Ministry may take 'India' out of BCCI

New Delhi: If in the near future the government withdraws the word 'India' from the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI), don't be surprised.

Yes, that's possible as there are strong indications from the sports ministry, which is determined to ensure that the cashrich board adheres to the guidelines meant for all national sports federations ( NSFs).

And if the issue reaches a flashpoint, the BCCI would not be able to field a 'national' team. It could also mean that Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Co. would possibly no more represent their country. If the richest sports body of the country remains adamant, it could lead to a legal battle with the government.

BCCI, at a special general body meeting on Saturday in Mumbai, decided not to reply to the ministry's letter and decided that it would go for legal opinion if pressurised further.

In its 78-year-old existence, the BCCI has probably never been dependent on the sports ministry.

Even now it's not - BCCI's income in 2009-10 alone was Rs 847 crore - but the ministry says the board can no longer snub it by remaining snooty and unanswerable to the government.

In a letter to the board, the ministry points out that all NSFs have been declared as "public authorities" and, therefore, the BCCI too has to comply with the guidelines.

All federations have to reply by Wednesday.

The ministry also points out that last year, too, the BCCI had not replied to a similar letter.

"But this time we will go the full distance and if the cricket board doesn't fall in line with the age and tenure guidelines, the government would invoke the National Emblem Act as the BCCI uses the word 'India' in its name," a source told MAIL TODAY . "The BCCI can use 'India' only till the time the government permits it, though it's a different issue that successive governments have been lenient with it. If the BCCI doesn't abide by its policies, made from time to time, the government would be compelled to invoke the National Emblem Act," he said.

The 'emblem' means any emblem, seal, flag, insignia coatof - arms, or pictorial representation specified in the 'schedule', which further provides details of what all falls under its purview.

When contacted, Injeti Srinivas, joint secretary in the sports ministry, said that it was mandatory for the BCCI to register itself as it receives government patronage in various forms, like police deployment during matches, entertainment tax concessions and waiver on customs duties for import of sports goods, and other benefits.

"They may be having some apprehension with regard to registration.

But, basically, it is necessary for them also," Srinivas told MAIL TODAY . "Any entity that says it is an NSF will have to have the acceptance of the ministry. It happens worldwide. They have to get the recognition to represent the country. You have to... legally... it is there everywhere in the world.

It doesn't interfere with their [BCCI's] autonomy or anything.

For legitimacy, it is necessary." Asked what the ministry's next move would be if BCCI declines to register itself, Srinivas said: "That is a hypothetical question. But there has been a total change... a total shift... in the sports administration [in India]. Earlier, the Indian Olympic Association and everyone else had declined, but the situation has now changed." Specifically asked if the word 'India' could be withdrawn from the BCCI and whether the corporate affairs ministry too could come into play since the BCCI enjoys exemption under its Competition Commission, Srinivas said: "Everybody will come into the picture." The BCCI has been ignoring the sports ministry on various issues over the years mainly on the pretext that it doesn't take financial help from it. But Srinivas pointed out that the board does enjoy other privileges.

"Funding is a separate matter.

But they [BCCI] enjoy the privileges of an NSF in terms of tax and duty exemptions, [its team] representing the country and special dispensation even from the Competition Commission. Federations have the monopoly by their very nature," he explained.

"To have those privileges, they'll have to have the recognition. Registration under a state act is sufficient to function as a national sports body. It's a process." Srinivas pointed out that several NSFs, which were opposed to the guidelines, are now adhering to them. "A majority of the federations have already amended their constitution. I don't think they [BCCI] have said 'no'. Once they understand that it is a legal requirement they will abide by it.

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Morkel, Steyn too hot for India

Everything that could go wrong went wrong for India, who were 135-9 on a rain-hit day of the hotly-anticipated first day of the Centurion Test. The wicket was fast, bouncy but India couldn't have bargained for the torrential rain that freshened up the wicket, making batting near impossible against Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn, who exposed every weakness in India's batting line-up.

This match is India's best chance of taking the fight to South Africa in this series. Should they lose here, there may be greater woes in Durban, a venue India have fared poorly at, and Cape Town, where only Australia have tasted victory in the last 17 years. At the moment, with this miserable score, with skipper MS Dhoni (33) at the crease with Jaidev Unadkat, and with Zaheer Khan's absence, India don't stand a chance barring rain or a miracle.

With pools of water forming all over the Supersport Park, the first day's play looked unlikely in the morning. The game thankfully commenced at 3 pm local time. Inserting India on this spongy wicket was a no-brainer. India would have been lucky to not be 50-5 in these conditions. Lucky they were not.

Often Virender Sehwag is excused for rash strokes on account of letting him enjoy his natural game. Today, his shot to Steyn on zero is inexcusable. On a fresh wicket, on a day as important as this, against the world's best new-ball attack, the only reasonable way to bat would have been with caution. Not for Sehwag, though. His keenly awaited battle with Steyn lasted three balls. In the third over, Sehwag chased a wide one outside off-stump, slashing it to Hashim Amla at third-man. Then on, it was an early Christmas for South Africa.

Gautam Gambhir had a torrid time today. He had two lives. First ball of the game, Steyn bent one into him and appealed for LBW. Replays suggested it would have brushed the outside of the off-stump. One run later, he gloved Morkel to Mark Boucher but Steve Davis ruled not out. South Africa offered him and Rahul Dravid nothing to drive in the first hour. Everything was short or behind length, keeping them on the backfoot.

Resultantly, Gambhir batted 43 balls for his five. He was done in by the surprise full delivery. Gambhir was in no position for it, edging it to slip. Dravid outscored Gambhir quickly having himself survived a loud LBW shout first ball. Steyn kept bouncing him outside off-stump but the Indian veteran was prepared for a scrap. He managed to keep the edges down or away from the slips. But he too fell to the unexpected full delivery. Morkel had begun hitting the high 140s on the speed gun, and thudded one into Dravid's pads for a plumb LBW.

Sachin Tendulkar's approach to the innings was most refreshing. With the new ball seen off, he picked Lonwabo Tsotsobe as the bowler to target. A short ball from outside off was pulled for four, followed by a signature cover drive. In Tsotsobe's next over, Tendulkar repeated the dose: a pull through mid-wicket and a guide past third-man for fours.

This flurry of fours from Tendulkar injected life into the innings which stood shaky at 27-3. Jacques Kallis was flicked for one more four, followed by three off Steyn: a lemon cut, a cover drive and a square cut.

This is where the fun ended for India. Steyn swung a ball past VVS Laxman's feet cemented to the crease, while Suresh Raina guided a straight ball from Kallis to slips. And immediately after a break brought about by repairs to the slippery bowling crease, Tendulkar was conquered by Steyn with straightforward LBW.

To symbolise India's rotten fortunes today, Harbhajan Singh (27) ran himself out when his bat plugged into the ground as he tried to drag it while completing a run. It's even more remarkable that this incident occurred just as Boucher backhanded a brilliant throw between his legs to the stumps, catching Harbhajan just short.

Ishant Sharma and Sreesanth both made ducks while Unadkat has made his first Test run. Dhoni has been on the attack, having hit two sixes. Tomorrow, Morkel will be on the lookout for his fifth wicket. And India would be looking for ways to avoid a massive defeat.

Saina Nehwal regains No.2 spot

HYDERABAD: A week after losing her world No. 2 rank, Saina Nehwal regained it in the latest rankings released by the Badminton World Federation on Thursday.

Saina, who claimed the No. 2 spot for the first time in the 28th week (July 15), lost it in the 35th week before reclaiming it now.

Fresh from her stupendous triumph at the Hong Kong Super Series this Sunday, Saina is not thinking too much about her rankings progression. "My target was to stay in top-five by the end of the year. I am happy about that. But even after the Hong Kong victory I was not thinking about the rankings since we know that I would not reach the top spot. I think I'll slip a few rungs next week," Saina said.

That, however, is unlikely to affect the shuttler's spirits. "Holding the No. 2 rank for so many weeks (nine) is a bit exciting. Though my focus will be to win as many tournaments as possible, staying in the top bracket always feels good," she added.

The Indian ace, who will not be playing any tournament for the next four weeks, is set to lose a few more ranking points she gained last year. Saina has 68811.2637 points and is 2381.138 points behind world No. 1 Xin Wang of China. A strong performance at the Malaysian and Korea Super Series next year may help Saina grab the No. 1 spot. "We were not expecting the No. 2 rank this week. They have not reduced the 5000 points she won from the Syed Modi tournament. Once that is done she may move back to No. 4 spot next week," said Saina's father Harvir Singh Nehwal.

Coach Pullela Gopichand too is least bothered about the rankings. "How does it matter? She's anyway playing like a world No. 1 at the moment," the coach said.

Rankings progression

No. 2: July 15, 2010;

No. 3: June 24, 2010;

No. 5: March 18, 2010;

No. 10: December 2008.

Read more: Saina Nehwal regains No.2 spot - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Saina-Nehwal-regains-No2-spot/articleshow/7114593.cms#ixzz18LF7yM3g

India reduced to 136/9 by South Africa quicks

CENTURION: South Africa's fast bowlers made up for lost time as they ripped through the Indian batting line-up on a rain-shortened first day of the first Test at SuperSport Park on Thursday.

Morne Morkel took four wickets and Dale Steyn three as India crashed to 136 for nine after being sent in on a green, damp pitch.

Only Sachin Tendulkar, who made an elegant 36 off 34 balls, looked at ease as Steyn and Morkel confirmed their credentials as the world's most lethal new ball pair as they scythed through the side ranked number one in Test cricket.

Steyn started the slide early when he had Virender Sehwag caught at third man for nought. He followed up with two superb, full, late-swinging deliveries to get rid of VVS Laxman and Tendulkar after the pair had mounted a mini-recovery after India had slumped to 27 for three.

Laxman and Tendulkar put on 39 before Laxman and Tendulkar fell in successive overs from Steyn, sandwiched by the wicket of Suresh Raini, who lasted only three balls before edging Jacques Kallis to third slip.

The tall Morkel took four for 20 in 12.1 hostile overs, including the wickets of Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid in successive overs. He also dismissed tailenders Ishant Sharma and S Sreesanth before bad light ended play. Dravid was his 100th victim in his 29th Test.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, hitting out as he was forced to bat with the tail, finished the day on 33 not out.

The only other batsman to reach 20 was Harbhajan Singh, who followed his two centuries against New Zealand, with another hard-hitting innings of unusual strokes, making 27 off 25 balls before he was out in a manner as unorthodox as his batting.

After Dhoni hit the ball to deep cover, wicketkeeper Mark Boucher collected a throw from Alviro Petersen and flicked it between his own legs to run out Harbhajan by a few centimeters.

Heavy rain overnight and during the morning delayed the start by four and a half hours and South African captain Graeme Smith had no hesitation about sending India in. Dhoni said he too would have chosen to bowl first.

Sehwag, who scored only 89 runs at an average of 14.83 in three Tests on his previous tour of South Africa four seasons ago, fell to the third ball he faced, slashing at a delivery from Steyn which seamed away from him and presenting Hashim Amla with a comfortable catch at third man.

Gambhir survived a concerted appeal for a catch behind off Morkel when he had one with the South Africans seemingly convinced he had gloved the ball to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher. With India having vetoed the umpire decision review system, the home side could not challenge umpire Steve Davis's decision.

Gambhir made another four runs in an unconvincing performance before falling in Morkel's second spell.

Tendulkar hit eight boundaries in his innings before he played across a ball pitched on leg stump which swung late and would have hit his middle stump.

India went into the match without injured left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan. Fellow left-armer Jaidev Unadkat replaced Khan, winning his first Test cap.

That there was any play seemed unlikely earlier in the day when heavy rain blanketed the ground, flooding nearby roads and causing a river near the ground to overflow.

Read more: India reduced to 136/9 by South Africa quicks - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/india-in-south-africa/top-stories/India-reduced-to-136/9-by-South-Africa-quicks/articleshow/7113869.cms#ixzz18LEvSskG

3rd Test: Johnson on song at Perth

PERTH: After England got to a solid start, Mitchell Johnson took four wickets to put the visitors on the back foot on day two of the third Test on Friday.

Johnson made a strong comeback in the Perth Test, after he was dropped in the second Test at Adelaide.

On day one, England tightened their grip on the Ashes by restricting Australia to a first innings total of 268 after a feisty rearguard fightback.

England's seamers blasted through Australia's first four batsmen for only 36 runs during a fiery morning session but were plundered for another 232 by the last six as the greentop pitch flattened out under a baking hot sun at the WACA ground.

Andrew Strauss, on 12, and Alastair Cook (17) survived 12 overs in the last session to see the tourists to 29 for no loss at stumps on day one.

Tail-end cameos by pacemen Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle delighted home fans, but served to underline a missed opportunity by Australia's top order to weather the early attack and build a big total.

After resuming on 179/6, England quick Anderson struck in the fourth over after tea when wicketkeeper Brad Haddin nicked a thick edge to Graeme Swann at slip to go for 53.

Anderson then bowled paceman Ryan Harris for three in his next over before Johnson celebrated a brave half century in a solid return to the side after being dropped following the first Test in Brisbane.

Johnson's heroics were ended by Steve Finn, however, who dismissed the paceman for a top-scoring 62 after enticing him into a poorly hit pull shot straight to Anderson at square leg.

Spinner Graeme Swann then had Ben Hilfenhaus out for 13, caught by Cook at short leg to leave Siddle stranded on 35 not out.

Chris Tremlett earlier continued his brilliant return to the test team by removing Steve Smith for seven shortly after lunch for his third wicket to leave Australia reeling for 69/5.

Hussey threw caution to the wind in a defiant stand with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, however, and brought up his half-century with a boundary off Steve Finn.

It was up to Swann to stop the rot and he duly delivered in his second over after being introduced to relieve the English seamers as the temperature soared above 30 degrees Celsius.

Swann was carted for three boundaries by the enterprising Haddin in his first over but responded by having Hussey caught behind for 61 just before tea.

The breakthrough ended a 68-run partnership between Husssey and Haddin and exposed Australia's long tail with more than a session left to play.

Australia trail the five-Test series 1-0 but already appear in survival mode with England needing victory in Perth to take the Ashes home for the first time in 24 years.


Read more: 3rd Test: Johnson on song at Perth - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/ashes-2010-yearn-for-urn/top-stories/3rd-Test-Johnson-on-song-at-Perth/articleshow/7115769.cms#ixzz18LEcfzOa

Murali, Vaas in SL preliminary WC squad

Sri Lanka announced a preliminary 30-man squad on Monday for the cricket World Cup in February-April 2011:

Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Tharanga Paranavitana, Lahiru Thirimanne, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Thilina Kandamby, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Farveez Maharoof, Jeevan Mendis, Muttiah Muralitharan, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Malinga Bandara, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dilhara Fernando, Suranga Lakmal, Dammika Prasad, Chaminda Vaas, Chanaka Welegedara, Nuwan Pradeep, Thilan Thushara.
© AFP

Rudolph in SA's preliminary World Cup squad

Middle-order batsman Jacques Rudolph, who last played an one-day international for South Africa in February 2006, is the surprise package in the Proteas' 30-man preliminary squad for next year's World Cup.

All-rounder Johan van der Wath has also earned a recall after his good performances for English counties Northamptonshire and Sussex.

The squad also includes four uncapped players: batsman Jonathan Vandiar, all-rounders Faf du Plessis and Dean Elgar and bowler Ethy Mbhalati. Wicketkeeper-batsman Morne van Wyk was also recalled by South African selectors.

"We indicated at the start of the season that we would reward players who performed well in domestic cricket," selection convener Andrew Hudson was quoted as saying by news agency Associated Press. "There have been some highly impressive performances in the MTN40 and this has opened the door of opportunity for the likes of Faf du Plessis, Jonathan Vandiar, Ethy Mbhalati and Morne van Wyk."

South Africa's experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher has also been named in the preliminary squad for the World Cup despite being overlooked for the recent ODI series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

However, there is no place in the squad for Herschelle Gibbs, who recently cancelled his national contract with Cricket South Africa.

Squad: Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, A.B. de Villiers, Alviro Petersen, Loots Bosman, Jacques Rudolph, Morne van Wyk, Jonathan Vandiar, J.P. Duminy, David Miller, Colin Ingram, Albie Morkel, Robin Peterson, Mark Boucher, Thami Tsolekile, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Heino Kuhn, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Johan Botha, Ryan McLaren, Charl Langeveldt, Rusty Theron, Ethy Mbhalati, Roelof van der Merwe, Johannes van der Wath.
© Cricbuzz

South African bowlers rip through Indians

South Africa's fast bowlers made up for lost time as they ripped through the Indian batting line-up on a rain-shortened first day of the first Test at SuperSport Park on Thursday.

Morne Morkel took four wickets and Dale Steyn three as India crashed to 136 for nine after being sent in on a green, damp pitch.

Morkel, who took four for 20 and bowled with consistent hostility, said it was a disciplined performance by the bowlers.

"We were under pressure after winning the toss and sending them in to bat. We needed to execute well. A lot of times when the ball is nipping around you can get carried away but today we kept calm, kept cool and did the basics right," he said.

Steyn, whose three wickets cost 34 runs, backed up his new ball partner's comments.

"All the wickets today were with good bowling and keeping the ball up to the bat," he said. "It was good planning."

Only Sachin Tendulkar, who made an elegant 36 off 34 balls, looked at ease as Steyn and Morkel confirmed their credentials as the world's most lethal new ball pair as they scythed through the side ranked number one in Test cricket.

Steyn started the slide early when he had Virender Sehwag caught at third man for nought. He followed up with two superb, full, late-swinging deliveries to get rid of VVS Laxman and Tendulkar after the pair had mounted a mini-recovery after India had slumped to 27 for three.

Laxman and Tendulkar put on 39 before the duo fell in successive overs from Steyn, sandwiched by the wicket of Suresh Raina, who lasted only three balls before edging Jacques Kallis to third slip.

The tall Morkel claimed the wickets of Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid in successive overs. He also dismissed tailenders Ishant Sharma and S Sreesanth before bad light ended play. Dravid was his 100th victim in his 29th Test.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, hitting out as he batted with the tail, finished the day on 33 not out.

The only other batsman to reach 20 was Harbhajan Singh, who followed his two centuries against New Zealand recently with another hard-hitting innings of unusual strokes, making 27 off 25 balls before he was out in a manner as unorthodox as his batting.

After Dhoni hit the ball to deep cover, wicketkeeper Mark Boucher collected a throw from Alviro Petersen and flicked it between his own legs to run out Harbhajan by a few centimetres.

Harbhajan said the toss was the most crucial factor of the day.

"It's always tough to lose the toss on this sort of wicket," he said.

"Some balls were stopping and some were going through."

Harbhajan said India remained confident.

"As a team we like to be challenged," he said. "Now we will look to bowl well and stop them getting too far away from us."

Morkel, though, backed South Africa to gain a worthwhile lead when they get to bat.

"I can't see us not getting the runs on the board," he said.

Heavy rain overnight and during the morning delayed the start by four and a half hours and South African captain Graeme Smith had no hesitation about sending India in. Dhoni said he too would have chosen to bowl first.
© AFP

ICC extends deadline for Pakistan to name WC squad

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has extended its deadline for Pakistan to name their preliminary squad for next year's 50 overs World Cup until January 5.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source told Reuters on Thursday that the board had asked the ICC to extend its deadline of December 19 while it sought information from three players who are being investigated for alleged spot-fixing.

"The ICC has given until January 5 to announce our squad," a PCB official said.

Former Test captain Salman Butt and pace bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif have already been suspended during an investigation into newspaper reports that they deliberately arranged for no-balls to be delivered in the fourth Test against England this year.
© Reuters

Nine Pak players to register for WADA clause

Nine leading Pakistan players including ODI skipper Shahid Afridi have been shortlisted by the PCB to register for the whereabouts clause of WADA's anti-doping regulations.

Besides Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Umar Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif are among those chosen by the PCB.

A PCB official said that the ICC and WADA had shortlisted the players for the new anti-doping clauses, including the controversial whereabouts clause, which was strongly challenged by the Indian board and its players.

"Under the whereabouts clause the selected players have to keep the ICC anti-doping officials informed about their movements throughout the year," the official said.

The official added that under the clause even if a player is not playing cricket he has to keep the ICC informed about his movements and expected schedules.

"It is mandatory for these players to keep the ICC informed about their movements and activities inside and outside the country," he said.

"If a player is playing a domestic match or if he is on holidays visiting his hometown he has to tell the PCB about it who will in turn inform the ICC."

He said the whereabouts clause was part of a stricter WADA anti-doping regulations to which the ICC and members boards have already complied.

"Under the new regulations WADA officials can carry out random dope tests during a bilateral series or multi-nation tournament," the official stated.
© PTI