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New Delhi: Even a shortened IPL with just Indian players would be good enough in these "extraordinary times", Rajasthan Royals CEO Ranjit Barthakur said on Wednesday, revealing that a final call on the glitzy event's fate is unlikely to be taken before 15 April.

The top executive spelt out his franchise's wish even as the number of positive cases and death toll due to the pandemic continued to rise across the world.

Representational image of IPL trophy. Image courtesy: Twitter/ @IPL

The BCCI is yet to take a decision on the 13th edition of the lucrative league, which remains postponed at least till 15 April due to the coronavirus pandemic and the resultant travel restrictions on foreigners' entry to India. It was originally supposed to start on 29 March.

"We are open to a shortened tournament with only Indian players, at the end of the day it is the Indian Premier League," Barthakur told PTI.

With a nationwide lockdown in place to combat the spread of the disease, the event seems unlikely to go ahead unless the BCCI figures an alternate window later in the year, compromising a few bilateral commitments.

The RR executive though said they are confident that the Board will take a decision keeping in mind the best interests of the franchises.

"These are extraordinary times and the BCCI will do the best it can when things improve," he said.

"Earlier we could not think of an Indians-only IPL but now there is enough quality to choose from. It is better to have an Indians-only IPL than not at all.

"When can we have it? That BCCI decides. And I think that call be taken only post 15th April," Barthakur added.

Acting on the directives from the central government in March, the BCCI postponed the IPL until 15 April.

The novel coronavirus has so far infected over 850,000 people worldwide while claiming the lives of more than 42,000. Over 1600 positive cases have so far been reported across India besides over 40 deaths.

Talking to BBC World Service last weekend, RR's majority owner Manoj Badale admitted that the IPL "pales into insignificance in terms of things we should be really be thinking about right now".

The economic upheaval caused by the pandemic has prompted players of England and Australia to admit that they are bracing up for pay cuts.

The cricket board in England announced a 61 million pound package to cope with the pandemic's devastating financial implications.



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Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh announced his retirement from international cricket in June 2019.

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London: England's flamboyant batsman Jos Buttler is auctioning the shirt he wore during their World Cup-winning final last year, to raise funds for hospitals battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a video message posted on Twitter late Tuesday night, Buttler said the shirt would be auctioned to raise funds for the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals charity.

"As we all know, hospitals, doctors, nurses and the NHS are all doing quite an incredible job at the moment. And in the weeks and months to come they are going to need our support even more," Buttler said.

"Last week, the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals' charity launched an emergency appeal to provide lifesaving equipment for those two hospitals, specialising in lung and heart conditions in preparation for the COVID-19 outbreak."

The light-blue coloured full sleeves jersey, which Buttler wore during the summit clash at the Lord's where England defeated New Zealand in dramatic fashion to lift their maiden ODI World Cup trophy, is signed by all members of the squad.

"To help with their fund-raising effort I'm going to be donating this shirt, which is the shirt I wore in the World Cup final last year, signed by all the players who were members of the squad."

Buttler also tagged a number of cricketers across the world including India skipper Virat Kohli and vice-captain Rohit Sharma, Australian Steve Smith and teammate Eoin Morgan, to spread the message.

The coronavirus outbreak has infected over 8,00,000 people and caused more that 42,000 deaths worldwide.

In the UK, more than 25,000 people, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Charles, have been infected and over 1,800 deaths reported.

In this time of crisis everyone is trying to do whatever they can and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is also pitching in by providing parking and storage spaces available at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground to the National Health Services (NHS) staff.

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A $75 million rescue package was rolled out by English cricket on Tuesday to help teams at all levels withstand the financial impact of a pandemic described by a leading executive as one of the biggest challenges “in the history of the game.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board said 40 million pounds (about $50 million) was being made available at first-class and county level from Wednesday. More than 20 million pounds (about $25 million) will go to local cricket clubs, via loans and grants.

Representational image of England and Wales Cricket Board. Twitter @ecb_cricket

The start of the English cricket season has been delayed until May 28 at the earliest because of the coronavirus outbreak, with the ECB modelling a range of options for cricket to begin in June, July or August. One model takes into account the possibility of the entire 2020 campaign being canceled.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said his organization was doing everything it can “to try and make sure that we keep the cricket network in business” during what he said was the sport’s biggest crisis, at least in in the modern era.

"The aim is to give certainty in these extremely difficult times and to keep the lights on,” Harrison said. “This is just the start of addressing this massive challenge and we have to work together because every area of the game will be impacted in the event that most or all of the cricket season is lost."

Monthly payments which would usually be passed down by the ECB in May, June and July will be issued immediately, as will two years' worth of facilities maintenance money usually ring-fenced for work on the ground and venues but which is now unrestricted.

International staging fees have been suspended for the next four months, and they will be waived in 2020 if matches are not played as scheduled because of the virus.

Harrison, who earns almost 720,000 pounds a year, will take an as-yet-undefined pay cut, and the prospect of furloughing some non-playing staff is under consideration.

Centrally contracted England players will not be approached to take a pay cut but may discuss the option on a voluntary basis.

Discussions have taken place about what would happen should cricket be back on the agenda before the end of the summer.

The most lucrative matches will be favored - meaning men's internationals, the Twenty20 Blast and the inaugural season of The Hundred.

Harrison said The Hundred, a new format designed and promoted by the ECB in a bid to draw a new audience to the sport, could be pushed back to 2021 if there were restrictions on fans entering the grounds.

"We will have to have discussions in a few weeks about getting crowds into stadiums,” Harrison said. “If that is not going to be possible and we can serve cricket fans in this country in some way, then we will look at that. We will put safety of players and those working in the game at the heart.”

West Indies and Pakistan are scheduled to tour England for test and limited-overs matches this summer.



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England's Jos Buttler is auctioning the shirt he wore in last year's dramatic World Cup final win in support of hospitals treating the coronavirus.

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Hardik Pandya, like every other athlete, is trying to stay in shape as the coronavirus pandemic keeps everyone indoors.

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Any contest with India in the Test format is always a much-anticipated clash, says the Australian skipper for the longest format.

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New Delhi: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has banned cricketers from wearing smartwatches on the field of play in all upcoming fixtures, tightening its anti-corruption regulations in the wake of live streaming in county cricket.

Representational image. Twitter @ecb_cricket

The governing body had earlier allowed players to wear smartwatches on the field of play, provided that communication or data transmission facilities would be switched off in televised games.

"But with the vast majority of fixtures now available to watch live worldwide thanks to the growth of live-streaming services in the county game, the regulations have been tightened, meaning that smartwatches are completely banned in televised games and are permitted in the players' and match officials' areas (dressing rooms, balconies, dugouts) only in non-televised games," a report in ESPNcricinfo said.

Lancashire spinner Matt Parkinson had brought to light the opportunity for information exchange when he had revealed that he came to know about his maiden England call-up via a notification on his team-mate Steven Croft's smartwatch during the 2019 County Championship.

ECB's anti-corruption codes are much stricter for televised games but with the rise of live streaming of matches, the governing body decided to tighten its regulations.

ECB hoped the decision will ensure that the integrity of players are not questioned.

"We review the anti-corruption codes and PMOA minimum standards on a yearly basis so that they remain relevant to the current threats and risks to cricket," an ECB spokesperson said.

In international cricket, smartwatches have been banned for many years. In 2018, Asad Shafiq and Hasan Ali were told by anti-corruption officials to stop wearing them during a Test at Lord's.



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Karachi: Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq has suggested extending the time span of the ICC World Test Championship with the COVID-19 pandemic bringing all cricketing activities to a halt and potentially throwing the international schedule haywire.

File image of Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq. AP

"I just think that all teams must get equal opportunities in the championship even if matches are rescheduled," he said during a video conference with the media on Tuesday.

"Whenever cricket resumes all teams should get equal opportunity in the ICC World Test Championship to try to play in the final. The tournament can be extended beyond 2021," he said.

According to the original schedule, the inaugural competition runs from 2019-2021.

Pakistan had to postpone a Test of the championship against Bangladesh at home following the coronavirus outbreak earlier this month.

Misbah also said that if teams didn't get equal opportunity to play in the championship, results would not be fair.

The ICC has indicated that it would talk to member boards to find a solution to the matches of the championship which will be hit by the pandemic and one option which will be discussed would be awarding points for cancelled matches.

"The tournament should be extended that is my view. That is the only way we can find and end the event in a balanced way. Matches can be rescheduled if the event is extended, he said.

After the Test against Bangladesh, Pakistan's next assignment of the ICC Championship is a Test series in England in July.

Misbah said since that series was very important, he had already asked all the players who are in isolation to keep working on their fitness and also study the strengths and weaknesses of the England team.

"I have been in touch with most of the players including centrally contracted players. Even the trainer is in touch with them and we are giving them and sending them plans according to their equipment at home to remain in shape as a team."

"I want the physical condition of players to be what is required in Test cricket whenever cricket resumes," he said.

Misbah said this was the best time for Pakistan to do its homework for the series in England and analyse their players.

Asked about Pakistani players and officials having to take pay cuts if the coronavirus pandemic continues for a long time, Misbah said when the contracts of players expire in June, the board and players will sit down and decide what to do.

"When new contracts come we will see the situation and make the right decisions and players will have to understand and it will not be a one-way decision. Everyone is mentally ready for this situation," he said.

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ICA president Ashok Malhotra said that even domestic players may have to accept pay cuts if losses run into thousands of crores amid the ongoing lockdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Ravindra Jadeja's passion for horse riding can be seen in the video shared by him.

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New Delhi: No play, no pay.

This could well be the fate of players, who have signed up for this year's IPL, which has been postponed and seems unlikely to go ahead unless BCCI figures an alternate window later in the year, compromising a few bilateral commitments.

File photo IPL trophy. Image credits @IPL

File photo IPL trophy. Image credits @IPL

"The system of IPL payments is that 15 per cent is paid a week before the tournament starts. 65 per cent more is paid during the tournament. The remaining 20 percent is paid within a stipulated time after the tournament ends," a senior official of an IPL franchise told PTI.

"The BCCI has specific guidelines. Obviously, no player will be paid as of now," he added.

In fact, the economic implications of a season without IPL could be huge, admitted BCCI Players' body — the Indian Cricketers' Association (ICA) — president Ashok Malhotra.

He feels that even domestic players may have to accept pay cuts if losses run into thousands of crores amid the ongoing lockdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Right now, BCCI is looking at an alternate window as chances of a curtailed IPL in May look dim but nothing concrete has come out.

The country is currently under a 21-day lockdown till 14 April while IPL has been postponed till 15 April. The pandemic has caused mayhem worldwide, killing over 37,000 people so far.

The economic upheaval caused by it has led to players of England and Australia to admit that they are bracing up for pay cuts.

Another franchise official clarified that the salaries of the players are not insured for a pandemic.

"We will not get any money from the insurance company as a pandemic is not covered in the clause. Each franchise has salary overheads ranging between Rs 75 to 85 crore. How can we pay if there's no action," he asked.

"From English Premier League, La Liga to Bundesliga, players are taking pay cuts. Also, there is no certainty anywhere as to when things will get normal," the official, who has been part of at least 10 IPL editions, added.

Both of them said in unison that BCCI needs to see what can be done even though they understand that the parent body stands to lose close to Rs 3000 crore.

"It's not just the Dhonis and the Kohlis who will be affected. Surely they would feel the pinch but for many first-timers, the Rs 20, 40 or 60 lakh is serious life-changing money after all the hard work. Hope the BCCI has a plan in place," he said.

BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal, however, said that at present, there hasn't been any discussion about pay cuts.

"There has been no discussion at all on pay cuts. IPL obviously is BCCI's biggest tournament. But at this point, it is very difficult to do calculations and estimate losses. The calculations are complex and till office-bearers get together, we can't say anything," Dhumal told PTI.

However, former India Test player Malhotra feels that one needs to be practical in understanding the situation. In case of domestic players, it might not be a pay cut but probably the much-awaited pay hike could be put on hold for some time.

"The BCCI earns its money from cricket. If cricket is not happening, where will the money come from? We have to be sensible here.

"So, it's not just international cricketers but domestic players will also be affected. It's not the board's fault. This is an unavoidable situation," Malhotra said.

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Tim Paine said that there are several candidates who can take over the captaincy of Australia's Test side once he is ready to step away from the game.

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Tim Paine had moved his car onto the street so he could transform his garage into a home gym during the self-isolation period.

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Australian cricketer David Warner has extended his support to healthcare workers who are working round the clock to treat coronavirus patients.

The opening batsman posted a video where he is seen shaving his head. Warner nominated Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Marcus Stoinis, Joe Burns and others to take the challenge and extend their support to frontline workers during Covid-19.

In the clip posted on Instagram, shirtless Warner is seen shaving his head with a trimmer. He also shared a photograph of the shaved look.

“Been nominated to shave my head in support of those working on the frontline #Covid-19 here is a time lapse. I think my debut was the last time I recall I’ve done this. Like it or not??” read the post.

Warner’s post has garnered over 1,18,000 likes so far.

Cricketers and celebrities are taking to various social media platforms to extend their support to people fighting the deadly virus. They have also urged fans to abide by the government guidelines to restrict the spread of novel coronavirus.

COVID-19 has claimed over 37,800 lives across the globe and close to 8 lakh people have tested positive for the disease.

In India, COVID-19 has claimed 32 lives and more than 1,200 people been diagnosed with the disease.

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Dhaka: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to pay a one-time allowance of 20,000 Taka (~Rs 17,500) to its women players to help them cope with the shutdown of all events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Logo of Bangladesh Cricket Board. Official website of BCB

BCB President Nazmul Hassan, who is also a member of parliament, said the players need support given the current situation. The cricketers who will benefit are the ones who appeared in the 2018-19 women's National Cricket League and have been in BCB's selection camps in 2019-20.

"Just like their male counterparts, the majority of women cricketers also look towards domestic events for earnings. Besides, we had training camps scheduled for women players which have been hampered by the prevailing COVID-19 situation," Hassan said in a press release.

"The cricketers have been forced to pass a period of non-activity and they need our support," he added.

Last week, the BCB announced a one-time financial aid to their male players, who do not have central contracts or first-class contracts of the board. They are to be given 30,000 BDT (~Rs 26,500) each.

"With the tournament and league looking at an indefinite period of shut down, cricketers who are not part of the BCB's contracts are likely to face financial hardship as they may have only received partial payment from their respective Premier League Clubs.

"This assistance is for that section of the players," Hassan had said.

According to a report, at least 60 players will get this financial aid.



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Joe Root expects his country's cricket board and the player's body to discuss a possible pay cut for him and his teammates "in the coming weeks" due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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London: Lancashire county cricket club chairman David Hodgkiss has passed away after being infected by the dreaded coronavirus.

He was 71.

Although Lancashire did not give the exact reason of his death in their official statement, a club spokesperson told the 'Press Association' that Hodgkiss' death was "coronavirus-related."

"Further to the announcement from his family, it is with great sadness that Lancashire Cricket announces the passing of its Chairman, David Hodgkiss OBE," the club said in a statement.

According to reports, Hodgkiss had some prior health issues as well.

Hodgkiss had been on the board at Emirate Old Trafford for 22 years, serving as a member, treasurer and vice-chairman before becoming the chairman, succeeding Michael Cairns in 2017.

"David served the club with distinction over many years including holding the offices of treasurer, vice-chairman and latterly chairman. He was much loved by everyone at Lancashire Cricket Club and respected throughout the cricketing world," the statement read.

"Our sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with his family. A further statement will be released in due course but at this time we ask that everybody respects the family's privacy," it added.

The COVID-19 pandemic has so far killed over 35,000 people globally.

England and Wales Cricket Board Chairman Colin Graves also offered his condolences.

"David was a vital part of cricket in Lancashire and was passionate about growing and developing the sport in the county," he said in a statement.

"On behalf of everyone at the England and Wales Cricket Board, our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at Lancashire County Cricket Club at this sad time," he added.



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Custodian of cricket laws, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), has decided to provide parking and storage spaces available at the iconic Lord's cricket ground to the National Health Services (NHS) staff battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

Representative photo. Image credit: Twitter/@HomeOfCricket

Representative photo. Image credit: Twitter/@HomeOfCricket

The coronavirus outbreak has infected over 7,00,000 people and caused more than 35,000 deaths worldwide.

In the UK, close to 23,000 people, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prince Charles, have been infected and over 1,400 deaths reported.

"The close proximity of a number of hospitals to Lord's gives the Club the opportunity to assist medical staff so they can concentrate on their ongoing battle against the virus," the MCC said in a media release.

The club has provided 75 car parking spaces for NHS staff at the nearby Wellington Hospital, University College Hospital, and the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth.

"MCC has currently provided 75 parking spaces at Lord's for staff at Wellington Hospital, University College Hospital, and the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth" it added.

In addition, the custodians of cricket laws are also providing food to a city-based charity.

"MCC has provided food to City Harvest London, who help put fresh surplus food to good use in a sustainable way, redistributing to organisations that feed the hungry," the statement said.

"We are continuing to work closely with our local community, hospitals and organisations to offer support as best we can during this period.



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Rohit Sharma donated Rs 80 lakh to various relief funds amid the coronavirus pandemic, including Rs 5 lakh to aid the welfare of stray dogs.

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David Warner shared a time-lapse video on Instagram of him shaving his head as a gesture of support to medical staff working amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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London: England Test captain Joe Root expects his country's cricket board and the players body to discuss a possible pay cut for him and his teammates "in the coming weeks" as the ECB faces the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With all professional cricket coming to a halt till 28 May in the UK and more delays expected, speculation is rife that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is mulling pay cuts for its centrally-contracted players like Root and Jos Buttler. However, the 29-year-old is not stressing about it at the moment.

Coach Trevor Bayliss said Joe Root is under no pressure despite England's failure to wrest the Ashes from Australia's grasp. Reuters

"I am sure at some point in the coming weeks there will be a discussion but those discussions will probably take place between the PCA and the ECB. Until that happens, that is not my area of expertise," Root was quoted as saying by the ICC's official website.

"We just have to concentrate on being as fit as we can be for when we get back playing cricket and making sure we are doing everything we can to look after the community," he added.

The cornavirus outbreak, which has infected over 7,00,000 people and caused more that 37,000 deaths worldwide, has forced the global sporting events to come to a standstill.

England's tour of Sri Lanka was cancelled earlier this month. Their home Test series against the West Indies and Pakistan and the limited-overs engagement with Australia from June to August are also at risk of being postponed or cancelled depending on the situation.

But when normal cricket does resume, Root is bracing himself for an exponential increase in the workload.

"It would be a very tough winter, a huge amount of workload, especially on the multi-format players, but we have had some tough winters in the past and found ways to get through them."

"It would be interesting to see how they would fit it in looking at the schedule as it right now but if it was to go ahead, we would have to be able to adapt, look at the squad sizes we take over and make sure guys weren't blown out and overworked.

With uncertainty looming, the skipper has kept an open mind regarding the scheduling.

"If we are lucky enough to be in a position where we can play then we should try but whether Tests overpower other formats is going to be difficult to know. We have to be very open minded."

Governments all across the world are calling for imposition of lockdowns and Root, like several other athletes, is also confined to his house.

The right-hand batsman, who has turned to home workouts, feels nothing can compare to training together as a group.

"You can never really replicate the dressing-room environment and building something as a group of players."

"You spend a long time working towards something collectively and that's something you can take for granted, especially when you play as much as we do.

"It has become more evident the longer we spend time apart and, as this goes on, I can see that this is what sticks out," Root added.



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Australian cricketers might have to accept a pay cut due to the COVID-19 pandemic, conceded Test captain Tim Paine but insisted that making financial sacrifices is a "small thing" in the current situation and they are prepared to "do their bit".

File image of Tim Paine . Reuters

A pay cut for the top cricketers seems to be on the cards with Cricket Australia delaying annual contracts for both the men's and women's national teams. CA is preparing for the possibility of a severely-affected home summer due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"Certainly discussions will start happening in the next week or so," Paine was quoted as saying by 'ESPNCricinfo'.

"Certainly if things happen similar to what's happened to football and other sports, then we've certainly got to do our bit to make sure the game survives and remains really healthy for years to come.

"If it comes to that, I'm sure that's something that the players will look at. But there are bigger issues going on around the world at the moment than how much our sportsmen are going to get paid. That'll be a small thing to us if that was to happen."

Australia could have overtaken India in the World Test Championship ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series if Paine's side would have managed a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh in June but with the coronavirus outbreak forcing a cricket shutdown, the tour is now unlikely to go ahead.

"You don't have to be Einstein to realise (the Bangladesh tour) is probably unlikely to go ahead, particularly in June. Whether it's cancelled or pushed back, we're not quite sure at the moment," Paine said.

"Some series have been cancelled and whether ones going forward are going to be continually cancelled or we're going to postpone them (is uncertain) but it's a couple of Test matches and if at the end of the day we have to miss them, then so be it."

There is a lot of uncertainty over the rescheduling of the international calendar, especially with the World Test Championship final slated for June 2021.

Paine said they are eager to make the decider and might need to play five successive weeks to complete the World Test Championship.

"... maybe players are going to go through a period where we play five weeks' cricket (at a stretch) if we can to complete the Test championship. I think all players will be in favour of trying to finish that in any way we can.

"But again if it doesn't happen as I said there are bigger issues in the world and missing a few Test matches isn't going to hurt us," he said.



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Mumbai: Star India batsman Rohit Sharma has donated Rs 80 lakh to fight the rapidly-spreading COVID-19 pandemic, saying the onus is on the citizens to help the country get back on its feet.

Rohit, who is the vice-captain of the Indian ODI team, has donated Rs 45 lakh and Rs 25 lakh to the PM and CM's Relief Fund (Maharashtra) respectively.

File image of India batsman Rohit Sharma. AP

He has given Rs 5 lakh to 'Zomato Feeding India', which is helping families affected by the ongoing national lockdown, and another Rs 5 lakh to help aid the welfare of stray dogs.

"We need our country back on feet & the onus is on us. I've done my bit to donate 45lakhs to #PMCaresFunds, 25lakhs to #CMReliefFund Maharashtra, 5lakhs to @FeedingIndia and 5lakhs to #WelfareOfStrayDogs. Let's get behind our leaders and support them @narendramodi @CMOMaharashtra," tweeted the elegant right handed batsman on Tuesday morning.

Rohit joined the list of top sportsmen comprising batting mastero Sachin Tendulkar, his skipper Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, and his Test teammate Ajinkya Rahane among others who have generously donated for the cause.

Maharashtra is one of the worst affected states in the pandemic with the positive cases in the state standing at 225 till Tuesday morning.

In India, according to the union health ministry, the death toll due to COVID-19 has increased to 32 while the cases have soared to 1,251 till Monday night.

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Australia Test captain Tim Paine's wallet was stolen from his car on Tuesday after he parked the vehicle on the street outside his home in Hobart to convert his garage into a gym.

His makeshift practice area, where he was trying to work on his cover drive, was just a day old when Paine woke up this morning to realise that his car had been broken into.

File image of Tim Paine. Reuters

"I've actually just turned the garage into a bit of a home gym and I want to hang the (stocking) off the bit where the garage door opens," he told 'SEN Breakfast'.

"I figured if I can, I can work on my cover drive while I'm at it, but I've actually hit a bit of a snag today because I moved the car out onto the street only to wake up this morning to a text from NAB saying my credit card has been used.

"I went out and the (car) door was open and my wallet and a few other things had gone. Actually looking at my account, the boys went straight to Maccas the boys must have been hungry."

With Steve Smith's leadership ban ending recently, there are doubts over Paine's future as Australia Test captain but he was supportive of the former skipper regaining the captaincy.

"When I'm in the role (as captain), I plan to use him as much as I can," he said.

"He was an excellent captain for me to play under. I hoped when this was all going on he would get the opportunity to lead his country again.

"He's got one of the great cricket brains so when we're out there, I enjoy getting his feedback and I'm sure we'll continue to do that for the next little bit," he added.

With the world in lockdown, Paine is currently enjoying his time at home with his wife and two children.



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Rohit Sharma was on an Instagram live chat with Kevin Pietersen and spoke highly of Ricky Ponting.

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A set of peculiar unforeseen events has put the continued pre-eminence of BCCI in serious doubt. Even if the devastating effects of the summer of 2020 are tided over within three to four months, it is unlikely that cricket will come out unscathed from the after-effects of the Corona pandemic.

Of course, the tenacity and depth of each and every sport will be tested after the virus has put world sports individually and collectively in a shambles. This is after claiming thousands of lives and wrecking the 2020 sporting season beyond recognition.

In India, in particular, the intriguing question is whether cricket as we know it, can pull through one of its most vexing times in history. It, like every major sport in the world, was forced to hit the pause button without ever knowing when they could ease into play mode again.

Make no mistake, the threat to Indian and world cricket is manifold. The shrinking world economy with genuine fears of an economic recession will hit all major world sports. The worrying part is that they would all simultaneously compete for a share of the diminishing pie as soon as this Coronavirus peters out and the sporting season limps back to life.

This collective resurgence is the first real threat to revenue and thereby survival, for cricket. There are others, but we’ll look at them in a while.

The enormity of the blow to the sports calendar thus far is in itself staggering:

- Summer Olympics, scheduled to be staged in Japan from July has been postponed by a year.

- NBA season has been suspended

- Football’s Premier League in on hold as are other leagues

- ATP and WTA have cancelled the entire spring-summer clay-court season. This includes the French Open, a Grand     Slam event, which has been moved optimistically from 24 May to 20 September.

- Wimbledon, scheduled from 29 June, says it will consult with government and health officials before reaching a decision “on playing, postponing or cancelling the 2020 Championships”..

- The first seven legs of F1 races have been cancelled. The season might start with the eighth leg in Canada on June 28. But that’s an extremely optimistic estimate.

- British Grand Prix officials have stated that they need a minimum of 12 weeks to get things ready for the Silverstone event in (17-19) July. But it is highly unlikely that they would be able to get down to brass tacks by 20 April, considering the virus’ on-going trail of destruction in England and Europe.

- Golf too has been severely hit. The Augusta Masters was postponed to a later date, and will probably be held in Fall. Many other tournaments have been cancelled or put on hold.

- PGA said its leadership was in close coordination, ‘evaluating plans on an ongoing basis with the health and well-being of all involved as the highest priority’ and details of new dates for tournaments will be disclosed as and when they are made.

Cricket too has had it calendar ripped apart. BCCI’s money-spinner IPL will not be staged this summer, though officials said they’d take a call after 15 April. Australian, South African, Kiwi seasons had to be abandoned midway while the start of the English season (April to Sept) is in great doubt.

Consequently the revenues of all the primary cricket countries — India, England and Australia, would have taken a massive hit and this will adversely impact the promotion of the game.

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and board secretary Jay Shah. BCCI

BCCI’s biggest drag could still be the induction of associations of the north east as full members. These states contribute nothing to the coffers, but have now been armed with a vote and the right to share the board’s limited revenue.

This massive drain at this unfortunate juncture would hugely affect the development of cricket, particularly at the juniors and women’s levels.

Another massive outflow of funds for BCCI and its affiliate associations is the CoA-granted astronomical raise in salaries of CEO, paid administrators, players, coaches, trainers, physios, umpires, selectors, match referees and others. This happened at the national level, state level, NCA, state academies, etc. Sure they all made hay when the going was good. But what about these troubled times?

In Australia, Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle set the tone for cutbacks when she said she would take a 50 percent pay cut before warning players, administrators and others that they would have to take ‘significant cuts’ for the organisation to stay ‘financially viable in the short term’.

BCCI, which was hit hard by the lack of infrastructure development during the Lodha reforms- CoA days, cannot afford another roll back on development activities so soon. That would seriously impact the promotion of the game.

One way for BCCI to cut back on overheads would be for Saba Karim and company to be smart about scheduling events so that there is minimal expenditure on boarding, lodging and travel. And that’s just a start.

Even as BCCI tightens its belt, it needs to ensure that its cash cow, IPL, gets off the ground at the earliest. Perhaps the window that permitted state leagues like KPL, TNPL, etc to be staged during August- September is an opportunity. Else an October-November schedule if the World T20 in Australia is postponed.

Even the ICC Test Championship needs to be put on hold. Instead of uninteresting Australia vs Bangladesh and England vs Sri Lanka, West Indies or even vs Pakistan matches, the ‘Big Three’ must junk the schedule for the moment and stage high-profile matches among themselves in a manner that they would lift value of telecast, sponsorship and public interest with worthwhile content.

Surely if the Olympics can be postponed, ICC’s schedule too could be suspended for the greater good of the game. Only if the ‘Big Three’ are in a healthy financial state can world cricket tide over the current crises. So every effort must be made to boost their engagements, over T20, ODI and if necessary, even Tests.

May be even the Lodha-reforms could be kept in suspension for three to five years so that the best and most experienced administrators can pilot state associations and BCCI through this tough time. Currently, it is not just office-bearers, even committee members of all state associations are inexperienced and ill-equipped to handle what is quickly turning out to be Indian cricket’s biggest crisis ever.

And desperate situations call for desperate measures. Surely the government (besieged with plethora of gargantuan problems) and Supreme Court will step in to save the sport in the country. Else doomsday for cricket is not all that far away.



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Mitchell McClenaghan shut down a troll who was getting a little too cheeky on Twitter.

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Mithali Raj, Indian women's ODI team captain, pledged Rs 5 lakh each to the PM Cares Fund and Telangana Chief Minister's Fund.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to send customised training plans to 30 players, including the centrally contracted ones, to continue their fitness regime and training while staying isolated at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a reliable source in the board, head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq has held discussions with the PCB chairman and chief executive officer on the players' training plan.

Representational image of Pakistan Cricket Board. Reuters

"Misbah is concerned that this long isolation period could affect the players' fitness and training regime and it would be difficult for them to immediately adjust whenever the Pakistan Cricket Board resumes cricket activities in the country, the source said.

He said Misbah had worked out the customised training plans with the team's support staff and these plans would now be sent to around 30 players individually for them to follow at home.

The PCB for the moment has suspended all cricket activities in the country amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The source said that Misbah had also made it clear to the players to avoid rich or junk foods while isolating at home and follow the same diet they follow while playing for Pakistan.

"Misbah is concerned because there is no time frame when cricket activities will resume and he doesn't want a situation where players find it difficult to immediately adjust back to the old routine especially with a tour of Ireland, Holland and England scheduled from June onwards.



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Jonty Rhodes talks about how it is important to stay healthy during this lockdown period.

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Karachi: Seasoned all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez is keen to represent Pakistan in this year's World T20 before quitting international cricket.

File photo of Pakistan's Mohammad Hafeez. Reuters

Hafeez said in an interview that his main ambition was to play for his country in the World T20 and help them do well in it.

"After World T20 I have decided I will retire from international cricket and just focus on playing in T20 leagues," he said.

Hafeez has already retired from Test cricket and only plays the white-ball format.

Hafeez, 39, also said he has not decided what he would like to take up after his retirement from the game.

"It could be coaching, I don't know when the time comes I will make up my mind," he said.

Hafeez who has appeared in 55 Tests, 218 ODIs and 91 T20 international's made yet another comeback to the Pakistan team for the T20 series at home against Bangladesh in February after the national selectors had ignored him after the World Cup last year in England.

The former national T20 captain landed himself in trouble with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) when he criticised the move to bring back the tainted Sharjeel Khan into the national team.



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Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal has decided against challenging the show cause notice issued to him by the Pakistan Cricket Board in which the governing body accused him of breaching the Anti-Corruption Code.

A source close to the batsman said he had submitted his reply to the show cause notice issued to him earlier this month and he had not challenged the charges against him.

File image of Umar Akmal. AFP

File image of Umar Akmal. AFP

"Umar has not challenged the charges and admitted that he made a mistake in not following the adopted procedure in such cases," the source said.

The PCB Anti-Corruption officials had charged Umar within two separate cases of not reporting an approach made to him to spot fix matches in the Pakistan Super League 5.

Umar, who was provisionally suspended on 20 Feb and barred from playing in the Pakistan Super League for his franchise Quetta Gladiators, has been charged for breaching Article 2.4.4 of PCB's Anti-Corruption Code.

"The code pertains to failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitation received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code."

The Pakistan board had given Umar until 31 March to respond.

According to the Anti-Corruption Code Article 6.2, the range of permissible period of ineligibility for those charged and found guilty for a violation of Article 2.4.4 is a minimum of six months and a maximum of a lifetime.

Umar, 29, has had a chequered career since making his debut in August, 2009 and has since just managed to play 16 Tests, 121 ODIs and 84 T20 internationals despite making a century on Test debut.

His last appearance came in last October during a home T20 series against Sri Lanka.

Umar who has a penchant for getting into trouble with the establishment was reprimanded and cleared in February just before the PSL for allegedly misbehaving with a trainer during a fitness test in Lahore.



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New Delhi: With her big-hitting prowess, a rarity in women's cricket, 16-year-old Shafali Verma was bound to succeed at the highest level.

Shafali Verma has been India's highest run-getter in this World Cup with 161 runs in four matches so far. Photo ICC

However, a lot of improvement is needed for her to sustain the sensational six-month run she has enjoyed since making her India debut, feel her coach Ashwani Kumar and former India wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra, people who have tracked her nascent career closely.

Verma was 15 when she received her maiden national call-up last September and thereafter, the attention she got as a teenage sensation was expected.

In her, India got a much-needed power-hitter at the top and less than six months later, she was in Australia, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the team's maiden entry into the final of the T20 World Cup.

"The women's team probables had a camp at NCA in June-July and I was part of it as the wicket-keeping and fielding coach. After seeing Shafali comfortably bat against Jhulan Goswami (senior India pacer) in the nets, I was convinced that she would be playing for India soon. And that is what happened," Ratra, who played six Tests and 12 ODIs, told PTI.

Besides Ratra, Verma's strokeplay in the practice session also impressed India coach WV Raman.

"Even he was of the opinion that she could go on to become a very important player for India," recalled Ratra.

It is only fair to say that if it was not for Verma's flying starts, India would have struggled to reach the final of the T20 World Cup as the big stars of the team failed to make an impression. Her only failure came in the final, leaving her in tears.

The Rohtak-born, who loves to play in the V, gained a plethora of fans around the world with her six-hitting ability in the tournament, especially the one that flies over the bowler's head. There were also constant but pre-mature comparisons with the legendary Virender Sehwag.

Seeing Verma take the best of the bowlers to the cleaners in Australia was hardly a surpise for her coach Ashwani Kumar, who runs the Shri Ram Narain Cricket Club in Rohtak.

"When she came to me first as a little kid (11), I taught her the basic stance and after few days, she was comfortable hitting the big strokes. Then she started training with the girls four years elder to her and in six months' times, she was practising with the U-14 boys. She never felt out of place," recollected Ashwani, a former-first class cricketer from Haryana.

"Fast forward it to now, she trains with the fellow academy cricketers (like Ashish Hooda) who have played Ranji Trophy," he said.

Verma idolises the great Sachin Tendulkar and Ashwani feels that is one reason why she developed a penchant for playing with a straight bat.

Asked if he anticipated Verma becoming a household name at such a young age, the coach said: "I will be honest here. I did not have an idea about women's cricket. I had just seen her play for Haryana and I got an idea that she was meant for bigger things.

"Before she left for the World Cup, I was not sure how she would handle the pressure of a big event but she exceeded my expectations and did well throughout. Having said that, it is just a start for her and she knows that."

Former India captain Shantha Rangaswamy too is mightily impressed by Verma's showing in Australia but also picked out the areas of improvement in her game, mainly her fitness.

Both Ashwani and Ratra also feel that Verma needs to improve her agility, which would make her a better runner between the wickets and a much improved fielder.

"She only got back a couple of weeks ago and the lockdown happened. When things are back to normal, I would be talking to her about the importance of rotating the strike frequently and not just hitting the big shots. She also needs to work on reducing the number of dot balls," said Ashwani.

The lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has also prevented Verma from appearing for her class 10 board exams.

Ashwani and Verma's parents are not sure if she will get another opportunity to complete her exams in the near future.

"She was very focussed on studies after coming back from Australia. But with the exams now postponed, you can't be sure if she will have the time to appear for them later, considering the international playing schedule. But such is the life of a professional cricketer," added the coach.



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Melbourne: Spin great Shane Warne on Monday picked his fierce rival Sachin Tendulkar as the batsman to bat in any conditions and called his former skipper Steve Waugh a match saver rather than a match-winner.

One of the greatest spinners to have played the game, Warne was engaged in an Instagram live session with his fans.

When the discussion turned to the best batsman in his time, the 50-year-old Warne said, "If I have to choose any batsman to bat in any conditions, it is a real toss-up between Tendulkar and Lara, but I would just choose Tendulkar."

"If we have to chase 400 runs on the last day, I would definitely pick Lara," added the leg-spinner who ended his illustrious career with over 700 Test wickets.

"There were these two guys, then there was daylight and after that, the rest of the batsmen came."

Tendulkar played a world record 200 Tests and amassed 15,921 runs with an average 53.78 while in 463 ODIs, he tallied 18,426 runs at 44.83.

While Lara played 131 Tests and scored 11,953 runs with an average of 52.88. In 299 ODIs he accumulated 10,405 runs.

When asked about his former captain Waugh, who is known for his solid temperament and dogged approach to batting, Warne said he was someone who could bail the team out of a precarious situation.

"Steve was more of a match saver than a match-winner," Warner said about Waugh whom he included in his all-time Australian Test XI to be led by Allan Border.

Waugh played 168 Tests for Australia in which he scored 10927 runs, including 32 centuries and 50 fifties.

About his team, Warne said: "I am only picking players that I played with, that is why David Warner is not going to be a part of the side, he is one of the greatest Australian openers."

Warne's team comprised Matthew Hayden and Michael Slater as openers, followed by Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh, Border and Steve. He chose Adam Gilchrist as the wicketkeeper with Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Bruce Reid as the fast bowlers and Tim May as the spinner.



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Every cricket lover remembers Virender Sehwag as the fearless batsman who could hit a six even in the most risky situation.

File image of Shahid Afridi. AFP

The Nawab of Najafgarh was the first Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket and changed the approach of openers in this format with his blistering batting.

However, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram thinks it was not Sehwag who “changed the mindset of opening in Test cricket”.

According to Akram, Sehwag came later and it was Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi, who revolutionised the way the innings was opened.

While chatting on a YouTube talk show 'Sawaal Cricket Ka with Wasim Akram' with Afridi, the former captain said that in 1999-2000 Afridi was the one who had the ability of destructive batting in Test cricket as well.

“Even if I was the bowler, I would know that I can get him out but also knew that he can hit me for boundaries,” Akram said adding that Afridi used to “hit lose deliveries for sixes at will”.

After having debuted in Test cricket in 1998, Afridi came to India to play in 1999-2000. The all-rounder scored his maiden Test century against India in Chennai and his batting helped Pakistan clinch the series by 2-1.

Akram revealed in the show that Afridi was not in favour of being selected for this tour. Akram recalled having called Imran Khan for advice and ended up taking Afridi in the team.

Khan had also asked Akram to make Afridi open the batting order.

Speaking of Afridi’s 141-run knock in Chennai, Akram said, “Afridi used to dance down the track and hit Kumble and Joshi for sixes”.

Although he might have started his Test career on a high, Afridi failed to extend it. He played only 27 Test matches for his country, but features in 398 One Day international matches.



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Hardik Pandya and brother Krunal were on social media encouraging people to stay indoors as the country undergoes a lockdown to counter the coronavirus pandemic.

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With the coronavirus pandemic keeping cricketers and other athletes indoors, they are finding ways to make themselves useful at home.

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Suryakumar Yadav, a part of the Mumbai Indians IPL contingent, reflected on the social distancing as a fallout of the coronavirus pandemic as people were forced indoors in India and around the world.

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Shahbaz Ahmed, in his mind, had a questionnaire for Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers before getting started with what was to be his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

But the Bengal all-rounder will have to wait to don the Royal Challengers Bangalore red and gold as the possibility of having even a curtailed IPL is getting slimmer by the day with the rise of COVID-19 positive cases in India.

Kartik Tyagi was one of the players who shone in the U-19 World Cup. ICC

Ditto for India U-19 stars Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kartik Tyagi, who were getting ready for days under heady limelight at the glitzy event, which was to start on Sunday but has been postponed till at least 15 April.

The story is no different for Tamil Nadu spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who probably waits from IPL to IPL to feel that spring in his strides.

The wait gets longer by the day but they are hopeful that this too shall pass.

"It was a dream come true when RCB picked me from the auction. I couldn't have been more proud that I will share the dressing room with the Indian captain and ABD," Shahbaz, one of the finds of this year's Ranji Trophy told PTI on Monday.

"I would get to bowl to them in nets and ask for their tips. But we all know how the situation is. We need to tide over the crisis," he said.

So, how is he spending time and maintaining his fitness?

"Obviously, I am following all the instructions and I don't venture out," said the 25-year-old, who lives in Mewat, Haryana.

"I do drills to keep myself motivated as I can't do full physical training sessions at home. Once the lockdown ends, I would at least get a chance to run which is very important if not full nets."

He doesn't want to entertain thoughts of an IPL cancellation in his debut season unless BCCI spells it out.

"Firstly, the situation should be normal. Secondly, I still hope there is a short IPL. If not, then hopefully I can keep up the good work and play for RCB next year."

For the lanky UP fast bowler Tyagi, who impressed everyone with his pace, it has been an advantage that his house in Hapur has enough space to train as his father had prepared a pitch with proper nets so that his son doesn't have to worry about training.

"I can't think about the uncontrollables. My job is to train and be ready as and when action starts. I train four hours every day. Two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening," the 18-year-old said.

"Yes, I have pitch in my backyard so I am able to do single wicket bowling. Also, I am doing a bit of physical training with the medicine ball. Currently, I am working on both my front foot and back foot landing. Also, I am following the routines given by our trainer Anand Date," Tyagi revealed.

So, did he have anything in mind as to what he would have asked stars like Steve Smith or Jos Buttler once they checked in at the Rajasthan Royals camp?

"Nothing as such. What I thought was when I am there with the best in the business, I need to see where I stand," he said confidently.

For Tyagi's U-19 teammate and star of the South Africa World Cup campaign Yashasvi Jaiswal, there was excitement but right now he wants everyone who is suffering to recover as quickly as possible.

"I was very excited for my first IPL with Rajasthan Royals. And I was doing my preparations with my coach Jwala sir and also in RR camps. But let's be realistic as human beings," he said.

"Our first priority should be to keep ourselves healthy and safe and pray for everyone who has been suffering from the virus," Yashasvi added.

For Chakravarthy, not exactly a Tamil Nadu regular in domestic cricket, his career hinges on IPL, which is the closest thing to stardom for him.

Injuries and a not-so-great IPL debut pushed him back as he was preparing to show his mettle for Kolkata Knight Riders, which bought him for Rs 4 crore this year.

"It feels very sad that the world has come to a standstill. Hope, we all fight together and defeat the virus...on the other hand, yes I am worried about when will the IPL happen....because many things rest upon it for me," he confessed.



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Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha said financial help to fight the COVID-19 pandemic should not be measured in numbers and that it is strange to see those making contributions being questioned.

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New Delhi: Former India spinner Pragyan Ojha on Monday said financial help to fight the COVID-19 pandemic should not be measured in numbers and that it is strange to see those making contributions being questioned for the amounts they are pledging.

With the coronavirus outbreak leaving the world in disarray, sportspersons across the globe have come forward and made donations to fight this rapidly-spreading disease.

Pragyan Ojha after his 7-wicket haul in Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha. PTI

However, there have been instances where social media users have questioned their contributions and Ojha said it has left him quite bemused.

"It's very strange to see people who are coming forward to give a helping hand in this crisis by donating are being questioned (how much have they donated). A help is a help, it is not measured. We should be thankful to them. #JustAThought #COVID2019india," Ojha, who retired from all forms of cricket last month, wrote on his Twitter handle.

India skipper Virat Kohli and his actor wife Anushka Sharma on Monday pledged their support to the Prime Minster and the Maharashtra Chief Minster's relief funds to combat the dreaded disease.

Among other Indian sportspersons, former captain Sourav Ganguly and batting legend Sachin Tendulkar donated Rs 50 lakh each, while world badminton champion PV Sindhu contributed Rs 10 lakh.

Wrestler Bajrang Punia donated six months' salary towards the Haryana CM's relief fund.

Suresh Raina and cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambir also pledged Rs 52 and 50 lakh respectively.

Runners Dutee Chand and Hima Das have contributed one month's salary towards the cause.



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With the coronavirus pandemic creating misery for the people of India, Virat Kohli and wife Anushka Sharma decided to chip in.

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He had been in red hot form in white ball leg of domestic cricket and no wonder Suryakumar Yadav like many others was physically in his Mumbai home but mentally at the Wankhede Stadium where Mumbai Indians would have played CSK in IPL opener on Sunday.

File image of Suryakumar Yadav. Twitter: @mipaltan

The IPL, which has been postponed until 15 April due to the COVID-19 outbreak, in all likelihood will be cancelled as the government fights to bring the current pandemic under control with a 21-day lockdown.

"Mentally at Wankhede stadium. But physically at home. This too shall pass. #stayhome #staysafe," tweeted Surya on late Sunday night along with two of his pictures, one at Wankhede and the other at home.

The Mumbai batsman was in good form in the red-ball cricket as well and played some crucial innings in the Ranji Trophy. He scored 508 runs from 10 innings at an average of 56.44 with two centuries and two half centuries, scoring at an impressive strike-rate of 95.13.

Currently, there are more than 1000 positive cases for novel coronavirus in India with the death toll already crossing 25.

With inputs from PTI



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Sachin Tendulkar scored a crucial 85 as India beat Pakistan by 29 runs in the 2011 World Cup semi-final.

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Wasim Jaffer recalled that MS Dhoni during his first or second year in the Indian team told him that he wanted to "make 30 lakh from playing cricket" to live a peaceful life in Ranchi.

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New Delhi: India coach Ravi Shastri on Sunday said the "only thing flying around the world like a tracer bullet is this bloody Corona", using his famous cliche to convey his message of staying home at all costs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the world, claiming over 30000 lives so far while infecting more than 6.5 lakh people.

Among other things, the unprecedented health crisis has also brought sports to a standstill after leading to cancellation and postponement of events, including the Tokyo Olympics and European Football Championships.

And it was no different with cricket.

"Stay indoors people. Crucial phase this. Only thing flying around the world like a tracer bullet is this bloody Corona (COVID-19). Stay in before the bugger gets you," Shastri wrote on his twitter handle.

The novel coronavirus outbreak has forced the government to enforce a three-week national lockdown with an aim to stem the spread of the deadly disease that has led to 25 deaths and more than 1000 positive cases in the country.

Shastri had earlier called the forced break a "welcome rest" for his busy national team players.

"(This rest) cannot be a bad thing because, towards the end of the New Zealand tour, you could see some cracks coming up when it came to mental fatigue, physical fitness and injuries," Shastri had said.

"It has been tough but a welcome rest for players," the coach had said.

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Among other things, the unprecedented health crisis has also brought sport to a standstill after leading to cancellation and postponement of events, including the Tokyo Olympics and IPL.

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New Delhi: India coach Ravi Shastri on Sunday said the "only thing flying around the world like a tracer bullet is this bloody Corona", using his famous cliche to convey his message of staying home at all costs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the world, claiming over 30000 lives so far while infecting more than 6.5 lakh people.

Among other things, the unprecedented health crisis has also brought sports to a standstill after leading to cancellation and postponement of events, including the Tokyo Olympics and European Football Championships.

And it was no different with cricket.

"Stay indoors people. Crucial phase this. Only thing flying around the world like a tracer bullet is this bloody Corona (COVID-19). Stay in before the bugger gets you," Shastri wrote on his twitter handle.

The novel coronavirus outbreak has forced the government to enforce a three-week national lockdown with an aim to stem the spread of the deadly disease that has led to 25 deaths and more than 1000 positive cases in the country.

Shastri had earlier called the forced break a "welcome rest" for his busy national team players.

"(This rest) cannot be a bad thing because, towards the end of the New Zealand tour, you could see some cracks coming up when it came to mental fatigue, physical fitness and injuries," Shastri had said.

"It has been tough but a welcome rest for players," the coach had said.



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New Delhi: The Australian government's decision to seal its border for the next six months owing to the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect India's Future Tours Programme (FTP), including the much-awaited face-offs Down Under later this year.

Aaron Finch and Virat Kohli, captain of the Australian and Indian team respectively. AFP

India's tour of Australia is to begin with a T20 tri-series in October and end with the Tests in December.

In between is the World T20, scheduled for an 18 October start, but the mega-event's future is also shrouded in uncertainty due to the global health crisis.

In Australia, there has been over 2000 positive cases along with 16 reported deaths, prompting the government to seal the country's borders.

The Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI, in all likelihood, might have to explore alternate plans amid the pandemic that has so far claimed over 30000 lives across the world.

While the BCCI is yet to take a final decision on this edition of IPL, the international calendar will be another cause of concern as there are tours of Sri Lanka (ODIs and T20s), Zimbabwe, Asia Cup (T20) and home a white ball series against England lined up.

A six-month travel ban means no teams will be allowed to enter Australia for the assignments lined up in the coming times, which includes the World T20 and the tour by the Indian team.

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"Right now it's too early to say anything. It's a potential six-month travel ban. If the situation is under control, it could be lifted early also," a senior BCCI office-bearer, privy to the developments, told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

But those who have an idea of the FTP calendar admitted that the practical problem in such a situation could be the T20 tri-series, which starts in the beginning of October and involves Australia and England.

"If international travel ban in reality exists for six months, then it becomes a logistical nightmare. At least, for the T20 tri-series before the World T20.

"The processing of visa, tickets everything becomes a logistical challenge. Also not only Australia, England is supposed to tour India in September for their white ball leg. Will things be normal in the UK and players allowed to travel. These are big questions," another BCCI source said.

If the World T20 is pushed back, then the four-Test series between India and Australia, which is part of the World Championship, could also get affected.

"The frustrating aspect is that you can't even decide anything as the situation varies from country to country. However helpless it might sound, we can only wait and watch," the source said.



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A six-month travel ban means no teams will be allowed to enter Australia for the assignments lined up in the coming times, which includes the World T20 and the tour by the Indian team.

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Melbourne: The announcement of Cricket Australia's players contract list has been deferred by at least a month due to the rapidly-spreading COVID-19 pandemic.

File photo Australia cricket team. AP

According to a report in Sydney Morning Herald, Cricket Australia had "planned to bring forward the announcement of contracts from May to April this year, in a bid to provide more certainty to the states given the flow-on effect."

"But that plan has been put on hold for now until the end of April, given the economic uncertainty due to the pandemic," the report said.

"The Australian Cricketers' Association agreed to the move.

The coronavirus outbreak, which has so far claimed more than 30,000 lives globally, has brought all cricket activities to a halt with Australia calling off their domestic Sheffield Shield, besides cancelling the three-match ODI series against New Zealand after the first game.

Australia's upcoming tours of Bangladesh in June and England in July are also in doubt, given the circumstances.

The T20 World Cup is also scheduled to be held in Australia in October, while India are slated for a tour Down Under to play four Tests, three ODIs and three T20I matches.

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Virender Sehwag smashed 309 runs against Pakistan in Multan to become the first Indian batsman to register a triple-century in Tests.

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New Delhi: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Sunday said it would donate Rs 50 lakh each to the central government and the state government for their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Representative photo. Getty Images

"KSCA through BCCI wish to contribute Rs 50 Lakhs to Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund and Rs 50 Lacs toward CM Karnataka Government State relief fund," said a KSCA spokesperson.

"The donation is towards strengthening the central and state in this disaster management capacities and encourage research to combat COVID-19 and protect the citizens.

"The KSCA will continue to monitor and work closely with Government of Karnataka and other state regulatory bodies and we are committed to provide any other necessary support to the state machinery," the spokesperson added.

The pandemic has killed more than 30,000 worldwide including 25 in India.

The BCCI on Saturday contributed Rs 51 crore towards fighting the health crisis.

Besides KSCA, the state associations who have come forward to help include Cricket Association of Bengal, Mumbai Cricket Association and Saurashtra Cricket Association.

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Brad Hogg complimented MS Dhoni on an "entertaining career" and said people should enjoy what he has accomplished.

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Kolkata: Sixteen-year-old all-rounder Richa Ghosh, who represented India in the Women's T20 World Cup earlier this month, has donated Rs 1 lakh to the Bengal Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

File image of India women's cricketer Richa Ghosh. Facebook/Siliguri Cricket Lovers Welfare Organisation

File image of India women's cricketer Richa Ghosh. Facebook/Siliguri Cricket Lovers Welfare Organisation

Richa's father Manabendra Ghosh went to the Siliguri district magistrate Sumanta Sahay's residence to hand over the cheque on Saturday, Cricket Association of Bengal said.

"When everybody is fighting COVID-19 and the chief minister has appealed for a united battle against it, I thought of contributing a bit as a responsible citizen of the country," Richa, who played two matches in the T20 World Cup including the final, said.

Having made her debut in the tri-series in Australia before the T20 World Cup, Richa and Shafali Verma were the two 16-year-olds who played the final which India lost to Australia by 85 runs on 8 March.

CAB affiliated units and officials too came forward and announced their contributions through the state body.

"66 CAB match observers have pooled in Rs 1.5 lakh, while 82 scorers contributed their day's pay aggregating to an amount of Rs 77,420," CAB stated.

Dipak Singh, representative of Mohammedan Sporting Club at the CAB donated Rs 2 lakh to the Relief Fund.

Former women's Test player Mithu Mukherjee has expressed her desire to contribute Rs 25,000.

Coach of Bengal women's U-23 team Jayanta Ghosh Dastidar would contribute Rs 10,000.

Among the affiliated units of CAB, White Border Club and Vijay Sports Club announced a donation of Rs 50,000 each.

Uttar Pally Milan Sangha, Suburban Club and Rangers Club would make contributions of Rs 25,000 each.

Among the District Sports Associations (DSA), Coochbehar DSA agreed to donate Rs. 10,000 to the State Relief Fund, the statement added.

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Ajinkya Rahane joined the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina who have donated funds in the country's fight against coronavirus pandemic.

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New Delhi: Confined to his home due to the nationwide lockdown, India cricketer Hanuma Vihari says he will use the time to "sharpen" his skills for the Australian tour, scheduled towards the end of the year.

Hanuma Vihari has so far not played a single Test match in India. AP

As with other sports across the world, cricket has also come to a standstill because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far claimed over 30000 lives while infecting more than 6.5 lakh people.

"I am going to use this time to focus on my fitness, sharpen my skills for county cricket as well as for the Australia tour in late 2020," Vihari, who was part of India's last tour of New Zealand, was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Though there is a lot of uncertainty over when the sport will resume, the middle-order batsman said he has his "fingers crossed".

"Mentally I am trying hard to keep myself positive and busy. My challenge is: there is no cricket for the next three to four months. I do have a summer to look forward to having signed with a team in the English County Championship, where my contract starts from late August. Fingers crossed about that."

Vihari added that this forced break will ensure he is home for his first marriage anniversary, which might not have been the case otherwise thanks to a busy cricket calendar.

"One good thing that will come out of this break is: I will able to celebrate my first wedding anniversary with my wife on 19 May. In normal circumstances, I might have been busy with cricket. So at least one person is not complaining too much!"

With nothing much to do at home, he said he has been repeatedly watching clippings of the 2005 Ashes.

"A few days into this enforced break because of the pandemic, I have begun to realise all the implications: I cannot go out, meet friends or do anything, pretty much. But that is the need of the hour — you have to isolate yourself and make sure things settle down."

"I know boredom will set in easily, but I have a solution for that: watching the 2005 Ashes on video. It is my favourite. I have lost count of how many times I have watched it."

"Also, I have been planning on taking up yoga. It's something I have thought of doing for a year, in fact."

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New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has hailed India's cricketer-turned cop Joginder Sharma for doing his bit in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joginder, who bowled the match-winning final over in the 2007 World T20 final against Pakistan, is a DSP in Haryana Police and is currently involved in dealing with the global health crisis which has killed more than 30,000.

"In his post-cricket career as a policeman, India's Joginder Sharma is among those doing their bit amid a global health crisis," the ICC tweeted on Saturday along with Joginder's photos as a cricketer and cop.

The 36-year-old played four ODIs and as many T20s between 2004 and 2007.

He joined the police service after retirement from the game.

The pandemic has so far claimed over 30,000 lives across the world while infecting more than 6.5 lakh people.

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