England's fifth Test against India at Emirates Old Trafford was cancelled after some of the tourists' backroom staff tested positive for Covid-19.

 

India said they were unable to field a team because they fear further cases spreading through the squad.

 

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said: "We send our sincere apologies to fans and partners.

 

"We know it will cause immense disappointment and inconvenience to many."

Australia's Tour Down Under has been cancelled for the second year in a row because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Restrictions in Australia made it difficult for teams to travel to the event, which was due to be part of the men's UCI World Tour and women's UCI Pro Tour.

 

The Tour Down Under is traditionally the first Tour race of the season.

The Women's World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which involved Ireland, has been abandoned after the detection of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant.

 

Travel restrictions have been imposed from a number of African countries, including the host country.

 

The tournament was scheduled to be played until 5 December to decide the final three spots for the Women's World Cup in New Zealand next year.

 

Qualification places will now be decided based on team rankings.

 

This means that Bangladesh, Pakistan and West Indies will progress to next year's tournament, with Sri Lanka and Ireland occupying the two remaining berths in the next 2022-25 cycle of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Women's Championship.

The World Darts Federation (WDF) alongside the hosts and sponsors have taken the decision to postpone the Lakeside World Championship which was due to take place between 3-9 January 2022.

 

The reason being Covid-19 concerns with the new Omicron variant which could lead to further government restrictions being implemented.

 

As a result, the tournament dates have been set for three months later, with Lakeside 2022 now being held from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 10th April 2022.