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)