Sport cancelled LIVE: Cricket and golf resume but Marshall vs Shields off as Premier League postpones fixtures

The Premier League and EFL cancelled their fixtures this weekend as professional football in England will be postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

As the UK enters a period of national mourning, other sports are also making a decision as to whether they will postpone their events this weekend. Decisions regarding further postponements in the calendar are set to be determined following consideration of official mourning guidance, set to be issued by the Cabinet Office, but it is understood it will be left to individual sports event organisers to decide how to proceed - with postponements not being mandatory.

On Thursday evening, following the announcement from Buckingham Palace, the BMW PGA Championship golf event at Wentworth was immediately suspended and Friday’s play cancelled, although the tournament will resume on Saturday and be played over 54 holes. Meanwhile, the ECB also called off day two of the England vs South Africa Test match at the Oval, which was scheduled for Friday, before England captain Ben Stokes urged the rest of the match to be played in “the Queen’s memory” and it was announced that it will indeed resume on Saturday.

The boxing world title fight between Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields at the O2 Arena on Saturday evening was postponed, while Friday night’s pair of Gallagher Premiership matches were called off, although the rest of the opening weekend of action in English rugby’s top flight will go ahead. Elsewhere, Friday and Saturday’s horse racing meetings in the UK have been cancelled and cycling’s Tour of Britain has been suspended but the F1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza will go ahead with a minute’s silence in honour of the Queen.

Follow all the latest updates on sport’s cancellations with our live blog below:

Sport cancellation live updates

• Sports making decision on whether to postpone their events following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

• Premier League and EFL cancel all professional football in England this weekend

• Premiership Rugby to go ahead at the weekend

• BMW PGA Championship golf at Wentworth restarting on Saturday morning

• England vs South Africa at the Oval to resume on Saturday

• Ben Stokes wants England’s third Test with South Africa to go ahead ‘in Queen’s memory’

• Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall boxing world title fight at the O2 postponed

• F1 Italian Grand Prix to go ahead with a minute’s silence

BMW PGA Championship to resume

14:43 , Michael Jones

The DP World Tour has confirmed that the BMW PGA Championship will restart on Saturday morning. Their statement reads:

“The DP World Tour today confirms the BMW PGA Championship will restart on Saturday morning.

“This follows the immediate suspension of play on Thursday evening and the complete cancellation of all day’s play on Friday, both actions taken in memory of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and out of respect for the Royal Family.

“The decision to restart on Saturday has been taken in accordance with Official National Mourning guidance and in consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

“The Wentworth event will give players, caddies, staff, volunteers and spectators the opportunity to come together across the weekend, not only to express their condolences but also to celebrate the extraordinary life of Her Majesty.

“We join other sports in doing this, including the Men’s Test Match between England and South Africa at The Oval and the Women’s IT20 match between England and India in County Durham, Premiership Rugby Union, Rugby League and the Great North Run in the north east of England.

“The second round of the BMW PGA Championship will resume at 6.40am on Saturday morning and all original second round tee times will remain the same. Those players who are yet to complete their first round will do so from 7.30am onwards from the place on the golf course where they stopped on Thursday afternoon.

“The Rolex Series event will now be contested over 54 holes with the intention to finish on Sunday as scheduled. It is not possible to play the full 72 holes and finish on Monday as we cannot guarantee the staff, facilities or security of the venue on Monday due to the on-going plans for the state funeral.

“Across the weekend at Wentworth, black ribbons will be made available for people to wear and flags will continue to fly at half-mast.

“In addition, there will be a two minute silence at 9.50am on Saturday morning across the venue to commemorate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with the proclamation of King Charles III being shown on the television screens in the Championship Village from 10am.”

Neville wants football to continue

14:37 , Michael Jones

Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville, agrees with the opinion that football should continue to go ahead this weekend.

The Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and Women’s Super League have postponed their fixtures this weekend following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

Writing in response to Piers Morgan’s claim for sport to continue this weekend, Neville replied on Twitter: “I agree Piers. Sport can demonstrate better than most the respect the Queen deserves.”

F1 remembers The Queen

14:31 , Michael Jones

Practice for the Italian Grand Prix continued on Friday afternoon with Formula 1 paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.

Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall postponed after the Queen’s death

14:26 , Michael Jones

Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall’s middleweight world title fight has been postponed following the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

Organisers of the weekend’s sporting events in Britain are to be left to decide whether to postpone their schedules in the wake of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and Shields vs Marshall was among those scheduled events.

Shields and Marshall were set to headline a fight card at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night (10th September), in one of the biggest women’s boxing matches of all time, but the event’s promoter, Boxxer, said on Friday that it would look to reschedule the card for Saturday 15th October.

Shields vs Marshall postponed after the Queen’s death

Foodbanks, respect and societal cost: Why football should not have been cancelled this weekend

14:21 , Michael Jones

When the Premier League met at 11am on Friday morning, one consideration was paramount, and was why the decision took just 20 minutes.

That was that the late Queen Elizabeth II was a patron of the Football Association with Prince William II, as well as the monarch for over 70 years, so the only possible conclusion was to postpone. It was purely, to quote a few sources, about “respect”.

That was despite other sports playing on, and the fact that there were a lot of serious elements to respectfully consider.

Why football should not have been cancelled this weekend

Weekend’s Scottish football postponed following Queen’s death

14:14 , Michael Jones

The weekend’s Scottish football fixture card has been postponed as a mark of respect following the death of the Queen.

Government advice was that sport was under no obligation to stop but the Scottish football authorities made the announcement after leagues in Northern Ireland and England had earlier called off all matches.

A joint statement read: “Following meetings this morning (Friday), the Scottish FA, Scottish Professional Football League, Scottish Women’s Premier League, and Scottish Highland and Lowland Football Leagues have agreed that all professional football matches will be postponed this weekend as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

Weekend’s Scottish football postponed following Queen’s death

Savannah Marshall vs Claressa Shields postponed

14:11 , Michael Jones

Savannah Marshall and Claressa Shields’ world title fight at the O2 on Saturday night was postponed on Friday afternoon.

Discussions took place for two hours between the promoters, Boxxer, the governing body, the British Boxing Board of Control and the broadcaster, Sky, on Friday afternoon.

The O2 is free on October 15th and that is the most likely date for the re-scheduled fights.

A statement from the ECB

14:09 , Michael Jones

Cricket will continue to played from Saturday say the ECB who released this statement:

“Cricket will resume on Saturday to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and honour her remarkable life and service.

“Following the cancellation of Friday’s cricket fixtures as a mark of respect on announcement of her death, the England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that play will resume from Saturday including international, domestic, and recreational fixtures. The decision has been taken in consultation with DCMS and in line with Offical National Mourning guidance.

“This means the Men’s test match between England and South Africa will begin at The Oval and the Women’s IT20 match between England and India will also go ahead at the Riverside in Durham. The scheduled match between England and Sri Lanka Men’s U19 along with recreational cricket fixtures will also take place as planned.

“Before each match, a minute’s silence will be observed followed by the national anthem. All players and coaches will wear black armbands. Branded inventory will be replaced with messaging paying cricket’s respects to The Queen.”

England and South Africa to resume third Test on Saturday, announces ECB

Cricket to resume on Saturday

14:00 , Michael Jones

Over the last few minutes the ECB has announced that cricket will resume on Saturday across all levels of the sport including the England vs South Africa test match at The Oval.

Premier League and EFL postpone fixtures following Queen’s death

13:55 , Michael Jones

The Premier League, EFL and Women’s Super League have postponed their fixtures this weekend following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

The footballing bodies held an emergency meeting with the Government on Friday morning to decide whether to postpone the weekend’s fixtures and have opted to cancel all games as a show of respect to the monarch after her 70-year reign, as the UK enters a period of national mourning.

A statement from the Premier League confirmed: “At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game.”

Premier League and EFL postpone fixtures following Queen’s death

Huddersfield vs Salford play-off to be played on Saturday

13:48 , Michael Jones

At statement from Rugby League’s Super League reads:

“Following the publication of the National Mourning Guidance, and consultation with Government, other sports and Rugby League stakeholders including clubs and broadcasters, Super League can confirm that the Betfred Super League Eliminator between Huddersfield Giants and Salford Red Devils will be played as scheduled on Saturday 10th September (kick off 1pm).

“Due respect will be paid to Her Majesty before both Eliminator fixtures, with a period of silence and where possible the playing of the National Anthem – while players and match officials will be asked to wear black armbands.”

Fantasy Premier League rules: What happens to FPL after GW7 fixtures cancelled?

13:40 , Michael Jones

The Premier League has cancelled this weekend’s fixtures following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, with the games now set to be played later in the season, and FPL headquarters has moved to clarify how this decision will impact its 10 million fantasy managers.

The deadline for gameweek 7 will pass at 11am BST on Saturday as originally scheduled, and every fantasy team will score 0 points – unless managers took hits making transfers this week, in which case they will unfortunately still be paying the price of those moves, and will receive -4 per hit.

What happens to FPL after Premier League fixtures cancelled?

Football expected to be postponed next weekend too

13:35 , Michael Jones

More murmurings that the Premier League is readying to postpone next weekend’s fixtures as well.

There was a suggestion during this morning’s talks that there shouldn’t be are matches directly preceding the State Funeral which is expected to be on Monday 19th September.

Golf waits for PGA Championship decision

13:30 , Michael Jones

Players teed off at Wentworth on Thursday for the BMW PGA Championship but play was halted as soon as Queen Elizabeth II’s death was announced.

There is no play on Friday and organisers are yet to decide whether the tournament will resume on Saturday.

The European Tour’s statement yesterday read: “She truly was an inspiration to people the world over. Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast.”

TalkSport ‘investigating’ Trevor Sinclair after ‘inappropriate’ tweet following Queen’s death

13:25 , Michael Jones

Former England international footballer Trevor Sinclair is facing an investigation by his employer after posting on Twitter following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen passed away on Thursday afternoon, with many taking to social media in the aftermath to express their thoughts.

Sinclair, who now works for TalkSport, played for QPR, West Ham United and Manchester City among others during a near-two decade career which also saw him win 12 senior caps for the national team.

However, his own tweet caused outrage from listeners to the radio channel he works with after he suggested that “black and brown” people should not need to “mourn” the passing of Elizabeth II as racism had been allowed to “thrive” under her reign.

TalkSport ‘investigating’ Trevor Sinclair after ‘inappropriate’ tweet on Queen

‘A truly remarkable woman’: Gary Lineker and Harry Kane lead sporting tributes after Queen’s death

13:20 , Michael Jones

Gary Lineker and Harry Kane led the tributes to the Queen following her death at the age of 96.

Buckingham Palace announced the news on Thursday evening.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” they said a statement. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Sport, as the rest of the nation, joined the mourning at an unprecedented time.

Play at the ongoing BMW PGA Championship was immediately suspended for the rest of the day after the news broke, with racing at Southwell and Chelmsford going the same way.

‘A truly remarkable woman’: Sport pays tribute after Queen’s death

Premiership Rugby to go ahead on Saturday and Sunday

13:15 , Luke Baker

Rugby Union’s governing body have made their decision over this weekend fixtures and it’s good news for fans as the majority of games will take place.

Only the two matches scheduled for Friday evening, Bristol Bears v Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints, have been postponed with the former being rearranged for Saturday.

In a statement released on Premiership Rugby’s website they said:

“Premiership Rugby is united in paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her inspirational life of service and her unparalleled contribution to the United Kingdom.

“Following consultation with the RFU, DCMS and the PRL Board, Premiership Rugby can confirm that as a mark of respect, the two Gallagher Premiership matches scheduled for today will be postponed. Bristol Bears v Bath Rugby will take place at 5.30pm on Saturday and an update will be given on Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints as soon as possible.

“The other matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday will go ahead as scheduled, with Premiership clubs joining with supporters in recognising Queen Elizabeth’s life and service. Prior to the start of each match, a one-minute silent tribute will take place. All players and coaches will be invited to wear black armbands.”

Cricket, rugby and golf still to make postponement decisions

13:10 , Michael Jones

It is unclear whether England cricket’s Test against South Africa will resume or whether Saturday’s play at golf’s PGA Championship will go ahead although the assumption this morning was that they will.

Rugby Union’s Premiership season is due to begin tonight with fixtures scheduled for 19:45 BST. Yesterday the ruling body said that a statement would come out regarding the weekend’s fixtures today but nothing has been released and the longer the day goes on the closer they’re cutting it.

Elsewhere, the British Elite Ice Hockey League said the weekend’s season-opening games would go ahead as planned.

Midweek football games expected to be played

13:05 , Michael Jones

The midweek European matches are expected to go ahead despite the postponements across the domestic football pyramid this weekend.

Discussions are still being held but the current view is that if games can practically go ahead then they should.

BHA chief executive explains decision to extend racing cancellation

13:00 , Michael Jones

Julie Harrington, the Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), explained why they decided to extend the cancellation of horse racing to include Saturday. She said:

“Her Majesty the Queen’s affinity and bond with British racing was enduring and unique, and a number of our sport’s participants have a close, direct relationship with her. It is out of respect for this, and in sympathy with her family including King Charles III, that the sport has taken the decision to continue our suspension of fixtures into Saturday.

“The return of racing on Sunday will see the running of the Cazoo St Leger, one of Britain’s five Classic races and a race which the Queen won with her filly Dunfermline in 1977. This will also provide an opportunity for the sport and its supporters to pay its respects to Her Majesty, for the contribution which she has made to the sport to be marked, and for racing to express its deep gratitude to her and sympathies to her family.”

Horse racing postponed on Saturday

12:55 , Michael Jones

The British Horseracing Authority have announced that meetings scheduled for Saturday have also been cancelled but will resume on Sunday 11th. In a press release they announced:

“British racing remains in mourning today regarding the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“As an ongoing mark of respect it has been determined that, alongside the cancellation of fixtures on 8th and 9th September, all racing will also be cancelled tomorrow, Saturday 10th September. Scheduled fixtures and racing events will return on Sunday 11th September.

“An additional day of racing at Doncaster will also be scheduled for Sunday 11th September, to ensure that the Cazoo St Leger and other important races lost as result of the cancellations can take place.

“However, the fixture scheduled for Musselburgh racecourse on Sunday will be cancelled as a mark of respect for the fact that the Queen’s body will be lying in rest in Edinburgh.”

Lewis Hamilton pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as ‘a symbol of hope’

12:50 , Michael Jones

Sir Lewis Hamilton has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as a “symbol of hope” and “truly like no other” following the death of the nation’s longest-reigning monarch.

Seven-time Formula One world champion Hamilton was knighted for services to motorsports in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List, and is preparing for the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, which will go ahead on Sunday as planned.

A minute’s silence is set to take place before practice on Friday and another is expected ahead of the race.

Sir Lewis Hamilton pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as ‘a symbol of hope’

Talks ongoing to resume England vs South Africa test

12:45 , Michael Jones

There has been official word about the resumption of the third and final test match between England and South Africa at The Oval. The assumption is that the game would continue on Saturday but there are few different factors in play before a decision is made.

Railways offering fee-free ticket exchange

12:40 , Michael Jones

A scheme on the National Rail website is allowing travellers with advanced tickets to claim a fee-free voucher or a new booking for the same journey at a later date as long as they request a change in their booking by 6pm the day before their journey.

This ‘Book with Confidence’ scheme could be useful to any football fans who were planning a journey around the country this weekend now that the games have all been postponed.

This is the statement from the website including terms and conditions:

“​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The rail industry have introduced an easement to the terms & conditions of Advance tickets sold by rail retailers, to help you travel with confidence if your travel plans change.

“You can amend when you travel fee-free up until 6pm the day before you travel.

“Applies to Advance tickets purchased until 30 September 2022. Fare price difference may apply. Advance tickets purchased online can be exchanged for a voucher for future journey. See Terms & Conditions below for details.

“Check with your ticket retailer to find out if they are participating in the Book with Confidence scheme.​​​​​​​

“​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Book with Confidence Terms & Conditions: Advance tickets can be exchanged to travel on the same journey but at a different time or date, paying any difference in fare but fee-free or surrendered back to the retailer for a rail travel voucher which can be used on any future journey or purchase within 12 months.

“Changes must be requested no later than 6pm (18:00) the day before you are due to travel. After this, Advance tickets can still be changed up to the departure of the first booked train for a fee of no more than £10 per ticket.”

Sporting events cancelled on Friday as mark of respect after Queen dies at 96

12:35 , Michael Jones

Sporting events scheduled for Friday have been cancelled as a mark of respect following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

The death of Elizabeth II, 96, who was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch and served as head of state for more than 70 years, was announced by Buckingham Palace on Thursday,

Tributes poured in from sports governing bodies and personalities, and the England and Wales Cricket Board announced the second day’s play in the men’s Test match between England and South Africa had been cancelled.

Sporting events cancelled on Friday as mark of respect after Queen dies at 96

Commonwealth sport mourns the loss of the Queen at age of 96

12:30 , Michael Jones

In October 2021, Queen Elizabeth II placed a secret message inside the Commonwealth Games baton and handed it to British four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox.

It marked the start of a 294-day, 140,000-kilometre journey from Buckingham Palace to Birmingham, through 72 nations and territories.

The baton’s tour began in the hands of Her Majesty and ended in those of her son, now King Charles III, who stepped in for the Queen, Patron of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), at July’s opening ceremony.

Dame Louise Martin now holds the role of CGF president, a title held by the late Prince Philip for more than 30 years. Hers was one of many tributes that poured in as news of the Queen’s death broke across the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth sport mourns the loss of the Queen at age of 96

Great North Run goes ahead

12:25 , Michael Jones

Sunday’s Great North Run will go ahead in Newcastle, race organisers have announced. Their statement reads:

“The event has traditionally been a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people, this year it will be an opportunity for us to come together and express our condolences, while celebrating the life of our extraordinary Queen.

“The thousands of runners taking part are expected to raise £25million in much needed charitable donations, a fitting tribute to the Queen, who lived her lif in service to our country and its people.”

Is postponing football the correct call?

12:20 , Michael Jones

The truth is there is no right or wrong answer here and instead a multitude of factors are in play. Here is a thread from The Independent’s chief football writer Miguel Delaney talking about the decision from the Premier League, EFL, FA and SPFL.

Uefa competitions to continue?

12:15 , Michael Jones

Uefa has published a media schedule for next week’s fixtures in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League showing that there are no plans of postponing those matches.

Given the fixtures feature teams from across the continent a postponent was never likely and as of now those fixtures are expected to go ahead including the ones featuring teams from the UK.

SPFL follows suit

12:10 , Michael Jones

The Scottish Professional Football League has followed suit in postponing this weekend’s fixtures. It seems no football will be played in the UK over the next couple of days.

Premier League postponed next weekend too?

12:05 , Michael Jones

There are reports that next Saturday’s top flight fixtures are also expected to be postponed in line with the Queen’s state funeral which is tentatively believed to be taking place on Monday 19th September.

The next available date to play any deferred matches is the weekend of January 17th/18th 2023.

WSL postponed

12:00 , Michael Jones

As expected following the cancellation of Premier League and EFL fixtures, the FA has announced that the Women’s Super League will not take place this weekend either.

Football cancelled but other sports expected to continue

11:55 , Michael Jones

The guidance from the DCMS told sporting bodies this morning that this weekend’s action could go ahead but left the final decision up to them.

The Premier League and EFL have announced that all fixtures up to Monday night have been postponed but other sports are expected to continue.

England’s third Test against South Africa is playing to resume on Saturday along with the PGA Championship at Wentworth and it is also looks increasingly likely Sunday’s Great North Run will take place.

Rugby League at all levels will also go ahead this weekend including the Super League playoff on Saturday.

Queen’s horse King’s Lynn will not run at the Curragh

11:50 , Michael Jones

King’s Lynn, the only horse owned by the Queen entered to run this weekend, has not been declared for the Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

Winner of the Group Two Temple Stakes at Haydock earlier in the season, the Andrew Balding-trained five-year-old has since finished down the field in both the King’s Stand and the Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.

He had the option of bidding for Group One glory once more on day two of Irish Champions Weekend, but will not be making the trip across the Irish Sea.

Queen’s horse King’s Lynn will not run at the Curragh

Super League play-off expected to go ahead

11:45 , Michael Jones

Ian Laybourn of the PA news agency says that the weekend’s Super League play-offs are expected to go ahead as will rugby league at all levels.

That’s no surprise given the zero margin for manoeuvre with the play-offs.

The Guardian’s Aaron Bower says the same thing.

Premier League and EFL postpone fixtures following Queen’s death

11:40 , Michael Jones

The Premier League and EFL have postponed their fixtures this weekend following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

The footballing bodies held an emergency meeting with the Government on Friday morning to decide whether to postpone the weekend’s fixtures and have opted to cancel all games as a show of respect to the monarch after her 70-year reign, as the UK enters a period of national mourning.

A statement from the Premier League confirmed: “At a meeting this morning, Premier League clubs paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. To honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation, and as a mark of respect, this weekend’s Premier League match round will be postponed, including Monday evening’s game.”

Premier League and EFL postpone fixtures following Queen’s death

Weekend Premier League matches postponed

11:37 , Michael Jones

The Premier League has postponed all scheduled fixtures for this weekend out of respect to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Here is the released statement which says arrangements to rearrange the fixtures will be announced at a later date.

Premier League and EFL games postponed

11:35 , Michael Jones

A statement from the EFL reads:

"Further to discussions on Friday morning it has been determined that all EFL fixtures from 9-10 September will be postponed as a mark of respect by the National Sport to the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

“This is aligned with the approach that the Premier League and the FA will take with their competitions this weekend.

“Further information, in respect of how football, Clubs and their supporters will commemorate Her Majesty’s reign will be confirmed at an appropriate point.

“Details regarding rearranged games will be announced in due course."

Premier League expected to cancel weekend fixtures

11:31 , Michael Jones

The Premier League has been in discussions since 11am over whether to postpone this weekend’s fixtures and word is slowly coming out that that is indeed the case.

Expect the EFL to follow suit as well.

Great North Run in doubt

11:25 , Michael Jones

The Great North Run, the world’s largest half-marathon, is set for Sunday but it is unclear whether the run will go ahead. Organisers cancelled its 5k sister event on Friday with a decision of the main race due later today.

Ben Stokes wants England’s third Test with South Africa to go ahead ‘in Queen’s memory’

11:20 , Michael Jones

England captain Ben Stokes said he would be “honoured” to play in the Queen’s memory as officials decide whether to resume the third and final Test against South Africa.

The second day did not proceed as scheduled at the Kia Oval following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday and the England and Wales Cricket Board is due to issue an update on the status of the series decider later on Friday.

But Stokes, responding to footballer Darren Huckerby’s question about whether sporting events should go ahead, tweeted: “She loved sport, [I would] be honoured to play in her memory.”

Ben Stokes wants to play Test against South Africa ‘in Queen’s memory’

A waiting game

11:15 , Michael Jones

We’re still waiting for the decisions from individual sporting bodies over whether this weekend’s fixtures and events will take place.

It feels as though no-one wants to be the first to decide which way to go and when one of the governing bodies announces their decision the rest will quickly follow.

The Premier League have been in discussions over postponements since 11am. The tight schedule due to the World Cup in November/December will undoubtably be a big factor in influencing their decision.

What’s going on with Rugby League?

11:10 , Michael Jones

The Rugby Football League have postponed Friday’s Betfred Championship fixture between Sheffield Eagles and Dewsbury Rams.

The first Super League elimination play-off between Catalans Dragons and Leeds will go ahead as it is taking place in Perpignan, France. A minute’s silence will take place before kick off, and both teams will wear black armbands.

The Super League Grand Final is scheduled for fortnight on Saturday and can’t or won’t be moved due to the availability at Old Trafford and the Rugby League World Cup coming up in October meaning the play-off games need to be played.

Further announcements about the weekend’s fixtures at all levels are set to be made “as soon as possible” according to the governing body.

Piers Morgan says sport should continue

11:05 , Michael Jones

Is Piers talking sense for once or is he wide of the mark again?

Premier League holds emergency meeting over whether to cancel weekend fixtures

11:00 , Michael Jones

The Premier League is holding an emergency meeting at 11am on Friday morning to decide whether fixtures will go ahead this weekend or be postponed following the death of the Queen.

Several sporting events across the UK have already been cancelled or postponed as the nation begins a period of official mourning, ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral which is expected to be held on Monday 19 September. Friday’s play at both the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and the Test match between England and South Africa at the Oval was suspended.

Manchester United’s European match with Real Sociedad and West Ham’s game against FCSB went ahead on Thursday evening after pre-match tributes. But the English Football League confirmed that Friday night’s Championship game between Burnley and Norwich and the League Two match between Tranmere and Stockport had been postponed, with a decision on Saturday’s fixtures yet to be made.

Premier League holds emergency meeting over whether to cancel weekend fixtures

Sport set to be cancelled for State Funeral

10:55 , Michael Jones

Official guidance recommends that sporting bodies and entertainment venues consider postponing events and closing venues on the day of the Queen’s State Funeral.

There is no obligation to cancel sporting events during the time of National Mourning. The guidance reads:

“There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period...

“As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral.”

At present the Queen’s funeral is believed to be taking place on Monday 19th September.

Ben Stokes would be honoured to play in Queen’s memory

10:50 , Michael Jones

England’s test match captain Ben Stokes responded to a question on Twitter which asked how people were feeling about having sport continue this weekend.

Stokes replied: “She loved sport, be honoured to play in her memory.”

His tweet comes after the ECB postponed Friday’s play in the third and final test match between England and South Africa at The Oval over respect to the departed sovereign.

Premier League and rest of sport to decide on schedules after Queen’s death

10:45 , Michael Jones

Organisers of the weekend’s sporting events are to be left to decide whether to postpone their schedules in the wake of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

Decisions on whether to go ahead will be made following consideration of official mourning guidance, set to be issued by the Cabinet Office.

However, it will be left to individual organisations to choose how to proceed and postponements will not be mandatory. A meeting involving representatives from sports governing bodies and the Government is scheduled for Friday morning.

Premier League and rest of sport to decide on schedules after Queen’s death

What’s happening with Tennis?

10:40 , Michael Jones

The US Open men’s and women’s singles finals are set to go ahead in New York across Saturday and Sunday night.

The tournament will pay tribute to the Queen with a moment of silence and a photo montage ahead of the first women’s semi-final on Thursday evening.

Tennis’ major stars have also sent condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal leading the way.

UK government says football can go ahead

10:35 , Michael Jones

The UK government has told football leagues that games can go ahead this weekend but has left the decision over postponements to individual governing bodies.

That means it is still unclear what the Premier League, EFL and Football Association — who organise the Women’s Super League — will choose to do.

In a statement titled ‘Guidance for the Period of National Mourning’, a statement reads:

“The decision as to whether sporting fixtures continue to go ahead is at the discretion of organisers. Organisers may wish to consider using black armbands and observing a silence before matches are played.”

The Premier League will then have a meeting at 11.00am to decide their course of action.

Boxing matches postponed today

10:30 , Michael Jones

The British Boxing Board of Control has announced that Friday’s scheduled matches have been postponed with a decision to be made later today over the weekend’s scheduled events including Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall.

Tour of Britain called off

10:25 , Michael Jones

The Tour of Britain was set to conclude on the Dorset coast and the Isle of Man this weekend but stage six on Friday in Gloucestershire, between Tewkesbury and Gloucester, was cancelled yesterday before the rest of the tour, which was set to finish on the Isle of Wight on Sunday, was called off entirely.

Will horse racing resume this weekend?

10:20 , Michael Jones

Queen Elizabeth II had a close affinity with horse racing and held a well-known love for the sport but following her death there are doubts about whether the St Leger Festival at Doncaster will resume on Saturday after all of Friday’s race meetings across the UK have been cancelled.

The Grand National went ahead in the days after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh last year, but sources close to the event suggested at the time that racing at Aintree would have been delayed in the event of the death of the Queen.

Former jockey Willie Carson, who rode the Queen’s Dumfermline to win the Fillies Triple in 1977 - her Silver Jubilee year – told the Daily Telegraph: “I think her biggest thrill was seeing the development of the racehorse she owned. Her horses were named so well, and she named them so well. Racing has lost a figurehead and she will never be replaced.”

Three-time champion jockey Frankie Dettori added: “I met her so many times and she was such a kind and knowledgeable lady who had such a passion for racing.

“It was an emotional feeling when you rode for her and it gave you an incredible sense of pride when you rode a winner in her colours. I had winners for her at Royal Ascot and over 50 for her in all.”

Horse racing meetings cancelled for Friday

10:15 , Michael Jones

Racing at Southwell and Chelmsford on Thursday evening was abandoned with the British Horseracing Authority also announcing that the meetings scheduled for Friday – including the third day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster – have also been cancelled.

The is no word yet as to whether horse racing will resume at the weekend.

Monza Grand Prix to go ahead

10:10 , Michael Jones

As it is a sporting event in a foreign country Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza will go ahead as scheduled with a minute’s silence planned before practice on Friday and another expected before the race.

Formula 1 also sent condolences to the Royal Family.

What’s happening with Rugby Union?

10:05 , Michael Jones

Yesterday, Northampton announced the postponement of their Premiership Rugby Cup clash against Saracens scheduled for Thursday evening.

The opening weekend of the Premiership season is scheduled to take place across Friday, Saturday and Sunday with no word yet as to whether the fixutres have been postponed. As of now they are all due to take place.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Rugby Union has postponed all domestic competitive games this weekend as a mark of respect and the women’s summer Test international between Scotland and Spain on Sunday is also off.

Premier League to discuss postponements this morning

10:00 , Michael Jones

Discussions are taking place this morning regarding the postponement of this weekend’s Premier League and EFL fixtures after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport are having an all-sports call at 9.30am where it is believed they will give guidance rather than an order of what to do.

Individual sporting bodies will then decide on a course of action with the Premier League scheduled to have a meeting at 11.00am on their decision.

BMW PGA Championship suspended

09:55 , Michael Jones

The PGA Championship got underway at Wentworth on Thursday but the decision was made to suspend play after news broke for the remainder of Round 1, with all facilities in the Championship Village closing with immediate effect.

Furthermore, the DP World Tour confirmed play would not resume on Friday either with the course and practice facilities to remain closed.

The European Tour said in a statement: “She truly was an inspiration to people the world over. Out of respect for Her Majesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags at Wentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast.”

However, there are hopes that the tournament will resume at some point over the weekend which could be as early as Saturday morning.

Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall in doubt after the Queen’s death

09:50 , Michael Jones

Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall’s middleweight world title fight is in doubt following the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

Organisers of the weekend’s sporting events in Britain are to be left to decide whether to postpone their schedules in the wake of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and Shields vs Marshall is among those scheduled events.

Shields and Marshall have been set to headline a fight card at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday night (10 September), in one of the biggest women’s boxing matches of all time, but the event’s promoter, Boxxer, has now suggested that the card could be cancelled.

“Out of the deepest respect, Friday’s scheduled official weigh-ins for BOXXER – LEGACY: Shields vs Marshall will now take place behind closed doors and will not be open to the media or to members of the public,” read an official statement.

Shields vs Marshall in doubt after the Queen’s death

DCMS communicating with sporting bodies

09:45 , Michael Jones

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is currently in conversation with sporting bodies around the country about the possibility of cancelling this weekend’s fixtures.

There are concerns over security, policing and, of course, what an ppropriate show of respect would be.

England vs South Africa cancelled

09:40 , Michael Jones

England’s final Test match of the summer began on Thursday against South Africa at the Oval although the match never got underway due to rain delays.

Friday’s play - which would have been day two of the test - along with all scheduled matches in the Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy, will not take place annouced the England and Wales Cricket Board.

There is a possibility of a four-day Test beginning on Saturday, but as England are due to fly to Pakistan on Wednesday for the Twenty20 series that starts in Karachi on September 20th that leaves little room to play with.

It is more likely that Saturday will be seen as day three with the test ending on Monday.

What’s happening with football?

09:34 , Michael Jones

Yesterday’s European matches took place following the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Manchester United’s Europa League fixture vs Real Sociedad went ahead on Thursday evening at Old Trafford and there was a minute’s silence before kick-off with the players wearing black armbands.

West Ham also played FCSB in their scheduled Europa Conference League match, with players wearing armbands and a minute’s silence was held before kick-off.

Arsenal and FC Zurich - who kicked off the first half before the news broke - held a minute’s silence at half-time to respect the Queen’s passing, with players wearing armbands in the second half.

It was decided yesterday that EFL matches scheduled for Friday, Burnley vs Norwich City and Tranmere Rovers vs Stockport County, have been called off with a decision over the rest of the weekend’s games set to be announced at some point today.

There are nine Premier League fixtures scheduled across the weekend, starting with the west London derby between Fulham and Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime but reports suggest the clubs expect those games to be called off.

Given the scheduling of the Qatar World Cup in November, there are few if any free windows in the season in which to rearrange fixtures if the Premier League is cancelled this weekend.

The opening weekend of the Women’s Super League was also set to take place this weekend as well as Football League fixtures across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

‘A truly remarkable woman’: Gary Lineker and Harry Kane lead sporting tributes after Queen’s death

09:24 , Luke Baker

Gary Lineker and Harry Kane led the tributes to the Queen following her death at the age of 96.

Buckingham Palace announced the news on Thursday evening.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” they said a statement. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Sport, as the rest of the nation, joined the mourning at an unprecedented time.

Play at the ongoing BMW PGA Championship was immediately suspended for the rest of the day after the news broke, with racing at Southwell and Chelmsford going the same way.

In Arsenal’s Europa League game at FC Zurich, both sets of players emerged for the second half and gathered around the centre circle for a minute’s silence.

Lineker tweeted: “Such a terribly sad day. Her Majesty The Queen has died. A truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace. A comforting ever present in the lives of most of us. Rest In Peace, Your Majesty.”

“The Queen was an amazing inspiration and will be remembered for her incredible years of service to this country.”

‘A truly remarkable woman’: Sport pays tribute after Queen’s death

Premier League and rest of sport to decide on schedules after Queen’s death

09:23 , Luke Baker

Organisers of the weekend’s sporting events are to be left to decide whether to postpone their schedules in the wake of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

Decisions on whether to go ahead will be made following consideration of official mourning guidance, set to be issued by the Cabinet Office.

However, it will be left to individual organisations to choose how to proceed and postponements will not be mandatory.

A meeting involving representatives from sports governing bodies and the Government is scheduled for Friday morning.

However, a number of sporting events listed for Friday have already been postponed following the death of Elizabeth II, 96, who was the nation’s longest-reigning monarch after serving as head of state for more than 70 years.

The England and Wales Cricket Board announced play in the men’s third Test between England and South Africa at The Oval would not take place, while the English Football League postponed two matches: Burnley v Norwich in the Championship and Tranmere v Stockport in League Two.

Premier League and rest of sport to decide on schedules after Queen’s death

Sport cancelled

09:21 , Luke Baker

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage as the world of sport makes decisions on cancellations and postponements following the death of Queen Elizaebth II.

The Premier League and EFL look set to cancel their fixtures this weekend as professional football in England will be postponed as a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

As the UK enters a period of national mourning, other sports will also be making a decision as to whether they will postpone their events this weekend and moving forward. Decisions regarding further postponements in the calendar are set to be determined following consideration of official mourning guidance, set to be issued by the Cabinet Office, but it is understood it will be left to individual sports event organisers to decide how to proceed - with postponements not being mandatory.

On Thursday evening, following the announcement from Buckingham Palace, the BMW PGA Championship golf event at Wentworth was immediately suspended and Friday’s play cancelled, while the ECB also called off day two of the England vs South Africa Test match at the Oval, which was scheduled for Friday.

Thursday evening’s Premiership Rugby Cup clash between Northampton Saints and Saracens was called off, while a decision will need to be made on the Gallagher Premiership season that was set to get underway this weekend. Elsewhere, Friday’s horse racing meetings in the UK have been cancelled and cycling’s Tour of Britain has been suspended but the F1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza will go ahead with a minute’s silence in honour of the Queen.

Stick with us for all the latest updates.