sales and associated picture ofof a the ongoingong restrictions. There are no income after signing six- after COVID, we post-COVIDVID blockadeblockade which restrictions from Qatar. I hope time Super Bowl champion have to come back world. ThisThis QatarQata is they remove them for what is quarterback Tom Brady. together. We need is the firstfirst subjectedsubjec to a once-in-a-lifetime oppor- The Chargers, second- time in thethe by severalse tunity for the people of our worst in the report with to get over this and modernrn neigh-n e i region. By 2022, I’m optimistic $93m in lost revenue from celebrate collectively worldl d bouringbou we will have overcome this a $375m total, are set to where all countries.cou pandemic. I’m optimistic we move from a smaller during Qatar 2022. economicmic He said will have become more venue into a new $5bn Hassan Al Thawadi activity hhasas thet resilient as a human race. It’s stadium with 70,000 seats come too a politicalpo a chance for us all to celebrate for regular NFL games. standstilltilll together.” Hockenheim ready to step in if Silverstone fails

REUTERS — LONDON Silverstone, which this year emergency services, Teske said, marks the 70th anniversary of but could move fast on the tech- Hockenheim is ready to step in hosting the first world champi- nical side. if British quarantine restrictions onship race, has been ear- The return of Bundesliga prevent Silverstone from marked for two closed-door soccer behind closed doors last hosting a Formula One race races following two in Austria weekend had also provided a during the COVID-19 pandemic, in July. reference point while the lack the German circuit’s boss said Hockenheim, which hosted of an existing contract meant yesterday. the German Grand Prix last year Hockenheim had a ‘blank Jorn Teske said that a but could not agree a new deal sheet’. decision needed to be made on acceptable terms, is an “Others have a contract in soon, however. obvious alternative. place which might be a bit more “We are talking with F1, Teske said Hockenheim was complicated in regards to costs that’s correct. We have spoken keen to help but needed to they had already and other costs about the idea of having a race make money and did not want coming up because of prepara- without spectators here at the to turn away business while tions which were initiated circuit,” he said. waiting for a possibility. already,” said Teske. “We already checked if this “What is really crucial for us “We can just say OK, if we could be possible, from dates as is not to be pending now for find a time slot then we have A ﬁle photo of German Grand Prix in Hockenheim, Germany, well as the legal general point months. We have to get our these costs. And then we come which took place on July 28, 2019. of view. For us, it is an option.” circuit booked and there is a together or not. This might be a Formula One has said a high demand on track days... but little advantage in our talks. planned 14-day quarantine for Formula One is aware and “But we will see what returning to the F1 calendar whomever else, we couldn’t could find another solution for most people entering Britain understands our situation,” he happens. I think the most next year remained remote, said manage the normal fee. The risk a mid-term agreement we would rule out a British Grand said. decisive (thing) is the current Teske. is by far too high,” he said. would like to have it but at the Prix unless the sport, whose The circuit would need situation with quarantine in the “As long as we have no “We found a solution for moment we are concentrating season has yet to start, was several weeks to organise track UK.” financial support from the gov- 2019, quite surprisingly, but this on this season. This is chal- granted an exemption. marshals, security and The chances of Hockenheim ernment side, or from was a special situation. If we lenging enough.” THURSDAY 21 MAY 2020 SPORT 09 Al Sulaiti one win away from QORC title after claiming another victory

THE PENINSULA - DOHA

Former Qatar Superstock 600 champion Saeed Al Sulaiti is one victory away from confirming a title this season as he stormed to win his second consec- utive race in the Qatar Online Racing Champi- onship (QORC) on Tuesday. With two victories in the three-leg final stage of the series, the popular Qatari rider raised his expectations of winning the inaugural QORC title by collecting 80 points, eight clear of his closest rival Soud Al Thani (72). The former World again while Khalid Al Earlier, Al Sulaiti’s pole completed the front row around the world, the Superbike racer, Al Sulaiti Maraghi came third. position was decided by in the starting grid. online championship is kept his pace throughout Kuwaiti gamer just 0.578 secs when he The riders will now providing some sort of QORC STANDINGS (AFTER TWO FINALS) the 15 laps on a virtual e Mohamad Al Zaidan was clocked 01:52.590 for his head for the third and final relief for action-starving RK RIDER R1 R2 PTS Brne Circuit in Brne, Czech fourth. fastest lap during the qual- round of the QORC finals fans. 1 Saeed Al Sulaiti 40 40 80 Republic and sealed the Jeremy Parola, known ifying round. which will take place The series, played on 2 Soud Al Thani 36 36 72 victory in 28:36.710 as the ‘Flying Frenchman’ Soud was second while today. PlayStation 4 platform of 3 Khalid Al Maraghi 33 33 66 despite two crashes. made a remarkable the reigning QSTK600 With all motoracing MotoGP 19 game, is 4 Jeremy Parola 30 30 60 It was a repeat of the comeback after staring 8th champion and Sulaiti’s action coming to a halt organised by the Qatar 5 Mohamad Al Zaidan 29 31 60 previous podium as Soud in the grid to enter the top familiar opponent on real due to the prevailing Motor and Motorcycle finished in the second spot 5. track, Abdullah Al Qubaisi COVID-19 pandemic Federation (QMMF). US Open without fans would devalue title win, says Cilic

REUTERS — MUMBAI interview from Croatia. “It’s well. For tennis, if we start in always going to be... in the December or in January, it’s Marin Cilic (pictured) thinks years to come, ‘oh, you know not going to change too much. winning the US Open in front that guy won a US Open in “I believe that there won’t of empty stands at Arthur 2020 without fans’. I don’t be any tournaments without I just feel that it’s Johanna Konta Ashe Stadium would be think it’s going to have that fans. going to more or less forever remembered as a weight... “Basically the whole tour feel like practice Grand Slam triumph with a “It wouldn’t be the best is revolving a lot on sponsors very big asterisk, the former scenario.” and people coming to the matches. It’s always British number one champion said. Cilic thinks the interna- tournaments. Sponsors are going to be... in the The tennis season came to tional travel required to get investing money because a halt in March due to the professional tennis up and people are coming to watch years to come, ‘oh, Konta wants ATP/WTA coronavirus pandemic and the running again means the issue tennis and see the players,” you know that guy shutdownshutdown willwill cocontinuentinue at mightmight enendd up bbeingeing acaacademicdemic he said. won a US Open in leastleast untiluntil tthehe enendd ofof JuJulyly witwithh inin ananyy casecase.. WhWhileile manmanyy pplayerslayers have merger on equal terms manymany countries in lockdownlockdown “Tennis season is slightlyslightly beenbeen llefteft witwithh a llotot ooff spare 2020 without fans’. I and air travel bans in place. differentdifferent tthanhan ffootball,ootball, tthanhan timetime anandd an emptemptyy scscheduleh don’t think it’s going REUTERS — MUMBAI how, right now in today’s age, TheThe US OOpenpen is scheduledscheduled basketball,”basketball,” hhee aadded.dded. duringduring tthehe sshutdown,hut it would be allowed to be called to taketake pplacelace ffromrom August 31 “They“ T h ey haveh a vee thetht e bbreakrea has to have that weight. It British number one Johanna anything else.” andand organisersorganisers are llookingooking at seasoseasonsns to finifinishsh provedprp o wouldn’t be the best Konta feels a merger of the As many as seven associa- a widewide range ooff scenarios to off,off, andand thethe next timelytime for scenario: Marin Cilic women’s governing WTA tennis tions run different parts of getget the show on, includingincluding seasonseason is Cilic,CiC body with the men’s ATP makes tennis in the world. keepingkeeping ffansans outout.. dependingdepending wwho sense but stressed it must only Besides the ATP and the Cilic,Cilic, wwhoho hheldeld thethe sisilverlver onon thisthis be on equal terms. WTA Tours, the sport is also trophytrophy aloftaloft at FlushingFlushing seasonseason growing up and then feeling Roger Federer last month controlled by the International MeadowsMeadows in 20142014 in the as all the things that he is going called for a merger between the Tennis Federation and the biggestbiggest acachievementhievement ofof hhisis through. “It’s been, I have to two organisations, with the boards of the four Grand Slam career, feltfelt a crowcrowd-freed-free envi-envi- becamebe say, one of the best moments Women’s Tennis Association tournaments. ronmentronment wwouldould devaluedevalue the a pparent and best periods of my life, of chief Steve Simon and Associ- Currently viewers need dif- accomplishment.accomplishment. forfor ththe first my tennis career.” ation of Tennis Professionals ferent pay-TV platforms to “I just ffeeleel thatthat it’s timet i me in While Cilic is in a much Tour Chairman Andrea Gau- watch tennis matches and a goinggoing to more or llessess January.January better mental state than some denzi welcoming the merger of the Tours could sim- feelfeel llikeike practice The 2017 of his tennis colleagues, he suggestion. plify television contracts and matches,”matches,” thethe WimbledonWimbledo and says he might also have a Konta, who sits on the WTA sponsorship deals. formerformer worldworld 20182018 AAustralianustr physical advantage when the player council, has joined some American great Billie Jean numbern u m ber OpenOpen finalistfinalis said circuit finally resumes. of her fellow women profes- King had called for a unified threethree sasaidid his entire dayday llocked “I was really privileged as sionals in calling for an equal governing body for men and in aann downdown onon thethe coastco of we moved to my wife’s position in any combined body women years ago but the thethe AdriaticAdriatic Sea hometown, which is quite a in the future. 29-year-old Konta feels Fed- revolvedrevolved aaroundround hhis son small place,” he said. “For me, for my compre- erer’s comments have brought ‘Balbo’.‘Balbo’. “I know a person that runs hension, I don’t understand attention back to the topic. “It“It is a ververy,y, veveryr big a couple of tennis courts here how it wouldn’t be of equals “I definitely think in the blessing for me. It’s a silver and he gave me keys to one. because if we are then talking long run it makes sense for it lining situation,” the So we were able to play on our about that, would it be us lit- to be one tour, it makes logical 31-year-old said.said. own, me and my coach. erally saying we are worth less sense but I also know there are “Basically since hishi birth “I believe, more or less, than our male counterparts?” a lot of moving parts to it, and I have missed onlonlyy two when things become calmer the world number 14 told I know there will be a lot of weeksweeks ooff hihiss liflife.e. IIt’st’s bbeen a everyone is going to have British media. people who won’t want it to beautiful time withwith him, enough time to prepare and “It would have to be a happen, but also a lot of people sspendingpending time withwit my train but hopefully I’m going merger of equals because that’s who do want it to happen,” family,famil y, seeseeingin g hhow ow he’s to be just slightly better.” what we are. I wouldn’t see Konta added. ATP launches partnerships to help players

The men’s tennis tour has REUTERS — MUMBAI detrimental effect on profes- joined up with Sporting sional athletes who are used to A “Tennis Event The men’s tennis tour has Chance and Headspace to particular training structure Cancelled” sign flashes joined up with Sporting Chance help players and its staff and playing day in day out.” outside the Indian Wells and Headspace to help players deal with mental health The ATP’s tie-up with Tennis Garden in Indian and its staff deal with mental problems and look after Sporting Chance, founded by Wells, California, in this file photo. health problems and look after their well-being during former England and Arsenal their well-being during the soccer captain Tony Adams to COVID-19 shutdown, the ATP the COVID-19 shutdown. help with emotional welfare said yesterday. and addictive disorders, gives The professional tennis players access to therapists season was halted in early “Being mentally strong is experienced in working with March due to the pandemic and just as important as physical elite athletes. will remain suspended until at strength in tennis and looking “The challenges that all least the end of July, depriving after the mental health of our sports and sports professionals lower-level players who players and staff is a key pri- are experiencing in the light of depend solely on tournament ority for us,” ATP Chairman this pandemic will be affecting winnings of the chance to earn Andrea Gaudenzi said in a all of us in different ways,” a living. statement. Adams said. With no clarity on when the “Everyone has been “Holding out our hand to Tennis!” As part of another them access to all 1200+ hours partnership with online sport can resume again, many adapting to periods of self-iso- those in need at this time is partnership, of meditation and mindfulness learning platform Coursera players have been left anxious lation and decreased physical important to me and working Headspace will provide content. which will allow players to as they struggle to cope with activity during the pandemic, with organisations like the ATP free subscriptions to ATP Earlier this month, the ATP access over 4,000 courses for the uncertainty that lies ahead. but this can have a particularly is a pleasure - well done players and employees, giving also announced a two-year free. 10 SPORT THURSDAY 21 MAY 2020 BCCI source hints at IPL Pacer Cummins wants artificial taking place later this year substance to IANS - NEW DELHI with regards to logistics and the on-ground preparations. In what could be the biggest “Yes, we have been told shine the ball news for cricket fans across the about the window, but nothing globe amid the COVID-19 yet on the venues or how to go REUTERS - SYDNEY pandemic, the Board of Control about the logistics. We need to for Cricket in India (BCCI) is understand those sides as part looking at a possibility of of the next step of preparation Australia quick Pat Cummins wants cricket’s lawmakers to hosting the 13th edition of the as foreign players will need to approve the use of an artificial substance to shine the ball after Indian Premier League from come in and we have to ensure a ban on the use of saliva was recommended in the wake of September 25 to November 1, that government directives with the COVID-19 health crisis. provided the country is able to regards to fighting the pan- The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) cricket committee lower the rate of coronavirus demic are fully abided by. I am has recommended the ban on the use of spit when the sport infections. sure we will get more clarity as returns after the coronavirus shutdown because of fears it could Sources in the know of time moves forward as prepa- lead to the spread of COVID-19. developments said that while it rations will start say around Cricketers have long used saliva and sweat to shine one is still early days, the BCCI is but yes these dates are being looking to plan our build-up in mid-August if we have to play side of the ball, altering the aerodynamics in an attempt to gen- looking to zoom in on the end- talked about and contingency such a manner. But then again, our first match around the end erate movement in the air as it flies towards the batsman. September to November period planning is on,” the source said. it all depends on the country’s of September,” the official “If we remove saliva, we have to have another option,” to organise the cash-rich league When contacted, an official position with regards to the explained. Cummins told the cricket.com.au website. to start India’s domestic season of one of the IPL franchises said pandemic. There is no denying But most importantly, the “Sweat’s not bad, but I think we need something more than in the post-coronavirus era. that they were indeed working that we are keeping our fingers T20 World Cup needs to be that, ideally. Whatever that is, wax or I don’t know what. “It is still early days as a lot on the road ahead with an eye crossed and hoping that the postponed first as it is still “If that’s what that science is telling us, that it’s high risk of other things have to fall in on the end-September to early- government will continue with panned to be played from using saliva ... as long as we’re keeping other options open, place for this to materialise, but November window as it would the brilliant job they have done October 18 to November 15 in whether that’s sweat or something artificial.” yes, the BCCI is looking at a take at least a month’s planning and we will see a drop in the Australia. Interestingly, quite a Earlier this month, Australian cricket-ball manufacturer September 25-November 1 leading up to the league when number of cases per day,” the few Australia cricketers, who Kookaburra said it had developed a wax applicator to enhance window provided the number it comes to advertising and official said. are part of the national T20 shine and aid swing. of cases in the country come marketing. Another IPL official said team, believe it will be almost Australia quick Josh Hazlewood says the proposed ban on down and the government does “Yes, we have been told that that while the window is being impossible for the country to cricketers using saliva to shine the ball will be difficult to police give a go-ahead. As I said, a lot we should plan with an eye on zeroed in on, a lot of clarity will host the tournament as per but ultimately might not make much difference to the art of of things do need to fall in place, these dates and in fact, we are need to come as time progresses schedule. swing bowling. “I’d like saliva to be used obviously but if that’s what they’ve put forward, I guess everyone is playing the same game,” he told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph. “Once it comes back to you as a bowler, it’s second nature Pakistan to send combined squad to just give it a little touch up if you see something, and that’s going to be hard to stop to be honest. And it’s a tough thing to monitor for sure.” for ‘bio-secure’ England tour: CEO Hazlewood, while admitting he had no medical training, questioned whether the measure was necessary at all given REUTERS - ISLAMABAD that players live in each other’s pockets during matches. As to whether it would make much of a difference to the Pakistan plan to send a 25-man effectiveness of pace bowling, Hazlewood was uncertain. squad to England in July to meet “Sweat probably makes (the ball) a bit wetter if that makes the demands of playing an entire sense. Makes it a bit heavier,” he added. tour in a ‘bio-secure’ bubble, “I think you’ll use very small amounts because people have Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief sweaty hands anyway and it gets on the ball ... I don’t think this executive Wasim Khan said will have as big an impact as what people think.”# yesterday. Cricket Australia (CA) is also considering disinfecting the Pakistan are scheduled to play ball during matches to minimise the health risk to players, the three tests in August followed by head of its medical team said yesterday. an equal number of Twenty20 A view of the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from the back row of the redeveloped Compton Internationals, with the matches Stand seen in this photo posted by @HomeOfCricket. taking place behind closed doors as part of measures to combat COVID-19. The Test and Twenty20 squads will Meanwhile Pakistan batsman Umar The England and Wales Cricket Board travel together, giving team management Akmal has filed an appeal against the detailed the provisions they planned to options in the event of injuries. duration of his three-year ban for failing implement for the tour in a presentation “From a manageability point of view, it to report corrupt approaches before this on Friday and Khan said the PCB was makes sense for us and the ECB that the year’s Pakistan Super League. encouraged by the proposals. whole squad travel as one, so you create a The 29-year-old Akmal was banned “So from that point of view, in principle, bubble if you like around those players for earlier this month until Feb. 19, 2023 after we are planning towards touring England,” the whole of the time that they are in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s disciplinary he said. England,” Khan said. committee found him guilty of two charges The PCB would seek medical advice and The ECB has not announced venues for of violating the anti-corruption code. government guidance before going on the the tour but British media tipped Man- He had been provisionally suspended tour, he added. chester and Southampton, both with on-site on Feb. 20, just hours before he was set to Australia’s Pat Cummins in The UK government has said elite sport hotels, to stage the matches. Khan said represent Quetta Gladiators in the PSL’s action against South Africa can return in June without spectators and venues would have testing centres and opening game at Karachi. in the third T20 played at England hope to begin their delayed zones that would be off-limits to anyone The chairman of the disciplinary com- Newlands Cricket Ground, summer of cricket with a test series against other than players and officials. mittee, retired Justice Fazal-e-Miran Cape Town, South Africa, West Indies in July. “They are planning to create bio-secure Chauhan, said in his ruling that it appeared in this February 26, 2020, Pakistan will have to arrive almost a hotels, a sort of environment around the Akmal showed no remorse and had “tried file photo. month before the first test to undergo a two- players in certain parts of the hotel to keep to take refuge under the pretext that in the week quarantine period mandatory for all the players safe and away from the general past whenever any such approaches were visitors and get in some match practice. public,” Khan added. made, the matter was reported by him.” England players set to resume training AFP - LONDON The bowlers’ identities have yet to be made public but the choice of venues indi- Sri Lanka hoping England bowlers are set to report for cates that James Anderson (Old Trafford) training today, leading the way as cricket and Stuart Broad (Trent Bridge) will be to train from June chiefs step up plans to start a season heavily among the leading England bowlers training delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. at their home county grounds. 1: Coach Arthur The global health crisis has put matches Bowlers will have to bring their own on hold in England until July 1 at the ear- kit, including designated cricket balls, wash REUTERS - COLOMBO liest while in other countries the season is their hands regularly, and clean any already over. equipment used with disinfectant wipes. Sri Lanka’s cricketers are hoping to return Despite the pandemic, the England and England managing director Ashley Giles to training from June 1 in bio secure venues Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is still planning said last week he wanted the training ses- once the government gives the green light, to stage a full home international pro- sions to be safer than a trip to a head coach Mickey Arthur has said. gramme, starting with a three-Test series supermarket. Cricket has been suspended since March against the West Indies, which was origi- As well as the West Indies Test series, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Sri nally scheduled for June. England’s cricket schedule includes three Lanka’s home series against England and The ECB has announced that up to 18 Tests against Pakistan and limited-overs South Africa have been postponed. bowlers will be involved from today. matches against Australia and Ireland, with Sri Lanka has had some success in cur- Edgbaston, Hove, Old Trafford, the Oval, the fixtures set to be played behind closed tailing the spread of the new coronavirus, the Riverside, Taunton and Trent Bridge doors at bio-secure venues. ECB chief exec- having reported just over 1,000 cases, and Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar cuts his son Arjun’s hair, will stage at least one session, before utive Tom Harrison has warned a season the government is prepared to ease following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease in Mumbai, India, batsmen and wicketkeepers become without any matches at all could cost the lockdown restrictions. in this still image obtained from a social media video. involved from June 1. board £380m ($465m). “Last Wednesday we had a quick meeting because we are starting to get our plans in place for June 1,” Arthur told ESP- Ncricinfo. “Once we get the official go- Bangladesh cricket has improved immensely: Akram ahead from the ministry of health I will start putting meat into that structure with the IANS - NEW DELHI Akram joined Tamim in a conversation that also that he doesn’t have to face the former Pakistan captains and my support staff.” had former cricketers Minhajul Abedin, Khaled speedster to which Akram said that he would have Training will initially be limited to fast Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram feels Bang- Masud and Akram Khan. cherished the battle against the current Bangladesh bowlers but Arthur hopes he can coach the ladesh cricket has improved a lot in the last 10-12 “I miss coming to Bangladesh... Bangladesh have southpaws. full squad from June 20. years due to the emergence of some top-class talent always been very close to my heart. The people... “We are lucky Wasim bhai. I don’t want to face “It is looking good with the health min- in recent times. the food... and of course cricket as well,” Akram you. We are very lucky that you are not playing,” istry, but it will be a smaller group. We’ll Akram, who was the Man of the Match in the told Tamim during the live video session. said Tamim. probably prioritise our fast bowlers because 1992 World Cup final, hailed the current crop of “For me it is very proud moment to see Bang- “But it would have been a very good battle. they are the ones who are going to need players in the country during a Facebook live ladesh cricket improve immensely in last 10-12 Especially against you and Shakib. Being a left- more time to get back into it,” Arthur, who session with Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal. years. hander, it would have been a very good battle,” took the job in December, said. “Once we With no cricket going on these days due to coro- @World top players like yourself, Shakib Al Akram said. get some assurances from the medical staff navirus pandemic, former and current cricketers Hasan, Mushfiqur (Rahim), Mustafizur (Rahman)... “I am happy sitting at my home. I don’t want to around the world that biosecure (envi- have been keeping themselves busy by engaging all these guys... it’s really good to see. face you no matter what,” Tamim said with a smile ronment) is fine and what the virus could with fans on social media. Tamim jokingly said he counts his lucky stars during the chat. do to you potentially if you got it.” THURSDAY 21 MAY 2020 SPORT 11 Football closer to coming back, says Star Neuer signs deal, Klopp as Liverpool return to training set to stay

LONDON AFP - that just 0.8 percent of the tests Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at Bayern carried out by the Premier applauds the fans after his team’s Liverpool manager Jurgen League resulted in positive Champions League match against until 2023 Klopp is optimistic about the cases. Atletico Madrid at Anﬁeld, Liverpool, chances of completing the “A lot of people have been Britain, in this March 11, 2020, ﬁle photo. Premier League season as the tested and the signs are encour- AFP - BERLIN champions-elect returned to aging,” said Wilder, whose side training in small groups are in contention to qualify for Germany goalkeeper yesterday. European competition for the Manuel Neuer has signed a Klopp’s side were just two first time in their history. new deal with Bayern victories away from ending a Germany’s Bundesliga Munich that ties him to the 30-year wait to win the title resumed its season behind club until 2023, the when the English top-flight was closed doors last weekend, Bundesliga champions said shutdown more than two becoming the first major league yesterday. months ago due to the corona- to return to action. The announcement virus pandemic. The Premier League’s target ends weeks of speculation Six positive cases of of restarting on June 12 has been over the Bayern captain’s COVID-19 were detected in the called into question by players’ future, with widespread Premier League’s first round of concern for their welfare, both reports that talks between 748 tests of players and staff from the threat of the virus and player and club had hit the ahead of a return to socially dis- injuries with little preparation rocks. tanced training this week. time after such a long layoff. “During the weeks of At the start of the outbreak, However, Wilder does not the shutdown for the coro- Klopp accepted football should believe fitness should be an navirus pandemic, I didn’t be suspended if it would help issue as players have been able want to make a decision save even one life. to maintain their conditioning something I want to be involved have got coronavirus. It was a Instagram photo on Tuesday because nobody knew if, But the German believes it during the lockdown. in, if I’m honest,” said Rose on big surprise because I haven’t showing off his new haircut and when and how Bundesliga is now safe for players to return “They weren’t off to Dubai the Lockdown Tactics podcast. really left the house, apart from tagged the barber in his post. football would continue,” to phase one of training. or Vegas eating and drinking Watford captain Troy some exercise and the odd walk Hairdressers are closed in Neuer said in a statement. “I always said we don’t want whatever they want,” Wilder Deeney has said he will not with the kids.” Britain in line with the govern- “I look to the future to rush anything, but I don’t added. return to training this week over Burnley had previously ment’s rules on social with great optimism. I feel think it is rushed. It is for the “They’ve got a profession- fears he could pass the virus announced that assistant distancing. very comfortable and at first step, for this kind of social alism about them and my onto his five-month-old son, manager Ian Woan, who is Spurs have previously had home in Bavaria.” distancing training,” Klopp told players are in absolutely bril- with three of the six positive asymptomatic, was another to remind Tanguy Ndombele, Last month the Bild the Liverpool website. liant condition.” cases in the Premier League case with two more from one Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Ses- daily reported that Neuer “It was a long time, it is still Newcastle and England registered at the club. other club yet to be revealed. segnon and Moussa Sissoko of and his agent Thomas ongoing, but the development defender Danny Rose though is Watford’s Adrian Mariappa Meanwhile, Tottenham their responsibilities after they Kroth were demanding a is going with everything in the angry at the restart plans, confirmed he had tested pos- have launched another inves- were pictured in breach of five-year deal with a salary right direction and that helps. arguing that players are being itive, with the bemused tigation into one of their social distancing guidelines. of €20m ($22m) per season. “That football is closer to treated like “guinea pigs or lab defender telling the Daily Tel- players after defender Serge Manager Jose Mourinho also Neuer had revealed his coming back I think is really a rats”. egraph: “Ever since I got my Aurier appeared to flout social- admitted his wrongdoing in irritation both at the status good sign for people as well.” “I could be potentially positive result back on Tuesday, distancing rules for a third arranging a one-on-one of the talks and that details Sheffield United manager risking my health for people’s I’ve been scratching my head time. training session with Ndombele were being leaked to the Chris Wilder is also heartened entertainment and that’s not to try to work out how I might The Ivorian posted an in April. media. A World Cup winner in 2014 with Germany, Neuer joined Bayern from Schalke UEFA chief in 2011 and has won almost FIFPro warns against punishing everything with the hopes CL will Bavarian giants, with seven Bundesliga titles, five finish by ‘end German Cups and the 2013 players who refuse to train Champions League to his of August’ name. AFP - PARIS potentially facing disciplinary actions, we many risks,” Baer-Hoffmann said. “If the The 34-year-old is on AFP - LISBON feel that is very much unacceptable. players in England -- of which Danny Rose course to win his eighth The head of global players’ union FIFPro “The idea that somebody may be pun- is a part -- would like stricter rules then league crown with Bayern UEFA President Aleksander has given his backing to footballers who do ished in a pandemic for trying to protect that needs to be discussed.” after a 2-0 win at Union Ceferin is aiming to finish this no want to return to training because of his family’s health is inhumane and Baer-Hoffmann admitted that plenty Berlin on Sunday that year’s Champions League by coronavirus fears and cautioned that it unacceptable.” of players around the world were keen to maintained his team’s four- the end of August as football would be “inhumane and unacceptable” if However, there is no suggestion that get back playing despite the potential risks point lead at the top of the in Europe slowly starts to they were to be punished for taking such a Watford are planning to take disciplinary involved, but said FIFPro recommended table as the Bundesliga bounce back from the corona- stance. action against Deeney. that players undertake three to four weeks became the first major virus pandemic. Jonas Baer-Hoffmann’s comments Several players in England have voiced of training before beginning matches again European league to return “Our plan is to finish it come after Troy Deeney of English Premier concerns about returning to training, even due to the risk of injuries. from the coronavirus between now and the end of League side Watford refused to restart in small groups. In England the Premier League has been shutdown. August,” Ceferin said in an training ahead of a possible resumption of Watford were among the Premier suspended since March 13. interview with Portuguese the season because he does not want to put League clubs affected by six positive tests The financial consequences of not sports daily Record, published his young child, who has breathing diffi- for the virus out of a total of 748 tests con- restarting would be potentially very serious yesterday. culties, at risk of catching the virus. ducted on Sunday and Monday. for clubs, although players at the top level No decision “I think that will work. You Deeney has also cited fears his family England defender Danny Rose, on loan in England are in a better position than never know what’s going to could be in danger because of figures that at Newcastle United from Tottenham some of their counterparts around the yet on ending happen but things seem to be show black and ethnic minorities in the UK Hotspur, said players were being treated globe. calming down. -- which has the highest recorded death like “lab rats” as the league attempts to get Baer-Hoffmann highlighted the case of WSL season “Eighty percent of toll in Europe -- are more likely to become going again. players in several Latin American coun- European leagues are going to seriously ill with COVID-19. “No system can actually exclude the risk tries, including Colombia and Uruguay, as REUTERS - LONDON restart, I don’t see why the Deeney is “a player who has very legit- of infection, so it is a question about the well as in Botswana and Egypt, who are Champions League and imate concerns and wants to protect his probability by which you minimise that risk now relying on food packages from their The English Football Associ- Europa League shouldn’t take family”, Baer-Hoffmann said in a con- and many of the systems that we are seeing local players’ union “because they cannot ation said yesterday that is in place.” ference call with reporters on Wednesday. and reading about -- not particularly even provide for their own basic needs and talks with Women’s Super That end date for UEFA’s “If these players are being pressured or England -- still leave many, many gaps and are being stranded in terms of income”. League (WSL) and Women’s European tournaments was Championship clubs about widely reported but never offi- how to conclude the season, cially confirmed by the conti- but no decision has been taken nent’s football governing body. to end it early. Ceferin’s desired deadline Sky Sports reported earlier gives clubs a chance to finish This aerial yesterday that the FA had their domestic competitions -- view shows written to clubs informing halted across Europe in mid- Park Stadium - them that season was being cut March -- before the Cham- where Besiktas short due to the COVID-19 pions League restarts in early football team pandemic. However, the FA August. used to play in later clarified that no final In an interview with British Istanbul - during decision had yet been made. daily The Guardian, Ceferin a four-day curfew Soccer in England has been added that he would be pre- aimed at curbing suspended since mid-March pared to bet a million dollars the spread of due to the outbreak of the on Euro 2020 being played the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, though top- next year following its post- pandemic caused flight men’s teams were given ponement to 2021. by the novel permission to resume training “Yes, I would,” he told the coronavirus. in small groups this week. newspaper “I don’t know why Turkey’s Super Manchester City were top it (the tournament) wouldn’t Lig will restart on of the WSL table, one point be (played). June 12. ahead of Chelsea, with Liv- “I don’t think that this virus erpool bottom when matches will last forever. I think it will were suspended. Aston Villa (change) sooner than many were six points clear at the top think. of the Championship. “I don’t like this apoca- lyptic view that we have to wait for the second and third waves or even a fifth wave.” Monday matches set to be back on La Liga agenda Ceferin said football would follow the recommendations REUTERS - MADRID time slot prevents families or those who potentially catastrophic losses of €1bn games. But while Rubiales said in Feb- of the authorities but he was work late from attending matches. ($1.09bn). ruary there would be no Monday fixtures optimistic that fans would The fight over Monday night matches A commercial court’s ruling to ban “I hope there will be matches on on his watch, a federation source said return to the stands quicker escalated a bitter dispute between Monday matches deepened tensions Mondays and that the federation shows that after holding an eight-hour meeting than many observers think. Spain’s two main football bodies last year between Rubiales and La Liga chief some sensitivity. The situation with spec- with Tebas and sports minister Irene “I’m absolutely sure, per- but the contentious time slot is set to Javier Tebas, who claims that a variety tators isn’t a problem any more,” Tebas Lozano last month, he was ready to sonally, that good old football return as organisers scramble to of time slots makes the league more said on Sunday. soften his stance as a goodwill gesture with fans will come back very complete a season paralysed by the attractive to broadcasters. Tebas has targeted resuming matches in the national interest. soon,” he said. COVID-19 pandemic. But if the two institutions were from June 12 and promised matches While Monday Night Football is one And Ceferin said he did not Spanish soccer federation president deeply divided by their opinions on every day for five weeks to complete the of the Premier League’s top television expect the game to be pro- Luis Rubiales led a successful campaign scheduling, they have been united by a season as soon as possible, although the slots, many in Spain have long been foundly changed by the to do away with fixtures on Mondays, desire to complete the final 11 rounds of latter plan hinges on the federation hostile to the idea since it was introduced coronavirus. delighting an army of fans who say the matches without spectators and avoid agreeing to lift the ban on Monday in 2010.