Mahela Jayawardene and Sri Lanka expect India response

The hosts outplayed India in the opening match of the three-Test series in Colombo, winning by an innings and 239 runs on Saturday.
"I am sure they are very disappointed after the first Test, but we know how good they are. They will definitely come very strong at us and we have to be prepared for that," Jayawardene said.
Sri Lanka owed their victory last week to spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, who shared 19 wickets to spark India's two collapses. Mendis was a revelation as he took eight wickets on his debut Test to provide valuable support to Muralitharan, the world's leading wicket-taker with 746 victims in 121 Tests.
Kenya are to be reported to the International Cricket Coucnil for abuse of the umpires in their final warm-up match before this weekend's World Twenty20 qualifying tournament in Belfast this weekend. The African side will compete with Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Holland and Bermuda.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/srilanka/2476745/Mahela-Jayawardene-and-Sri-Lanka-expect-India-response----cricket.html

AFC Challenge Cup’08- Team Profile: India

The History India is most frequently associated with the sport of cricket but any expedition into the nation would reveal that football is rapidly encrypting itself into the people’s DNA. Not that football is something new for the Indians. India qualified (by default, after their opponents withdrew) for the 1950 World Cup but since the players did not wear football boots, they were not allowed to participate in the competition by FIFA. Although India have since then never come even remotely close to qualifying for the football World Cup, they have established themselves as one of the giants in South Asian football. India finished in an enviable fourth pace at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and won the gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games. That was the golden period in Indian football as the national team reached the semi-finals of the next two Asian games. India also finished runners-up in the Asian Cup in 1964. The nation then agonizingly went through a barren patch but the nation managed to rise to the surface in the 1990s. India won the South Asian Football Federation Cup in 1993, 1997 and 1999 and then again in 2005 and finished runners-up in 1995 and 2008. India won the Nehru Cup in 2007 and reached the quarter-finals in the AFC Challenge Cup in 2006. India also won the LG Cup in Vietnam in 2002 under Stephen Constantine. The Indian national football team is affectionately termed as the Bhangra Boys. The squad is also known as the Wonder Boys and in recent times have come to be acknowledged as the Men In Blue(because of the blue colour of their shirt). At the moment India are ranked 153 in the world. The Squad Goalkeepers: Subrata Pal, Subhashish Chowdhary, Arindam Bhattacharya. Defenders: Surkumar Singh, Mahesh Gawli, Deepak Mondal, Anwar Ali, Gouramangi Singh, Syed Nabi, Sameer Naik Midfielders: N P Pradeep, Climax Lawrence, Renedy Singh, Clifford Miranda, Krishnan Ajayan, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Bungo Singh, Steven Dias Strikers: Bhaichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri, Abhishek Yadav, Tarif Ahmed, Sushil Kumar Singh Key Players Subrata Pal: India boast of one of the most capable goalkeepers in the AFC Challenge Cup’08 in Subrata Pal. He is currently the number one both for India and for his club Kingfisher East Bengal. Pal is known for his sharp reflexes and aggression and was one of the best players at the Nehru Cup 2007. Deepak Kumar Mondal: Deepak Mondal is a rock in the defence for India and is one of the best in the nation. The Mohun Bagan defender is expected to be at his best for India in the competition. Mahesh Gawli: Mahesh Gawli plays as a defender and the Dempo star has to remain strong as ever in front of the Indian citadel for his team to progress far in the competition. Climax Lawrence: Dempo midfielder Climax Lawrence is one of the best medios for India and shall be in starting line-up. He is a very responsible player who can be intelligently effective. Naduparampil Pappachen Pradeep: NP Pradeep is just 25 years of age but has already established himself in the starting line-up for India. He is a talented and skillful midfielder who has performing consistently for India since his debut for the national side in 2004. Mehrajuddin Wadoo: Mehrajuddin Wadoo is a Kashmiri footballer who has developed to be one of the best in the country. He is a versatile player who can play as a defender, a striker or a midfielder but he is usually deployed as an attacking midfielder both for East Bengal and for India. P.Renedy Singh: Renedy Singh is a veteran midfielder and is a much respected and loved figure in the Indian football scenario. He plays for JCT at the moment and shall be a threat for any team from the left side of the Indian midfield. Sunil Chhetri: Sunil Chetri is the darling of several Indian football followers and has been the find of Indian footballer in the last few years. The AIFF Player of the Year 2007 striker is known for his ball control, dribbling, shooting and work ethic and has been playing for India since 2004. He has already gelled in previous international competitions for India and the AFC Challenge Cup’08 could be one more tournament in which he exhibits his skills. Abhishek Yadav: Abhishek Yadav is also going to be an important part of the India set-up for the AFC Challenge Cup. The Mumbai FC striker is the tallest Indian footballer and is expected to be a star of the tournament. Tarif Ahmed: Tarif Ahmed is a recent call-up to the Indian national football team and scored in all the friendly matches that India played in Portugal recently. He is an upcoming talent that could come in handy in the competition. Baichung Bhutia: Baiching Bhutia is acknowledged as one of the best players in India and is lauded for bring Indian football onto the international arena. The Mohun Bagan striker is the current Indian national team captain and has been playing for the country since 1997. He has featured in 55 matches and has scored 21 goals and is the nation’s most capped player as well as the highest goalscorer. India’s hopes of winning the AFC Challenge Cup’08 very much rests on his shoulders. The Coach The Indian national football team is coached by Robert Douglas Houghton. He is popularly known in India as Bob Houghton and hails from England. Bob Houghton had a pretty much decent playing career as he featured for Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion and even managed Hastings United in the Southern League when he was just 21 years of age and was still playing for the club. He then managed Maidstone United and was assistant to (sir) Bobby Robson at Ipswich Town. After coaching several club sides outside England, including Malmo, At-Ittihad and FC Zurich, and the Chinese and Uzbekistan national football team, Bob Houghton landed in India in June 2006 and was an instant hit. Bob Houghton mingled with the Indian national footballers very well and slowly but steadily seeped in the foreign ideas of coaching into the Indian scenario. He guided India to Nehru Cup triumph in August 2007 but suffered a slight disappointment when India lost to Maldives in the final of the SAFF Cup in 2008. Bob Houghton is well respected within the Indian football community and the players like him very much, insisting that Houghton is someone who understands the players very well and treats them in likewise manner too. Recent Form India lost the final of the SAFF Cup 2008 in June to Maldives 1-0 in what was quite a disappointment for a nation that is considered as a heavyweight in South Asian football. The Indian national squad then traveled to Portugal for three friendly matches with local clubs and won all those matches. They beat Gouvela Select 2-0 with goals from Climax Lawrence and Tarif Ahmed. In their next match in Portugal, India beat GD Gafanha 3-2 at Estadio da Gafanha, thanks to goals from Bengo Singh, Sunil Chetri and Tarif Ahmed. India ended their Portugal adventure on a high by thrashing Gouveia Xi 4-0 with goals from Abhishek Yadav, Sunil Chetri and Tarif Ahmed. India lifted the first Gouveia Cup instituted by Mayor Alvaro Amaro. India then played a warm-up match for the AFC Challenge Cup in Hyderabad against Malaysia. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Subhankar Mondal Goal.com

Cricket: Sri Lanka captain backs review trial

COLOMBO (AFP) — Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has backed a new experimental rule allowing players to seek a second opinion on umpiring decisions, saying it has succeeded in cutting down mistakes.

Sri Lanka benefitted four times under the rule during the opening Test against India here before winning by a record innings and 239 runs on Saturday to gain a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

The rule, on trial in the ongoing series, allows a batsman or fielding captain to request a review of any decision by referring it to the third official monitoring television replays.
"I am all for it, not because most of the referrals went our way but because we managed to rectify obvious mistakes," Jayawardene said after the match.

Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan was the first beneficiary. He was on one when initially given out caught by umpire Mark Benson of England on Thursday, but asked the official to review the decision.

Benson consulted TV umpire Rudi Koertzen of South Africa before changing his decision. Dilshan went on to score 125 not out.

Indian batsmen Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid were initially given not out by on-field officials, who changed their decisions after consulting the TV umpire.
"We need not think negatively about it. If it was not there, we probably would have had four bad decisions go against us in this match," said the Sri Lankan skipper.

"The decisions of both Tendulkar and Dravid were tough for the umpires, especially when you have (Muttiah) Muralitharan and (Ajantha) Mendis going at the batsmen on these kinds of tracks."

Off-spin maverick Muralitharan was named man of the match for grabbing 11 wickets, while debutant spinner Mendis took eight wickets.

"It is very good. No team can complain that they lost because of bad decisions," said Muralitharan, the world's leading wicket-taker with 746 scalps in 121 Tests.
Defeated India captain Anil Kumble said it was too early to comment on the rule.
"A couple of calls were negated, but I think it is something that we will have to take forward. It is a bit too early to comment," he said.

A top International Cricket Council (ICC) official recently said here he did not believe the rule would undermine the on-field umpires' authority as their word was still "final".
"It is an extension of the appeal. It doesn't undermine their roles. Their skill as umpires is still paramount. They have to make the decision (after consulting the TV umpire)," said ICC general manager Dave Richardson.

"I am confident it will work quite well. We must not forget what the real objective of this process is -- and that is to avoid obvious and clear mistakes."
Each team is allowed three unsuccessful review requests per innings but if one is successful they will get an additional appeal.

The rule applies for all dismissals except "timed out" when an incoming batsman is out if he takes too long to arrive at the crease after the fall of the previous wicket.
The second Test starts in Galle on Thursday. source:http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hH_8K1Wh4BcP9ZW7RdQBehU6mMVg

T20 Champions League put off: Modi

Cricket's multi-million dollar Twenty20 Champions League has been postponed, an Indian official said on Friday, amid reports of wrangling over terms and conditions. The inaugural football-style League, featuring the top two Twenty20 domestic sides from England, Australia, South Africa, India and possibly Pakistan, was to be held across India between September 30 and October 8. Indian cricket official Lalit Modi, who organised the hugely successful Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition earlier this year, said the Champions League would be held at a later date. "There is no plan to shelve the tournament but the dates will be finalised after the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in September," Modi was quoted as saying in the local media. Modi declined to elaborate, but media reports blamed the delay on disagreements between the participating nations over eligibility, timing and financial terms. The 10-million dollar event was to take place in the short 11-day gap between the Champions Trophy final in Pakistan on September 28 and the first Test between Australia and India in Bangalore from October 9. Cricket Australia, tasked with finalising the playing conditions of the Champions League, was reportedly unhappy that the dates clashed with Australia's only warm-up match on the Indian tour before the first Test. India's demand for a 50 percent financial stake in the League was also opposed by other nations, reports said. India also insisted that English counties that fielded players signed up with the unauthorised Indian Cricket League would not be allowed to take part in the Champions League. The Indian board does not recognise the ICL, which was started last year by Zee Telefilms, India's leading listed media house, under the chairmanship of former World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev. At least two of the four English counties due to play in the semi-finals of the domestic Twenty20 Cup on Saturday feature ICL players. England has said it cannot bar ICL players, fearing legal action over restraint of trade.

Source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/Story/5063/-t20-champions-league-put-off:-modi/

Australian players urged to pullout of Champions Trophy

Australia's cricketers should pull out of September's Champions Trophy in Pakistan despite a decision to go ahead with the tournament, the players' association said Friday. The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) said the security risks of travelling to troubled Pakistan were too great, and it would advise its cricketers against playing in the biennial event. The International Cricket Council decided Thursday to keep the Champions Trophy in Pakistan but said it will appoint a commission to ensure security. The ICC's executive board held a teleconference to discuss the possibility of moving the premier tournament because of security fears raised by Australia, England and New Zealand. But the ACA said despite the ICC's measures, it will maintain its recommendation to Australia's cricketers not to play in Pakistan. "The ACA continues to have serious concerns with our players touring Pakistan for the Champions Trophy and we are disappointed with the ICC's decision," ACA chief executive Paul Marsh said in a statement. "We are seeking clarity on the purpose and role of the proposed task force, so we are unable to comment on it at this stage. "Based on the independent information and advice received, we maintain that the risks are simply too great for the ACA to recommend that our players tour Pakistan at this time. "We would expect Cricket Australia to adopt the same position," he said. The year's biggest one-day tournament, featuring the top eight one-day nations, is due to be held in Pakistan from September 11 to 28, with Australia as the defending champions. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat sought to allay fears players might pull out of the event, saying the council would do all in its power to ensure their safety. But Marsh said the ICC's decision was not a good outcome for cricket. "If it (the tournament) continues in Pakistan at this volatile time, unfortunately many of the world's best players won't participate, which is not a good outcome for cricket," he said. Cricket Australia, which makes the final decision on whether to take part in the tournament, was expected to make a statement later Friday. Australia postponed a full tour of Pakistan in March-April this year due to the security situation. However, they agreed to reschedule the tour in two visits -- one-dayers in 2009 and Tests in 2010. Pakistan is fighting Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants in its northwestern tribal regions bordering Afghanistan and has suffered a string of deadly suicide bomb attacks in the last year which have killed more than 1,000 people.

source: http://www.cricbuzz.com/component/latest_cricket_news/Story/5061/-australian-players-urged-to-pullout/

Ton-up Dilshan prolongs India's agony

COLOMBO — Tillakaratne Dilshan completed a century as Sri Lanka posted a massive 552-6 in their first innings at lunch on the third day of the opening Test against India here on Friday.
The middle-order batsman (102 not out) reached his fifth Test hundred in the last over before the break when he swung off-spinner Harbhajan Singh over mid-wicket for a four. Chaminda Vaas was unbeaten on one.
Dilshan became the fourth Sri Lankan to crack a century after skipper Mahela Jayawardene, Malinda Warnapura and Thilan Samaraweera. The hosts added 130 to their overnight total of 422-4.
It was an ordeal in the field for India for the second successive day as the tourists continued to struggle for wickets on a flat track at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground.
India got their first wicket when Samaraweera (127) cut left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan straight to Venkatsai Laxman at gully. The batsman added 16 to his overnight score of 111, hitting 18 fours in his 224-ball knock.
Dilshan made the most of the reprieve he earned on Thursday under a new experimental rule allowing players to seek a second opinion on umpiring decisions.
He was on one when given out caught behind off Zaheer by umpire Mark Benson of England, but asked the official to review the decision.
Benson consulted TV umpire Rudi Koertzen of South Africa before changing his decision as the ball had not made contact with the bat.
Dilshan gathered runs comfortably against a tiring Indian attack, playing attractive shots during his 146-ball knock containing one six and 10 fours.
He struck the first six of the morning, swinging leg-spinner Anil Kumble over deep square-leg and then driving the next ball through the covers for a four. He added 91 for the sixth wicket with Prasanna Jayawardene (30).
None of the Indian bowlers has so far looked impressive against the Sri Lankan batsmen. Pacemen Ishant Sharma and Zaheer, and spinners Harbhajan and Kumble each has conceded more than 100 runs.
Source: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jHJu5MwCPL66RbEkNL2eoYFtFWxw

ECB leave England in 50-over mire

By Scyld Berry
Last Updated: 12:23am BST 20/07/2008

Successful England teams: this is the objective of our governing body, the England and Wales Cricket Board. They used to want England to be No 1 in Test and one-day cricket by 2007, then by 2009; but those honourable intentions have been revised downwards to plain 'successful'. Still, that is no reason why England followers should be forced to accept second best. Or rather fifth best, which is what England were at the last World Cup.

Not since 1992, indeed, have England been one of the top four countries at a World Cup. Successful? A team who aren't an international embarrassment at 50-over cricket would be a start, and there is still no sign of that, England having been whopped 3-1 by New Zealand home and away.

Last week, when the ECB decided on a new domestic structure, the county chairmen last week had the opportunity to do something about the abysmal state of 50-over cricket in England - and did absolutely nothing. England are the only one of the eight major cricket-playing countries never to have won a global tournament (the World Cup or Champions Trophy) and the ECB, by their actions, are manifestly happy for it to stay that way. They want to line their pockets with two 20-over competitions. A successful England team at 50-over cricket? Empty words.

The first-class counties are free to play 20-over cricket until hell freezes over, and then to play 20-over cricket on the ice - provided they pay their own way. But they don't: even if/when new money pours in to the English Premier League, the counties will still rely for half their revenue on the £30?million generated by the England team. Yet the county chairmen call the tune.

A conscientious government would haul up the governing body of an under-performing sport who react to four World Cup embarrassments in a row by maintaining the status quo. It's no use arguing that 50-over is going to be wiped out by Twenty20. India will play 50-over internationals as long as there are a hundred advertisement breaks in every game.

England will play seven one-dayers in India in November, and you can already hear the breast-beating that will take place when England are overwhelmed, but now is the time to do something about it. World Cups until 2015 are integral to the International Cricket Council's broadcasting deal; and the 2019 tournament has been promised to England, so the ECB aren't going to look that gift horse in the mouth.

If the ECB staged a domestic 50-over competition in July and August, with time for the players to practise, England might have a chance of winning a World Cup. As it is, they don't.
Exploiting the 20 overs of powerplay is essential to a 'successful' 50-over team. But how can that be done on early-season pitches when survival has to be the aim, not power?

Match-winning spin is another essential if a World Cup is to be won, especially the next one in Asia. In this year's Friends Provident Trophy only two spinners have taken four wickets in an innings: both modest off-spinners born several thousand miles from Britain, Gareth Breese and Greg Lamb.

Was complacency the correct response last week? Or a 50-over competition played in high season on hard pitches, in place of the second 20-over competition, which could have unforeseen consequences. Younger players could get into bad habits by playing so much 20-over cricket. Spectators, too, could get hacked off.

The county chairmen have not done what is in the best interests of English cricket. The ECB should change their wording to read: "successful England teams - except in one-day internationals". By their fruit we shall know them - and it is fruit which has been designed, by self-interest, never to ripen. source: telegraph.co.uk

Mahilpur the 'football village' of Punjab

ANI

By Karan Kapoor
Mahilpur (Punjab), July 15 (ANI): Punjab has produced many football players of national fame. And village Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur district's is known for its long association with the football.
The passion for football lives on in people even long after it was introduced in the village by Harbhajan Singh, a school principal, in 1920's.

The village boasts of producing great players of repute like Jarnail Singh, Gurdev Singh, Chaudhary Ram Kishan, and the tradition lives on in the young enthusiasts of today.
"There is a culture of football in this area. Every village has its own football ground, no other sport is given much priority be it cricket or any other game. Only football is given importance here," said Ali Jasna, Coach.

The village holds a number of annual tournaments and provides the players with an opportunity to showcase and hone their skills.
Love for the game comes naturally to the people of Mahilpur. For many, it is a family tradition passed on from generation to generation.

The young enthusiasts feel there is a lot of scope for football in India, with so many clubs opening up, which provide the players with an excellent opportunity to further their careers.
"There is good scope for football here which give good money to the players. If one pursues football with studies, it could be very beneficial," said Amandeep Singh, a budding Football Player.

There are now plans of setting up a football stadium in the village so as to provide the youth with better facilities.

The sport has become quite popular in the country and with the advent of international football clubs in India like JCT, there is a good scope for sports enthusiasts wanting to pursue football. (ANI)

Pakistan cricket needs the right balance

by Imran Farooqi

Pakistan cricket's unabashed flirt with controversies continues unabated as it enters a fresh season. The nation was still struggling to come to terms with Shoaib Akhtar's suspension from the game when Mohammad Asif, the former's pace partner, joined him on the sidelines. This time it is not some recurring injury -- as is usually the case with Pakistan's pace merchants -- but an action that has further dented the nation's falling image.Though Asif has been released by the UAE authorities as the 'charge' of keeping in possession a contraband substance has not been proved, everybody knows very well that it could only be Islamabad's excellent relationship with the Emirates' royalty that has made the release possible.The bowler did admit carrying the drug which he said was prescribed by a Hakeem for some ailment. Does he think people here in Pakistan and the world over are so naive that they would believe what he has to say? In an era where international players and athletes are updated regularly on drugs and the consequences of their potential use, he's behaving like an innocent kid who does not a bit about anything.Today all sportspersons -- no matter where they come from and what sport they play -- are well aware of substances they can't use. Asif is telling us that he did not know the drug he was carrying on his person was a banned one! Unfortunately, such an irresponsible sort of excuse could only have come from a Pakistan cricketer. These players who are supposed to act as role models and set standards for others are turning out to be plain villains with utter disregard for moral values.It is most regrettable that the Pakistan Cricket Board spends millions of rupees on getting its players fit for international assignments, but when it's time to deliver these so-called stars just fail and come up with reasons that fall well short of making sense. The PCB took all pains to ensure Shoaib Akhtar does have a fruitful and lasting career, but the latter -- through his reckless and ill-timed actions -- have always brought embarrassment to his supporters. As if this was not enough we have Asif following in his footsteps though the two might not be on talking terms with each other.In spite of having a number of good fast and slow bowlers Pakistan is not able to groom them properly mainly because of the uncertainty surrounding the careers of the country's premier pacers. Shoaib and Asif's absence does make a difference, but Pakistan has won without these two in recent past, and can do it again.It's time the PCB gets a clear message across to the players that any action that puts the nation's integrity in question is not at all acceptable. The sad thing is that players hailing from other countries know it by default, but here we have to teach such things. Talent-wise Pakistan and Australian players are almost equal, but what makes the latter stand out is their scientific approach to the game and the pride they take in representing their homeland.Unless every player knows is his responsibilities to his country it will be difficult to turn things around. To make this happen the PCB will have to take steps it's afraid to take. This includes making a final decision on Shoaib and Asif. Pakistan is currently playing without them and won't do worse in any case. It's time to swallow the bitter pill if the PCB keeps the country's image anywhere close to its heart.Already there are reports of differences between the captain and selectors. Although the two parties have denied these one thing is quite clear that the current side could not be termed a balanced one. The opening dilemma continues to dog Pakistan, and short of options the skipper has been forced to open the innings -- something he has done previously without encouraging results.Malik is a very good all-round player, but expecting him to open in limited-over games with success is asking for too much indeed. By doing this we are only compounding issues. He already has too much on his plate. Currently he's struggling to establish a competitive squad, and by adding the task of opening to his existing workload the team management is only making his job more difficult.Shahid Afridi's batting spot remains a riddle. He is bowling very well and his fielding abilities can't be questioned, yet his batting certainly is not upto the mark. He usually bats at No 6 and 7, and when he comes in either there is no time to settle and build the innings. Or, in the worst scenario, his side are already in deep trouble looking to him to repair the damage.In the first case he's supposed to walk in and throw his bat around straightaway to accumulate runs no matter how they come as long they come. In such a case anything can happen as it's not easy to score quick runs without taking a few risks. In the second he's supposed to stay at the crease and do some grafting work which is again not his forte and a more difficult task for he does not like to get bogged down.Though he may not be a sensible bet against the Aussies and Proteas because of their methodical approach to the game and also because these two sides do have plans to counter all sorts of threats from the opposing players, against teams like India, England, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand Afridi will always have a better chance because once hit around their bowlers tend to lose way and that's where there can't be a better choice than Afridi.In short Pakistan needs to get its balance right. At the right time the right player must be used and that's what makes a coach and captain great. It's their ability to act quickly and act right that brings success. The Pakistan think-tank must sit down and come up with a plan that is flexible yet effective and where every player knows what role he's required to play. source: http://www.geosuper.tv/articles.asp?id=365

Pakistan cricket needs the right balance

by Imran Farooqi

Pakistan cricket's unabashed flirt with controversies continues unabated as it enters a fresh season. The nation was still struggling to come to terms with Shoaib Akhtar's suspension from the game when Mohammad Asif, the former's pace partner, joined him on the sidelines. This time it is not some recurring injury -- as is usually the case with Pakistan's pace merchants -- but an action that has further dented the nation's falling image.Though Asif has been released by the UAE authorities as the 'charge' of keeping in possession a contraband substance has not been proved, everybody knows very well that it could only be Islamabad's excellent relationship with the Emirates' royalty that has made the release possible.The bowler did admit carrying the drug which he said was prescribed by a Hakeem for some ailment. Does he think people here in Pakistan and the world over are so naive that they would believe what he has to say? In an era where international players and athletes are updated regularly on drugs and the consequences of their potential use, he's behaving like an innocent kid who does not a bit about anything.Today all sportspersons -- no matter where they come from and what sport they play -- are well aware of substances they can't use. Asif is telling us that he did not know the drug he was carrying on his person was a banned one! Unfortunately, such an irresponsible sort of excuse could only have come from a Pakistan cricketer. These players who are supposed to act as role models and set standards for others are turning out to be plain villains with utter disregard for moral values.It is most regrettable that the Pakistan Cricket Board spends millions of rupees on getting its players fit for international assignments, but when it's time to deliver these so-called stars just fail and come up with reasons that fall well short of making sense. The PCB took all pains to ensure Shoaib Akhtar does have a fruitful and lasting career, but the latter -- through his reckless and ill-timed actions -- have always brought embarrassment to his supporters. As if this was not enough we have Asif following in his footsteps though the two might not be on talking terms with each other.In spite of having a number of good fast and slow bowlers Pakistan is not able to groom them properly mainly because of the uncertainty surrounding the careers of the country's premier pacers. Shoaib and Asif's absence does make a difference, but Pakistan has won without these two in recent past, and can do it again.It's time the PCB gets a clear message across to the players that any action that puts the nation's integrity in question is not at all acceptable. The sad thing is that players hailing from other countries know it by default, but here we have to teach such things. Talent-wise Pakistan and Australian players are almost equal, but what makes the latter stand out is their scientific approach to the game and the pride they take in representing their homeland.Unless every player knows is his responsibilities to his country it will be difficult to turn things around. To make this happen the PCB will have to take steps it's afraid to take. This includes making a final decision on Shoaib and Asif. Pakistan is currently playing without them and won't do worse in any case. It's time to swallow the bitter pill if the PCB keeps the country's image anywhere close to its heart.Already there are reports of differences between the captain and selectors. Although the two parties have denied these one thing is quite clear that the current side could not be termed a balanced one. The opening dilemma continues to dog Pakistan, and short of options the skipper has been forced to open the innings -- something he has done previously without encouraging results.Malik is a very good all-round player, but expecting him to open in limited-over games with success is asking for too much indeed. By doing this we are only compounding issues. He already has too much on his plate. Currently he's struggling to establish a competitive squad, and by adding the task of opening to his existing workload the team management is only making his job more difficult.Shahid Afridi's batting spot remains a riddle. He is bowling very well and his fielding abilities can't be questioned, yet his batting certainly is not upto the mark. He usually bats at No 6 and 7, and when he comes in either there is no time to settle and build the innings. Or, in the worst scenario, his side are already in deep trouble looking to him to repair the damage.In the first case he's supposed to walk in and throw his bat around straightaway to accumulate runs no matter how they come as long they come. In such a case anything can happen as it's not easy to score quick runs without taking a few risks. In the second he's supposed to stay at the crease and do some grafting work which is again not his forte and a more difficult task for he does not like to get bogged down.Though he may not be a sensible bet against the Aussies and Proteas because of their methodical approach to the game and also because these two sides do have plans to counter all sorts of threats from the opposing players, against teams like India, England, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand Afridi will always have a better chance because once hit around their bowlers tend to lose way and that's where there can't be a better choice than Afridi.In short Pakistan needs to get its balance right. At the right time the right player must be used and that's what makes a coach and captain great. It's their ability to act quickly and act right that brings success. The Pakistan think-tank must sit down and come up with a plan that is flexible yet effective and where every player knows what role he's required to play. source: http://www.geosuper.tv/articles.asp?id=365

Gambhir replaces Jaffer; Ojha edges out Chawla

Mumbai: Delhi opening batsman Gautam Gambhir made his way mack into the Indian Test squad, while Pragyan Ojha got the nod ahead of Piyush Chawla for the series in Sri Lanka.


The selectors named a 15-man squad here, which included Zaheer Khan, back from injury, and Harbhajan Singh, who will see action again after his rather inglorious IPL exit.


The squad: Anil Kumble (capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag (vice-capt), Gautam Gambhir, Pragyaj Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, Rohit Sharma, Parthiv Patel, RP Singh.

source: www.cricketnext.com

हमें श्रीलंका दौरे में ढूंढना होगा मेंडिस का तोड़ : धोनी

कराची : श्रीलंका के अबूझ स्पिनर अजंता मेंडिस के सामने एशिया कप क्रिकेट टूर्नामेंट के फाइनल में पस्त हुई भारतीय टीम के जेहन में अभी भी इस जादुई स्पिनर का खौफ इस कदर छाया है कि भारत की वन डे टीम के कप्तान महेंद्र सिंह धोनी ने आगामी श्रीलंका दौरे में इस अद्भुत स्पिनर की काट ढूंढने की बात तक कह डाली है। एशिया कप के फाइनल में रविवार को 13 रन देकर छह विकेट लेकर मेंडिस ने भारत के एशियाई चैंपियन बनने का ख्वाब चकनाचूर कर दिया था। मेंडिस की घूमती गेंदों के सामने भारतीय बल्लेबाज 'ता थैया ता थैया' करते नजर आए।

फाइनल में हार के बाद धोनी ने माना कि उनके बल्लेबाजों ने श्रीलंका स्पिनर अजंता मेंडिस की गेंदों को समझने में भूल की और घातक गलतियां करते हुए अपने विकेट गंवाए। धोनी ने फाइनल मैच के बाद कहा, 'हमारे बल्लेबाज मेंडिस की गेंदों को बिल्कुल भी नहीं समझ सके। मेंडिस ने निस्संदेह शानदार गेंदबाजी की, लेकिन स्पिन खेलने के अनुभवी हमारे बल्लेबाजों को उन्हें सतर्कता के साथ खेलना चाहिए था। मगर वे ऐसा करने में नाकाम रहे और यही हमारी हार का सबसे बड़ा कारण रहा। भारतीय टीम श्रीलंका दौरे में इस अबूझ स्पिनर की काट ढूंढने में लग गई है।'

धोनी ने कहा, 'मेंडिस अबूझ गेंदबाज बन गए हैं। हमें श्रीलंका दौरे में उनका तोड़ ढूंढना होगा। हमारे लिए राहत की बात यही है कि श्रीलंका दौरे में हमें पहले टेस्ट मैच खेलना है और टेस्ट टीम में हमारे पास काफी अनुभवी बल्लेबाज हैं। मेंडिस ऐसे गेंदबाज हैं, जो बल्लेबाजों को असहाय कर देते हैं। टीम इंडिया श्रीलंका दौरे से पहले मेंडिस की गेंदबाजी की वीडियो फुटेज देखेगी, ताकि उनके गेंदबाजी एक्शन को समझा जा सके। फाइनल में हमारे बल्लेबाज मेंडिस की गेंदों को समझने में भूल कर बैठे। जब कभी वह गेंद को फ्लाइट देते तो वह गुगली होती थीं या ऑफ स्पिनर। लेकिन जब वह फ्लैट गेंद डालते थे, तो वह लेग स्पिन होती थी। बड़ी अबूझ गेंदें थी वे।'

भारत को कोलंबो में 23 जुलाई से तीन टेस्ट मैचों की सीरीज खेलनी है। पहला टेस्ट कोलंबो में खेला जाएगा। टेस्ट सीरीज के बाद पांच वन डे मैचों की सीरीज खेली जाएगी। भारत टेस्ट सीरीज के लिए बुधवार को टीम की घोषणा होगी और इस टीम में सचिन तेंडुलकर, सौरभ गांगुली, राहुल दविड़ और वी. वी. एस. लक्ष्मण जैसे अनुभवी खिलाडि़यों के होने से भारत को मेंडिस की काट खोजने में आसानी होगी। इन सबके बावजूद अनुभवी अनिल कुंबले की नेतृत्व वाली टीम इंडिया को मेंडिस की काट के लिए होमवर्क तो करना ही होगा।

Issue of taking rest would be known in a few days: Dhoni

MUMBAI: India's ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was non-committal about reports that he may skip the Test series against Sri Lanka later this month to take some much-needed break, saying the situation would be clear in a couple of days.

"In India and the subcontinent we have a full year of cricket and there's no off-season. It's tough for cricketers. When we want rest we should get it," India's limited overs captain said on Monday.

"BCCI has said that we can take rest whenever we want which I think is a very good policy," he said.

When asked whether he intended to take a break by opting out of the three-Test series in sri Lanka he said, "You will come to know that in a couple of days' time"

Dhoni insisted that he was fully fit during the Asia Cup that concluded in Karachi on Sunday.

"Since last series there's been no problem (on the fitness front). I have no (fitness) problem presently as well," said the swashbuckling wicket keeper batsman.

Dhoni did not read too much into the Indian team's losses in the two finals that it had contested recently, against Pakistan in the tri-series tournament in Dhaka and against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.

"Winning or losing can happen, but it's important to put in your best at all tinmes. If you still lose then there's little you can do about it," he said.

Defending the ODI team's inconsistent display, the Ranchi-born Dhoni said the team was short on international experience at the moment but would improve with time.

Looking ahead to the series against Sri Lanka in the Emerald Isle, Dhoni said he expected a tough battle between the two teams while adding that the return of experienced campaigners, Test captain Anil Kumble and off spinner Harbhajan Singh would prop up the attack.

"Sri Lanka is a tough place to play but we will be prepared and we hope to do well. We will have Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh returning which will be a big boost," he said.

India are to start the full tour of Lanka with a Test series which will be followed by five ODIs against the hosts.

Asked about celebrating his birthday away from his family he said, "I miss my family, but as a professional cricketer it's not always possible to spend birthdays with the family. I have not been there (Ranchi) for a long time and am looking forward to spend some time there over the next few days," Dhoni said.

He was also full of praise for Sachin Tendulkar's contribution to the team's efforts when asked about his own brand value for endorsements which currently rivals that of the champion batsman's.

"I cherish the time I have spent with him. He's a great player who's shared his experience with us and guided the whole team throughout."

Source: http://cricket.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/3207870.cms

Dhoni wary of Mendis threat for Sri Lanka tour

KARACHI (Reuters) - India's limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes Sri Lanka's new bowling weapon, unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis, will provide the sternest of tests for his side on their impending tour of the island.

Playing in just his eighth international, Mendis used a dizzying array of deliveries to rip through the Indian batting order with figures of 6-13 as Sri Lanka eased to a 100-run victory in the Asia Cup final in Pakistan on Sunday.

The 23-year-old was recognised as the man of the tournament for his 17-wicket contribution and his impact was highlighted by India's explosive wicketkeeper-batsman.

"He is a difficult bowler and we will have to prepare ourselves for him in the coming series," Dhoni said after the final.

"The good thing is that we will be playing the test matches first and we have experienced batsmen in the test side," he added.

"The burden of scoring off him quickly will not be there and we will get time to get used to him."

India open a three-match tour of Sri Lanka with the first test in Colombo on July 23 before embarking on a five-match one-day international series.

Source: http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-34404420080707

Pakistan court lifts ban on fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar

The Lahore High Court on Friday lifted an 18-month ban on Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for indiscipline.

Although the court lifted the suspension, it did not withdraw the seven million rupees ($101,000) fine imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board appellate tribunal last month.
The PCB handed the volatile fast bowler a five-year ban in April for several instances of indiscipline and violating the conditions of a two-year probation.
The tribunal later reduced the suspension to 18 months with a fine.

Source: www.rediff.com

Kirsten asked to stop match-specific columns

July 3, 2008, The BCCI hasn't taken very kindly to Gary Kirsten's match comments

The BCCI has restricted the India coach Gary Kirsten from writing columns on matches involving India but made it clear that it did not have any problems with him operating his website. Kirsten, for instance, isn't allowed to comment on the team's preparations and strategies, as well as his feedback on the performance at the end of the game.
"As far his website goes he [Kirsten] had already made us aware of that before he took over as the coach. We have no objection to that", Ratnakar Shetty, the BCCI's chief operating officer, told Cricinfo.
Shetty said the board had explained to Kirsten that besides the national captain, no-one was permitted to express his views in the media in any form. "He has been conveyed the message that he can't write columns related to the pre-and post-match, especially when India are playing," Shetty said.
Recently Dilip Vengsarkar, the chief selector, had to stop writing a long-standing column after the board took hard objection to the matter.
Kirsten, along with his assistant Paddy Upton (the mental conditioning coach and trainer) have been writing columns on garykirsten.com, but Kirsten's comments that dealt with selection issues seemed to have rubbed on the wrong side of the board. Kirsten's previous column, published on June 25, touched on the issue of having a rotation policy to keep the players refreshed in an already packed season.
"One of my most important tasks as head coach will be to implement a rotation policy for the national squads in order to keep our best players rested and fresh," Kirsten wrote. "It won't be easy - it never is - but I'm sure there is a sufficient level of maturity and understanding among the players to accept that there is simply too much cricket for any single player to perform at his best all the time.
"Mahendra Singh Dhoni [the Indian ODI and Twenty20 captain] is probably the most obvious example of a man needing a break. In my own experience, by the time a player is feeling tired or 'flat', it is already too late to rest him. The rest needs to happen before fatigue sets in."

Source: www.cricinfo.com

ICC changes Oval forfeiture to draw, England v Pakistan, The Oval, 2006

July 3, 2008, Darrell Hair awarded England five penalty runs in their second innings for ball tampering

The ICC has changed the result of the controversial Oval Test between England and Pakistan in 2006 from an English victory to a draw, following pressure from the Pakistan Cricket Board during the annual ICC meeting in Dubai.
"The board decided the result of the match should be altered. The change is from an England win as a result of Pakistan's refusal to play to the match being termed abandoned as a draw," the ICC said. "The board's decision is based on the view that in light of the unique set of circumstances the original result was felt to be inappropriate."
Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was Pakistan's captain during the Test, welcomed the ICC's decision. "I am very happy about it. This decision and the fact that we were cleared of ball-tampering charges proves that we were correct in our stance," he said. "This proves that what happened there was because of one man (Darrell Hair). It is sad that he is still there."
The Test was originally awarded to England by umpire Darrell Hair after Pakistan did not come out to field after tea on the fourth day, following accusations of ball-tampering.
Pakistan had, at the time, been in a strong position in the match, having secured a first-innings lead of 331 and removed four England batsmen second-time around. There was nothing at stake in the series, with England already leading 2-0 after wins at Headingley and Old Trafford, but the eventual forfeiture was the first in the history of Test cricket. The removal of England's win could affect their standing in the ICC Test Championship - they are currently third on 110 points, one ahead of their next opponents, South Africa, on 109.
The result had huge off-field ramifications as well. Hair went on to be suspended from the ICC elite panel, and though that decision was overturned last year when he took his employers to the High Court in London, the initial decision formed the basis of Pakistan's appeal for a rethink of the result.

source: www.circinfo.com

Zimbabwe pull out of World Twenty20

July 4, 2008, Zimbabwe have agreed to pull out of next year's Twenty20 World Cup in England, clearing the roadblocks for the competition to be staged there, but will retain their status as Full Member of the ICC and receive funding as usual. They will also receive their full participation fee for the tournament.
"We have decided to pull out in the larger interests of the game," Peter Chingoka, the chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, told Cricinfo. "We have been informed that the British government may not grant visas to our players, and that situation may prevail during the Twenty20 World Cup. We don't want to be gatecrashers."
"It was a collective decision and I was a part of that decision," Sharad Pawar, the BCCI president, told Cricinfo.
"The full membership of Zimbabwe is currently not in doubt," ICC president David Morgan said. "There was not even a discussion on the issue of Zimbabwe's membership."
The decision, Chingoka said, pertained only to the tournament in England. "We are now looking forward to more tours and international cricket with our Asian friends, especially India."
The Zimbabwe issue had occupied a large part of the discussions during the ICC executive board meeting, which carried over to an unscheduled third day on Friday after a failure to reach a consensus.
Some countries, led by England and South Africa, had been pushing for Zimbabwe to be stripped of Full Member status but that move had been opposed by India.
Ray Mali, the former ICC president, has recommended the setting up of a sub-committee to "advise the ICC board on all matters relating to Zimbabwe cricket including its return to full participation in the international game. The specific terms of reference for the sub-committee will be finalised in due course." The sub-committee, if approved, will chaired by Julian Hunte, the head of the West Indies board, and include Arjuna Ranatunga and another official (who hasn't been confirmed).
Source: www.circinfo.com

My life is under threat from my own son: Gony's mother

July 01, 2008, India's rising cricketer Manpreet Gony on Tuesday landed in an awkward situation, with his mother levelling a serious allegation against him, saying that the Punjab pacer is threatening to kill her.

Mohinder Kaur told reporters that Gony is being instigated by his in-laws.

"I am pained to tell my plight through media, and that too about my own son. Shortly before he left for Asia Cup in Pakistan, Manpreet, along with a few of his relatives from his in-laws side, came to my house and threatened to kill me," Mohinder Kaur told reporters at her home in Mohali.

"After the IPL was over and before the Asia Cup he came to the house and took away his belongings and tried to beat me up," she further alleged.

Gony, who married a girl outside her caste, has been living with his wife and mother-in-law in Mohali ever since his 16-day old son died over a year back.

"Gony's mother-in-law is a very greedy woman. She first ousted her husband out of her house in Mohali and now she has put my son under some evil spirits. I do not know what her motive is, but she is spoiling my son and taking him away from me," Kaur claimed.

Asked why she is not lodging a police complaint, she replied, "This will spoil my son's career."

Meanwhile, Gony's wife refuted all the allegations while her mother-in-law was unavailable for comment.

Gony is currently in Pakistan with the Indian cricket squad taking part in the Asia Cup.

Source: www.rediff.com