India are due to host Test and limited-overs series against England later this year or in early 2021. AP
India are due to host Test and limited-overs series against England later this year or in early 2021. AP
India are due to host Test and limited-overs series against England later this year or in early 2021. AP
India are due to host Test and limited-overs series against England later this year or in early 2021. AP

Cricket

UAE one step closer to hosting India-England series

BCCI and Emirates Cricket Board sign memorandum of understanding

Paul Radley
Paul Radley
Dubai

September 19, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

The prospect of India facing England in the UAE this winter has moved a step closer.

Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), announced on Saturday that a memorandum of understanding had been signed between them and the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

Read More

Noise-free cricket could make IPL 2020 more watchable than before

Youngest and oldest players in IPL 2020

Khalid Al Zarooni, the vice president of the ECB, and Mubashshir Usmani, its general secretary, met with Shah and Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI president, at Dubai Sports City ahead of the start of the IPL.

Details of the “hosting” agreement are yet to be announced, but it could mean the emirates staging the planned series between India and England on the BCCI’s behalf, as a result of the Covid-19 situation.

“I along with vice-chairman of the ECB, Mr Khalid Al Zarooni, signed a MoU and hosting agreement between [the BCCI] and [ECB], to boost cricketing ties between our countries,” Shah wrote on social media.

As per the ICC’s future tours programme, India are due to host Test and limited-overs series against England between October 2020 and February 2021, either side of a tour to Australia.

Ganguly said in August that they remained committed to playing the series.

“The BCCI and the Indian cricket team will continue to fulfil its FTP commitments,” Ganguly said last month.

“The senior Indian men’s team will travel to Australia in December this year and will come back to the country for a series against England starting from February next year.”

However, the coronavirus situation suggest it is unlikely India will be in a position to stage those matches at home.

India currently has the second highest number of reported Covid-19 cases in the world.

________________

IPL 2020: Star absentees

Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings): The most high-profile withdrawal. Raina’s decision to return to India came while his Chennai Super Kings were in the midst of a Covid-19 outbreak, and after he had suffered a family tragedy at home. AFP
Suresh Raina (Chennai Super Kings): The most high-profile withdrawal. Raina’s decision to return to India came while his Chennai Super Kings were in the midst of a Covid-19 outbreak, and after he had suffered a family tragedy at home. AFP
Jason Roy (Delhi Capitals): Roy is back opening the batting for England after fitness issues kept him out of T20 series against Pakistan and Australia. But he had already signalled his intention to skip the IPL in favour of getting in shape. AFP
Jason Roy (Delhi Capitals): Roy is back opening the batting for England after fitness issues kept him out of T20 series against Pakistan and Australia. But he had already signalled his intention to skip the IPL in favour of getting in shape. AFP
Chris Woakes (Delhi Capitals): One of England’s most trusted death-over specialists has been a big earner in the IPL in times past. He opted out of this one because his wife is expecting a baby this month. PA
Chris Woakes (Delhi Capitals): One of England’s most trusted death-over specialists has been a big earner in the IPL in times past. He opted out of this one because his wife is expecting a baby this month. PA
Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians): The leading wicket-taker in IPL history is certainly out of the start of the competition, with James Pattinson brought in to replace him. He cited personal issues, which are understood to relate to his father being ill. AP
Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians): The leading wicket-taker in IPL history is certainly out of the start of the competition, with James Pattinson brought in to replace him. He cited personal issues, which are understood to relate to his father being ill. AP
Mitchell Starc (Unattached): Starc has not played in the IPL since 2015. He was due to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018, but was injured, leading to a legal dispute over an insurance pay-out. He has opted out of each season since. Pawan Singh / The National
Mitchell Starc (Unattached): Starc has not played in the IPL since 2015. He was due to play for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2018, but was injured, leading to a legal dispute over an insurance pay-out. He has opted out of each season since. Pawan Singh / The National
Kane Richardson (Royal Challengers Bangalore): The Australian seamer had been recruited as a potential cure for RCB’s death over ills, but he subsequently decided to skip it. He had concerns over the Covid-19 travel issues, which might have led him to miss the birth of his first child. AFP
Kane Richardson (Royal Challengers Bangalore): The Australian seamer had been recruited as a potential cure for RCB’s death over ills, but he subsequently decided to skip it. He had concerns over the Covid-19 travel issues, which might have led him to miss the birth of his first child. AFP
Harbhajan Singh (Chennai Super Kings): Harbhajan, who turned 40 in July, was a notable absentee when CSK set off on their private charter flight to Dubai. He was supposed to follow, but eventually announced he would not be travelling due to personal reasons. AP
Harbhajan Singh (Chennai Super Kings): Harbhajan, who turned 40 in July, was a notable absentee when CSK set off on their private charter flight to Dubai. He was supposed to follow, but eventually announced he would not be travelling due to personal reasons. AP
Harry Gurney (Kolkata Knight Riders): The left-arm seamer had a good look round in franchise cricket last year, playing is Australia, Pakistan and the Caribbean, as well as for KKR. He had been due back this season, but fell foul of injury. AFP
Harry Gurney (Kolkata Knight Riders): The left-arm seamer had a good look round in franchise cricket last year, playing is Australia, Pakistan and the Caribbean, as well as for KKR. He had been due back this season, but fell foul of injury. AFP
Mustafizur Rahman (Kolkata Knight Riders): Kolkata had initially looked at 'The Fizz' as a direct pace bowling replacement for Gurney. Rahman, centre, was not given permission to travel by Bangladesh, though, so they turned their attention to the American fast bowler Ali Khan instead. AFP
Mustafizur Rahman (Kolkata Knight Riders): Kolkata had initially looked at 'The Fizz' as a direct pace bowling replacement for Gurney. Rahman, centre, was not given permission to travel by Bangladesh, though, so they turned their attention to the American fast bowler Ali Khan instead. AFP
Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals): The England all-rounder’s availability for Rajasthan Royals is unclear, but he seems certain to miss the start of the competition at the very least. He returned to New Zealand midway through the summer to be with his father, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer. AFP
Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals): The England all-rounder’s availability for Rajasthan Royals is unclear, but he seems certain to miss the start of the competition at the very least. He returned to New Zealand midway through the summer to be with his father, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer. AFP

________________

The IPL will be played in its entirety in the UAE, starting when Mumbai Indians face Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi at 6pm on Saturday.

The operation to get the competition on has been huge, including robust quarantine and bio-security measures.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all government entities and parties involved in their tireless efforts and diligence in applying the highest global safety standards to ensure the tournament takes place in a safe and secure environment,” Sheikh Nahyan, the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said.

After cricket boomed in Sharjah from the start of the 1980s, India were regular visitors to the UAE.

They played 72 one-day internationals in the country between 1984 and 2000.

However, the fallout from the cricket corruption controversy that rocked the sport in 2000 meant they returned rarely thereafter.

Between 2000 and 2018, they played in the Emirates just twice – inaugurating Zayed Cricket Stadium with a two-match series against Pakistan in 2006.

The relationship between the BCCI and ECB has strengthened in recent times.

The Indian board opted to relocate the 2018 Asia Cup to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, when it was clear that the competition could not go ahead in India and still involve Pakistan’s national team.

Bringing this season’s IPL to the UAE is further evidence of the strong ties between the two countries.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES

All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated

Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid

Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona

How much sugar is in chocolate Easter eggs?
  • The 169g Crunchie egg has 15.9g of sugar per 25g serving, working out at around 107g of sugar per egg
  • The 190g Maltesers Teasers egg contains 58g of sugar per 100g for the egg and 19.6g of sugar in each of the two Teasers bars that come with it
  • The 188g Smarties egg has 113g of sugar per egg and 22.8g in the tube of Smarties it contains
  • The Milky Bar white chocolate Egg Hunt Pack contains eight eggs at 7.7g of sugar per egg
  • The Cadbury Creme Egg contains 26g of sugar per 40g egg
Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL

Al Nasr 2

(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)

Shabab Al Ahli 1

(Jaber 13)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
The National in Davos

We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Transgender report
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK 

Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV

While you're here
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index

The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index

Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.

The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.

“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.

“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”

Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.

Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.

“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.

While you're here
Brief scores:

Barcelona 3

Pique 38', Messi 51 (pen), Suarez 82'

Rayo Vallecano 1

De Tomas Gomez 24'

BELGIUM%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3EGoalkeepers%3A%20Thibaut%20Courtois%2C%20Simon%20Mignolet%2C%20Koen%20Casteels%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EDefenders%3A%20Jan%20Vertonghen%2C%20Toby%20Alderweireld%2C%20Leander%20Dendoncker%2C%20Zeno%20Debast%2C%20Arthur%20Theate%2C%20Wout%20Faes%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMidfielders%3A%20Hans%20Vanaken%2C%20Axel%20Witsel%2C%20Youri%20Tielemans%2C%20Amadou%20Onana%2C%20Kevin%20De%20Bruyne%2C%20Yannick%20Carrasco%2C%20Thorgan%20Hazard%2C%20Timothy%20Castagne%2C%20Thomas%20Meunier%0D%3Cbr%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EForwards%3A%20Romelu%20Lukaku%2C%20Michy%20Batshuayi%2C%20Lo%C3%AFs%20Openda%2C%20Charles%20De%20Ketelaere%2C%20Eden%20Hazard%2C%20Jeremy%20Doku%2C%20Dries%20Mertens%2C%20Leandro%20Trossard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

On Women's Day
Results

5pm: Al Falah – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Bshara, Richard Mullen (jockey), Salem Al Ketbi (trainer)

5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: AF Musannef, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel

6pm: Al Dhafra – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: AF Mualami, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud

6.30pm: Al Khaleej Al Arabi – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Hawafez, Adrie de Vries, Abubakar Daud

7pm: Al Mafraq – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi

7.30pm: Al Samha – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Celestial Spheres, Patrick Cosgrave, Ismail Mohammed

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Clinicy%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202017%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Prince%20Mohammed%20Bin%20Abdulrahman%2C%20Abdullah%20bin%20Sulaiman%20Alobaid%20and%20Saud%20bin%20Sulaiman%20Alobaid%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Riyadh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2025%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20More%20than%20%2410%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Middle%20East%20Venture%20Partners%2C%20Gate%20Capital%2C%20Kafou%20Group%20and%20Fadeed%20Investment%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
WHAT%20MACRO%20FACTORS%20ARE%20IMPACTING%20META%20TECH%20MARKETS%3F
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Looming%20global%20slowdown%20and%20recession%20in%20key%20economies%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Russia-Ukraine%20war%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Interest%20rate%20hikes%20and%20the%20rising%20cost%20of%20debt%20servicing%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Oil%20price%20volatility%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Persisting%20inflationary%20pressures%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Exchange%20rate%20fluctuations%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shortage%20of%20labour%2Fskills%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20A%20resurgence%20of%20Covid%3F%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
On Women's Day
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FLIP%204
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMain%20%E2%80%93%206.7%22%20FHD%20Dynamic%20Amoled%202X%2C%202640%20x%201080%2C%2022%3A9%2C%20425ppi%2C%20HDR10%2B%2C%20up%20to%20120Hz%3B%20cover%20%E2%80%93%201.9%22%20Super%20Amoled%2C%20512%20x%20260%2C%20302ppi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Qualcomm%20Snapdragon%208%2B%20Gen%201%2C%204nm%2C%20octa-core%3B%20Adreno%20730%20GPU%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20128%2F256%2F512GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2012%2C%20One%20UI%204.1.1%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.2)%20%2B%2012MP%20wide%20(f%2F1.8)%2C%20OIS%2C%20portrait%2C%20super%20slo-mo%2C%20hyperlapse%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%4030%2F60fps%2C%20full-HD%4030%2F60fps%2C%20HD%4030fps%3B%20slo-mo%40240%2F960fps%3B%20HDR10%2B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2010MP%20(f%2F2.4)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203700mAh%2C%2025W%20fast%20charging%2C%2015W%20wireless%20charging%2C%20reverse%20wireless%20charging%2C%20'all-day'%20life%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205G%3B%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.2%2C%20NFC%20(Samsung%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nano-SIM%20%2B%20eSIM%3B%20no%20microSD%20slot%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bora%20purple%2C%20graphite%2C%20pink%20gold%2C%20blue%3B%20Bespoke%20Edition%20in%20select%20countries%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Flip%204%2C%20USB-C-to-USB-C%20cable%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh3%2C799%20%2F%20Dh3%2C999%20%2F%20Dh4%2C449%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
War and the virus
More on Quran memorisation:
Ferrari
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Michael%20Mann%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Adam%20Driver%2C%20Penelope%20Cruz%2C%20Shailene%20Woodley%2C%20Patrick%20Dempsey%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tomorrow 2021
Plastic tipping point
While you're here
Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Falling%20for%20Christmas'
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Janeen%20Damian%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EStars%3A%20Lindsay%20Lohan%2C%20Chord%20Overstreet%2C%20Jack%20Wagner%2C%20Aliana%20Lohan%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%201%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
CricketIndia CricketEngland CricketUAE cricket