Sport used to be a pleasant distraction from the miseries of calamities and economic crisis. But the current pandemic is far more widespread and universally draining than any other unfortunate occurrence, save the two World Wars. Sports-loving fans are now forced to satisfy their hunger with the German football league while hanging on to strands of hope concerning the resumption of other leagues across disciplines.

Last week, sports minister Kiren Rijiju said in no uncertain terms that sporting events will have to be held without spectators. While we all want to see the resumption of sport, there is understandable pessimism about spectators being allowed at grounds for the next year, if not longer. Doubtless, sport will be less soulful in such a scenario, but it's a bouncer that must be dealt with; the next ball has to be faced.