Virus forces delay of English cricket’s Hundred until 2021
London: English cricket’s controversial new Hundred competition has been delayed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, cricket chiefs announced on Thursday. The new 100-balls-per-side format, to be played by eight franchises rather than the established 18 first-class counties, had been due to start in July. But with the English season delayed until at least July 1 and matches after that likely to be played behind closed doors, the England and Wales Cricket Board has decided to hold the Hundred over until next year. “The situation we find ourselves in as a country means that delivery of the Hundred will not be possible this summer,” ECB chief executive Tom Harrison in a statement. “Whilst we are naturally disappointed that we won’t get to realise our ambitions this year, the Hundred will go ahead in 2021 when we are safely able to deliver everything we intended to help grow the game.” The ECB’s statement said playing the Hundred behind closed doors was not an option because an event with no fans “directly contradicts the competition’s goal to attract a broader audience”. Global travel restrictions also mean it was not possible for star players from other countries to take part. (AFP)
Sania nominated for Fed Cup award
New Delhi: Tennis star Sania Mirza on Thursday became the first Indian to be nominated for the Fed Cup Heart Award. Sania is the nominee for the award from the Asia/Oceania Zone alongwith Indonesia’s Priska Madelyn Nugroho, the tournament announced.”Six players have been nominated for the three regional Group I Fed Cup Heart Awards in recognition of their Fed Cup by BNP Paribas performances in 2020,” said the Fed Cup in its statement.”Voting for the award opens on May 1 and will end on May 8Sania played an integral role in India securing a first-ever place in the playoffs. She won the decisive doubles match that helped India secure their win over Indonesia in their final Group 1 match.After giving birth to her child in October 2018, Sania returned to the court in January this year. She clinched the women’s doubles title at Hobart International, pairing up with Nadiia Kichenok, in her comeback competition.(IANS)
Nicholls donates WC final jersey
Christchurch: New Zealand cricketer Henry Nicholls joined the fight against coronavirus pandemic by donating the jersey he wore in the 2019 ICC World Cup final against England last year. With the world reeling from the crisis, cricketers past and present have been coming out to help people in need.Nicholls joined forces with UNICEF NZ to raise money in the country’s fight against the pandemic.”Since the start of lockdown, it’s more than tripled the demand for food parcels throughout New Zealand,” Nicholls was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz. (IANS)