Organisers of the Everest Premier League say Chris Gayle’s availability will be a priority when finding a suitable date to reschedule the competition.
Gayle was set to become the biggest star yet to play in Nepal’s largest franchise competition, only for coronavirus to intervene.
The Jamaican great announced in January he had signed for Pokhara Rhinos for the fourth season of the Twenty20 competition in Kathmandu.
However, the tournament was postponed shortly before its scheduled March 14 start date because of the situation surrounding Covid-19.
With sport stalled across the globe now, it is unclear when the competition will be played.
Aamir Akhtar, the league’s managing director, said consideration will be paid to Gayle’s involvement when it is possible to return to playing.
“It all depends what schedule we plan and if Chris Gayle would be available,” Akhtar said.
“Of course the availability dates for Chris Gayle and other foreign players shall be considered, and shall be put on priority.
“We would love to have him in EPL, if everything works out. He has a huge fan following in Nepal.”
Gayle was heading an impressive list of overseas players bound for the competition, with the likes of Mohammed Shahzad, Paul Stirling , Kevin O’Brien, Upul Tharanga and Corey Anderson all due to feature.
Akhtar says the league will not commit to any new dates while the “whole world is battling for something precious in life”.
But he is hopefully many of the foreign players will be able to feature when the league does return.
“The star players who have committed to play in EPL are there more for the love of cricket in Nepal,” Akhtar said.
“The entire environment is friendly for them. They enjoy a huge fan base, and decent media attention.
"Nevertheless all the star players are aware of the potential of Nepali cricket.
“Events like EPL are a responsible activity so we mustn't rush into announcing new possible dates at the moment.”
Akhtar said he wants the competition to be considered the leading franchise event outside of the Test-playing nations.
“EPL has many challenges, and it would be immature to even think we could compete with IPL, CPL, Big Bash and PSL,” he said. “The IPL serves as a big institution for world cricket.
“At this moment, we would like to be placed as the biggest franchise league among the associate nations.
“The fan base, media coverage and our local talent are far above many associate nations.”
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The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Plastic tipping points
INFO
Schools can register for the Abu Dhabi Schools Championships at www.champions.adsc.ae
On Women's Day
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Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality
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Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'
KEY%20DATES%20IN%20AMAZON'S%20HISTORY
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20IPHONE%2014
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
While you're here
Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
COMPANY%20PROFILE
On Women's Day
Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action
Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?
Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'
The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?
MATCH INFO
Serie A
Juventus v Fiorentina, Saturday, 8pm (UAE)
Match is on BeIN Sports
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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Kareem Shaheen on Canada
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
If you go
The flights
Fly direct to London from the UAE with Etihad, Emirates, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from about Dh2,500 return including taxes.
The hotel
Rooms at the convenient and art-conscious Andaz London Liverpool Street cost from £167 (Dh800) per night including taxes.
The tour
The Shoreditch Street Art Tour costs from £15 (Dh73) per person for approximately three hours.
Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL
Al Nasr 2
(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)
Shabab Al Ahli 1
(Jaber 13)
Overview
What: The Arab Women’s Sports Tournament is a biennial multisport event exclusively for Arab women athletes.
When: From Sunday, February 2, to Wednesday, February 12.
Where: At 13 different centres across Sharjah.
Disciplines: Athletics, archery, basketball, fencing, Karate, table tennis, shooting (rifle and pistol), show jumping and volleyball.
Participating countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Qatar and UAE.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs
Price: From Dh180,000 (estimate)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 320hp @ 5,700rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 2,200rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 9.7L / 100km
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)
