Nathan McCullum stars as New Zealand win opener

Nathan McCullum proved he can hit big sixes just as well as brother Brendon as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by two wickets with a ball to spare in a thrilling World Twenty20 opener here Friday.

New Zealand, needing three runs to win with two balls to spare, saw McCullum, better known as an off-spinner, loft fast bowler Lasith Malinga for six over long-off.

Man-of-the match McCullum's superb shot saw New Zealand finish on 139 for eight in reply to Sri Lanka's 135 for six.

It capped a memorable day for McCullum, whose unbeaten 16 came off six balls with 13 of his runs, including a four and a six, coming in the last over.

"I can't hit them," said New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, run out in the last over giving McCullum the strike.

"It's easier for Nathan to do it. To hit a four and a six was quite amazing."

However, Vettori added: "We have to be a touch more aggressive. With our batting line-up going so deep we can take a few more risks."

Earlier, Nathan McCullum took the new ball - just as fellow Kiwi off-spinner Dipak Patel had done at the 1992 World Cup - and returned impressive figures of one wicket for 17 runs from his three overs.

By contrast younger brother Brendon, one of the world's most dangerous batsmen in this format, was out for nought when pulling Angelo Mathews to midwicket as New Zealand's run chase got off to the start all their fans would have feared.

Defeat for last year's losing finalists was tough on former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene who made a typically stylish 81 off 51 balls - but this time in his debut as an opener - including two sixes and eight fours.

Runs were hard to come by in this match, with the next best score on either side the 42 made by New Zealand opener Jesse Ryder.

Sangakkara won the toss and elected to bat in humid conditions.

But the dangerous Tillakaratne Dilshan, player of the tournament at last year's World Twenty20 in England, and Sangakkara himself could only manage seven runs between them.

"We probably lost a bit of momentum in the first six (overs)," Sangakkara said. "That was vital to kick on. The backwards step we took in the first six stuck with us through the innings."

And he refused to blame Malings for the loss, saying: "He bowled brilliantly. He was unlucky to go for a boundary in that last over off his second ball."

Debutant Dinesh Chandimal helped Jayawardene revive the innings in a third-wicket stand of 59 before he was caught in the deep off Nathan McCullum with the total on 103 for three.

Jayawardene fell in the penultimate over and again Nathan McCullum was involved, taking the catch at deep mid-wicket off Tim Southee.

After Brendon McCullum's exit, New Zealand rebuilt their innings through a second-wicket stand of 62 between Ryder and Martin Guptill (19).

New Zealand fell behind the run-rate after Ryder was bowled by off-spin star Muttiah Muralitharan and they needed 20 off the last two overs.

Oram was bowled off the first ball of the 19th, by Chanaka Welegedara and next ball Gareth Hopkins was run out.

Come the last over, New Zealand needed 10 for victory.

Nathan McCullum took a single off Malinga's first ball and the bowler then missed an easy chance to run out Vettori off the next, with McCullum striking a boundary off the third delivery.

Vettori was run out off the fourth but McCullum was on strike.

West Indies hammer Ireland by 70 runs

PROVIDENCE: West Indies thrashed Ireland by 70 runs as the hosts got their World Twenty20 campaign off to a winning start under the floodlights on Saturday.


Qualifiers Ireland were bowled out for just 68, inside 17 overs, with man-of-the-match Darren Sammy taking three wickets for eight runs to add to the all-rounder's top score of 30 in West Indies' 138 for nine.

Ireland saw 17-year-old off-spinner George Dockrell take three for 16 after West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo, deputising for the injured Chris Gayle, won the toss and batted.

But their top order had no answer to fast bowler Ravi Rampaul, who sparked Ireland's collapse with three for 17.

Kemar Roach struck the first blow when he had Ireland captain William Porterfield caught at second slip by Sammy for four.

Sammy again showed safe hands when he caught Paul Stirling for naught off Rampaul in the next over and when Rampaul had Niall O'Brien caught behind for six, Ireland were 11 for three.

A rain break offered brief respite but Ireland were soon in more trouble at 16 for four when Alex Cusack edged to Sammy.

The all-rounder came on in the ninth over and any doubts about the man-of-the-match award were settled when he removed Kevin O'Brien first ball.

Sammy took a fourth catch to get rid of Gary Wilson and ended the match when he bowled Dockrell, in a stark reminder of cricket's highs and lows, for a duck.

Extras, with 19, was the best score of an innings where Wilson made 17.

The Netherlands got last year's World Twenty20 off to a shock start by beating England at Lord's and Ireland were dreaming of another giantkilling at the halfway stage.

Dockrell, a 17-year-old off-break bowler, struck twice in three balls to remove opener Andre Fletcher and senior batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan before having Narsingh Deonarine caught behind.

The West Indies, without captain and dynamic opener Gayle due to muscle stiffness, saw senior batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul (14) fall first, immediately after striking two successive fours off Boyd Rankin.

It was a similar story for Bravo (18), who a ball after hitting Alex Cusack for six gave the Brisbane born all-rounder a return catch.

Dockrell then took centre stage, having Fletcher, opening in Gayle's place, caught for 19 at deep backward point.

And, two balls later, Dockrell struck again when Sarwan was caught for 24 to leave the West Indies 77 for four.

West Indies face England on Monday with Ireland up against the same opponents on Tuesday in the final Group D match.

TOI

Sri Lanka to bat against NZ in T20 WC opener

STAFF WRITER 22:7 HRS IST

Guyana (WI), Apr 30 (PTI) Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and elected to bat first against New Zealand in the inaugural match of the Twenty20 cricket World Cup at the Providence Stadium here today.

Teams:

New Zealand: Daniel Vettori (capt), Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Gareth Hopkins, Jacob Oram, Nathan McCullum, Shane Bond, Tim Southee.

Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Chanaka Welegedara.

Anand split points with Topalov, leads World C'ship

STAFF WRITER 23:9 HRS IST

Sofia (Bulgaria), Apr 30 (PTI) World champion Viswanathan Anand continued his fine performance and retained a full point lead over challenger Vaselin Topalov of Bulgaria after drawing the fifth game of the ongoing World Championship now underway here.

Anand, who had won the fourth game quite convincingly with white pieces to go one up in the 12-game series now also has the advantage of an extra white game in the remaining seven that puts Topalov under tremendous pressure.

Having learnt his lessons quite well after the disastrous loss in the first game when he played the sharp gruenfeld with black pieces, Anand stuck to the basics and yet again played the Slav defence in which Topalov could not find a defect for the second time running.

Major blow for Indian football

Major blow for Indian football

No Mahindra United from the next season

New Delhi, April 30: Indian football received a body blow on Friday with automobile giants Mahindras announcing the shutting down of their Mumbai-based 48-year-old football club Mahindra United from next season and that they will move on to develop the game at the grassroots level.

The shocking decision comes at a time when Mahindra U are placed second in the I-League and also have an outside chance of winning the title. Started in 1962, the club has been one of the best and has won all major Championships including the Durand Cup, National League, IFA Shield, Federation Cup, President’s Cup and the Super Cup. The team has been adjudged champions of the Mumbai Football League 15 times since 1971.

Dhoni’s army to take the new-comer seriously

Dhoni’s army to take the new-comer seriously

• India face unheralded Afghanistan at St lucia today •

ST LUCIA, April 30: Up against an unheralded Afghanistan in their tournament-opener, India will have to guard against complacency to ensure a flying start to their campaign in the T20 World Cup on Saturday.

Considering there is very little room for errors in the slam-bang format of the game, India would have to be at their best to avoid the ignominy of being destroyed by the minnows of international cricket.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has already warned his star-studded legion not to underestimate Afghanistan and teammate Yuvraj was also worried about the X-factor of their opponents, who have caught the imagination of the world over the last two years.

New Zealand open fight against Sri Lanka in World Twenty20

PROVIDENCE: Brendon McCullum's prowess as a Twenty20 batsman is well known but older brother Nathan could also have an important role to play in the upcoming World Twenty20.

The Black Caps open the competition against Sri Lanka on Friday and, with warm-up matches suggesting pitches will take spin, off-break bowler Nathan is set for some key overs in an attack where New Zealand captain and left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori has been the mainstay for several years now.

McCullum was given the new ball in New Zealand's 40-run warm-up win over Ireland on Tuesday, reviving memories of Martin Crowe's ploy of using off-spinner Dipak Patel at the start of the innings at the 1992 World Cup - a tactic that helped the Black Caps get to the last four of that event.

Against Ireland, McCullum took three wickets for 25 runs and Vettori, who went wicketless, said: "Nathan McCullum was outstanding with the ball. On a wicket like that you've got to be inch perfect because it's so slow."

The Black Caps' pace attack is led by fast bowler Shane Bond and it won't just be Kiwi fans who will be hoping the former policeman, whose career has been blighted by injuries, can come through this tournament unscathed.

New Zealand headed to the Caribbean with fitness doubts over several senior players but batsman Jesse Ryder suggested he was over the groin strain that forced his withdrawal from the Indian Premier League with a brisk 64 against the Irish.

Together with Brendon McCullum he forms an explosive opening partnership with McCullum posting an unbeaten 116, one short of Chris Gayle's world record, when New Zealand beat Australia in a Twenty20 match in February.

McCullum is one of the most dangerous batsmen around in this format and Vettori was in no doubt of his value to New Zealand.

"McCullum at the top of the order is the real key. If he has a good tournament I think the team will fire."

Sri Lanka, last year's losing finalists, appear to have one of the best balanced squads for this form of cricket with the pace of Lasith Malinga to the spin of Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis posing problems for most batsmen.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, player of the tournament in England in 2009 and veteran Sanath Jayasuriya are just two of the island nation's batsmen capable of fast scoring.

The Sri Lankans lost by five wickets to South Africa in a warm-up match on Wednesday but did not have their strongest side out in a clash that, in any event, went to the last over.

Whether the fact that most of the squad have been taking part in the lucrative Indian Premier League will catch up with Sri Lanka, remains to be seen but conditions, at least, should hold no fears for a side who reached the final of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

At it was in Guyana where the unorthodox Malinga made history in 2007, taking four wickets in four balls against South Africa.

But former captain Mahela Jayawardene knows Sri Lanka, now led by the experienced and talented Kumar Sangakkara, could have had an easier opening fixture.

"New Zealand has got a really good all-round team which can be totally devastating," he said.

To back him up, New Zealand beat West Indies by seven runs in their second warm-up on Wednesday.

TOI

‘We cannot take Afghanistan lightly’

‘We cannot take Afghanistan lightly’

ST LUCIA, April 29: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Thursday warned his team-mates against taking unheralded Afghanistan lightly in their Twenty20 World Cup opening match on Saturday, saying any slip-up against them can put his side out of contention for super eights.

“If you ask me, I would not consider our opening match against Afghanistan as a practice game. I don’t take my opponents lightly. At the end of the day you have to win whichever team you play,” said Dhoni, ruling out complacency in the Indian camp.

Modi entitled to a fair trial: I S Bindra

MOHALI, April 29: PCA chief I S Bindra on Thursday threw his weight behind embattled Lalit Modi, saying the suspended IPL Commissioner should be given a fair trial.

Modi is facing corruption charges and was served a show-cause notice by the Indian Cricket Board on April 25, the day season-III of the IPL came to an end.

Bindra, who is also ICC Principal advisor, said IPL owes its success to the marketing skills of Modi.

“It was due to the marketing genius of a maverick - Lalit Modi - that Indian cricket finally emerged as a colossus in the international firmament in terms of reach and financial clout. Indian cricket became the epicenter of world cricket and the envy of the cricketing fraternity during this key phase,” Bindra said in a statement.

Djokovic eases into Rome quarters

Djokovic eases into Rome quarters

ROME, April 29: World number two Novak Djokovic had few problems in disposing of Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci 6-4, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals of the ATP Rome Masters 1000 on Thursday.

It was not always plain sailing for Djokovic as he was broken twice during the match but in the end he was never really under pressure as his opponent made twice as many unforced errors as him.

The 22-year-old Serbian has a good record here at the Foro Italico having won the tournament two years ago and reached the final last time out.

He was made to work considerably harder than his first round when he breezed through 6-1, 6-1 against Frenchman Jeremy Chardy in less than an hour. Bellucci, also 22, is at a career high 28 in the world and is the highest ranking Brazilian since former French Open winner Gustavo Kuerten was operating on the tour at his peak.

Gul and Arafat out of Pakistan T20 WC squad

STAFF WRITER 17:43 HRS IST

Lahore, Apr 18 (PTI) Defending champions Pakistan today suffered a double blow when pacer Umar Gul and all-rounder Yasir Arafat were ruled out of the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies after failing to recover from injuries sustained during the ongoing preparatory camp here.

The selectors have recommended the names of Mohammad Sami and uncapped Mohammad Irfan as their replacements, however, a final decision would be taken by the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt.

Chief selector, Mohsin Khan told reporters here that both Gul and Arafat failed to clear the final fitness test today.

"We have recommended the names of fast bowlers Mohammad Sami and Mohammad Irfan as replacements for the injured players. We have picked Sami from the list of five reserves we had kept for the World Cup," he said.

IPL semifinals moved to Navi Mumbai after blasts

STAFF WRITER 16:27 HRS IST

Mumbai, Apr 18 (PTI) Indian Premier League authorities today shifted both the IPL semifinals to Navi Mumbai following yesterday's twin blasts in Bangalore which was the original venue.

IPL commissioner Lalit Modi today said in a statement that even though the IPL security agency found the blasts of low-intensity, the authorities had no other way but to shift the matches to the DY Patil Stadium, which would also host the April 25 final.

"While reluctant to relocate the semifinals at such short notice, yesterday's incidents have made it clear that the current environment in Bangalore prevents us from continuing with our original plans," Modi said.

"The incidents were assessed by local police and the IPL's security agency as being of a minor nature but they have forced our hand.

Caribbean flavour at World T20

Caribbean flavour at World T20

MUMBAI, April 18: Having learned a bitter lesson in the 2007 ODI World Cup when the West Indian fans largely ignored the cricket carnival, the ICC now wants the Caribbean flavour out in full force for the upcoming World Twenty20 Championship.

The magic mantra devised by the world governing council for the game to attract the Calypso-loving cricket fans is to price the tickets at a reasonable level and allow the people to come in and watch the match with their musical instruments and other paraphernalia.

Party stands would offer a traditional area to watch the game, Caribbean style, while fans are also being encouraged to come dressed up carnival-style as part of the “Bring It” campaign.

“We want fans to bring it. Bring their voices, their loudest noisemakers and their most outrageous costumes and face paints to the ground and enjoy the atmosphere of the world-famous party stand,” ICC’s chief executive Haroon Lorgat said.

Nadal wins Monte Carlo Masters

Nadal wins Monte Carlo Masters

MONTE CARLO, April 18: World number three Rafael Nadal won the Monte Carlo Masters for a record sixth consecutive time with a 6-0 6-1 drubbing of fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the final on Sunday.

Nadal, who had not claimed an ATP title in the past 11 months, won his 32nd straight match in the glitzy principality with yet another stunning display of claycourt tennis.

Four-times French Open champion Nadal raced through the opening set as Verdasco, playing in his first Masters final, proved unable to live with him. (Agencies)

Gambhir half century powers Delhi to 6-wicket win

TAFF WRITER 23:31 HRS IST

R Eswar

Chennai, Apr 15 (PTI) Gautam Gambhir cracked an unbeaten 57 as Delhi Daredevils spanked Chennai Super Kings by six wickets in a low-scoring IPL match to virtually seal a semifinal berth here tonight.

Captain Gambhir led a remarkable recovery with a resolute batting display with Mithun Manhas (25 not out) after his side made a messy start in the run chase of 113 by losing their top three batsmen for just six runs in the second over.

The duo shared 75 runs from 70 balls for the unfinished fifth wicket as Delhi romped home with eight balls to spare and snap their three-match losing streak at M A Chidambaram Stadium.

I-T officials question Lalit Modi for 8 hrs over IPL deals

STAFF WRITER 5:38 HRS IST

Mumbai, Apr 16 (PTI) Indian Premier League Commissioner Lalit Modi was questioned for as long as eight hours over the financial dealings and share holding patterns of the cricketing body as Income Tax officials left his Worli-based office early today.

I-T officials visited IPL Head-Quarters at Wankhede Stadium as also Modi's office at Nirlon House in upmarket Worli, where they quizzed him from 7.15 pm to 3.20 am.

Modi, speaking to reporters later, said the I-T officials were visiting several places in the city in a bid to find out details of the bidding process and when he came to know of it, he invited them over to his office.

"They were given documentation details, they verified the documents and went through the entire process of bidding. We fully cooperated with them and provided them with all they required," the IPL Commissioner said.

Chhetri set to make official debut

Chhetri set to make official debut

NEW DELHI, April 13: Sunil Chhetri is all set to become the first Indian to play for a Major League Soccer side when he makes his official debut for Kansas City Wizards in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifier match against Colorado Rapids.

Chhetri is expected to play against the Rapids at the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus early morning on Wednesday (IST) after KC Wizards made official announcement that he has been added to the 24-man roster.

The diminutive Indian did not play in Wizards’ second MLS match against the Rapids on April 10 as he did not have his clearance papers from the United States Soccer Federation and the MLS.

Chhetri was pleased to see his name on the roster and said, “I’m very excited to be able to appear with the team. We have a good squad and I’m going to give my best to help us on the field.” (PTI)

Modi using unethical efforts to thwart Kochi IPL: Tharoor

Modi using unethical efforts to thwart Kochi IPL: Tharoor

New Delhi, April 13: Minister of State for External Affairs Minister Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday denied that he called up Indian Premier League (IPL) chief Lalit Modi requesting him not to reveal the name of the stakeholders of the consortium that won the franchise of the Kochi team.

Tharoor, who played the role of a mentor and helped the consortium bag the deal for Rs 1,530 crore, said in a statement that he had called up Modi to ask why he was further delaying the approval of the franchise when all the legal requirements had been fulfilled.

“Modi had held up approval by the IPL of the franchisee agreement earlier in the day by insisting on the reversal of a change in the document that he himself had earlier suggested. This change was made, the consortium members flew to Bangalore and met with Modi after that night’s IPL game for what they had been told would be a routine exercise.

Chhetri set to make official debut

Chhetri set to make official debut

NEW DELHI, April 13: Sunil Chhetri is all set to become the first Indian to play for a Major League Soccer side when he makes his official debut for Kansas City Wizards in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifier match against Colorado Rapids.

Chhetri is expected to play against the Rapids at the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus early morning on Wednesday (IST) after KC Wizards made official announcement that he has been added to the 24-man roster.

The diminutive Indian did not play in Wizards’ second MLS match against the Rapids on April 10 as he did not have his clearance papers from the United States Soccer Federation and the MLS.

Chhetri was pleased to see his name on the roster and said, “I’m very excited to be able to appear with the team. We have a good squad and I’m going to give my best to help us on the field.” (PTI)

Chennai trounce Kolkata by 9 wickets

Chennai trounce Kolkata by 9 wickets

Chennai, April 13: Half-centuries by Suresh Raina and Murali Vijay and a three-wicket haul by R Ashwin helped Chennai steamroll Kolkata by nine wickets at the Chepauk today. After restricting the Knight Riders for just 139 runs, Chennai batsmen did not lose their momentum and easily reached the target. Mathew Hayden was the lone causuality. He failed to open his account but Raina (78) and Vijay (50) did not let any further damage to occur.

Earlier, spinner R Ashwin wreaked havoc with his sensational three-wicket spell. Ashwin’s devastating spell punctured Kolkata’s hopes of a good start in the make-or-break match after electing to bat at M A Chidambaram stadium here.

Kolkata lost four wickets at a score of 19 inside fifth over with Ashwin (3/16) coming up with a dream spell.

Chennai Super Kings beat KKR by nine wickets

STAFF WRITER 22:42 HRS IST

Chennai, Apr 13 (PTI) Chennai Super Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders by nine wickets in their crucial IPL match at M A Chidambaram stadium here today.

Brief Scores:

Kolkata Knight Riders: 139 for 8 in 20 overs. (A Mathews 48, M Tiwary 27; R Ashiwn 3/16, D Bollinger 2/15).

CSK skipper Dhoni lavishes praise on Raina

STAFF WRITER 0:5 HRS IST

Chennai, Apr 13 (PTI) Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is happy to be back in the semifinal race after winning tonight's IPL encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders and paid a rich tribute to Suresh Raina for playing a match-winning explosive knock.

Raina played a 39-ball 78-run knock to help Chennai chase 140-run target with more than six overs to spare.

"Raina soaks up the pressure at number three, he has the responsibility of batting quickly and not getting out, he's been brilliant at finishing games off. It is great for his career. I wish Chennai a very Happy Tamil New Year," Dhoni said after the match.

The captain also praised opener Murali Vijay for his excellent show with the bat. Vijay and Raina raised a stunning 137-run unbeaten partnership for the second wicket.

Mumbai Indians crush Delhi Daredevils by 39 runs

STAFF WRITER 19:21 HRS IST

Mumbai, Apr 13 (PTI) Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Daredevils by 39 runs in their Indian Premier League match here today.

Brief Scores:

Mumbai Indians: 183 for four in 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 45 not out, Saurabh Tiwary 38, Sachin Tendulkar 30; Pradeep Sangwan 2/35).

Delhi Dardedevils: 144 for 7 in 20 overs. (A McDonald 33 not out, D Warner 31; A Murtaza 2/18, D Fernando 2/32).

Afridi files an appeal with PCB

Pakistan Twenty20 skipper Shahid Afridi filed an appeal with the Pakistan Cricket Board against the three million rupees fine imposed on him last month for his ball tampering antics in Australia earlier this year.

"Yes we have got an appeal from Shahid today and we will be sending all appeals filed by the players to the governing board and then appellate tribunal for further action," PCB's legal advisor Tafazzul Rizvi said.

Before Afridi, Rana Naved and the Akmal brothers, Kamran and Umar, had filed appeals against their punishments with the board.

Former captain, Younus Khan was also expected to finally submit an appeal with the board through his lawyer later today against the indefinite ban imposed on him.

The board, acting on the recommendations of its inquiry committee that probed into the team's poor performances during the Australian tour, had banned Younus, Muhammad Yousuf, Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved besides imposing heavy fines on Afridi and the Akmal brothers for violating the code of conduct on that tour.

"We have a proper process for these appeals to be heard by the appellate board which has already been formed. The appellate board will decide whether to uphold the appeals of the players or reject them or recommend changes to the punishments," Rizvi said.

Afridi was fined and put on six month's probation by the board for his ball tampering action during the fifth and final one-day international against Australia in Perth in February.

The Pakistani allrounder was immediately handed over atwo-match ban by the ICC match referee.

Afridi, in his appeal, has made the point that the board cannot punish him for an offence for which he has already been banned for two matches by the ICC.
© PTI

IPL governing council to meet in 10 days

With the public showdown between Lalit Modi and minister Shashi Tharoor over the Kochi franchise snowballing into a major controversy, the BCCI has decided to convene a meeting of the IPL Governing Council within 10 days to discuss and take a decision on the episode.

A day after Modi disclosed that Sunanda Pushkar, who is reportedly close to Tharoor, had stakes worth close to Rs 70 crores in the Kochi team, the controversy took a more serious turn today with the minister saying that Modi's tweets were "an extraordinary breach of all propriety" and designed to discredit the franchise.

The BCCI has taken a serious view of the public spat between the IPL commissioner and the Minister of State for External Affairs which may now have ramifications beyond the IPL.

"BCCI president has decided to convene an IPL Governing Council meeting within 10 days to discuss all the issues and take a decision," BCCI spokesman Rajiv Shukla told reporters after a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence.

Shukla, who maintained that his meeting with Sonia Gandhi had nothing to do with the Tharoor issue, said, "Whatever allegations have been made from both the sides, all those issues will be deliberated upon at the meeting of the Governing Council.

"I don't want to make a comment or any observation on what one has said against the other. All I am trying to suggest is that all these issues will be discussed in the meeting convened by the BCCI president," he said.

Asked whether he had a discussion with Sonia Gandhi on Tharoor's role in the IPL Kochi team, Shukla said, "I had no discussion with Sonia Gandhi on this issue. It was a regular meeting with the AICC president."

Whether the BCCI took the public spat between Modi and Tharoor seriously, Shukla said, "BCCI president understands the urgency of the issue, that's why he has convened the meeting."

According to a top BCCI source, Lalit Modi's tweets have not gone down well with the top brass of the cricket board as he has often announced important decisions without taking the consent of the governing body.

After receiving a complaint from the Kochi franchise on Modi's indiscretion, BCCI president Shashank Manohar shot off a strongly-worded letter to the IPL commissioner, criticising his decision to make public the ownership details.

"The issue, if any, could have been discussed at the governing council meeting and that action on your part of raising it on Twitter is unbecoming of you as a chairman of the a sub-committee of the board. Your action is in serious breach of the confidentiality clause in the agreement," Manohar wrote.

"Till date, you have made public statements about a lot of issues which were not even discussed in the meetings of the governing council when it is the governing council which has the authority to take decisions with regard to each and every issue related to IPL," Manohar said.

Modi on his part responded to Manohar's letter by saying his revelations on Twitter were "in no way a breach of confidentiality". He said the Kochi franchise "had a lot to hide" and as such have lied about who are the actual owners of the shares.

Although the BCCI has not fixed a date for its next governing council meeting, a source said judging by the gravity of the situation, the meeting could be convened as early as possible.

"The BCCI has a Working Committee meeting on April 24 and the Finance Committee meeting is scheduled on April 23. Since most of the officials will be there, the governing council meeting could be slated for 23rd," the source said.

Modi had on Sunday disclosed the names of the free equity holders in the little known Rendezvous Sports World (RSW) which coughed up approximately Rs 1533 crore to bag the Kochi franchise, a move which put Tharoor in a spot of bother as Sunanda figured in the list.

Miffed by the disclosure, RSW threatened to send a legal notice to Modi and accused the IPL Commissioner of breaking the confidentiality terms.

Modi hinted there was pressure on him not to reveal the details of who all owns Rendezvous.

"I was told not to get into who owns Rendezvous, specially Sunanda Pushkar. Why?" said Modi.

Tharoor had all along denied having a stake in the Kochi franchise, saying he played merely a facilitator's role.

In a lengthy rejoinder, Tharoor denied calling Modi and requesting him not to disclose details of the RSW stakeholders.

Cricbuz

Somdev touches career-best ranking

Somdev touches career-best ranking

New Delhi, April 12: India’s Somdev Devvarman continues to prosper on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour and has risen to a career-high ranking of 110 on its charts here on Monday. Somdev, who came close to knocking out former World No.1 Lleyton Hewitt of Australia in the second round of the US men's Clay Court Championship, has improved upon his previous best of 116 last week. Somdev, who shot into prominence at the university of Virginia, winning back-to-back US collegiate singles titles in 2007-8, was largely instrumental in taking India into the Davis Cup World Group this year, though they lost to Russia in the first round. US-based Indian Prakash Amritraj climbed two places to 198. In the men’s doubles ranking, Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi remain unchanged at sixth and seventh position. (IANS)

Maoist attack feared in Tripura, security beefed up

AGARTALA, April 12: Security has been beefed up in Tripura following an alert issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in the wake of the Maoist attack at Dantewada in Chhattisgarh last week. Official sources here today said all the security forces in Tripura had been put on high alert while being asked to conduct search and frisking in city areas and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) was instructed to take the lead role in the counter-insurgency campaign. ‘’We have already intensified counter-insurgency operation with the announcement of election to Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to be held on May 3 and MHA directives after the Chhattisgarh incident have asked us to be on alert,’’ police said.

They said Assam Rifles and CRPF personnel posted in Tripura were on an all-out offensive against militant groups which are a threat to the state’s peace and harmony. ‘’Though we do not apprehend much trouble this time during the ADC polls, but reports indicate that some groups are trying to sneak into the state from across the border. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections,’’ said a police official, adding the BSF had already been alerted to step up vigil along the border. (Agencies)

Dhoni, Ganguly in a crucial face-off today

Dhoni, Ganguly in a crucial face-off today

Chennai, April 12: Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders will clash in a make-or-break Indian Premier League match here tomorrow, the outcome of which will decide if they can still be in race for a semifinal spot.

Both the teams need to win all the three remaining games if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the last-four stage and the team that ends on the wrong side of the result would be out of contention.

They are on equal points having won five of their 11 matches but the hosts are at the fifth place in the points table, ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders due to their better net run-rate.

The hosts have a psychological edge as they have beaten Knight Riders in the away encounter but that defeat at home would push Kolkata even more for the win.

Both the teams are coming into the clash after defeats in their last encounters and an exasperated Sourav Ganguly even went to the extent of saying that his side played “rubbish” on Saturday against Royal Challengers Bangalore and did not deserve to be in semifinals.

Drogba keeps Chelsea on course

Drogba keeps Chelsea on course

LONDON, April 11: Didier Drogba sent holders Chelsea on their way to a 3-0 win over top flight rivals Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.

The Ivory Coast striker broke the deadlock in the 68th minute before Florent Malouda and Frank Lampard completed the win with two late goals as Premier League leaders Chelsea remained on course for a domestic ‘Double’. Chelsea will now return to Wembley on May 15 where they will face the winners of Sunday’s second semi-final between fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth. This was no routine victory but once Drogba had turned home John Terry’s shot on goal following a mistake by Villa defender Richard Dunne, the outcome was never in doubt. Malouda added a second in the 89th minute, connecting with Michael Ballack’s right wing cross and Lampard completed the scoring in added time by capping a fine run with a composed finish.

For Villa, defeat meant a second Wembley disappointment this season after their League Cup final defeat at the hands of Manchester United in February. Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti had warned his side they would face a very different Villa team to the one that capitulated so meekly at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago.

Pathan takes three wickets as Punjab beat Daredevils

Pathan takes three wickets as Punjab beat Daredevils

New Delhi, April 11: Irfan Pathan returned with a three-wicket haul as Kings XI Punjab put up clinical all-round performance to register a seven-wicket comprehensive victory over Delhi Daredevils in their Indian Premier League match here today.

Pathan’s three for 24 and Piyush Chawla (2/16) helped Punjab shot out Delhi Daredevils for a lowly 111 at the slow and turning track of Ferozshah Kotla after home team captain Gautam Gambhir won the toss and elected to bat.

The Kings XI then returned to overhaul the target with eight balls to spare, courtesy Mahela Jayawardene (38), Kumar Sangakkara (33) and Yuvraj Singh’s unbeaten 21 off 25 balls.

AATA releases new ranking list

AATA releases new ranking list

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 7: The All Assam Tennis Association (AATA) has released the new ranking list of the state players. Aloke Kumar Tripathy ranked number one in the mens section. The other players who ranked top in different categories are Parikshit Somani (Boys U-12), Priyana Kalita (Girls U-12), Tanvir Aman (Boys U-14), Amrita Nath (Girls U-14), Madhurya Dutta (Boys U-16), Manaswinee Hazarika (Girls U-16), Alok Kumar Tripathi (Boys U-18) and Marisha Dutta ( Girls U-18).

Kolkata beat Delhi by 14 runs

Kolkata beat Delhi by 14 runs

Kolkata, April 7: A spirited Knight Riders overcame Sehwag’s exploits to beat Daredevils by 14 runs. Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders posted 181/3 against Delhi Daredevils in their Indian Premier League game at the Eden Gardens here on Wednesday. Skipper Sourav Ganguly scored a 46-ball 56 (8x4, 1x6) and added 94 for the opening wicket with Chris Gayle, who got 40 off 21 balls (5x4, 2x6). Angelo Mathews 46 not out (28 balls, 3x6) and Manoj Tiwary 26 not out (18 balls, 1x4, 1x6) played some scintillating shots towards the end as they stitched together an unfinished fourth wicket stand of 70 to set the visitors an asking rate of 9.1 runs per over.

Brief Score: Kolkata: 181 for 3 in 20 overs

Delhi: 167 for 8 in 20 overs

(IANS)

Jumbo is mascot for 2011 World Cup

Jumbo is mascot for 2011 World Cup

MUMBAI, April 5: “Appu”, the elephant was the mascot of the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and almost two decades down the line, the pachyderm has been chosen to perform the same role at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to be jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The CWC mascot was unveiled at a function in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on April 2 and the World Cup organisers on Monday announced that cricket fans based in the host nations would be able to participate in a contest to name the mascot. The details pertaining to the consumer contest (address on which to send entries and deadline) will be intimated in due course, said Tournament Director Professor Ratnakar Shetty. (PTI)

Rajasthan Royals win

Rajasthan Royals win

Nagpur, April 5: Shane Warne once again produced a magical display as he picked up four Deccan batsmen to nail a thriller on Monday in Nagpur. Rajasthan Royals emerged victorious by two runs in the IPL match. Rohit Sharma was the highest scorer with 74 but that was overshadowed by the magic of Warne. Warne not only performed brilliantly with the ball but also managed his fielders nicely to succesfully defend the total score of 159.

Earlier, Shane Watson cracked a scintillating 36-ball 58 but Rajasthan Royals suffered a middle-order batting collapse and failed to put up a big score in the board.

Watson blasted three fours and as many sixes to stand amidst the ruins, even as Michael Lumb (15), Naman Ojha (1), Yusuf pathan (5), Abhishek Jhunjhunwala (11) and Abhishek Raut (0) were dismissed cheaply after skipper Shane Warne elected to bat first.

Watson played a dashing knock to anchor the Rajasthan innings but their batting capitulated as they lost first half of their side for 130 in 15.2 overs, before losing the last five wickets for just 29 runs.

Sutil fifth

Sutil fifth

Sepang, April 4: Force India’s point-scoring spree continued unabated as Adrian Sutil drove a flawless race, keeping 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton at bay, for a fifth place finish to earn 10 invaluable points from today’s Malaysian Grand Prix.

Teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi, who scored points in both the previous races this season, was less fortunate as the Italian retired on lap 12 with a suspected throttle problem.

Indian Formula One driver Karun Chandhok finished the race 15th, ahead of Hispania teammate Bruno Senna. After failing to score point in the first two races this year, Sutil started the race fourth on the grid and drove a faultless race to open his account.

Force India chairman Vijay Mallya said ideally both the cars should have scored points but he had no complaints. “Three races and three times in the points, I am absolutely delighted,” Mallya said.

“Adrian had a strong race, keeping a cool head under pressure when a charging Lewis Hamilton was right on his tail.

Jayawardene ton powers Kings XI to 8-wkt win

Jayawardene ton powers Kings XI to 8-wkt win

Kolkata, April 4: Mahela Jayawardene cracked an unbeaten 59-ball 110 to power Kings XI Punjab to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-scoring Indian Premier League match here tonight.

Chasing a stiff 201 for a win, Kings XI were never under pressure with Jayawardene playing a blistering innings which had 14 boundaries and three sixes in it as the visitors romped home with 10 balls to spare.

Jayawardene’s unbeaten century, the fourth in IPL III, overshadowed a 42-ball 88 from Kolkata Knight Riders’ opener Chris Gayle after the home side opted to bat first at the Eden Gardens.

The Sri Lankan, who was sent out to open with Manvinder Bisla, was though dropped when on 51.

Yuvraj’s Singh’s cameo of 16-ball 36, which was laced with two fours and three sixes, gave the final push in the run chase of Kings XI who notched up 204 for two in 18.2 overs. Captain Kumar Sangakkara chipped in with a 22-ball 38.

My family and I know the truth: Sania Mirza

My family and I know the truth: Sania Mirza

New Delhi, April 3: Her prospective groom is facing allegations of marrying and dumping a woman, but Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza backed Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik on the matter, saying that she and her family have known the truth all along.

Although she did not mention Shoaib directly, Sania’s latest twitter feed clearly supported her husband-to-be, who has been accused of cheating a Hyderabadi girl Ayesha Siddiqui after a telephonic nikah.

“Me and my family know what the truth is, we’ve known it all along and we have confidence in god’s justice,” Sania said.

The 24-year-old has been flayed by the Shiv Sena and some other right wing parties for deciding to marry the Pakistani all-rounder.

Getting ready for the “biggest day” of her life, Sania said she never thought she would have to deal with so many things apart from the regular pre-wedding jitters.

“Too much going on, never in my life thought that I’d had to worry bout anything Of this sort, rather than my mehendi!” she said.

Mumbai win by 63 runs against Deccan

Mumbai win by 63 runs against Deccan

Mumbai, April 3: Ambati Rayudu cracked an unbeaten 29-ball 55 as table-toppers Mumbai Indians put up a sterling all-round performance to virtually seal a semifinal berth beating holders Deccan Chargers by 63 runs in their Indian Premier League match here today.

Opting to bat, Mumbai Indians piled up a challenging 178 for five, thanks to Rayudu and youngster Saurabh Tiwary who made a 44 off 35 balls at the floodlit Brabourne Stadium.

The hosts then skittled out the Adam Gilchrist-led side for 115 in 18.2 overs, with left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan (2/10), Harbhajan Singh (2/16), Kieron Pollard (2/26) and Ryan McLaren (2/28) claiming two wickets apiece.

It was fourth straight defeat for the visiting team whose semifinal hopes receded further after this loss — their fifth in eight matches. The hosts, on the other hand, is almost through to the last-four with 14 points from eight games.

KP’s maiden half ton takes RCB to 6-wkt win

KP’s maiden half ton takes RCB to 6-wkt win

Mohali, April 2: Kevin Pietersen (66 not out) got three lives before notching up his maiden Indian Premier League half century and helping Royal Challengers Bangalore score a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Kings XI Punjab tonight.

Pietersen, who was dropped thrice while on 36, 47 and 50, played sheet anchor with two crucial partnerships -- 71 off 51 balls for the third wicket with Virat Kohli and 40 from just 15 balls for fourth wicket with Robin Uthappa as RCB romped home with five balls to spare in chase of 182.

Uthappa played a stunning cameo of 22 from just eight balls with two sixes and a four to take the score near finishing line at the PCA Stadium.

Pietersen, who hit seven fours and one six in his 44-ball knock in his second match for RCB, smashed the winning runs, a four off Irfan Pathan, to take his side to 184 for four.

Earlier, Kumar Sangakkara top-scored with a 27-ball 45 as Kings XI Punjab posted a challenging 181 for five after electing to bat.

With the win today, their fifth in eight matches, Royal Challengers are on second spot with 10 points and brightened their chances to qualify for the semifinals.

Sania’s heart beats for Pakistani: Thackeray

Sania’s heart beats for Pakistani: Thackeray

MUMBAI, April 2: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, on Friday, flayed tennis star Sania Mirza for her decision to marry Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, saying “had Sania’s heart been Indian, it wouldn’t have beaten for a Pakistani.”

“Henceforth, Sania will not remain an Indian. Had her heart been Indian, it wouldn’t have beaten for a Pakistani. If she wished to play for India, she should have chosen an Indian life partner,” 84-year-old Thackeray said in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamna.

“More than victories on tennis court, Sania became famous for her tight clothes, fashion and love affairs,” Thackeray alleged.

“More than her play, people’s attention was on her mannerisms,” he claimed.

The Shiv Sena supremo alleged that “for Shoaib, India is an enemy, not only in sports arena but also in the battlefield.

“We have heard that Shoaib has many affairs in India and has promised many girls he will marry them,” he said.

Thackeray also expressed surprise over the alacrity with which Sania’s family members were granted Pakistani visas.

“Getting a Pakistani visa is tough even for a singer like Lata Mangeshkar,” he said.

S Africa refuses to tour Pakistan

TAFF WRITER 21:43 HRS IST

Karachi, Apr 1 (PTI) The Pakistan Cricket Board has started preparations of its 'home' series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates after the Proteas refused to tour the trouble-torn country.

South Africa were scheduled to tour Pakistan in October-November for the series of Tests and one-day internationals but conveyed to the PCB they were not inclined to play in Pakistan in the present security situation.

"We have agreed to host the series at neutral venues in the UAE and we are in the process of finalising dates and venues," PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt said.

He said the South Africans had agreed to play in the UAE as they were keen to have the series against Pakistan.

"The series is on but the venues have changed we are now looking at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as possible match venues," Butt said.

Lajong again out from danger zone

Lajong again out from danger zone

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 1: Shillong Lajong FC once again bailed out themselves from the relegation Zone by a draw in their away match against Air India by 1-1 at Mumbai on Wednesday. With this one point Shillong Lajong FC collected 21 points from their 19 matches and they are now in the 12th position. Mumbai FC and Sporting Clube de Goa are behind them collecting 20 and 11 points respectively. ND Opara put the hosts ahead in the first half, but Lajong were rewarded for their perseverance as Wailadmi Passah equalized late to earn a point from the game.

Ganguly guide KKR to victory

Ganguly guide KKR to victory

Kolkata, April 1: Sourav Ganguly led from the front with a blazing 54-ball 88 as a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders bulldozed a hapless Deccan Chargers by 24 runs in their return-leg Indian Premier League match here today.

Ganguly blasted nine fours and five sixes and added 78 runs for the fourth wicket with David Hussey to take the Kolkata Knight Riders to a competitive 181 for six at the Eden Gardens here. The home team then returned to restrict the defending champions to 157 for five to zoom to the fifth place, just behind Rajasthan Royals with eight points from eight matches in the points table.

Barring offie Mohnish Parmar, the KKR bolwers put up a disciplined performance with Shane Bond, Angelo Matthews, Murali Kartik, Ajit Agarkar and Chris Gayle taking one wicket each to contribute to their team's win.