Top Stories: Things that made news in the cricket world today

‘We suggest not to host IPL this time’ – Ministry of External Affairs to the tournament organizers

•  IPL 2020 is only days away from its initiation but the threat of Coronavirus has derailed the tournament’s preparations.
• Cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai have also expressed concern regarding the hosting of IPL 2020.
• Apart from IPL 2020, many sports like basketball and soccer have been affected by the wrath of Coronavirus.
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Vijay Shankar opens about having a harsh time after Nidahas Trophy final

• Vijay Shankar, the Indian all-rounder remained in headlines till the culmination of ICC World Cup 2019.
• The 26-year-old made his debut back in 2018 and has so far played 12 ODIs and 9 T20Is.
•  After the Nidahas Trophy final, Shankar was criticised for his poor show with the bat in the crucial situation of the game.
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IPL 2020 likely to take place in empty stadiums

• The Coronavirus scare has led to major sporting events across the world getting cancelled in the last few days.
• Indian Premier League (IPL) is also under the threat of getting cancelled with the Indian Government upholding the visas of the foreigners until April 15.
• The Indian Government, on Thursday, indicated that they will not be stopping the sporting events from taking place as long as they are strictly following the health ministry guidelines.
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‘It would be weird to play in an empty stadium’- Aaron Finch on the aftermath of Coronavirus

• The rising threat of the novel pandemic COVID-19 has gripped the entire world with fear and uncertainty.
• The virus, which started as the flu in the Wuhan city of China last year, has already claimed more than 4000 lives.
• Skipper Aaron Finch was asked about his opinion on playing cricket matches inside close doors.
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Cricket Australia leaves it to Australian players to decide on IPL 2020 participation

• With the coronavirus situation getting intense with each passing day, the fate of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 is facing uncertainty.
• Cricket Australia (CA) has left it to its players and their respective franchises at this point to take the final call on their participation.
• The IPL Governing Council is set to meet on Saturday to discuss the viability of hosting the tournament.
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The fifth day of Ranji Trophy 2019-20 Final to be played in an empty stadium

• The coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19 has wreaked havoc all over the world.
• The latest casualty of the deadly Corona is the Ranji Trophy final being played between Bengal and Saurashtra in Rajkot.
• Bengal has lifted the trophy twice whereas Saurashtra has never been able to lay their hands on the Ranji silverware.
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Let IPL be behind closed doors but allow overseas players, says a franchise official

• The spread of Corona Virus has sent warning bells across the globe.
• Several sporting events which were supposed to indulge mass gathering is now been cancelled.
• Health Minister of the Indian Government has made it clear that if the 13th season of the Indian Premier League is being played as planned, then it has to be played behind close doors.
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Peter Siddle opens up on his alcoholic life, credits wife for his turnaround

• The fast bowler has revealed how he was a party animal during the initial stages of his international career.
• Siddle said how his relationship with Anna and the possibility of losing her made him shrug off his drinking demons for good.
• Siddle revealed that his struggles with alcohol began during the initial days of his Test career.
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Brian Lara picks three favourites for T20 World Cup 2020

• The 50-year-old is currently in India to lead the West Indies Legends in the Road Safety World Series.
• Lara, who has the record of scoring the highest individual score in a Test match (400 not out), also said in the interview that KL Rahul is his favourite player.
• The West Indian himself has not been able to score big in the two matches he has played in the veterans’ tournament in India.
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I went through a lot of mental pressure during rehabilitation: Hardik Pandya

• Pandya, the prolific Indian all-rounder sustained a back injury during the T20I series against South Africa last year.
• Pandya is currently one of the best all-rounders across the country.
• He is expected to play a vital role in the upcoming T20 World Cup that is slated to be held in Australia.
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