Top sports news: Ramiz Raja slams Umar Akmal, Tokyo Olympics 2020 to get cancelled if pandemic continues & more

The outbreak of the coronavirus has brought all sports activities to a halt and players are practising social distancing and self-isolation during the pandemic.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2020 has a scheduled start from October 18 till November 15 across seven iconic venues in Australia. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak across the globe, the tournament is likely to be hit with some changes.

2. 'Behind bars is where such jack a***s belong': Ramiz Raja reacts to Umar Akmal's 3-year corruption ban

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja expressed his thoughts and urged the authorities to put all individuals related to fixing scandals behind bars as they are not only ruining the sport but also bringing harm to the country's reputation.

Raja's comments came right after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) handed cricketer Umar Akmal a three-year ban from all forms of cricket on corruption charges.

3. If pandemic remains a threat next year, Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be cancelled: Games chief

The Tokyo Olympic Games which was to take place this year has been shifted to next year due to the coronavirus outbreak. However, if the pandemic continues, the Summer Games will be cancelled, the organising committee’s president said in comments published Tuesday.

The COVID-19 pandemic has already forced a year-long delay of the Games, and it is now scheduled to open on July 23, 2021. However, Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said no further postponement was possible.

4. RCB's Mike Hesson thanks PM Modi for helping him return to New Zealand after being stranded in India

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, many people have been left stranded in different parts of the world due to the lockdowns imposed by various governments. Everything came to a halt especially sporting events.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) which was to be held on March 29 was postponed to April 15 and now has been pushed off till further notice. Amid all this, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) Director of Cricket Mike Hesson, who was stranded in India for over a month has returned to his home in New Zealand.

5. Fund a group, don't make it 'athlete-centric' says national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand

National badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, when addressing an online session suggested changes in the funding model of sports. He said that the current model is "athlete-centric" but it should rather focus on "funding a group".

Gopichand gave suggestions in the session organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for its newly appointed Assistant Directors.