ZCZC
BSP-19
CRICKET-BASKET-HEALTH-VIRUS-OLY-2020
Top basketball, cricket tournaments fall victim to virus
NEW DELHI, March 5, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – A landmark Olympic basketball
qualifying tournament in India and a bid to establish top cricket in Nepal
have become the latest victims of the coronavirus epidemic in sport.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) called off a qualifying
tournament for three-a-side basketball, which is set to make its debut at
this year’s Tokyo Olympics.
The viability of the Games in Japan is in doubt as the country battles to
contain the deadly virus.
Teams from more than 20 countries were supposed to take part in the five-day
qualifying tournament on March 18 in Bangalore.
“FIBA is now working in close collaboration with the International Olympic
Committee on the best solution possible in the circumstances,” said the
international federation.
The postponement causes problems as the tournament has to take place before
the next round of qualifying in Budapest starting April 24.
Nepal’s Everest Premier League, scheduled to begin on March 14, has also been
called off because of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 3,000
people around the world.
The fourth edition of the Twenty20 league had signed West Indies batting star
Chris Gayle, with Afghanistan’s Mohammad Shahzad and Sri Lankan batsman Upul
Tharanga also due to take part.
“It was a tough decision, but the right one. We have to consider the risks
and put the health of our audiences and our players before everything else,”
league managing director Aamir Akhtar told AFP.
BSS/AFP/BZC/2030HRS