The financial expense of those decisions was laid bare in United's results for the quarter ending 31 December under 'exceptional items'.

Because of security concerns Pakistan have not held a major international tournament since they were World Cup co-hosts with India and Sri Lanka in 1996.

La Rochelle's South African international centre Raymond Rhule, who has not played competitively for 10 months due to a knee injury, has called time on his playing career.

SuperSport United chose the most opportune time to try revive their Betway Premiership season.

Novak Djokovic's comeback came to a crashing halt as he lost 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the Qatar Open.