With the IPL 2020, scheduled to be held in the UAE from September 19 to November 10, is to coincide with the Diwali a number of business houses, including those who are already on the IPL board, are in the fray to become the new title sponsors.

As per a report in the Times of India, Amazon is the leading contender to land the deal of the title sponsor of the IPL 2020. But other players such as Byjus, the current jersey sponsors of the Indian team, Dream11, the present online gaming partners of the IPL, MyCircle11, Unacademy, an e-learning platform, are in contention. It has been speculated that even Jio, owned by Mukesh Ambani, could enter the field.

However, the market experts said the BCCI will have to take a pay cut while inking the new deal. The Vivo was paying nearly Rs 440 crore per year over a five-year deal, but the new contract could see the amount dipping to somewhere near Rs 300 crore. It is largely because the contract could only be for IPL 2020 as Vivo could make a return next year in IPL 2021.

The BCCI too had not specified the period of contract suspension or the reason behind the move. It has been talked that the on-going stand-off between India and China is the chief cause behind the decision and it is expected that Vivo could make a return next year given that the political tension between the two countries calms down by then.

"In fact, it's a win for BCCI even if they get a title sponsor at 1/3rd the value and two official partners to somewhat make up for the pool. Expect Vivo's Rs 440-odd crore pool to scale down to around Rs 180 crore and that, mind you, will be a win for BCCI in this market," said market experts.

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Pujara stated that when Kohli walks out to bat, the entire focus of the opposition shifts to him and they try to get rid of him as soon as possible. In doing so, according to Pujara, bowlers lose track of the batsman on the other end and he can play his natural game without any pressure.

"I enjoy playing with him (Kohli) and the reason is that he is a very positive player. Once he is at the crease, I know, bowlers will try to take his wicket because they think they can get him out early," Pujara told Cricbuzz.

"But he is always positive. If he gets a half-volley on the first ball, he will try to hit it for a four. So, the scoreboard keeps moving and there is not much pressure on myself because the opposition is thinking of taking the wicket of Virat.

"So the focus keeps shifting to Virat and I can be relaxed on the other end. There have been instances where opposition have been focusing on Virat and I have got a few loose balls," he added.

Pujara is currently trying to regain his rhythm after being at home for a long time due to the lockdown put forward by coronavirus pandemic. Recently, he showed glimpses of his net session, where he was seen putting bat to ball in his usual inimitable style.

His Twitter post read: "New Day Same Intensity." Pujara will once again play a huge role when India travel Down Under, later this year, for a four-match Test series against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India are scheduled to tour Australia later this year.

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England vs Pakistan, 1st Test, Day 2, Highlights: Masood & Pak's lethal attack put visitors in charge

The hosts reached stumps on 92-4 at Old Trafford, with Ollie Pope's unbeaten 46 the clearest note of defiance against a superb opening burst from Pakistan's seamers – Mohammad Abbas the pick with 2-24 after bowling Ben Stokes for a duck.

A career-best 156 from Shan Masood did most of the heavy lifting in the tourists' 326 all out, in which Archer and Stuart Broad took three wickets apiece.

However, in between scything a brilliant ball through the defences of Shan's opening partner Abid Ali on the first morning and removing tailenders Yasir Shah and Abbas, much of Archer's work was pedestrian.

He rarely looked like pushing the speed gun beyond 90 miles per hour as he did notably during last year's thrilling Ashes duel with Steve Smith.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the day's play, Archer said he was not purposefully bowling within himself but added a track taking spin on the second day in Manchester was not one on which a fast bowler should "bend your back".

"It's not deliberate. Not every day are you going to come in and bowl 90 miles per hour," he said.

"I seen the guy [Naseem] Shah started bowling 90 today, so we'll see how he goes later on tomorrow.

"No one's robots, so I'll be very interested to see what he can produce a bit later.

"This wicket is not really one you're going to try and bend your back on. We bowled first, there was a little bit there in the morning but it's spinning on day two so that says a lot about the wicket right now."

Captain Joe Root – who fell cutting at leg-spinner Yasir for 14 – has been accused of over-bowling Archer in his still-fledgling Test career, but he went almost two hours without turning to his strike bowler as Pakistan threatened to get away from England during the middle session.

"If you looked at the time, it was approaching the [second] new ball and I think he just wanted all of the bowlers fresh," an unperturbed Archer observed.

"Obviously there was a time last night when I probably got off the hook as well. The umpire said it was a bit too dark.

"He probably did want to bowl me last night as well. He didn't want to bowl me after the break but I guess the captain knows best.

"We've got more than enough bowlers here to do a job. I wouldn't be upset at all."

Archer returned to the England XI for last month's series-clinching win over West Indies after being ruled out of the second Test for violating bio-secure protocols.

In a column for the Daily Mail, Archer detailed his resulting mental anguish and, asked whether he had put that episode behind him, he added: "I hope so… yeah, I definitely did. I'm just glad to be back playing out playing again."

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England Vs Pakistan: Shan Masood slams magnificent century in Manchester to enter an elite club

Star batsman Babar Azam was removed by James Anderson without adding to his overnight 69 as England checked Pakistan's day-one momentum with impressive discipline during the morning session.

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But the indefatigable Masood remained and found a willing ally in Shadab Khan (45) before the century-maker became the ninth man to fall, making 156 out of 326 all out.

New ball pair Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Abbas then removed England openers Rory Burns and Dom Sibley cheaply, both lbw, before Abbas cleaned up Ben Stokes for a duck with a sensational delivery.

Captain Joe Root's 58-ball stay yielded 14 runs before he was out caught behind, cutting leg-spinner Yasir Shah, meaning the bulk of England's hopes rested with Ollie Pope (46 not out) as they closed on 92-4 – 234 in arrears.

After an underwhelming Wednesday outing on his home ground, Anderson (1-63) was bang on the money in the first over of the day and tempted Babar into a drive he edged to Root at first slip.

Broad (3-54) accounted for Asad Shafiq in similar fashion, with Stokes the catcher, and the similarly assured Chris Woakes (2-43) had Mohammad Rizwan caught behind by Jos Buttler, who endured an otherwise torrid innings with the gloves.

England had a sniff of Pakistan's vulnerable lower order but Shadab put on 105 for the sixth wicket with Shan, who reached a fourth Test century, and third in as many outings, off 251 deliveries.

Shadab slapped Dom Bess to Root at midwicket with 50 in sight, which was Shan's cue to put his foot down as Jofra Archer (3-59) and Broad split the tail between them – the latter having implored in inimitable fashion for the centurion's scalp.

Shaheen's pace and Abbas' wily precision got Pakistan quickly stuck into the England middle order, with Stokes losing his stumps when driving at a majestic delivery that decked away from him.

Pope found a fluency that eluded his captain, meeting the challenge of considerable speed and skill with a nicely judged counter-attack he must now build substantially upon.

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The left-handed batsman is the second after Seed Anwar to notch up a ton on English soil. Anwar (176) was the last Pakistani opener to score a century in England, Oval 1996.

Masood also slammed his third consecutive Test century and second opener after Mudassar Nazar in 1983 to score 3 successive Test hundreds. However, he's the sixth Pakistan cricketer overall to score three back-to-back centuries.

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Shan Masood is the first Pakistan opener in 24 years to score a century in England. Saeed Anwar (176) was the last Pakistani opener to score a century in England, Oval 1996. #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/mcz1qsWK1e

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 6, 2020

Zaheer Abbas (1982-83), Mudassar Nazar (1983), Mohammad Yousuf (2006), Younis Khan (2014), Misbah-ul-Haq (2014), and Shan Masood (2019-20) are the six batsmen in this elite club.

The 30-year-old Masood constructed his innings brilliantly as he started with caution and even had a couple of reprieves his way on day one. The batsman, however, not let go off the lifelines he got and made the English pay for their mistake.

Before the start of the play on day two, elegant Babar Azam was the cynosure of all eyes but Masood remained unfazed with the main batsman's dismissal and took the responsibility to steady the ship. He stitched a crucial century-partnership with Shadab Khan after middle-order batsmen Asad Shafiq and Mohammad Rizwan departed cheaply in the first session of day two.

Earlier after the end of the rain-hit opening day's play, Masood said he considers himself and his teammates very fortunate for being able to play Test cricket amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has thrown the world into disarray.

"We consider ourselves very fortunate that even during these sad times, amid this pandemic, we have actually got to play the game we all love. There is no better thing than to play for your country," he said at the end of day's play.

"We have been practising for the last one month but playing international cricket is always different. There was a little rustiness among the players because we haven't played for three months," he added.

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IPL petitioner Aditya Verma, who hails from Bihar, has written a letter to BCCI secretary Jay Shah alleging financial bungling of the Indian cricket board's funds to the tune of Rs 11 crore.

The state association's general secretary, Sanjay Kumar, said that Verma's allegations are true.

"Yes, we haven't been able to pay any TA/DA to our senior, U-23, U-19 and U-16 cricketers as well as women players. Yes, we received Rs 10.80 crore from COA last year but most of the money has been used up to pay salaries of office bearers' staff," Kumar alleged while talking to PTI.

A senior team player gets Rs 750 per day for TA/DA while U-23 and U-19 players get Rs 500 per day. The U-16s get Rs 350 per day.

"For a senior team regular, the total TA/DA is Rs 75,000 for a season if one plays all formats. We understand that players are under pressure. They haven't also got match fees as they haven't been able to raise invoices for BCCI payments," Kumar said.

Verma on his part spoke about mismanagement in Bihar cricket. "My request to BCCI secretary that he takes note of the plight of Bihar players who haven't received any money despite BCCI giving them Rs 11 crore," Verma said.

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While the foreign players, led by Australian star player Alyssa Healy, questioned the timing of the exhibition games as it is clashing with the WBBL, the BCCI was also criticised for not going ahead with the women's tour of England in September.

Asked about her thoughts on the two subjects, Mithali spoke her mind. "People tend to judge quickly. The BCCI president (Sourav Ganguly), secretary (Jay Shah) and IPL GC chief (Brijesh Patel) have been very encouraging towards women's cricket.

"I personally thought we may not even get to play the Challenger trophy (domestic event) because even the men's IPL was in doubt but these games are most welcome," Mithali told PTI during an exclusive interview.

On comments of top internationals like Healy, Suzie Bates, Rachel Haynes expressing their displeasure, the Indian legend tried putting things into perspective. "I know a lot of people (foreign players) have questioned the timing of it but these are not normal circumstances. Normally, the IPL happens in April-May and doesn't collide with WBBL (in Australia).

"But these are unusual circumstances, the window (tentatively November 1-10) was a short one and the BCCI did the best it could."

The announcement last week ended months of uncertainty for the Indian players whose 2021 World Cup preparations have been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The team has not played since the T20 World Cup final in March.

The WBBL is scheduled from October 17 to November 29 while T20 Challenge games in Dubai will be held from November 1-10.

"It (their frustration) is understandable. They (foreign players) also want to be part of the event. I too want the best players in the league. But the situation is not normal. Right now, there is hardly any sporting activity in India and to have the matches before the men's IPL, it would require players to be in match mode. We are yet to start training.

"My own state has just allowed the opening of gyms. So for me to get match ready will take time. The BCCI has given us that window and we will have to work around it this year," said the leading run-getter in ODI cricket.

Healy is from Australia and Bates from New Zealand, among the least affected countries from the pandemic.

"They did not have to change the calendar (in Australia for WBBL) but we needed to owing to the pandemic. The IPL could not be organised in April-May."

She urged the likes of Healy and Bates to understand the situation. "Even if we were to shift the Women's Challenge to September, the girls would not be ready. Australia and New Zealand players have had more time than us to start their preparations for the season. Nobody understands this but are quick to judge."

With the World Cup not far away, Mithali feels the games in the UAE will also give the domestic players a much needed opportunity. It seemed the pull out from England tour would severely hamper India's World Cup preparations but Mithali said the team is likely to play four series before the showpiece event (against South Africa, West Indies, Australia and New Zealand subject to the COVID-19 situation at that time).

Mithali last played for India in November last year against the West Indies. "More than the T20 Challenge games, I am relieved to have some cricket starting. That gives hope to other players to look forward to training and plan the season and not be in that uncertain mode.

"We have four series scheduled before the World Cup but we are yet to get the dates. When the England tour got cancelled, players faced a lot of uncertainty and if there is nothing ahead you don't know what you prepare for. So the news of staging the IPL games is much needed."

Mithali has been following a customised fitness plan at home for the past three months and has now started with high intensity training after the government allowed access to sports complexes. How much will she and her team need to regain full fitness?

"Well for starters, from what I heard we are going to have a camp sometime in September-October. That should help the team to re-group and assess themselves and accordingly plan ahead for the coming series."

Having reached the final in 2017, India are expected to go all the way in 2021 and lift their maiden ICC trophy. The pandemic has negatively impacted their plans but Mithali said the team's goal remains to win the tournament.

Asked if the forced break due to the pandemic has changed her mind about her future, Mithali, a great of women's cricket, added: "My plans at the moment are only concentrated on the ODI World Cup."

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After completing their quarantine, players will then be allowed to train at the franchise's facility in Navi Mumbai.

IPL 2020: Ness Wadia says one positive case and tournament could be doomed

As per ESPNcricinfo report, Rajasthan Royals have also planned to conduct tests for their players and support staff over the next two weeks, prior to their departure to Dubai. Another franchise has directed their Indian players to home quarantine as a precaution while simultaneously initiating Covid-19 tests.

IPL-SOP: Vacant stands to be extended dressing room, team meetings outdoor

"Outdoor training is out of question still, we're being cautious and since everything is still very uncertain with regards to SOPs, we're awaiting final confirmation. We have put forward our concerns with the IPL governing council, hopefully, everything will be clear this weekend so that we can start planning," a franchise source was quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

The BCCI's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the upcoming IPL recommends that teams use "empty stands" as extended dressing rooms for outdoor strategy meetings in order to maintain social distancing.

The IPL, to be held from September 19 in the UAE, won't feature any toss mascot this year which means the BCCI will lose out on another avenue of earning sponsorship money. While players and support staff's families can join them, they won't be allowed to travel in the team bus and can't leave the bio bubble.

According to the SOP which was handed to the franchises and is in possession of PTI, the teams will be encouraged to use the stands for dressing room purpose which helps in maintaining social distancing.

"The Bio-Secure Environment means only essential staff will be on-site and no members of the public will be allowed. Therefore there will be more vacant areas at the stadium and hence the dressing room does not have to remain within the traditional area.

"Venue Cricket Operation teams should consider using appropriate areas beyond the normal dressing room," the SOP states. The SOP also states that franchises might install "Scalene Hypercharge Corona Canon (Shycocan), a device that has the ability to neutralise 99.9 per cent of the coronavirus that might be floating in the air in closed spaces."

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The decision will also be impacted by the stand of the two boards on the next ICC chairman, the nomination process of which is yet to be announced formally.

It is expected that BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah along with CA's Earl Eddings and Nick Hockley will reach a consensus on the hosting of 2021 and 2022 editions.

"The main agenda of the meeting is scheduling of ICC tournaments including the women's ODI World Cup in New Zealand early next year. It is expected that some decisions will be taken," an ICC Board member told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The ICC World T20 which was scheduled to be held in Australia from October 18 this year was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making way for the cash rich Indian Premier League (IPL), to be held from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates.

It is expected that Cricket Australia will like to host the T20 World Cup in October 2021 as it had already started preparations and wouldn't like to wait for two years but BCCI also doesn't want to forego its right to host the tournament in 2021.

"The BCCI was originally scheduled to host the T20 World Cup in 2021 and they would like to go ahead. Another reason being, hosting a T20 World Cup in 2022 and then a 50 over global event within a gap of just one year. It would be an overkill," another ICC board member said.

However for Cricket Australia, it also has a few points in its favour. "The ICC website states that those who have booked match tickets for Australia World T20 event should wait till further announcement. The reason being CA wants to host the event next year," he said.

It is also learnt that there is a good chance that the eight-team Women's ODI World Cup in New Zealand in February-March 2021 will go ahead as per schedule.

"Yes, the qualification tournament is yet to be finished and since every country's Covid situation is different, that is one headache that the ICC has. Going by health safety issues, New Zealand is one of the best performing nations globally," he said.

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According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Adelaide has emerged as a frontrunner to host the December 26-30 marquee fixture. In this regard, CA chairman Earl Eddings has called for an urgent convening of the national cricket cabinet next week to discuss ways for smooth conduct of the series and avoid losing a staggering 300 million Australian dollars.

The situation in Victoria is not good and a senior cricket official told the country's leading daily that there is no way the current schedule can go ahead as planned with the state border restrictions in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Victoria has so far reported over 13000 positive cases for the coronavirus besides 170 deaths.

Covid 19 crisis: BCCI to reschedule Australia series and England series at home?

As far as the other Australian states are concerned, New South Wales comes a distant second with close to 4000 positive cases. South Australia, whose capital is Adelaide, has so far reported 457 confirmed cases with 445 of them recovered. CA had earlier said that the existing schedule is subject to change.

In May, CA had confirmed that India will make the trip Down Under later this year for a financially critical assignment comprising four Tests and ODIs. Virat Kohli's men will feature in a high-profile Test series, beginning on December 3 at Brisbane.

India are then scheduled to play a day/night Test, as committed by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, from December 11 to 15 in Adelaide. The third and fourth Tests will be held in Melbourne (December 26-30) and Sydney (January 3 to 7) respectively.

The series is crucial for the financial health of CA, which has had to stand down staff to handle the cost of operations in the wake of the pandemic.

(With PTI inputs)

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