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Rohit Sharma is a King of Pull shot, says his coach
BIPIN DANI
Rohit Sharma's personal childhood coach Dinesh Lad is not pleased about the ICC not having his ward in their picture on their tweet asking fans about the player with the best pull shot.
The ICC had asked its twitter users to pick the batsman with the best pull shot and they uploaded a photo of four players and did not include Rohit Sharma in the list.
The list included the photographs of Viv Richards, Ricky Ponting (Australia), Virat Kohli (India) and South Africa's Herschelle Gibbs.
"Rohit Sharma is a master of this stroke (pull shot). He is even better than Team India captain Virat Kohli. This I am not saying because I am Rohit's personal coach but according to me, he is the best puller in the world after Viv Richards. Even Ricky Ponting can be next to Rohit", the coach said.
"In the modern day cricket I rate Rohit as number 1 puller in the world. Most of the time he hits hard the ball in front foot and takes the ball on the middle of his bat and that's his biggest plus point".
Even Rohit Sharma was "amused" and he re-tweeted the photo and said "someone's missing here".
It can be recalled that when Rohit was in Australia during the 2007-08, former Australia captain turned commentator Ian Chappell marvelled at the young gun’s horizontal bat shots. Chappell was a great pull shot player himself although the stroke caused his dismissal quite a few times. He didn’t stop playing it despite former players advising him to stop it.
Sri Lanka-born sports physio in self isolation in Australia
BIPIN DANI
Sri Lanka-born sports physio Dulan Kodikara is in self-quarantine in Australia, it is learnt here.
The 37-year-old Kodikara has migrated to Australia in 2011 and is now working with the Cricket Australia (CA).
Speaking exclusveily over telephone from Australia on Monday morning, he said, "I went to my native place Negombo (Sri Lanka) with my family (wife and a 14-month old baby) earlier this month and just returned last week. I am in self quarantine for 14 days with my family as per Australian government directives".
Kodikara is a ports physio and current PhD scholar researching on "head, neck and facial injuries in Australian community cricket. Last year he was even invited to attend the Cricket Science and Medicine conference held in Loughborough.
"I was supposed to be on tour with Australian indigenous U-19 team to New Zealand from March 21-28. The tour, however, got cancelled as a result of COVID19", he added further.
Pet dog
In the meantime, all Sri Lankan cricketers spent three-day curfew period at home.
Sri Lanka's Test and ODI captain Dimuth Karunarathna spent quality time with his pet dog Rover.
"The happiest person in our home these days....Dog Dog Dog # no cricket #playing with pets #home days #Quaratine Life", he posted a message on social media with photographs playing with his dog.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken a decision to grant a sum of LKR 25 million to the Government to help its efforts towards combating the Covid-19 pandemic, which has created a national health crisis.
No decision before time regarding CPL 2020
Sports Desk
ISLAMABAD (March 23, 2020):-In light of recent effects of the COVID-19 virus impacts people around the world there has been some understandable speculation with regard to the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season which is scheduled to take place from 19 August to 26 September 2020.
CPL has been in constant communication with our medical advisors in recent weeks, as well as speaking with Cricket West Indies about the current situation with regard to cricket around the world, and at present there has been no discussion about moving the event.
CPL believes it is too early to make such a decision, but this is an evolving situation and we are carefully watching how events unfold in the Caribbean and around the world. At present the CPL teams are planning for the tournament to take place as scheduled whilst also looking at alternative plans if they would be needed.
Our thoughts at this time are with the many CPL fans, players and staff from around the world who have been impacted by this crisis and we hope that they and their families stay safe and healthy.
ABOUT THE HERO CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE:
First started in 2013, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere. There was a combined broadcast and digital viewership of 312million during the 2019 season to make it one of the fastest growing leagues in world cricket. In 2019 the tournament made a positive economic impact across the Caribbean of US$136million. Barbados Tridents are the current Hero CPL champions and the other competing teams are Trinbago Knight Riders, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St. Lucia Zouks and Jamaica Tallawahs. The 2020 tournament will take place between 19 August and 26 September.
PCB converts Karachi high performance centre into temporary sanctuary for paramedics
SB News
LAHORE (March 23, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on a request from the Sindh Government, has agreed to convert its Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre as a temporary living area for paramedic staff working at the makeshift hospital at Expo Centre, Karachi.
PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer said: “All the paramedic staff are our heroes as in these challenging and difficult times, they are risking their lives to save the lives and wellbeing of many affected by COVID-19.
“As a small token of our appreciation and acknowledgement to these unsung heroes and as part of our duty of care, the PCB is pleased to offer its state-of-the-art Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre as a temporary lodging and boarding for the paramedic staff working at Expo Centre hospital so that they can serve those suffering from COVID-19 more effectively and efficiently.”
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 22 Mar, 2020
Sports Desk
ISLAMABAD (March 22, 2020):-Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz died on Saturday after being taken to hospital with coronavirus. Sanz, 76, was president at the Bernabeu from 1995-2000, a period in which Real won the Champions League twice.
"My father has just died," wrote Sanz's son Lorenzo Sanz Duran on Twitter.
"He did not deserve this end in this manner. One of the best, most courageous and hard working people I have seen in my life. His family and Real Madrid were his passion."
Sanz signed players such as Roberto Carlos, Clarence Seedorf and Davor Suker during his time in charge of the 33-time Spanish champions. He lost the 2000 presidential election to Florentino Perez, which sparked Real's big-spending 'Galatico' era.
Sanz's son Fernando, 46, played for Real Madrid from 1996-1999 before spending the final seven years of his career at Malaga.
Umar Akmal charged under PCB Anti-Corruption Code
Sports Reporter
ISLAMABAD (March 20, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has charged Umar Akmal with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents.
Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code reads as: “Failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code”.
Umar Akmal was issued the Notice of Charge on Tuesday, 17 March, and has 14 days (31 March 2020) to respond in writing to the charge.
According to 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 Akmal was provisionally suspended on 20 February 2020. The PCB will not make any further comment pending the outcome on this case.
MS Dhoni takes to badminton
By BIPIN DANI
Former India captain MS Dhoni, who has not been finding selectors' favour has turned to his favorite game badminton.
"Now IPL not happening in very near future, he has been playing badminton", Chittu Lohani, one of his closest friends, speaking exclusveily over telephone from Ranchi, said on Thursday.
"Even I played badminton with him".
The video of Dhoni playing badminton in Team India's cricket jersey with his friends has become viral in social media.
"To keep himself fit, he plays this sport", Chintu added.
Dhoni's first coach Chanchal Bhattacharya has revealed that Dhoni was a State level player. "He was selected in U-19 State Level badminton championship".
"He used to play badminton in school", he said, admitting he (Chanchal Bhattacharya) only remained his cricket coach and not badminton. "He developed playing badminton of his own. I don't recall any one who coached him this game", the coach further added.
"Most of the time, Dhoni prefers to relax at home", the friend added. "He mixes with his old friends like me often".
"Yes, he is fond of animals and vehicles. He has five dogs at home and loves to massage his pets".
The video of Dhoni massaging his one of the dogs also became viral.
Sometimes, Dhoni takes his dog to his routine morning walk. Once during the IPL season he took his dog in the dressing room. This happened when he wanted his "friend" to feel the dressing room atmosphere after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team won against Royal Challengers.
He even brought the dog to Pune where his team was to play against Rising Pune Super giant team. Sam, the female dog is one his favourite pets.
Dhoni even once admitted that he loves going back to them (dogs) after a series because they treat him the same, whether he has won or lost the match.
Dhoni's wife is also an animal lover.
"Recently Sakshi brought one sick street dog at home and looks after his medical treatment", the coach added.
"Dhoni also spends time with his daughter Ziva".
"Dhoni's parents (mother : Devki Devi)and father Pan Singh) are living together".
Dhoni's used to live in a royal three-storied bungalow in Ranchi's Harmu Housing but has now moved to an another lavish place, which has indoor nets, swimming pool, gym and all other amenities.
"Dhoni is a religious man and often visits Maa Devri Temple, which is about 60 km from Ranchi", the friend added and also sent his recent photograph with Dhoni at the temple.
FIH Hockey Pro League: postponement extended to 17 May
SB Report
Lausanne, Switzerland: Based on the latest developments of the COVID-19 outbreak and in particular of the response to it by the relevant public authorities globally, FIH, with the support of all participating National Associations, has today decided to extend the postponement period of the FIH Hockey Pro League to 17 May.
Consequently, all matches currently scheduled until 17 May are on hold. FIH will keep on monitoring the situation closely, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the decisions of the public authorities.
PCB confirms all 128 COVID-19 tests are negative
By Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (March 19, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today (Thursday) confirmed it conducted 128 COVID-19 tests on the players, support staff, match officials, broadcasters and team owners on Tuesday, 17 March, and all results have turned out to be negative. The tests were conducted as part of the PCB’s duty of care, following a suspect COVID-19 case.
Additionally, Multan Sultans underwent 17 COVID-19 tests on Monday, 16 March, which were also negative.
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “It was absolutely critical for the integrity and credibility of the HBL Pakistan Super League and the Pakistan Cricket Board that all players, support personnel, broadcasters and match officials, those who had decided to stay back till the end of the tournament, tested negative for COVID-19.
“In this background, the PCB is pleased with the outcome of the results and happy that all these players and officials have rejoined their families without any health and safety doubts or concerns.
“The PCB will continue to put in place precautionary measures to better safeguard the health of its employees.
“I urge cricket fans and followers to exercise absolute caution and value their as well as others’ wellbeing. They can overcome this pandemic by maintaining hygiene, avoiding close physical contact like handshaking and hugs, staying away from gatherings, avoiding close contact when anyone who is experiencing cough and fever, and spreading awareness about safety measures.
“The PCB prays normalcy returns quickly to our society so that playing fields can once again witness resumption of healthy activities.”
Meanwhile, all the 25 remaining foreign players, support staff and match officials have already departed for their respective destinations.
PCB statements in the lead up to the HBL PSL 2020 postponement are available here.
PCB health advisory:
Wash your hands with soap / alcoholic sanitizers regularly and especially after coughing or sneezing, before & after eating food and after toilet use;
· Use tissue papers / handkerchief while sneezing;
· Properly dispose off used tissue papers / handkerchief etc. in dust bins;
· Avoid hand shaking and hugging with each other;
· Avoid close contact when anyone is experiencing cough and fever
Fakhar Zaman appreciates the efforts of Punjab government to fight against corona
SB News
LAHORE (March 18, 2020):-Pakistan’s star batsman Fakhar Zaman has appreciated the efforts of Punjab government to overcome coronavirus and did excellent arrangements to halt to spread.
In a message on Wednesday, Fakhar Zaman said, “Punjab government has made excellent arrangements for the awareness of masses in regard to coronavirus pandemic. We are united against this deadly virus. Right now it’s affecting the entire world. We can win this fight against coronavirus by making maximum and effective preventive measures”.
Fakhar Zaman urged the masses to support Punjab in the fight against coronavirus pandemic. “We must use hand-washing soap repeatedly and avoid unnecessary handshaking with friends and relatives. We must cooperate with paramedical staff and doctors as well in this testing time”.
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