Monday, October 19, 2009

Asif barred entry in UAE for NZ ODI

Karachi, Oct 19: Pakistan will not be able to take their key strike bowler Mohammad Asif to UAE for a limited-overs series against New Zealand next month because of the pacer’s detention in Dubai last year over possession of a banned substance.

Ijaz Butt, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, said on Monday that Asif cannot be a part of the Pakistan team as he will not be allowed entry into the UAE.

"Asif cannot play in the series against New Zealand because he cannot go to UAE. He was deported from Dubai (last year) and according to regulations he cannot enter there," said the PCB chief.

Somerset did not deserve to be in semis: Langer

Hyderabad, Oct 19: Former Australian opener Justin Langer has said that his Somerset side did not deserve to reach the semi-finals of the Twenty20 Champions League after their six-wicket defeat to New South Wales. Somerset’s top order failed to fire as they limped to 111-7 - a total the Blues eased past with 49 balls to spare. Departing skipper Langer managed just five in the final competitive game of his 19-year career. "We have been outplayed for a lot of the tournament. I've played for a long time and I know it’s time," the Daily Express quoted Langer, 38, as saying. (Agencies)